Before the current Crown Prince ascended to the heir apparent position, the master of Da Qing’s Eastern Palace was the famous Prince Qing, known throughout the capital.

Yes, that would be my full brother from the same mother, Xiao Jinglan.

At the founding of the nation, Father Emperor’s imperial power was not yet secure, and he had no sons under his knees. Despite his nightly diligent efforts, the bellies of the harem consorts remained silent. Just as several imperial uncles were huddled in their own mansions, each holding their respective children while fantasizing about that golden throne – Mother Empress became pregnant.

Big Brother’s arrival was like timely rain, not only settling the imperial succession but more importantly restoring Father Emperor’s masculine vigor and dignity as a man.

It was also the year Big Brother was born that the harem consorts had successive good news one after another. Except for the imperial uncles secretly crying at home, it could be said the entire realm celebrated together in universal joy. That day, Father Emperor held the still-swaddled Big Brother as he climbed high to gaze far, looking out at the misty mountain peaks, and sighed: “Mist atop the peaks shrouds the beautiful rivers and mountains. Jinglan, you must not disappoint my great expectations.”

Big Brother truly didn’t disappoint Father Emperor’s expectations.

He was intelligent and quick-witted from childhood. Before age seven, he had mastered the various schools of learning with ease and grace. His horsemanship and martial arts were also outstanding. Most precious was his warm treatment of others – from noble princes and ministers above to peddlers and porters below, he was always amiable and courteous, never arrogant from being favored. In this point, he was completely different from me.

Well, I admit I was spoiled to be somewhat arrogant in my youth. Not only did I dislike studying and love eating and playing, but whenever slightly displeased I would throw tantrums and take it out on others. Mother Empress’s education philosophy was non-interference, and Father Emperor’s indulgence toward me was completely without principles. Even the harem consorts would make wide detours when they saw me – how would anyone else dare say half a word against me?

Except for Big Brother – only Big Brother.

I heard people say that until I was three, the person who held me most wasn’t Mother Empress or my wet nurse, but Big Brother. The palace nannies recalled it like this: “When the crybaby Princess was still a baby, even His Majesty couldn’t soothe her, but when that five-and-a-half-year-old Prince picked her up, she became obedient. It was truly miraculous.”

I can’t recall any memories from before age three. After three, Father Emperor sent Big Brother to Qilian Mountains to study martial arts and philosophy under a master to temper him, and he didn’t return to the palace for another three years.

Six-year-old me was at my most lawless and unreasonable. Hearing that the famous Big Brother was returning, I only saw him as an enemy coming to share Father Emperor’s affection. Not only was I not overjoyed, I was somewhat resistant. So when the whole family gathered outside the hall to welcome his return, I kept my head down in sullen displeasure, unwilling even to look at him.

Who knew that after he finished greeting Father Emperor and Mother Empress with warm inquiries, he turned and spotted me hiding behind the crowd. I watched those deerskin boots draw closer and closer, until they stopped before me. Suddenly my body felt light – he had brazenly lifted me up, and then I saw that cheerful, refined face with eyes sparkling like colored glass as he smiled: “Our Xiangyi has grown so tall! Did you miss your Big Brother?”

That was my first impression of Big Brother. Unlike other brothers who were bound by propriety, when he smiled, he seemed even brighter than the sun in the sky.

But this bright Big Brother didn’t indulge and spoil me like Father Emperor.

I remember once I flew into a rage because a serving palace maid broke my beloved jade hairpin. No matter how that little maid cried and begged for mercy, I had the nanny expel her from the palace. Big Brother happened to pass by and see this, but he didn’t stop me – he just had the nanny follow my instructions exactly.

