“Wangye,” the middle-aged man sitting opposite Ning Wang said disapprovingly, “Impatience is not a good habit. Even if the Emperor has established the Crown Prince, it doesn’t guarantee everything will go smoothly. Haven’t there been countless cases of untimely deaths throughout history?”
“Half of the people of the manor are now the Emperor’s henchmen! Even the secret passage has been blocked. He pushes me step by step, yet he earns a reputation for generosity,” Ning Wang sneered coldly. “At this rate, this wang will have to sleep with one eye open just to feel safe in my own manor.”
“Regarding the internal affairs of the manor, why not let Wangfei handle them discreetly?”
“Wangfei?” Ning Wang gazed out of the window, his expression as cold as ice. “How can we rely on a woman who isn’t even on my side?”
The strategist frowned slightly. Wangfei was the daughter of the Lu family; how could she defy her family’s interests?
“However Wangye,” the strategist thought for a moment before suggesting again, “The Emperor is suspicious of you. We need to divert his attention. Luckily enough, one of the rebel prince’s children is still alive.”
“Are you referring to Marquis Gongping?” Ning Wang frowned. “He’s been so terrified that he hasn’t dared to leave his home for the past two years. How could the Emperor possibly pay attention to him?”
“Apparently, Marquis Gongping once bullied the Crown Prince in their childhood,” the strategist said with a faint smile. “When people are gripped by extreme fear, it’s not surprising if they do something foolish.”
…
The Caiyin Pavilion was brightly lit that evening, filled with joyous laughter. As the birthday star today, Fuyi was surrounded by friends and forced to listen to their performance on stage.
When they finally finished playing, Fuyi quickly waved her hands. “Come down already! You’re scaring other guests away.”
The owner of the pavilion personally poured Fuyi a cup of wine. “It’s my great honor that young gentlemen and ladies chose to perform here. Today is Miss Yun’s birthday—may you enjoy peace and prosperity, a life filled with blessings and happiness.”
“Thank you, Pavilion Master.” Fuyi took the wine from the master’s hand, sipping it directly from the cup. She then pulled a hairpin from her sleeve and placed it in the master’s hair. “I happened to pass by this hairpin today and thought it suited you. Do you like it?”
“Thank you, Miss Yun.” The master touched the hairpin at her temple, beaming with joy as she curtsied deeply. “This is a wonderful day. May I play a song for you?”
“Wonderful!” The crowd applauded enthusiastically.
“Pavilion Master, you’re playing favorites! Why didn’t you play a song for me on my birthday?”
“Because the master loves Fuyi more, that’s it!”
Hearing the teasing remarks, the pavilion master gave Fuyi a graceful smile, took her pipa, and gently began plucking the strings.
The lively tune, paired with the radiant candlelight, was mesmerizing against the curtain of night.
Fuyi stood up and addressed the teasing crowd. “If you have any complaints, take them up with me. My skin is thick—I’m not afraid of your jokes.”
Her words made the pavilion master laugh so hard that she hit a wrong note on the pipa twice.
Amidst the laughter and chatter, Fuyi noticed someone hiding their face with a sleeve, sneaking into the crowd as if afraid of being noticed by her. She leaped over the tables and chairs, grabbed the person’s sleeve, and pulled it down.
“Sui Xun?” She frowned as she let go of his sleeve. “It’s you.”
After the second and third princes’ rebellion failed, they were naturally executed along with their families. Only Sui Xun, who had been traveling out of the capital at the time, escaped death. Later, after the Emperor ascended the throne, he not only spared Sui Xun’s life but also granted him a low-ranking marquis title.
“What do you want? I haven’t provoked you,” Sui Xun stammered, retreating nervously. He looked utterly timid.
The Sui Xun in Fuyi’s memory was flamboyant, always tilting his chin arrogantly when speaking to others. It was a stark contrast with the cowering and timid man in front of her.
Seeing her stare at him in silence, Sui Xun’s face turned pale. He cupped his hands and bowed. “If I’ve offended you, Lady Junjun, I sincerely apologize.”
“You can leave.” Fuyi had no interest in making things difficult for him and turned to leave herself.
“Wait.” Sui Xun called after her, cautiously saying, “Years ago, I was young and foolish and offended Lady Junjun. Please don’t take it to heart.”
