Outside the hall, night had deepened, yet within Qinghui Hall the lamps shone brilliantly. Amid the clinking of cups and the crossing of wine vessels, the music of strings and bamboo instruments drifted through the air.
Emperor Pingkang was clearly in high spirits tonight. After drinking a few cups, he stroked his beard and smiled as he looked around at everyone. “On such a fine night, with the mountain breeze bringing a refreshing coolness, we cannot go without poetry.” With that, he ordered someone to summon Xu Chengwen, a Hanlin lecturer who had accompanied him on the imperial procession.
When Shen Yanshui heard the name “Xu Chengwen,” the hand holding her teacup paused for the briefest moment before she quickly returned to normal.
It seemed Xu Chengwen truly was in Emperor Pingkang’s good graces. He had accompanied the emperor during the Dragon Boat Festival celebration last time, and now he was here again.
Cui Yu glanced sideways at her slightly puffed cheeks and noticed that her attention had wandered. “A-Yan?”
“Hmm?” Hearing him, Shen Yanshui turned to look at his expression and smiled at him. “I was just thinking about something else.”
Just then, the eunuch outside announced Xu Chengwen’s arrival. Everyone turned to look.
The Lecturer Xu was only a little over twenty years old. He had handsome, refined features and a straight, dignified bearing. Dressed in the blue robes of a Hanlin official, with a plain silver belt around his waist, he possessed a calm, effortless poise despite having only recently entered officialdom.
Xu Chengwen walked before the emperor and bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty, I pay my respects to Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress...”
After the customary greetings were exchanged, Emperor Pingkang smiled and said, “Lecturer Xu, your literary talent is extraordinary. Why not let you cast the first brick and compose a poem to set the mood for the evening?”
Everyone knew that the emperor had loved poetry and literature since his youth. Though he had been occupied with state affairs after ascending the throne, he still often exchanged poems and verses with the scholars of the Hanlin Academy. At these words, everyone immediately grew attentive.
Xu Chengwen lowered his head. “I obey Your Majesty’s command.”
After a brief moment of contemplation, his clear, resonant voice rang through the hall...
When the poem ended, the entire hall fell silent for a moment. Then, waves of praise erupted. The poem was superb in every respect—its imagery, diction, and meter were all of the highest caliber.
Emperor Pingkang praised it twice in succession. “Excellent! Excellent!”
With the emperor’s lavish approval, the members of the imperial clan, as well as the consorts and noblewomen present, naturally joined in, praising the poem one after another. The atmosphere grew lively at once.
“Lecturer Xu’s poem is truly marvelous!”
“As expected of the new jinshi personally selected by His Majesty—his learning is indeed extraordinary!”
“The poem is elegant and untainted, with lofty artistic conception. Truly rare, truly rare!”
For a time, words of admiration rose one after another.
Xu Chengwen lowered his eyes slightly. There was no trace of pride on his face; he merely bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty is too kind. I am unworthy of such praise.”
Emperor Pingkang waved a hand with a laugh. “I am not being overly kind. Your poem is excellent, so of course I should praise it. Very well, take your seat.”
Several young members of the imperial clan had originally been eager to display their literary talents before the emperor. But after hearing such a fine composition, they weighed the poems they had prepared in advance against it and immediately lost their nerve. Embarrassment appeared on their faces, and none dared to steal the limelight.
The Eighth Prince sat among the guests, his complexion somewhat livid, his heart filled with frustration and irritation.
In recent days, because the Crown Princess had nearly miscarried, his mother consort had been “ill” in the palace, Fourth Brother had been confined to his residence to reflect on his actions, and his maternal uncle had been demoted and banished from the capital.
He could not shake the feeling that the way many people around him looked at him had changed. Their gazes carried mockery and schadenfreude.
Even the Seventh Prince—who had always been as tight-lipped as a gourd in his presence and never dared go against him—had actually talked back to him the last time!
Although the emperor had brought him along on this trip, he had yet to summon him in private. He had been counting on the annual poetry session to make an impression, so he had paid a handsome sum in advance to hire a ghostwriter and had prepared several poems that he considered quite fine.
