The wind and snow weren’t heavy to begin with. After a few snowflakes drifted down, there were no signs of a major blizzard. Only a few drops of rain fell on the rooftops, but the overcast sky gave the impression that a greater storm was imminent, filling people with an inexplicable sense of unease.
Zhao Yang had waited a long time in the front hall. He wore a long robe, and his cheeks had slimmed down a bit, making his eyes appear much larger. He wasn’t exactly a dashing young gentleman, but he was far thinner than he had been on Lingyun Mountain—no longer the round-faced fatty.
When he saw Xun Changqing still dressed in male attire, he wasn’t too surprised. Instead, he looked even more puzzled, a hint of embarrassment on his face. “Changqing, people outside are saying that His Majesty conferred the title of Princess Xiang’an upon you. But you’re clearly dressed as a man, so I can’t make sense of it.”
Xun Changqing saw that he was still his usual silly self and couldn’t help but smile from the heart. She laughed brightly. “I’m just a girl. It was inconvenient up on the mountain, so I disguised myself as a boy. You don’t need to worry about whether I’m male or female—you’re still my senior brother, and nothing changes. Besides, you still owe me a roasted chicken. Are you paying up today?”
Even a girl could laugh so openly and boldly, making Zhao Yang feel inferior. She had a point—whether Changqing was male or female made no real difference to him. He immediately grinned heartily. “Sure, but with the wind and snow seeming to approach, it might not be suitable today. How about another day? I’ll treat you then. I came today for two reasons: first, to see you, and second, to inform Martial Uncle Wei that Grandmaster will pass through the Imperial Capital soon.”
Xu Ke was truly persistent like a lingering ghost. Passing through the Imperial Capital? It was probably his true destination, though the reason remained unknown for now.
“When exactly will he arrive in the Imperial Capital? And why did he send you to notify my master?”
Zhao Yang had left first and knew nothing of the events on Lingyun Mountain. He smiled naively. “I don’t know the exact date. Martial Uncle Mu sent someone to tell me. Since Martial Uncle Wei is in the Prince’s Mansion and ordinary people can’t enter, they had me pass the message.”
Mu Chen had gone out of his way to relay the message, suggesting Xu Ke’s visit to the Imperial Capital was a secret affair, not to be widely known. Xun Changqing nodded in agreement. Just as she was about to invite him to stay for dinner, her gaze inadvertently fell on an inner servant hurrying toward them from outside. A flicker passed through her eyes—he had come to the Prince’s Mansion, which meant someone in the palace was summoning her.
With the palace messenger arrived, Zhao Yang’s purpose was fulfilled. It wasn’t appropriate to linger, so he hurriedly departed.
The inner servant entered the hall and bowed to Xun Changqing with a smile. “The Empress heard that the Princess has returned to the capital. It’s been years since they last met, and she misses you greatly. Thus, she sent this servant to deliver the message. A banquet has been prepared in the palace to welcome you—please come to the feast. Additionally, we heard that Miss Wei has also arrived in the capital. Please bring her along.”
The real intent wasn’t the wine—it was surely aimed at Wei Lingci!
Xun Changqing’s eyes darkened profoundly, like an unfathomable well. “Since the Empress has invited me, Changqing will certainly attend the banquet. However, my master is still taking her afternoon nap. Please return to the palace and inform Her Majesty that Changqing and my master will enter the palace shortly.”
If she brushed it off now, it would only deepen Shao Yun’s suspicions. Though she had agreed, she wasn’t sure if Wei Lingci could enter the palace. Shao Yun must have grown suspicious of Wei Lingci, hence inviting them both to probe.
At this moment, she had no choice but to comply with Shao Yun—there was no other path.
When she informed Wei Lingci, she nodded in agreement as well. Unusually, the two women were in sync.
“Is your injury serious? I’m afraid that once we’re in the palace, they’ll try to test us. You…” Xun Changqing trailed off, clearly worried.
Wei Lingci rose from bed and saw her in male attire again—heroic yet with an added touch of playfulness. Her peach-blossom eyes looked even more enchanting. The boy’s clothes could no longer conceal her stunning beauty. Yet, there was no trace of the Princess Consort in her features. Daughters usually resembled their mothers, but Xun Changqing didn’t—and even less so Xun Yi.
Neither resembled her. If she wasn’t Xun Yi’s daughter, but in her previous life, Xun Yi had valued her greatly. It was truly puzzling. Wei Lingci gave her a quick glance and saw her still standing there, her face full of worry. She couldn’t help but chuckle. “Since I’ve decided to enter the palace, I know what I’m doing. You don’t need to worry like this. Also, go change your clothes. Entering the palace like that will only give people something to mock.”
Xun Changqing didn’t move, her bright eyes shimmering with a watery light. She lowered her head. “You didn’t have to get involved. The Empress is already suspicious. I think it was the physician we summoned yesterday that aroused doubts.”
“It shouldn’t be. Yuan Qingming probably guessed the assassin was a woman. Once the Empress knows it’s a woman, her gaze will shift to me. Her suspicions are too heavy—it’s inevitable. And you’re blaming yourself like this.” Wei Lingci paused, her brows relaxing, her voice soft like the gentle smoke in the room. “You’re not mad at me anymore?”
Xun Changqing froze, caught off guard by Wei Lingci’s directness. She seemed even more candid about the past than Xun Changqing herself, who had been shrinking away, unwilling to face it. “Before getting angry, I have to see if I can even survive. When you’re about to die, who has time for grudges?”
Wei Lingci stepped closer, a faint smile tugging at her lips, her eyes rippling like dewdrops. She asked unhurriedly with a laugh, “Then, are you afraid of death?”
“Aren’t you?” Xun Changqing bit back, her eyes growing darker. She retreated a step, leaning against the screen by the bed, and turned her head away from Wei Lingci.
