Yun Wanshuang stumbled backward in shock, retreating several steps.
In the bamboo pavilion not far away, the palace maids and eunuchs noticed the commotion and saw Wen Shuyu struggling desperately in the water, with Yun Wanshuang standing on the shore.
They cried out in alarm, “Someone, come quickly! The princess has fallen into the water! Help!”
“The princess has fallen into the water!”
“Go to the front hall and inform His Highness and Her Majesty the Empress, quickly! The princess doesn’t know how to swim. Hurry, save her, hurry!”
Seizing the perfect moment, Fuling leaped into action, using her qinggong to jump into the water.
Squeezing out two tears, her voice filled with tension and worry, she cried, “Miss!”
…
Front Hall.
In the center of the hall, the melodious sound of the xiao flute filled the air as a woman in a blue dress danced gracefully, her skirt fluttering like lotus blossoms blooming with every step.
The banquet was filled with admiration, continuous applause, and endless cheers.
On the high seat, Xiao Jingchen didn’t even glance in that direction. His exquisite brows and eyes drooped with weariness as his slender fingers lifted a wine cup, bringing it slowly to his lips for a taste.
He turned to Mo Yu beside him and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, “This wine is excellent. Who brewed it? Once Wen Shuyu has recovered, send her a jar. She’s always enjoyed tasting fine wines.”
“Yes,” Mo Yu nodded, whispering in reply. “Your Highness, the woman dancing in the center is the daughter of the Vice Minister of Revenue. She seems to be dancing quite well and keeps glancing in your direction.”
Only then did Xiao Jingchen lift his eyelids to take a look, before turning a slightly disdainful gaze back to Mo Yu. “You’ve been by my side all this time, yet your aesthetic sense hasn’t improved at all. What do you mean by ‘dancing quite well’?”
“Then again, you’ve never seen Wen Shuyu’s ‘Broad-Sleeve Dance.’ Two years ago, when she tried to seduce me, she performed a segment of it. It was as if a celestial maiden had descended to the mortal realm. Nor have you heard Wen Shuyu play the qin. Her music is as clear and transcendent as a crane soaring through the heavens.”
Mo Yu: ?
Back then, when the princess danced her way into your arms and asked if she danced beautifully, didn’t you push her away and say you hadn’t even glanced at her? You told her not to resort to such tricks, that you wouldn’t be interested. So, it turns out you watched the entire performance from start to finish.
Mo Yu scratched his head. Also, Your Highness has mentioned the princess so many times today. When did you become so attentive to her? Strange, did I miss something?
Just as everyone in the hall was immersed in the enchanting dance and the joyful music, a eunuch rushed in, stumbling and scrambling in a panic.
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Highness! Something terrible has happened! The princess has fallen into the water!”
“What?”
The music and dance came to an abrupt halt, and the entire hall was thrown into shock.
By the time everyone regained their senses, spiritual power had already filled the air around the high seat. The Crown Prince had vanished without a trace, moving so swiftly that no one had seen him leave.
Close behind him was Prime Minister Wen, who stood up abruptly, his beard trembling with panic as he grabbed a talisman and rushed out.
Empress Gu could no longer remain seated. Her authoritative voice carried a hint of concern as she demanded, “How could A’yu have fallen into the water? How were you watching over her? Where is she? Lead the way for me!”
The Emperor, the Empress, and the others all hurried toward the rear courtyard.
Rear Courtyard, beside the Lotus Pond.
By the time Xiao Jingchen arrived, he saw Wen Shuyu, her hair completely soaked, her face pale, and her lips tinged with blue. Wrapped in a heavy cloak, she was trembling uncontrollably as she leaned against Fuling.
He bent down and called out softly, “Wen Shuyu.”
Wen Shuyu suddenly threw herself into his arms, tears streaming down from the corners of her eyes. Her breath was faint and trembling with sobs: “Brother Crown Prince… the water was so cold. I struggled desperately, but it kept pouring into my mouth…”
“I thought I was going to die… that I would never see you again.”
Xiao Jingchen soothingly patted her back, using his Internal Energy to slowly dry her clothes. His dark eyes lifted and swept over the crowd, finally settling on Yun Wan Shuang.
“Explain. What happened?”
His voice was no different from usual, giving no hint of emotion, yet it inexplicably carried an intangible, murderous pressure.
The Eastern Palace attendants, accustomed to the Crown Prince’s gentle and amiable demeanor, were now terrified by such a gaze—enough to prove that His Highness was truly enraged. They all knelt in fear.
Indeed, after all, the Princess Consort was physically weakened due to the Blood Talisman and had fallen into the pond, nearly losing her life in the Eastern Palace. This was no small matter.
And at that time, the only person standing by the pond was the eldest Miss Yun.
Yun Wan Shuang watched Wen Shuyu clinging to the Crown Prince, met His Highness’s cold and stern gaze, and recalled the situation at the time. There was nothing she didn’t understand now. She clenched her palms, her nails digging into her flesh.
That wretch, framing her—she had underestimated this vile creature.
She couldn’t let this wretch ruin her. She walked up to the Crown Prince, her voice soft and pleading: “Your Highness, listen to me. The Princess Consort jumped in herself. I…”
Before she could finish, Wen Shuyu’s pitiful sobs loudly interrupted her: “It’s not Sister Wan Shuang’s fault. It’s all my fault… I shouldn’t have stood in that spot, blocking Sister Wan Shuang’s way… She was probably just too angry, not intentional.”
“It’s my fault for staying in the Eastern Palace to recuperate… Sister Wan Shuang was right to advise me to leave. It’s understandable that she was momentarily upset, being fond of Brother Crown Prince… Brother Crown Prince, don’t worry. I’m fine. It’s all my fault…”