Feng Lezhen stared at them for a long time but still couldn’t figure out what they said. Sensing the awkward silence, Chen Jinan finally spoke, “Why has Your Highness come to the rear courtyard?”
“Oh…” Feng Lezhen tore her eyes from the scrawl with difficulty. “I had nothing to do and went out for a walk. Why aren’t you practicing in your room?”
“I didn’t want to disturb others’ rest,” he replied.
Feng Lezhen, despite being the mistress of the house, didn’t know the servants’ room arrangements. “There are others in your room?”
“Yes.”
“Well, you don’t have to practice at night. It’s bad for your eyes.”
“I work during the day. Night is the only time I’m free.”
Feng Lezhen couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re the favored one in the rear courtyard now. Who dares make you work?”
Chen Jinan glanced at her, then quickly lowered his gaze.
“Alright, go rest. Tomorrow morning, find Ah Ye. She’ll arrange a side room in the front courtyard for you. You’ll have it to yourself—no need to sneak out at night anymore.” With that, Feng Lezhen turned and walked away without waiting for a reply.
Chen Jinan watched her back until it disappeared, then looked hesitantly at the characters on the ground.
…Were they really that bad?
The weather was getting hotter. Even Ah Ye and Qin Wan had started using ice chests, but Feng Lezhen neither used ice in her room nor changed out of her spring silk garments—not even into something lighter.
One morning, after helping Her Highness with her morning routine, Ah Ye was about to leave when she bumped into Qin Wan entering. She lowered her voice and said, “Her Highness still refuses to use ice.”
Qin Wan’s eyes flickered. After Ah Ye and her attendants left, she stepped up to the vanity. “Your Highness, Qing Wangfei is hosting a lotus banquet and inviting all the prominent families of the capital. She’s sent us an invitation too.”
Ever since Qing Wang’s death and the new emperor’s ascension, Qing Wangfei had been in poor health and had cut ties with the Eldest Princess’ residence. Why she was suddenly hosting a banquet now—and even sending an invite—was clearly suspicious.
“If you don’t wish to go, I’ll send a refusal,” Qin Wan said, about to leave with the invitation.
“Hold on,” Feng Lezhen said.
Qin Wan paused and cautiously handed over the invitation.
Feng Lezhen took it. “Go to the treasury and pick out some gold ornaments. Bring them to the banquet.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Qin Wan answered, surprised but quickly composed.
Feng Lezhen tossed the invitation onto the vanity. Noticing Qin Wan hadn’t left, she raised an eyebrow. “Still here?”
“…Your Highness, shall I call for a physician?” Qin Wan asked in concern.
Feng Lezhen paused, then laughed. “I’m not sick. Don’t listen to Ah Ye’s nonsense.”
“However…”
“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing,” Feng Lezhen interrupted.
Seeing that she wouldn’t listen, Qin Wan responded on the surface but made up her mind to consult a reputable physician to find out why Her Highness had suddenly gone from fearing heat and loving cold to her current state.
Unaware of her attendant’s thoughts, Feng Lezhen opened the window after Qin Wan left, letting the hot May sunlight pour over her. Only after she was drenched in sweat did she barely forget the sensation of her knees being frostbitten in the Cold Palace.
The invitation from Qing Wang’s residence still lay on the table. She stood by the window, her eyes landing once again on the ornate patterns of the card.
In her previous life, Qing Wang’s household had also sent her an invitation. Sensing something was amiss, she casually declined with an excuse. Only later did she find out that Qing Wangfei had predicted she wouldn’t attend, and specifically held the lotus banquet to introduce that Liang family girl to Fu Zhixian.
Less than a month after the banquet, Qing Wangfei sent assassins after her. The entire Qing Wang residence was implicated after the incident, and soon after, she was placed under house arrest in the palace. The emperor bestowed marriage upon Fu Zhixian and the Liang family girl.
Though she had no desire to see that madwoman Qing Wangfei again, she still had to attend the banquet—
She’d missed the spectacle in her last life; in this one, she might as well see it for herself. After all, she was curious whether the engagement between Fu Zhixian and the Liang girl had anything to do with this banquet.
The lotus banquet was held ten days later in the afternoon, right at the start of June when the lotuses were in full bloom.
As soon as Feng Lezhen’s carriage arrived at Qing Wang’s residence, Qing Wangfei came out to greet her with a young woman by her side.
“I didn’t expect Your Highness to actually come today.” Though only thirty, she already had some white hairs at her temples and smelled faintly of herbal medicine—clearly the result of years of tonic use.
Feng Lezhen smiled as if she didn’t notice her cold tone. “Since Wangfei sent the invitation, it wouldn’t do for me to reject your kind gesture.”
Qing Wangfei tightened her grip on her handkerchief. It was the young woman beside her who tugged her sleeve, prompting her to force a smile. “Then I must thank Your Highness for honoring us.”
Only then did Feng Lezhen’s gaze fall on the young girl.
Her features were delicate, her manners proper, and she looked obedient—clearly the kind of girl raised in a refined household.
