In the vast, desolate wilderness where few people ventured, thin clouds drifted across the sky, the wind soughed like crying cranes. After traveling for an hour, two overlapping figures arrived at the spot where they had separated the day before.
Heavy snow had tilted the carriage, covering the surrounding footprints, as if the rosewood vehicle was embedded in an expanse of pure white.
Jiang Yinyue jumped down from Wei Qin’s back and waded over through the deep snow, using all her strength to right the carriage. Her pale face from the day before had regained its color and now flushed red from the exertion.
“Wei Qin, all our belongings are still here.”
She climbed into the carriage and checked item by item, then looked up with a beaming smile. To lose and regain was fortunate; to escape danger unscathed was fortune upon fortune.
The oppressive feeling from encountering Wei Xichen had vanished completely. She rummaged out a set of padded jacket and skirt, paying no mind to the biting chill inside the carriage, and quickly changed.
The jacket and skirt were brightly colored, not plain attire. Jiang Song had specifically instructed the mansion’s maids to pack them.
Jiang Yinyue did not dwell on it further. Having something to wear was good enough.
Her three-year habit of dressing changed naturally in that moment, as if it had always been meant to be.
Wei Qin stood guard outside the carriage, deliberately ignoring the rustling sounds from within. When a louder noise came from behind him, he turned and saw an orange figure leap down from the carriage shaft, clutching a sandalwood comb in her hand.
“Help me put up my hair.”
Wei Qin took on the maid’s duties again. He pulled Jiang Yinyue around so her back faced him and carefully combed her long hair, twisting it into a Dawn Cloud Near-Fragrance Bun, then adorning it with a pair of Rosy Cloud Pearl Hairpins.
The wind blew remnant snow onto his even-jointed fingers, where it did not melt immediately.
His body temperature, lower than a normal person’s, preserved the shape of the snowflakes.
Wei Qin’s pupils were unusually dark, like bottomless pools, now reflecting shades of orange and dawn glow.
“It’s done.”
Jiang Yinyue turned around, raised her gaze, touched her bun, and immediately smiled brightly in approval. “Hong Mei is not as skilled as you.”
Hong Mei was the Jiang Mansion’s chief maidservant, serving only Jiang Yinyue personally.
Before setting out for Yangzhou, Jiang Yinyue had worried about not having Hong Mei by her side and whether she would adapt, or if Wei Qin lacked Hong Mei’s attentiveness. But after traveling most of the way, those concerns had dissipated like smoke. Wei Qin was more than attentive; he handled every detail meticulously.
It was much as Jiang Song had hoped. Even without the affection born of time, husband and wife had developed loyalty and trust.
Wei Qin looked into the distance and whistled to summon the horse frolicking in the snow, then used the reins and other tools to hitch it to the carriage.
Jiang Yinyue imitated his whistle, drawing the horse’s attention.
Man and horse interacted playfully.
Wei Qin was used to it. He pulled her onto the carriage shaft, cracked the whip, and urged the horse forward.
They galloped all the way to the post station.
Daylight spilled from the clouds, parting the mist and spreading the morning glow.
Light marched alongside hope.
Yesterday’s embarrassment was left behind by the carriage. Amid the sleek lines of light gathering at the corners of her eyes, Jiang Yinyue curved her lips, her body and mind immersed in the boundless expanse.
The stagnation of three years in seclusion became a fleeting cloud in that moment. People needed to immerse themselves in nature occasionally to absorb its vitality and broaden their minds.
This was also why Jiang Yinyue had agreed to accompany Wei Qin to Yangzhou at her father’s request. Confinement in one corner only led to gloom and melancholy.
Unresolvable worries were tied to one’s state of mind. At least in that moment, Jiang Yinyue was not suffocated by the resentment accumulated over three years.
They returned to the post station before chenshi. Wisps of cooking smoke wafted from the kitchen, carrying the aroma of food.
After escorting Jiang Yinyue back to her room, Wei Qin headed to the stables. Just as he was about to ask the station worker for some bran, he spotted Yan Zhuyu approaching nearby, leaning on her female attendant’s wrist.
