Chapter 12

“Master, His Highness has sent a set of folk attire. Shall I help you get dressed now?”

Miaoxia stood respectfully to the side, directing the palace maids to carefully bring in the garments.

Su Jingyao nodded slightly, rose gracefully, and walked slowly to the dressing table before sitting down.

Standing behind Su Jingyao, Miaoxue deftly arranged her hair while speaking,

“Master, His Highness said that tonight he will take you and the Crown Princess to ZuixIaolou Tower for dinner. Afterward, you will go for a stroll in Prosperity Alley.”

“Although Young Master has taken you to Prosperity Alley every year, the decorations are always fresh and different. It’s still worth visiting.”

Su Jingyao gazed quietly at her reflection in the mirror. Her flawless, pure eyes held a faint expression of indifference.

She parted her lips slightly, speaking in a calm tone.

“During the annual Flower Festival, Prosperity Alley is indeed the most lively, decorated beautifully, and lined with hundreds of flowers on both sides. But after so many years, it has become monotonous. I find the little trinkets in Linlang Street more intriguing.”

Miaoxia sighed softly, sounding a little regretful.

“Yes, Linlang Street has everything—snacks, accessories, and all sorts of novelties. But since His Highness will be accompanying the Crown Princess to Prosperity Alley, I’m afraid you won’t have the chance to visit Linlang Street.”

“The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess can enjoy their time together. There’s no need for me to accompany them.”

Su Jingyao absentmindedly picked through the jewelry, her slender, fair fingers gliding over the ornaments as if playing a silent melody.

Then she instructed, “Once we leave the palace, have Let Li Jin wait for me at Mo Feng Tower in Linlang Street. I’ll meet him there tonight.”

Miaoxue’s face showed a hint of worry.

“Master, what if the Crown Prince finds out?”

Su Jingyao smiled faintly, a trace of disdain in her expression.

“The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess will be busy flirting and enjoying themselves in Prosperity Alley. How would they have time to bother with me? Don’t worry.”

She had no interest in being a third wheel between a couple in love, nor did she enjoy watching others act affectionately.

Did Jun Zechen not say that she wouldn’t interfere with him and Ling Yue?

Let’s hope he keeps it that way.

After about fifteen minutes, Su Jingyao had changed into her new attire.

She wore a mint-green dress, the color resembling the fresh buds of early spring—refreshing and full of vitality. Her figure was as light as a swallow, and every movement carried a delicate and lively grace, making her a breathtaking sight.

She looked like a fairy stepping out of a painting—beautiful and enchanting, yet pure and refreshing.

Then, Su Jingyao walked elegantly toward the main gate of the Eastern Palace.

At that moment, Ling Yue had also finished dressing and was already waiting there. Just that Jun Zechen had not yet returned, but judging by the time, he should be back soon.

Su Jingyao stepped forward, slightly bowed, and saluted.

“Concubine greets elder sister.”

A gentle and pure smile bloomed on her face, like the warm sun of spring, making people feel warm at heart.

Su Jingyao’s eyes were filled with closeness toward Ling Yue, as if Ling Yue was the person she felt closest to in the Eastern Palace.

“Rise, little sister.” Ling Yue’s voice was soft and kind.

Ling Yue had complex feelings toward Su Jingyao . She knew that Su Jingyao was kind and well-mannered, a good woman. Ever since Su Jingyao entered the Eastern Palace, she had never actively tried to seduce Jun Zechen. In fact, because of Ling Yue, she had even deliberately avoided him.

Su Jingyao often visited her in the Qi Luan Hall. When Jun Zechen was not around, the two of them got along like close friends.

Su Jingyao treated her like an elder sister and was willing to share everything with her. Even when the Empress had once tried to drug Jun Zechen, Su Jingyao had someone call Ling Yue over, hoping she would take him away.

Sometimes, Ling Yue felt guilty when facing Su Jingyao because, throughout their interactions, she could never match Su Jingyao’s sincerity. She had always been wary of Su Jingyao, fearing that Jun Zechen might fall for her.

Clearly, it was Su Jingyao who had intruded upon her relationship with Jun Zechen, yet Su Jingyao behaved so openly and honestly between them. This made Ling Yue feel as if she was the one being narrow-minded.

After rising, Su Jingyao slowly walked to Ling Yue’s side, leaned in intimately, and said in a coquettish tone,

“Elder sister, after I leave the palace today, I certainly won’t disturb your sweet time with His Highness.”

