"It's just a pair of bracers, no…"
Upon hearing this, Madam Chen was greatly alarmed and hurried over to pull away the man standing before Song Zhiluan.
After taking two steps, just as she reached the young man, she suddenly realized something.
The performers she had selected each had their own charming qualities, and their robes were tailored to please the Linghuai Princess, mostly opulent in style. This shade of crimson should have blended in without standing out, but the intricate gold-thread embroidery was something even ordinary nobles might not be able to afford.
She did not recall bringing anyone of such stature among her troupe.
This was likely some noble scion enamored with the Linghuai Princess. Madam Chen dared not approach him, especially after noticing the priceless dragon-patterned jade pendant at his waist. Someone who openly approached the princess was certainly not someone she could afford to offend.
As Madam Chen hesitated, Yunu noticed something amiss.
After shaking off the man's hand, Song Zhiluan continued blindfolded, chasing after people. She paid no mind to the incident and, after brushing past the unpleasant scent, laughed, "Let's start over. One is already out, nine remain. All of you, hide well."
Yunu, hand resting on the sword at her waist, moved through the crowd and gestured for Xie Yujin to leave.
She made no commotion, not wanting to spoil the princess's fun.
Xie Yujin’s hand, which had touched Song Zhiluan, lingered in the air for a long moment before he finally withdrew it.
He turned his head to look at Song Zhiluan, half of his sharply defined face hidden in the shadow of the window shutter.
As Yunu stepped closer, Xie Yujin’s guards moved forward to block her, and the atmosphere grew tense.
Yet neither side made the first move.
Though the room was spacious, it felt cramped with so many people inside. Song Zhiluan played the game unconventionally, clearly an expert. Each time she caught someone, cheers and sighs of regret echoed from outside.
Strangely, despite Xie Yujin standing in the center of the room, Song Zhiluan never reached for him.
Perhaps she truly disliked the incense used in his residence.
Thus, she kept her distance.
At this thought, Xie Yujin’s breathing eased slightly. People’s preferences were always changing, and it was only natural that Song Zhiluan found the scent unpleasant at this time.
Seeing Xie Yujin remain unmoved, Yunu unsheathed her sword an inch.
But just as she made her move, Xie Yujin strode away, followed by his guards, and turned to leave.
As he reached the door, Song Zhiluan’s voice rang out: "Did you think hiding here would keep you safe? The princess caught you anyway. Step aside."
Her features were strikingly beautiful, her fingers slender and delicate. The young man she had caught blushed to the tips of his ears, stammering as if wanting to reply but too restrained to speak.
As if sensing something, the young man glanced back and met a pair of cold, intense eyes.
Instantly, all his wandering thoughts vanished, replaced by a pallid complexion.
…
After all the playful chaos, Song Zhiluan was sweating. She had Zhinu remove the silk blindfold and looked at the young man before her. "You’re the last one. What’s your name?"
The performer wearing a robe with coiled grass patterns and fine silk knelt on both knees. "Your Highness, this humble one is Yu Xinci."
Song Zhiluan descended a step to meet his gaze. "Yu Xinci—a lovely name. If I recall correctly, the prime minister in the third year of Chenghe’s reign was also named Yu?"
Yu Xinci pressed his forehead to the floor. "Yes."
Unnoticed, the private room had emptied, leaving only the two of them. Yunu and Zhinu had closed the door and were settling matters with Madam Chen.
Yu Xinci straightened from his kneeling position and smiled candidly. "This humble one’s father would only soil Your Highness’s ears."
"I dislike the term 'lowly commoner.' Do not refer to yourself as such in my presence again," Song Zhiluan said, pulling a plum blossom-carved token from her waist and handing it to him. "Take this. From now on, you are under my protection. With this token, you may freely enter and leave the Princess Manor. Gather your belongings today and come to the manor tomorrow—someone will arrange your stipend."
Having faced rejection too many times, Yu Xinci stood frozen for several seconds upon hearing these life-saving words. After a moment, he tightly gripped the token, his face breaking into a warm smile.
