“Your Highness, even if you say that, it doesn’t change the fact that you were distracted.” Cen Hejue’s gaze pierced straight through her expression. “And besides, I am not Song Jinglan. That trick doesn’t work on me.”
“…”
No wonder he’s the great villain who wins in the end.
“I’ve never tried that trick on Song Jinglan.” Qin Fei huffed. After practicing so long, her back and waist ached, so she took the chance to flop lazily into Cen Hejue’s chair.
Cen Hejue’s tone dripped with mockery. “So the pursuit of Song Jinglan was just a dream I had?”
“Perceptor.” Qin Fei cleared her throat, smiling sweetly. “A gentleman doesn’t hold grudges against the small. How about I start pursuing you instead?”
“…”
Cen Hejue’s reply was cool: “That won’t be necessary.”
Qin Fei arched a brow, curiosity sparking. “Do you have a girl he likes?”
“Why does Your Highness ask such a thing?” Cen Hejue knew perfectly well she was just trying to avoid practicing today. He calmly set the brush back on its rack, his voice steady.
Resting her chin in her hand, Qin Fei dared to press further. “Just gossiping. I want to know what kind of girl you would like.”
That way, she could tailor herself accordingly.
As Er Ya had said, the Cen family held the empire in its palm. Escape was impossible. If she really had to marry into the Cen household, then even if she couldn’t make Cen Hejue love her, at least she could survive safely under his watch.
“There is no such person.” His single sentence cut off her probing.
Qin Fei refused to give up. “Then not love—what kind of person do you admire? A confidant, perhaps?”
“I never bare my heart to anyone.” Cen Hejue’s gaze locked on her, fathomless and dark enough to make one shudder. “I trust no one. In my world, only the dead are safe enough to confide in.”
“…”
Qin Fei instantly regretted asking. Better not to have asked at all.
“Any more gossip, Your Highness?” Cen Hejue noticed her face had gone ashen, and suddenly found it amusing. Mischief flickered in his tone. “If you’re still curious, ask it all at once. I’ll answer thoroughly—for Your Highness’s sake.”
“…”
“No need.” Qin Fei rose to her feet. “It’s getting dark—I’ll take my leave.”
Cen Hejue, unusually considerate, asked, “Shall I escort the Princess?”
“No need.” Qin Fei refused at once. She feared Cen Hejue might not send her back to the palace at all, but straight to heaven.
The next day, Cen Hejue was busy with preparations for the Lantern Festival and had no time to oversee Mingxin Hall, so everyone was given a day of rest.
Qin Fei was delighted. The sun was bright, so she had a chaise lounge carried into the courtyard. With the warmth soaking into her body, it felt like spring had truly arrived. She was naturally prone to spring drowsiness and autumn fatigue, and had planned to enjoy a proper nap.
Unexpectedly, a visitor arrived at Baohua Palace.
It was Gu Nian.
She hadn’t seen Gu Nian for several days. The girl was still dressed in her usual pale moon-white gown, with only a thin cloak draped over her shoulders, making her look even more frail.
“You’ve gotten thinner again?” Qin Fei welcomed her into the courtyard, calling for Er Ya to bring tea and snacks.
Gu Nian sat opposite her at the small table, forcing a bitter smile that made her face look even paler. “My health is poor—it’s the same old illness.”
Tsk. Honestly, what was the author thinking? Writing the heroine as sickly and wan—wouldn’t radiant health be better?
“Drink some hot tea.” Qin Fei turned to Er Ya. “Do we still have medicinal herbs in my storeroom?”
Er Ya nodded. “Yes. The Emperor and Consort Shen both sent quite a lot—wild ginseng, bird’s nest, and more.”
“Then bring some out for Miss Gu.” Qin Fei waved her hand generously. Money wasn’t an issue, so she gave freely. “Take them home later.”
Before Gu Nian could speak, Qin Fei lowered her voice in warning: “But you’ll have to be discreet. Your stepmother and sister aren’t easy to deal with. Even a swallow flying past would have its feathers plucked by them. Be careful when you stew it—don’t let them find out.”
Gu Nian froze, her eyes slowly reddening. “In this world, aside from my mother and Jinglan, only Your Highness treats me the best.”
“Silly girl.” Qin Fei sighed, patting her hand. “Your mother’s kindness is real. As for Song Jinglan—you’d best not pin your hopes there.”
Gu Nian hesitated, then whispered: “I know… Jinglan wishes to marry Your Highness.”
“You noticed?” Qin Fei’s face remained expressionless. “I’m afraid in this palace, you’re the only one who thinks Song Jinglan wants to marry me. The rest probably assume I’m scheming to seduce him.”
The male lead’s halo was simply too overpowering. Even if Song Jinglan took the initiative toward her—a mere cannon fodder—in everyone else’s eyes, it would still look like she was throwing herself at him. Tch!
