Xie Mansion.
The courtyard, filled with hydrangeas, was fragrant with blossoms. The latticed windows were wide open, allowing sunlight to spill into the inner chambers.
Beneath the window stood a writing desk, where a young woman sat in quiet composure, brush in hand, her movements so serene that only the summer cicadas' song could be heard.
A maid hurried in, arms laden with scrolls. "Miss, should these paintings be packed?"
Sang Ning glanced up briefly before lowering her eyes again to her writing. "No need to prepare so early."
Xia Zhu stepped closer, still holding the scrolls. "Your wedding is in just a month. We must start packing now, or something might be forgotten."
Sang Ning chuckled softly. "You speak as though I won’t return."
"Better prepared than regretful—that’s what you taught me, miss," Xia Zhu retorted.
Too weary to argue, Sang Ning set down her brush. "Let me see them."
"Of course." Xia Zhu quickly handed over the scrolls.
Sang Ning unrolled them one by one. These were treasured paintings and calligraphy pieces she had collected in her youth, when she adored such artistry.
Now, they no longer stirred her heart.
Her expression remained indifferent as she examined each scroll before rolling them back up. But when she reached the last one, she paused.
It was a vividly lifelike painting of a hundred birds paying homage to a phoenix.
Her lashes fluttered slightly as her gaze traced every meticulous detail—a scene she had studied countless times before.
In the corner of the scroll was a small seal she had stamped at the age of seven.
Her fingertip brushed over the imprint, and for a moment, nostalgia flickered in her eyes.
"Pack this one. The rest can stay."
Xia Zhu beamed. "Yes, miss! I’ll have it stored right away."
As Xia Zhu retreated with the scroll, Qing Zhi rushed in.
"Miss, the master has just returned from court in a terrible rage. Even The First Lady was scolded."
A faint crease formed between Sang Ning’s brows. She rose. "Prepare a bowl of calming tea for me."
"At once."
Sang Ning left her chambers and headed for the main hall.
Before she even reached the entrance, she heard Xie Cheng'an’s furious voice from within.
"I told you to maintain ties with the Grand Princess! Yet now, when our family hosts a banquet, you can’t even secure her attendance!"
The First Lady defended herself quietly. "The Grand Princess adores Sang Ning. I personally went to invite her for the birthday banquet, but she refused to see me. I suspect… she may have caught wind of something."
Xie Cheng'an’s expression darkened. The Grand Princess was the emperor’s full sister, privy to the swiftest updates from court.
The Third Prince had embezzled military funds, nearly costing Cangzhou its defense. Enraged, the emperor had imprisoned him—and the Xie family, being the prince’s maternal relatives, now risked collateral wrath.
The First Lady fretted. "With the Third Prince imprisoned and the Imperial Consort confined, our family may suffer repercussions."
The Imperial Consort was a Xie by birth.
Xie Cheng'an clenched his fists, suddenly regretting the vanity that had driven him to send his sister into the palace.
Now, entangled in the succession struggle, with the Third Prince proving worthless, the Xie family teetered on the edge of disaster.
Xie Cheng'an hesitated. "Perhaps we should cancel Sang Ning’s birthday banquet tomorrow. If even the Grand Princess avoids us, the emperor must already distrust our family—"
A voice interrupted from outside.
"Why is the young mistress standing out here instead of going in?"
Xie Cheng'an stiffened. "Who’s there?"
Sang Ning cast a cool glance at the overly eager Concubine Zhao before smoothing her skirts and stepping into the hall.
The young concubine shivered inexplicably.
Sang Ning curtsied. "Father."
Xie Cheng'an snapped. "Eavesdropping now, are you?"
Concubine Zhao glided in with a tea tray, quick to mediate. "Do calm yourself, master. The young mistress surely didn’t mean to overhear. I merely came to serve tea and happened upon her."
Xie Cheng'an only grew angrier. "You grow more insolent by the day!" He turned on The First Lady. "Is this how you raise our daughter?"
