The next morning, a light mist like gauze shrouded the earth. Gentle rays of dawn spilled across the horizon, coating everything in a faint golden glow. At daybreak, Liu Hanyue and her entourage left the camp, their carriage rolling along the mountain path until they entered Feidu City.
The streets were sparsely populated, the occasional crisp birdsong adding a trace of vitality to the tranquil morning.
The carriage wound its way through narrow alleys and finally arrived at the most renowned Tianxiang Pavilion. The tavern never closed, its carved beams and painted rafters carrying a blend of ancient simplicity and lavish splendor, exuding a unique charm.
Guided by the attendant, Liu Hanyue strode with steady steps directly to a premium private room on the second floor.
The chamber was elegantly decorated. A round rosewood table stood firmly in the center, teacups placed upon it, steam curling upward. The view outside the window was picturesque, but Liu Hanyue had no mood to appreciate it—her attention was entirely fixed on the person she was about to meet.
When the door opened, she saw Saihemu already waiting. He sat composedly at the table, his deep eyes carrying a trace of a smile, though Liu Hanyue keenly perceived the unfathomable emotions concealed beneath that smile.
Her heart tightened, though her face retained a calm smile. “Your Highness is in fine spirits, waiting here so early.” Her voice carried a subtle note of probing.
“Time is precious. I dare not waste it.” Saihemu spared no courtesies. His expression grew stern, carrying the decisiveness of one in power. “I want you to release Jizhe.”
Liu Hanyue showed no surprise, only smiled faintly. “And why should I?”
Saihemu let out a soft sigh. His slender fingers reached into his robe, drawing out a scroll with graceful poise. “To exchange for vital intelligence on Xiqu. What does the princess think?”
Liu Hanyue fixed her gaze on the scroll, a flash of wariness in her eyes, but she did not reach out. She lifted her chin slightly, her expression calm yet her tone cool. “And who can guarantee this intelligence is real?”
“Please see for yourself.” Saihemu, unhurried, extended the scroll again.
Fuqiu, standing aside, darted forward and steadily received it. Her expression was cold, her eyes sharp as lightning as she examined it closely. Having grown up in Xiqu, she was deeply familiar with such writings.
As she read further, her brows knit tightly, a flicker of shock passing through her beautiful eyes.
Quickly, she stepped to Liu Hanyue’s side, whispering a few words into her ear, her voice so low that no one else could hear. Afterward, she returned to her post, resuming her icy demeanor, though a trace of unease still lingered in her gaze.
After hearing Fuqiu’s report, Liu Hanyue’s face drastically changed. The hand gripping the scroll trembled ever so slightly, her calm composure shattered.
Xiong Shaoqing, watching silently at the side, was secretly startled. So… this information truly struck her deeply.
Liu Hanyue forced down the storm within, speaking with measured calm:
“For such crucial intelligence… you would reveal it so easily, merely to save a guard captain? Is it worth it?” Her sharp gaze locked onto Saihemu, probing for flaws in his response.
Saihemu chuckled lightly, the sound tinged with defiance. “That is none of your concern. You only need to decide whether or not to make the trade.” His tone was indifferent, but his eyes gleamed with firm resolve.
“If you release Jizhe, I will continue passing news, informing you of the detailed plan. This scroll is only a token of my sincerity. If you refuse, then do not blame me for taking other measures.”
His eyes narrowed, a chilling gleam flashing within—a warning, a threat.
Liu Hanyue outwardly remained composed, but within her heart churned violently as she weighed the pros and cons. If this intelligence could be swiftly delivered to the Empress, Shu Kingdom would gain a precious advantage.
Besides, antagonizing Saihemu now would do no good. Yet she also knew this prince of Zhuoguang was unfathomably shrewd. He might well use false intelligence to mislead them.
Thinking swiftly, she schooled her expression back into a gentle smile. “Very well, we will release Jizhe. But I hope Your Highness remembers this favor and honors your promise, without deceit.”
Saihemu’s smile widened, satisfied with her concession. “Rest assured, I shall keep my word.”
Though he sounded sincere, Liu Hanyue knew full well that countless uncertainties lurked behind his promise.
All the while, Xiong Shaoqing—disguised as a guard—remained silent, sharp eyes watching every move, ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
“Good. Then we’ll proceed as agreed.” Liu Hanyue finally made her decision, signaling Fuqiu to make the arrangements.
After Saihemu departed, only Xiong Shaoqing and Liu Hanyue remained in the room.
Lowering her eyes, Xiong Shaoqing struggled inwardly before stepping forward, her voice hushed but urgent: “Senior Sister, we’re just letting Jizhe go? He’s a key bargaining chip.”
Liu Hanyue’s heart warmed at her concern. She trusted Xiong Shaoqing absolutely, so she did not conceal the truth.
“Junior Sister, know this: Xiqu and Zhuoguang have already forged a secret alliance. They plot to strike at the Empress during next year’s national ceremony. If they succeed, Shu will be thrown into succession strife. With both kingdoms invading, our nation would be doomed. This letter bears the seal of the Xiqu King as proof.”
The revelation left Xiong Shaoqing wide-eyed with shock, her face pale with horror.
