05
For several days in a row, Si Mianmian stayed quietly in Zhuixia Pavilion, either chatting with Consort Wen to relieve her boredom or reading the scrolls that Si Yujin had sent over. Since the Third Prince Si Jingjin left that day, he had been busy with military affairs and audiences, and had not set foot in the inner palace again, but the invisible protection he left behind had already taken effect. At least, Si Yunshang hadn't dared to cause trouble again, and the allowances sent by the Imperial Household Department were now on time and in sufficient quantities.
The weather was fine that day, with a gentle spring breeze that dispelled the gloom of the past few days. Seeing that her daughter's complexion was improving, Consort Wen softly advised, "It's no good to stay cooped up in the house all day. The crabapple blossoms in the Imperial Garden are in full bloom. Go for a walk."
Si Mianmian obediently agreed, taking only Qiu He with her, and strolled leisurely towards the Imperial Garden. She deliberately avoided the pavilions and towers where there might be many people, choosing a quieter path instead. As she passed a pond shaded by green bamboo, she heard a suppressed argument.
“Your Highness would be better off being discreet. This place is quiet and suitable for Your Highness to ‘reflect on your mistakes.’” A high-pitched eunuch’s voice carried undisguised contempt.
Another, more composed male voice rang out, carrying an exotic accent, yet neither humble nor arrogant: "This is the Imperial Garden of Yu Palace, not the territory of your Yan Dynasty. Are you eunuchs meddling too much?"
Si Mianmian stopped and gestured for Qiu He to be quiet. She then discreetly hid behind a clump of dense bamboo and peered out. She saw two eunuchs dressed in the robes of palace servants blocking the path of a young man by the pond. The young man appeared to be about seventeen or eighteen years old, with a tall and straight figure. He wore a moon-white brocade robe embroidered with subtle silver patterns; though somewhat plain, the material was of extremely high quality. His face was exceptionally handsome, with deep-set eyes, a high nose, and pale lips. A faint, gentle smile seemed to naturally grace the corners of his lips, but upon closer inspection, his dark, jade-like eyes were calm and still, even revealing a chilling coldness.
Yan Chao's hostage, Xuan Jing.
The name immediately came to mind for Si Mianmian. So it was him. A man who, despite being a hostage in an enemy country, could still maintain such composure was no ordinary person. Judging from his current situation, he was clearly being deliberately harassed by some servants in the palace. In this deep palace, fawning on the powerful and bullying the weak was the norm, and a helpless hostage from an enemy country was the perfect target for some to display their power.
The fifth rule of the survival manual: Observing others' reactions in difficult situations is the best time to judge their character and shrewdness.
The head eunuch sneered, "Oh, Your Highness, what a boastful tone! Don't forget your place! We are only following orders from above. Please behave yourself and don't wander around and offend any important people!"
Xuan Jing remained expressionless, only saying calmly, "Since you are acting on orders, may I ask whose orders you are following? Is there a written instruction? It would be good for Xuan Jing to know so that I can avoid mentioning it in the future."
The eunuch was speechless when questioned, clearly unable to produce any official edict, and was merely acting on orders to humiliate Xuan Jing. Enraged, he reached out to shove Xuan Jing: "Just leave when I tell you to! Stop with the nonsense! This pool is refreshing, Your Highness, why don't you go down and clear your head?"
Just as the eunuch's hand was about to touch Xuan Jing's clothes, Xuan Jing seemed to trip over something, his body slipped almost imperceptibly to the side, just avoiding the push. The eunuch was unable to stop in time and staggered, almost falling into the pool, looking quite disheveled.
Si Mianmian saw it clearly: Xuan Jing's move was no accident, but an extremely skillful technique. This man knew martial arts, and his skills were exceptional. Yet he kept it hidden, willing to endure the humiliation of this eunuch; his intentions must be far greater.
Just then, Xuan Jing's gaze seemed to casually sweep over the direction where Si Mianmian was hiding. His eyes remained calm, but it made Si Mianmian's heart skip a beat—he had discovered her!
In a flash, Si Mianmian made her decision. She took a deep breath, her face instantly displaying a perfect blend of panic and innocence. Leading Qiuhe, she emerged from behind the bamboo grove, her voice soft and gentle, tinged with just the right amount of confusion: "Oh, it's so lively here. What happened?"