Not long after, Big Brother invited me to sneak out of the palace to play. I went happily, not expecting to see that little maid I had expelled on the roadside. She was in rags, kneeling on the street begging. In just a few days she had become much thinner – who knew how long she’d been hungry. I was so shocked I couldn’t speak, stammering to ask Big Brother: “Why has she fallen to this state? I only had the nanny send her home – I didn’t want to see her wandering the streets…”

Big Brother said slowly: “Before expelling someone, didn’t Imperial Sister ask the nanny about her situation? This girl lost both parents long ago and was sold into the palace by her stepmother. Being expelled for angering you, she also received a beating that injured her legs. She had no money to find a doctor for treatment and no way to make a living. If she doesn’t beg, how can she survive?”

I fell into deep guilt, unable to say anything for a moment. Big Brother asked gently: “Breaking your hairpin, she could accept appropriate punishment. But Sister, in all fairness, did she really deserve this fate?”

I shook my head and wiped away tears: “It’s my fault. I want to bring her back to the palace, heal her injuries, and treat her well.”

Big Brother smiled slightly, gently stroking my head: “A broad heart brings thick blessings; a small vessel holds thin fortune. You’ll understand someday.”

Later when I was older and studied with my various brothers and sisters, whenever I was lazy or cheated, even Imperial Tutor Fang Liang couldn’t handle me, so Big Brother would come teach me personally. Though I would listen to him, I wasn’t exactly willing. Whenever reading became tedious, I would throw down my books in irritation and complain: “All these literary particles and moral principles – I really don’t know what use learning these has. As they say, ‘A woman without talent is virtuous.’ Anyway, I don’t worry about food or clothing or making a living. Whether I study or not, I’m still a princess. If I read countless books, I’m still a princess. What’s the difference?”

Big Brother smiled and asked: “Then if one day you’re no longer a princess, who would you be?”

I was startled: “How could I possibly not be a princess?”

“Father Emperor will grow old someday, will fall ill, will become powerless…”

“But there’s still you, Big Brother…”

He shook his head: “Big Brother can’t necessarily protect Little Sister forever. Living in the imperial family, fortune and disaster are unpredictable – suppressed then rising, rising then suppressed. How can one carelessly depend on others to live? Only by dwelling in safety while thinking of danger can even Heaven be unable to use its tricks.”

Seeing me thoughtfully pondering his words, he smiled and tapped my head: “Being smooth and successful all one’s life is naturally good, but through the long years, should one really just waste time eating good food and wearing beautiful clothes? Your princess status and Father Emperor’s favor are both gifts from Heaven. Don’t ask why Heaven wills it or what Heaven intends to do – just ask what you yourself wish to do, what you seek.”

This was Big Brother’s educational method – gentle, never harsh or severe.

No, in my memory, he seemed to have been fierce with me once.

That was during a royal hunt when I disobeyed Father Emperor and secretly changed into men’s clothing to ride alone into the forest. I ended up being chased by a wolf that bit through my horse’s leg. Just as the wolf was about to make a meal of me after I fell to the ground, Big Brother came galloping on his horse. He shouted and leaped to shield me, piercing the wolf’s throat with his sword. When wolf blood splattered across his face, he turned around still breathing hard and angrily scolded me: “Who told you to barge in here?! You nearly lost your life – don’t you know that? When did you become so reckless?”

I looked at him in shock, thinking of that critical moment just now: “But Big Brother, how could you carelessly shield me? If that vicious wolf had hurt you, what would Da Qing do without its Crown Prince?”

He helped me up: “If I can’t even protect my own sister completely, what face would I have to be this Crown Prince of Da Qing?”

Though I cried like rain on pear blossoms, hearing him say this, I suddenly wanted to thank Heaven for giving me such a good Big Brother.

Later outside Yulong Manor, I met Song Langsheng and fell in love at first sight, missing him terribly when apart. At that time I didn’t know Song Langsheng’s name and just called him Big Brother. When I returned to the manor, I told Big Brother about my adventure, thinking he would be happy for me. Who knew he immediately became stern and seriously asked: “What Big Brother? I’m your real big brother and haven’t even given my approval yet, and you’re already recognizing brothers everywhere? Quickly tell me – what’s that person’s surname and name? Where does he live? What does he look like? Did he take advantage of you? Could he have deliberately approached you after recognizing your identity? No, I must tell Father Emperor to send people to investigate his background. Until then, you’re not allowed to meet him again.”

