Yu Qiao went straight back to her room, using powder to cover most of the red marks on her face. She then took out the peony wrapped in her handkerchief and washed it carefully with clean water, feeling quite distressed. “Ah, it’s already mid-August. It was so hard to find a peony blooming this splendidly. I originally planned to make a few pastries with it—what a pity.”
“Meow~” A half-black, half-white furry ball darted in through the window and scurried around the room.
“Oh dear, my little ancestor, please stop running! Look how dirty you are. Don’t claw at my bed curtains—they’re made of cloud-silk gauze!”
It took Yu Qiao a great deal of effort to finally catch the “white” cat in her hands. By then, there was no trace of cloud-silk gauze by the bed—it was more like charcoal-colored curtains.
Panting heavily from exhaustion, she scolded angrily, “You little thing, I ought to break your legs so you can’t cause any more trouble.”
Though her words were harsh, Yu Qiao didn’t use even a third of her strength. But after patting the cat a few times, she noticed something sticky and dark red on her hand—like… blood.
“Little ancestor, I didn’t use much force. Where are you hurt?” Panicked, Yu Qiao cradled the cat in her arms, inspecting it from head to tail. She saw traces of blood still clinging to the cat’s mouth, along with some shredded green feathers inside.
Suddenly, shouts came from outside the room. A young maid rushed in frantically. “It’s terrible, Sister Qiao! The green parrot with red feathers under its wings, the one the Sixth Prince gave to the master, is gone!”
This Sixth Prince, only thirteen years old this year, was also born to Empress Zhaohe. His name was Shang Jingheng, and he was the Crown Prince’s full-blooded younger brother. The two brothers had been very close since childhood.
Yu Qiao asked softly, “Don’t panic. Tell me properly, how did it disappear?”
The maid replied, “The birdkeeper said that when he went to feed it this morning, he found the cage door open, but the parrot was gone. He didn’t dare make a fuss and searched alone for most of the day. When he couldn’t find it, he came to us to look for you, Sister. The birdkeeper is kneeling outside the courtyard right now.”
Yu Qiao tightened her grip on the cat, glancing sideways at the dark red stain on her palm, a suspicion slowly forming in her mind. After a moment, she chuckled lightly and said, “I thought it was something serious. It’s just a bird—nothing of great value. Besides, since it was a gift from the Sixth Prince, he certainly won’t hold it against the master. Go tell the birdkeeper that he’s lucky this time. Out of dozens of rare birds, it just happened to be the Sixth Prince’s that went missing. If it had been any other, he would have been beyond redemption. This time, we’ll let it slide, but deduct his monthly allowance.”
Hearing this, the maid also breathed a sigh of relief. “Sister Qiao, you truly are a kind person. I’ll thank you on behalf of the birdkeeper.”
“Go on.”
“Yes,” the maid replied cheerfully and hurried away.
Seeing that the maid had left, Yu Qiao grabbed the cat by the scruff of its neck and scolded, “This is outrageous. Who’s been shorting you on food that you had to go provoke that parrot? And you’re quite capable, aren’t you—even managing to open the cage.”
Yu Qiao added some soapberries to the basin of clean water she had used earlier to wash the peony and gently scrubbed the cat. Only after washing it clean could she see that it was a cat with extremely white and glossy fur. Looking at the white cat, Yu Qiao felt she couldn’t let this go just like that. She grabbed the cat’s hindquarters and gave it a few firm smacks. “Don’t ever do this again. If you’re hungry, come back—there’s plenty of food for you. Do you understand?”
The cat, provoked by the blows, scratched Yu Qiao’s hand fiercely, breaking the skin and drawing a few streaks of blood. As Yu Qiao’s grip loosened, the cat darted off to who-knows-where.
Yu Qiao picked up the basin of dirty water and sighed heavily. “Ah, forget it. It’s also that parrot’s fault. If it hadn’t seen the cage door open and flown out, with such a small opening, you couldn’t have caught it anyway. This was simply its fate.”
It didn’t understand—for a caged bird, a moment of freedom often signals the approach of its end, not a blessing. Though the heart may yearn for the wild forests and dense woods, returning is a near-impossible feat, likely ending in death.
A young maid walked to the courtyard and helped the aviculturist to his feet. “Sister Qiao said she’ll only deduct one month’s wages from you. You needn’t worry anymore.”