“Liang Yue’er?” Feng Lezhen asked slowly.
The girl looked surprised. “Your Highness knows me?”
“Who in the capital hasn’t heard of Miss Liang’s grace and virtue?” Feng Lezhen said with a soft smile.
Meeting Feng Lezhen’s beautiful eyes, the girl blushed.
Feng Lezhen said no more. She raised her gaze to the maid waiting to lead the way. The maid immediately stepped forward respectfully to guide them.
It was a hot day. To ensure comfort for the pampered nobles, Qing Wang’s household had even placed ice around the garden. Under the sun, a faint white mist rose from it, lending the scenery a touch of poetic charm.
Feng Lezhen’s clothes weren’t especially thin, yet the cold air still crept into her bones. If not for being immediately surrounded by dignitaries upon arrival, she would’ve turned and gone home without watching any of the show.
As a servant, Ah Ye followed not too near and not too far behind while Feng Lezhen exchanged pleasantries, remaining alert and whispering orders to those near her: “From now on, stay sharp. Report anything suspicious to me at once. Don’t miss a thing.”
Chen Jinan’s dark eyes looked at her.
“….What’s with that look? Don’t you know the history between our Eldest Princess and the Qing Wang household?” Ah Ye rolled her eyes.
Chen Jinan paused, then replied, “I only know that in the early years of the late emperor’s reign, he had no children and adopted Qing Wang as his heir. But after the current emperor and the Eldest Princess were born, Qing Wang was returned to his original royal status.”
In other words, Qing Wang was once one step from the throne, only to lose it when the late emperor had children of his own.
“You think I don’t know that? The whole kingdom knows…” Ah Ye glanced around at the crowd, then said quickly, “The point is, Qing Wangfei doesn’t get along with our Eldest Princess. You must be extremely cautious.”
Chen Jinan felt that even if they were on bad terms, Qing Wangfei wouldn’t be foolish enough to harm the reigning Eldest Princess in her own home—but under Ah Ye’s urging gaze, he still nodded silently.
“What are you two muttering about?” came Feng Lezhen’s voice.
Chen Jinan immediately looked over.
“She’s just filling your head with nonsense again?” Feng Lezhen raised an eyebrow. “Don’t listen to her.”
“Your Highness!” Ah Ye protested.
Feng Lezhen gave her a glance and walked leisurely into the garden. The sounds of people greeting her rang out one after another. Her smile didn’t waver, and her aura was entirely different from when she was in her own residence.
The last time Chen Jinan had seen her like this was three years ago, in the black brick kiln.
Qing Wang’s mansion wasn’t especially large, but nearly half of it had been dug into a lotus pond filled with rare golden-thread lotuses. Under the sun, the flowers swayed in the breeze, giving the place an air of opulence.
The banquet was held by the pond. Most guests had already arrived. Young nobles of both sexes gathered in groups by the water, chatting and laughing. When they saw Feng Lezhen arrive, they quickly straightened up and greeted her respectfully.
With a gentle smile, Feng Lezhen walked past her peers and headed to the high platform where their elders sat.
Everyone there rose to greet her. Feng Lezhen scanned the area and saw the guests had clearly divided themselves into three camps: the imperial loyalists, the neutrals, and her own supporters. Though her faction still had numbers, its influence had clearly declined. Seeing her arrive, everyone stood to bow.
“Greetings, Your Highness.”
“Your Highness looks thinner recently—please take care of your health.”
After the greetings, Feng Lezhen openly took the central seat at the head of the platform.
When Qing Wangfei returned and saw her seated in the only place of honor, her expression darkened, but she said nothing. She merely took the adjacent seat after bowing. Liang Yue’er at her side gave Feng Lezhen an apologetic smile, which she returned politely.
“Your pond of golden-thread lotuses is truly beautiful, Wangfei. There may not be a second like it in all of the capital,” someone flattered.
Qing Wangfei gave a faint smile. “My late husband passed early and left me without children. I’ve only had the lotuses to occupy my time since.”
On the platform sat nothing but old foxes—her resentful remarks didn’t stir even the slightest ripple. Instead, they turned and began discussing the lotus flowers in the pond as if nothing had happened.
A trace of venom flickered in the eyes of Qing Wangfei. Just as she was about to speak, Liang Yue’er hurriedly interrupted, “Aunt, it’s time for your medicine.”
Qing Wangfei frowned. “Didn’t I just take it?”
“It’s already been two hours,” Liang Yue’er chuckled. “Mr. Shen said your condition requires consistent, timely medication for a full recovery.”
“Troublesome.” Qing Wangfei closed her eyes, her expression showing some irritation.
“Even if it’s troublesome, you still have to take it. Mr. Shen’s words must be followed,” Liang Yue’er said as she ordered someone to bring the medicine bowl.
A strange fragrance wafted from the bowl, immediately drawing everyone’s attention. But since all present were seasoned veterans, although curious, no one asked. After she drank the medicine, small talk resumed as usual.
