This heavy responsibility, I believe my second brother is more suited to bear it…
Only after this night did Shuangqi understand why her mistress had sent lanterns to the Second Young Master Yan.
If it was because of that face, then it made sense.
But seeing the two of them gritting their teeth and exchanging harsh words in the end, she couldn’t help but ask in confusion, “Miss, you finally managed to lure him here, so why did the conversation fall apart?”
“Fall apart? It fell apart splendidly!”
Mei Yao played with the gourd she had cut from Yan Yu’s waist pendant, smiling brightly. “I wanted him to be angry! The angrier, the better! The more unwilling, the better!”
Shuangqi didn’t understand. In the two years since Xiao Yu had disappeared, no one had caught her mistress’s eye. Now that he had finally returned, why was she seeking revenge?
As they spoke, Mei Liu came to report: “Miss, I have verified that two years ago, General Yan Yu returned from the northwest and personally escorted the former Crown Prince to Wenshan. The timing matches Xiao Yu’s appearance at the prince’s residence. However, because he returned without a summons, His Majesty punished him and suppressed the news, so few people know about it.”
“He went there…”
Mei Yao’s face lit up with joy. She had thought so—from the moment she first saw him, he felt familiar. Back then, he had called himself “Xiao Yu,” but it was likely just a casual remark—it was “Yu” as in his name, not “jade.” She had been misled by his face and assumed the “jade” character was fitting.
It was understandable that he wouldn’t admit it now. How could a dignified prince’s son, a first-rank general, admit to having served as someone’s servant?
But upon further reflection, her joy faded: “If it’s the same person, why did he sneak into the prince’s residence at night?”
Mei Liu replied, “I suspect he was close to the former Crown Prince Li Zhe and likely believes Wenshan is connected to the Crown Prince’s case. After all, when the incident occurred and the Crown Prince was deposed, it was our prince’s heir who led the raid on the Crown Prince’s residence. As for Li Zhe being exiled to Wenshan, His Majesty’s intentions in this matter are rather intriguing.”
“Returning to the capital without a summons, and the matter was suppressed so quietly… His Majesty must care for him deeply!”
“The Great Qi rarely produces such a young military genius, and he is also Prince Ping’s beloved son. It’s likely His Majesty couldn’t bring himself to punish him severely, so he simply reprimanded him in private.”
“I understand. Is there anything else?”
“I also learned something else. During a recent palace banquet, it is said that Princess Zhaohua disappeared for an entire night. The Eldest Princess and her family caused a scene at Yishou Palace, forcing His Majesty to dismiss Mu Dan. Princess Zhaohua returned the next noon but claimed she had run away from home, refusing to say where she had gone. After that, she fell seriously ill and only recently began to recover slightly, but she remains listless and refuses to see anyone.”
“You mean…”
“At first, I suspected it was a scheme orchestrated by the Empress and the Eldest Princess to eliminate Mu Dan. However, given how much the Eldest Princess treasures Princess Zhaohua, she would never use her as bait. That means the disappearance was real, and in that case, there’s only one possibility—it was the work of the Black Dragon Guards!”
Mei Yao was astonished: “His Majesty himself?”
“Think about it—the palace is heavily guarded. How could Princess Zhaohua, a delicate young woman with no martial arts skills, pass through the layers of palace gates and disappear under the eyes of the guards? Aside from His Majesty’s shadow guards, I can’t think of anyone else! In fact, whether the Black Dragon Guards exist has always been a subject of debate, but judging from this incident…”
“The Black Dragon Guards do exist, and they are within the Imperial Guards!”
“I believe so too!”
“How interesting… Who says our emperor is muddle-headed and only obsessed with the Way of Alchemy? Look at how well he acts!”
“Indeed, His Majesty is ultimately His Majesty—he fought his way out of the struggle for succession against all odds! This move both reprimanded the Eldest Princess and weakened Consort Yi’s influence, while also sowing discord between Prince Duan and the Ninth Prince. It even brought back Pei Tianze, a former associate of the Former Empress, to create checks and balances among multiple parties—all part of the art of imperial statecraft!”
