Princess Changyang could no longer hold it in and burst into laughter, slumping over the table.
Thinking back on the two siblings' history, it was only in their early childhood that Changyang, being a few years older than her younger brother, could get a few hits in. Later, as her brother grew up and developed that prickly temperament of his, she could no longer get a handle on the lad.
But after all these years, she could finally get a handle on him again—even if it might only be temporary, it was enough to make her feel immensely satisfied.
"What are you laughing at?"
"Answer me, this Prince!"
Xiao Heng knew very well what his elder sister was mocking him about, but he still maintained his dignity—so much so that he overdid it, hastily putting on airs before his sister in his fluster.
Princess Changyang made a few teasing sounds, her eyes curving into a mischievous smile. "Look how anxious you are. Who are you 'Princing' at?"
"Alright, I'll stop teasing you. Go on, Fuling, speak—lest we drive that certain pigeon of ours mad with worry."
Xiao Heng had never been a match for his elder sister in verbal sparring since childhood, and now that she had caught hold of his weakness, his mouth simply couldn't form words. He pressed his lips tightly together in frustration.
Seeing that the moment was right, the maidservant Fuling recounted her conversation with the young mistress of the Liu family in full.
When the siblings heard the words "will call upon you in three days," their expressions differed.
Unlike her younger brother's feigned composure, Princess Changyang maintained her cheerful smile, saying slyly, "If my brother won't come, then so be it. At least I'll have Lady Liu for company—how delightful!"
At this point, Xiao Heng no longer argued with his sister. He merely gave a cold snort and left.
Though he left without a word, Changyang knew the answer.
She would simply wait for him to show up and enjoy the show.
With this thought, Princess Changyang's anticipation nearly overflowed. She wished she could open her eyes the next morning and see the spectacle unfold.
Meanwhile, Liu Yun had begun preparing to make lip balm as soon as she returned home.
First, she purchased some cochineal insects, gathered them together, sun-dried them, and ground them into powder.
Then she extracted beeswax through boiling, controlling the amount of cochineal powder to adjust the depth of the lip color.
Finally, she added various fresh flowers.
These included dried flower powder that had been air-dried and crushed, as well as fresh petals boiled into a paste, all used to create the desired floral fragrances.
Because she had skipped the time-consuming process of cultivating the cochineal insects, three days was more than sufficient. During the sun-drying period, Liu Yun even used the extra petals to make pastries and distilled several bottles of rose water.
She had even started on her new book—a story about a brave young general and a delicate, ailing beauty.
Liu Yun felt a great sense of accomplishment.
When everything was finally finished, it was time to deliver the goods to Princess Changyang's residence. Liu Yun packed up the seven types of lip balm she was bringing and tidied herself up before heading out.
It wasn't proper to arrive at someone's door around noon, lest she seem to be angling for a free meal, so Liu Yun rose earlier than usual that day.
When she arrived at Princess Changyang's residence, it was just past the beginning of the si hour (around 9 AM), but since it was already the fifth month, the sun was blazing early.
The carriage was stuffy, and both mistress and servant had been fanning themselves constantly.
When she reached the gates of the princess's residence, before she could even announce herself, the chief steward of the household greeted her with a smile and ushered her inside.
As the beloved daughter of the Emperor and Empress, Princess Changyang's residence was naturally built with no expense spared—pavilions, towers, rockeries, and lakes, all present in abundance.
It was far larger than her own home!
With the flower banquet over, the princess's residence was no longer as lively as it had been a few days prior, now feeling much more spacious and quiet.
As she passed through a bamboo grove, a wave of coolness enveloped her, bringing relief throughout her body.
Arriving at the main hall of the princess's residence, the beaded curtains swayed with a crisp, clear tinkling sound, accompanied by the faint sweet fragrance of pear in the room, making Liu Yun's heart feel light and airy.
But all that pleasantness vanished the moment she saw the young man beside Princess Changyang.
Why had no one told her that the Crown Prince was here today?
If she had known the Crown Prince would be at Changyang's residence today, she would have… she would have…
After thinking it over, Liu Yun realized there was indeed nothing she could do. She could only come obediently.
After all, she couldn't predict the Crown Prince's whereabouts.
"Your subject greets Your Highness, Your Highness the Princess."
