Just a glimpse of her silhouette was enough to tell she was a woman of extraordinary beauty.
Prince Wu quickly paid the bill and rushed down the tavern stairs, hurrying after the carriage.
The carriage moved slowly through the bustling streets before turning onto a quieter, wider road. It came to a stop, the golden bells hanging from its edges clinking softly.
Prince Wu straightened his robes and was about to approach when—suddenly—a cold glint flashed before his eyes. His hair stood on end as a strand of his brown curls drifted to the ground.
By the time he realized what had happened, a sharp blade was pressed against his vulnerable neck.
The steel was icy.
The edge rested against his throat; the slightest pressure could end his life right then and there.
Prince Wu could already feel the chilling bite of the blade. He swallowed nervously, thinking, Da Qing truly lives up to its reputation—so many formidable warriors here.
His eyes shifted slowly to the tall military officer holding the blade. The man had sharp brows, cold eyes, and an expression like frost—his demeanor unmistakably that of a soldier.
Prince Wu clasped his hands in a conciliatory gesture. "A misunderstanding, General! This prince is merely an envoy from the Eastern Lands, escorting tribute—no ill intent! I only wished to acquaint myself with the lady in the carriage, whose beauty is unmatched—"
Before he could finish, the blade pressed closer.
His neck stung.
It must have drawn blood.
The carriage curtain lifted, and Le You called out, "Liang Huaichuan, don’t waste time with him. Hurry, we must enter the palace."
Le You was anxious to see her younger brother, the emperor, and inquire about their mother’s condition. Liang Huaichuan withdrew the blade. "As you wish."
The carriage departed.
Prince Wu stood frozen in place, only now noticing the insignia of the princess’s estate on the luxurious carriage. The stunning woman inside was none other than Le You, the beloved princess of Da Qing.
Rumors said Princess Le You was doted upon, living in a lavish estate with the highest stipend—and her beauty was unparalleled.
"Could Princess Le You be my destined bride?" Prince Wu murmured to himself.
But then he recalled the terrifyingly skilled man by her side and instinctively touched his neck. A small cut oozed blood.
As a man himself, Prince Wu recognized the raw dominance in Liang Huaichuan.
If Prince Wu dared approach Le You again, Liang Huaichuan would likely sever his handsome head without hesitation.
Rubbing the fresh wound on his neck, Prince Wu sighed. "Never mind. Best not risk it. I’ll find another beauty."
He turned back toward the streets, intent on continuing his search. But after only a few steps, two men who looked like stewards blocked his path.
Prince Wu shrank back. "Sent by the princess’s estate to silence me? I’ve done nothing!"
The men bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, rest assured. We are stewards of the Yan residence. Our mistress, Princess Donglin, learned of your arrival in Yanjing City and sent us to escort you home for a reunion."
Prince Wu exhaled in relief—his elder sister had summoned him. He straightened his appearance and followed the stewards back to the Yan estate.
The siblings embraced, weeping.
Prince Wu took in the opulent inner courtyard, the expensive silks adorning Princess Donglin, the lavish feast prepared for him, and the brand-new robes laid out in his honor.
He was speechless. He knew his sister had established herself well in Da Qing, but he hadn’t expected this level of comfort.
Under his sister’s expectant gaze, Prince Wu changed into the exquisite new robes. Woven from Shu brocade and embroidered with auspicious clouds and mythical beasts, they were both warm and magnificent. Never had he worn such fine clothing.
Turning before the bronze mirror, he marveled at how the robes elevated his already striking looks to new heights.
And there was an entire chest of such garments waiting for him.
Tears welled in his eyes. "Sister, maybe I should stop being a prince. Can you just take care of me from now on?"
Princess Donglin’s heart ached.
The sight of his old, threadbare robes told her everything about his hardships over the years. Her eyes glistened as she smacked his head in exasperation. "Still as hopeless as when you were a child. A man should aspire to greatness—not rely on his sister."
Prince Wu rubbed his head, grinning foolishly but happily.
After the hearty meal, Prince Wu began questioning Princess Donglin about the most beautiful woman in Da Qing.
She told him the current talk of Yanjing City was the daughter of a certain minister. However, Princess Donglin warned him to abandon any hopes—daughters of noble families were destined for the imperial harem.
With the new emperor’s ascension and an empty inner court, every official schemed to place their daughters there.
A minor prince from a small kingdom like Prince Wu held less influence than a fifth-rank official in Qing State. He stood no chance of marrying a nobleman’s daughter.
Princess Donglin added sternly, "And don’t even think about Princess Le You. She and Liang Huaichuan are deeply attached. The emperor will likely grant them a marriage in a few years."
Prince Wu shuddered, recalling the princess’s cold-faced guard.
Princess Donglin softened. "But if any other maiden in Yanjing City catches your eye, just tell me. I’ll arrange an introduction."
Now firmly established in Qing State, Princess Donglin thrived under the dowager empress’s patronage.
But Prince Wu only wanted to fulfill the prophecy of Yue Kingdom’s royal diviner—to wed the most beautiful woman in Qing State.
Yanjing City was full of blossoms and beauties, yet none had captured his heart.
After a moment’s thought, he suddenly asked, "Sister, I’ve heard the dowager empress, Shen Wei, is breathtakingly beautiful. Do you think—"
Before he could finish, Princess Donglin’s fist came crashing down. "You reckless fool! How dare you covet the dowager empress? Do you have a death wish—or do you want to drag all of the Eastern Lands down with you?"
Prince Wu had endured many beatings from his sister in childhood. Now, as an adult, her familiar fists rained down again. He clutched his head, wailing, "Sister! I didn’t mean it like that! Aaaah—stop! I was wrong! I admit it!"
The Yan estate echoed with his cries for a long, long time.
...
...
In the Southern Chu palace, Shen Wei slept soundly and woke at dawn to eat and take her medicine.
The morning sun was bright. Shen Wei had the maids bring her local chronicles of Southern Chu and reclined under the eaves, leisurely reading.
Time slipped by unnoticed as the courtyard warmed with sunlight, Shen Wei lost in the pages.
Caizhu rushed in, stumbling in her haste, her face deathly pale as if she’d seen something horrifying.
Shen Wei set down her book and asked gently, "Why the panic? What’s happened?"
Caizhu staggered to her feet, trembling. "My lady, Concubine Qin has sent someone... She requests your presence at Hanzhang Palace."
