The black stone piece descended onto the board. Emperor Jingxuan shifted his posture slightly, crossing one leg over the other while his upper body remained poised and regal. The gold-embroidered black robe draped over his tall, pine-straight frame, yet even such ordinary attire could not dull the imperial aura radiating from him.
With a cold, wind-like sharpness in his voice, he slowly parted his lips. "What makes you say that?"
Duke Chengen glanced at the chessboard. "Forgive my boldness, Your Majesty, but this is the third time you've forgotten to make your move."
Had he not spoken up, who knew how long this game might have dragged on?
Such rare distraction from the Emperor—how could a subject fail to notice?
Was there some thorny matter in court affairs? Or perhaps a new imperial decree in the works?
Though countless speculations swirled in his mind, all Duke Chengen dared voice was a carefully measured remark.
Emperor Jingxuan's expression remained unreadable. His sword-like brows and phoenix eyes, framed by the golden crown binding his hair, exuded an air of resolute authority.
"You're observant, Zi Su," he replied flatly, offering no further explanation.
Duke Chengen sighed inwardly, realizing he would glean nothing more.
The pavilion was surrounded by water, its scenery serene and picturesque. A gentle breeze skimmed the lake's surface, slipping through the curtains and carrying not just the fragrance of flowers but also the rise and fall of distant opera singing.
As Duke Chengen's thoughts wandered, Emperor Jingxuan remarked, "Though I can't make out the lyrics, the passion in this performance is unmistakable—like a fiery condemnation of some worldly injustice. Fitting for Yongshou's tastes."
At the mention of his wife, Duke Chengen's stern features softened into a smile. "For her birthday celebration, Yongshou invited the renowned Peacock Troupe from the south. If it pleases Your Majesty, after the festivities, they could perform a few acts for you and the imperial consorts in the palace?"
Emperor Jingxuan frowned, his lips twisting slightly. "No need. The shrill singing gives me a headache."
Duke Chengen stiffened. Noticing the tension in the Emperor's brow and the faint redness in his eyes, he grew alarmed. "Your Majesty, are you unwell? Should I summon the imperial physician?"
He rose to act, but Emperor Jingxuan waved him off. "It's nothing. Just a headache."
He was accustomed to it.
Duke Chengen frowned. "The opera... Should I inform Yongshou to have them pause for now?"
Emperor Jingxuan shook his head. "No need. Today is her birthday. I won't spoil the mood."
"Then at least allow me to arrange a quiet chamber nearby where Your Majesty may rest?"
When the Emperor didn't object, Duke Chengen took his silence as assent and stepped out to make the arrangements.
......
In the banquet hall, as the opera concluded, a palace maid hurried to Princess Yongshou's side and whispered a few words.
The princess then addressed the guests. "As delightful as the performance is, too much of it grows tedious. Why not enjoy the gardens at your leisure? Stroll, admire the scenery—my mansion will ensure you leave satisfied!"
The guests readily agreed. "We wouldn't dream of refusing such hospitality."
The younger ladies, restless from sitting, quickly sought their elders' permission before darting off with their friends.
The older guests, less inclined to wander, retreated to the main hall for tea and conversation.
Once the crowd dispersed, Princess Yongshou turned to her servants. "Keep watch. No one is to disturb the western chambers. If anyone dares disrupt my imperial brother's peace, they will answer to me!"
Meanwhile, Yun Wan had intended to join the others in the hall, but Lu Changning dragged her into the gardens instead.
Spring had painted the Princess's Mansion in vibrant hues. Flowers bloomed in clusters, and the pavilions, terraces, and lakeside gazebos brimmed with vitality.
Modeled after southern Chinese gardens, the winding paths led through breathtaking scenery. After some time admiring the view, Lu Changning suddenly waved toward a figure across the lake, who waved back.
"Auntie, I think that's Xiang Xue!"
Xiang Xue was her dearest childhood friend, and seeing her now filled Lu Changning with excitement.
Noting her eagerness, Yun Wan nodded. "Go on. Just don't wander too far, and remember when we must return."
Lu Changning flashed a playful grin. "Don't worry, Auntie, I won't forget!"
With that, she dashed across the arched bridge and vanished.
Yun Wan shook her head in amusement.
Left with only Yue Ya, she decided to continue exploring. They meandered leisurely, taking over an hour to cover half the garden.
Noticing Yun Wan's flushed cheeks and slowing pace, Yue Ya suggested, "Madam, perhaps we should rest awhile?"
Yun Wan agreed. "A short break, then we'll head back."
The sky had darkened, clouds gathering to blot out the sun. She didn’t want to risk getting caught in rain.
They found a clean stone bench—only to be interrupted the moment they sat.
"Elder Sister, enjoying the flowers all alone? No one to talk to?"
Yun Shiyue appeared, chin lifted haughtily, her peach-red dress as flamboyant as her smirk.
Yun Wan remained seated, her tone cool. "Little Sister knows I’ve always been reserved. Besides..." She tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Even if I don’t seek conversation, some people insist on seeking me out."
Yun Shiyue’s face twitched, but she quickly recovered, adjusting a hairpin with a scoff.
"Since Brother-in-Law passed, you’ve been so reclusive. Father worried you were suffering in the Lu estate." Her eyes raked over Yun Wan’s elegant attire. "But clearly, he overestimated your grief. You don’t look like a widow at all."
Yun Wan arched a brow. "Then enlighten me—how should a widow look?"
"Gaunt. Miserable. Full of resentment from loneliness." Yun Shiyue smirked. "But you? It seems your love for him was shallow."
"Is that so?" Yun Wan paused, then chuckled. "How vivid. Could it be you’re describing your own reflection?"
Yue Ya stifled a laugh.
Realizing the insult, Yun Shiyue’s face darkened. She raised a hand to strike—"You insolent—!"
But Yue Ya dodged effortlessly, leaving Yun Shiyue stumbling. Her maid caught her, whispering urgently, "Miss, control yourself! This is the Princess's Mansion!"
Starting a scene here would be disastrous.
Yun Shiyue seethed but held back.
Yun Wan stood, brushing imaginary dust from her sleeves. "What a pity. The garden’s beauty was almost perfect—until now." She cast a dismissive glance. "Since you admire it so much, Little Sister may enjoy this spot alone."
With that, she and Yue Ya disappeared around the path.
Yun Shiyue glared after them, venom in her whisper. "Harlot! Fox-spirit! Scheming witch!"
Her maid sighed.
Why did the Second Young Lady never learn? Every verbal spar with the Eldest Young Lady ended the same way.
Gentle in appearance, Yun Wan was no easy target.
Some fruit simply refused to be plucked.