The more I listened, the angrier I became. In my fury I said: “Big Brother, if you like someone you should trust them. If you do so many underhanded things behind their back, that’s not true love at all!”

Big Brother scoffed: “You little girl, what do you know about true love?”

I didn’t answer him then. I thought privately: You’re the one who doesn’t understand true love. You only know the way of rulers, the realm and state – how could your heart hold these romantic feelings?

What I never expected was that in the end, the one who could abandon everything for love was actually Big Brother.

Because I ultimately harbored wariness and didn’t reveal my identity to Big Brother, and fearing Father Emperor’s punishment had to return to the palace early, I only had a palace maid deliver a message. Thus I missed my chance with my Big Brother.

But when Big Brother met his beloved woman, he could disregard her background as a performing dancer, take her hand, and walk into the golden hall. Before all the civil and military officials, he fearlessly said to Father Emperor: “This son will only marry Qi Luo in this lifetime!”

The shock of civil and military officials and Father Emperor’s fury couldn’t make Big Brother loosen his grip even slightly. At that moment, I watched that woman called Qi Luo from behind a golden pillar, silently asking in my heart: Do you know what kind of wonderful person stands beside you?

Many years later, I often thought that without Big Brother patiently teaching me during those years, I probably would have become one of history’s many spoiled and tyrannical princesses. Or perhaps I wouldn’t have survived to later years at all, heroically sacrificing myself in some conspiracy or power struggle.

So when Big Brother willingly removed himself from the imperial registry for his beloved and agreed to Father Emperor’s demand that he never return to the capital in this lifetime, I was utterly unwilling and unable to accept it.

The day he left, I rushed to grab his sleeve tightly, pleading bitterly for him to stay, repeating over and over: “Big Brother, don’t go too far. When Father Emperor’s anger subsides, come back, alright?”

He smiled slightly: “From now on, just call me Big Brother.”

“If you leave, what will happen to Father Emperor? What will happen to Xiangyi?”

Big Brother sighed softly: “Xiangyi, you’ve grown up. You’re no longer that ignorant little girl from years past. You must learn to use your own strength to protect yourself, protect Father Emperor, protect Jingyan…”

I shook my head repeatedly: “I can’t do it. Without Big Brother by my side, how could I possibly do it?”

Big Brother gently stroked my head, saying softly: “You can do it. Xiao Qitang will do better than Xiao Jinglan ever could. If I weren’t certain of this, how could I leave with peace of mind?”

I slowly released his sleeve: “Big Brother taught me to govern since childhood, taught me to handle affairs, taught me to be human. Since Big Brother has decided, Little Sister knows she cannot dissuade you. Now that Big Brother no longer sees me as an innocent child, Xiangyi will only ask Big Brother one question.” I took a deep breath: “Is it worth it? Really… won’t you regret it?”

Big Brother was slightly startled, but his eyes were full of determination: “It’s worth it. Big Brother will never regret it.”

I stared at him blankly.

Big Brother looked up slightly toward the blue sky, then smiled serenely: “Under clear skies and bright moon, where can’t one soar freely?”

This was my Big Brother – Xiao Jinglan.

Father Emperor said: “Mist atop peaks shrouds beautiful rivers and mountains.” How could such a person be that sinister and cunning Feng Li? How could such a benevolent heart sacrifice countless common people for power and position?

Past events flashed before my eyes, each telling me one answer.

Seeing me lost in memories for a long time without speaking, Song Langsheng reached out to wipe away my tears: “What are you thinking about?”

I looked up, morning wind stirring our clothes slightly: “I’m thinking that Feng Li absolutely cannot be Big Brother.”

—Second Update—

Song Langsheng frowned slightly. I said: “Just like before, when everyone said you were a traitorous rebel, I still chose to believe you. Big Brother is such a person to me too… Besides, just based on one Cai Mi and Feng Li’s unwillingness to kill me, concluding he’s my Big Brother – isn’t that too hasty?”