"This humble commoner thanks Your Highness."
Song Zhiluan nodded. After leaving Hua E Lou, Zhinu hesitated before speaking: "Your Highness, shall I have Yunu investigate that man's background? If I recall correctly, this Young Master Yu was formerly from the Pear Garden opera troupe. His roundabout arrival at this tavern seems almost… intentional, as if he sought out Your Highness."
Having frequently accompanied Song Zhiluan to the Pear Garden, Zhinu and Yunu recognized some performers by name, others by face, while some—like Yu Xinci—required careful recollection to place.
Song Zhiluan rested her cheek lazily in her palm. "Perhaps it was I who sought him out."
Yu Xinci appeared refined and gentle, yet his demeanor varied depending on the person. In her previous life, he had entered the palace as a eunuch, secretly creating countless troubles for her elder brother. He even contributed to Song Liang's successful infiltration of the imperial city. Only after suffering repeated setbacks did her imperial brother become aware of Yu Xinci's existence—yet still received a harsh lesson.
After faking his death to escape the palace, Yu Xinci had reinvented himself as a imperial examination graduate, serving in the Ministry of War. Had his identity not been accidentally exposed during the Qujiang Banquet in the third year of Xinghe, who knows what further turmoil might have ensued.
After executing Yu Xinci, Song Huaizhang once remarked to her casually: "Our father already showed extraordinary leniency toward the Yu family. I simply cannot comprehend why he hated me so intensely—enough to wish he could devour my flesh and sleep on my skin."
At that time, she had looked up at him with a smile. "I understand completely. I heard Yu Xinci's sister once served as your concubine but hanged herself in the Eastern Palace. Perhaps he sought to avenge her."
"So he endured all that humiliation and emasculation merely to avenge that lowly servant? How utterly foolish."
Song Zhiluan remembered the mocking smile on Song Huaizhang's face then—that condescending expression she disliked. And she had successfully wiped that smile away.
Using an almost girlishly naive tone, she had asked: "Does Imperial Brother find this amusing? If someone were to kill me, would you not exhaust all means to avenge me?"
Song Huaizhang had paused momentarily before turning to brush aside her hair. "What foolish words."
Recalling this now, Song Zhiluan found herself no longer as heartbroken as before. Song Huaizhang would not.
But Yu Xinci would.
There were moments when she actually envied Yu Xinyue.
In the Eastern Palace, a young man in bright yellow robes was playing chess with Xu Xiang. After placing a piece, the minister remarked: "The Linghuai Princess has been rather unrestrained lately. Yesterday's incident at Hua E Lou was witnessed by many. The censors' memorials are piling up like mountains—I fear His Majesty will not overlook this."
"She has always been this way," Song Huaizhang smiled. "Playing and mischief suit a young girl her age."
Observing the doting expression on the young man's face, Xu Xiang chose his words carefully: "Nevertheless, until the palace banquet on Lantern Festival and before her marriage is settled, the Linghuai Princess ought to exercise more restraint. Your Highness should advise her."
Song Huaizhang gave a soft hum in acknowledgment. Finally, he suddenly set down the chess piece, placed his hands on his knees, and sighed, "Xu Xiang, since the matter of marriage has been brought up, I will be frank with you. A few days ago, Linghuai mentioned to me that she already has someone in her heart. I fear the marriage with Yaochen…"
Xu Xiang frowned in surprise. The marriage between Linghuai Princess and Yaochen had been largely facilitated by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Their interests were already intertwined, and this union could be considered the icing on the cake.
Why had the Crown Prince suddenly changed his mind? What was his reasoning?
Thoughts raced through his mind, but Xu Xiang only paused briefly before saying, "Might I ask… which family's young master is it?"
"General Xie."
Xu Xiang's heart gave a slight jolt, and his gaze toward Song Huaizhang instantly grew complex.
