Green plums simmer in wine, recalling the days of our youth.

Xu Guiyi blinked rapidly, pressed her lips together, drew a deep breath within, and then offered a gentle smile. “That was not my intention. I was merely so astonished just now because Your Highness’s skill with flower arrangement is truly extraordinary. I can only admire it from the heart.”

Fu Lanchen’s indifferent gaze and unmoved expression made it obvious he did not believe her words.

The atmosphere was tense and awkward, but fortunately Qingyu and Xiyue arrived in time to defuse the situation. “The warming soup is here.” Each carried a bowl, one presenting it to Fu Lanchen, the other to Xu Guiyi.

“Is this the old ginger warming soup again? I won’t drink it, take it away at once.” Xu Guiyi scrunched her nose in distaste and moved far away from Qingyu.

Fu Lanchen took the bowl from Xiyue and set it on the table beside him, showing no intention to drink it either.

Nanny Wu, at this point, was too preoccupied with Xu Guiyi to care about the crown prince. She hurried to Xu Guiyi’s side, half coaxing, half cajoling, “Your Highness, it’s your own health that is at stake. You know well how miserable a cold can be. Come, be good, just drink half the bowl.”

But Xu Guiyi remained unmoved, protesting loudly, “Nanny, I won’t drink it! Qingyu, take it farther away, the smell is unbearable.”

Nanny Wu paid her no heed; even if she had to force it down the crown princess, she would do so. Raising her voice, she called, “Have the candied fruits come? Bring them here.”

As Xu Guiyi was still struggling, Fu Lanchen spoke. “If the crown princess does not wish to drink it, then let it be.”

Nanny Wu, however, would not relent. “Your Highness, the crown princess has been frail since childhood. She must drink this old ginger soup today.”

Fu Lanchen glanced at Xu Guiyi’s face, which was on the verge of tears, and frowned. “Nanny, I have some specially brewed green plum wine for warmth. Go fetch two bottles and warm some for the crown princess.”

At last, Nanny Wu ceased her insistence, brightening at once. “Of course, Your Highness’s green plum wine is excellent to ward off the cold. I’ll fetch it immediately. Qingyu, take away this ginger soup at once; the crown princess cannot stand the smell.” With that, she strode quickly out.

If she knew the smell was unbearable, why insist on forcing Xu Guiyi to drink it? Such overbearing ways were surely not taught by any proper mistress.

Xu Guiyi finally breathed a sigh of relief and patted her chest. “Achoo!” She sneezed again, but thankfully, Nanny Wu was already gone.

Fu Lanchen wrapped his robe around himself, speaking nonchalantly, “The crown princess... also dislikes the smell of ginger soup?”

What a telling word—“also.”

Xu Guiyi touched her nose, about to reply, but Xiyue answered for her. “Yes, Your Highness. Our crown princess has disliked the smell of ginger soup since she was a child.”

Fu Lanchen raised his brows. “Since childhood?”

Xu Guiyi’s smile was composed. “Since birth, I have been in poor health and practically lived on medicinal decoctions as a child. I grew sick of them. After I recovered, I never wished to smell medicine again, not even ginger soup.”

Fu Lanchen lowered his gaze and spoke softly, “I see.”

Xu Guiyi smiled and sipped her tea. “Indeed, Your Highness.”

Fu Lanchen seemed unusually accommodating today. “Later, I’ll have someone bring you the recipe for green plum wine. In the future, you won’t have to let Nanny Wu force you to drink ginger soup.”

Xu Guiyi’s smile blossomed. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

“Your Highness, today the eldest daughter of the Qu family is marrying into Liaodong. The Marquis of Yongjia’s heir and Prince An went to escort the bride. By now, they should have returned to the city. Won’t you... go see the heir?” Perhaps it was Fu Lanchen’s gaze, burning with such intensity, that Xu Guiyi began to feel uneasy.

