Chapter 53: Imperial Edict Part 2

Above the verdant vines stretched the azure sky, with layered clouds embedded with rare hints of green, as if the heavens themselves breathed spring. The grass leaves added intricate patterns to the view.

The maid steadying the ladder knew Xun Changqing didn’t understand these things and explained carefully, “Princess, you don’t know—these vines extending beyond the wall aren’t a good sign. Better to cut them.”

This was just like the line from the book: A branch of red apricot peeks over the wall.

Xun Changqing smiled. Wasn’t it just fearing people from the Prince’s Mansion eagerly running out? She, the only young mistress, wanted to go next door to the County Princess Mansion, and even these flowers wanted to follow. If she couldn’t control herself, why bother with the plants?

Plants were heartless, but people had hearts!

The Prince’s Mansion had no major events these days. Zi Jin had been following Wei Lingci, helping Mu Chen locate the iron mines. Xun Changqing hadn’t seen her for several days. Today, upon returning, Zi Jin came to report.

With Zi Jin right there, Xun Changqing smiled faintly while secretly glancing toward the County Princess Mansion. She listened as Zi Jin reported, “Mu Chen got the pickup list from Chun Niang at the First Tower and followed them to the docks. That dock is near Lingyun Mountain, so it’s easy to guess the supply source is Lingyun Rear Mountain. Mu Chen spent more silver to buy a second batch of weapons. Chun Niang had no stock left and sent someone to report to their superiors. Mu Chen is still tailing them. I came back first.”

Mu Chen was the best at tracking, coming and going without a trace—no need to worry. Xun Changqing nodded. Zi Jin continued, “It cost a total of two hundred thousand taels of silver, taken from your funds, not passing through the Prince’s Mansion. Miss Wei said she’ll definitely repay you later.”

So clear-cut, Xun Changqing thought, her head resting on her elbow, spirits low. “I know. Let her be. I’m not in a hurry for the silver.”

Zi Jin glanced around cautiously, her expression turning grave. She squatted by Xun Changqing’s feet and whispered, “Mistress, Miss Wei next door has been ill for several days. When I went to report just now, her face looked terrible.”

Unexpectedly, Xun Changqing looked up at her, her eyes deep as abysses, seemingly filled with quiet resentment upon closer inspection. She plucked at the grass on the ground. “She’s been avoiding me. Going would just be asking for humiliation. Just call a doctor.”

“You should still go see her. I noticed even Xianyun and Xanyu, who attend to Miss Wei, looked unwell. If you don’t go and regret it later, what then?”

Xun Changqing glanced toward the County Princess Mansion again. Wei Lingci was strong; except for that injury from clashing with Yuan Qingming, she’d hardly ever fallen ill. It had only been a few days since she’d visited—why was she sick now? She bit her lower lip gently. If she went and Wei Lingci ignored her, how would she handle it?

Seeing her conflicted look, Zi Jin gently pushed her knee and persuaded, “Even if you’re angry with Miss Wei, in this vast Imperial Capital, she’s the only one truly sincere toward you. You should let go of the anger.”

Zi Jin clearly didn’t understand the intricacies between Xun Changqing and Wei Lingci; if she did, she probably wouldn’t advise this. Xun Changqing knew her good intentions and nodded but still didn’t stand. Zi Jin stamped her foot in anxiety, wanting to say more but holding back.

A shadow flashed at the side gate. Steward Yuyin hurried over, his beard blown back by the wind. Without time to compose himself, he panted before Xun Changqing, “Princess… His Majesty summons you to the palace.”

Xun Changqing was stunned for a moment, a lingering fear in her heart. The Emperor rarely saw her. He didn’t even value his own daughters, let alone this niece from his brother’s family. Though he occasionally showed care, summoning her to speak was a first.

The steward wiped sweat from his face, his tone softening as he reminded, “Princess, when you enter the palace, mind your words with His Majesty. Don’t be hasty.”

Xun Changqing nodded, gazing quietly at Yuyin. Her expression was calm, devoid of emotion. “I know. I understand boundaries, Uncle Yu. Don’t worry.”

She still seemed dispirited. Yuyin couldn’t say more—master and servant had their places. The Emperor had sent a carriage with accompanying Imperial Guards; safety wasn’t his concern.

Xun Changqing returned to her room to change clothes. As she left the courtyard, she couldn’t help glancing back at the neighboring mansion before hurriedly entering the palace with the Imperial Guards.

Outside Containment Origin Hall, Yuan Qingming stood guard. Seeing Xun Changqing approach briskly, he saluted from afar. As she drew near, he subtly shifted aside and whispered by her ear, “His Majesty knows it was your scheme.”

So he’d been waiting here to pass this message. Xun Changqing smiled gratefully and followed the palace attendant into the hall.