Seeing my somewhat flustered state, Song Langsheng reached out to ruffle my disheveled hair: “Making such conclusions is indeed too rash… Or perhaps this is also Feng Li’s misdirection…”

“Right, right.”

Just as I was nodding enthusiastically, Song Langsheng smiled gently: “To me, who Feng Li is doesn’t matter. I was just afraid A’Tang would be sad.”

The light of sunrise reflected in his eyes, blooming with warm radiance. My heart warmed slightly as I nodded.

Song Langsheng asked: “Do you want to come with me now, or return to the palace?”

I thought about it: “Return to the palace. I really can’t bear to see Crown Prince Brother repeatedly trying to completely destroy you. Whether he believes it or not, I’ll give it a try. You don’t need to worry either – we’ve overcome so many difficulties. At this most crucial moment, Heaven will surely follow our hearts’ desires.”

Hearing this, Song Langsheng visibly seemed relieved. It appeared that despite his fine words, he still didn’t want me to face danger with him.

He took out a bamboo whistle from his sleeve and placed it in my palm: “This eagle whistle can summon the flying eagles I keep near the imperial palace. They fly swiftly and fiercely at night, much more reliable than carrier pigeons. After you return to the palace, if you’re in urgent situations and can’t get away, you can use this to contact me. If I have any news, I’ll also send it to you. Remember, be cautious in all things, don’t act rashly…”

I gripped the eagle whistle: “Mm.”

On the way back to the city, I was silent the entire journey, the unease stirring in my heart still not dissipated.

Even now, too many mysteries remained unsolved.

If the poison Feng Li gave me years ago was the non-lethal Tianshan Mandala, then why had I been frequently coughing up blood and showing purple discoloration in my meridians these past two months? The timing of the poison’s onset was precisely when Song Langsheng hurriedly left the manor – not early, not late. It was as if someone had unknowingly administered drugs with similar symptoms, making me think my life was in danger and forcing me to risk everything and fall into a trap.

If it was just misdirection, with Zhou Wenyu’s medical skills, it would be impossible not to discover the truth.

Unless the person deliberately misleading me was Zhou Wenyu himself.

I had met Zhou Wenyu by chance after I fell from a cliff and was shot with an arrow last year. Could it be that Feng Li had arranged everything back then?

This doesn’t make sense.

If Feng Li had known early where I was living among the common people, it would be impossible not to use this knowledge for a whole year – compared to me now, the naive and ignorant He Feng from a year ago would have been the optimal entry point.

Then who exactly was Zhou Wenyu working for?

Song Langsheng tilted his head slightly: “What are you thinking about now?”

My mind was in chaos. I unconsciously blurted out: “I’m just wondering if Xu Fang forgot all the memories belonging to us because he took the Soul-Forgetting Powder antidote that day…”

“What do you mean by ‘your memories’?”

Only then did I realize what I had said. I knocked my head in annoyance and smiled ingratiatingly: “No, nothing. I was just saying that casually – you don’t need to take it to heart.”

Song Langsheng didn’t smile: “We just escaped death, and now great enemies are before us, yet you’re still concerned about investigating the cause of Marquis Xia Yang’s heir’s amnesia?”

“That’s because… I’ve always been puzzled about it before, and now I suddenly understood, so…”

He didn’t respond.

I steeled myself and turned back, reaching out to poke his face: “Alright, since you don’t like me mentioning it, I won’t bring it up anymore. Don’t be angry, don’t be angry…”

Song Langsheng turned his head away slightly, snorting: “If you don’t want to fall off the horse, sit properly.”

I obediently straightened my posture, feeling the arm around me tighten, wanting to laugh but not daring to. “Oh.”

The city gate appeared in an instant. Song Langsheng was still a fugitive and naturally couldn’t accompany me into the capital. After helping me down from the horse, he pointed to the bustling official road ahead: “I’ve arranged for people to secretly protect you on your way back to the palace – you needn’t worry.”

I smiled brightly: “I’m not worried.”

