In three days, Lou Xiyan's wedding would take place, and the palace was abuzz with gossip. Though no one dared to inform the princess, there was always the risk that she might overhear, and no one knew how she would react if she did. Yan Ruxuan, for the first time in a long while, furrowed her brow. The words spoken seemed to have gotten through to her, so Yang Zilan seized the opportunity to continue with her persuasion.
"Go, Your Majesty has made the arrangements. You will depart early tomorrow morning. Is that agreeable?"
After a long silence, Yan Ruxuan almost imperceptibly nodded. Yang Zilan, feeling a weight lifted off her chest, smiled with a sense of relief.
"It's midday already. You must be tired. Rest now."
Good daughter, when you return, I will ensure you witness Lou Xiyan's downfall.
In the imperial garden, Yang Zilan walked leisurely among the flowers, with only a maid accompanying her.
"How are the arrangements progressing?" she asked softly as her hand brushed against the delicate flowers.
The maid, her back slightly bent in deference, responded with a confident smile, "There will be no mistakes this time. Even if Lou Xiyan cannot be overthrown, he will at least be made to suffer."
Yang Zilan sneered. "He is a crafty fox. We must be careful this time."
Last time, his keen awareness had caused considerable trouble. There could be no slip-ups this time.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty, there will be no mistakes."
"Good."
She plucked a chrysanthemum, not yet in full bloom, and discarded it carelessly in the garden.
Lou Xiyan, I shall see if you can still keep your wedding intact.
In the Sunlit Hall of Qiong Yue's inn, the atmosphere was serene, with the soft breeze bringing comfort. The small wooden room, though modest, had been adorned with red silk and incense, filling the space with a festive mood. Inside, a group of young women and a few elderly ladies bustled about, making it difficult for Zhuo Qing to breathe. What frustrated her more was their incessant chatter as they dabbed powder and adorned her with jewelry.
According to tradition, Lou Xiyan had sent her here to the inn the night before. In fact, she thought it unnecessary to go through such elaborate preparations and could have simply wed the next day, but Lou Xiyan had insisted. Now, she found herself being fussed over by a group of unfamiliar relatives from the Qing family. They were all strangers to her, despite their apparent familiarity.
Closing her eyes, Zhuo Qing decided to ignore them for the time being.
"Ling'er, how fortunate you are to marry Lord Lou, and as his rightful wife! Our Qing family's ancestors must have blessed us!" The woman combing her hair, claimed to be her second aunt, was clearly delighted.
"Yes, Ling'er is marrying Lord Lou, and Feng'er has become Qingfei. Who would have thought, the Qing family has such an auspicious day ahead!" Another voice joined in, seemingly more thrilled for the family's reputation than for Ling'er's marriage itself.
Zhuo Qing, feeling an invisible weight on her shoulders, could hardly remember who these people were. It seemed they were just excited that the Qing sisters were marrying well, enhancing their family's social standing.
Suddenly, someone tugged at her sleeve. Opening her eyes, she saw a stunningly beautiful young woman beside her, examining her simple wedding dress with a sneer.
"This dress is rather shabby, don't you think? Did Lou Xiyan regret his decision?" she scoffed.
Zhuo Qing could hardly believe her ears. To her, this wedding dress was far from ordinary—it had been crafted with exquisite materials, but the woman before her had no appreciation for its fine craftsmanship.
Her second aunt quickly scolded the young woman. "Li Shu, mind your words!"
The girl, called Li Shu, had always compared herself to the Qing sisters, and now was no exception.
With a glance at Zhuo Qing, her second aunt added, "Don't mind her, Ling'er. She's young and lacks manners."
Zhuo Qing was too tired to argue with a child. However, when she felt more pearls being placed on her neck, she raised her hand to stop them.
"Enough, please leave. I need to speak with Qing Mo."
Realizing her mistake, her second aunt hurriedly smiled. "Alright, you two have your talk. Just don't stay too long, the groom's procession should be arriving soon."
The crowd finally exited, leaving her in peace. Zhuo Qing turned to find Gu Yun sitting by a small window at the farthest corner of the room, her feet swinging idly, an expression of indifference on her face.
Gu Yun was wearing a simple lavender gown, her long hair, usually tied in a ponytail, had been styled into an elegant updo with a jade comb nestled within, marking her most exquisite appearance yet. If not for her casual posture, she might have been mistaken for an elegant lady.