If there was one person in the court he least wanted to be associated with, it was Xie Yujin. Xie Yujin never involved himself in factional struggles, appearing detached and disinterested, yet he managed to maintain a high position—precisely because, though he belonged to no faction, he could form a faction of his own.
He wondered when the Crown Prince had begun interacting with him.
"General Xie is young and accomplished, and he would be a suitable match for Linghuai Princess," Xu Xiang said without changing his expression. "However… even if Linghuai Princess has feelings for General Xie, I'm afraid it would be difficult for General Xie to agree, wouldn't it?"
Song Huaizhang, without taking his eyes off the chess piece in his hand, chuckled softly, "He will agree."
Hearing this confident tone, Xu Xiang did not feel relieved; instead, his frown deepened. To conspire with a tiger was to risk being devoured by it one day.
After a moment of contemplation, Xu Xiang said, "It is entirely up to Your Highness to decide."
Song Huaizhang nodded. "I'm glad you understand. The marriage between Linghuai and Yaochen was my proposal, and now that I am breaking the agreement, it is I who should apologize to you."
"Your Highness flatters this humble official. Your Highness acts for the sake of the Jiang Dynasty. This old minister, along with the Sage and Your Highness, journeyed from Linghuai County to the Imperial City, enduring countless hardships. A single misstep would have made us victims of the Northern Dynasty's blades. The Jiang Dynasty is like my own child—what father would not wish for his child's well-being?"
"Even so, I cannot simply let this pass," Song Huaizhang said, pouring a cup of tea and offering it to Xu Xiang. "In the future, if you have any requests, I will surely assist you."
Xu Xiang replied gratefully, "Then this humble official will not decline your kindness."
After Xu Xiang left, Song Huaizhang summoned the Eastern Palace guard. "It has been a long time since I last saw Linghuai, and I miss her dearly. Go to the Princess Manor and deliver a message for me: if she has time, ask her to come to the Eastern Palace tomorrow."
"This will be your residence," the maidservant said, pointing to a courtyard planted with peonies, addressing the person beside her. "For now, you are the only one here, but in the future, there may be newcomers."
Yu Xinci, carrying a bundle on his back, smiled and nodded. "Thank you, miss."
"Mm, let me show you around," the maidservant said, her cheeks slightly flushed. Although there were many handsome young men in the Princess Manor, this one's appearance was exceptionally striking—his smile alone seemed capable of captivating one's soul. "Lady Zhinu has said that after the new moon, the performers in the manor are to present 'The Map of Mountains and Rivers' for Her Highness. Performances must be rehearsed in advance for the Flower Festival, the Shangsi Festival, and Her Highness's birthday."
"More detailed instructions will be provided by the other performers. They are currently accompanying Her Highness for entertainment. Remember, Her Highness has a lively temperament and dislikes disobedience. Be careful not to overstep your bounds."
As they spoke, the two arrived at the rear garden, where several large mats were spread out facing a grove of pear trees.
Behind the rosewood carved long table, a young girl in a light green high-waisted ruqun dress leaned halfway off the beauty couch, stretching out her hand to catch raindrops beneath the leaves. The sleeves of her dress and the silk ribbons tied at her temples were adorned with pale moon-white crystal that fluttered with the breeze.
A kingfisher-feather butterfly-and-peony Bu Yao hairpin teetered precariously on her chignon.
Yu Xinci watched, his fingers twitching almost imperceptibly.
The musicians and dancers exchanged nervous glances.
Before anyone could step forward, Zhinu reached out to secure the hairpin. "Your Highness, do you find this dance dull?"
Song Zhiluan wiped her hands with a handkerchief and replied, "A little. Where is Yu Xinci? Why isn't he here?"
Yu Xinci had not expected her to mention him. His smiling expression faltered for a moment before he knelt, preempting the maid's response. "This commoner pays respects to Your Highness."We servants pay respects to Your Highness.""
"You're here," Song Zhiluan sat up from the couch, and only then did Yu Xinci notice she was holding a Mani pearl that shimmered like flowing sand. "If you hadn't come, I was just about to send someone with a message for you."
