25. Layers of twilight clouds recall the bygone years

Xu Guiyi gazed at Lady An, who had been kneeling for a long time, and spoke slowly, “Lady An, you are just recovering from illness. Please rise.” Ever since entering the Eastern Palace, she had been convalescing, though no one knew what illness it was. Precious medicinal herbs flowed into Xiling Pavilion like water.

“I know I am guilty and dare not ask for the Crown Princess’s forgiveness, only for a chance to be pardoned,” Lady An’s voice trembled badly, her figure appearing frail and delicate. Perhaps her illness was indeed severe.

“Xiyue, go help Lady An up,” Xu Guiyi said. Such a fragile beauty could not be treated harshly; after all, Lady An was personally chosen by Fu Lancheng.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Xiyue replied, helping Lady An to her feet.

Xu Guiyi saw her cheeks tinged with red, likely masked by a thick layer of rouge to cover her sickly pallor.

Unlike Cheng Hewei’s subtle allure or Lu Zhirou’s gentle elegance, Lady An’s beauty was truly simple and pure. Today, she wore a plain, unadorned brocade robe and her hair was styled in a conventional chignon, with all her ornaments modest and understated. Only the touch of crimson at her brow added a hint of charm, her sole embellishment.

She always kept her head lowered, so Xu Guiyi could only glimpse her graceful neck and slender jade hands. Her appearance may not have been outstanding, but her natural bearing and slender figure were reminiscent of a lotus standing quietly—simple, elegant.

So, the Crown Prince prefers the understated grace of the lotus? Her name suits her well—Lady An, as gentle as her name.

Xu Guiyi could not help but think so.

But then she glanced at Cheng Hewei and Lu Zhirou to her left—one a vibrant begonia, the other a crystalline magnolia. Both were beautiful in their own way!

“His Highness left early for the palace, likely to join the Emperor and Empress at the Grand Princess’s residence. If you are ready, I must depart as well,” Xu Guiyi said, rising and speaking in a clear voice.

“Yes, we await your command, Your Highness,” they replied in unison, their voices varying in pitch.

Xu Guiyi thought, the etiquette between wives and concubines was truly endless. No matter what she said, they always responded with bows and respectful words. Watching them, she felt exhausted.

Lady Yongjia, acting on the Empress’s instructions, had arrived early at the Grand Princess’s residence and was now keeping the Grand Princess Qingyan company.

In Rongju Hall, the elderly lady, hair silver as frost, sat upon a finely carved sandalwood couch, sighing, “Time spares no one. I am another year older.”

Lady Yongjia laughed heartily. “Your Highness may have gained years, but your beauty remains unchanged—you still shine with vitality and spirit.” She was indeed the model among noble ladies for her eloquence.

As expected, Grand Princess Qingyan waved her hand with a laugh. “You always know how to speak, always making me happy.”

Lady Yongjia was about to continue when a servant rushed in, announcing, “Your Highness, the Eastern Palace’s carriage has arrived at the gate.”

At once, the assembled noble ladies all rose and turned to the Grand Princess, who, with her nurse’s support, slowly stood and approached the servant. “Has the Prince been notified?”

The servant quickly replied, bowing, “He has been told, and is now waiting at the gate.”

The Grand Princess smiled gently, beckoning, “The children are filial and have arrived early. Let us hurry along as well.” Everyone responded cheerfully, gathering around the Grand Princess, laughing and chatting as they walked toward the main gate.

Because of Fu Lancheng’s unique circumstances, the people of Guangling had speculated about the Crown Princess’s identity long before the wedding. Afterward, rumors spread throughout the Eastern Palace, and everyone was curious about this Crown Princess from the south, longing to see for themselves what manner of beauty the “First Beauty of Jiangdong” truly was.

The Eastern Palace’s carriage halted steadily at the Grand Princess’s main gate, and Xu Guiyi alighted, guided by Xiyue.

Looking up, she saw a crowd gathered, making her wonder what sort of guests would fill today’s birthday banquet.

As Xu Guiyi steadied herself, a middle-aged man in a brown round-collared brocade robe stepped forward, saluting with a deep, resonant voice, “Xiao Qi, with all guests of the Xiao residence, greets the Crown Princess and the ladies of the Eastern Palace!” With that, everyone followed his lead in greeting Xu Guiyi.

This was Grand Princess Qingyan’s eldest son, Xiao Qi, fifty-one years old, who held the title of Prince of Banyan South.

Xu Guiyi’s gaze fell steadily upon Xiao Qi as she stepped forward, speaking gently, “Today, I bring the ladies of the Eastern Palace to celebrate Grand Aunt’s birthday. Cousin, please do not stand on ceremony.” She was about to step forward and assist Xiao Qi herself.

She was already so courteous, but Xiao Qi retreated twice, politely bowing, “Though Your Highness is gracious, propriety must not be neglected.”

Xu Guiyi’s advance halted abruptly.

What was this? The Crown Prince’s reputation as the “rebellious son” was well known—was it not permitted for her, the newly appointed Crown Princess, to show humility?

