On the way, Li Fuxiang abandoned the horse, climbed into her carriage, and asked curiously, “Why do I need to repair the Eastern Palace and the Xiaonan Pavilion?”
Gao Yuexing replied, “Because I want to stay in the palace for a few days.”
Li Fuxiang said, “Are you planning to get into a fight again?”
He simplified the intricate scheming among the women of the imperial harem into the more straightforward notion of a fight.
Actually, that wasn’t far off.
Gao Yuexing said, “I think I’ve spotted a fish that slipped through the net and want to catch it to see what it’s about.”
Li Fuxiang offered, “I’ll catch it for you.”
Gao Yuexing smiled, “Alright, then help me set the net.”
As the carriage passed through a lively and bustling area, progress became difficult. Gao Yuexing lifted the curtain for a look. Li Fuxiang remarked, “Huicui Pavilion—I know of it. It’s a newly opened jewelry shop. Want to go in and take a look?”
Gao Yuexing, a princess consort, naturally didn’t lack jewelry, and besides, her mind wasn’t on such things.
In Li Fuxiang’s words, all these years, her thoughts had been occupied with scheming against this person or that one, always thinking of ways to fight with others.
Gao Yuexing shook her head and declined. Just as she was about to lower the curtain, her eyes caught sight of a carriage parked at the entrance of Huicui Pavilion. The more she looked at it, the more familiar it seemed. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be the very carriage of Prince Xin’s household that she had seen outside the palace gate.
Lu Weixiao had come to shop at Huicui Pavilion?
And was that concubine of Prince Xin’s still with her?
Gao Yuexing immediately changed her mind and instructed the coachman to park the carriage nearby.
Li Fuxiang also saw the Prince Xin household’s carriage, and the look he gave Gao Yuexing became one of resignation.
But Gao Yuexing was already too focused to care.
Li Fuxiang rubbed his nose and followed behind her.
Huicui Pavilion dealt in jewelry and was frequented by the noblewomen and ladies of the capital. The shopkeeper always made sure to research his clientele in advance.
Today, with guests from Prince Xin’s household, the shopkeeper naturally disregarded other customers.
When Gao Yuexing’s carriage stopped, the shopkeeper glanced out the window. Seeing it was an unremarkable and plain-looking carriage without any distinctive markings, he assumed it belonged to ordinary folk. He casually sent a clerk to greet them, showing little interest.
Neither Gao Yuexing nor Li Fuxiang cared much about displays of grandeur. After their wedding, they had left the capital to travel far and wide. When the prince’s residence was finally completed, others took care of all the arrangements. Gao Yuexing owned a carriage gifted by the emperor, adorned with colorful ribbons on all four corners and custom palace bells that jingled melodiously with every step.
However, Gao Yuexing found that carriage too conspicuous, so she had simply hired a random one from the street for today’s outing.
Huicui Pavilion catered to the wealthy, but how many truly wealthy people could there be in the entire city? As Gao Yuexing stepped through the door, her first impression was of tranquility. The contrast between the bustling market outside and the serene quiet of the shop’s inner chambers was delightful and comfortable.
Initially, the clerk hadn’t paid much attention to the plain carriage. However, upon seeing the clothing worn by Gao Yuexing and Li Fuxiang up close, he immediately became cautious, realizing these two might be distinguished guests.
Huicui Pavilion had two levels. The clerk guided Gao Yuexing to a counter on the first floor to browse slowly.
So far, Gao Yuexing hadn’t said a word.
Li Fuxiang, trailing behind, remarked, “Crude.”
The clerk froze for a moment, his face instantly flushing red.
Gao Yuexing turned her head and said, “Say less.”
Though her words were light, her displeasure was evident.
Li Fuxiang promptly closed his mouth.
The clerk, observing this pair, immediately deduced they were a young married couple. After all, in every household, it was the master who made the decisions—unless, of course, the wife was particularly formidable and unyielding.
However, the lady before him didn’t seem much older than a girl, and her demeanor was gentle and composed, unlike the domineering wives he was used to encountering.
It was clear that this couple was deeply in love, with the husband seemingly doting on his wife to the bone.