Song Langsheng looked down at me: “We’re about to part, and you’re still smiling?”

“Standing properly before you like this, seeing that you’re also safe and sound,” I looked at him as sunlight through tree shadows made his features appear elegant, “naturally puts me in a good mood.”

Song Langsheng gazed at me quietly, leaning down to leave a soft kiss on my forehead. Still not satisfied, he gently kissed my earlobe as well.

I only felt my ears burning inexplicably, my heart tingling with anticipation for more, but he had already straightened up, released the arm holding me, and smiled faintly: “Go on, I’ll watch you.”

Now the one reluctant to leave had become me.

Seeing me standing still, he asked puzzled: “What’s wrong?”

I couldn’t possibly tell him such shameless words as “I desperately want to kiss you right now, but you’re standing so straight I can’t reach.”

I turned around sullenly, having just taken a few steps when he spun me back and pressed his lips to mine.

After an extremely light sucking kiss, he pulled away again. Our lips were so close they almost touched but didn’t quite. His breath brushed against my lips. I couldn’t help opening my eyes to look at him. The next moment, he lowered his head slightly, long eyelashes covering his eyelids, moist lips once again sweetly entwining.

I don’t know how long we kissed. Finally Song Langsheng said breathlessly: “Blame that Feng Li and Nie Guang for creating so much trouble out of nowhere, delaying my proper business.”

My heart was still racing, not understanding what he meant: “What proper business is left unfinished?”

Song Langsheng pressed his lips together, his face almost red as a persimmon, saying strangely: “When this storm passes, the first thing I want to do is consummate with A’Tang.”

My heart pounded wildly: “You, you, you… this, this is a public street… what nonsense are you spouting!”

His fingers caressed the side of my wrist, his eyes gradually filling with mirth: “Where the heart goes, the body follows.”

“You…” My thoughts immediately turned to mush: “…shameless man!”

He stared at me: “How can intimate relations between a man and his wife be called improper? Or would you have me seek flowers and willows elsewhere?”

“You dare!” I panicked, my tongue tying in knots: “Besides me, you’re not allowed to touch anyone else! Not even look at them!”

Seeing his smile like flowing water, I realized I had fallen into his trap, so I stamped my foot in embarrassment: “I’m not talking to you anymore!” After saying this, I shook off his hand and ran away in a flash.

Song Langsheng, Song Wolf! What kind of gentleman – clearly a hungry, lustful wolf. He should just change his name, since they sound the same anyway!

—Third Update—

I stormed away with my hands on my hips, my mind full of Song Langsheng’s mischievous smile. When the gate guards stopped me to check my travel pass, I was looking for somewhere to vent my anger, so I directly pulled out my jade pendant, ignoring them as they all knelt down, and continued straight ahead.

Only when He Pingzhao arrived with a group of soldiers, all kneeling before me to beg forgiveness and mentioning how anxious the Crown Prince had been, did I regain my composure and remember the good brother I was about to face.

Crown Prince Brother must have received news of my safety. As soon as I stepped into the Eastern Palace, I saw him pacing back and forth in the front hall. When he saw me, he strode forward, looked me up and down, and said joyfully: “Imperial Sister, I knew you were still alive, I knew it… Tell me, has your poison been completely cleared? Are you uncomfortable anywhere? I’ll summon the imperial physicians right away…”

Seeing Crown Prince Brother so concerned about me, most of my displeasure dissipated: “No need to make such a fuss. I took the antidote and I’m fine now.”

The Crown Prince breathed a long sigh of relief: “I knew it – Imperial Sister, Heaven protects the virtuous.” Seeing my serious expression, understanding flashed in his eyes. He immediately dismissed the attending palace servants, had me sit down, then pulled up a stool to sit before me, asking: “Is Imperial Sister still angry with me?”

I raised my eyelids flatly: “You are His Highness the Crown Prince, the future emperor. How would I dare be upset with you?”