Xu Guiyi felt a little wounded.

After lingering at the entrance for a while, exchanging pleasantries with Xiao Qi and the others, Xu Guiyi was led inside, where she was greeted by Grand Princess Qingyan and Lady Yongjia.

Though it was Grand Princess Qingyan’s seventieth birthday, Xu Guiyi saw at a glance that her demeanor was still clear and regal. She wore a dark purple robe embroidered with phoenixes in harmony, her silver hair arranged in a high chignon, adorned with gold and jade phoenix hairpins, a sapphire ribbon upon her brow, purple jade earrings set in gold, a seven-colored enamel bracelet of auspicious pattern—all her gestures radiated royal elegance.

Grand Princess Qingyan approached, and as their eyes met, Xu Guiyi’s smile deepened. Before she had come within a few steps, she bowed properly. Though her status as Crown Princess was lofty, Grand Princess Qingyan was a distinguished elder, and as this was Xu Guiyi’s first visit in her new capacity to greet Fu Lancheng’s grand aunt, she was naturally cautious.

Xu Guiyi bowed to the Grand Princess, “I, Xu Guiyi, with the ladies of the Eastern Palace, greet Your Highness. May Your Highness enjoy long life and lasting health!” Behind her, Cheng Hewei, Lu Zhirou, and An Rusu followed in salute.

After the greetings, the Grand Princess shifted slightly. “No need for such formality, Crown Princess. Today is a family banquet—everyone, please rise and be at ease.” As she spoke, the noble ladies exchanged greetings with Xu Guiyi.

The Grand Princess released Lady Yongjia’s hand and drew Xu Guiyi close to examine her carefully, patting the back of her hand with satisfaction. “The more I see my grandniece-in-law, the more pleased I am. The Empress’s judgment is always excellent.” She glanced around, receiving nods of agreement, then looked at Xu Guiyi once more with loving, treasured eyes.

So it was long tacitly agreed that the Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace need only satisfy the Empress, regardless of the Crown Prince's wishes. Xu Guiyi felt bitterness inside, but smiled shyly, the picture of a new bride. “Grand Aunt flatters me; I am humbled.”

Grand Princess Qingyan laughed loudly. “Oh, Crown Princess, you are embarrassed. Last time, when your aunt and I were in the Empress’s palace, your mother praised you endlessly, saying she was very content with her fine daughter and daughter-in-law.”

Lady Yongjia chimed in enthusiastically, “Indeed, the new bride is shy. Grand Princess, you mustn’t praise her too much, or she’ll feel awkward and avoid us in the future.”

All the noble ladies laughed at this.

Only Lady Xue of the Lord of Grace and her daughter-in-law Lady Shen stood aside, smiling politely but keeping their gaze fixed on Xu Guiyi.

Although they lived in Guangling, married daughters could not be seen often.

Xu Guiyi was also searching for Lady Xue, and when she found them, she nodded in greeting.

Amid lively chatter, the group proceeded inside. Once seated, the Grand Princess and Lady Yongjia introduced the other members of the royal family to Xu Guiyi, and she, with the ladies of the Eastern Palace, greeted each according to rank.

“Crown Princess, you once lived in the southern riverlands; are you adapting well to the north?” Grand Princess Qingyan asked kindly.

Xu Guiyi composed herself, sitting with perfect poise, replying gently, “I find everything pleasant in the Eastern Palace.” What elder would not like such words?

“That is good, very good,” Grand Princess Qingyan replied, inviting Xu Guiyi to sit beside her for a private conversation.

“How is your grandmother in Jiangdong? Is her health still robust?”

A wave of longing swept over Xu Guiyi, and her expression grew solemn. “Her health is not as it was, but she still goes out often and continues to instruct us.”

The Grand Princess sighed deeply, her voice wavering. “I have not seen your grandmother for nearly thirty years. When Master Jintang retired to Jiangdong, your grandmother followed him, and they never returned to Guangling.”

Seeing her sorrow, Xu Guiyi gently comforted, “Before I left Jiangdong, Grandmother told me to convey her regards and thanks should I meet her old friends. She also left a message.”

The Grand Princess’s eyes shone, reflecting silver light. “What did she say?”

Xu Guiyi’s expression was serene as she spoke, “Grandmother said she herself is captivated by Jiangdong’s scenery and unwilling to return, so asks her friends not to worry.”

The Grand Princess’s nose tingled, and she quickly dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief, choking up, “I am old, so useless—any little thing makes me cry.”

“Grand Aunt, please don’t cry,” Xu Guiyi coaxed, gently wiping away her tears.

“Enough, I won’t cry. Let’s speak of happy things,” the Grand Princess said, holding Xu Guiyi’s delicate hand and studying her for a moment. Her gaze was bright as a youth’s as she smiled, “When your father, Xu Yan, won first place in the imperial exams, he was the talk of the town. Everyone said he resembled Master Jintang—not only did he win the top prize for his essays, but his appearance was also outstanding. Seeing you today, I feel Xu Yan’s looks pale in comparison. You resemble Master Jintang far more than he does.”