"Are you Song Shihuan?"
Song Xiyan couldn't help but exclaim. The last time at the Rouge Pavilion, Song Shihuan had worn a veil, so Song Xiyan hadn’t seen her current appearance.
In Song Xiyan’s eyes, Song Shihuan was still that uncouth wild girl unworthy of high society.
But today...
How had she transformed into this?
Poisonous jealousy churned endlessly in Song Xiyan’s heart. Beside her, the Crown Princess was also stunned, and the noble ladies and young misses present were equally awestruck by the sight.
"Shihuan, you look completely different from how you appeared at the birthday banquet before," the Princess of Chu spoke slowly, her smile strained.
Among the several princesses, her own Xiling had always been slightly less striking in beauty. She had assumed this girl could serve as a foil to Xiling, but who could have imagined...
Song Shihuan curved her lips into a smile and gracefully curtsied to the Successor Empress, her every movement exuding the poise of a noblewoman, her manners impeccable.
"Your granddaughter grees the Empress Dowager. I encountered some delays on the way and arrived late. Please forgive this offense, Grandmother."
Song Shihuan met the Successor Empress’s gaze, delighting in the unmistakable panic she saw there.
"Grandmother?"
When the Successor Empress didn’t respond, Song Shihuan called again.
"N-no matter... As long as you’re here." The Successor Empress was uncharacteristically flustered, drawing curious glances even from the Crown Princess.
Throughout the flower-viewing banquet, Song Shihuan sat quietly at the Successor Empress’s side.
The Empress herself seemed dazed, forgetting entirely about the prearranged plan to have Nanny Diao publicly accuse Song Shihuan.
"Sister, why sit there all alone? Come join us in admiring the flowers."
Song Xiyan smiled, though her eyes gleamed with ill intent.
Song Shihuan rose, the golden threads embroidered on her flowing ruqun shimmering as she moved, enhancing her regal aura.
"I am Xiling, the Princess of Chu’s daughter. Including you, sister, I rank third among us."
"And I am Xiyao, the Princess of Qi’s daughter, fourth in line."
Song Xiling and Song Xiyao stood behind Song Xiyan, facing Song Shihuan.
"Greetings. I am Song Shihuan."
"Eldest Sister, could you tell us about life outside the palace?" Song Xiling blinked with feigned innocence. "What do you eat out there? What games do you play?"
The exchange naturally drew the attention of the gathered crowd, all ears pricked for Song Shihuan’s response.
"When one struggles for food and clothing, there’s little room for games," Song Shihuan replied evenly. "Third Sister, born in luxury, surely wouldn’t understand the hardships of common folk."
Stung by the retort, Song Xiling clenched her handkerchief in fury.
"Third Sister was merely curious. Must you take it so seriously?" Song Xiyan interjected smoothly, showcasing her magnanimity.
Song Shihuan fixed her gaze on Song Xiyan. "If I were to ask you, sister, what cosmetics you once used or what jewelry you wore—how would you answer?"
"You—!"
Song Xiyan’s face darkened. How dare this wild girl openly mock the Rouge Pavilion incident in front of everyone!
"See? When the stick doesn’t strike you, it’s easy to preach generosity."
Song Xiyan quickly composed herself. "Sister, let’s go admire the flowers by the lake. The blooms there are the most beautiful."
"Gladly."
Song Shihuan agreed without hesitation.
---
By the imperial garden’s lake, Song Shihuan marveled at its grandeur—far larger than the Qin Prince's Mansion’s pond, and even stocked with koi. She made a mental note to ask her father to rear some in their own estate.
Just as her thoughts wandered, Song Xiyan shot a meaningful glance at Song Xiling and Song Xiyao.
She then positioned herself beside Song Shihuan, shielding the other two from view.
"Sister, do you find the scenery pleasing?"
Song Xiyan’s smile widened at the thought of Song Shihuan soon becoming a drenched mess.
How dare this girl become so beautiful and wear such lavish robes? She deserved to tumble into the mud!
"The view is lovely," Song Shihuan mused. "But it lacks... excitement."
One. Two. Three—
Under the cover of Song Xiyan and Song Xiyao, Song Xiling reached out to push.
Yet in the next instant, Song Shihuan sidestepped left as if anticipating the move. Song Xiling lurched forward, grabbing Song Xiyan’s sleeve in panic, and both sisters plunged into the lake.
They flailed wildly, their elaborate hairstyles unraveling, their makeup streaking.
Song Shihuan suppressed a laugh, feigning alarm instead. "Help! Someone’s fallen in!"
At once, eunuchs dove into the water, and chaos erupted.
Ah, now it’s lively!
---
An incense stick later, Song Xiyan and Song Xiling stood shivering under cloaks.
"What happened?!" The Crown Princess seethed, her chest heaving. "Xiyan, why did you and Xiling fall?"
Song Xiyan scanned the crowd, her eyes landing on Song Shihuan’s amused expression. "Mother, I don’t know! Xiling suddenly pulled me in!"
Song Shihuan’s eyes sparkled with delight. How entertaining—the dogs were biting each other!
Song Xiling hung her head like a trembling rabbit.
"Xiling! Why would you push Xiyan?" the Crown Princess snapped. "Sister-in-law, look at the daughter you’ve raised!"
The Princess of Chu stiffened, forced to apologize resentfully for her child.
How many times had her Xiling been made the scapegoat for Song Xiyan’s schemes? Did the Crown Princess truly not know?
In tears, Song Xiling fled the garden, followed by the Princess of Chu. The other guests, their mood soured, soon dispersed.
Only Song Shihuan remained, savoring the aftermath.
"Grandmother, you seem unwell. Let me escort you back to Kunning Palace." Her face the picture of concern, none could doubt her filial devotion.
"This Empress is fine."
The Successor Empress studied Song Shihuan intently. "Seeing you today... reminded me of someone from the past."
"Oh?" Song Shihuan touched her cheek. "Grandmother, do I truly share such an honor?"
"You are indeed a fortunate child."
The Successor Empress spoke each word deliberately, her murderous intent barely concealed.
This girl resembled the late Empress too closely. If left unchecked, she’d never sleep soundly again.
And the fear gnawed at her—why had this child gone to the Qin Prince's Mansion instead of the Eastern Palace?
Why... was Prince Qin the late Empress’s own son?
Could it be... the late Empress’s spirit had returned?
A chill ran down the Successor Empress’s spine. She forced a smile. "Ah Huan, help me back."
She had survived decades of schemes. A mere girl like this was no threat.
She’d deal with Song Shihuan soon enough.