Her voice was soft, meant only for Ling Yue to hear.

“When the time comes, I’ll sneak away, and elder sister can cover for me, alright?”

After speaking, she playfully winked at Ling Yue, her expression mischievous and adorable, making it hard not to dote on her.

Hearing this, Ling Yue couldn’t help but feel a little pleased.

She had been somewhat unhappy that Jun Zechen was bringing Su Jingyao along. However, Su Jingyao was still a young girl, and how could she be left alone in the Eastern Palace on a festive occasion like the Flower Festival?

So, when Jun Zechen brought it up, Ling Yue did not object.

Suppressing her joy, she feigned concern and said,

“Little sister, it’s dangerous outside the palace. You’d better stay with me and His Highness and not wander around.”

“Elder sister, the capital is under the Emperor’s feet. Nothing will happen. Besides, I’ll be taking Miao Yun and Miao Xue with me. They both know some martial arts, so we’ll be fine,” Su Jingyao said carelessly.

After saying this, Su Jingyao affectionately took Ling Yue’s arm and teasingly continued,

“Does elder sister not want to enjoy some alone time with His Highness?”

A hint of shyness flashed in Ling Yue’s eyes—of course, she wanted to. Under Su Jingyao’s repeated coaxing, Ling Yue finally nodded in agreement. After getting her way, Su Jingyao gradually withdrew her smile, straightened her posture, and lowered her head slightly, quietly waiting for Jun Zechen’s arrival.

Before long, Jun Zechen arrived leisurely.

His gaze swept the room and immediately landed on the woman standing at the doorway in a mint-green dress.

Su Jingyao’s delicate features, like a meticulously carved masterpiece, made it impossible not to steal a few more glances at her.Her graceful figure was light and elegant. No matter where she stood, she seemed to be the center of attention, drawing all eyes to her. The dress she wore had been specially made from Yun Jin fabric, selected from Jun Zechen’s private collection.

The first time, Jun Zechen had merely asked Anshun to casually send over an ordinary dress from the common market. When Anshun delivered it, it was received by Miao Yun, Su Jingyao’s attendant. Upon touching the fabric, Miao Yun frowned slightly and said that Su Jingyao’s delicate skin was too sensitive to wear such rough material.

In reality, the dress Anshun had delivered wasn’t rough at all—it was the same kind of clothing that noble ladies in the capital commonly wore. However, Su Jingyao had always worn only Yun Jin fabric, so Miao Yun had tactfully declined on her behalf.

When Anshun reported back to the Crown Prince, he found it a bit embarrassing to say outright. After hesitating for a long time, he finally braced himself and explained that the quality of the dress was too poor for Side Consort Su to wear.

Jun Zechen had personally experienced the delicate softness of that little woman’s body.

At the time, he frowned slightly, deep in thought. Would the little woman think that he, the dignified Crown Prince, was stingy, sending her a dress inferior to the ones she already had? After spending more time with her, he had gained a deeper understanding of the luxurious life led by the Su family’s daughter.

So later, Jun Zechen specifically had a common-style dress tailored from Yun Jin fabric in his private collection—the very dress Su Jingyao was wearing today.

When Ling Yue saw that Jun Zechen had arrived, she quickly stepped forward, smiling. She slightly bowed and respectfully said, “Your Highness.”

Her clear and melodious voice rang in Jun Zechen’s ears, pulling his thoughts back slightly. Outside the palace, Ling Yue was always more formal in addressing Jun Zechen.

Today, she was dressed in a bright red ruqun, its vivid color making her appear even more vibrant and lively. Every time she left the palace, she preferred to wear eye-catching colors.

Su Jingyao followed behind Ling Yue, stepping forward slowly. She gave a light curtsy and offered a polite greeting.

“Concubine greets Your Highness.”

“Rise.”

Jun Zechen calmly led Ling Yue and Su Jingyao onto the carriage. He sat in the middle, his posture upright, exuding an air of authority.

Ling Yue and Su Jingyao sat on either side of him.

Su Jingyao sat quietly, her gaze pure and tranquil, making no unnecessary movements.

Ling Yue, on the other hand, was lively, her words flowing like a rapid stream. Her face was full of smiles, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Aze, I heard that today’s Huahua Festival has many exciting performances—a floral parade, an Xínghuā Order, a Red Appreciation, and more. It really fills one with anticipation!”

After saying this, she turned to Su Jingyao with a smile and asked,

“Little sister, since you’ve been in the capital all these years, do you participate in the Huahua Festival every year?”

