The sun rose, the floating white mist slowly dispersed, and the top of Zhaixing Tower glittered with golden light.

Lu Huating raised his eyes. On the opposite eaves, several rough-clothed men crouched, hiding their faces behind the roof ridge beasts, quietly blending with the eaves.

Looking down, amid the chanting sounds, three guest envoys led white horses, circling Zhaixing Tower. The white horses bore Buddha bone relics on their backs. Whether nobles below the tower or distant spectators, none dared speak loudly.

In this vast space, only wooden fish and chanting voices floated through the air.

The nobles gathered below the tower. Empress Ma was especially devout, supported by Princess Yan, moved to tears. In comparison, Li Huan was expressionless like an iron stake. Prince Zhao Li Pan was even more disinterested, nearly falling asleep while standing.

Li Xuan took in the movements of those around him while standing very straight, composed. He remembered Qun Qing seemed to believe in such things but hadn’t found her. “Miss Qing didn’t come?”

Shouxi said, “Miss Qing said she was unwell and asked for leave.”

“Unwell? What’s wrong with her?”

“This servant doesn’t know. We’ll send someone back to check after the ceremony ends.”

Li Xuan nodded. Before him, dozens of palace maids in Buddha makeup holding decorated flowers passed by in formation.

They varied in age, some plump and some thin. All had received the Emperor’s grace and would be released from the palace, so their expressions were focused and solemn, creating remarkable harmony.

Their prayer robe hems dragged across the plush carpet. In the distance, Lin Yujia stared fixedly at the carpet, seeing no sparks, feeling puzzled. But he had already had Chu the Wardrobe Official tamper with it—there should be no mistake. It must be due to the heavy morning dew. He’d have to wait until the sun came out for a good show.

Li Xuan hadn’t originally paid attention to these palace maids’ appearances, letting their hems pass sequentially through his vision, until one woman’s walking posture seemed familiar. His gaze moved upward.

That woman kept her head lowered with downcast lashes. Even with her face covered in Buddha makeup, Li Xuan still recognized her. Li Xuan stared at her for several breaths, his breathing catching. She was clearly in the formation line—why lie about being sick?

From the corner of her eye, Qun Qing saw Li Xuan’s gaze stick to her. He had seen her. Ahead, Zheng Zhiyi called out, “This consort sees the Crown Prince looks pale. Are you unwell?”

Zheng Zhiyi held a snow-white udumbara flower, leading this group of flower-bearing palace maids. She looked back at Li Xuan from afar, her eyes containing a subtle warning.

Li Xuan glared at her. Zheng Zhiyi’s eyes showed no fear. Clearly, she had a hand in this.

This question drew everyone’s gaze to Li Xuan. Emperor Chenming’s look held some displeasure. Under众目睽睽, Li Xuan had to restrain his emotions. “This palace is fine. Every autumn my complexion is poor. The Crown Princess worries unnecessarily. Don’t disrupt the formation—this palace is still waiting to welcome the Buddha bone into the tower.”

Seeing the Crown Prince didn’t make difficulties, Qun Qing’s hands gripping the flowers tightened as she left with the other palace maids.

Returning to the incense stand, Qun Qing stared at Lin Yujia intently.

Lin Yujia represented the Ministry of Rites in reciting prayers, raising three incense sticks. Across the incense, he met Qun Qing’s eyes and smiled mysteriously. Poor Liu Niang was eager for revenge, not knowing that once he acted, she would be the first arrested.

But at this moment, the wind direction was poor, smoke constantly drifting toward his face, making his eyes red.

When placing the incense in the stand, Lin Yujia’s hand trembled, and a long section of incense ash fell on the plush carpet.

As long as the core of this carpet ignited, it would quickly spread to where the nobles stood. However, after watching for a moment, his brow furrowed slightly. The incense ash lay scattered on the carpet with no trace of burning.

The carpet had a problem.

Lin Yujia realized—someone must have replaced the carpet soaked with castor oil!

He looked toward Qun Qing. She seemed completely unaware, even giving him meaningful looks, questioning why he hadn’t acted yet.

Lin Yujia placed a corner of the prayer document in the fire basin to light it, his mind in complete turmoil. According to their plan, he should “accidentally” drop this prayer document on the plush carpet. However, now he could only hold back.

It seemed someone had discovered the matter. If Qun Qing wanted revenge, let her take the lead herself. He absolutely couldn’t leave evidence. Thinking this, Lin Yujia safely stuffed the prayer document into the bronze basin to burn. He breathed a sigh of relief and stood aside with lowered sleeves.

He glanced at Qun Qing. Unexpectedly, she not only showed no disappointment but was smiling.