The Crown Prince lowered his head: “If Imperial Sister says that, then you are angry. You’re angry that I hid from you that the Prince Consort and I had exchanged letters, angry that I used you to capture the Prince Consort…” Seeing I ignored him, he continued: “But if I hadn’t done this, Imperial Sister would have believed him again upon seeing him. Jingyan doesn’t want to see Imperial Sister repeatedly troubled and confused by love.”

I frowned at him: “So you still conclude that Song Langsheng is a rebellious traitor? If he truly had treasonous intentions, why would he send carrier pigeons to inform you of his movements that day?”

The Crown Prince said: “Did he tell you he was infiltrating the enemy camp, pretending to rebel? He told me the same thing, but in my view, this is just a lie he fabricated after his schemes were exposed. To continue gaining our trust, he deliberately revealed some clues. Look, didn’t Imperial Sister believe him?”

I said: “Crown Prince, these past few days I’ve been with him day and night, and learned he never poisoned me. The one who poisoned me was Nie Guang. He even nearly lost his life seeking an antidote for me. That I can stand safely before you now is because he saved me repeatedly. If he wanted to rebel, why not kill me?”

“What good would killing you do him? Like now, instigating Imperial Sister to oppose me – wouldn’t that better serve his grand plan?”

I looked at him in disbelief: “Crown Prince, I have no intention of opposing you. I just want to tell you the truth, to help you recognize the real enemy…”

The Crown Prince remained unmoved, only saying: “The real enemy is Nie Guang – Jingyan knows this well. It’s just that regarding Song Langsheng, you say he has true feelings for you and risks his life to save you – I would believe this. But since he’s the former dynasty’s imperial heir, not only casting aside national and family hatred but even helping us – this doesn’t make sense emotionally or logically.”

It seemed Song Langsheng’s prediction was correct. His identity was an insurmountable chasm – the Crown Prince wouldn’t easily believe such one-sided words.

I placed my hand over the Crown Prince’s: “Jingyan, listen to me carefully. Song Langsheng isn’t Jun Jinzhi’s biological son at all. He has no heart for rebellion. All of this is Father Emperor’s will…”

Hearing this, the Crown Prince smiled – a smile that clearly showed he didn’t believe a word I said: “You know Father Emperor’s temperament. He never easily trusts anyone. For such a major matter, if he wasn’t ninety-nine percent certain, how could he possibly place a former dynasty’s imperial heir’s son beside Nie Guang?” The Crown Prince asked back: “Even if Father Emperor took this risky gamble, why wouldn’t he tell us siblings? Telling us, we couldn’t possibly leak it to Nie Guang. Instead, we could constantly assist the Prince Consort. If the Prince Consort showed any suspicious behavior, we could be prepared. But it wouldn’t be like today – controlled by others, passive in everything, always reacting after the fact.”

I was slightly stunned. He continued: “Imperial Sister trusts the Prince Consort partly because of love. Could it be Father Emperor also has romantic feelings for the Prince Consort?”

I glared at him: “What nonsense are you talking?”

“You also know this is nonsense. Then Jingyan is even more puzzled. Even if the Prince Consort isn’t the former dynasty’s imperial heir, the fact that he can now command many former dynasty’s old rebels proves the power of this identity,” the Crown Prince asked, “Wouldn’t Father Emperor worry about him having rebellious intentions? Imperial Sister, Father Emperor taught us from childhood that there’s no absolute good in this world, only insufficient tempting benefits. If imperial power is within reach, making mistakes is extremely common – would such a Father Emperor put all his eggs in one basket?”

I instinctively wanted to refute Crown Prince Brother, but the moment I opened my mouth, I felt what the Crown Prince said was indeed reasonable and logical – not that I had any doubts about Song Langsheng, but Father Emperor’s actions were indeed too incomprehensible. Even I couldn’t find a reason that could convince the Crown Prince.

Seeing me silent again, the Crown Prince took my hand: “I know Imperial Sister can never let go of her feelings for the Prince Consort, but Jingyan has his own constraints. Regardless, I hope Imperial Sister can understand my difficulties.”