Listening to Mei Liu speak with ease, Mei Yao smiled. “You’ve gained quite an insight into court affairs these days…”
Mei Liu paused, then chuckled awkwardly. “This subordinate merely gained some experience following the young master in earlier years, and dares to speak out of turn… By the way, two more advisors returned yesterday—both were valued by the young master. I arranged things with Uncle Chang, and you may meet them when you have time.”
“Good.”
“There was also someone who came just to freeload. I took the liberty of asking Lady Feng Wu to give him a proper reception.”
“That’s fine too. Otherwise, everyone would think the Third Miss of the Mei household is easy to bully!”
“Impossible!” Mei Liu grinned flatteringly. “Who doesn’t know the status of Third Miss Mei? Even our Prince and the two young masters dare not offend her!”
Mei Yao was amused. “For that silver tongue of yours, I must reward you. Tell me, what do you want?”
Mei Liu rubbed his nose sheepishly. “Then this subordinate won’t stand on ceremony. I’d like to ask for the white jade Buddhist prayer beads that the young master used to wear.”
Mei Yao’s smile faded. “I know your loyalty, but bestowing a deceased person’s belongings is inauspicious. I have a string of prayer beads made from the same material, of even higher quality than my elder brother’s. I’ll have Feng Xiu fetch them for you later.”
Mei Liu hesitated for a moment, then bowed deeply in thanks.
After Mei Liu left, Mei Yao sat silently, pondering these matters. Unbidden, she recalled Yan Yu’s words as he buried his face in her chest, coaxing and kissing her. At the time, she had refused to call out to him because of Zhaohua’s repeated cries of “Brother Yu.” He seemed to have said, “Don’t worry, she won’t dare call me that anymore… So, why don’t you say it for me?”
What had he done to make the willful and spoiled Princess Zhaohua no longer dare to be so intimate with him?
Could it be related to Zhaohua’s disappearance and subsequent illness?
“Miss, the invitations for all the households have been delivered.”
Feng Xiu returned to report and noticed her young lady lost in thought, clutching a jade gourd in her hand, her cheeks faintly flushed. Needless to say, it had something to do with him.
Feng Xiu smiled. “When I delivered the invitation to the Third Miss of Prince Ping’s household, she was so excited. As a concubine-born daughter, she rarely gets the chance to socialize with high-born legitimate daughters. You’ve really given her face.”
Mei Yao shook her head. “She’s young and pure-hearted. In truth, Prince Ping’s household only has this one daughter, so even as a concubine-born, she’s doted on. I also heard that last year, Yan Yu dared to kill the son of Prince Li just to protect her. That alone makes many legitimate daughters envious. Tell me, which family’s brother has such courage?”
“That’s true.”
Feng Xiu recalled the spring banquet, where this young girl was surrounded by noble daughters asking questions, never left out in the cold. Even when Princess Fu Guang questioned her, she dared to retort. Such boldness wasn’t typical of a concubine-born daughter accustomed to oppression at home—she couldn’t have grown up like this without ample affection.
Mei Yao handed the gourd to Feng Xiu and instructed, “Help me make a sachet and put the incense along with this gourd inside.”
Feng Xiu ventured cautiously, “Is this… General Yan’s?”
Mei Yao sighed. “I’m afraid even Uncle Mei himself wouldn’t be able to tell them apart…”
Two days later, the noble daughters who had received Mei Yao’s invitations arrived as scheduled.
The Mei family’s rear courtyard housed a modest theater, which Mei Chi had renovated years earlier. At the time, he held no official post and, with ample leisure, enjoyed gathering friends to listen to music and watch plays. On a whim, he even adapted several operas, earning considerable praise. A military man by trade, he had idled his way into becoming a dashing scholar, which also helped him forge extensive connections. Later, when he took up the post of Left General, Mei Yao felt it somewhat resembled being appointed the “Keeper of Heavenly Horses”—a prestigious yet hollow title.
Her second brother, Mei Su, had sent some local specialties from the southern border, such as mangoes and red fruits, which were also laid out on the tables. With food, drinks, and entertainment, the banquet was quite lively.
When the gathering ended, Mei Yao had specially prepared gifts for everyone: a box of delicate flower pastries she had made herself. The pastries were soft pink, dotted with tiny white petals, and arranged in an exquisite food box. A floral note was also included, inscribed with elegant calligraphy bearing auspicious wishes—a thoughtful touch indeed.
