Chapter 23

Prince Yi had left.  

The courtyard did not return to quiet. Soon after, various furnishings, including large pieces of furniture, were brought in one after another like flowing water. After the items were delivered, there were also people—four Inner Chamber Maidens, eight Courtyard Maids, and an uncountable number of Rough Labor Women. The sight made Cui Cui dizzy.  

“W-what is all this?”  

“These are the allowances befitting the Madam,” Jian Su replied. “Earlier, when the Madam was gravely ill, it was unsuitable to have too many people disturbing her, so His Highness only assigned Bao Pu and me. Now, the full complement has been arranged.”  

“But—”  

But how had their Mistress suddenly become the Madam?  

They were supposed to leave.  

Cui Cui was utterly bewildered. Surrounded by people from Prince Yi’s Residence, she and Ling Zi stood out like two misplaced leaves, trembling uncontrollably.  

Her heart was full of unease, yet she didn’t even know where to begin resisting.  

She could only look pleadingly at Lan Yi.  

“Don’t worry about it,” Lan Yi said. “If anyone bullies you, tell me.”  

Cui Cui asked blankly, “Mistress, does this mean we’re not leaving anymore?”  

“For now, we can’t leave.”  

—Then will we leave in the future?  

Lan Yi saw the unspoken question in Cui Cui’s eyes. Without hesitation, she nodded.  

Of course, they would leave.  

“But can we?” Cui Cui murmured.  

Prince Yi’s Residence was not the Yang family. Behind these layers of vermilion gates and guards, without Prince Yi’s permission, they couldn’t even step out of the courtyard, let alone the residence.  

Lan Yi replied, “Yes.”  

Her tone was cool. Cui Cui was still confused and wanted to ask what plan they had, but Jian Su approached. “Madam, the newly assigned servants are all here. Would you like to receive them for their formal greetings?”  

Lan Yi refused. “No need. You handle the arrangements.”  

Jian Su said no more and simply responded, “Understood.”  

She left to resume her busy tasks.  

Lan Yi suddenly remembered something important and asked Cui Cui, “Where are our belongings?”  

When she had left the Yang family, their original destination was her rural hometown. For that reason, the maids had packed all her personal belongings. After entering the Prince’s residence, she had been in a daze for a long time. Every stitch of clothing on her body, every cup of tea or bowl by her side, had been provided by the Prince’s household. Only now did she recall her own things.  

Cui Cui answered, “Sister Jian Su arranged for them to be placed in the first room of the west wing.”  

She hurried into the inner chamber and soon returned, carrying two items—one was a two-tiered wooden box, the other a small bundle tied with blue cloth. She opened them for Lan Yi to see. “These are your jewelry and private savings. I brought them separately and placed them in your clothing chest.”  

The wooden box held only a few pieces of jewelry. After Lan Yi married into the Yang family, Madam Yang was extremely frugal. As a daughter-in-law, it was inappropriate for her to dress too lavishly. Moreover, she had to show filial piety by giving some to her mother-in-law, so her life had grown increasingly austere. Later, when she fell ill, she had no energy to care about such things.  

The small bundle contained two sycees and a small pile of broken silver, totaling seventy-eight taels—a modest sum. With just a glance, Lan Yi could tell nothing was missing.  

She nodded. “Keep them safe.”  

If they ever had the chance to leave the Prince’s residence, this would be their means of survival.  

Cui Cui retied the bundle and asked, “The rest is in the wing room. I originally thought to bring them for use, but Sister Jian Su said it wasn’t necessary—everything here is already prepared. Would you like to go and take a look, Mistress?”  

Lan Yi thought for a moment, then stood. “Let’s go.”  

The wing room was locked. Jian Su was meticulous—she had already given the key to Cui Cui. Cui Cui unlocked it and pushed the door open.

The interior was simply arranged, clean and tidy. The cartload of daily necessities was stacked on a wooden couch by the window, evidently moved in as they were, untouched and unopened.  

Lan Yi stepped back.  

Cui Cui was a little stunned. “Madam, aren’t you going to look through them?”  

Lan Yi replied, “No.”  

She didn’t want to. At a glance, they were all old belongings from the Yang family, steeped in memories of the past. Having stepped out of that door, she had no intention of looking back—not even to reminisce.  

“Call Ling Zi over. Have these carried out and burned.”  

Cui Cui’s voice sharpened in shock. “B—burned?!”  