But now that Xu Chengwen had produced such a poem, his own preparations clearly seemed rather unimpressive...
He anxiously glanced at the Seventh Prince sitting quietly beside him with his eyes lowered, then secretly nudged him with his elbow and whispered, “Seventh Prince, you go first.”
He naturally meant for the Seventh Prince to compose something mediocre first, after which he could present the “masterpiece” he had prepared. Only by comparison would his own brilliance stand out.
The Seventh Prince merely glanced at him, a slight frown creasing his brow, and did not move.
The Eighth Prince lowered his voice even further, impatience creeping into it. “I told you to compose something. What are you dawdling for?”
The Seventh Prince lowered his eyes and acted as though he had not heard him.
At this, the Eighth Prince felt a surge of frustration lodge in his chest, and his face flushed crimson!
The Seventh Prince, who had always been meek and submissive and never dared defy him, had actually refused him?!
He was just about to lose his temper when the voice of his Sixth Brother rang out through the hall.
“Father.”
The Sixth Prince rose to his feet and walked to the center of the hall, where he bowed toward the emperor.
He wore a moon-white brocade robe secured at the waist with a jade belt. His features were as gentle and refined as jade, his bearing calm and unhurried, and a faint smile rested at the corners of his lips.
“Father, Lecturer Xu has already set the bar high. I am no great talent, but I would like to offer a poem in the hope of bringing a smile to Your Majesty’s face.”
Emperor Pingkang smiled and nodded. “Very well. Let us hear it.”
After a moment’s thought, the Sixth Prince recited a poem praising bamboo. Using bamboo as a metaphor for men, he extolled its purity and moral integrity. Though it was not as dazzling as Xu Chengwen’s poem, it was elegant and understated, perfectly suited to his usual image as a gentleman.
After hearing it, Emperor Pingkang nodded and praised it as “not bad.” The Sixth Prince’s mother, Consort Shu, immediately wore a look of satisfaction.
The empress also smiled and offered a few words of praise.
Lady Shen, seated not far away, gazed at the Sixth Prince with even greater tenderness, the light in her eyes growing brighter.
After the Sixth Prince returned to his seat, the Second Prince rose as well.
As he stood, he casually picked up a wine cup and ambled two steps into the center of the hall. He wore a black brocade robe, his tall, slender figure carrying an air of lazy nonchalance. He looked as though he had just climbed out of bed and had yet to wake fully.
“Father.” He raised his wine cup toward the emperor with a broad grin. “I’ll join in the fun as well. Since we’re all so happy today, I’ll offer a toast in verse to add to the festivities. If it turns out poorly, I hope Father will be generous and forgive me.”
Seeing him in that state, Emperor Pingkang shook his head with a laugh. “You lazy good-for-nothing. You can hardly be bothered to open a book on ordinary days. What sort of poem could you possibly compose? Go on, let’s hear it.”
The Second Prince did not take offense. He retained his usual genial smile, and after finishing his poem, he cupped his hands toward everyone around him.
“Please, forgive its shortcomings.”
After hearing this, Emperor Pingkang merely laughed and waved his hand. Without offering further comment, he said, “That will do. Return to your seat,” and dismissed him.
Everyone present took note of this. The Second Prince had always been this way, and the people seated here were all old acquaintances. No one had expected him to produce anything remarkable.
Seeing this, the Eighth Prince did not dare wait any longer. He hurriedly rose and loudly recited the poem praising the moon that he had painstakingly prepared. The poem had been composed by someone else on his behalf, its language ornate and filled with allusions. At first hearing, it sounded quite impressive.
After listening, Emperor Pingkang merely nodded with a smile and said, “Passable.”
The Eighth Prince’s heart loosened. Though he had not received lavish praise, at least he had not disgraced himself.
Still... seeing his father’s indifferent attitude, he could not help feeling somewhat dissatisfied.
After sitting down, he could not resist glancing at the Seventh Prince, his gaze dark and resentful.
*Seventh Brother... just you wait!*
The Seventh Prince, however, seemed not to notice his stare. He remained seated upright, his expression cold and solemn.