"This commoner is late. I beg Your Highness's forgiveness."
"Don't be nervous. I merely wished to inform you that after leaving Hua E Lou yesterday, I took the opportunity to request a special decree from His Majesty on your behalf, removing your status as a lowly person. Seeing that I favor you, His Majesty also promoted you to Academician of Letters. Though you now hold an official position, henceforth you need only attend to me personally."
Those kneeling below cast envious and jealous glances toward the young man.
They all knew that upon entering the Princess Manor, the chief palace maid had warned them not to entertain delusions of grandeur. Without permission, they weren't even allowed to inhale the fragrance when Her Highness passed by.
Yet now, the Linghuai Princess had bestowed such honor upon one person.
Yu Xinci remained rigidly kneeling, the smile vanishing from his face. "Why would Your Highness help this commoner?"
Song Zhiluan rubbed the Mani pearl and said, "No particular reason. It pleases me."
If the real thing brought pain, then a convincing substitute would suffice.
Yu Xinci embodied what she imagined an elder brother should be.
And he would bring endless trouble to her actual brother.
So what harm was there in helping him?
Yu Xinci lowered his head and smiled self-deprecatingly.
He had thought he was the one successfully approaching Song Zhiluan, but in reality, he was the one she had set her sights on first. If Song Zhiluan had been unprepared, how could the "Certificate of Emancipation" freeing him from low status have appeared so swiftly before him?
Nor did she make any attempt to conceal her intentions.
She made it abundantly clear that he was to acknowledge her favor.
Nevertheless, Song Zhiluan remained the only one who had given him hope. Yu Xinci's fingers twitched, and as he kowtowed, his eyes reddened slightly. "Your Highness's great kindness is something this commoner will never forget."
Song Zhiluan helped him up. Her overly long skirt caused her to sway slightly, but Yu Xinci reacted swiftly. Ignoring the stares from Yunu, Zhinu, and the others fixed on his arm, he steadied Song Zhiluan and then gathered up the hem of her skirt, slightly dampened by the water.
Song Zhiluan was somewhat surprised but paused only briefly before smiling. "Quite adept, aren't you?"
"From now on, you shall serve by my side alongside Zhinu."
Eastern Palace.
When Song Zhiluan arrived, a maid informed her that the Imperial Physician was checking Song Huaizhang's pulse.
Her expression filled with concern. "Has the Emperor been unwell lately?""
Before the maid could reply, Song Huaizhang himself entered the flower hall and said to Song Zhiluan with a laugh, "Just an old ailment, nothing serious. But you—secluding yourself for half a month, what have you been scheming in your manor?"
"Just studying beauties, fine wine, and pleasures, that's all."
"Oh? Then who was it that told me she would accept no one but General Xie, and if she could marry him, she'd willingly uproot every flower and plant in the courtyard?"
Song Zhiluan's face flushed slightly. "Imperial Brother, are you teasing me?"
Song Huaizhang looked at Song Zhiluan with a meaningful gaze, but seeing her familiar expression, he couldn't help feeling he was overthinking things.
A half-grown child was still a child.
He chuckled a couple of times and summoned the Imperial Physician to take Song Zhiluan's pulse. After the physician reported his findings, he picked up his medicine chest and departed.
"Xiao Luan, although Imperial Brother has agreed to help you, if Xie Yujin doesn't consent to this marriage, given the current circumstances, Father Emperor won't force it. Besides, Father Emperor already has someone else in mind. If you want to marry him, behave properly until the Lantern Festival. Imperial Brother will bring it up with Father Emperor at the appropriate time."
Song Zhiluan nodded repeatedly, answering with a smile: "Of course! If Imperial Brother can help me achieve my wish, Xie Yujin will surely be of assistance to you in the future. When Imperial Brother ascends the throne, you can bring our elder sister back to Jing."
Song Huaizhang shook his head with a smile. "What ascension to the throne—you can say such things here with me, but don't speak of it outside, lest someone with ill intentions finds fault."
