On his way back to Jindu, Xue Feiyan heard the news of the bloody night in the palace. His name was on everyone's lips.
He had negotiated peace, forcing the Yanyun back to their homeland without paying a cent in annual tribute. His courage and insight were praised throughout the capital.
At the city gates, a crowd of officials stood shivering in the cold wind, waiting to welcome the hero home.
"We've been gone for months," Xue Feiyan said, his reins loose in his hand. "How do you think the winds have shifted in Jindu?"
Ling Yan rode behind him, her head bowed. "My lord and the Fifth Prince are evenly matched. With you away and the capital empty, the Fifth Prince would not have let such an opportunity slip."
"Correct." He nodded, satisfied. "And do you have a counter-strategy?"
"This subordinate is dull-witted," she said. "With the credit for capturing the assassins, the Fifth Prince's star is rising."
He laughed softly. The external threat was gone. Now, it was just family business. It was time for him and Xue Liulan to face each other properly.
"Hyah!" He kicked his horse into a gallop, the wind whipping past the dead trees as he raced down the road.
Ling Yan watched his back, a smile touching her lips. He had always been like this—full of ambition, as if nothing in the world could stop him.
"Where is the Seventh Prince?" The officials were getting restless. He should have been here half an hour ago.
"Who knows? Maybe something happened on the road?" one whispered. "I heard there are bandits around Jindu lately."
"Nonsense! Brother Feiyan is so powerful, a few bandits wouldn't stand a chance!" A shrill, arrogant voice cut through the murmurs.
"Qinyu, behave yourself." Deng Yan frowned at his daughter.
"Father." She pouted and looked down. She was afraid of him. Grandfather was much nicer.
Deng Yan sighed. She was simple, spoiled. Even if they put the Seventh Prince on the throne, could a girl like this hold the position of Empress?
Hoofbeats approached. Two figures emerged from the distance.
"It's Brother Feiyan!" Deng Qinyu's face lit up. She picked up her skirts and ran to the front of the crowd, craning her neck.
"Lady Deng," Ling Yan murmured to herself.
Xue Feiyan glanced back at her, opened his mouth, then closed it again. Not yet. But one day, I will make sure you never have to hide again.
He reined in his horse and dismounted. "Gentlemen, thank you for waiting."
"Congratulations on your triumphant return, Seventh Prince!" The officials bowed low.
"Please, join me as we enter the palace to greet my Imperial Father."
The procession formed behind him. Deng Yan walked beside him, with Deng Qinyu on the other side, constantly peeking around her father to look at the prince.
Xue Feiyan stared straight ahead, ignoring her.
"Has the Seventh Prince heard of the assassination attempt in the palace?" Deng Yan asked.
"I heard a little. Fifth Brother is becoming quite capable," he said with a polite smile. "What reward did my father bestow upon him for such a service?"
"That is the strange thing. The Fifth Prince refused all rewards. He asked for only one thing."
"Oh?"
"He asked permission to stay in the late Empress's residence for a few days around the New Year, with his wife." Deng Yan frowned. "It makes no sense. He saved the Emperor's life. He could have asked for military command for his fief. Why waste such an opportunity?"
Xue Feiyan thought for a moment. "Did Father say anything?"
"The eunuchs say he was silent for a long time. Then he said, 'I never thought even the last memory would be gone.'"
"The last memory?" Xue Feiyan repeated, confused.
Deng Yan shook his head. "The Emperor's mind is hard to read these days."
"Maybe because if the Fifth Prince lives there, the Emperor can't go there to miss Empress Murong anymore?" Deng Qinyu chimed in with a smile.
"Qinyu! Since when do you interrupt court matters?" Deng Yan snapped.
She pouted and fell back a step, muttering, "I wasn't guessing. Auntie told me."
Xue Feiyan stopped. He turned to her with a smile. "The Empress told you?"
"Yes!" Happy to be acknowledged, she ran to his side. "Once, I heard her talking to herself. Something about a portrait still being in the palace, and the Emperor not being able to forget Empress Murong."
Xue Feiyan and Deng Yan exchanged a look. If the Emperor still held affection for the late Empress, he might transfer that affection to her son, the legitimate heir. Before, Xue Liulan was useless. But now, he was the regent, and he was proving himself capable. This was dangerous.
"What does the Seventh Prince think?" Deng Yan whispered.
"We'll think about it later. For now, we must greet my father." He quickened his pace, leaving them behind.
Deng Qinyu watched him go, the light in her eyes dimming. She was always chasing his back. Even when he was gentle, she could feel the distance.
Xue Feiyan, I try so hard to help you. Will you ever take your eyes off the world and look at me?
"Decree: The Seventh Prince is granted command of an additional army for his fief in Heluo," the Emperor announced from his throne.
"Thank you, Imperial Father." Xue Feiyan kowtowed.
Now, Heluo had two armies—equal to the combined forces of Xue Liulan and Murong Jin. In terms of military power, he was no longer at a disadvantage.
"Go visit your mother in the harem," the Emperor said, waving a hand wearily.
Xue Feiyan bowed and left. He walked along the path to the Empress's palace, passing the Imperial Garden. A figure in a red cloak stood amidst the snow, admiring the plum blossoms.
She stood still, a proud red plum blooming in the winter white.
"Greetings, Sister-in-law." He bowed.
Murong Yu looked at him, her expression wooden. She gave a cold laugh. "It's only been a year. Have we become strangers?"
His hand tightened. He forced a smile. "We are family. How could we be strangers?"
"Family?" She pulled her cloak tighter against the wind, her mockery undisguised. "Xue Feiyan, doesn't that word taste bitter in your mouth?"
He looked up, his gaze locking with hers.
"Am I wrong?" She stepped close, whispering in his ear. "You knew I was going to kill the Crown Prince, and you did nothing. You even sent someone to help me steal the poison. Xue Feiyan, you truly are your brother's family."
His back stiffened.
"What do you want?" he asked, staring at her.
"Nothing." She stepped back, her eyes curving into a smile. "Just… a widow has no one to rely on."
She smoothed her hair and walked away.
By palace rules, one must wear red on snowy days. She obeyed. But beneath the red cloak, she wore the white robes of mourning, and a white flower was pinned in her hair.
Xue Feiyan watched her disappear and let out a heavy breath. It seemed he could no longer hesitate.