Fuyi turned back to look at the once-arrogant heir of a powerful Qinwang. “Marquis, you overthink. Those were just childish squabbles. I’ve long forgotten them.”
Sui Xun seemed relieved, lowering his head and quickly squeezing through the crowd. When a drunken man accidentally bumped into him, he didn’t respond and instead hunched his shoulders, hurrying away even faster.
“Stop watching him,” Sui Anying said, looping an arm around Fuyi’s neck. “His father committed treason. The fact that he’s alive is already a great mercy from the Emperor. How could he dare act as he once did, opposing you at every turn?”
“You’ve been away from the capital for years. These changes might feel unfamiliar, but you’ll get used to them in time,” she handed Fuyi a cup of wine. “Come, drink.”
Indeed, history has always been written by the victors.
…
The lively banquet ended only after the night went deep. Fuyi sat in her carriage, sipping the sobering tea Xiayu had poured for her. Fighting the aftereffects of alcohol, she asked, “Any movements from Ning Wang Manor?”
“Your guess was spot on, Miss! Today, a vegetable farmer from Ning Wang’s suburban estate delivered goods to his manor and stayed for a few hours.” Xiayu added, “He wore a conical bamboo hat and a straw raincoat, so his appearance and figure were hard to make out.”
“Unfortunately, the man was highly vigilant, so this servant didn’t dare follow too closely.” Xiayu was curious. “Miss, how did you know at a glance that he wasn’t just a farmer?”
“A farmer, wearing a bamboo hat in the early morning? That’s a dead giveaway,” Fuyi said, setting down her teacup. “To these literati, a farmer is just someone in a bamboo hat, straw sandals, and a raincoat. They never consider the time or season.”
A raincoat was naturally impractical for doing labor, so farmers typically avoid wearing one unless it’s raining. The same goes for conical bamboo hats—working under the sun with one on is stiflingly hot. Real farmers don’t wear them unless absolutely necessary. Which hardworking farmer would don both on a sunny morning?
Don’t ask how she knew this so well. She wasn’t going to explain.
The sound of another carriage passing by came from outside. Fuyi lifted the curtain of her window, just as the occupant of the other carriage did the same.
“Your Imperial Highness?” Fuyi ordered her carriage to stop, stepped down, and curtsied.
“No need for formalities, Miss Yun,” Sui Tingheng said as he descended from his carriage. Catching the faint scent of alcohol on her, he inquired, “Miss Yun, have you been drinking?”
“It’s my birthday today, so this subject daughter had a couple of drinks with friends,” Fuyi replied, noticing the Jinwu Guards following after the Crown Prince’s carriage. “It’s so late—why are you still outside the palace, Your Imperial Highness?”
“Grand Tutor Lu is ill, so I went to visit him,” Sui Tingheng replied with a gentle smile. “It’s Miss Yun’s birthday today. I should have celebrated with you.”
“Your Highness is busy with many affairs these days, yet you still sent birthday gifts. This subject daughter’s already overwhelmed by your kindness,” Fuyi said. She was fully aware of her place. Even though she had once saved the Empress’ life, she knew that the Crown Prince’s thoughtful gestures were already a great honor for her and her family.
“Those are just material things. Miss Yun hardly lacks such items.” Sui Tingheng’s gentle features softened further with his smile, adding another layer of charm to his already handsome countenance. “I heard you enjoy music. May I play a tune for you in celebration of your eighteenth birthday?”
Fuyi touched her face in disbelief. How much honor did she deserve to compel the future heir of her nation to play music for her?
“Pardon me; I was presumptuous,” Sui Tingheng said, lowering his gaze when she didn’t reply. “Three years ago, I saw Imperial Uncle play a tune for you under the pear blossoms. I thought Miss Yun might appreciate such a gesture…”
“No, Your Imperial Highness. I was simply overwhelmed and didn’t know how to respond.” Thanks to the alcohol in her system, Fuyi’s demeanor with Sui Tingheng was more relaxed, like among friends. “But please, never mention Ning Wang to me.”
“Why not?”
“Because he’s bad luck,” Fuyi replied, tilting her head slightly, her eyes hazy from the alcohol.
“Very well, I’ll keep that in mind,” Sui Tingheng said, extending his hand to her. “Would you like to ride in my carriage, Miss Yun?”