"Precisely because I'm with Imperial Brother that I dare say these things. Imperial Brother, you will keep your promise, won't you?"
"Of course."
Song Zhiluan smiled happily.
She lifted her head, her gaze drifting into the distance.
The withered snow lay upon the lotus flowers in the Eastern Palace.
This year wasn't particularly cold, yet the snow season lingered.
"I remember after Mother passed away, you became so clingy, Imperial Brother, following Elder Sister everywhere. If she didn't hold you, you wouldn't leave. Back then, when I wanted Elder Sister to hold me, you would cry and pry my hands away. Imperial Brother was willing to give me anything, except yielding Elder Sister to me. Because of that, Elder Sister had to comfort you during the day and me at night—and she had just lost Mother too."
Song Huaizhang's eyes softened considerably, as if drawn into those memories. "An elder sister is like a mother. Imperial Elder Sister indeed sacrificed much for us."
"Even so, Elder Sister never fell behind in her studies. I remember Li Chaoyuan, the current Chancellor of the Guozijian, favored her most among all his students back then."
"Chancellor Li has always been strict; those who earn his admiration are few and far between."
"Indeed." Song Zhiluan let out a long sigh, then smiled and said, "Is there anything else Imperial Brother needs to tell me?"
"You'll attend the Lantern Festival banquet, won't you?"
"Of course."
Song Huaizhang felt relieved. "Then that's all."
It was at this moment that Song Zhiluan finally realized—why had Imperial Brother been so confident back then about promising her marriage to Xie Yujin?
There could only be one possibility—
Xie Yujin had agreed even earlier than she had.
Perhaps it was a transaction, but certainly not out of affection.
Those clues hidden by time began to subtly reveal themselves.
Song Zhiluan felt she had been thoroughly deceived.
What had she been so anxious about back then?
Even if she hadn't forced Xie Yujin, he would have married her anyway.
That was why, when she bound him and shared a bed with him, Xie Yujin offered no resistance. She had been like a clown, performing an expected act for their benefit.
They were the ones who owed her.
As Song Zhiluan left the Eastern Palace, reborn into this life, she felt more like an observer.
As the saying goes, the onlooker sees most of the game.
What she hadn't had time to notice, or perhaps had overlooked back then, now appeared full of loopholes.
As the golden crow dipped westward and the drumbeat hour arrived, the market district should have quieted down, but due to the princess's outing, Zhaoren Ward was now crowded with young men adorned with flowers and powder, frequently casting glances toward the Princess Manor.
Though many hoped to catch the princess's eye, none dared approach the main gate directly, making the figure standing there all the more conspicuous.
"General Xie, Her Highness is not in the manor. If you have business, this humble servant can relay it for you," the gate guard said respectfully.
Xie Yujin watched the guards moving about inside. "When will she return?"
"The princess comes and goes as she pleases. This humble servant does not know when Her Highness will return. If you have urgent matters to discuss with her in person, shall I inform you when she returns?"
"No need."
"This…" The two guards exchanged glances and whispered among themselves, "General Xie has never visited our Princess Manor before. With Yunu not here, should we still invite the general inside?"
"I'm afraid that would be improper," the guard on the right said before following Xie Yujin's gaze and tapping the other guard's head. "No need to wonder—Her Highness appears to be returning."
The sky was shrouded in dark clouds, suggesting impending rain.
A sudden buzz arose from the crowd, accompanied by the rustling of robes as people whispered to one another. In the distance, two chestnut horses pulled an ornate canopy carriage into view behind the gathering.
The carriage was adorned with vermilion silk netting and pheasant feathers on its compartments, radiating indescribable splendor. The brocade curtains, lifted halfway by the swift wind, revealed the figure of a young woman lying on her side. Her skin was like pristine snow, her features exquisitely painted, and the jade ornaments adorning her tinkled softly with the carriage's movement, creating a delicate, melodic sound.
Her eyes were closed, as if weary from outdoor activities, lost in deep slumber.
The carriage halted before the Princess Manor.