The smile at her lips was extremely faint, like a spring breeze blowing, as if relieved of a burden, yet it made Lin Yujia’s heart fill with an ominous premonition.

Qun Qing raised her lashes, gazing at the blazing sunlight overhead. Lin Yujia felt his shoulders seemed somewhat hot. The breeze on his face suddenly grew fierce, scraping his face like a blade.

In this wind, the wooden stand holding the bronze basin somehow snapped with a crack, blown broken by the wind. The fire basin clanged and tipped over, spilling at Lin Yujia’s feet. That patch of plush carpet where he stood suddenly burst into flames. The flames licked the corner of his prayer robe, and his shoulders also ignited. In just an instant, he was burned into a huge fireball!

Because of the phosphorescent powder, within this fireball, dazzling green light explosively flashed—incredibly brilliant.

Everything happened in an instant. The watching common people, Emperor Chenming and the Empress below the tower hadn’t reacted. Light reflected in their eyes as all four sides fell silent as crows and sparrows.

Immediately after, drumbeats sounded overhead. Drums and music ethereally intertwined. Qun Qing looked up to see four large men rise on the four-sided eaves. One of them unfurled a thick black cloth soaked in water with a whoosh, carrying it with force, flying the four corners to his companions’ hands.

They held the four corners of the black cloth and descended from the sky. Bells wrapped around their waists made crisp sounds. They swooped directly at Lin Yujia, wrapping him in the black cloth, making this fireball brilliant for only a moment before being extinguished and carried away.

Qun Qing watched this scene, thinking he indeed had a backup plan.

But it no longer mattered.

Outside the palace gates, the child held high actually giggled and laughed, pointing there. “Grandpa, look! It’s acrobatics! The acrobatics we’ve seen in Chang’an!”

In the Eastern Market and Western District, there were indeed street performers doing acrobatics. Fire-breathing and fire-playing arts were common. Performances made people worry, but actually they all possessed special skills.

The drums and gongs sounded even more vigorously. On that open space, a brand-new lion dance rolled in, circling the plush carpet tossing embroidered balls.

The common people realized this was acrobatic magic and applauded, calling out approval. “Today truly is a joyous day—it should be celebrated!”

Amid the commotion, the four large men quietly carried Lin Yujia back to Delin Hall.

Hearing footsteps, Lu Huating said, “Dead?”

“Following the Chief Clerk’s instructions, we wrapped him in time. He’s fine, but these burns on his legs and body will be enough to make him suffer.”

The smell of burning permeated the air, even carrying the scent of roasted meat. Juan Su said “Amitabha Buddha.” Zhu Su waved his hand. “Quickly take him down and confine him. In this condition, he’ll probably need treatment for days before we can interrogate him.”

Lu Huating saw Qun Qing standing in the formation from afar, seemingly watching the lion dance. He smiled. “How could I have known Miss Qing would be so heartless toward her lover? If I didn’t act, she was going to burn the leverage she promised me. Since it’s all burning anyway, why not make it more lively?”

The lion dance exited. Everyone applauded happily, except the nobles observing everything.

Emperor Chenming’s face had turned green. Fortunately, ministers were all far away and the common people hadn’t noticed anything amiss. He could only force a smile and continue advancing the ceremony, having the envoys place the Buddha bone relic in Zhaixing Tower.

The palace city successfully welcomed the Buddha bone. Emperor Chenming issued another edict reducing household taxes for two years and bestowing fish, meat, rice, and grain. The common people’s cheers rose wave after wave. Chang’an seemed to gradually emerge from the shadow of war, thoroughly embraced into Great Chen’s arms.

“Chief Clerk, this is bad!” Juan Su ran up. “Because of the fire just now, the Emperor is furious and summoned everyone to the hall. The Crown Princess suddenly found fault with Princess Yan—I’m afraid the Princess will be punished.”

This action was excessive and could indeed invoke imperial wrath. Hearing this, Lu Huating rose. “Have the Princess push the matter onto me.”

He hurried downstairs.

As he descended, Qun Qing pulled Zhang the lady-in-waiting and headed straight for the Palace Directorate.

Emperor Chenming paid no attention to this group of palace maids, so Zheng Zhiyi ordered their release, seizing the opportunity. Qun Qing took shortcuts through less-traveled paths, traversing the palace. Zhang the lady-in-waiting said, “Such a hurry! Aren’t you saying goodbye to the palace servants?”

Qun Qing had already received both their palace registers from the female official. The registers bore bright red “banished” characters. With this palace register, she was no longer a servant within the palace.

