Chapter 5: Reunion Part 2

No one was in the corridor, and she didn’t know if the Princess Consort had returned. She turned and entered her room. Her thin clothes, chilled by the wind, made her eagerly push open the door to change.

Upon opening it, she saw a figure standing with its back to her behind the screen, seemingly changing clothes. The shoulder of the garment had slipped down. Xun Changqing stared at the familiar silhouette and exhaled sharply, her heart in turmoil. Her gaze glued to the flawless, jade-like skin on that shoulder. Through the hazy space, she seemed to see a heartbreakingly beautiful face—painfully piercing.

The person inside noticed someone enter, quickly dressed, and turned around. It was indeed the one Xun Changqing had longed for over the past two years. She had thought they would never cross paths again and was preparing to let go when Wei Lingci appeared once more.

Her heart was like a withered orchid, roots long dead—yet now, it encountered someone to water and tend it!

What should she do?

Wei Lingci emerged from behind the screen. Her brows and eyes were as exquisitely painted as fine brushwork. Her rain-dampened lips were slightly pale, her long hair scattered like precious silk. Her cool eyes seemed scorched by fire, igniting rapidly.

Xun Changqing, who knew her every gesture well, recognized her anger instantly. But this was her room, and with no one outside to stop her, Wei Lingci had no right to complain. In that moment, the hatred in Xun Changqing’s heart burned like grass in a blaze, roots destroyed. Before Wei Lingci could speak, she cut in: “Who are you? How dare you enter my room?”

Her voice held no anger; strictly speaking, it was mild. Wei Lingci’s eyes still blazed, but seeing the eight-year-old boy feigning maturity struck her as cute. She had heard clearly—he had just entered and seen nothing. Unwilling to argue with a child, she said, “I merely borrowed your room to change. But you knew someone was inside and entered without knocking—that’s poor manners on your part, isn’t it?”

In stark contrast to Xun Changqing’s mild tone, Wei Lingci’s voice was icy cold, opening with a reprimand. Just like in her past life, Xun Changqing felt impatient and replied with a straight face, “This is my resting room. There was no one at the door—how was I to know someone was inside?”

So young, yet sharp-tongued. Wei Lingci disliked the boy before her and, too lazy to continue, turned and left the room.

Xun Changqing hadn’t expected their reunion to unfold like this. She lowered her gaze to her own robes. Her identity had changed, and so had many things. She would never repeat the mistakes of her past life—absolutely not.

She hurriedly changed clothes and rushed to the adjacent room to find the Princess Consort. She moved so quickly she forgot to knock, bursting in only to see the woman from the pavilion sitting across from the Princess Consort, with Wei Lingci standing beside her.

A breath later, she composed herself, lowered her head, stepped forward, bowed, and obediently stood there.

Ning’an County Princess Wei Xiao looked at the well-behaved Xun Changqing and smiled, praising, “This young gentleman has clear brows and bright eyes, proper demeanor. If he were a girl, he’d surely be a little beauty.”

The Pingnan Prince’s Consort, sitting beside her, unconsciously pursed her lips in a smile. About to speak, she caught her daughter’s gaze shooting over and swallowed her words. She gently lifted her teacup and laughed, “Don’t be fooled by appearances now—it’s all an illusion. Sometimes, she gives me headaches too.”

She beckoned Xun Changqing closer. Rain fell outside, servants couldn’t find her, and now returning soaked, she must have gotten wet. Lifting a hand to her shoulder, she asked, “Got caught in the rain? We probably won’t head back to the mansion today. Later, I’ll have someone make ginger tea for you to drink before bed—no slacking.”

Xun Changqing nodded and secretly glanced at Wei Lingci across from her, who remained coldly composed. Biting her lip, she turned her head away.

The Princess Consort’s gaze fixed on Wei Lingci’s fair cheek, her eyes flickering. Her fingertip brushed the damp strands at Xun Changqing’s temple, casually saying, “Changqing, go back to your room and have someone dry your hair. It’s easy to catch a chill like this.”

Perfect—exactly what Xun Changqing wanted. She bowed and withdrew.

After Xun Changqing left, the Pingnan Prince’s Consort picked up her untouched hot tea and said faintly, “Two years ago, at the Lingyun Sect Leader’s suggestion, Changqing was to take Ahci as her master. It was His Majesty’s birthday banquet, so we couldn’t discuss it further, and the matter dropped. Now that Ahci is here, what are your thoughts?”

Wei Lingci was visibly stunned. The boy from earlier was finely carved like jade, steady-tempered—ideal for imperial lineage. But with gender boundaries, daily interactions would be inconvenient and prone to mishaps. She refused, “The Princess Consort’s favor is too great for this subject to accept. The young gentleman is a boy; it wouldn’t be appropriate.”

Hearing “the young gentleman is a boy,” the Princess Consort couldn’t help tightening her lips. The hot tea warmed her throat further. Now, she only wanted to protect Xun Changqing, heedless of else. She smiled leisurely, “Changqing is so sensible and thoughtful. Who knows which young lord will benefit in the future.”

Wei Lingci didn’t catch the implication, but Ning’an County Princess, more worldly, paused slightly before laughing, “Then the Princess Consort is truly fortunate. The Pingnan Prince’s Mansion doesn’t lack those who wield blades and spears. A refined lady like her—surely the Prince dotes on her more.”

Ning’an County Princess had grown up in the palace and shared a childhood bond with the Pingnan Prince. With the Princess Consort speaking, refusing outright might displease the elders. She rather liked the exceptional child from earlier—the more obedient, the more endearing. She advised her daughter, “Changqing has a good temperament and is just the right young age. A little training, and she’ll achieve great things. Since you’re returning to Lingyun Mountain, take her along.”

The two sang in harmony. If Wei Lingci refused further, it might upset the elders. Since she wasn’t a boy after all, accepting her posed no issue. Good temperament… perhaps not entirely. Earlier, the glaring eyes and sharp tongue suggested another “two-faced” type.

Wei Lingci nodded, agreeing.

Relief washed over the Pingnan Prince’s Consort like a boulder settling. Her hands on her knees trembled faintly, her brows gentle as she smiled at Wei Lingci. “Since you’ve agreed, pick a good day for the apprenticeship ceremony. Changqing has long wanted to see beyond the capital—perfect timing to go with you to Lingyun. I entrust her care to you henceforth.”

Author’s Note:

Onlookers munching melons: Little Young Master, your mom and future mother-in-law are your divine assists!

Xun Changqing: Mom, you can’t screw me over like this. I’ve hidden it for so long, and you expose me right away.

Pingnan Prince’s Consort innocently comforts: If I don’t say it, she won’t want you, and you won’t get a wife…

Good evening, muah! I’m here right on time again~