Chapter 005

Chapter 005

Yu Xi had her own princess residence outside the palace and would occasionally live there. However, after her divorce, she had been living in the palace. Perhaps she wanted to avoid any gossip. After all, no one dared to discuss her within the palace walls, but it was different outside. She could not stop the public's chatter, so she decided that out of sight meant out of mind.

Fu Anyian had visited Jing Hua Palace twice. The first time was before their marriage, and the second time was when Yu Xi fell off her horse. However, he only made a brief appearance both times before leaving.

This visit marked the third time.

The man had an elegant, tall figure with a robust build. His robe billowed as he walked, his steps light and quick. He lowered his gaze in deep thought, pondering over something unknown to De Shun, who had no chance to speak.

Noticing his somber expression, De Shun kept quiet all the way until they reached Jing Hua Palace.

Yu Xi was well-prepared. She instructed the palace attendants to withdraw, leaving only Dong Ling and Chun Hua outside. De Shun led the eunuch in and dismissed him with a wave of his hand before sneaking away himself.

In the hall, Yu Xi was left alone. Sitting regally, she looked refined and graceful. Fu Anyian caught sight of her the moment he entered, and his eyelashes fluttered slightly as he detected the scent of medicine.

Didn't he say that her injury had healed and she didn't need to take medicine anymore?

With a frown, Fu Anyian met her angry gaze calmly and bowed. "Greetings, Princess. May I know what brings you to summon me?"

Her foot had somewhat recovered, causing only a slight pain when walking, but she could still manage. Yu Xi stood up and slowly approached him. First, she harrumphed, then lifted her head to stare at him intently. "You're Fu Anyian, right?"

She finally found the right person this time.

Two days had passed since that night, yet every time she recalled it, she gritted her teeth in anger. Her sleep was disturbed by her fury. Now that he was standing right in front of her, her anger intensified.

Looking at his calm, unperturbed expression, he seemed oblivious to his wrongdoing, as if he had no idea what he had done.

"Yes."

Fu Anyian raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by her question. It seemed as though she had truly forgotten him, not knowing his name. Then, that night...

Suddenly, a mix of emotions swirled within the man.

Yu Xi blinked her eyes, her gaze carrying a hint of arrogance as she stared unblinkingly at him, not missing a single expression on his face.

"You dared to mock this princess. You have quite the nerve."

Fu Anyian towered over her by half a head, forcing her to keep looking up at him, which soon made her neck ache.

She lowered her head slightly to ease the strain and, after standing for too long, her feet started to feel uncomfortable. Yu Xi decided not to push herself and walked to the side to sit down.

"Why do you say that, Princess?"

Yu Xi observed him. His confused expression made her wonder if he genuinely didn't know or was pretending not to.

She bit her lip and decided to be straightforward, or else he would keep pretending. "Do you remember our relationship?"

A subtle emotion flashed across his eyes, too fleeting to catch. "Why dwell on the past? Is that why you summoned me, Princess?"

Fuming, Yu Xi walked up to him and demanded, "If you remember, then why didn't you say anything that night? Weren't you mocking me?"

Seeing her amnesia and not knowing who he was, he might have intentionally embarrassed her, possibly even laughing behind her back. Thinking about it made Yu Xi's teeth itch in anger, igniting a small flame in her heart.

The man's lips curled into a wry smile. "I did remind you, but the Princess claimed to know who I was. Yet, you blame me now. It seems Princess is the one making things difficult."

She remembered now. Indeed, he had mentioned it, but it was also his fault. He could have just told her his name instead of being vague.

"How was I to know you're not Lin Xuean?"

She muttered under her breath, but Fu Anyian heard her. The smile on his face instantly faded, and his gaze darkened. Recalling Lin Xuean's words and connecting them with Yu Xi's, he began to piece together the misunderstanding.

So, it was a misunderstanding. If she knew his name, she probably wouldn't have said those things.

His chest tightened, and his expression turned grim.

"Is that so."

Yu Xi looked up at him, noticing his stern face. Assuming he was dissatisfied with her, she retorted angrily, "Are you scowling because you're unhappy with me?"

She tilted her chin up, her enchanting eyes glaring at him. Although she appeared angry, she lacked any authority in his eyes; instead, she seemed petulantly adorable. Her unmasked anger towards him was more direct than before, revealing a more delicate side.

Was it a good thing or a bad thing?

Fu Anyian wasn't sure.

He couldn't help but chuckle softly, dispelling much of his annoyance. "I dare not."

"On the contrary, your Highness, your temper has worsened."

Hearing him mention the past, Yu Xi felt a sudden nervousness. She almost forgot the most important matter. Seeking revenge was secondary; understanding the truth behind their divorce was her primary goal.

Choosing not to argue with him for the moment, Yu Xi asked about their divorce. "What exactly happened between us?"

Standing by the door, the man's tall figure cast a shadow that overlapped with hers, creating a blend of their silhouettes, imbuing the atmosphere with a subtle nuance.

Fu Anyian suppressed the crease in his brow, maintaining a blank expression as he concealed his emotions deeply. "Since the Princess has forgotten, there's no need to bring it up. It's merely a memory, and remembering it would only trouble the wise unnecessarily."

Yu Xi stared unwaveringly at him, not believing his words. "Did you betray me?"

"No," he replied.

Yu Xi frowned. If not him, then could it have been her?

She held her sleeves, her fingers gently rubbing back and forth as she uncertainly asked again, "Did I betray you?"

"No."

She threw her sleeves back, her face flushed with anger. "Then why?"

She merely wanted to know the truth and not remain in the dark about this past event. However, her imperial brother didn't know, and Fu Anyian refused to speak. She was truly frustrated.