“I understand your worry.” Liu Hanyue gently patted her shoulder, her voice soft.
“Saihemu is cunning. Of course I considered the possibility that this intelligence is false. An assassination attempt on the Empress is no trivial matter—they would not betray such a plan easily.”
Seeing her junior still troubled, she continued, “Before releasing Jizhe, I compelled him to take a special gu poison.”
“Gu poison?” Xiong Shaoqing blinked in surprise, quickly replaced by suspicion.
Liu Hanyue sighed lightly and explained, “You know I was poisoned with cold poison in childhood, and only Master saved me. Since then I’ve devoted myself to medicine.
“Medicine and poison are intertwined. Over the years, I’ve learned to craft antidotes and poisons. This gu is one of them.”
She drew from her robe an exquisite jade flute. “This flute is special. When I play it, no matter where Jizhe is, the gu within him will activate, bringing him unbearable pain.
“For Saihemu to trade such intelligence for Jizhe shows how much he values him. With this poison restraining him, Saihemu will not dare rash moves.”
At that, Xiong Shaoqing finally relaxed, admiration softening her tone. “That is indeed secure.”
Satisfied that her intent was understood, Liu Hanyue went on: “Now that your wounds have healed and we’ve gained such vital intelligence, we must not linger in Feidu. Tomorrow we return to Yongning Prefecture.”
Even as she spoke, a subtle reluctance welled within her. Every moment with this selfless junior stirred a tenderness she could not suppress.
As Shu’s legitimate princess, Liu Hanyue should by rights have been crowned crown princess. Yet Prince Duan, Liu Yanjí, and her sister Liu Hanxing constantly vied against her, forcing her to tread warily.
In this ruthless struggle for survival, every calculation drained her spirit. Only before her mother had she once found refuge, but the Empress, buried in state affairs, had less and less time for her. That sanctuary now seemed far away.
Xiong Shaoqing, brought by their master Su Xianfeng, was at first merely a fellow disciple. But as time passed, the bond deepened, growing into something subtle and inescapable.
Now, gazing at Xiong Shaoqing, Liu Hanyue’s thoughts drifted, her eyes betraying a rare softness tinged with melancholy. Noticing, Xiong Shaoqing waved a hand before her. “Senior Sister, what are you thinking?”
Startled, Liu Hanyue flushed, flustered by her lapse. With a shy smile she said, “Ah, I was just thinking—since we’re leaving tomorrow, I feel reluctant.”
A warm light flickered in Xiong Shaoqing’s eyes. “Then today, let me treat you to Feidu’s specialties, as a farewell.”
“Wonderful. I’ve been longing to taste them.” Liu Hanyue’s eyes lit up with anticipation.
At midday, they strolled side by side until they came upon a small bustling eatery. The rich aromas of food drifted enticingly into the street.
“Senior Sister, this place’s soup dumplings and sweet-and-sour tilefish are unmatched. You’ll love them.” Xiong Shaoqing’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
Liu Hanyue arched her brows with a smile and nodded.
Once seated, the attendant bustled over with menus. Xiong Shaoqing deftly ordered the shop’s signature dishes.
Soon, steaming soup dumplings arrived. Each delicate bun was so thin-skinned the broth shimmered within.
Xiong Shaoqing carefully placed one into Liu Hanyue’s dish. “Careful, it’s hot,” she murmured with quiet concern.
Biting gently, Liu Hanyue’s mouth filled with savory broth. She closed her eyes in bliss, murmuring, “Exquisite.”
Seeing her delight, Xiong Shaoqing eagerly tried one as well, nodding. “Indeed.”
The waiter brought over the sweet-and-sour tilefish. Liu Hanyue sampled a piece, savoring its perfect tang. With a smile, she placed several pieces into Xiong Shaoqing’s bowl.
“This fish is crisp outside, tender inside. Delicious.”
“It really is, Senior Sister!”
Finally, stir-fried string beans were served. “We’ve had plenty of meat—try these beans to lighten the palate.” Xiong Shaoqing lifted some toward her.
Liu Hanyue tasted and nodded approvingly. “Crisp, fragrant, not greasy. Excellent.”
Hidden in the shadows, Fuqiu watched with a trace of emotion. The princess—usually so composed and calculating—now seemed just an ordinary young woman enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
The two ate and laughed freely together.
Afterward, Xiong Shaoqing’s eyes gleamed. “Senior Sister, Qingyun Garden has a new play. Shall we watch?”
Liu Hanyue’s smile was gentle. “Yes.”
They arrived to find Qingyun Garden crowded, the air buzzing with anticipation.
From the stage came a melodious aria: “Calling and calling, no answer comes. Does Lan Ying not hear? Is no one home in the Yang household?”
Xiong Shaoqing’s face brightened. “Senior Sister, today’s performance features Li Lijun and Chen Yunxiao together—unmissable.”
She quickly secured a prime viewing box.
Though unfamiliar with operas, Liu Hanyue was soon captivated. Li Lijun’s portrayal of He Wenxiu was flawless, her movements fluid and commanding.
“This young actor is remarkable,” Liu Hanyue whispered in admiration.
Xiong Shaoqing’s smile widened. “Chen Yunxiao is just as superb. Together, they’re perfect.”