All eyes turned to the Emperor. The position of Second Imperial Prince’s principal wife was akin to crown princess—such a temptation drew everyone’s interest.
The Emperor set down his chopsticks and looked at the Empress, unexpectedly agreeing. “We have seen the legitimate daughter of Cai Residence. She is dignified and beautiful—not bad. Marrying her to Yiran won’t wrong her.”
With the Emperor’s golden words, it was as good as an oral imperial edict.
Xun Changqing looked at the dejected Xun Yiran and prompted, “Second Brother, you should express thanks for the grace.”
With the marriage settled, the happiest should be the Empress—after all, she’d chosen the girl herself, sure to suit her intentions. But how Xun Yiran would treat her once wed to the mansion remained unknown.
Unable to marry Yuan Man, marrying her cousin instead was the Empress’s scheme.
During this, everyone naturally raised cups to congratulate Xun Yiran. Xun Changqing returned to her seat and gazed eagerly at Wei Lingci, in high spirits. The latter poured and drank alone, quite at ease, her eyes calm and unruffled. “You’re very happy?”
“Master, do you know? For men, the unattainable is the most precious. Staring longingly, yearning desperately—it wears on the heart. Don’t you think?”
Wei Lingci gave her a sidelong glance and teased, “You’re only thirteen—it’s a bit early to think of marriage.”
“I won’t marry!” Xun Changqing huffed lowly, turning to gaze outside. The candle shadows swayed as the wind and snow grew stronger. She couldn’t help wondering why the Empress hadn’t probed or acted yet. Was she planning to keep them in the palace overnight and send them back tomorrow?
The play hadn’t reached its climax—if they didn’t set the stage soon, it would be too late. Xun Changqing glanced at the composed Empress, utterly puzzled. Could she truly be hosting a welcoming banquet out of kindness?
As the protagonist, she naturally had people coming frequently to toast. Unable to refuse, she downed them one by one. When Xun Luo’s turn came, she picked up a cup and approached with a warm smile. “Changqing, yesterday you returned to the capital, and Elder Sister didn’t have time to visit the mansion. Now, I toast to your elevation to princess. Father will surely be delighted to hear.”
Xun Changqing smiled mildly, said nothing, and simply tossed back the cup.
She and Xun Luo had nothing left to say—not even pleasantries.
Xun Luo personally took the wine pot from a palace servant, rolled up her sleeves, and moved to pour for Wei Lingci. Xun Changqing’s brows furrowed as she suddenly understood where the play lay. As the cup tilted, she swiftly snatched it away. Wine splashed onto her sleeve, staining it immediately.
Xun Changqing paid it no mind, holding the cup steadily with an unchanged expression. She chided playfully, “Elder Sister, Master is my elder—pouring wine for her is my duty. How could I let Elder Sister do it? Master, isn’t that right?”
“It should naturally be your task. How could Qin Madam do it for you? In that case, Lingci toasts you first.” Wei Lingci stood as well and drained her cup.
Xun Luo stared at the empty cup in her hand, dazed for a moment before drinking hers and retreating. As she did, she inadvertently cast a uneasy glance toward the Empress at the head.
Xun Changqing gripped her cup tightly, the wine sloshing like boiling waves. Lowering her head, her eyes reddened. Xun Luo had been used by the Empress. Didn’t she know of the grudge between the Empress and Pingnan Prince’s Mansion? Why obey her and test them?
Even if you dislike me, you should at least think of the entire Pingnan Prince’s Mansion—of Father.
With the main act over, the Emperor, burdened by state affairs, left first and called Xun Yiran away.
The wind and snow had arrived. A gust blew into the hall unchecked, whipping up robes and spilling table wine. Palace servants knelt to clean up. The candles throughout the palace danced eerily in the gale, and few remained at the banquet.
Wei Lingci took the chance to leave, but the Empress stopped her. “Princess Xiang’an seems to have drunk too much, and the wind and snow are fierce. You’re both young ladies—why not rest in the palace and return tomorrow?”
As the Wise Noble Consort rose, she added, “What Her Majesty says makes sense. It’s inconvenient otherwise. If the Princess doesn’t mind, why not stay at Radiant Benevolence Palace for the night?”
The sudden invitation caught the Empress off guard. She thought Xun Changqing would refuse, but Wei Lingci agreed without hesitation. The Empress could only watch as the three departed for Radiant Benevolence Palace.
………………………………
Radiant Benevolence Palace, side hall.
The two had brought their maids. Zi Jin and Xian Yun relieved the palace servants, bringing water and tea.
Xun Changqing lounged crookedly on the soft couch, eyes fixed on the door, gaze hazy. Her dark hair spilled over her left shoulder, her plain face flushed on the cheeks. The person she watched seemed to double in her vision.
Zi Jin called her several times to no avail. Wei Lingci, having changed clothes, approached and saw her apparent drunkenness. She waved a hand before her eyes and laughed. “You accepted every toast—I thought your tolerance was better. Now you’re acting like a kitten?”
Xun Changqing stared at the slender fingers before her, puzzled. She grumbled, “Why did the Wise Noble Consort insist we share a hall with only one couch?”