Su Jingyao smiled softly and replied,

“Yes, every year at the Huahua Festival, my brother always takes me out to enjoy the festivities.”

“I grew up beyond the frontier,” Ling Yue continued,

“and in my first year back I missed the Huahua Festival. Last year was the first time I participated—and it was my first time truly experiencing such a lively festival in the capital.”

As she spoke, Ling Yue unconsciously swayed her body gently; the decorative hair pendants atop her head swayed along with her movements.

Hearing this, a look of longing flashed in Su Jingyao’s eyes.

“I have seen the splendor of the capital, yet I have never seen the ‘beyond the frontier’ that you, elder sister, speak of. I have only read about its landscapes in books—‘a solitary howl across heaven and earth, a lone horse against the west wind.’ I often marvel at the heroic tragedy of those frontier warriors; it is because of their guardianship that the capital thrives.”

Ling Yue, who had been fond of wielding a sword since childhood, wasn’t very familiar with poetry. Thus, she didn’t fully grasp the exact meaning of the verse Su Jingyao mentioned. Although Ling Yue lived beyond the frontier, as a woman whose father was a general guarding the border, she had never truly set foot on the battlefield herself.

To her, the frontier was a place where one could freely gallop on horseback without being constrained by complicated rules—it was where her heart longed to be. Yet for the soldiers stationed at the border, the frontier was a place they had to bear and protect.

Ling Yue casually remarked,

“Later, I’ll tell you in detail about the scenery beyond the frontier. How could any book possibly capture such magnificent sights?”

Su Jingyao’s face lit up with a joyful smile.

“Indeed, reading thousands of books is not as rewarding as traveling thousands of miles. Little sister, I truly envy your broad experiences.”

“Hahaha, I’ll prepare some fine frontier wine so we can drink together,” Ling Yue laughed.

“Thank you, elder sister.”

Listening quietly to their conversation, Jun Zechen felt gratified by the harmonious relationship between the two women. He appreciated that they were both kind-hearted and pure, and he did not want them to stand opposed to each other—being in such harmony was best.

Only now did Jun Zechen realize how narrow his previous understanding had been. He had once thought that the refined noblewomen of the capital, living in luxury, would never know the sorrow and poignancy of the borderlands.

But now it seemed that even Ling Yue, who had grown up beyond the frontier, could not truly empathize with the hardships faced by the soldiers.If given a choice, no one would long for the frontier; what the warriors yearned for most was always the warmth of home, that familiar land, and the embrace of their loved ones.

These were lessons Jun Zechen truly learned only after having experienced the battlefield. His gaze fell upon Su Jingyao, filled with complex emotions.

He had to admit that the Su family’s upbringing of Su Jingyao had been exceedingly successful. She was like a blooming flower—beautiful and graceful, exuding the refined bearing of a proper young lady with impeccable manners.

Her broad-mindedness allowed her to embrace everything, finding joy in any environment. Even in the Eastern Palace, under his suppression and disdain, she remained strong. Her composure wasn’t merely a superficial ease, but stemmed from a rich and fulfilling inner world.

Although Su Jingyao’s usual life was luxurious, she was able to empathize with the suffering of the common people. It was evident from the time she began donating to the needy that she possessed a kind and compassionate heart. Jun Zechen knew all this, for once he learned he was to marry her, he sent someone to look into Su Jingyao.

As the carriage had just rolled out of the palace gates, Ling Yue eagerly reached out and lifted the curtain of the carriage. She then slightly leaned her head out of the carriage, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath of the outside air. A look of pure enjoyment spread across her face as she savored the rare taste of freedom.

Su Jingyao, however, remained seated with impeccable posture, her figure graceful and her back straight. Her expression was calm as still water, her gaze clear and indifferent to the outside scenery—she showed no hint of interest. She simply sat there, like a finely crafted statue.

For Su Jingyao, life outside the palace held little allure. Having roamed almost every corner of the capital with her brother since childhood, the life within the palace was far more stimulating to her. Jun Zechen, accustomed to Ling Yue’s exuberance after leaving the palace, looked at her gently and shook his head slightly.

Before long, the carriage came to a stop in front of the Zui Xiao Tower.

The manager of the Zui Xiao Tower had already been waiting at the door for some time, occasionally glancing into the distance with evident impatience. When he saw Jun Zechen disembarking with his two beautiful companions, his eyes immediately widened as he fixed his gaze upon them.