The two had no connection—a consort and a minister from unrelated circles—yet they shared deep ties from childhood, often running into each other as neighbors.
Yan Zhuyu approached gracefully. Her luxurious robes and heavy makeup clashed with the not-so-pleasant smell of the stables.
The woman, now devoid of any fireworks in her demeanor, smiled serenely, not hiding her intent: she had come to reminisce with an old acquaintance.
“Second Brother Wei, long time no see.”
Their fathers were both officials in the Yangzhou Salt Transport Office. Yan Zhuyu’s father had now been promoted to Salt Transport Envoy, a third-rank position that overshadowed even the Yangzhou prefect. Wei Qin’s father, however, had stagnated, holding the post of Ninth-Rank Salt Field Deputy Envoy, diligently serving as the honest man in the eyes of his colleagues.
Wei Qin clasped his hands and gave a faint bow with his light brows. There was no joy at meeting an old acquaintance, no eagerness for small talk. His attitude matched his below-average body temperature—neither warm nor cold. “This one has seen Lady Yan Liangdi.”
How could a person be so impassive, showing no emotions? Even the most glamorous success felt unfulfilling in his presence. Spending time with him might even dull one’s pursuit of fame and fortune.
Without shared desires, basking in envy became a pointless endeavor.
“Second Brother Wei is the same as ever.”
Yan Zhuyu released the female attendant’s wrist and stepped forward leisurely, scrutinizing Wei Qin’s appearance. He was as outstanding as in their youth, always standing out in a crowd with flawless features and bearing. This was one reason why all the great families had vied for him back then.
“A noble son from a humble family. Second Brother Wei has not let Second Uncle Wei down. You bring honor to your ancestors and have a boundless future.”
“You flatter me, my lady.”
After those five simple words, he said no more.
Ordinary people would exchange compliments, but Wei Qin was the exception.
Yan Zhuyu felt a bit deflated. She recalled three years ago, when her father had forced her into becoming someone else’s second wife. Desperate, she had pinned her hopes on Wei Qin, who was heading to the capital for the exams, hoping to form a bond and thwart her father’s scheme to sell his daughter for glory.
It had been a natural match between neighbors, both of marriageable age. But Wei Qin had rejected her with just six words.
Straightforward, leaving no room.
“My apologies, I am not fortunate enough to accept.”
One could not force marriage. She did not hate Wei Qin, only resented her own fate, becoming a pawn in her father’s climb. Fortunately, fortunes had turned, and she had met the Crown Prince. Now the situation was reversed, and she could look down on the past—yet in Wei Qin’s presence, she found no sense of superiority.
Yan Zhuyu’s smile did not fade. “His Highness thought of me marrying far away. On this trip south, he specially permitted me to return to Yangzhou to visit family and catch up with old friends. But my family has bought a new residence, so I probably won’t see Second Uncle and Second Aunt. Please pass on my regards. Second Uncle and Second Aunt are honest folk. Second Brother Wei, you must not let being a son-in-law make you overly accommodating to your wife and wrong your parents.”
Yan Zhuyu took the female attendant’s wrist again and turned slowly. Unexpectedly, she heard—
“As old acquaintances, this one sends Lady Yan one word: humility.”
Yan Zhuyu turned back, a flash of displeasure crossing her refined face. “Speak plainly.”
“Humility builds a solid foundation. Without a firm base, even the grandest house will collapse. A wife is married in; a concubine is taken. Where does ‘marrying far away’ come from? If word reaches the Empress’s ears, it will not bode well for you, my lady.”
“Insolent!” The female attendant sensed Yan Zhuyu’s suppressed anger and sharply rebuked Wei Qin. “A mere seventh-rank compiler dares to disrespect Lady Liangdi?!”
But the usually taciturn Wei Qin tucked his hands into his wide sleeves, ignored the attendant, and looked faintly at Yan Zhuyu.
Silently scrutinizing the foundation of Yan Zhuyu.
Relying on the Crown Prince’s favor as his discerning flower would not lead her to stir trouble before him lightly. Inciting through a female attendant too often would backfire, ruining her reputation for good sense.
In that moment, Yan Zhuyu regretted provoking Wei Qin’s hostility. A Bangyan whose writing the Emperor praised for its decisiveness was no pushover to mock!