Qun Qing glanced at it, put the register in her bundle, and said to Zhang the lady-in-waiting, “Thank you for your help along the way. I’ve fulfilled what I promised you. I hope you’ll have vast seas and high skies ahead, never enslaved again. I’d love to talk more with you, but today we must part.”

Zhang the lady-in-waiting listened, her lips moving. Qun Qing had already embraced her tightly.

When she came to her senses, Qun Qing released her, turned, and walked out the palace gate.

There were three palace gates. By the time she walked out of the palace city, Qun Qing’s feet hurt and the back of her neck was damp with sweat, yet the sun overhead had barely moved.

At the same time, the side hall doors opened. Lu Huating entered and confessed to Emperor Chenming, “Director Lin Yujia of the Ministry of Rites is suspected of being a Nan Chu spy attempting to sabotage the ceremony. This subject was eager to arrest him but afraid of affecting the ceremony, so acted without authorization. The Princess knew nothing of this.”

Lu Huating glanced at Zheng Zhiyi. This Crown Princess had been raised by Qun Qing’s hand. Previously young and ignorant, she often spoke shockingly, but recently she’d become increasingly steady.

Zheng Zhiyi and Princess Yan had always been harmonious. To suddenly make difficulties now seemed rather strange.

If she’d received someone’s instruction, thinking that attacking Princess Yan would let her reclaim power over the inner palace—that would be too foolish. Qun Qing wasn’t such a dull person.

Something seemed wrong, but he couldn’t figure it out immediately.

He was about to speak when Xiao Yunru softly confessed, “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, this son’s wife is indeed at fault. Recently unwell, always feeling uncomfortable somewhere, I lazily handed all ceremony arrangements entirely to the Chief Clerk. Yesterday the imperial physician examined me—I’m four months pregnant.”

As these words fell, everyone’s expressions changed.

Emperor Chenming and Empress Ma were overjoyed. The shadow of Imperial Consort Han’s lost child was dispersed by this news. Empress Ma couldn’t contain her joy. “This is joyous news! This palace will become a grandmother! Why are you still kneeling? Quickly bring a seat.”

Li Huan’s mask concealed his astonishment. Lu Huating was also very surprised. Xiao Yunru had never told him about her pregnancy.

But Xiao Yunru gave them a meaningful look, indicating she knew what she was doing. She said to Empress Ma, “Imperial children are difficult to raise. This consort’s health is poor. Please, Mother Empress, issue an edict—let’s not make this news public yet.”

“Did you all hear? Keep your mouths shut. If anyone leaks this, His Majesty will severely punish you.” Empress Ma pointed at the princes.

With Princess Yan pregnant, what negligence should be pursued? Li Pan couldn’t help glancing at Li Xuan. “I didn’t expect Third Brother would be the first among us to become a father. Truly congratulations.”

Li Xuan made no sound.

Prince Yan producing the Emperor’s eldest grandson was undoubtedly an important bargaining chip, possibly changing Prince Yan’s weight in the Emperor’s heart.

He wanted to discuss this with Qun Qing, but suddenly recalled the strange matter from earlier. His heart inexplicably felt uneasy. He raised his phoenix eyes and said to Zheng Zhiyi, “Father Emperor, Mother Empress, let Prince Yan escort the Princess home to rest early. Crown Princess, return to the palace with this palace.”

Qun Qing passed through the palace city and quickly walked to the street, her nerves taut the entire time.

Her palace register passed to An Lin’s hands, then transferred to a thin official from the Ministry of Revenue, then handed back—already exchanged for a thin travel permit.

The permit was handed to Jinwu Guards patrolling the street. He looked at it, handed it back to Qun Qing, and waved his hand. An Lin breathed a sigh of relief. “Looks like there’s no problem.”

Qun Qing told him about Lin Yujia falling into Lu Huating’s hands, then said, “Brother An, I still need to see Fang Xie. We’ll contact by lark later.”

A young lady just out of the palace would need to familiarize herself with her surroundings, find lodging, and buy clothes. An Lin couldn’t follow along well and said gently, “There haven’t been any tasks recently. Explore on your own, find a secluded dwelling. If you have time, come find me and Sister Yue.”

Qun Qing thanked An Lin, walked across the street, and seeing no eyes left or right, broke into a run. Passing through groves and shops, until buildings grew sparse and a vast expanse opened before her with misty water vapor. People came and went at the dock. Wind stirred clothing. Boats were moored on the Chan River. One person saw her and came forward, grasping her arm. “Elder Sister!”

It was Fang Xie with a bundle on his back, waiting for her for some time. He was about to speak when Qun Qing pulled him onto the boat. “Quickly.”