“Why doesn’t Your Highness like Jinglan?” Gu Nian asked, puzzled. “He studies diligently, he’s clever, and he’s skilled in dealing with people.”
Qin Fei frowned. “You’ve been PUA’d.”
Gu Nian clearly didn’t understand the term.
“You’ve formed a stereotype about Song Jinglan.” Qin Fei sighed. “But that’s not your fault—it’s the author’s.”
“Your Highness, I don’t quite understand what you mean.” Gu Nian pondered a moment. “But truly, if the one with Jinglan were you, I wouldn’t feel hurt.”
“You’re not trying to matchmake me with Song Jinglan, are you?” Qin Fei’s face was full of question marks, both annoyed and amused. “And another thing, Gu Nian—women don’t only have marriage as their way out. You can’t devote yourself blindly to Song Jinglan just because he treats you well.”
Gu Nian’s upbringing was worlds apart from Qin Fei’s. “Your Highness, you are a princess. Even if you never marry, you can live well. But I… my mother died early, and though my father holds high office, he only loves my stepmother and sister. I have nothing.”
“But you can fight for yourself, seize what you want.” Qin Fei said.
Gu Nian blinked. “Fight? Seize what?”
Qin Fei thought hard. She wasn’t a teacher, nor did she know how to lecture someone into changing their mindset. So she tried to explain in terms Gu Nian could grasp: “For example, you can fight for the life you want. If you don’t want to be confined in the Chancellor’s manor, then escape it.”
“If you don’t want to be shackled by the world, then run to a wider sky. There’s always a way to survive.”
In the original story, Gu Nian’s ending was far too tragic. Qin Fei knew she shouldn’t meddle, nor did she have the brains to rewrite the heroine’s fate. She only hoped Gu Nian could awaken to her own agency.
After all, Gu Nian was the heroine—surely her mind was sharper than Qin Fei’s.
“How could I escape the Chancellor’s manor?” Gu Nian shook her head. “Your Highness, I am the Chancellor’s legitimate daughter, his eldest. If I fled, Father would be condemned for failing to raise me properly. The entire manor would bear the shame. Even my sister—though foolish, she is still my blood—if implicated, she might never be able to marry.”
“…”
Qin Fei could only sigh. Gu Nian’s thinking was too rigid, and she was powerless to change it. “Forget it. This is your life. I shouldn’t interfere. You’ll have to decide for yourself.”
Gu Nian frowned, silent for a long while. Then she handed over the food box she had brought. “I made these pastries this morning. Your Highness can warm them up later and eat.”
Qin Fei looked at the box of pastries and felt embarrassed to eat them. “Aren’t you ill?”
Gu Nian’s lips curved gently, her voice soft. “I felt much better this morning. I had planned to attend lessons today, but Master was busy preparing for the Lantern Festival. These pastries were made for Your Highness. It’s been several days since I last saw you, and I worried you might want something to eat, so I brought them over.”
Qin Fei opened her mouth, unsure what to say.
“In a few days… would Your Highness have time?” Gu Nian asked.
Qin Fei: “Is something the matter?”
Gu Nian: “It’s spring now. I saw my second sister go boating with friends, and I thought to invite Your Highness to join us.”
“Boating sounds wonderful.” Qin Fei perked up immediately at the idea of fun. But before she could say more, Er Ya came over, interrupting their conversation.
“Miss Gu, the Third Princess heard you entered the palace and has specially invited you to Yuxiu Palace for a talk,” Er Ya reported.
Qin Fei frowned. “What trick is she up to now?”
Er Ya shook her head. “I don’t know. The maids from Yuxiu Palace said the Third Princess was scolded by His Majesty and now wishes to apologize to Miss Gu.”
Apologize? Anyone with half a brain would know that was impossible. That little green tea was surely plotting something nasty.
“Go tell Yuxiu Palace that Gu Nian stays here. Qin Xiu can wait her turn.” Qin Fei bit into a pastry and waved Er Ya off to refuse the summons.
Gu Nian hesitated. “Your Highness, I fear this isn’t wise. You already offended the Third Princess once because of me. If you refuse her again today, it might harm your sisterly bond.”
“That’s nothing you need to worry about.” Qin Fei ate another pastry, her mouth dry, and washed it down with flower tea. “Between me and Qin Xiu, there is no such thing as sisterly affection. It doesn’t compare at all to the bond between you and me.”
Gu Nian was even more moved by these words. “That makes it all the more important. Even if relations with the Third Princess are poor, appearances must be maintained. If His Majesty learns you’re making things difficult for her, he’ll be displeased.”
With that, Gu Nian rose from her seat, bowed to Qin Fei, and followed Er Ya a few steps—before turning back to glance at Qin Fei once more.
Gu Nian bowed her head slightly, voice soft. “Your Highness, I truly thank you for valuing me so much.”