Emperor Pingkang’s gaze swept across the hall before finally settling on the Crown Prince.
“Does the Crown Prince have any fine verses to offer?”
As soon as he spoke, everyone’s eyes turned toward the Crown Prince.
Cui Yu rose unhurriedly, his voice clear and steady. “Since Father has commanded it, this son shall do his utmost.”
After only a brief moment of thought, he began to speak.
His voice was clear and resonant, deep as well, ringing through the hall like metal and stone striking one another.
The instant the first lines left his lips, the entire hall fell silent. Then came soft gasps and murmurs of admiration.
Unlike Xu Chengwen’s serene and elegant style, the Crown Prince’s poem was grand in scale and broad in spirit, leaving everyone dazzled.
Emperor Pingkang slapped his palm against the table and burst into laughter. This time, his laughter was even louder and more uninhibited than before.
Only then did the people in the hall recover themselves, and waves of praise rose one after another.
“The Crown Prince’s poem is truly magnificent. It is breathtaking!”
“...Such grandeur is beyond the reach of ordinary men!”
“His Highness is a man of extraordinary talent. We bow in admiration!”
The Sixth Prince’s fingers tightened slightly around his wine cup, yet his face retained its warm, gentle smile as he joined the others in praising the Crown Prince.
The Eighth Prince’s expression grew even uglier.
At a seat in the corner of the hall, Xu Chengwen sat upright and slowly lifted his eyes. His gaze passed over the crowd and came to rest on the Crown Prince’s place.
That smoky-blue figure was turned slightly to the side, her brows and eyes curved with a bright smile as she looked at the person beside her. The smile was dazzling enough to make one’s eyes ache.
She seemed... to be doing very well. The Crown Prince clearly doted on her, too...
He lowered his eyes, pressed his lips together, then picked up the wine cup before him and drained it in one swallow.
The wine was slightly bitter as it slid down his throat.
After that, several more members of the imperial clan rose to offer poems or improvise verses inspired by the scene before them, and the banquet grew lively once more.
Emperor Pingkang listened with great enjoyment, his imperial countenance beaming with pleasure. He immediately rewarded the Crown Prince, the Sixth Prince, Xu Chengwen, and a clansman who had performed particularly well with dishes from the imperial table, as a mark of his favor.
The four men rose together to offer their thanks. The Eighth Prince watched, and the bitterness in his heart deepened.
The music began again in the hall. Amid the clinking of cups and the flowing of wine, the banquet grew increasingly animated.
Lady Shen lifted her teacup and took an absentminded sip, her indifferent gaze sweeping across the hall.
When her eyes passed over one particular direction, they suddenly came to a halt—
Xu Chengwen.
Lady Shen followed his gaze, her brows drawing together slightly.
At the Eastern Palace’s table, her half-sister was tilting her head, her brows and eyes curved as she smiled brightly at the Crown Prince beside her. The Crown Prince, in turn, had leaned toward her, angling his ear to listen...
Her fingers tightened around her teacup. The scene before her was exceptionally grating.
Aside from being somewhat more beautiful than most, what else did her half-sister have to recommend her? She had already entered the Eastern Palace and become the Crown Prince’s woman, yet she could still make someone like Xu Chengwen remain hopelessly devoted to her?
Lady Shen’s lips pressed into a thin line.
Heaven had given her such an extraordinary opportunity, but so far, she had merely relied on fragments of memory from her dreams to earn a little favor in His Majesty’s eyes. And yet... her half-sister had clearly taken a different path from the one in her previous life. She had entered the Eastern Palace and somehow won the Crown Prince’s affection as well!
Even if the Crown Prince and the Eastern Palace were destined to collapse, the smile on her half-sister’s face at this very moment was still far too... grating.
Hmph.
She wondered—if the Crown Prince learned that her half-sister had been betrothed to Xu Chengwen before entering the Eastern Palace, and that she had even secretly arranged to meet someone... would he still dote on her so deeply?
Shen Yanshui was completely unaware of the gazes directed her way. There had been no shortage of eyes upon her throughout the evening.