Difficulties? Brother’s difficulty was just wanting me to fulfill his preference for wrongly punishing rather than missing the guilty? First he actively stood from my perspective, attributing all my past thoughts and actions to emotions; then he reasoned with me, placing his decisions above national righteousness; finally he used Father Emperor to pressure me. He knew I always prioritized the greater good, so I shouldn’t obstruct him further.

He was truly the future emperor of the Xiao family. Each sentence seemed casual and unintentional, but actually grasped the proper measure and hit the vital points.

I looked at him and said slowly: “You’re not wrong. I indeed can’t let go of the Prince Consort, but I still choose to believe him. Imperial Brother, you hope I’ll understand you – please also understand me. If you do anything to harm the Prince Consort, I cannot remain indifferent.”

The Crown Prince hadn’t expected that after saying so much, I would still have this attitude. He suddenly stood up: “So Imperial Sister insists on opposing me?”

I looked up at him: “So you insist on putting the Prince Consort to death?”

The Crown Prince stared at me intently, clenching his fists, his gaze growing colder: “Since Imperial Sister’s mind is made up, I have nothing more to say.”

————————————————Fourth Update————————————————————

He had nothing to say, and naturally I had nothing good to say either.

Watching the Crown Prince’s angry departing figure, my tense nerves also relaxed. Actually, how could I not understand his position? If I were him, my methods would probably be more decisive than his.

However…

“Princess.” Eunuch Cheng outside the door had been waiting for a long time: “Before the Princess returned, His Highness already ordered this servant to prepare the Princess’s quarters in the palace. This servant will lead the Princess there now.”

I sighed: “Changle Palace?”

Eunuch Cheng was startled, then nodded.

Changle Palace.

Before the Princess Manor outside the palace was built, this had always been my bedchamber.

After marriage I moved out completely. When I occasionally returned to the palace, I was usually pulled to the Eastern Palace by Crown Prince Brother to discuss state affairs. When it got late, I would stay overnight in the Eastern Palace. It had been a long time since I’d returned here.

After years of separation, returning to this old place, I saw plum blossoms blooming vigorously in front of the corridor, and couldn’t help feeling nostalgic. Going further inside, there were quite a few serving palace maids everywhere. I turned to Eunuch Cheng: “I’m only staying temporarily for a few days, yet you’ve found such a large group of palace maids for what? To sing and dance for my entertainment?”

Eunuch Cheng smiled: “This is all His Highness the Crown Prince’s instruction, fearing neglect of the Princess.”

“I’m returning to my own home – what neglect could there be? Just keep a few clever ones. Having so many people constantly moving around before my eyes makes my heart restless.”

I stepped into the inner hall and looked around. After all these years, the furnishings and arrangement here remained exactly the same, even the camellia by the screen was identical to my memory.

I was silent for a moment, then said: “I remember this pot of camellia tribute from Dali was accidentally knocked over by the Crown Prince…”

Seeing Eunuch Cheng about to speak, I waved my hand: “I know what you’re going to say – the Crown Prince ordered someone to replant another pot, right?”

Eunuch Cheng smiled slightly. I rubbed my temples: “Alright, I’ll give instructions if I need anything. You go back and serve your Crown Prince.”

After Eunuch Cheng left, I walked alone into the long-unseen bedchamber. As soon as I entered, familiar incense greeted me. I hadn’t smelled this scent in a long time – it felt somewhat intimate.

I lifted the incense burner’s lid and looked closely. It was indeed sandalwood, agarwood, fragrant wood, and Jianan incense. It seemed Jingyan still didn’t know that back then I had also added angelica, livistona, sweet pine, and forsythia to the incense. No wonder the scent was overpowering.

Actually I didn’t like burning incense, but because Jingyan had been sickly since childhood – even a breeze could give him a cold and high fever – yet he always loved coming to play with me. So I had the imperial physicians prepare herbal powders mixed into the incense, both to ward off cold and maintain health.

Lying on the warm bedding, I inevitably felt drowsy. I was just about to call someone to prepare hot water for a bath before having a good sleep, when I heard slight sounds from under the bed.