From her sleeve, she drew out a handkerchief, inside which lay a red, handwoven cord with a small pendant engraved with the character *Fei*. “This… I hope you won’t dislike it.”
Qin Fei accepted the cord. “What is this?”
Gu Nian lowered her gaze, a little embarrassed. “These past days, while bedridden, I kept thinking of Your Highness’s kindness. So I wove this safety charm and had the servants send it to Zhen Guo Temple for consecration. It should bring peace.” Her cheeks flushed deeper as she added, “My luck isn’t good, so after it was blessed, I never touched it—kept it wrapped in cloth so my misfortune wouldn’t taint it.”
The more Qin Fei listened, the more stunned her expression became.
“It’s worth little, but they say Zhen Guo Temple is very efficacious. I hope this cord will keep Your Highness safe and smooth in all things.”
Only after saying this did Gu Nian exhale, smiling again. Bathed in sunlight, she looked to Qin Fei like a little angel descended to earth. “Then I’ll take my leave. Do eat the pastries soon—they won’t taste good if left too long.”
Qin Fei watched her figure retreat until it vanished from Baohua Palace. In her palm, the red cord gleamed brilliantly under the sun, vivid and bright.
“Ah—” Qin Fei sighed, staring blankly at the safety cord carved with her name.
Er Ya returned from seeing Gu Nian out, only to find Qin Fei wearing that familiar troubled look.
“What’s wrong, Your Highness? Constipated?” Er Ya asked kindly.
“…”
Qin Fei slipped the cord onto her wrist. “Er Ya, if someone treats you with all their heart, what would you do?”
Er Ya blushed. “Of course I’d marry him.”
“Hopeless romantic.” Qin Fei rolled her eyes and turned back toward her chambers.
“Your Highness, you just ate pastries and now you’re going to sleep?” Er Ya called after her. “You’ll get indigestion.”
Qin Fei: “I’m going to change clothes. We’re heading to Yuxiu Palace.”
Inside Yuxiu Palace, Qin Xiu put on a false show of apologizing to Gu Nian. Once the Emperor’s spies departed, satisfied, her eyes flashed with malice.
“Miss Gu, I heard your health is poor. This ginseng was brought by my mother. Try it—it’s very nourishing.” Qin Xiu handed over a cup of ginseng tea.
Having been tricked once before, Gu Nian would not be fooled again. She declined politely: “I just had tea at Baohua Palace and cannot drink more. Thank you for Your Highness’s kindness.”
“Had tea already?” Qin Xiu’s expression cooled. “Was it truly that, or do you simply prefer Baohua Palace’s tea and look down on mine?”
Gu Nian frowned. “Of course not. Your Highness exaggerates. I am but a minister’s daughter. You are of imperial blood. How could I look down on Yuxiu Palace?”
“Is that so?” Qin Xiu arched her brow.
“It is.” Gu Nian nodded.
“Then drink a sip, to show your sincerity.” With no outsiders present, Qin Xiu dropped her mask of sweetness, her smile edged with provocation.
Gu Nian lowered her head. “I truly cannot drink more. Please don’t press me.”
Qin Xiu laughed, though her eyes were cold. “Brother Jinglan likes you so much. I thought you were refined and outstanding. But it seems your heart is too lofty—even Yuxiu Palace isn’t good enough. Your sister is far more sensible.”
“I don’t understand what Your Highness means by ‘likes.’” Gu Nian paused. “Is the Third Princess making things difficult for me because of Young Master Song?”
“Don’t think I don’t know. Brother Jinglan may act indifferent, but secretly, he’s helped you plenty.” Qin Xiu’s gaze sharpened. “If I marry into the Song family, won’t you be competing with me for favor?”
“…I dare not, nor do I have such thoughts.” Gu Nian’s frail body looked even paler.
Qin Xiu sneered at the sickly girl, deliberately cruel. “Attend me! Miss Gu has insulted me. Clearly, she’s never learned proper manners. Teach her.”
Gu Nian froze. “I did not insult Your Highness.”
Qin Xiu smiled thinly. “But I read contempt in your eyes.”
At once, three or five old matrons stepped forward, lining up before Gu Nian.
“These are seasoned women of Yuxiu Palace. They’ll teach you well.” Qin Xiu raised her hand. “Show Miss Gu how one should greet a princess.”
The matrons dropped to their knees before Qin Xiu in perfect unison.
Qin Xiu rose from her chair, looking at Gu Nian. “Understand? This is respect.” She walked past each kneeling woman, nodding in satisfaction—until she reached the last one. Her smile froze, her tone turning sharp. “Why are you still standing?”
The figure not only remained upright but spoke boldly: “What? You expect me to kowtow to you?”
The voice made Qin Xiu’s heart sink. Qin Fei towered over her, and when Qin Xiu looked up, she met Qin Fei’s nostrils directly. Her face twisted in shock.
Qin Fei raised a brow. “What’s this? Standing so close—trying to steal a kiss from me?”