"Healing a broken bond is a natural conclusion to a marriage," he said calmly, but his tone conveyed regret and resignation.

Yu Xi gazed at him, her watery eyes shimmering as she became entranced for a moment.

His eyes were the most captivating – narrow and almond-shaped, they exuded a natural tenderness yet also a cold detachment, always keeping others at arm's length. Whether it was that night or today, Yu Xi couldn't detect any desire in his eyes.

Yes, it was the worldly kind of desire.

He seemed to lack it.

Her direct gaze was too obvious, and Fu Anyian immediately sensed it. He froze for a moment before shifting away, saying, "This subject has urgent matters to attend to. Your Highness, I bid you farewell."

Without waiting for Yu Xi's response, he turned and walked out.

"I haven't finished speaking yet."

With such a terrible temper, there was a high chance she couldn't tolerate his demeanor, leading to their separation.

Determined, Yu Xi followed him out. Perhaps due to standing too long or rushing, a sharp pain pierced her foot, forcing her to stop.

"Oh dear."

The man ahead paused, then continued walking. He slightly tilted his head, catching a glimpse of her bending down to massage her foot. He understood.

No wonder he didn't go to Changhua Temple; his foot must be bothering him.

Yu Xi rubbed her foot, watching him exit the palace gates, his robe billowing behind him, not even leaving a trace of its hem.

Annoyed, she huffed. Once her foot recovered, she would leave the palace to live elsewhere.

-

At the palace gate, Lin Xuean hadn't left. Instead, he stood with several officials, all staring at the entrance without any intention of departing.

With his hands clasped behind his back, he chuckled mischievously. "Why haven't the esteemed officials returned home?"

Well-versed in court politics, Lin Xuean could chat with anyone, making him much more approachable than the distant Fu Anyian.

Official Li responded, "Oh, we're not in a hurry. Let's stroll slowly. Didn't Lord Lin stay as well?"

Upon hearing this, everyone simultaneously looked up the palace road, sharing a tacit smile, feeling slightly awkward.

Lin Xuean coughed and asked, "Did the esteemed officials bring any silver?"

They had attended the court session without leaving, still dressed in their official robes, suggesting they might not have brought any money. But it wasn't an absolute certainty.

Official Liu quipped, "Who brings silver to court?"

Lin Xuean widened his eyes and replied, "I did."

Liar.

However, the officials believed him and looked at him questioningly, curious about his intentions.

Lin Xuean smiled and glanced at the quiet palace road before turning back. "Let's play a game."

The officials were even more perplexed. What game?

"Princess Royal summoned Lord Fu to the palace. Can you guess why?"

Their heads leaned together, creating an appearance of plotting something secretive from afar. Their whispers were too soft for the guards to hear.

"Rekindled affection or a scolding? I'll act as the bookie, and you can place your bets."

Scanning the group, Lin Xuean chuckled. "While he's still inside, esteemed officials, make your choice."

He targeted the most agreeable Official Liu, urging him, "Lord Liu, you first."

Official Liu grew intrigued and eagerly pulled out ten taels. "Ten taels on rekindled affection."

Official Li: "Fifty taels, my bet is on rekindled affection. Exciting just to think about it."

Official Fang: "One hundred taels, Lord Fu will be scolded."

Subsequently, the remaining officials placed their bets, creating a lively atmosphere filled with anticipation.

The group stared at the palace gates, eagerly awaiting the outcome. After about fifteen minutes, they spotted Fu Anyian emerging from the palace. His back was straight, his strides confident, but his eyes drooped, concealing his true emotions.

They approached, attempting to discern his expression. Unfortunately, they were too far away to see clearly.

"Lord Lin, what do you think?"

In his hand, Lin Xuean held several banknotes and a chunk of silver, drawing attention. Squinting, he understood the situation.

Lowering his gaze at the banknotes, he said, "Perhaps a scolding. Esteemed officials, you've placed your bets incorrectly."

Lin Xuean secretly calculated his profits – he was set to gain significantly.

From a distance, Fu Anyian drew near, noticing their suspicious behavior. A foreboding sensation began to surface.

His pace slowed as he sharply scanned the group. When he saw the banknotes in Lin Xuean's hand, his eyes flickered subtly.

"Esteemed officials, waiting for me?" Fu Anyian smiled thinly, his gaze icy. "So many banknotes, whose are they? Your salaries..."

He paused, giving them a pointed look.

Official Li's expression shifted, finally realizing the situation. He forced a laugh, snatching back his fifty taels from Lin Xuean. "My wife spends extravagantly, so saving a bit of silver isn't easy. This official takes his leave."

Seeing Lord Li retrieve his lost bet, the other officials followed suit.

"I'll take my leave as well."

"Business calls, I won't keep you."

Lin Xue'an watched as the banknotes dwindled until there was nothing left, causing a stab of pain in his heart. But he couldn't show it, instead forcing a polite smile as he bid them farewell.

Well, that was a wasted effort. He hadn't gained a single coin.

Lin Xue'an shrugged and rubbed his fingertips, still tingling with the scent of silver.

"My lord, you're out. I've been waiting for you. I need your advice on something."

Walking side by side, their pace was leisurely.

Fu Anyian turned to him, aware of his scheming mind, "Go on."

Almost gritting his teeth, Lin Xue'an spoke, "The Emperor is selecting a consort for the Princess Royal, and all the talented young men in the capital have submitted their portraits to the palace."

Fixing Fu Anyian with a meaningful look, he continued, "Mine is among them. I just...what if the princess chooses me? What should I do?"

The man's hand, hanging at his side, clenched, the knuckles turning white.

"That's excellent."