Could there be mice?

I scratched my tingling scalp, pressed against the bed edge, and slowly poked my head under the bed.

Then I saw a pair of eyes.

I immediately fell off the bed in fright.

I admit they were a pair of bright, beautiful eyes, but appearing so suddenly in the dark under the bed was still quite terrifying.

I sat back on the bed supporting my twisted back: “You, come out.”

The little one under the bed obediently crawled out.

After she emerged and saw me, she didn’t rush to stand up but gave me a clumsy bow from her kneeling position, saying timidly: “Greetings to Imperial Sister.”

I looked at this small, soft, white face with a headache. If I remembered correctly, this little girl should be my youngest imperial sister, Princess Jiayi, whose mother Consort Li was once greatly favored by Father Emperor. But when I married, she seemed only three or four years old. I rarely came to the rear palace normally, only exchanging symbolic greetings during festival palace banquets without much contact. Now that she had crawled out from under my bed, I didn’t know whether to be stern or gentle.

Jiayi’s bright eyes darted around, her big eyes blinking. Being blinked at like this made me somewhat helpless, so I patted the bed: “The floor is so cold – how long are you going to sit there?”

Hearing this, she smiled shyly, dimples appearing and disappearing on her cheeks. As soon as she sat beside me, I couldn’t help poking her dimples: “How did you end up hiding here? Playing hide and seek?”

Jiayi shook her head, glancing at me shyly: “Jiayi heard Imperial Sister had returned, so I wanted to secretly come see Imperial Sister.”

I couldn’t stop pinching her cheeks: “Why look at me? Well, even if you wanted to look, why not do it openly? Imperial Sister doesn’t have a very good heart – your way of looking could easily summon the imperial physicians.”

Jiayi said quietly: “…Mother wouldn’t let me come. She was afraid I’d be thoughtless and make Imperial Sister unhappy…”

It seemed Consort Li understood her daughter quite well.

I smiled helplessly: “How could that be?”

Though I rarely dealt with those troublesome rear palace matters, I had grown up exposed to them. With Father Emperor bedridden for years, these consorts who lost favor were like losing their backing, only able to live tremblingly and obediently. If Mother Empress learned that any consorts or princesses came to curry favor with me, their future days would be even harder.

I rubbed Jiayi’s head: “Anyway, Imperial Sister will be free in the coming days. You can come play with me anytime. Who wouldn’t feel good seeing such a lovely little sister?”

Jiayi beamed with joy: “Does Imperial Sister keep her word?”

“Naturally!”

She jumped up joyfully and hugged me: “Imperial Sister is the best!”

Being held by her soft little body almost melted my heart. I thought I must have a daughter in the future – if she resembled the Prince Consort, she would surely be extremely beautiful and adorable.

Wait, how could I think such shameless thoughts? If Song Langsheng knew, he would surely tease me.

Watching Jiayi’s bouncing figure, I shook my head. Now wasn’t the time to think about such things.

In a few days, news of my falling out with the Crown Prince should spread throughout the palace. The Crown Prince would intensify the search for Song Langsheng and would sideline my power to prevent me from interfering. I would play the role of a princess who had broken with both her prince consort and the Crown Prince, languishing in Changle Palace, only caring about idle pleasures with my young sister. This way, Feng Li and Nie Guang would surely make their moves.

If I were Feng Li, what method could create the greatest impact most directly?

“Imperial Sister? Imperial Sister!” Jiayi shook my sleeve: “What are you dazing about?”

“Nothing.” I looked leisurely toward the unfamiliar palace servants coming and going outside the window, and at this familiar yet long-absent Changle Palace: “Imperial Sister is just thinking… about what to… play… next.”

—(End of Chapter)

Author’s Note: Writing bit by bit really gives me more motivation~~~~~

Next up, those who want to see the Princess’s counterattack, roll up your sleeves and get ready~~~ Those waiting for the consummation are also close – you can untie your belts and wait (what am I even saying…!)