Duanhua did not interact much with Qin Luan in the past. Her arrogance and insolence rubbed the noble women the wrong way. Additionally, due to her obsession with Zhou Gu, Duanhua had bullied quite a few young ladies in the capital who admired Zhou Gu. Among all of them, Qin Luan was the one most successful at concealing her thoughts.
Known for vying for Zhou Gu’s affection, Qin Luan had a major falling out with Xie Lin. Enraged upon hearing this, Duanhua intended to target Qin Luan, only to find that she had been sent to the Imperial Palace under the queen’s tutelage, and later moved to the Eastern Palace.
Once Qin Luan entered the Eastern Palace and became part of the Crown Prince’s circle, her presence no longer concerned Duanhua.
Unexpectedly, after meeting Su Rong, Duanhua not only didn’t dislike her, she was influenced to change her temperament and her obsession with Zhou Gu waned.
Perhaps, Su Rong’s resilience in dissolving her engagement with Zhou Gu despite the speculation that lingered around their relationship had given Duanhua the necessary jolt; showing her that she too can let go of Zhou Gu.
Now, as Zhou Gu had gone to Nanchu to become Su Rong’s king consort, she had put him behind her long time ago, handing the reins of her marriage over to Princess Qingping. Therefore, her hostility toward Qin Luan had ceased.
She invited Qin Luan, "Lady Qin, may I escort you back to the Eastern Palace in my carriage?"
After a brief pause, Qin Luan accepted her offer gracefully and thanked her, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Thereafter, Qin Luan stepped into Duanhua’s carriage, which headed toward the Eastern Palace.
Duanhua hadn’t seen Qin Luan in half a year because she hadn’t visited the Eastern Palace in as long. Previously, when Zhou Gu was in the Eastern Palace, she frequently paid her visits. However, since his departure, her visits dwindled.
She looked at Qin Luan, "Lady Qin, it seems that your time in the Eastern Palace has been pleasant?"
Qin Luan bowed her head slightly, "His Highness is a benevolent man who does not harass his subordinates as long as we do our jobs well. We are treated fairly."
Duanhua nodded, "Indeed. You’re fortunate to have ended up in the Eastern Palace."
She turned to Qin Luan, "I heard that before Su Rong left Daliang, she took your elder brother with her from the cold wastelands and now they are in the Nanchu. Has he written to you?"
Qin Ruo nodded, "Before my brother left the penal colony, he sent me a letter reassuring me that he and the Qin Family are well under the care of the princess. He wanted me to be at ease."
Finding it disconcerting to hear Qin Luan refer to herself as a servant, Duanhua commented: "Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, the Qin Family is likely to be exonerated. Endure for a while longer. You, as a maid, won’t be in this position forever."
Qin Luan was taken aback by her statement, "I hope your words will hold true, Your Highness."
Duanhua studied her, suddenly asked: "Do you like my cousin?"
Qin Luan was shocked, "You mean Crown Prince?"
"Yes." She wondered who else could be called her cousin. Oh wait, Zhou Gu...he was also her cousin.
Duanhua hung her head, "I dare not, Your Highness. The Crown Prince, who is majestic and of noble lineage, is far beyond my reach."
Upon hearing Qin Luan’s statement, Duanhua suddenly sprung another question, "Do you like Zhou Gu?"
Qin Luan was taken aback again, attempting to calm herself, "Why would Your Highness ask me that?"
Duanhua curiously studied her unflinching reaction to both inquiries, and abruptly burst into laughter, "So, you do like Zhou Gu."
Her face flushed at the revelation, Qin Luan quickly denied it, "I wouldn’t dare!"
Duanhua chuckled, "You need not be afraid. I’m not like I was before. I’ve truly gotten over Zhou Gu, so even if I learned of your feelings for him, I wouldn’t hold it against you."
Qin Luan remained silent, her lips pressed tightly together.
Duanhua sighed softly, "Your feelings for him were deeply hidden and perfectly concealed. Why didn’t I realize it before?" She inquired again, "How long have you been in love with Zhou Gu? Since childhood?"
Qin Luan fell silent.
