After Qi Mingyue returned to the capital, life seemed to return to calm, like a pool of spring water returning to tranquility.
The turmoil in Yingzhou gradually subsided, with only the occasional pity in the eyes of those in the know serving as a reminder of that unbearable past.
That morning, Qi Mingyue was practicing calligraphy in her study when she suddenly heard a clear laugh coming from outside the window. Pushing open the window, she saw the Third Princess Xiao Chengyu standing in the courtyard with several palace maids, each holding an exquisite hand warmer.
"Come down quickly! I'll take you to a nice place." Xiao Chengyu laughed, his breath steaming in the morning light.
Qi Mingyue, wearing a moon-white cloak, came downstairs: "What brings you here today, Princess?"
Xiao Chengyu affectionately took her hand: "My elder sister sent some novelties from Jiangnan. I thought you would like them, so I came to invite you to come and appreciate them." She blinked, "The Crown Princess and Yun'er are also here."
The carriage arrived at the princess's residence, where a preparation had already been made in the warm pavilion. Su Wanqing was carefully arranging a vase of red plum blossoms, while Ashina Yun was holding and playing with the little prince. They both greeted Qi Mingyue with smiles as she entered.
“Mingyue, come and see!” Su Wanqing pointed to several items on the table. “These are glass cups that my elder sister sent. She said they are novelties from the West.”
Qi Mingyue examined the glass cup closely; it was indeed crystal clear, refracting seven colors of light from different angles. Ashina Yun curiously picked one up and held it up to the light, and the little prince babbled and reached out to grab it.
"Be careful," Xiao Chengyu said with a smile, "it would be a pity if you fell."
Amidst the laughter and conversation, a maidservant served tea and refreshments. Xiao Wanqing suddenly asked, "Mingyue, there's a banquet in the palace the day after tomorrow. Would you like to attend?"
Qi Mingyue paused slightly in her teacup. Since returning from Yingzhou, she had not attended any banquets.
Ashina Yun, quick-witted and outspoken, said: "Go! Why not go? It'll be a good opportunity to let those people see that our Mingyue is doing just fine!"
Xiao Chengyu also said, "Yun'er is right. The more you avoid it, the more people will gossip." She held Qi Mingyue's hand, "With us here, let's see who dares to make you suffer."
Just then, a voice came from outside the door announcing: "The Crown Prince of England has arrived."
Yao Xiuyan arrived through the snow, a few snowflakes clinging to his dark cloak. Seeing the room full of women, he raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Did I come at an inopportune time?"
Xiao Chengyu joked, "What a coincidence! We were just discussing the palace banquet tomorrow and the day after. Would the young master like to come along?"
Yao Xiuyan sat down naturally next to Qi Mingyue: "Of course I'll go. There are some accounts that need to be settled." His tone was casual, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
Qi Mingyue asked softly, "What has Brother Xiuyan been busy with lately? I haven't seen him around at all."
Yao Xiuyan took out a small brocade box from his sleeve: "I went to find this for you." When he opened it, he found a white jade hairpin, carved into the shape of a pear blossom, which was very exquisite. "I saw that your hairpin was old the other day, so I specially had it made."
Xiao Chengyu clicked her tongue in amazement: "It's rare to see Xiuyan so thoughtful." She suddenly remembered something, "Oh right, Miss Zhao, the niece of the Marquis of Yongchang, got married in Jiangnan yesterday. She left in a hurry and didn't even prepare her dowry."
Yao Xiuyan toyed with his teacup, his tone languid: "Jiangnan is wonderful, with its beautiful mountains and clear waters, perfect for quiet recuperation."
Qi Mingyue understood immediately; he must have tampered with it. She gently touched the jade hairpin; it was cool and smooth, just like his cold exterior but warm interior.
…………
On the day of the palace banquet, Qi Mingyue specially chose a lake-blue palace dress and wore the pear blossom jade hairpin. The woman in the mirror had exquisite features and a cool temperament, showing no trace of the haggardness she had experienced in Yingzhou.
Yao Xiuyan came to pick her up personally. When he saw her, a look of amazement flashed in his eyes, and he then smiled and said, "Today you are going to amaze everyone."
The carriage arrived at the palace gate, where it was brightly lit and filled with dignitaries. The two entered hand in hand, immediately attracting countless gazes. Some were amazed, some envious, and a few barely perceptible hints of jealousy.
Midway through the banquet, sure enough, a tactless young lady from a noble family came up to her and said, "Miss Qi, you look radiant today. I've heard that the land and water of Yingzhou are very fertile, and it's certainly true."
Just as Yao Xiuyan was about to speak, Qi Mingyue gently pressed his hand down and said with a faint smile, "Miss Li is joking. No matter how good Yingzhou is, it can't compare to the capital." She glanced at him, "I heard that Miss Li went to the Yongchang Marquis's residence to offer condolences the other day? You are truly a man of deep affection and loyalty."
The young lady turned deathly pale. After the Marquis of Yongchang fell from power, everyone avoided him, yet her attendance at the funeral was publicly revealed.
Yao Xiuyan chuckled: "The Li family and the Marquis's mansion are old friends, so it's only natural for them to go and offer condolences." He said casually, "However, the court is currently investigating the Marquis's mansion's remaining associates, so it would be best for Miss Li to avoid suspicion."
A few words were enough to make the young lady break out in a cold sweat, and she hurriedly took her leave.
Qi Mingyue said in a low voice, "Why did you have to scare her, Brother Xiuyan?"
Yao Xiuyan raised an eyebrow: "She provoked you first." As he spoke, he served her some food, "Try this, a new dessert created by the imperial chef."
At that moment, music began, and everyone moved to the dance floor. Yao Xiuyan naturally extended his hand to Qi Mingyue: "Would you do me the honor?"
Qi Mingyue placed her hand in his palm. The two stepped onto the dance floor, their clothes fluttering, like a divine couple. After a few turns, Yao Xiuyan whispered, "I just received news that Xie Ansu will be married in three months, and the bride is indeed the daughter of the Prefect of Yingzhou."
Qi Mingyue paused slightly in her dance steps, then resumed as usual: "Then I'll have to prepare a generous gift."
Yao Xiuyan stared at her: "Aren't you sad?"
Qi Mingyue looked up: "Why are you sad?" She smiled slightly, "My relationship with him was always that of gentlemen."
As the music ended, thunderous applause erupted. Yao Xiuyan suddenly leaned down slightly and tightened the slightly loosened sachet strap around her waist. The gesture was incredibly natural, yet it stunned everyone present.
Qi Mingyue's cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly pulled him up. Yao Xiuyan, however, acted as if nothing had happened: "It's a rather unique sachet, don't lose it." His tone was matter-of-fact, as if it were perfectly normal.
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