The clerk, wearing a flattering smile, said, “If the items here do not please you, our shop has even finer pieces upstairs. Should the two of you find the price acceptable, you may go upstairs to take a look.”
Gao Yuexing glanced up at the second floor, where the private rooms were closed off. She smiled and said, “We’re all people who understand the rules. It might be inconvenient for me to go upstairs now.”
The clerk replied, “Our shop does not have a rule against serving multiple guests at the same time. I can go upstairs and ask. If the lady upstairs is willing, you can browse together.”
Gao Yuexing seated herself on a chair nearby. Someone with good sense immediately handed her a cup of hot tea. She took it without hesitation and said, “Alright, go ask, then.”
The clerk hitched up his robe and went upstairs. He knocked lightly on the door, received the shopkeeper’s permission, and stepped inside. It took only a moment before he returned to invite Gao Yuexing upstairs.
Gao Yuexing put down her teacup and ascended the stairs.
Pushing open the door, she saw Lu Weixiao accompanied by Jiang Qi, listening attentively as the shopkeeper enthusiastically introduced the jewelry.
The two women were chatting and laughing, with Jiang Qi holding a child sleeping soundly in her arms.
Gao Yuexing smiled gracefully. “What a coincidence.”
She knew that her persistent presence today must be irritating, but she had no intention of restraining herself.
Lu Weixiao was visibly taken aback upon seeing her, while Jiang Qi, who was beside her, reacted first. Hugging the child, she knelt slightly and greeted with a respectful bow, “This servant Jiang Qi pays respects to His Highness Prince Xiang and Her Highness.”
The shopkeeper was utterly stunned.
There were only two supreme princely households in the capital, and now, the princess consorts of both were here in his shop at the same time. Even Prince Xiang himself had shown up! On the very first day of Huicui Pavilion’s opening, it seemed the heavens had blessed him with boundless fortune.
Recalling how he had slighted the Princess Consort of Xiang earlier, the shopkeeper cursed himself for his lack of insight. He quickly stepped out from behind the counter and said, “I didn’t recognize Your Highnesses earlier. Please, take the seat of honor.”
The shopkeeper gestured to the dazzling array of jewelry on display, but none of the people present paid any attention to it.
Gao Yuexing’s decision to come upstairs carried an air of aggressive intent.
Lu Weixiao was genuinely flustered, unsure of what she was after.
In truth, Gao Yuexing couldn’t do much in broad daylight. She simply wanted to sow unease in those with ulterior motives.
The relationship between the wife and concubine of Prince Xin’s household was as harmonious as that of real sisters.
Should one commend Lu Weixiao for her graciousness or Jiang Qi for her cleverness?
Li Fuxiang, finding the shopkeeper pitiable, wandered over to the counter. Being one who never minded spending money, he pointed out all the items he found appealing and had the shopkeeper package them up to be sent to his residence.
Jiang Qi remarked, “The love between His Highness and Her Highness truly makes others envious.”
Knowing full well her awkward position, Jiang Qi still brought up the topic.
Gao Yuexing gave her a deep look and thought to herself, You’ve brought this humiliation upon yourself. She then said meaningfully, “Prince Xin isn’t bad either—so devoted and loyal that he doesn’t even care about his own reputation.”
Jiang Qi’s face turned deathly pale in an instant.
As for Lu Weixiao, she looked as though she was on the verge of collapse.
Having lit a fire herself and watching it spread, Gao Yuexing felt thoroughly satisfied. She pulled Li Fuxiang along and gracefully took her leave.
After leaving Huicui Pavilion, Li Fuxiang asked, “Did you just bully someone back there?”
Gao Yuexing toyed with the sash at her waist and replied, “One of those two women is definitely not as simple as she seems. Who do you think it is—Lu Weixiao or Jiang Qi?”
Li Fuxiang said, “I think you’re the least simple.”
In the carriage, Gao Yuexing lazily leaned against Li Fuxiang and said, “That’s right, I’m not simple. I’m a little monster that skins people and eats them alive. Stick by me long enough, and I’ll devour you too.”