Especially when he saw the woman in the green dress—he was utterly astonished. In his many years at the Zui Xiao Tower, he had seen all kinds of beauties in the capital, yet the appearance of this madam was so striking that it left him utterly amazed. Her beauty was beyond words.

How fortunate these nobles were—both of the ladies were exceptionally stunning.

Hurrying forward, he reached Jun Zechen and his entourage in just a few steps, slightly bowed, and respectfully said,

“Honored guest, you have reserved the Tianzi Room. I’ll take you up there immediately.”

“Please lead the way,” Jun Zechen said coolly.

“Yes,” the manager responded.

He then turned and led the way with hurried steps. Although he did not know the identity of the guests, the owner of the Zui Xiao Tower had repeatedly emphasized that he must serve tonight’s honored guest well. Naturally, the manager dared not slack even a moment.

Today, the Zui Xiao Tower was extraordinarily bustling—nearly full, with every table reserved well in advance. Even the ordinary guests who came to dine here were of some standing or possessed considerable wealth.

They curiously sized up the group, as they had never seen anyone receive such a respectful welcome from the manager of Zui Xiao Lou. Subtle yet perceptible glances wove over them like fine threads, scrutinizing their presence.

Jun Zechen was already accustomed to such gazes. Without sparing them a glance, he followed behind the manager with steady and composed steps, making his way to the Tianzi Pavilion. Inside the private room, a lavish spread of food and wine had already been prepared.

Once Su Jingyao and the others had taken their seats, the manager beamed and said,

“Honored guests, these dishes were all pre-ordered by you. If you need anything else, just call for me. I will take my leave now.”

Naturally, these meticulously arranged dishes were all prepared under Anshun’s arrangements. With a light wave of his hand, Jun Zechen dismissed the manager and his staff, leaving behind only the three of them, along with Anshun, Miaoyun, and a few maids.

As Su Jingyao looked at the spread before her, her eyebrows arched slightly. It seemed Jun Zechen had indeed remembered her preferences. The table was adorned with various floral dishes and nourishing soups known for their beauty-enhancing properties.

Ling Yue, however, looked at the food with a hint of confusion.

“Ah Ze, why did you order so many floral dishes? Don’t you usually dislike these lightly sweet foods?”

“Today is the Flower Festival. These floral dishes have been specially modified so they are not overly sweet but rather fresh and delicious. You should try them,” Junze Chen replied.

Naturally, he couldn’t admit that he had ordered them solely for Su Jingyao, fearing that Ling Yue might misunderstand. Concerned that Su Jingyao might not be accustomed to the food outside, he had specifically asked Miaoyue for floral dish recipes in advance and instructed the chefs at Zui Xiao Lou to prepare them with care.

Su Jingyao also understood that these dishes were specially prepared for her. Her moist eyes quietly glanced at Jun Zechen, only to meet his gaze. Flustered, she quickly averted her eyes, a rosy blush blooming across her cheeks, as radiant and captivating as the evening clouds.

Jun Zechen’s gaze deepened instantly. Seeing her delicate, feminine demeanor reminded him of her shy, flushed expression on the bed. Ling Yue, completely oblivious to the subtle tension between the two, was engrossed in savoring the floral dishes.

Chewing carefully, she praised,

“Ah Ze, these floral dishes are indeed delicious, just as you said. But I still prefer meat—it’s much more satisfying!”

Without waiting for Jun Zechen to move his chopsticks, she happily started indulging, relishing the rich flavors of the meat. Back in the borderlands, she had always enjoyed pairing fine wine with hearty meat dishes—it was an unparalleled pleasure. Outside the palace, Ling Yue’s demeanor became noticeably more uninhibited. She ate and chatted freely, even picking up food for Jun Zechen with a bright smile on her face.

Jun Zechen was long accustomed to her affectionate gestures and simply smiled, letting her be.

Meanwhile, Su Jingyao maintained her elegant pace, savoring each floral dish with refined poise. Every movement exuded nobility. She refrained from touching any of the rich, oily foods, focusing solely on the floral dishes and nourishing soups, delicately appreciating their flavors.

By the time they finished the meal, the streets outside were illuminated like daylight. Rows of lanterns hung high on both sides of the street, casting a warm glow over the bustling scene. The lively streets teemed with people, all dressed in new garments, their faces brimming with joy.

Some strolled in groups of three or five, others paused to admire the lanterns, while many browsed through various stalls, picking out their favorite items. It was a scene of pure festivity.