Clouds disperse and rain descends, forming a fortress.

The empress walked over to the emperor and chided him lightly, “Your Majesty, the imperial physicians are still waiting outside. You said you came to visit your son, so how did you end up so absorbed in the chessboard?” The emperor patted his own forehead, suddenly enlightened. “Ah, yes, I almost forgot—I’m here to see my son. Summon the physicians at once.” He then turned to Nangong Mingchen with a smile, “Recreate this game for me. Another day, bring it to my palace, and we’ll study it carefully together.”

Nangong Mingchen rose and bowed. “As you command, Your Majesty.”

The imperial physicians entered one by one. Three of them took the crown prince’s pulse and examined his wound. Their conclusions were unanimous.

The emperor’s expression grew grave as he asked steadily, “Physician Jiang, how is the crown prince’s injury?”

Physician Jiang smiled reassuringly. “Your Majesty, His Highness’s injury has healed remarkably well.”

The empress pressed further, “The arrow wound was not far from his heart. Will there be any lasting maladies?”

Physician Jiang bowed to the empress. “Your Majesty, be at ease. The crown prince is young and strong, recovering quickly. He will suffer no lasting ill effects.”

The empress finally relaxed. “That is good to hear. Thank you, Physician Jiang.”

Physician Jiang waved off her thanks. “To heal and save the suffering is a physician’s duty. If anyone deserves gratitude, it is the crown princess, who cared for His Highness so attentively—this is why the recovery was so smooth.”

At once, all eyes turned to Xu Guiyi, and she felt their gaze acutely.

Xu Guiyi curtsied hurriedly and replied, “I dare not accept such praise. It was the physicians’ skillful treatment.”

The emperor, seeing the two deflecting credit, waved his hand grandly. “The physicians and the crown princess are both to be commended. Everyone in the Eastern Palace who tended the crown prince has worked hard and shall be rewarded handsomely.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” everyone replied in unison, bowing deeply.

Physician Jiang gave a few final instructions, then withdrew.

The emperor said he wished to speak with the crown prince in private, so the empress and the others waited outside in the garden of Rongyuan by Yonghui Tower.

Nangong Mingchen stood alone in a corner, quietly appreciating the scenery, perfectly tactful.

Just then, the empress called, “Marquis Gongmin, come here a moment.”

Nangong Mingchen immediately approached. “Your Majesty, how may I serve you?”

The empress regarded him with gratitude. “Had you not persuaded His Majesty to visit the crown prince today, even I might have forgotten where the gates of the Eastern Palace are.”

So it was Nangong Mingchen who had convinced the emperor to visit the crown prince—no wonder the day had unfolded so unusually.

Xu Guiyi, too, felt a surge of gratitude. “Thank you, Marquis Gongmin.”

Nangong Mingchen was clearly flustered by the attention, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty and Crown Princess are too kind. I am unworthy of such thanks. Earlier today, I entered the palace to report on an assignment. His Majesty mentioned the crown prince’s injury. Sensing his concern, I took the liberty of suggesting he make an informal visit to the Eastern Palace.”

The empress listened, then gave a cool, rueful laugh. “In that case, I owe you even more gratitude. The crown prince has two elder brothers who come to the palace to report daily, but not once have they spoken on his behalf—even a cousin such as yourself has done more.”

The empress’s words, laced with bitterness, startled Xu Guiyi, who quickly tugged at the empress’s sleeve. “Mother…”

The empress, her heart unsettled, raised her voice. “What of it? Even if the emperor hears, what then?”

Xu Guiyi could only take a deep breath and fall silent. Behind her, Cheng Hewei and Lu Zhirou shrank back, while An Ruosu bowed her head even lower.

Snow filled the sky, each flake blooming like a flower where it landed.

In the second month, several major events took place at court.

The first: The emperor appointed Nangong Mingchen as assistant commander of Xinzhou, soon to depart for his new post.