Li Fuxiang tilted his head, brushing against her temple affectionately, and said, “I’m not afraid. I’ve already washed my neck and am waiting for you!”
Gao Yuexing glanced sideways at his neck, so close she could almost bite it, swallowing hard. She held back, knowing it wouldn’t do to lose her composure in public.
After wandering around the marketplace for a while, they returned to Prince Xiang’s residence.
When Fu Yun saw Gao Yuexing return, she quickly came forward to help her change clothes.
Watching Fu Yun carefully arrange all her belongings, Gao Yuexing felt an inexplicable mix of emotions.
Fu Yun wasn’t a bad person. From the very first day she came to serve Gao Yuexing, she had treated her with utmost respect. While others in the palace looked down on Gao Yuexing for being the daughter of a mere minister, Fu Yun had always regarded her as a legitimate mistress.
But Fu Yun wasn’t clever.
Whenever suspicion arose in Gao Yuexing’s heart, all it took was a little scheming to catch her slip up.
Why did you betray me?
Gao Yuexing stared at Fu Yun’s busy figure.
Fu Yun, oblivious to her mistress’s thoughts, asked if she was thirsty or if she wanted dinner prepared.
In the small kitchen outside, a pot of Three-Flower Wine was being warmed on the stove. With autumn setting in and the body prone to chills, Fu Yun had prepared it early to keep her warm.
Could she have been coerced?
Gao Yuexing closed her eyes.
Any other mistake could be negotiated, but not this one.
As a subject of the Great Xu Dynasty, one might have room to argue over private grievances, but treason? That was unforgivable.
Fu Yun called her name a few times but received no response. Worried, she gently helped Gao Yuexing and anxiously asked, “Your Highness, are you feeling unwell? Should I summon the royal physician?”
When Gao Yuexing came to her senses and opened her eyes, she found herself already lying on the bed.
Fu Yun was holding a basin of warm water, ready to wipe her face.
Gao Yuexing pushed her hand away.
Fu Yun, still worried, was about to inquire further when, by coincidence, a messenger from the palace arrived. It was Eunuch An from Qianqing Palace.
On her way to meet him, Gao Yuexing couldn’t help but marvel, “Such speed.”
Eunuch An came bearing the blueprints for the Eastern Palace on the emperor’s orders.
The thick stack of blueprints, wrapped in bright yellow silk, was presented to Gao Yuexing. Noticing Li Fuxiang’s absence, she inquired and learned that after escorting her back to the residence, he had barely paused before taking his horse and heading straight to the cavalry training ground at Mount Qingliang.
With no other option, Gao Yuexing hosted Eunuch An herself and offered him tea.
Eunuch An conveyed that the palace’s preparations were nearly complete. They were ready to proceed at any time. If Prince Xiang had time, he could oversee the work personally, but if not, Princess Consort Xiang could manage it just as well.
Gao Yuexing, holding her teacup, asked, “Everything’s ready?”
Eunuch An, with a hidden meaning in his words, replied, “You’ll understand as soon as you see it for yourself.”
—
Meanwhile, Lu Weixiao and Jiang Qi returned to the Xin Prince Residence just as Prince Xin had finished court and was already at home preparing a meal.
The unusual sight of a wife and a concubine dining at the same table was a spectacle unique to the Xin Prince Residence in the entire capital.
During the meal, Prince Xin held his son for a while, teasing him, before handing him over to the wet nurse.
Lu Weixiao said to Prince Xin, “Today, I saw Prince Xiang and Princess Consort Xiang at the palace.”
Prince Xin asked gently, “Oh? Is the Princess Consort difficult to get along with?”
Lu Weixiao pursed her lips. “Not exactly.”
Prince Xin remarked, “My younger brother’s wife—Father said she is fit to be the mother of the nation. Mere gentleness and virtue wouldn’t suffice. Her intelligence and resourcefulness must also be extraordinary… What exactly did she say to you that made you feel uneasy?”
Lu Weixiao shook her head. “She didn’t say anything excessive. Perhaps I’m just too sensitive. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that the way she observed me—her gaze—it was like a fox toying with its prey.”