As soon as Yan Yu entered the room, he saw a crowd of people enthusiastically sampling the pastries.
Little Feitang waved her small hand, beckoning him. “Second Brother, come quick! I saved some especially for you. Try it—Princess Wenshan made these herself. They’re delicious!”
Yan Yu glanced at the pastry in his sister’s hand, then at the food box, and couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation.
He knew these all too well—two years ago, he had nearly been sick of them!
Back then, for some inexplicable reason, she had taken to making unpalatable pastries and force-feeding him daily. Sometimes they were undercooked, sometimes bitter, sometimes gritty—each batch brought a new surprise. After enduring a few tastings, he finally tossed a pastry to his mastiff right in front of her, startling the dog handler into a frantic scramble to retrieve it, only to find even the dog refused to eat it!
And now she had made them again… and given them to his sister. Clearly, her intentions lay elsewhere!
Was this what she meant by “no longer disturbing the General”?
What nonsense—she was still bothering him!
Feitang noticed her second brother’s shifting expression and asked in surprise, “What’s wrong? Try it, it’s really good. We’ve all eaten quite a few!”
Princess Consort of Ping and her former maid—now concubine Lu Zhi—picked up pastries with smiles, chiming in. Even Yan Rong chuckled, “Go on, eat it, or you won’t get past this!”
Before he could react, Little Feitang had already stuffed a pastry into his mouth. Reluctantly, he took a bite. The taste… wasn’t bad, actually.
Seeing him eat, Little Feitang handed him the remaining half and happily went to sit beside Princess Consort of Ping.
Yan Yu sat down, holding the half-eaten pastry, and remarked casually, “Did only you get these, or did everyone?”
“Second Brother, what kind of question is that!” Little Feitang replied, slightly displeased. “Of course, everyone got them. Are you underestimating the Princess or looking down on me?”
Realizing his words were inappropriate, Yan Yu smiled apologetically. “My mistake, I apologize! It seems you had a wonderful time?”
“Absolutely! This Princess has no airs at all—she treated me so well. We even made plans to visit Phoenix Mountain together during the Shangsi Festival!”
“Heh!” Yan Yu chuckled lightly. “Be careful she doesn’t sell you off!”
“How could she? Second Brother, you’re scaring me again!” Little Feitang pouted toward Princess Consort of Ping. “Mother, look at him!”
Yan Rong gently blew on the tea leaves in his cup, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Second Brother, you seem to have quite a few grievances against Princess Wenshan.”
“He’s just petty!” Little Feitang mumbled through a mouthful of pastry. “He’s still upset about the Princess offending him at the Spring Banquet!”
Yan Yu shot her a sharp glare. “Don’t speak nonsense, child!”
Princess Consort of Ping smiled and said, “Speaking of the spring banquet, Rong’er didn’t attend. While your father and I are pleased that you are diligent in your official duties, you should also take responsibility for continuing the family line…”
Before his mother could finish, Yan Rong replied with a hint of playfulness, “Such a heavy responsibility, I think my second brother is more suited to bear it.”
Princess Consort of Ping’s expression turned stern. “He is him, and you are you. Right now, we are only talking about you! At your age, I should already be holding a grandchild. You should also set an example for your younger siblings!”
Hearing this, Yan Yu and Little Feitang exchanged a glance, then stood up together, bowed, and hurried out of the room as if fleeing, afraid that the next moment the topic would shift to them.
“It’s just as well they left, so you won’t feel awkward!” Princess Consort of Ping smiled again. “The other day when I entered the palace, Consort Yi’s cousin Shen Xiuyan was also there. Her Ladyship intends to match the two of you. I saw the girl—she is both talented and beautiful. So, I wanted to ask your thoughts.”
“Mother, Consort Yi is trying to win over Prince Ping’s household for the Ninth Prince…”
“Your father is well aware of that!” Princess Consort of Ping cut him off, not allowing him to make excuses. “I’m only asking whether you are willing or not.”
Seeing her son lower his gaze without speaking, Princess Consort of Ping sighed. “Even if it’s not a good match, since Consort Yi has spoken, you should at least meet her. Let’s arrange it for the Shangsi Festival. Whether it works out or not, it won’t seem out of place.”