The second: After a month’s deliberation, the Secretariat and the Ministry of Personnel finally appointed new governors for Hongzhou and Jingzhou.

Lu Qiuming, Chamberlain of the Imperial Banquets and Lu Zhirou’s uncle, was named governor of Hongzhou.

Cao Bin, former military judge of Jingzhou and cousin to Princess Zhao, was promoted to governor of Jingzhou.

All three sons were thus considered; the emperor’s sense of fairness could not be denied.

Moreover, Hongzhou bordered Lanzhou, where Xu Guiyi and Lu Zhirou both resided in the Eastern Palace, ensuring mutual restraint and supervision.

Indeed, His Majesty’s foresight was remarkable, extending even to the inner chambers of his sons.

The third event: The emperor appointed Lord Cheng Jingyuan as commander, Zhang Jiao, deputy commander of the Crane Guard, as his subordinate, and Du Yuhou Wen Liting as army supervisor. Fifty thousand troops were deployed, ordered to eradicate the remaining rebels in the southern frontier within three months.

At the end of the month, Princess An gave birth to a young princess, whom His Majesty personally named Princess Yi’an.

On the day of the little princess’s full-month celebration, Princess Roujia held the tiny infant and, quite suddenly, began to weep uncontrollably. Everyone was at a loss until Lady Yongjia forcibly escorted her to the back hall, and Princess De comforted Princess An for a long while before order was restored.

Afterward, Lady Shen confided to Xu Guiyi, “For a mother, there is no greater pain than losing two sons in a single day.”

Xu Guiyi, recalling those days, felt a lingering dread. “Sister-in-law, Princess Roujia’s life is truly tragic.”

Lady Shen brushed her chest lightly. “Who among us is not? Several of Princess Roujia’s imperial sisters were married far away, sending memorials to the capital year after year—to what end? This latest campaign against the southern frontier, for instance—did His Majesty ever consider that the Princess Consort of Baiyue, a native of the south, is our own Princess Yongqing, the blood sister of Prince Huai?”

Indeed, who among us escapes misfortune?

Heaven is indifferent; mortal suffering goes unspoken.

“Fortunately, His Majesty has no daughters,” Xu Guiyi could only sigh.

Lady Shen looked at the innocent crown princess and couldn’t help but laugh. “No princesses, perhaps, but there are still county princesses. Three days hence, Princess Xindu is hosting a poetry gathering. Our Duke of En’en’s residence has received an invitation—has the Eastern Palace not?”

Xu Guiyi gave an awkward smile. “The En’en Duke’s household is renowned for its learning—it’s only natural to be invited to a poetry gathering. As for the Eastern Palace…”

Lady Shen pretended to scold her. “You’ve quite forgotten your roots, haven’t you?”

Xu Guiyi quickly corrected herself. “I would never dare. It’s just that, as you know, poetry is not my strength. If I must attend, perhaps only Lady Lu is up to the task.”

Lady Shen glanced at her, a trace of exasperation in her gaze. “My dear crown princess, even if your talent rivaled Master Cao’s, who would truly ask you to compose a ‘Prelude to the Water Melody’ on the spot? They merely wish you to lend your presence to Princess Xindu’s event.”

Xu Guiyi finally understood. “Master Cao’s ‘Prelude to the Water Melody’ is far beyond me. At most, I could copy the calligraphy a few times. I’ll bring Lady Lu along when I go.”

Lady Shen half-laughed, half-sighed. “You get along well with those ladies.”

Xu Guiyi considered this. “You don’t know, sister-in-law—Lady Cheng’s sword dance is superb; Lady Lu’s ‘Phoenix Seeking His Mate’ on the zither is excellent; Lady An’s embroidery surpasses even Xiyue’s.”

Lady Shen pursed her lips. “...”

In the end, she rolled her eyes, unwilling to comment further.

Xu Guiyi then asked, “Will you be attending the poetry gathering in three days, or will you and my brother go together?”