At the table, Jiang Qi, fully aware of her lowly status, remained silent and merely looked at Lu Weixiao with a frown.
Prince Xin comforted her, saying, “You’re just overly sensitive. If you’re truly uneasy, next time you go to the palace to pay respects, I’ll accompany you.”
Lu Weixiao replied, “Your Highness has so much to attend to…”
Prince Xin chuckled. “I’m not that busy. I’m just an idle prince. In the capital, I only deal with a few trivial affairs. I’ll always have time to accompany you.”
Lu Weixiao fell silent, offering only a faint smile and a nod.
Prince Xin’s handsome appearance, attentiveness, and gentle demeanor, combined with his lofty power, often left people utterly smitten.
Lu Weixiao was simple by nature. Her family came from humble origins, and under her elder brother’s guidance, she had been educated and understood propriety. Yet, she had never encountered a man like Prince Xin.
He wasn’t entirely faithful. Before his wife entered the household, he already had a woman by his side, one who had secretly borne him a child.
However, he wasn’t promiscuous either. He rarely set foot in brothels, and when colleagues or associates sent beautiful women his way, he didn’t even see them and sent them back immediately.
On the night his eldest illegitimate son was born, Lu Weixiao sat quietly in her room all night.
The following morning, when she opened her door, she found Prince Xin in the courtyard. He had dismissed all the servants and knelt before her to plead for forgiveness.
There was nothing she could do. Lu Weixiao had a soft heart. Seeing others’ hardships, she couldn’t help but pity them.
After the meal, the table was cleared.
Lu Weixiao, seeing that there was nothing left to do, prepared to return to her room. Just as she was about to leave, Prince Xin stopped her and asked, “Weixiao, how was my mother today when you visited the palace?”
Consort Meng, displeased with Prince Xin’s reckless behavior in the past, had refused to see her son. Even after hearing that his mother had fallen ill, Prince Xin’s repeated requests for an audience were denied. He could only rely on his wife to gather any updates.
Lu Weixiao replied, “I saw Mother today. Her spirits weren’t great; she got tired after saying just a few words. But her health is much improved. When I arrived, the imperial physician was checking her pulse. He said she could stop taking her medicine in a couple of days.”
Prince Xin felt reassured. “That’s good to hear.”
Lu Weixiao, like a dutiful daughter-in-law from an ordinary family, consoled him gently, “There can’t be any lasting grudges between a mother and her son. After a few more days, I’ll accompany you to the palace. I’m sure Mother won’t refuse to see you.”
Prince Xin reclined against the armrest, his gaze lowered, his brows furrowed. He appeared to be looking at some indeterminate spot, but his mind was elsewhere, lost in memories from long ago.
He said, “Princess Consort, you might not know this, but when I was young, I had a few good years. Father really liked me back then and visited me often. Mother was very attentive, taking care of every little detail of my daily life… But then, things suddenly changed. For reasons I never understood, Mother fell out of Father’s favor. He refused to see her anymore. When Father wanted to see me, he would have eunuchs call me out to meet him.”
This was the first time Lu Weixiao had heard Prince Xin speak of his childhood.
Prince Xin continued, “In those years, Mother waited day after day in the palace, but Father’s summons never came. Slowly, her temperament became unpredictable. Weixiao, have you ever felt the sting of a rattan cane?”
Lu Weixiao was horrified. “Your Highness!”
Prince Xin smiled faintly. “Two feet long, half an inch wide. If the force is controlled just right, it hurts terribly but leaves no obvious marks. Usually, if I was beaten at night, the bruises would fade by the next morning. She would cry, curse, and hit me all at once. Back then, Father often asked why I always seemed so troubled for someone so young. I didn’t dare tell the truth because if I admitted to being abused, Mother would face severe punishment. I couldn’t bear that.”
Lu Weixiao listened in disbelief, her beautiful eyes filling with tears.
Prince Xin, having unburdened himself, seemed more at ease. His brow smoothed as he said, “Later, Father would praise me in front of others, saying I was mature beyond my years and steady—a man destined for great things. Haha…”