Many years ago, when Qiu Xinran studied at the academy, she once read Xia Xiuyan’s physiognomy.
At the time, Princess Qinghe was still alive—a girl of eleven or twelve, her hair tied into two little buns. Resting her chin in her hands, she asked curiously, “Xinran, can you tell a person’s fate at a single glance?”
Qiu Xinran shook her head, but the princess didn’t believe her. Leaning closer, she whispered conspiratorially, “Then take a look at Xia Shizi—what will become of him in the future?”
Following her gaze, Qiu Xinran looked toward the southeast corner of the room, where the sunlight was best. Xia Xiuyan, frail and often ill, usually sat there. Even so, compared to the other princes, his complexion was much paler—perhaps because he didn’t attend riding and archery lessons.
As if sensing something, the boy in the corner looked up from his book and met her gaze, raising an eyebrow slightly.
Qiu Xinran held his gaze for a moment before casually looking away. “Why are you asking about him?”
Princess Qinghe frowned in concern. “A few days ago, Xiaoling told me she wants to marry Xia Shizi when she grows up. But he’s so weak… what if he doesn’t live long enough to wait for her?”
The little princess looked utterly serious, her delicate brows knit together like two tiny caterpillars. Qiu Xinran couldn’t help but laugh.
“Then Your Highness should persuade Miss Han to like someone else.”
Princess Qinghe’s eyes widened in alarm. She leaned in even closer, whispering anxiously, “He… he really has a short life ahead of him?”
“Hard to say whether it’s short,” Qiu Xinran replied as she continued writing calmly, “but judging by his features—he’s destined to be cold-hearted.”
…
Now, the very same Marquis of Dingbei—said to have a cold-hearted face—stood by the lake, looking at her with a faint, knowing smile.
“Qiu Sicheng,” he said, “long time no see.”
Qiu Xinran couldn’t tell why, but she felt as though there was a hint of regret hidden in his tone. For a moment, she didn’t know how to respond.
“I’ve been well. It seems, Marquis, that your health has improved greatly.”
“Thanks to you,” Xia Xiuyan replied meaningfully. “A sick man can’t lead troops.”
Qiu Xinran let out a dry laugh. “You may not know, Marquis, but I no longer serve in the Bureau of Astronomy.”
He paused slightly, then said with faint sarcasm, “His Majesty was actually willing to let you leave the palace?”
Such words could be considered disrespectful, but given his current standing, even if the Emperor Xuande heard it, he would likely only laugh it off. Qiu Xinran, now a commoner, pretended not to hear, lowering her gaze toward the lake and subtly stepping back.
Xia Xiuyan seemed to notice and said oddly, “Daoist, your courage has grown smaller over the years.”
She cupped her hands awkwardly. “The night air is cold. I won’t disturb the Marquis any longer—”
Before she could finish, a voice called out from a nearby path.
“My lord, they’re looking for you inside!”
It was He Zhong, slightly drunk and overly energetic. When Xia Xiuyan turned, He Zhong finally noticed someone standing behind him—but in the dim light, he couldn’t even tell whether it was a man or woman. Normally he would have withdrawn tactfully, but in his current state, he simply stood there, squinting and staring.
Qiu Xinran suddenly remembered what he had said earlier at the banquet and instinctively stepped further behind Xia Xiuyan.
He Zhong, thinking he hadn’t been heard, walked closer.
Qiu Xinran retreated again—right to the edge of the lake.
Just as Xia Xiuyan noticed and said sharply, “Stop—”
Before he could finish, there was a startled cry—
—and a splash.
Before losing her footing, Qiu Xinran saw him turn suddenly, reaching out to grab her. But she wore narrow-sleeved riding clothes that day, and his hand brushed past her sleeve, grasping nothing.
The next instant, she plunged into the icy early-spring water, sending up a large splash.
…
By the time He Zhong realized what had happened, guards had already rushed over. Someone jumped into the lake and pulled her out.
Xia Xiuyan stood by the shore, his expression dark as he watched her being rescued.
Her hairpin had fallen off in the struggle, leaving her hair loose and clinging to her face, making her look rather disheveled. Yet, stripped of her usual Daoist neatness, she appeared more feminine. Her soaked clothes clung to her figure, outlining her form in a way that drew glances.
Before she could catch her breath, a cloak was thrown over her head. By the time she pulled it on, she was surrounded by attendants and guards and hurried off to a side hall to change.
After drinking a bowl of ginger soup and being settled to rest, no one summoned her for questioning.
…
She only learned what happened afterward from Zhou Xianyi.
Sitting in a private room at a teahouse, he said gravely, “The Emperor was quite displeased that such an incident happened at the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet. But later, it was said that the Marquis of Dingbei drank too much and behaved improperly, so no blame was assigned.”
Qiu Xinran frowned. “So drunken misconduct is enough to avoid punishment?”
Zhou Xianyi gave her a meaningful look. “Not just that. It’s mainly because the one who fell into the water was you. That’s why His Majesty let it go—and even summoned you to the palace.”
Qiu Xinran felt a bit moved. “His Majesty is benevolent.”
After a pause, Zhou Xianyi leaned closer and whispered seriously, “Tell me honestly… did the Marquis push you into the water that night?”
“… ”
Qiu Xinran rubbed her brow. “What are people in the palace saying?”
He chuckled awkwardly. “Well… considering it was you who fell in… and you two were the only ones by the lake… you couldn’t have just fallen in by yourself, right?”
She said nothing.
After a long silence, he asked again, “He didn’t push you, right?”
“When have you ever seen him play tricks in such an obvious way?”
Zhou Xianyi couldn’t argue with that. He sighed sympathetically. “Then take care. After this, he’ll probably resent you even more.”
…
A few days later, a summons from the palace arrived.
This time, when Qiu Xinran reached the gates, the guards didn’t stop her—but their curiosity was obvious. Even the young eunuch leading her inside kept glancing back at her.
She walked calmly, pretending not to notice.
When she entered the study hall, she found that besides the Emperor, there was one more person present—
Xia Xiuyan.
He sat to the side, holding a cup of tea, not even lifting his eyes when she entered.
Compared to seven years ago, the Emperor Xuande had visibly aged. As he bade her rise, he sighed, “I remember when I first met you, you were just a child. Now you carry the air of an immortal.”
She replied smoothly, “And Your Majesty remains as dignified and impressive as ever.”
The Emperor laughed.
After some pleasantries, he finally got to the point:
“The Marquis of Dingbei has only recently returned. Staying in official lodgings is inconvenient. The Empress Dowager wishes to select a proper residence for him, but he prefers not to make a fuss. Since you are skilled in feng shui, I’ll entrust this matter to you.”
Qiu Xinran hesitated. “I’ve only learned a little about geomancy. I fear I’m not equal to the task.”
“No need to be modest. I know your abilities well,” the Emperor said, then turned to Xia Xiuyan with a smile. “A man must establish a household. A Marquis without a residence—what noble lady would marry you?”
Xia Xiuyan smiled faintly and stood to accept the decree. “Then I thank Your Majesty for your grace.”
And just like that, the matter was settled—leaving Qiu Xinran no room to refuse.