At that moment, her heart and mind held only the Crown Prince’s figure.
After Cui Yu took his seat, he saw her gazing at him with a pair of peach-blossom eyes that seemed to sparkle with little stars. One moment she was pouring him wine, the next she was peeling fruit for him, and then she even tried to secretly massage his legs...
He hurriedly caught her little hand.
Shen Yanshui could not help pressing her lips together to hide a secret smile.
The tips of Cui Yu’s ears flushed red. He glanced at her several times without making it obvious.
He simply felt that A-Yan was... unusually attentive today.
She had always been a little clingy, but apart from when they were in bed, she had never been quite so... enthusiastic during the day.
As the night deepened, the family banquet came to an end.
From Qinghui Hall to Chengxin Hall, moonlight accompanied them all the way. Mountain winds brushed past as the bamboo forest rustled softly, while the air was filled with the fresh fragrance of grass and trees—cool and soothing to the heart.
By the time they returned to Chengxin Hall, it was already nearly midnight.
Yet after Chunping helped Shen Yanshui bathe and change, she suddenly felt wide awake.
When she came out in her nightclothes, her fair, lustrous face still carried the rosy flush left by the steam.
Cui Yu had already finished bathing and was reclining against the headboard, a scroll in his hand.
When he saw her enter, he set the book aside and let his gaze fall upon her.
Shen Yanshui climbed onto the bed and slipped beneath the thin quilt, her bright eyes fixed on him.
“Your Highness,” she said, edging closer, her voice filled with undisguised admiration. “I had no idea you were so accomplished at poetry and prose as well. You really are amazing.”
Cui Yu lowered his eyes to look at her.
When it came to official affairs, he had always been most impatient with empty flattery. But whenever A-Yan praised him, he found himself thoroughly pleased.
The corners of his lips curved slightly, though his expression remained composed. He said淡ently, “Poetry is merely a minor pursuit. It is nothing worth mentioning.”
Shen Yanshui did not agree in the slightest. “Anyone who is skilled at poetry and prose is truly remarkable!” Otherwise, where would that leave the likes of Li Bai and Du Fu?
She suddenly seemed to remember something. Leaning in eagerly, she hugged his arm and gave it a gentle shake. “Your Highness, could you compose a poem for me as well?”
Cui Yu glanced at her.
Having just bathed, she wore only a moon-white camisole beneath a thin layer of pale green gauze. At the neckline, her fair, full breasts trembled as though ready to spill free...
He withdrew his gaze and answered evenly, “Certainly.”
Then he recited:
“Two lotus petals gather dewdrops of bloom;
A peach-blossom path leads into a jade pool.
Open and close at the dragon’s command;
Coil round the jade *pestle in tender embrace.
Pity the place ravaged by wind and rain;
The dragon’s nectar is lavishly bestowed in payment of love.”
Cui Yu’s voice remained steady, his expression proper and composed, betraying not the slightest hint of what he was actually saying...
Shen Yanshui was stunned for a long while. She listened once, then again. At first, she thought she must have misheard—but soon her eyes widened as she stared at him in disbelief.
This man... this man...
What lotus petals? What jade pool? What dragon and jade pestle? What dragon’s nectar?!
Did he think she was uneducated? She might not be able to compose poetry herself, but she could certainly understand this much!
Her face flamed.
Especially when he spoke such crude, lewd things with that perfectly solemn expression—her heart trembled, and even the tips of her ears turned red.
“Your Highness!” she glared at him. Was he doing this on purpose? Of all times, he had to tease her now, after she had become pregnant...
Ahhh! To be able to see it, touch it, and yet not have it—she was going to die of frustration!
Cui Yu looked at her with an utterly serious face, though a faint smile flickered in his eyes.
She gave a huff, then, in both embarrassment and annoyance, turned her back on him and lay down. Still not satisfied, she snatched the thin quilt over herself, rolling the whole thing around her body.
Cui Yu: “...”
He froze for a moment, then could not help laughing aloud.
Looking at the round back of her head, his shoulders shook with laughter. The dignified, solemn façade he had worn just moments ago shattered completely.