Her surprise lasted only a moment. Having endured the Yang family alongside Lan Yi, she quickly understood her mistress’s feelings. Biting her lip, she went out silently to find Ling Zi.  

Before long, she returned not only with the young maid but also two stout, smiling matrons. Jian Su had heard about the need to move the items and had sent them to help.  

Cui Cui was still somewhat uneasy around these new servants and hesitated to order them about. However, the two matrons were quick-witted and willing to work. In the time it took to drink a cup of tea, they had carried everything out, piling it in the relatively open southwest corner of the courtyard as Lan Yi had instructed.  

“Fetch a fire starter. Light it up.”  

Lan Yi’s order was calm, but the two matrons were startled. One quietly retreated and hurried off to find Jian Su.  

Upon hearing the report, Jian Su paused briefly. She had witnessed Lan Yi’s separation from Yang Wen Xu and made a decision. “Give the madam whatever she wants.”  

Nearby, Bao Pu, who had been arranging potted plants on the ebony railing shelf, couldn’t help turning her head. “Sister, shouldn’t we report to His Highness first?”  

“Follow the madam’s wishes for now,” Jian Su said. “Severing ties with the Yang family isn’t a bad thing. Go inform Eunuch Dou as well. Whether to disturb His Highness is for him to decide.”  

Bao Pu nodded and left with the matron, each going their separate ways.  

Eunuch Dou was inspecting the guest courtyard prepared for the imperial envoy when he received the news. He hurried to find Prince Yi.  

Within the palace grounds, near the Altar of Earth and Grain in the front hall, stood a white jade platform about ten zhang high. Prince Yi was meditating in the Immortals Pavilion atop it.  

Eunuch Dou wiped his sweat as he climbed up but didn’t immediately approach to report—because he noticed that from this vantage point, he could already see the black smoke rising from the northeastern corner of the estate.  

Had he not been forewarned, he would have been startled, thinking it was a fire.  

Prince Yi stood up at that moment, clasping his hands behind his back as he gazed in the same direction without speaking.  

Eunuch Dou knew he was waiting for an explanation and bowed. “The madam is burning the belongings she brought from the Yang family. It’s for the best—now she can wholeheartedly devote herself to Your Highness.”  

Prince Yi spoke. “Nonsense.”  

Eunuch Dou blinked. How was that nonsense? But his prince had always been inscrutable, so he dared not pry. He cautiously advised, “Your Highness, don’t torment yourself too much. Though there were reasons for taking the madam in, now that she’s here—”  

She couldn’t just be left as a decoration. The prince was a lay Taoist, not a monk who had renounced the world.  

Prince Yi had no intention of explaining their agreement. “I have no interest in such matters. Don’t make presumptuous arrangements.”  

Eunuch Dou hastily replied, “This old servant wouldn’t dare.”  

Prince Yi turned his gaze back to the black smoke.  

Eunuch Dou watched alongside him for a while before sighing. “The madam’s temperament is rather fierce.”  

Prince Yi’s fingers, clasped behind his back, brushed against his wrist, where the wound still throbbed.  

Fierce was an understatement.

Within that frail, wind-swayed frame lay a madness that knew no bounds. He had no doubt that if he truly intended to force her, that pair of scissors would plunge straight into his chest.

This reckless, all-or-nothing abandon—

Prince Yi narrowed his eyes against the summer sun.

How utterly transparent.

He remained standing there, waiting until the black smoke dispersed, faded, and burned away completely.

Eunuch Dou was thoroughly perplexed. What exactly was this about? Claiming disinterest, yet standing under the scorching sun watching someone burn something for nearly half an hour—did that seem like indifference? His Highness had never been this idle before, especially with the imperial envoy arriving tomorrow.

Wiping sweat from his brow, he reconsidered his approach and spoke again: “Your Highness should rest at the lady’s quarters tonight, no? Eunuch Zhang arrives tomorrow—we ought to maintain appearances.”

Prince Yi frowned slightly. “Let him come. He won’t enter the inner quarters. Where I stay is none of his concern.”

Eunuch Dou cautioned, “He served in Consort Cheng’s palace for two years doing menial work. The Crown Prince could have connections with him and might have tasked him with gathering information. Bearing the Imperial Edict, if he oversteps slightly, Your Highness would find it difficult to reprimand him.”

After a moment’s silence, Prince Yi responded noncommittally, “We’ll discuss it tomorrow.”

Having served him for years, Eunuch Dou understood this meant his words had been heeded. With subtle deference, he withdrew. Only after descending the high platform did he finally exhale deeply.