The First Lady shot Sang Ning a look. "Apologize to your father at once."
Such a minor offense wouldn’t normally warrant such fury, but Xie Cheng'an, already drowning in stress, had found an easy target.
Sang Ning remained composed. "Father, please don’t be upset. I heard you’ve been restless lately and brought calming tea. I didn’t mean to interrupt your discussion of court affairs, so I waited outside."
Her explanation was flawless.
Xie Cheng'an faltered, noticing the maid behind her holding a food box.
His eldest daughter had always been thoughtful.
Clearing his throat, he waved a sleeve. "Court matters are no concern of yours!"
Sang Ning dipped her head. "You’re right, Father. I wouldn’t dare meddle in state affairs. But regarding my birthday banquet… I believe it should proceed grandly."
Xie Cheng'an frowned. "Why?"
Sang Ning had never cared for such displays.
She answered evenly. "Our family has committed no crime. Why act guilty? Though Cangzhou nearly fell, victory was secured. The Third Prince’s corruption has been punished. The capital now celebrates good news—shouldn’t we join them?"
Xie Cheng'an’s eyes lit up with sudden clarity.
Yes! If the emperor suspected the Xies of colluding with the prince, the family must publicly sever ties!
Hosting a lavish banquet would prove their innocence!
He smacked the table. "The banquet will proceed! It’s Sang Ning’s last celebration before her wedding—it must be grand!"
Sang Ning nodded. "Father is wise."
Xie Cheng'an dismissed her. "Enough of this. Focus on your wedding preparations."
"As you wish." Sang Ning then turned to Concubine Zhao. "The gowns the seamstress delivered today don’t suit me. Since they’ll be part of my dowry, they must reflect our family’s dignity. I’ve heard your embroidery is exceptional—would you make me two spring dresses?"
Concubine Zhao’s face tightened. She was no servant!
Though once a seamstress, her current favor made any reminder of her past rank a sting.
Xie Cheng'an agreed absently. "Fine."
Forced to comply, Concubine Zhao forced a smile. "Of course."
---
The next day, Xie Mansion hosted a lavish birthday banquet for its eldest daughter, the halls brimming with guests.
Sang Ning stood on the veranda in a soft yellow spring dress, her hair half-down and tied into twin buns. She wore no extravagant jewels—only pearl hairpins and pale yellow ribbons that fluttered in the breeze, along with her skirts.
Her calm eyes darkened slightly as she observed the lively crowd below.
Xia Zhu, who had grown up with her, noticed. "Miss, it’s your birthday. Why so solemn?"
Sang Ning pressed her lips together. "I’m worried."
The Xie family was in danger.
"You’re about to be married—there’s no need to—"
Before Xia Zhu could finish, hurried footsteps echoed nearby.
Then an urgent voice rang out from one end of the corridor: "Sang Ning!"
Sang Ning froze for a moment before turning in confusion, only to see a young man dressed in black robes rushing toward her.
She frowned and quickly retreated two steps, letting her maidservant shield her.
He Siyu came to an abrupt halt, rooted to the spot, his gaze locked onto the shock and aversion in her eyes across the two maids.
"Where did this scoundrel come from? How dare he be so insolent as to address our young lady by her given name! Guards!" Xia Zhu snapped sharply.
Immediately, several burly matrons stormed in.
He Siyu’s expression stiffened as he stared at her intently. "Sang Ning, you don’t recognize me?!"
Sang Ning’s brows drew together tightly, her voice cold and warning. "Young master, we are strangers. I must ask you not to spread baseless rumors and tarnish my reputation!"
He Siyu stood frozen.
"What’s going on here?"
Suddenly, another familiar voice came from the opposite end of the corridor.
Sang Ning turned and saw the newcomer striding toward them in haste. Her expression softened slightly as she took two steps forward and spoke softly, "Brother Song Han."