When Shen Yanshui heard him laughing, she became both mortified and angry. A slender, fair leg slipped out from beneath the quilt, and she kicked him!
Cui Yu had never been kicked by anyone on a bed before, and he was briefly taken aback.
Unable to see his expression, Shen Yanshui kicked him twice more. Just as she was about to draw her foot back, someone seized her ankle and pulled her legs apart... The thin quilt slid down her long, straight, delicate legs, gathering over her belly.
Cui Yu’s eyes darkened. Then he slowly lowered his head, personally savoring the lotus petals of his poem, probing that narrow peach-blossom path with his tongue, and drinking from the immortal waters of the jade pool...
Whatever lingering indignation Shen Yanshui had felt was soon devoured entirely. At last, only when a pool of jade waters spilled forth did she slowly release her legs from where they had been wrapped around his neck.
Only... the freshly changed bedding would need replacing again. She had just opened her mouth to say something when she saw the lower half of his face soaked through, and then...
Her cheeks reddened. Not wanting him to suffer either, she saw that he was about to get out of bed and head to the washroom, so she rose and caught hold of him.
Cui Yu looked at her, his voice hoarse. “No.” His deep voice carried a trace of helplessness.
Shen Yanshui glanced at him and suddenly said, “Hadn’t Your Highness carefully studied the booklet Nanny Wang brought over before?”
She had not seen what was inside that night, but later, while tidying up, she had caught sight of it.
Inside... ahem, the variety of positions had been remarkably extensive. For instance... playing the flute; or two pale steamed buns sandwiching a large sausage, with two eggs added besides... and all manner of other things.
She had been waiting for the Crown Prince to bring it up, but... he never had.
Cui Yu’s throat bobbed sharply, his voice hoarse. “A-Yan... there is no need for this.”
Naturally, he had read those illustrated manuals. And while reading them, such thoughts had naturally crossed his mind... Yet thoughts were only thoughts. He would never ask A-Yan to do such things for him.
To him, those were things women of lowly status had no choice but to do—setting aside their dignity and pride to please men. He did not wish for A-Yan to be like that.
Looking at him, Shen Yanshui suddenly understood why he had never mentioned it before. She blinked. “But Your Highness just did it for me too... Besides, I don’t mind. They’re only pleasures between husband and wife...”
Having said that, she gave him no chance to speak again, dragging her own...
Cui Yu’s breath caught sharply.
A long while later... it was over, and Cui Yu’s breathing gradually steadied.
Exhausted, Shen Yanshui lay sprawled on the bed without moving, allowing the Crown Prince to tend to her as he wiped her down again. He carefully wiped every part of her, inside and out, and did not forget to apply ointment for her.
Shen Yanshui lifted her eyes to look at his grave, attentive expression and pouted. “It’s all sore from rubbing...”
Cui Yu’s hand paused. Without a word, he continued applying the ointment.
Shen Yanshui gave a little huff. A moment later, he raised his hand and extinguished the candle by the bed.
In the darkness, Cui Yu reached out and drew her into his arms.
“A-Yan,” he said softly, his voice especially gentle in the night.
Shen Yanshui turned and threw herself into his embrace.
Cui Yu smiled as he held her, pulling the light coverlet higher and tucking it securely around them.
With her cheek pressed to his chest, Shen Yanshui listened to the steady, powerful beat of his heart. One hand instinctively curled around his waist, while one leg lifted and draped itself familiarly over his.
Like someone hugging an enormous human-shaped doll, she had found her most comfortable sleeping position.
Cui Yu lowered his head to look at the fluffy little head nestled against him, the corners of his lips curving upward.
Before long, even, lingering breaths came from the person in his arms.
He gave a quiet laugh, drew her a little closer, and closed his eyes.
They slept well through the night.
*
Shen Yanshui was awakened by birdsong.
Not the occasional chirps of sparrows in the capital, but real birdsong—clear and melodious, rising and falling all around her, as though the woodland in the mountains were hosting a lively concert.
Still half-asleep, she opened her eyes to find an unfamiliar bed canopy overhead.
