"Today was good... should I come for dinner tomorrow at the palace?" Haoyu asked, his tone soft yet hopeful.
"Sure," Bǎihé replied gently. "After that, we could go to the Plum House."
Haoyu nodded with a faint smile.
"I will be here until your birthday, so we have plenty of time." His voice lowered as he took her hands into his, hesitating for a moment before pressing a tender kiss upon the back of her hand.
Bǎihé's cheeks flushed scarlet, her surprise betraying her composure.
"I have to go now... the gates are opening," she whispered, slowly slipping her hand free from his gentle grip.
"Bye!" she called, her voice carrying faintly as she walked away, leading her horse by the reins with Hépíng following behind. The massive gates creaked shut as they entered, cutting off the outside world.
⸻
"One of my men, placed as a spy in the palace, has discovered a hint of where the mine map may be hidden. He will send us further details tomorrow," Yíchén stated.
Haoyu exhaled in frustration.
"Could we not discuss this at the gates? I was... having a moment." His voice was edged with irritation as he mounted his horse and began riding slowly forward.
"We must execute our plans within the time given," Yíchén reminded him, his tone firm.
"I know..." Haoyu muttered tiredly, his eyes distant.
⸻
"Gōngzhǔ, you've been summoned to the main hall," a maid said with a respectful bow.
"What is happening?" Bǎihé asked, but the maid lifted her head slightly, her eyes filled with sorrow. "It's Gōngzhǔ Yù..."
A knot formed in Bǎihé's chest as she stepped into the main hall. The vast chamber was empty—silent, cold, and abandoned. Everyone had already left.
Her heartbeat quickened. Huan!
Gathering the hem of her flowing hanfu, she ran swiftly toward her sister's courtyard.
⸻
Huan sat quietly in her chamber, her face pale as the weight of grief drained her strength. Chún dú hovered beside her, doing her best to console her younger sister. Their other siblings had departed, leaving Huan in solitude, but Chún dú had insisted on staying.
The doors opened swiftly, revealing Bǎihé.
"Huan!" Bǎihé rushed forward, wrapping her sister in a tight embrace.
"I heard what happened... about Duyi."
Huan remained silent, unwilling to shed another tear.
"How... how did he die?" Bǎihé asked gently.
"Bandits..." Huan's voice cracked as she forced out the word.
Bǎihé tightened her embrace, her own heart aching, while Chún dú sat on the floor beside Huan watching in silence, her gaze sharp.
"Don't pretend to care, Bǎihé," Chún dú said coldly.
"What?" Bǎihé looked up, startled.
"The news of his death was shared at the hall hours ago. Where were you?" Chún dú pressed.
"I was with—"
"Prancing about as always, enjoying yourself while your younger sister suffers in sorrow."
Bǎihé's breath caught. "What do you mean by that?"
"I mean your sympathy is too little, too late."
"Stop it, sister," Huan said wearily, her voice breaking. "Jǐejǐe, I'm fine... you can go now." She wiped at her running nose, trying to appear strong.
"Are you sure?" Bǎihé asked, her eyes filled with worry.
Huan nodded faintly, while Chún dú rolled her eyes at the question.
"Alright then..." Bǎihé whispered, rising slowly before turning to leave.
⸻
"Sister, why did you say all that?" Huan asked quietly after Bǎihé had gone.
"Hmph. Since we were children, she always acted as though she bore great burdens, but in truth, she's had it easy." Chún dú's voice was bitter, edged with resentment.
Huan sighed heavily, unwilling to add more weight to her weary heart.
"JǐeJǐe, I need to rest. Do you want me to help you to your courtyard?" She gestured toward the wheelchair beside Chún dú.
"It's fine. You rest. I'll ask my maid to take me later."
"Alright," Huan whispered, closing her eyes in Chún dù's embrace.
⸻
"So... he did die," Huánghòu Juan murmured, her expression unreadable as she raised a cup to her lips.
Bowen nodded.
"Who else was assigned to kill the governor's son?" she asked.
"It was difficult to see, Your Majesty... the smoke clouded everything."
"Have you gone back to the scene?"
"No. The first princess sealed the area for inspection shortly after her guards received word."
"Impossible," the Queen muttered, her brows furrowing. "The attack was miles from Límíng. How could she have received word so quickly?"
"Perhaps a tip... someone on the inside," Bowen suggested.
"A spy in the palace?" Juan's eyes narrowed.
"I would investigate."
"No," the Queen said firmly. "We cannot risk exposure. We must wait and see what we're truly dealing with." She took another slow sip of wine, her gaze dark with calculation.
⸻
In a dimly lit chamber prepared for Duyi's safety, Yíchén poured wine into two cups. Duyi sat across from him, his expression heavy with confusion. Tao and Liang stood stiffly at their posts, guarding the doors.
"I still don't understand why she would want to kill me," Duyi said quietly, staring into his cup.
Yíchén sighed as he filled the young man's drink.
"The Queen is selfish, power-hungry... and you hold no power. To her, your life is expendable."
Duyi's silence was thick with grief.
"The history between her and your father runs deep. Your death was meant as a warning... as a threat."
"What history?" Duyi asked sharply.
"Would your father have agreed to the alliance?" Tao interjected.
"Uhm...probably yes. But what history are you talking about?"
"What matters now," Yíchén said firmly, "is that your survival remains a secret. If the truth is revealed, you will be killed."
"What about Gōngzhǔ Yù?" Duyi's voice cracked with longing. "I can't bear the thought of her crying over my death."
"In due time, Duyi. This ruse will not last forever," Yíchén replied calmly.
"But I—"
"You must," Tao snapped. "Otherwise next time, you will not escape alive."
Duyi fell into silence, his fists tightening.
"Enough," Yíchén said, softening his tone. "You will see the young princess soon. Trust me." He handed Duyi another cup, his smile steady, almost reassuring.
Duyi hesitated, then nodded, taking the cup with both hands.