Her appearance startled the two eunuchs. Upon recognizing Si Mianmian, although they knew that the Ninth Princess was out of favor, her rank still mattered, so the two quickly restrained their arrogance and bowed, saying, "This servant greets the Ninth Princess."
Xuan Jing also looked over at the sound, his gaze falling on Si Mianmian. He still had that gentle and peaceful demeanor, and nodded slightly in greeting: "Greetings, Ninth Princess." His manner was composed, as if he hadn't been the one who had just been made difficult.
Si Mianmian walked closer, her gaze shifting between Xuan Jing and the two eunuchs before finally settling on Xuan Jing. Her eyes held an innocent curiosity: "Are you the hostage prince from Yan Dynasty? I've heard that Yan Dynasty has a rare flower called 'Evening Glory,' which blooms only at dusk and withers at dawn. Is that true?" She asked innocently, as if she were truly just drawn by the legend.
A fleeting look of surprise crossed Xuan Jing's eyes, quickly turning into a deeper inquiry. He smiled slightly, like a spring breeze brushing against ice: "Your Highness is very knowledgeable. This flower does indeed exist, also known as 'Beauty Under the Moon.' Its flowers are pure white and have a delicate fragrance, but unfortunately, its blooming period is very short, like a fleeting moment."
“So beautiful…” Si Mianmian revealed her longing at the right moment, then looked at the two eunuchs, her tone innocent yet carrying an undeniable princess’s majesty, “What are you still standing here for? Can’t you see that I am talking to His Highness the hostage? Get out of here.”
The two eunuchs looked at each other, unwilling but since the Ninth Princess had spoken, they dared not openly disobey and could only reluctantly take their leave.
After the others had left, only Si Mianmian, Qiu He, and Xuan Jing remained by the pond. A spring breeze blew, rippling the water and stirring the stray hairs on Si Mianmian's forehead.
She looked up at Xuan Jing, the innocence in her clear almond eyes gone, replaced by a knowing calm. She curtsied and her tone returned to its normal gentleness: "The palace servants were unruly, Your Highness has made them laugh."
Xuan Jing looked at her quietly, his smile deepening slightly, but it didn't convey warmth; instead, it seemed like a perfect mask. "Your Highness is too kind. Thank you for helping me out earlier." His voice was pleasant, clear, and steady, but every word seemed carefully crafted.
"It was nothing, nothing to mention," Si Mianmian smiled gently, her demeanor delicate. "It was Mianmian who was abrupt and disturbed Your Highness's peace."
"It is my good fortune to meet the princess." Xuan Jing's gaze swept over her slender wrists and seemingly frail body. His tone was gentle and polite, yet carried an invisible sense of distance. "I have long heard of the Ninth Princess's pure and kind reputation. Seeing her today, I can confirm that it is indeed well-deserved."
While the words sounded like praise, Si Mianmian sensed a subtle probing. Had he heard of her? Had he heard of the weak and easily bullied Ninth Princess, or had he heard of the Ninth Princess's "slight change in temperament" after falling into the water?
The two stood by the pond, seemingly admiring the spring scenery, but undercurrents were surging beneath. One wore a gentle and harmless mask, the other a mask of vulnerability, like two sides of a mirror, reflecting each other's deep-seated calculations.
"Your Highness flatters me." Si Mianmian lowered her head slightly, revealing her slender and delicate neck, and said softly, "This deep palace is lonely. If there is an opportunity in the future, I hope Your Highness will not hesitate to teach me and tell me about the scenery of Yanchao, which is as beautiful as the evening glory."
Xuan Jing gazed intently at her, as if trying to see through her captivating exterior to the soul within. After a moment, a slight smile curved his lips: "That is indeed my wish, I dare not ask. I only hope that the princess will not find Xuan Jing troublesome."
Another gust of wind blew by, scattering a few crabapple petals that fluttered down onto their shoulders and hair.
A seemingly accidental encounter, two souls each harboring their own thoughts.
Si Mianmian knew that from this moment on, the game in the deep palace had gained another formidable "player." Xuan Jing also knew that this seemingly innocent and harmless Ninth Princess was far more complex than she appeared.
Survival Handbook Note: The most dangerous opponent is often not a ferocious tiger baring its fangs and claws, but rather someone like yourself wearing a similar mask.
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