Zhinu lifted the curtain and gazed at the sleeping Song Zhiluan.
Her Highness had suffered from sleepless nights, tormented by nightmares. Today, after leaving the Eastern Palace, she had finally exhausted herself to the point of collapse. Unwilling to wake her, Zhinu exchanged a meaningful glance with Yunu.
Understanding the signal, Yunu gathered Song Zhiluan in her arms and alighted from the carriage.
After a few steps, both noticed someone standing at the manor's entrance who had no business being there.
Zhinu was surprised. Though General Xie and Her Highness had shared a childhood acquaintance, their relationship couldn't be described as close. Her Highness, nostalgic by nature, had never failed to send banquet invitations to the Xie Duke Manor, yet General Xie had never attended. Why would he appear here today?
She stepped forward to salute him. "General, Her Highness is weary. Unless the matter is urgent, please return another day."
Song Zhiluan, drowsy and nestled in Yunu's embrace, faintly lifted her eyelids at the word "General."
Xie Yujin stared at Song Zhiluan's profile for a long moment before uttering a puzzling statement.
"The wrist guards Your Highness gave me—I did not lose them."
Song Zhiluan was intoxicated. Though she had poor alcohol tolerance, she often indulged recklessly. Yet, even if she had heard Xie Yujin's words in a sober state, she might not have comprehended them.
But now, nestled against Yunu, a flash of memory—like a dream—surfaced in her mind.
After Song Dingyuan arrived in Jing, she and Xie Yujin had ceased all contact. The rift began when she noticed he had replaced his wrist guards with new ones. The pair she had given him were dismissed with his casual remark, "Lost."
In their youth, they often quarreled over trivial matters, but that time, neither seemed willing to yield. Compounded by their dwindling opportunities to meet after moving to Jing, they had remained unreconciled until recently.
In that year, she came to understand her own heart, yet it took her ten years to truly see him.
Song Zhiluan only needed to turn her head slightly to catch sight of Xie Yujin.
But she pressed herself even closer to Yunu, ensuring that even her peripheral vision excluded him. Her long lashes, heavy with sleepiness, brushed against her eyelids as she spoke in a distant tone, "If the General hadn't mentioned it, this princess would have forgotten. A pair of wrist guards—whether lost or not—are hardly worth the General's special visit."
Xie Yujin took a step forward, half of his tall frame and tied-up ponytail exposed to the drizzling rain. Unaware, he lowered his gaze.
"How do you want me to apologize?"
No one noticed the figure emerging from the Princess Manor.
Yu Xinci's attire differed from the day before. Dressed in the white robes of a palace Academician, with a round collar and narrow sleeves, he appeared tall and elegant, his demeanor refined and extraordinary.
The moment he appeared at the Princess Manor, all eyes turned toward him. Yet Yu Xinci seemed to notice only Song Zhiluan, who was resting with her eyes closed. His expression remained gentle and composed, neither subservient nor arrogant. "Your Highness has returned. This humble official was just about to seek an audience."
Song Zhiluan slightly lifted her eyelids, glanced at him, then closed them again, her voice weary. "Mm, you've come at the right time. Carry this princess inside. Let Yunu rest."
Without much hesitation, Yu Xinci complied, carefully lifting her into his arms.
Song Zhiluan naturally wrapped her arms around his neck, her hand accidentally brushing against his slightly cool collar. She tugged at it instinctively. "On such a cold day, why are you dressed so lightly? People might think this princess doesn't provide you with proper clothing."
The young man looked down at her, a faint smile in his voice. "As you say, I will change shortly."
Xie Yujin watched Song Zhiluan's pale forearm, exposed where it rested against Yu Xinci's waist, and felt his heart tighten violently. An unfamiliar ache washed over him in waves, his gaze almost paralyzed, unable to tear itself away from her.
Until—a loud thud.
The gates of the Princess Manor closed.
He snapped back to reality, slowly raising his head. Only the sound of rain remained around him; unbeknownst to him, the crowd had dispersed.
Night had fallen.