Fu Lanchen glanced at the sky through the screen, stood and brushed his sleeve, declaring in a clear voice, “In that case, I shall pay a visit to the Marquis of Yongjia’s residence. No need to see me off, Crown Princess; please remain seated.”

Nevertheless, Xu Guiyi rose and gave a formal bow. “This concubine respectfully sees Your Highness off. The snow is heavy and the roads are slippery—please take care.”

In the blink of an eye, two months passed. The year’s end approached. His Imperial Majesty had issued a decree: this year, annual tributes from all regions would proceed as usual, but unless they had petitions, the vassal princes need not come to court in the capital.

“Fifth Brother, in past years, when my birthday came round, you and Father were always busy receiving the princes and envoys from all over. But this year, Father ordered them not to come, so you finally have time to spend with me.” Fu Xun, holding a pile of gifts, beamed with delight.

Fu Lanchen sat by the west window of Huayun Hall, adorned in a golden crown with jade ornaments, robed in brocade, noble and distinguished, a gentle smile on his lips. “It’s because your birthday falls on New Year’s Eve, the busiest time of year.”

Fu Xun gave a loud huff of displeasure at that, then busied himself with his new toys. Yet the childlike urge to share his joy soon had him running back to Fu Lanchen. “Fifth Brother, come look at my new wooden horse and ox, and this new set of Eight Immortals woodcarvings. They’re so much fun.”

Fu Lanchen continued leafing through his books, reading aloud in a clear voice, “Fu Xun, you’re ten years old now—not a little child anymore.”

Fu Xun puffed out his cheeks. “But Fifth Sister-in-law just said today that I’m the smartest of all the children.”

Fu Lanchen’s hand paused. He turned to look at Fu Xun. “Do you believe me, or her?”

Though Fu Xun was most afraid of his fifth brother, he stubbornly replied, “But Fifth Sister-in-law gave me so many gifts. Look at these wooden horses and oxen, the Eight Immortals carvings, and these ornaments—they were all specially made for me by her.” With that, he picked up a woodcarving of He Xiangu and put on a show in front of Fu Lanchen.

“Fifth Brother, isn’t this carving nice? But I still think Fifth Sister-in-law is prettier.”

Fu Lanchen flicked his finger on the boy’s forehead. “Idleness leads to folly.”

Fu Xun clapped his hands over his stinging brow and cried out, “Ouch!”

“You need to feel pain to learn your lesson,” Fu Lanchen scolded.

Fu Xun’s cheeks flushed red, his expression aggrieved. “But Fifth Sister-in-law’s hall is full of woodcarvings and ornaments—why don’t you scold her for idleness?”

Fu Lanchen’s gaze grew stern. “No tears!” The threat was enough to make Fu Xun swallow his sobs.

“I really shouldn’t have let you visit Chunhui Hall that day. You’re so playful—she only spoils you.”

Fu Xun mumbled a quiet protest, “We didn’t just play. We talked a lot. Fifth Sister-in-law said when I master the zither, she’ll give me a fine one.”

Fu Lanchen gave a cold laugh. “Is that so?”

Fu Xun nodded eagerly. “Yes, if you don’t believe me, ask her yourself.”

Fu Lanchen’s face returned to calm. “What else did the crown princess say to you?”

That day was months ago. Fu Xun thought for a moment. “A lot, like how to play with the woodcarvings...” He rattled off a long list, all about playing.

Fu Lanchen’s anger seemed to subside. “Nothing else?”

Fu Xun propped his chin in his hands, thinking hard. “Hmm... Fifth Sister-in-law also asked me one thing...”

Fu Lanchen seemed rather curious, immediately pressing, “What did she ask?”

Fu Xun blinked and replied calmly, “She asked me if I’ve been well these years.”

Fu Lanchen’s expression froze. A surge of emotions roiled inside him, his fingers clenched tightly, and his voice was unsteady. “And how... how did you answer?”