After staring blankly for a moment, she remembered: she was in Chengxin Hall at the imperial retreat.
The place beside her was already empty. When she reached over to touch it, there was no residual warmth. He must have risen some time ago.
“Chunping,” she called, her voice husky from sleep.
The curtain was lifted, and Chunping entered with a bright smile. “You’re awake, my lady?”
Shen Yanshui sat up and rubbed her eyes. “Where is the Crown Prince?”
“The Crown Prince was up early this morning. His Majesty summoned him, so he has gone to the front hall to discuss official matters,” Chunping said as she tied back the bed curtains. “Would my lady like to get up now?”
Shen Yanshui nodded and threw back the covers with renewed vigor. “Yes.”
After a full night’s sleep, she felt utterly refreshed, brimming with energy.
Chunping helped her dress and wash, while Dongyi went to the small kitchen to have breakfast brought in.
Once Shen Yanshui was properly dressed and seated before her dressing table, she suddenly remembered something and turned to Chunping.
“By the way, do you know where the Xu family from the Ministry of Works has been lodged?” All six ministries had sent officials to accompany the imperial party. She had asked the Crown Prince about it beforehand, and the official from the Ministry of Works traveling with them this time was Xu Ling, the Right Vice Minister.
Chunping smiled. “Yesterday, this servant sent someone to inquire. I was just about to tell you—Second Miss Xu came along this time as well. She is staying over at Qiyun Pavilion.”
Shen Yanshui’s eyes lit up at once. “Quick, have Dongyi send an invitation to the Xu residence immediately.” Now that they were all at the imperial villa, it would certainly be much more fun to spend time with a friend.
Dongyi accepted the invitation, smiling brightly. “Rest assured, my lady. I’ll go at once.”
After Dongyi left, Shen Yanshui finally took her place at the table and began breakfast.
Eunuch Lin’s breakfast suited her tastes as well as ever: a large bowl of shredded chicken congee, two plates of light side dishes, five bamboo steamers of piping-hot soup dumplings and pan-fried dumplings... and two plates of honeydew melon cut into bite-sized pieces.
Shen Yanshui ate to her heart’s content.
When she had finished breakfast, she rose and said to Chunping, “Come on. Let’s take a look around nearby first.”
Chunping answered with a smile, and together with Nanny Wang, accompanied her mistress outside.
The Crown Prince’s residence at the imperial villa was far larger than Shen Yanshui had imagined.
Leaving the main hall and passing around a pinkwashed wall, the view suddenly opened up before her.
It was a small yet exquisitely arranged courtyard, paved with bluestone and planted here and there with clusters of slender bamboo. Beneath the bamboo grew hostas in full bloom, their white flowers and green leaves elegant and pleasing. Sunlight filtered through gaps in the bamboo leaves, scattering fragments of light and shadow across the ground.
On the eastern side of the courtyard stood a round moon gate. Beyond it lay a pebble path, winding deeper into the grounds...
By the time she had explored every corner of Chengxin Hall, she had already memorized the locations of everything she had seen that could be eaten—or turned into something edible.
Back in the main hall, Chunping poured her a cup of warm water and asked with a smile, “My lady, you’ve walked such a large circuit. Are you tired?”
Shen Yanshui shook her head, still full of energy. “Not at all. This place is much more interesting than the Eastern Palace.”
She took a sip of water, then suddenly recalled something. “By the way, what is Lady Zhang doing today?”
Chunping replied, “Lady Zhang has had a visitor since early this morning—Madam Zhang. She went to Lanxiu Pavilion first thing, and they should still be talking now.”
Shen Yanshui paused, then nodded in understanding.
That was right. Lady Zhang’s grandfather was the Minister of Rites, and he had also accompanied the imperial party to the villa this time. Grand Lady Zhang had come with him, so naturally she would want to visit her granddaughter.
Shen Yanshui nodded. “They should have a proper talk. It’s a reunion between grandmother and granddaughter—we shouldn’t disturb them.”
Just as they were speaking, the sound of footsteps came from outside.