Lady Shen answered earnestly, “Your brother is busy with official duties and cannot go. I must accompany my mother-in-law to the Guanyin Temple outside the city, so I won’t attend either.”

Xu Guiyi was surprised. “Why visit the Guanyin Temple?”

Lady Shen looked at Xu Guiyi with a meaningful smile. “To pray for a child.”

Xu Guiyi let out a long “ah” and fell silent.

Lady Shen grinned mischievously. “Why not ask for whom?”

Xu Guiyi immediately replied obediently, “It must be for Second Sister. She and Prince Jiancheng have been married for years—time to seek the blessings of Guanyin.”

Lady Shen gave a theatrical hum. “Mother-in-law said we’ll bring back two jade effigies of Guanyin—one for the Jiancheng Prince’s residence in Yecheng, and the other, naturally, for the Eastern Palace.”

Xu Guiyi dared not say more. “Please thank Aunt on my behalf.”

Lady Shen tapped her forehead. “You! Fourth Lady gave birth to a strapping boy last autumn, and yet you’re not the least bit anxious.”

Xu Guiyi silently protested that, with Fu Lancheng’s forbidding countenance, it was difficult to even approach him, let alone produce an heir.

“Sister-in-law, you know the crown prince’s condition—it’s not my fault.”

Lady Shen gave her a sidelong glance, unable to resist, “You know Lady Lu’s ‘Phoenix Seeking His Mate’ is excellent on the zither, but do you not know the crown prince himself plays it just as well?”

Xu Guiyi was stunned. She had truly forgotten.

Even if she hadn’t, she would never dare ask Fu Lancheng to play “Phoenix Seeking His Mate” for her.

She stuck out her tongue and fell silent again.

Affairs of state had been hectic recently, but by rare fortune, Fu Lancheng left court early that day. As he exited Jiu Hua Gate, Shen Yu intercepted him, expressing an interest in attending the poetry gathering.

Unable to refuse, Fu Lancheng returned to the Eastern Palace, quickly changed from his court robes into more casual attire, and the two rode to the Princess’s residence.

By the time they arrived, the place was crowded with guests. Looking toward the main courtyard, they saw Princess Xindu at the center, surrounded by admirers, discussing every manner of topic.

Fu Lancheng’s identity as crown prince eventually compelled the crowd to part, everyone bowing in greeting.

Princess Xindu was genuinely surprised to see him, but she quickly curtsied and teased in a lively tone, “Your Highness has never attended one of my poetry gatherings before—what brings you leisure today?”

Fu Lancheng nodded to the group in acknowledgment, then turned to Princess Xindu, feigning apology. “Sister, you jest. I heard there was a poetry gathering today, and since Yu wanted to see the spectacle, I came along with him.”

Shen Yu chimed in eagerly, “Yes, indeed! Sister Yujin knows I love a lively crowd.”

Princess Xindu smiled but said nothing further. She instead asked a servant, “Has anyone gone to the back hall to inform the crown princess of His Highness’s arrival?”

The servant replied promptly, “Your Highness, Princess, someone has already been sent to inform her.”

Knowing Fu Lancheng was not fond of crowds, Princess Xindu had him shown to the rear courtyard for a rest.

“The crown princess is in the back garden now. Your Highness, you might wish to see her first—the poetry gathering will begin shortly.”

Hearing that Xu Guiyi was present, Fu Lancheng frowned reflexively. But compared to the bustle of the front, he preferred the quiet of the rear courtyard—at least Xu Guiyi was composed and serene.

He nodded. “Sister, I’ll rest in the back for now and await the works of these talented guests.”

Princess Xindu smiled. “Go ahead.”

Shen Yu, ever lively, said at once, “Crown Prince, you go find sister-in-law. I’ll explore on my own.”

Fu Lancheng cast him a cool glance and said no more, heading straight for the rear courtyard.