Struggling to steady her emotions and ensure she wouldn't lose her composure, she stiffly performed the greeting to both of them.
"Rise."
Before Princess Changyang could speak, the Crown Prince's voice came, clear and cold, as if he had merely said it offhandedly.
Liu Yun stole a glance at Princess Changyang, who was seated at the head, and seeing her smiling warmly, she thanked them and rose.
"Your Highness, these are the lip balms I have prepared for you. They are not finely made, so I hope Your Highness will not think ill of them."
Jin He presented the small case containing the lip balms, and a maidservant beside Princess Changyang took it and brought it before her mistress.
Princess Changyang was indeed interested in these things, opening each small porcelain box and trying them on her hand.
During this time, Liu Yun was fidgety and uneasy—more nervous than when her tutor had checked her homework in front of her as a child.
This scene was observed by Xiao Heng, the corners of his lips curling slightly, his brows filled with amusement.
After a moment, Princess Changyang looked up, beaming brightly. "Yunniang, you are too modest. These lip balms have lovely colors and carry a floral fragrance. With such fine craftsmanship, how could I possibly find fault? I'm delighted beyond measure!"
Dazed by Princess Changyang's enthusiastic praise, Liu Yun overlooked the overly familiar address of "Yunniang" from the princess.
A flush of red crept across her cheeks as Liu Yun said shyly, "The princess flatters me. They are merely small trinkets—I'm glad you like them."
Delighted, Princess Changyang took the opportunity to pull a golden phoenix hairpin from her own hair and tucked it into Liu Yun's bun.
"In gratitude to Yunniang, I gift you this hairpin. Moreover, this hairpin also carries a promise—should you ever encounter difficulties, you may come to the princess's residence and seek me out."
The resplendent golden hairpin gleamed brilliantly, its dangling tassels shimmering with a dazzling light under the sun.
Xiao Heng remembered—this was his mother's dowry. After she passed, his father had divided it, giving half to his elder sister and half to him.
But his sister had been quicker than him, and that left him somewhat disgruntled.
To be honest, Liu Yun thought the golden phoenix hairpin was quite beautiful, and she was even more moved by Princess Changyang's promise.
But she felt that she had only made a few small trinkets, hardly deserving such generous recompense.
Thus, Liu Yun awkwardly removed the hairpin and declined tactfully, "The princess is too kind. These are merely unremarkable little things—there's no need for such a grand reward."
The dazzling hairpin was pushed back, only to be met with Princess Changyang's stern words.
"If I say take it, then take it. Surely you don't look down on my gift of thanks?"
With such a heavy accusation laid upon her, Liu Yun dared not refuse any longer. She murmured her thanks and nervously accepted the hairpin.
Sunlight streamed through the moon-shaped window behind Princess Changyang, blurring her features and also obscuring Liu Yun's view of the Crown Prince's expression.
He seemed to be looking at something, but everything before her eyes was hazy and indistinct.
The sun climbed higher, and Liu Yun felt it was time to head home.
To have received such a precious golden hairpin already filled Liu Yun with joy, let alone the greater value it carried behind it.
Her blood racing with excitement, Liu Yun almost wished she could sew a few cloth dolls and send them to Princess Changyang.
But that would be too presumptuous, and she feared the princess might look down on her handmade dolls.
After some deliberation, Liu Yun calmed down considerably and prepared to take her leave with a bow.
"Since…"
But just then, Princess Changyang suddenly rose and grasped Liu Yun's wrist.
"The weather is lovely today, and the residence is quite peaceful. Why don't you come with me, Lady Liu, to admire the peonies? They must be absolutely beautiful."
Liu Yun had always loved clusters of pretty flowers, and with Princess Changyang eagerly pulling her along, even though she felt something was amiss, she ultimately complied.
"Very well."
The young woman's voice was soft, barely audible as it fell, yet it made Xiao Heng's tensed calves relax.
His elder sister truly was a good sister to him.
"How could famous flowers go unappreciated? I have nothing to do anyway—I'll join you, Sister."
Xiao Heng lifted his robes and followed along with feigned nonchalance.
Liu Yun silently wrinkled her nose, lamenting inwardly.
Annoying—why does the Crown Prince have to be here again!