Time flew by in the blink of an eye. Xiao Changning had been married into Beiyuan for about three months now.
Deep winter had arrived, and a heavy snowfall of goose-feather-like flakes had drifted down all night, blanketing the entire land in a silvery white.
Xiao Changning gathered with the palace attendants and maids in the front courtyard of Weiyang Palace, building snowmen and having snowball fights. When they grew tired, they would lie on the Guifei chairs beneath the corridor to bask in the sun.
Until one day, an uninvited guest barged in, shattering her peaceful life.
At that moment, she was sitting on the Guifei chair by the window, idly flipping through a storybook.
This book, The Emperor’s Doting Favor, was the most popular one on the streets of Jincheng. It had been secretly brought back by Ying Qi when he went out to buy snacks.
“Your servant, Xiao Anzi, pays respects to Guifei Niangniang.”
“Rise.” Xiao Changning did not look up, continuing to flip through the storybook on her own.
Xiao Anzi’s small eyes swept around, confirming that no one else was present before he handed over a White Jade Pendant. “The noble from the south entrusted this servant to personally deliver this item to Guifei Niangniang.”
The words “noble from the south” immediately caught Xiao Changning’s attention.
She reached out and took the pendant. She recognized it—it was her mother’s.
Xiao Changning traced the lotus pattern on the pendant. On the right side was a faint scratch, one she remembered making accidentally in her childhood.
“What is this about?”
Xiao Anzi spoke with utmost respect. “His Highness the Crown Prince has ordered this servant to follow Guifei Niangniang and protect you closely.”
“Protect?” Xiao Changning sneered. “Where was he earlier? Protecting me now?”
She stood up. “Clearly, my father sees me as useful and sent you to spy on me.”
Xiao Anzi ignored her, continuing on his own. “This servant works in the imperial kitchens and hopes to be transferred to Niangniang’s side as soon as possible.”
“The transfer of palace attendants is arranged by the Yeting. I cannot do anything about it!”
Xiao Anzi still kept his head lowered. “Niangniang jests. Given Niangniang’s current status, position, and favor, how could you not manage a mere servant?”
“Hmph!”
Xiao Changning circled around him, threatening, “Since you know that, aren’t you afraid of death?”
“Do you believe I could have you executed right now?”
Xiao Anzi bowed his head. “This servant fears death.”
Then he shifted his tone. “But Niangniang would prefer Her Highness the Crown Princess to remain safe and sound, wouldn’t you?”
“You… are threatening me?” Xiao Changning stared at him, but Xiao Anzi remained expressionless. If looks could kill, he would have died several times over.
For the sake of her mother’s safety, Xiao Changning finally relented. “Fine! You’ve succeeded.”
“However.”
She looked at the submissive figure before her and said darkly, “Everyone around me is Murong Yao’s spy. If you’re not afraid of being exposed, I don’t mind either.”
“This servant has been dead since the day I arrived in Beiyuan.”
Seeing his resolve, Xiao Changning could only say, “Come to Weiyang Palace to serve starting tomorrow.”
“Yes.”
Xiao Anzi took out several plates of Nanxiao pastries from behind him. “This servant takes his leave.”
Xiao Changning looked at the moldy items and instantly understood—these were made by her mother’s own hands.
Jinling and Jincheng were thousands of miles apart. Even with the fastest horses, it would take over a month to travel between them.
These things were simply meant for me to see.
She gazed quietly at the sky. In the past, I needed to win glory for you. Later, I had to marry for the sake of family and country. And now, I must serve as your spy, your undercover agent.
Father, oh father, everyone grows up eventually. I can’t remain under your control forever, treated as your pawn.
But before I completely break free from my father, I must rescue my mother!
Just as she was scheming in her mind, Murong Yao strode in.
Xiao Changning looked at him and curled her lips into a smile. Isn’t he my sharpest blade?
Beaming with joy, he looked at Xiao Changning and headed straight for her.
“What is Changning thinking about? You look so happy?”
Xiao Changning gazed at Murong Yao standing beside her and softly opened her arms.
He looked down at Xiao Changning. In the past, she had always resisted any contact with him, but now she was actually asking for a hug?
What a pleasant surprise!
Murong Yao’s smile stretched from ear to ear. He found a spot on the chaise longue to sit down, pulled her into his embrace, and gently stroked her back.
“Changning seems a bit different today.”
“Really?” Xiao Changning pulled away slightly, speaking with a coy expression. “This concubine just wanted to tease Bixia a little.”
Her hands formed into small fists as she lightly tapped his chest. “Bixia didn’t cooperate at all. It was truly difficult for this concubine.”
Murong Yao planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. “It’s enough that Changning is willing to put in effort for me.”
“You don’t need to tease me, Changning. I’ll take the bait willingly.”
Xiao Changning looked closely at Murong Yao, feeling warmth in her heart. Why hadn’t I noticed before how handsome he is?
Thick eyebrows, sharp eyes, a tall nose bridge… As she thought this, Xiao Changning reached out to touch his eyes, the bridge of his nose…
Murong Yao’s mind was stirred by her touch. He smiled delightedly, tightening his embrace. “I can see now that Changning really is teasing me.”
“But speaking of which, Changning’s health has improved quite a bit. When will you perform ‘Longing for My Lord’ for me?”
Xiao Changning withdrew her hand. “Well… does Bixia really want to see it?”
“Yes!” Murong Yao blurted out, afraid the person in his arms might change her mind.
Xiao Changning stood up and cleared her throat. “Bixia, please wait for this concubine. I’ll change clothes and be right back.”
Murong Yao raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Now?”
“Yes.” With that, Xiao Changning turned and walked into the room.
Sitting on the chaise longue outside, Murong Yao was too excited for words. “Five years… I finally get to see it again.”
In less time than it takes to drink a cup of tea, Xiao Changning had changed into her dance attire.
Murong Yao, who had been sipping tea, was dazzled. He sat up straight, not daring to breathe too loudly, afraid of disturbing the celestial maiden who had descended to earth.
Xiao Changning wore a blue-and-white gradient dance dress with ink-black patterns winding around the sleeves. A black belt cinched her slender waist, and she held a white paper umbrella in her hand. Her ink-black hair cascaded naturally down to her waist.
Every smile, every movement resembled a lotus flower freshly emerged from the waters of Jiangnan. Each dance step was imbued with classical grace.
The blue gown seemed tailored from water’s hue, beneath the umbrella, she danced like a startled swan…
When her singing began, Murong Yao was completely captivated, grinning foolishly with his eyes fixed intently on her.
As the dance ended, Xiao Changning deftly closed her paper umbrella.
Unable to contain himself, Murong Yao stepped forward and carefully embraced her, stammering out just four words: “Changning… so beautiful!”
He held Xiao Changning’s cold hands tightly and led her toward the sleeping palace. “It’s cold outside.”
Xiao Changning handed him the paper umbrella as she walked. “Not cold, your humble consort wishes to…”
Murong Yao waved his hand. “No, you don’t. A beauty left outside will be snatched away.”
“This emperor must hide you away!”