By the time the banquet concluded, the night had long soaked through the Xianyang Palace, with palace lanterns along the eaves lighting up one after another.
Ying Qingyue stepped out of the hall, the evening wind carrying the chill of autumn rushing toward her. She instinctively tightened her sleeves and exhaled a deep breath of turbid air.
Soft, unhurried footsteps sounded behind her. Ying Qingyue turned to see Fusu standing beneath the corridor in dark brocade robes, moonlight falling upon his slightly furrowed brows, softening his usual sternness.
Fusu did not mention her undignified request in the hall, nor did he ask why she suddenly wanted to leave the palace. Instead, he approached, his voice deep like the chime of jade: “When you leave the palace three days from now, do not linger too long admiring the scenery.”
“Though the palace guards will be with you, remember not to stray far from your attendants. If strangers approach, do not respond lightly.”
He paused, then added: “The autumn wind is chilly. Bring an extra cloak when you leave the palace, so you don’t catch cold. Though it’s only half a day, return on time and don’t let the palace worry.”
Seeing the genuine concern in her elder brother’s eyes, the tension in Ying Qingyue’s heart from the pressure in the hall suddenly eased. She bowed slightly, warmth in her voice: “Thank you for your advice, elder brother. Qingyue will remember it all.”
Hearing this, Fusu’s brows relaxed somewhat, and he nodded gently, his gaze turning toward the deepening night beyond the palace walls.
The two stood side by side under the corridor for a moment, the evening wind lifting their sleeves, the air filled with the tranquility and warmth deep within the palace grounds.
Yet, there are always those without tact who appear at the wrong time.
“Well, if it isn’t Sixth Sister?” Huhai strode up to her, looking her up and down, the mockery in his eyes unconcealed.
“I heard you requesting permission from Father to leave the palace in the hall earlier. I thought you had some grand ambition, but it turns out you just want to go see those common market trinkets?”
After speaking, he sneered, deliberately raising his voice enough to draw sidelong glances from passing palace servants.
“Sixth Sister grew up in the palace—you probably don’t even know your way around outside, do you?”
“Don’t go out there acting like some ignorant bumpkin, crowding around to look at every sugar-figure seller you see. If word gets back to the palace, it’ll be Father and Great Qin’s face you’re embarrassing.”
Ying Qingyue couldn’t be bothered to argue with him and said mildly: “Eighteenth Brother jests. I merely wish to see the world outside the palace and understand the lives of the common people. It is not as you say.”
“Understand the lives of the common people?” Huhai raised an eyebrow, his tone even more disdainful. “With Father and the court ministers governing the realm, what business does a Princess deep in the palace have worrying about that?”In my opinion, Sixth Sister should just stay honestly in the palace and occupy yourself with your needlework and cosmetics—that’s the proper path. Don’t go out and make a spectacle of yourself!”
Just as Fusu frowned and was about to rebuke him, Huhai turned to him, the mockery in his tone intensifying: “And you, Eldest Brother, you’re so tolerant. Sixth Sister is this reckless, yet you don’t even try to dissuade her.”
“Then again, Eldest Brother has always been benevolent—first advising Father to halt the construction of the Epang Palace, and now pleading in the hall for Father to reduce corvée labor.”
“Pity, though—does Father listen to you?” With that, Huhai took two steps closer, lowering his voice but still loud enough for both to hear: “In my view, Eldest Brother should mind your own business less, and Sixth Sister should stop trying to steal the spotlight.”
“Father’s thoughts—how could you possibly fathom them? Better not end up wasting your effort without gaining favor, only to incur Father’s displeasure.”
Fusu furrowed his brow, his expression darkening slightly. His tone was calm yet carried undeniable authority: “Eighteenth Brother, mind your words!”
“Where are the manners our tutor taught you? How dare you show such disrespect to Sixth Sister? Qingyue’s departure from the palace was permitted by Father himself. Her desire to understand the lives of common people beyond the palace walls is commendable. How could you call it shameful?”
“Moreover, Father’s decisions are his own to make. It’s not your place to comment recklessly.” Clearly, Fusu was genuinely angered.
Seeing this, Huhai’s smirk faded, though he still snorted defiantly. He shot Ying Qingyue a glare before turning away with his eunuchs in displeased retreat.
Ying Qingyue turned to Fusu and said softly, “Thank you, Elder Brother.”
Fusu waved a hand dismissively. “No need for thanks. He’s young and unruly—it’s high time he learned some propriety. The night is deep and the wind grows cold. You should return to your quarters and rest early. You’ll need to prepare thoroughly for your departure from the palace three days from now.”
Ying Qingyue nodded in acknowledgment, bid Fusu farewell, and turned to walk along the palace corridor toward her own chambers.
Her maid Qinghe, who had been stifling her anger throughout the walk, could no longer contain herself once they had put some distance behind them. “Princess, that Eighteenth Prince was utterly outrageous! You merely wish to see the world beyond the palace, yet he mocked you so scornfully and even insulted the Eldest Prince. This is beyond tolerance!”
Ying Qingyue continued walking without pause, offering only a faint smile. “That’s simply his nature. Getting angry with him would only be undignified. Besides, my departure from the palace has Father’s approval. Nothing he says can hinder me.”
But Qinghe remained indignant.
Ying Qingyue glanced at her fuming maid. “Enough now, don’t dwell on it. The night is late—if we keep chattering, we’ll attract unwanted attention from the palace staff. Let’s hurry back. Tomorrow we must inventory what needs to be packed for the journey.”
Once the old man passes, won’t there be plenty of opportunities to deal with him?
Seeing her mistress’s composure, Qinghe suppressed her frustration despite lingering discontent. She murmured an acknowledgment and quickened her pace to keep up with Ying Qingyue, though she continued muttering under her breath about the Eighteenth Prince’s faults.
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
Huhai had just stormed across the threshold when he spotted Zhao Gao waiting in the corridor.
“Young Master, His Majesty appeared displeased after the banquet tonight. I heard one of the princes offended him with their words? Tell me, what exactly was said during the feast?”
“It was all because of Eldest Brother Fusu! He openly contradicted Father…”
Upon hearing this, a fleeting, almost imperceptible gleam flashed in Zhao Gao’s eyes before his usual composure returned. He stepped closer, lowering his voice further. “Young Master, are you aware that Fusu’s actions have trespassed upon His Majesty’s deepest aversion?”
Seeing Huhai shake his head blankly, he continued, “His Majesty unified the empire, yet he detests most those who accuse him of harsh governance and neglect of the people. Moreover, Fusu, as the eldest son, publicly contradicted His Majesty. This not only questions the Emperor’s decisions but also humiliates him before all.”
He placed a hand on Huhai’s shoulder, his tone mentoring. “Young Master, observe: though Fusu is the eldest, he consistently opposes His Majesty’s policies. This is his weakness.”
“And you, Young Master, raised close to His Majesty, have always been obedient and never dared to defy the Emperor’s wishes.”
Pausing briefly, Zhao Gao leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. “This is your opportunity.”
After speaking, Zhao Gao’s gaze fixed intently on Huhai. “If you can say a few thoughtful words before His Majesty now, not only will it align with His Majesty’s wishes, but it will also highlight Fusu’s lack of consideration. Naturally, His Majesty will favor you more in his heart.”
Huhai blinked, looking at Zhao Gao with partial understanding. “B-but what should I say? What if I also anger Father Emperor?”
A faint smile curled at the corner of Zhao Gao’s lips as he leaned close to Huhai’s ear, instructing him word by word: “You only need to say it like this…”