As Zhuo Qing stood, she realized she was almost buried in jewels—multiple strings of jade and pearls adorned her neck, and several bracelets were strapped to her wrist. It was a spectacle, though not one she welcomed.
Gu Yun, seeing her frustration, broke the silence. "Quite ridiculous, isn't it?"
Zhuo Qing couldn't help but smile bitterly. "Isn't it? I had imagined a wedding where I walked down the aisle in white, arm-in-arm with my Prince Charming, surrounded by roses and champagne. But instead...this."
Gu Yun smirked. "Well, as long as it's what you want."
After a long pause, Zhuo Qing removed the heavy jewelry. "You'll experience it too when you marry Su Ling. You'll remember this day for the rest of your life."
Gu Yun's expression darkened. "I will never marry him."
Zhuo Qing couldn't suppress her laugh. "Don't speak too soon. Be careful of your tongue."
Gu Yun jumped down from the windowsill. "I only stay in the general's mansion because of the golden silk bagua. Otherwise, I'd have left long ago."
Golden silk bagua... Zhuo Qing was intrigued. "Have you found any clues?"
Gu Yun tossed a small copper mirror towards Zhuo Qing. "Don't ask. I don't know if we're just incompatible, but whenever we talk, one of us ends up leaving in a huff."
Zhuo Qing took the mirror and looked at it in surprise. The makeup on her face had been horrifically applied—was this some sort of joke?
Fortunately, Gu Yun took pity on her and helped clean it off. Zhuo Qing sighed with relief.
"Thank you for the help," she said. "By the way, will Su Ling be attending today?"
Gu Yun shook her head. "I don't know. When I left, I heard Yan Hongtian had summoned him to the palace, so he might be late."
Just as they were chatting, her second aunt's sharp voice rang out again. "Ling'er, Qing Mo—no, it's Qingfei's maid, she's come to deliver the gift!"
Qing Mo? Zhuo Qing exchanged a glance with Gu Yun. "Come in."
The door creaked open, and a young woman in her twenties entered, exuding an air of quiet elegance. Behind her stood two men, likely eunuchs, holding two trays draped in red cloth.
"Greetings, Madam," the woman curtsied, her every movement radiating grace.
Zhuo Qing, impressed by the woman's demeanor, smiled. "You are?"
The woman replied softly, "I am Fu Ling, the personal maid of Qingfei. This is a jade Ruyi chosen by the Lady herself, wishing you and Lord Lou a lifetime of happiness."
She gently lifted the red cloth, revealing two exquisite green jade Ruyi, each a foot long and carved to perfection, their translucent brilliance indicating their exceptional value.
Zhuo Qing was at a loss for words. "Please thank her for me."
Fu Ling placed the Ruyi on a low table and turned to leave. She glanced at Gu Yun before taking a step forward, pulling out a handkerchief from her waist. "And this is for you, Madam. Please keep it well."
Zhuo Qing felt the smoothness of a token through the fabric. "What is this?"
"It is a palace token from Qingfeng Palace. Should you wish to send a message to the Lady or visit her in the palace, this token will grant you access through the northern gate during the hours of Shen to You."
After delivering the message, Fu Ling bowed and exited.
Zhuo Qing unwrapped the handkerchief, revealing a bronze token. One side had the character for "order," and the other bore a blossoming chrysanthemum, with the character "Qing" etched in the center.
She looked at Gu Yun, who was lost in thought. "What are you thinking?"
Gu Yun slowly lifted her gaze. "I'm wondering what kind of woman, in such a vulnerable position, could rise so quickly in just half a year?"
Zhuo Qing smiled faintly. "Maybe one day I'll take you to the palace to meet her."
Gu Yun paused before nodding. "I'd like that."
Just then, a loud explosion of firecrackers rang out, making it impossible to hear their conversation. Gu Yun shrugged and fell silent.
"Ling'er, Ling'er!" A familiar group burst into the room again. "Quick, the groom's procession is here!"
"Who would have thought Lord Lou himself would come to escort you? What good fortune you have, Ling'er
!" one of the elderly women gasped.
Zhuo Qing stood up, wiping her hands on her dress. She turned to Gu Yun. "Let's go."