“Thank you for the advice.”
Yan Zhuyu laughed instead of raging and left with her attendant, her grip on the woman’s wrist tightening until it nearly dug into the flesh. She disliked verbal sparring; it was futile.
The kitchen smoke gradually died down as plates of delicacies were served to each table. Yan Zhuyu’s table lacked the Mint Layer Cakes and Lion Chestnut Cakes specially ordered by the Crown Prince. Instead, in the side courtyard’s small wooden table wafted the aroma of those two pastries.
Jiang Yinyue stood by the table, puzzled by the Crown Prince’s intentions. If he believed she had fled at the last moment three years ago for self-preservation, why compensate for his guilt in using her?
Was it not contradictory?
The Heir Apparent, with his myriad duties, had no need to expend effort on such conflicted remorse.
“This one appreciates Your Highness’s kind intentions, but this junior has been avoiding rich foods lately and cannot eat sweets. Please have Eunuch Fu return these pastries.”
Fu Zhongcai spread his hands. “If I can’t even deliver two plates of pastries, this servant won’t know how to report to His Highness. Madam, don’t make things difficult for this servant.”
“I would believe those words from others. From Eunuch Fu, they sound overly humble. Your foundation in the Eastern Palace remains unshakable to this day.”
“It seems Madam has kept an eye on the Eastern Palace’s affairs these years.”
“My father’s position at court means that if he is not the Crown Prince’s trusted aide, he becomes a major threat. The Eastern Palace’s dynamics can shake the court’s stability. This junior, having benefited from the family, must safeguard our interests. Keeping track of changes in the Eastern Palace’s personnel is only beneficial.”
Adversity indeed tempered the heart. The woman before him had fallen hard amid romance and snow, and though willful, she no longer prioritized love above all—she knew to grasp interests tightly.
Fu Zhongcai smiled and pushed the pastries toward Jiang Yinyue, unusually offering guidance to the junior. “Since we’re talking interests, Madam should accept His Highness’s kindness. In exchanges of favors, one must know how to leverage debts.”
In the deep palace, new beauties laughed while old ones wept. Princes balanced their factions with crowds of wives and concubines. This old eunuch had seen through glories and graces, knowing love often paled against enduring favors.
Jiang Yinyue fell silent, glanced at the perfectly presented pastries, and said softly, “I have learned from you.”
The old eunuch had fulfilled his task and hurried back to report, unsure if the Crown Prince would inquire about such a trivial matter. He habitually refrained from guessing his master’s thoughts but was certain of one thing: people in court and officialdom did not prioritize romance. For instance, Jiang Song, after losing all face, had not raged for his daughter’s justice or broken ties with the Eastern Palace. He still cleared obstacles for the Crown Prince loyally.
The Crown Prince had been granted the character “Chen” at birth, destined to rule the world. How could he bend over trifling affections?
Back in the main courtyard’s dining hall, Fu Zhongcai bowed to Wei Xichen, who was at his meal, then retreated to the side.
The matter of the pastries was dropped.
But during the interval while accompanying the Crown Prince in morning practice, Fu Zhongcai still raised one issue.
“Minister of Revenue Tao Qian strongly recommends Wei Qin—clearly casting a long line to catch a big fish, recruiting talent for the Third Prince. Wei Qin’s performance in the Hanlin Academy has been the most noteworthy, proving his abilities. Why not use this southern trip, Your Highness, to bring him under your wing for your own use?”
Poaching someone the Third Prince had his eye on would be amusing. In recent years, with the Third Prince’s mother promoted to Wise Consort and gaining favor, the prince had frequently accompanied the Emperor and grown arrogant.
Wei Xichen aimed his arrow at the straw target, eyes straight ahead. With a “bang,” the arrow shot out and hit dead center.
He drew another new white-feathered arrow from the quiver, tensed his arm, nocked the bow, and said steadily, “Wei Qin is too scheming.”
Fu Zhongcai never saw scheming as a flaw. How many in the Eastern Palace were simple-minded? He scratched his cheek, puzzled. “Your Highness means…”
“This Prince dislikes this man.”