Qi Yue strode to the front yard and, sure enough, saw Xin Rui dismount. Today he was dressed in a royal blue riding outfit, with a dark cloak over it, and the gemstones inlaid on the sword at his waist glittered in the morning light. He looked very spirited.
"Yue'er!" Xin Rui greeted her with a bright smile. "I heard you were frightened at the Duke of Ying's mansion yesterday?"
Qi Yue was slightly taken aback: "How did you know, cousin?"
Xin Rui tossed the riding whip to his attendant, walked up to her, and carefully examined her face: "Sister Mingyue sent me a letter this morning, saying that you encountered some unpleasant things. I happened to have nothing to do today, so I came to see you."
A warm feeling welled up in Qi Yue's heart. From childhood to adulthood, Xin Rui had always been so thoughtful and considerate, as if he could see through all her anxieties and troubles.
"I'm fine, it's just..." Qi Yue hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Cousin, could you walk with me for a bit?"
Xin Rui glanced at her sharply and nodded: "I also have something to tell you. Let's go to the garden; the chrysanthemums there should be blooming beautifully at this time of year."
The two walked side by side towards the back garden of the Qi residence. The chrysanthemums in the garden were indeed in full bloom in autumn, golden, snow-white, and pale purple, their colorful blossoms swaying gracefully in the morning light. Qi Yue, however, had no heart to appreciate them, her mind preoccupied with how to bring up Xin Suiyun's matter.
"Yue'er, have you heard the news that the Northern Di delegation is coming to the capital soon?" Xin Rui broke the silence first.
Qi Yue shook her head: "The Northern Barbarian envoy? What are they doing in the capital at this time?"
"They say it's to celebrate His Majesty's birthday, but I don't think it's that simple." Xin Rui lowered his voice. "The Northern Di have been in turmoil lately, with several princes vying for power. This delegation is led by the Third Prince Ashina Lu, who is ambitious and should not be underestimated."
Qi Yue recalled the Northern Di spy that Xin Suiyun had killed yesterday, and a thought struck her: "So the spy from the Duke of Ying's mansion yesterday might be related to this mission?"
Xin Rui gave her an approving look: "Smart. My cousin, the Crown Prince, had already received word that the Northern Di people wanted to cause trouble in the capital. Those people Xin Suiyun eliminated yesterday were probably advance spies."
When Xin Suiyun was mentioned, Qi Yue finally found an opportunity to speak: "Cousin, do you... know Xin Suiyun?"
Xin Rui paused, looking at her meaningfully: "Why are you suddenly asking about him?"
Qi Yue lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting her sash: "It's just... I always feel like he's strange. Even though he's working for my cousin, the Crown Prince, he always gives off a cold and aloof vibe. And, he seems to particularly dislike me..."
Xin Rui was silent for a moment, then pulled her to sit down on a stone bench in the garden: "Yue'er, there are some things I shouldn't tell you. But since you asked, I think you have the right to know."
Qi Yue looked at him nervously.
“Xin Suiyun’s background is actually quite complicated.” Xin Rui’s voice became low. “He is not an ordinary orphan. It is said that his mother was a Northern Di person and his father was a Central Plains person. Because of this mixed-race identity, he suffered discrimination on the border since childhood. Later, after his parents died, he was sold to the capital. It just so happened that his aunt, the Empress, was selecting secret guards for the Crown Prince and took a liking to his qualifications.”
Qi Yue's eyes widened in surprise. She had never imagined that Xin Suiyun had such a background.
“The training in the Dark Guard Camp is extremely brutal, especially for a child like him with Northern Di blood,” Xin Rui continued. “But with his amazing will and talent, he not only survived but also became the most outstanding Dark Guard. His cousin, the Crown Prince, trusts him greatly and entrusts him with many important tasks.”
Qi Yue recalled Xin Suiyun's scars and those cold eyes, and felt a pang of pain in her heart: "So that's why he's always...covered in blood?"
Xin Rui nodded: "Many people in the court are prejudiced against him, not only because of his ruthless methods, but also because of his Northern Di bloodline. But he has never defended himself, and has just silently carried out every order of the Crown Prince."
Qi Yue remained silent for a long time before softly saying, "Then why does he always target me? I have never looked down on him because of his bloodline or status..."
Xin Rui's expression became complicated: "This... I don't quite understand either. But Yue'er, listen to your cousin's advice, stay away from Xin Suiyun. He's not as simple as he seems on the surface. With your personality, it's not suitable for you to have too much interaction with him."
Qi Yue forced a smile but didn't reply. A voice inside her, however, was arguing: If Xin Suiyun was truly that dangerous, why did the Crown Prince trust him so much? If he was truly cold-blooded, why was he always protecting others?
Just then, Yun'er hurried over: "Miss, Madam wants you to go to the front hall. She says someone from the palace has come."
Qi Yue and Xin Rui exchanged a glance, both seeing the confusion in each other's eyes. What business did someone from the palace have at this time?
The two hurried to the front hall, where they saw Xin Xiyao talking to a eunuch. Qi Yue recognized the eunuch as Eunuch Gao, who served the Empress.
"Yue'er, you've come at the perfect time." Xin Xiyao beckoned her forward. "Her Majesty the Empress is holding a chrysanthemum appreciation banquet in the palace tomorrow and has specially invited daughters of various families to attend. Eunuch Gao has come to deliver the invitations."
Eunuch Gao smiled and bowed: "Miss Qi, Her Majesty the Empress has specifically instructed that you must attend. The Crown Princess will also be there, saying she wants to have a chat with you."
Qi Yue accepted the exquisite invitation, her heart pounding with trepidation. She was never good at these kinds of occasions, but since her aunt, the Empress, had personally invited her, she couldn't refuse.
Xin Rui noticed her unease and said softly, "Don't worry, I'm going to the palace tomorrow too, I can go with you."
After Eunuch Gao left, Xin Xiyao looked at her daughter and said softly, "Yue'er, if you encounter someone you don't want to deal with at the banquet tomorrow, just find an excuse to avoid them. Her Majesty the Empress loves you and won't blame you."
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