Dongyi’s voice rang out beyond the door. “My lady, I’m back.”
As she spoke, the curtain was lifted. Dongyi entered with a beaming smile, followed by another person.
The newcomer wore a goose-yellow ruqun dress and had bright eyes and pearly teeth. It was none other than Xu Qingle.
The moment Shen Yanshui saw her, she rose with a smile to greet her. “Sister Xu!” She took the girl’s hand at once.
Xu Qingle hurriedly tried to curtsy. “Greetings, Worthy Lady Shen—”
Shen Yanshui quickly caught her and helped her up. “Why be so formal between sisters?”
Xu Qingle looked up, her face full of delight. “Sister Shen, it has been so long since we last met.” This was also her first time visiting the Western Hills summer palace to escape the heat. She had already been excited, and learning that Sister Shen still remembered her made her even happier.
“Come, sit,” Shen Yanshui said, leading her to the cushioned couch. Then she called out, “Chunping, bring out my beef jerky and candied peaches. And have Shouzhong make two cups of milk tea.”
Chunping answered with a smile and turned to leave.
Shen Yanshui pressed Xu Qingle down onto the couch. Looking at her, Xu Qingle could not help but purse her lips in a teasing smile. “I hear the Crown Prince dotes on Sister Shen terribly~”
Shen Yanshui laughed as well and began to gossip with her. “I heard that when the Seventh Prince came to the summer palace this time, he did not bring a single concubine with him…”
Xu Qingle was the Seventh Prince’s betrothed secondary consort and was due to enter the Seventh Prince’s residence at the end of the year.
At Sister Shen’s teasing words, Xu Qingle’s face immediately flushed crimson…
It had been a long time since the two of them had spoken together, and once they began, they could not stop.
They talked about Shen Yanshui’s life in the palace, then about recent amusing happenings beyond its walls; from rumors about the various households in the capital to which families had accompanied the imperial party to the summer palace this time…
Chunping brought in the milk tea. Each of them held a cup as they drank and chatted.
“Sister, this milk tea is so fragrant,” Xu Qingle said after taking a small sip, her eyes shining.
Shen Yanshui smiled. “I’ll write down the recipe for you later. You can have your household kitchen make it when you return.”
Xu Qingle agreed with a smile.
After they finished their milk tea, Shen Yanshui took her on a walk around Chengxin Hall.
The two strolled slowly along the pebble path, chatting and laughing all the way. It was not until the sun began to dip westward and footsteps sounded outside that the Crown Prince returned.
Xu Qingle promptly rose and bowed.
Cui Yu lifted a hand to indicate that she need not stand on ceremony. His gaze fell on Shen Yanshui, and when he saw her rosy cheeks and lively spirits, his expression eased somewhat.
Seeing this, Xu Qingle tactfully took her leave.
The next day, Xu Qingle arrived early.
This time, rather than staying in Chengxin Hall, the two went out for a walk.
Built against the mountainside, the summer palace was a harmonious scatter of pavilions and towers, with scenic views at every turn. The two followed a stone path at an unhurried pace, pausing to admire a lovely view whenever they came across one, and leaning close to breathe in the scent of flowers in full bloom.
After passing through a grove of bamboo, they suddenly emerged onto a broad meadow. Wildflowers of every color—white, yellow, and violet—were scattered across the grass like stars, lovely beyond measure.
Best of all, right in the middle of the meadow, a cat was lying there.
A plump, chubby tabby cat with sleek, glossy fur was lazily basking in the sun. At the sound of movement, its ears twitched, and it opened its eyes to look at them.
“Meow~”
Its cry was soft and coquettish, and its tail swayed back and forth.
Shen Yanshui’s heart melted at once.
“What a good kitty!” She crouched down and reached out a hand.
The cat wasn’t afraid of people at all. It ambled over and rubbed its head against her palm, then against the back of her hand. After that, it rolled over, exposing its round, plump belly.
Xu Qingle crouched down as well and cautiously stroked its stomach. The cat narrowed its eyes in contentment, a deep purring rumbling in its throat.