The journey had been too smooth. Not until she handed gold ingots and both their travel permits to the workers and crawled into the narrow cargo hold, kneeling on wooden boards, breathing the damp musty air, feeling the tremors and jolting of movement—only then did she believe she had truly left the palace.

“Elder Sister, have some water.” Behind her came Fang Xie’s gentle voice, like a dream. He passed over a water bag.

Through gaps in the window, Qun Qing watched the passing river water, rippling outward line by line. Unexpectedly, some bewilderment surged in her heart. She got seasick. After just one sip, she threw it up.

The sky darkened. Qingxuan Pavilion was shrouded in a suppressed atmosphere. Even the lamp stands and incense burners seemed covered with a layer of coldness.

Li Xuan sat in a chair. Zheng Zhiyi stood with her back straight. Beside them was Imperial Consort Han fanning herself.

Before leaving, Qun Qing had specifically instructed Zheng Zhiyi to invite Imperial Consort Han to prevent Li Xuan from making difficulties.

Shouxi reported, “Your Highness, that group of palace maids has already left. The Palace Directorate stamped them with the banishment character. They left immediately—we probably can’t catch them now.”

Li Xuan said nothing. He stood up, ignoring Shouxi’s attempts to stop him, and walked directly to the side hall, kicking the door open.

The door panel could barely withstand the force. With a creak it softly swung open.

The Crown Prince rarely showed anger or lost composure. Shouxi was frightened.

The side hall was Qun Qing’s former residence. He was seeing it for the first time today. Bed curtains hung up, swaying in the wind. The entire hall was tidied neat as new. The desk and cabinets were empty—all writing materials put away.

Yesterday she had slept here. Today she was gone. It was too absurd.

“Did you also know about this?” he asked in a low voice.

“This servant is guilty—I failed to detect it.” Shouxi hurried to say, “This Miss Qing too—Your Highness spent effort cultivating her, and she turned out so ungrateful.”

Li Xuan suddenly recalled that when reviewing memorials previously, Qun Qing had insisted Princess Yan release palace servants.

She had been planning since then.

“Indeed ungrateful.” Li Xuan’s mouth tightened. Returning to the main hall, he walked faster and faster. The anger and suffocation of being toyed with and manipulated pressed in his chest, seeping into cold coldness. The instant he saw Zheng Zhiyi’s stubborn eyes, it ignited.

“You’ve developed skills,” he said.

Zheng Zhiyi said, “What did I do? Princess Yan released them. Miss Qing wanted to leave herself.”

“Do you know how many confidential matters she handled?” Li Xuan said. “How could you let her leave the palace? How dare you?”

Zheng Zhiyi retorted, “Miss Qing only said she was leaving to marry. How would I know about confidential matters? You never told me either.”

“Are you mad?” Li Xuan was furious.

“I think you’re the one who’s mad.” But Zheng Zhiyi was strangely calm. Her dark eyes reflected his face. “I am your Crown Princess.”

This statement awakened him from his dream. Li Xuan calmed down.

Yes, the person before him was his wife, his pillow companion. He had actually shown such loss of composure over a woman who served at his command.

“Alright, alright.” Imperial Consort Han mediated. “Your Highness, don’t take your anger out on the Crown Princess. This Miss Qing is clever, but there are plenty in this world cleverer than her. People have their own aspirations—why force them? In a couple days Your Highness will have forgotten her.”

Li Xuan glanced at Imperial Consort Han.

Before leaving, Qun Qing had pulled Imperial Consort Han in—truly leaving nothing to chance. Imperial Consort Han was cleverer than her and had more power. There truly was no need to keep her.

Just a palace maid—gone was gone. Li Xuan sat down. But deep in his heart, there was some indescribable obstruction.

Prince Yan’s mansion—a physician was taking Xiao Yunru’s pulse.

Originally Lu Huating was going to interrogate Lin Yujia, but was interrupted by Xiao Yunru’s pregnancy pulse. She refused to summon palace physicians. Recalling that in the previous life Xiao Yunru had died mysteriously from illness, most likely related to this pregnancy, Lu Huating summoned a trustworthy physician to examine her pulse.

Lu Huating’s mind wandered, thinking again of the scene of Qun Qing standing in the flower-bearing palace maids’ formation.

He still hadn’t figured out Qun Qing’s intention in standing in that formation. Inexplicably unsettled, he called Juan Su over. “Go see if Qun Qing has returned.”

Juan Su had just gone out when Cuiyu came in to report. “Princess, that group of flower-bearing palace maids has already been released from the palace.”

Lu Huating’s fingers in his sleeve trembled. He raised his lashes jokingly. “They didn’t release Miss Qing along with them, did they?”

“Of course they did.” Cuiyu said. “Didn’t the Chief Clerk see today?”