As he’d thought—how could His Highness remain unmoved with such a delicate beauty in residence? Practicing asceticism year-round, meditating on high platforms even in midsummer—Eunuch Dou saw no spiritual attainment, only a prince likely to develop problems from prolonged abstinence.

At the prime age nearing thirty, when virility should be at its peak, proper yin-yang harmony was essential. Even Taoism had its bedroom arts—

Humming a tune, Eunuch Dou returned to his duties.

**

Lan Yi remained unaware of all this.

Early the next morning, when the decree-bearing eunuch arrived at the manor, Lan Yi was roused from bed. After being attended by two or three maidservants for some time, she dressed formally and proceeded to the Chengyun Hall to receive the edict together.

The incense altar and other ceremonial items had been prepared the previous day. The middle-aged eunuch reading the decree, surnamed Zhang and appearing slightly over forty, clearly held considerable rank in the palace—Lan Yi noticed Prince Yi treated him with both respect and familiarity.

“Chief Eunuch Zhang, we’re honored by your personal attendance.”

“Aiya, Your Highness flatters this unworthy servant,” Eunuch Zhang replied, eyes crinkling in amusement. “These legs and eyes of ours exist solely for our masters’ use—how dare we idle? When His Majesty commands, we come running.”

Prince Yi invited him inside for tea.

Seeing the edict had been received, Lan Yi assumed her role concluded and prepared to withdraw. Prince Yi said nothing, but Eunuch Zhang interjected: “Madam, please remain.”

Addressing Prince Yi, he continued, “We request the lady’s company. Your Highness, His Majesty sent this old servant precisely to observe and inquire thoroughly, that I may report faithfully upon return.”

Meeting no objection from the prince, Lan Yi found herself compelled to enter the hall with them.

Prince Yi took the central seat of honor. After customary protests, Eunuch Zhang eventually perched sideways on a chair to the left.

Lan Yi now better understood his status—only the emperor’s closest attendants would merit seating before a prince.

Initially paying little attention to a eunuch, she now studied him more carefully.

A faint sense of familiarity tugged at her.

The maid served tea as Prince Yi continued exchanging pleasantries with Eunuch Zhang. Lan Yi listened for a while before remembering—this Eunuch Zhang had visited the Yang family before.

That time, he had been very low-key, dressed like an ordinary wealthy gentleman, bringing gifts to express gratitude to Yang Wen Xu for a certain matter. By then, Yang Wen Xu had been promoted to Hanlin Academician and possessed the aloof temperament typical of scholarly officials. He rarely showed courtesy to eunuchs, let alone engaged in private dealings with them. Yet he had treated Eunuch Zhang politely, keeping him for a long conversation and accepting his gifts.

Lan Yi glanced at Eunuch Zhang again. This meant that even after the change of emperor, this old retainer of the previous court still held considerable influence.

Eunuch Zhang set down his teacup and met her gaze with a chuckle. “Does the lady have something to say?”

Prince Yi’s gaze followed, resting heavily upon her—a clear warning. Lan Yi understood. Though Prince Yi and Eunuch Zhang appeared cordial, Eunuch Zhang was not his man. The prince couldn’t control what Eunuch Zhang might say upon returning to the capital.

Perhaps she could—

Lan Yi dismissed the fleeting thought. It was useless. The Imperial Edict had been issued, leaving no room for reversal. If she stirred up trouble now, she would only worsen her own situation. Who knew if she’d even retain the freedom to leave the estate afterward?

She shook her head slowly. “No.”

As she spoke, Prince Yi’s eyes narrowed slightly, watching her before giving a faint nod—like bestowing condescending approval.

Lan Yi scoffed inwardly. This ridiculous title of “lady” had been forced upon her, and she couldn’t refuse it. From today onward, the debt of his saving her life and the grievance of his coercion canceled each other out. Everything would be reckoned anew.

Eunuch Zhang observed coldly before speaking up at the right moment. “Your Highness, when news of your assassination attempt reached the palace, His Majesty was furious and immediately wanted to send envoys. It was only after you insisted on investigating yourself and claimed to have leads that he restrained himself—though he hasn’t slept well for days. The Crown Prince was also deeply concerned for you.”

Prince Yi listened while rubbing his wrist. At some point in the speech, he paused abruptly, his gaze lowering.

Eunuch Zhang stopped mid-sentence, following his gaze before exclaiming, “Good heavens! Your hand—was it injured by that assassin?”