“Thank you, Your Imperial Highness.” Remembering the suspicious man in Ning Wang Manor, Fuyi placed her hand in his and stepped into the Crown Prince’s carriage.
Sui Tingheng had been Crown Prince for only a day, yet the Emperor had already ensured he used every privilege that came with the title, revealing how meticulously everything had been prepared.
The carriage soon stopped in front of the old Li Wang Manor. Sui Tingheng led Fuyi into one of the courtyards. Though modestly decorated, the courtyard’s flowers and plants were elegantly arranged, clearly tended with great care.
“This was the courtyard I used to live in,” Sui Tingheng said, taking a lantern from an attendant. “Though I live in the imperial palace now, I still come here occasionally.”
Another attendant brought hot tea and refreshments. Sui Tingheng hung the lantern on a wooden rack, retrieved a jade flute from the room, and began to play, his gaze gentle and serene.
Under the bright moonlight, Fuyi watched the figure playing music in the courtyard, slightly dazed. For a moment, she couldn’t decide whether the beauty lay in the melody or the man himself.
A figure so ethereal. Even when doing nothing, his allure was captivating enough, and such a person was actually playing a melody for her. It was truly beyond words.
Fuyi rested her chin on one hand, her slightly drunken eyes unfocused.
When the tune ended, Sui Tingheng looked at the woman sitting by the table. His gaze, intertwined with the soft moonlight, was brimming with infinite tenderness.
“This melody belongs in heaven; for a moment, this subject daughter almost forgot we were still in the mortal realm,” Fuyi praised sincerely. “There truly is nothing Your Imperial Highness cannot do.”
“Does Miss Yun enjoy it?” Sui Tingheng asked as he sat across from her.
“Love it,” Fuyi nodded. “However, it would be impolite not to reciprocate. This subject daughter can play a little myself—how about I play something for Your Imperial Highness?”
Xiayu hurriedly pressed down on Fuyi’s hand. “Miss, you’ve had too much to drink.”
“I’m not drunk,” Fuyi waved her hand dismissively. “Your Highness, may I trouble you for a pipa?”
Xiayu watched as the crown prince’s attendant brought a pipa, her smile stiffening as she shot desperate glances at Qiushuang: ‘Sister, do something!’
Qiushuang silently closed her eyes in resignation: ‘There’s no saving this. Let it happen.’
Plunk, strum, thunk!
Once in Fuyi’s hands, the pipa soon began hurling chaotic notes, the melody so disjointed it was impossible to discern what song it was.
With trepidation, Xiayu stole a glance at the Crown Prince’s face, only to find His Highness smiling warmly, his gaze soft, showing no trace of displeasure. ‘Oh heavens! Master’s merits in court must be so immense for the Crown Prince to have such patience! Even with this performance, he can still smile so kindly.’
“Your Imperial Highness, how was it?” Fuyi asked eagerly, clearly enjoying herself.
“It was wonderful,” Sui Tingheng replied, retrieving a zither. “Shall we perform a duet, Miss Yun?”
“Great,” Fuyi’s eyes sparkled. “Let’s play another.”
Qiushuang’s eyes widened, silently reflecting. ‘His Highness is indeed a good prince, though his taste is… peculiar.’
…
“Wangye, the ambush failed.” A black-clad man leaped down from the beam and knelt before Ning Wang.
“What happened?” Ning Wang’s expression remained unchanged. “Was Sui Tingheng prepared?”
The black-clad man hesitated. “Not exactly. We waited for two hours, but the Crown Prince never passed through. Worried about exposing our men, we had to withdraw.”
“That’s the only route from the Lu Manor to the palace. How could Sui Tingheng not pass through there?” Ning Wang frowned slightly. “What happened along the way?”
“The Crown Prince ran into… Yun Fuyi, and somehow, the two went together to the old Li Wang Manor.”
Hearing Fuyi’s name, Ning Wang fell silent for a moment. “What were they doing there?”
“Nothing of consequence…”
“Speak!”
The man paused slightly before replying, “They… they played music together.”
Ning Wang’s face turned gloomy.
The black-clad man lowered his head even further. ‘I told you it was nothing important, but you insisted on asking. Now look, it hurts, doesn’t it?’
Of course, it hurts.
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Author’s Note:
Sui Tingheng: “Of course it’s good. Those who don’t think so simply cannot appreciate music.”
Translator’s Note:
Monday’s late chapter >_<
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