“Really?” Upon hearing this, the aviculturist was so overjoyed he nearly knelt again. “Thank you for your great mercy, Miss Qiao! Thank you for your great mercy!”
The little maid hurriedly supported him. “Oh dear, please get up quickly. I told you earlier, no one but Sister Qiao lives up to her name—clever in mind, skillful in hand, and even more exquisite in appearance. She’s always fair in rewarding and punishing us servants. I was sure your matter wouldn’t be a problem, but you wouldn’t believe me, scaring me into worrying alongside you.”
The aviculturist chimed in, “Truly a ‘Miss Qiao’ indeed. It’s just a pity she’s spent her best years worn down by His Highness. I was too anxious earlier, young lady, please don’t blame me.”
“Oh dear, you mustn’t speak carelessly. Although Miss Qiao hasn’t formally entered the household yet, everyone in our mansion treats her as the proper mistress. It’s only a matter of these next couple of years. Since our masters aren’t anxious, why should we be?”
“Yes, yes, you’re quite right, young lady.”
The aviculturist returned to the aviary and stared at the empty birdcage, filled with confusion. He had clearly fastened the cage door securely yesterday—how could the bird have vanished without a trace?
This cage was originally a tribute from a foreign land, made entirely of silver with gold wire wrapped around the exterior. Inside, it had three levels in total—one each for resting, eating and drinking, and playing—each adorned with many intricate details. Its only flaw was that it was too large and heavy to carry around for walks; the bird could only be released for a flight at fixed times each day.
The aviculturist sighed heavily again, caught a hunting falcon sent by a lower fourth-rank official, and placed it inside. Then, fearing another mistake, he found a notebook and resolved to keep daily records from then on, finally setting his mind at ease.
Night gradually deepened. The room was unlit and quite dark, with Ling Su having dozed off lightly by Qu Yi’s bedside at some point.
By the time Qu Yi awoke, most of her fever had subsided, though she still felt somewhat dazed. The events of the morning flooded her mind one by one, vexing her so much she burrowed into the blankets. For no other reason than this: it seemed she had utterly destroyed her sister’s image of being reserved and aloof, and she had no idea how to continue the act from now on.
She was thirsty but reluctant to wake Ling Su, so she lifted the covers and quietly began climbing out of bed. Yet the moment she moved, Ling Su stirred awake.
“Young lady, why didn’t you call me when you woke up? Are you still feeling unwell anywhere?”
Qu Yi smiled. “Not really uncomfortable anymore, just a bit thirsty.”
Ling Su got up to pour a cup of tea but found the water had gone completely cold. Bringing it to Qu Yi, she said, “This water is cold. Drink just a little to moisten your throat first, and I’ll go fetch a fresh pot of hot water for you.”
Qu Yi took the teacup and sipped, obediently replying, “Thank you for your trouble, Sister Ling.”
Ling Su said, “In this mansion, young lady, it’s better if you just call me Ling Su.”
Qu Yi naturally understood. “Alright.”
Unfortunately, just as Ling Su had left, Yu Qiao entered with light, hurried steps. Seeing Qu Yi awake, she remarked with a sarcastic tone, “Oh, you’re awake. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Truly, one must say, your eyes are like autumn waters, gentle and full of affection, so very lovely. No wonder our Crown Prince is so concerned about you, urging me to come check if you’re feeling better.”
Qu Yi did not recognize Yu Qiao but sensed a faint, almost imperceptible hostility from her.
Qu Yi softly replied, “Thank His Highness for his concern. I am much better now.”
Upon hearing this, Yu Qiao put on a smile so fake it could hardly be more so. “I suppose His Highness worried for nothing. After all, what kind of person are you? It’s just a fever—surely you wouldn’t have lain here and died from it?”
Her words were clearly meant to provoke.
Qu Yi’s voice turned cold. “You’ve asked your questions. You may leave now.”
“Leave? This is the Crown Prince’s Residence. You are not my master—how can you dictate whether I stay or go?”
Qu Yi asked sternly, “Every word you speak is barbed, deliberately provoking me. What is your intention?”
Yu Qiao laughed heartily and said frankly, “What could I possibly do with you here? I merely admire you and wished to seek your guidance. I never expected your temper to be so mild, still not losing your composure.”
Before her words had fully faded, Yu Qiao unexpectedly gathered her inner power and struck a palm toward Qu Yi.
“Miss!”