Prince Yi concealed the wound on the inside of his wrist, dismissing it curtly. “A fresh scratch. A minor injury, nothing serious.”

He offered no further explanation, and Eunuch Zhang dared not press. “Your precious health must be safeguarded, Your Highness.”

Prince Yi nodded. “Inform His Majesty and the Crown Prince that I have fully recovered.”

Eunuch Zhang assented. “Of course. Your filial devotion spares His Majesty undue worry—this old servant understands.” He added, “However, the Crown Prince, bound to you by brotherly affection, remains incensed. After the Qingzhou prefect was arrested and brought to the capital, His Majesty entrusted the matter to the Crown Prince, who personally oversaw the interrogation at the Court of Judicial Review. Yet the criminal official remains stubborn—even under severe torture, he refuses to confess, claiming only that lax security in the inner courtyard allowed the assassin to hide there. The Crown Prince finds his testimony dubious and unreliable, but with the assassin dead and no witness left to corroborate, His Highness is left with no recourse.”

Lan Yi was startled. She had only known that the Qingzhou prefect had secluded himself to draft a plea for mercy, preventing Yang Wen Xu from meeting him. She hadn’t expected such developments.

An assassination attempt on a prince was indeed no trivial matter.

Prince Yi spoke in a light, offhand tone: “My guards were a bit heavy-handed. The assassin resisted fiercely during the capture, then remained tight-lipped during interrogation. In my anger, I ordered him whipped—just a few lashes, and he was gone. Even summoning the Medical Officer couldn’t save him.”

His naturally stern features when not smiling made him look every bit the type to torture prisoners to death, and his words matched that ruthlessness: “Pity we didn’t get anything useful out of him. A waste of my time.”

Eunuch Zhang listened intently, sighing in shared regret: “What a shame. The Crown Prince specifically instructed this old servant to seek clues from Your Highness.”

Prince Yi lowered his gaze. “His Highness the Crown Prince is too concerned. I had never met that assassin before. I don’t know why he tried to poison my incense burner, nor why he resorted to violence when caught, smashing my head—”

Lan Yi couldn’t help glancing at him.

So those two blows she struck had been pinned on the assassin. Prince Yi spun his lies smoothly, and with the assassin dead, there was no one left to expose the mastermind—or him.

“Enough,” Prince Yi said with a frown, as if weary of the matter. “Since the man is already dead, my anger is spent. I can’t be bothered to pursue this further. Disturbing the local authorities over it would be improper.”

“Your Highness is the very model of propriety,” Eunuch Zhang quickly praised. “Even His Majesty has always spoken highly of you, commending Your Highness for your dignified conduct, tranquility, and magnanimity—a model for all imperial princes, surpassing even the Crown Prince—”

He abruptly cut himself off with a dry chuckle.

Prince Yi seemed not to hear, idly stirring his teacup to disperse a few tender tea leaves floating at the rim.

Eunuch Zhang smoothly changed the subject: “No wonder His Majesty was so intrigued when Your Highness suddenly requested permission to take a consort. He specially sent this old servant to deliver the decree.”

Prince Yi looked up. “She was implicated because of me. After failing to assassinate me, the assassin fled and spread vile rumors, tarnishing her reputation. Her husband’s family cast her out, leaving me no choice but to feel—”

Throughout this exchange with Eunuch Zhang, he hadn’t once glanced at Lan Yi. Now, his eyes finally flicked toward her as he uttered two words: “Pity.”

Eunuch Zhang’s gaze followed. As a palace eunuch on imperial orders, it wasn’t improper for him to study the lady a moment longer.

He smiled. “If Your Highness permits this old servant to speak boldly—before meeting the lady, I was puzzled. What peerless beauty could move Your Highness’s heart? Now I see my own ignorance was to blame.”

Here, he tactfully fell silent, having paid the perfect compliment—befitting a senior eunuch who served before the emperor.

Lan Yi remained indifferent, merely lifting her teacup for a sip.

While dressing that morning, she had sat before the mirror longer than usual—the first time since her rebirth she truly studied her reflection.

To be honest, it surprised her.

Pale face, faintly rosy lips, weary eyes, and an aloof expression—yet the sum wasn’t the haggard ruin she’d expected, but a beauty.

A doomed beauty.

Illness made her seem destined for an early grave.

Lan Yi didn’t care. Her appearance mattered little, for Prince Yi hadn’t taken her in out of desire.

She was beginning to understand his real motives.