“Your Highness, Qing Wangfei has long been bedridden, yet she’s looking quite well today. Could this be Mr. Shen’s doing? Once we return, I’ll ask around and invite him to examine you too,” Ah Ye muttered quietly to Feng Lezhen, taking advantage of the fact that the other guests were seated more than two meters away.
“Why hasn’t Fu Zhixian shown up?” Feng Lezhen had no interest in explaining she wasn’t ill, so she simply changed the subject.
Ah Ye glanced toward Qing Wangfei, noticing that she too was scanning the crowd, seemingly searching for someone. “No idea, but logically, since he knew you were coming, he should’ve been waiting here early. Could it be that after being ordered to apologize, he doesn’t dare show his face in front of you for now?”
“Oh?” Feng Lezhen smiled. “And how would he know I’m coming?”
Ah Ye looked sheepish. “When Lord Fu asked two days ago, this servant didn’t say anything.”
“If you said nothing, that’s the same as saying everything,” Feng Lezhen sighed. If Fu Zhixian didn’t show up today, how was she supposed to enjoy the show? Her gaze drifted toward the young nobles playing a game nearby. “They’re playing pitch-pot—want to join?”
“With Qing Wangfei treating you like this, I’d rather just leave and give her no satisfaction. I’ve no mind to play games,” Ah Ye grumbled.
Feng Lezhen smiled faintly. “Why take her to heart? I heard the prize for the pitch-pot game is a little fox—it looks quite pretty.”
“You want it? I’ll go win it for you right now!” Ah Ye perked up and rushed over.
The pitch-pot game, suitable for both men and women, attracted a large crowd thanks to the fox prize. Ah Ye blended in with a bucket of arrows.
After three rounds, only Ah Ye and two others remained, and bursts of cheering echoed all the way up to the high platform. Though the elders seated above were powerful officials, they were still the guardians of these youths. Hearing the laughter below, their attention was drawn.
“Oh? Looks like the final round’s coming up?” someone asked with a smile.
“It’s the young maid from Her Highness’s household and two of Sun Shilang’s sons. To stand out among so many, both Her Highness and Sun Shilang must be excellent mentors,” another added flatteringly.
Sun Shilang quickly said, “Everyone knows Miss Ah Ye is skilled with a bow. My two boys are just playing around—how could they compare?”
“You’re too modest. It’s well-known your eldest is both scholarly and martial, and your second son is not far behind. Clearly, the praise is deserved,” Feng Lezhen said with a smile.
Sun Shilang sighed, “You flatter me, Your Highness. My eldest is decent, but the second… let’s not speak of him.”
Feng Lezhen raised an eyebrow and, turning, saw Chen Jinan watching the commotion with interest. She smiled. “Want to go join in?”
Chen Jinan snapped out of it and quietly shook his head.
The contest ended soon after. Sun Shilang’s eldest lost by a single arrow, and Ah Ye won first place. Delighted, she asked permission to leave and personally brought the fox home.
There would be a formal banquet that evening. After the spectacle, everyone retired to their guest rooms for rest.
“Your Highness’s quarters are in a private courtyard straight ahead. Please follow me,” the guiding maid said respectfully.
“Is it Hu Garden Residence?”
“Yes, exactly.”
“Then there’s no need to lead me. I can find it myself,” Feng Lezhen said with a smile, noting the maid’s hesitation. “Don’t worry—I used to stay here often. I probably know Qing Wang’s residence better than you do.”
Qing Wangfei had already gone to rest after her medicine, and without any other masters around, the maid had no choice but to agree despite her reservations.
Feng Lezhen took Chen Jinan along toward the residence. As they walked, the number of people dwindled and the surroundings grew increasingly remote. Eventually, they reached an untended patch of overgrown ground, and Feng Lezhen fell silent.
“Your Highness… are we lost?” Chen Jinan ventured.
Feng Lezhen gave a small cough. “I distinctly remember it was this path.”
Recalling what Ah Ye said about Qing Wangfei not getting along with Feng Lezhen, Chen Jinan hesitated, then asked, “When was the last time you visited Qing Wang’s estate?”
“Six… five years ago?” Feng Lezhen wasn’t entirely sure.
Chen Jinan fell silent for a moment. “After so long, it’s only natural some things might’ve changed.”
“Let’s keep looking. I already boasted just now—if we turn back now, that’d be humiliating,” she said calmly.
Chen Jinan paused, then silently followed.
Relying on her memory, Feng Lezhen advanced in fits and starts. Eventually, the shadow of Hu Garden Residence appeared in the distance. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief and continued on, but just as they passed a side courtyard, a strange herbal scent caught her attention.
It was the same scent from the medicine Qing Wangfei drank earlier, though stronger here. As she reached the open courtyard gate, she slowed her steps and lifted her gaze toward the narrow inch-wide crack left in the door.
Through that sliver of space, she saw someone in white, with long black hair tied up in a wooden clasp. Just the back view alone suggested the bearing of an exiled immortal… that is, if he weren’t sitting on a low stool brewing medicine with a palm fan in hand.
