A towering stack of memorials lay sprawled across the vast table in the imperial study. As the grand celebration drew near, petitions from every ministry flooded in greater numbers. The urgency with which Yan Hongtian had dispatched Su Ling to retrieve the stolen gold stemmed from a desperate shortage in the national treasury. Though the kingdom of Qiongyue could still host a magnificent ceremony without the stolen bullion, recovering the funds would be far preferable.
With the final memorial in hand approved and annotated, Yan Hongtian finally turned his gaze to Lou Xiyan, who sat leisurely to the side, sipping tea with calm elegance. While he toiled ceaselessly, Lou Xiyan seemed to bask in idle serenity. Yan's brow darkened, and he let out a cold snort.
"How fare the preparations for the ceremony?"
Setting down his cup, Lou Xiyan offered a faint smile, unperturbed by the emperor's stern expression.
"Smoothly. The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works have both completed the allocation and assembly of all necessary resources. This year's celebration shall surpass even that of three years past. However, with envoys from various nations and prominent merchants and nobles converging on the capital, the city will become a melting pot of peoples. I shall promptly confer with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of War to deploy security forces and ensure nothing untoward occurs."
"Very well. The matter is in your hands. Proceed without delay."
Yet the more composed Lou Xiyan appeared, the more irked Yan Hongtian felt—an irritation borne not of reason but of contrast. That unflappable demeanor, that effortless poise—he'd always been that way, and that somehow made it worse.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Lou Xiyan answered readily, his bearing as unruffled as ever, as though he could shoulder the weight of the empire alone. Yan Hongtian narrowed his eyes. Rarely did he comply so easily. Could it be that joy had truly lightened his spirit?
Staring intently, the emperor asked,
"Do you truly intend to marry Qingling as your principal wife and take no concubines?"
Lou Xiyan chuckled with genial confidence and nodded.
"Yes."
"She is worthy?"
It was not always a matter of the woman herself, but of the intricate balance of political alliances. Many women in the inner palace, he barely recalled their faces, but each carried the weight of a family, a faction. Marriages of state were no trivial matter for a man's career. Was Lou Xiyan truly willing to sacrifice so much for Qingling?
Lou Xiyan understood perfectly, yet his reply was quiet and resolute.
"If I deem her worthy, then she is."
In recent days, he had been preoccupied with taming the wildcat that was Qingfeng. Amid his preoccupation, he had perhaps missed several dramatic developments. Looking toward the window, where the summer sun poured over blooming flowers, a glint of mischief sparkled in Yan Hongtian's eyes.
"Today in the imperial gardens, daughters of the noblest families—renowned for both beauty and virtue—have gathered. Would you not reconsider your choice?"
Still calm and refined, Lou Xiyan responded,
"Thank you, Your Majesty, but I require no further consideration."
Descending from the dragon throne, the emperor approached him, probing once more.
"Truly not interested?"
With a slight bow, Lou Xiyan replied plainly,
"Your servant respectfully sees Your Majesty off."
Yan Hongtian feigned disappointment, shaking his head as he strode toward the door.
"Very well. I heard Ling'er is present as well. It's been so long since I've seen her—I do miss her."
Lou Xiyan stiffened at the mention. Lately, he had been leaving early and returning late, entirely unaware of her comings and goings. Was she truly present? If so... recalling the flicker of expression in the emperor's eyes just now, Lou Xiyan sighed in resignation and followed.
"Then allow me to accompany Your Majesty."
Seeing the usually aloof Lou Xiyan trailing behind so obediently, Yan Hongtian broke into hearty laughter. Perhaps letting Qingling marry Lou Xiyan wasn't such a bad idea after all—it gave him the perfect excuse to tease the man who seemed untouchable, always so composed and capable. Truly, no one should be so flawless.
"Ah!"
Seated at the zither, Lou Xiyu let out a startled cry as the wooden platform gave way beneath her. Lifting her head just in time, she saw Qingling tumble into the lotus pond.
"Qingling!"
She rushed forward but, unable to swim, dared not set foot on the now-crooked platform. All she could do was cry out in desperation, eyes fixed anxiously on the lily-covered surface.
"Help! Someone help! Qingling has fallen into the water!"
The gathering of noblewomen, having heard the commotion, turned to see Lou Xiyu shouting, her neck craned, voice shrill with panic. Recognizing her words, Qingfeng's heart seized. Qingling was nowhere to be seen.
"Sister!"
In a flash, Qingfeng lifted her skirt and bolted toward the pond—only to be held back by a group of palace maids stationed near the Empress Dowager.
"Your Ladyship, you must not! Your health is precious—please, restrain yourself!"
"Let go of me!"
Qingfeng struggled with all her might, ignoring the pain of torn sleeves and bruised arms. Fear and anguish moistened her proud eyes. Gone was her usual composure—she fought like a woman possessed.
"Out of my way! My sister can't swim! Let me go!"
From behind her fan, a fleeting smirk crossed Yang Zhilan's lips—how fortunate if she truly could not swim. Even if she could, it would be of little use. Feigning urgency, she barked at the nearby eunuchs,
"What are you standing there for? Save her—now!"
"Yes, Your Ladyship!"
Four eunuchs dashed to the pond and dove in.
Lou Suxin furrowed her brows in displeasure. How could such a sturdy platform collapse so suddenly? Seeing that rescue efforts were underway, she remained silent, gazing coldly over the flower-strewn waters.
In truth, after falling, Zhuo Qing was far from panicked. She could swim—had even been a member of her school's swim team in her former life. Beyond the initial surprise, she was quite composed.
The platform had crumbled worst beneath her feet, sweeping her beneath a still-standing section. Her soaked, heavy gown clung to her like a leaden shroud, and thick lotus leaves surrounded her, restricting movement. Though she heard Lou Xiyu's frantic cries, she could not call out. Water flooded her mouth whenever she tried. She needed to escape first.
Treading water with her feet, she quickly undid her sash and removed the outermost layer of clothing. Lighter, she felt freer. As she groped her way forward, her foot struck something hard—a sharp stab of pain made her wince. Peering through the foliage, she glimpsed a wooden stake at the pond's bottom, supporting the platform.
She paused. Inhaled deeply. Then dove.
Underwater visibility was poor, but she could make out that the post was about as thick as a bowl. The break was rough on one side, cleaner on the other—not the sort of rot one would expect after years submerged.
Surfacing with a gasp, her breath came in heavy pants. But her eyes had changed—they now held wary calculation.
These timbers did not crumble from age. This had not been an accident.
She wanted to inspect the others—but heard splashes nearby. Several eunuchs had entered the water.
Zhuo Qing hesitated, then decided to abandon further investigation for now. Her waterlogged skirt and hair tangled around her limbs; she was in no condition for a full dive. Better to surface first—Lou Xiyu and Qingfeng must be worried sick.
Parting the lotus leaves, she began to swim outward. At last emerging from beneath the platform, she caught the attention of two eunuchs, who immediately made for her with swift, confident strokes.
Before she could explain she was fine, that she could swim herself, they had already reached her—one on either side, their hands outstretched...