Fu Xun, oblivious to his brother’s reaction, continued, “I said I’m very well! Father, Mother, and Fifth Brother all treat me kindly.”

Fu Lanchen’s face went pale as death.

“Fifth Brother, Fifth Brother! Fifth Brother?” Fu Xun had to call him several times before Fu Lanchen came back to himself.

Fu Lanchen drew his sleeves tighter, fists clenched inside. “I see.”

Fu Xun looked puzzled. “See what?” What did he mean?

For Xu Guiyi, this New Year was peaceful enough, but busier than ever.

The wedding of the Princess of Qinghe and the Prince of Shunan was set for the eighteenth day of the first month, in the fifteenth year of Chengxiao. Such a grand royal occasion kept Xu Guiyi and the other imperial daughters-in-law occupied for two full months, preparing all the ceremonial items and wedding gifts to perfection.

The Eastern Palace had to prepare three dowry lists in succession—first for Qu Anlan, now for Cao Ziyin, and afterward for Xu Zhuning. Especially for Cao Ziyin’s wedding, Fu Lanchen had given special instructions to make it exceptionally grand and generous, so Xu Guiyi dared not be careless, drawing up a dowry list that ran to twenty whole pages, which Fu Lanchen reviewed and approved before preparations began.

In short, over the past two months, the Eastern Palace’s storerooms visibly emptied out.

On the day Cao Ziyin married, Xu Guiyi led Cheng Hewei and Lu Zhirou to bid her farewell. Behind the red silk and brocade curtains, the golden mist-embroidered satin was adorned with a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix; a trailing skirt of silver and red gauze swept the floor; she carried a soft scarlet shawl and wore a phoenix coronet encrusted with gold, jade, and precious jewels. The new bride, clad all in red, was radiant and resplendent, her beauty surpassing snow, her features as delicate as a blooming flower.

Princess Zhao personally helped Cao Ziyin to her feet, guiding her to bid farewell to each friend and relative. But when she reached Xu Guiyi, she stood rooted to the spot. Only after Princess Zhao whispered in her ear did Cao Ziyin lower her gaze and bow. “Your Highness, I wish the crown prince and crown princess everlasting love and a long, happy union.”

Xu Guiyi waved her hand, signaling the others to wait outside, then said to Cao Ziyin, “Do you have anything else to say to me, or any message you wish me to convey to the crown prince?”

Cao Ziyin was dazed for a moment. What could she say? Should she bid farewell to the shining young man who had dwelled in her heart for ten years?

Her eyes sparkled, but she shook her head gently and smiled. “Thank you, Your Highness. I have nothing more to say.”

Xu Guiyi sighed inwardly and adjusted the golden hairpin beside her temple. Then Cao Ziyin smiled again and said, “If there is anything, it would only be to wish Their Highnesses a house full of children and all fortune in the world.”

Xu Guiyi met her gaze sincerely. “Then I wish you, too, a bridal procession ten miles long and all things as you desire.”

At the gate of Jiuhua Palace, everyone watched the bridal procession grow distant. Cheng Hewei whispered, “Sister Crown Princess, do you think, after loving the crown prince for so many years, she feels any resentment now that she is marrying far away in Shu?”

Lu Zhirou sighed again and again. “There must be some regret. But the Prince of Shunan holds great rank; she is marrying well.”

Xu Guiyi felt stifled but could find no words. The sight of all that red seemed a bit too harsh, so she said quietly, “Let’s go home.”

The Prince of Shunan’s status was indeed exalted, but with the vast network of the Cao family, what kind of ideal husband could Cao Ziyin not have found? In the end, she was just another pitiful soul sacrificed for political alliance.

As the ice melted and spring peach buds began to sprout, the Cao family’s grand wedding parade heralded another era of peace and prosperity for the Dayi dynasty. Yet, for all the blossoms’ splendor—be it Qu Anlan or Cao Ziyin—not one found her heart’s desire in the end.