“Too cute!” Shen Yanshui couldn’t bear to stop petting it. “It must belong to someone at the imperial retreat. It’s so friendly.”
The two of them crouched on the grass and played with the cat for quite a while. Only after it had had enough of the sun, risen to stretch lazily, and disappeared into the flowerbeds did they finally stand up, still reluctant to leave.
They agreed to explore somewhere farther away the next day.
On the third day, having learned from the previous two, they deliberately chose secluded paths this time, lest they run into anyone else from the imperial retreat. If they did, they would have to exchange greetings and make conversation—far too much trouble.
The narrow path wound through towering ancient trees. Their dense foliage blocked out the sun, while rays of light filtered through the gaps between the branches and scattered mottled shadows across the ground. A mountain breeze swept past, carrying with it the fresh fragrance of grass and trees.
“The scenery here is beautiful,” Xu Qingle exclaimed.
Shen Yanshui nodded in agreement.
They walked on, taking in the sights, and before they knew it, they had arrived before a cluster of artificial rockeries.
The rockeries had been arranged with considerable artistry, their peaks and ridges rising and falling in a graceful, irregular pattern. Vines and flowers grew between the rocks, lending the place the rustic charm of a mountain forest. A narrow path could just barely be seen winding through the middle of the rockeries and disappearing into the depths beyond.
Shen Yanshui’s interest was piqued. “Come on, let’s go take a look.”
The moment they approached the entrance, Shen Yanshui abruptly stopped.
There was a sound.
It was faint, coming from somewhere among the rockeries.
The soft rustle of clothing, mixed with another sound—breathy and indistinct...
Shen Yanshui: “?!”
Who was being so shameless as to do that out in the open in broad daylight...?
Didn’t they value their life?
Standing behind her, Chunping had seen enough by now to understand what was happening. His expression quickly changed as well.
Xu Qingle still hadn’t caught on. She looked at Shen Yanshui in confusion and asked in a lowered voice, “Sister Shen, what’s wrong? What’s that sound?”
Shen Yanshui had no time to explain. She merely took Xu Qingle’s hand and gestured for her to stay quiet, then began retreating on tiptoe.
She might normally enjoy watching a spectacle, but the people staying at the imperial retreat were either members of the royal family or high-ranking officials. Not one of them was someone they could afford to provoke.
This was one spectacle better left unseen.
What if they witnessed something they shouldn’t... and ended up causing trouble for themselves—and for the Crown Prince as well?
The three of them held their breath and carefully backed away.
However, just as they had retreated a few steps, the sounds from deep within the rockeries suddenly stopped.
Then came a woman’s voice, tinged with sobs and a coquettish lilt. “Cousin, now that I’ve given myself to you, you must marry me.”
Another voice answered, still unmistakably youthful. “You’re the Seventh Prince’s principal wife. How could I marry you?” His tone was languid, sounding utterly indifferent.
The woman’s voice instantly rose several pitches. “Cousin, what did you say?!”
“All right, Wan, keep your voice down...”
The three of them stopped dead in their tracks.
The Seventh Prince...
The healthy flush instantly drained from Xu Qingle’s cheeks, leaving them frighteningly pale.
The two people inside continued speaking, but Shen Yanshui no longer had the heart to listen. She turned to Sister Xu, and the two exchanged a glance, both seeing disbelief and shock in the other’s eyes.
The people inside the artificial rockery... were actually the Eighth Prince and... He Wan?!
The Seventh Prince’s betrothed principal wife, the niece of Noble Consort Lan—He Wan.
Shen Yanshui: This gossip... was simply too explosive!
She took a deep breath and clasped Xu Qingle’s hand tightly, signaling for her not to panic. Then she continued retreating as quietly and carefully as possible.
Only after she had put some distance between them did she finally breathe a little easier, thinking they should be safe.
However, just as she was about to turn and leave, something suddenly caught her peripheral vision.
She whipped her head around.
Not far away, beneath an old pine tree, stood a man.
He wore a plain blue robe. Tall and lean, with a cold, severe face, he was looking straight toward them.
It was... the Seventh Prince.
Shen Yanshui: ...？？？！！！