Ling Su, who had just reached the doorway, saw this and, in fright, threw the boiling water kettle aside, leaping forward to block the blow.
The kettle crashed to the ground with a loud shatter. Yu Qiao nimbly dodged, not a single drop of water splashing onto her clothes.
Qu Yi was left stunned, her heart still racing from the shock.
Ling Su patted Qu Yi’s shoulder reassuringly, then turned and scolded, “What is wrong with you, always stirring up trouble? I was only gone for a moment, and you’ve already come to provoke the young lady. She just woke from her illness—how could she withstand your antics?”
But Yu Qiao keenly sensed something amiss. She shed her feigned expressions and asked seriously, “Why didn’t the Pavilion Master strike back?”
Ling Su angrily cut in, “Why don’t you go ask your Crown Prince? Our Pavilion Master sealed her inner power long ago as a gesture of sincerity. Now she’s even weaker than an ordinary woman—how could she possibly spar with you? Before you act, you should consult your master to avoid causing others to suffer!”
“Sealed her inner power?” Yu Qiao repeated in a daze. She glanced at Qu Yi and then chuckled softly, as if mocking or perhaps bitter. “Has she truly gone mad?”
Ling Su had no patience for further conversation and snapped angrily, “Yes, sealed, completely sealed. Now hurry up and get out!”
“Heh, madness is good. That makes her all the more suited to staying in this residence.” Yu Qiao’s smile seemed brighter and more genuine for a moment. After a pause, she added softly, “His Highness said that since Miss Qu is ill today, if she’s hungry, the kitchen can prepare some easily digestible porridge. But tomorrow morning, the young lady must still come to the front courtyard to dine with His Highness.”
Ling Su was thoroughly annoyed and retorted harshly, “Our young lady won’t go. Tell your Crown Prince to eat alone. Now get out of here—don’t linger and annoy us.”
Yu Qiao seemed utterly deaf to her scolding, still smiling serenely. For the first time, she performed a proper, respectful bow. “Qiao’er will take her leave now.”
With that, she turned and left without the slightest hesitation.
“Madwoman!” Ling Su cursed after Yu Qiao.
Qu Yi asked in confusion, “Who is she?”
Ling Su then recounted the previous events to Qu Yi in detail.
“You must be especially wary of her in daily life. I always feel she’s not just acting out of jealousy—it seems like she’s hiding something. Just take the incident with the rat as an example: withdrawing people because of it and leaving us unattended at night is the first strange occurrence.”
Qu Yi weighed her words before speaking, “Do you think Yu Qiao might not be aligned with the Crown Prince?”
Ling Su pondered thoughtfully, “Do you know that young masters from prominent families have bedmaids placed with them from childhood?”
Qu Yi replied, “Of course I know. My elder brother used to have one, but he didn’t like her much, so she wasn’t taken into his household later.”
“Then do you know that the Crown Prince’s bedmaid, by tradition, is personally instructed by the Empress, taught exceptional skills to assist the new emperor? For example, the birth mother of the Fifth Prince, the late Talented Lady Hua, was personally trained by the current Empress Dowager. Back then, the Empress Dowager trained four women in total, each with their own expertise, but only Talented Lady Hua entered the current Emperor’s chambers. I recall the records in the Pavilion describe Talented Lady Hua as plain in appearance, exceptionally clever, and particularly skilled in deceptive formations.”
Qu Yi nodded in understanding, “I know of Talented Lady Hua. Among the books my brother once gave me, there was one rumored to be her personal journal. The formations recorded in it were exceptionally profound—some I still don’t understand to this day, and even those I do comprehend, I can’t quite master. It’s a pity she died so early; otherwise, I would have definitely sought her as my teacher.”
Ling Su continued, “Empress Zhaohe was different from the Empress Dowager. She devoted all her efforts to training only one woman. According to Pavilion records, this woman mastered all six arts, was proficient in both medicine and poison, possessed extremely high martial skills, and grew up alongside the Crown Prince since childhood. The Empress believed this would make the woman utterly devoted, and after being taken into the household, they would be even more harmonious.”
“You mean Yu Qiao is…”
Ling Su nodded.
Qu Yi lowered her gaze and said, “If that’s the case, then it’s almost impossible for Yu Qiao to betray the Crown Prince. Perhaps this is just a scheme by the Crown Prince to test you and me. But why would he go to such lengths? I’m already here—he could simply lock me up if he wanted to. Wouldn’t that be easier?”