Duanhua added with a chuckle, "There’s nothing to fear. I’ve repeated so many times that I’ve released Zhou Gu. I expect nothing more than an honest conversation. Don’t worry, you may speak."
Qin Luan shook her head, "It wasn’t since childhood. Only three or four years ago when my elder brother befriended Fourth Young Master, who is known for his remarkable talent. My brother often sang his praises, which sparked my interest in him."
Duanhua nodded, "Then you’re luckier than I am, for I’ve liked him since my childhood. But I didn’t set my heart on him for his talents or achievements; I was drawn to his handsome looks which seemed to outshine all the others."
At this, Qin Luan relaxed a bit and gave a light chuckle.
Duanhua continued, "Now he’s become the consort of the Nanchu King after persistently pursuing Su Rong. Truly a shame since Second Young Master Ye stole both the spotlight and Su Rong’s heart from him. I always imagined Zhou Gu to be too proud to ever lower his guard before a woman. I suppose he’s finally met his match in Su Rong."
Qin Luan lowered her head, "I would never dare to hold onto such hopes. Since I am now in the Eastern Palace, I belong here."
She knew she had no chance in love, even if she wasn’t bound to the Eastern Palace, even without the vast distance between them. Attempting to compete with Su Rong was pointless and futile. Besides, absent affection from Zhou Gu, she wouldn’t have wound up in the Eastern Palace. She had tried and failed. Even with her lingering feelings, it was merely a passing dream.
Upon hearing this, Duanhua laughed once more, "That’s true. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne in the future, he will need to fill his harem, and regardless of the Qin Family’s exoneration, you’ll certainly have a place."
Not responding to Duanhua’s remark, Qin Luan lowered her voice, "I heard rumors about the ongoing selection process for your prospective bridesgroom. Any prospects yet?"
Duanhua seemed dispirited, "None."
Qin Luan added, "While in the Eastern Palace, I have heard whispers that the princess seems to be considering the newly appointed court officials from the recent imperial examination."
Duanhua nodded, seeing no harm in discussing her marriage prospects with Qin Luan. She didn’t have many friends around. With Su Rong’s departure, her social circle had once again dwindled. The people who used to fawn over her no longer held any appeal. Occasionally, the fifth young lady of the Duke’s residence was the only suitable company she had.
She shared with Qin Luan, "My mother has come up with a list of names, like Lu Fengyan, Zhao Shu, Jiang Xing, etc. I met all of them but none intrigue me."
Qin Luan express surprise, "Did the princess consider Su Xingze for you?"
Duanhua shook her head, "My mother believes that I’m not a match for him, and so we shouldn’t pursue anything that could potentially damage our relationship with Su Rong. Losing her friendship won’t be worth it."
Qin Luan managed to suppress her laughter, "The Princess is overthinking! You are quite wonderful right now, Your Highness."
Duanhua shrugged, "You see me as wonderful now because it’s been a while since I’ve treated anyone poorly, right? Don’t be fooled, as I would easily retaliate if deliberately provoked."
At a loss for words, Qin Luan silently acknowledged the truth in Duanhua’s statement. Considering Duanhua’s fierce personality, whoever dared to cross her would indeed pay dearly.
She admired Su Rong’s finesse in handling her friendship with Duanhua and maintain a comfortable distance upon her arrival in the capital. She earned herself a place of honor in the Princess’s residence, a feat none other could achieve.
The carriage arrived at the Eastern Palace. After expressing her gratitude, Qin Luan alighted.
Lowering the curtain of the carriage, Duanhua whispered to her, "Lady Qin, maintaining one’s place in the Imperial Harem is no easy task. If you’re not adamant about pursuing this, I suggest you, once the Qin Family has been acquitted, consult my dear cousin. You may consider marrying a regular man instead."
Qin Luan was caught off guard by the suggestion.
Lowering the curtain of her carriage, Duanhua instructed the coachman, "Let’s go to the Eastern Fourth Hutong to visit Su Rong’s mother. On your way back, inform my mother that I’ll be having lunch with Su Rong’s mother in Eastern Fourth Hutong."
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