Chapter 006

Chapter 006

Since Yu Xi woke up, she had been consuming medicine non-stop. Her body had just recovered a few days ago when she twisted her ankle, and she had to drink medicine again for a few more days. Fortunately, she didn't need to take medicine now and could walk on her own.

But staying in the palace was quite boring. She had strolled through the imperial garden several times, but there wasn't anything interesting to see. Furthermore, it was cold now, so she didn't feel like moving around. Thus, she spent all day playing inside the palace.

Song Mingyin had ordered people to send over many storybooks to keep her occupied. She enjoyed reading them very much.

Two days later, Song Mingyin sent something else over. This time, it wasn't storybooks but portraits—so many that they filled an entire table.

Yu Xi opened her mouth in shock before closing it again. She looked puzzled as she asked, "So many?"

Wang Lihai glanced at the portraits and said with a smile, "His Majesty said that the princess can take her time to choose. There's no rush."

Although he said there was no rush, Yu Xi could sense Song Mingyin's eagerness. Otherwise, he wouldn't have sent so many portraits over.

She forced a laugh and gave De Shun a look, indicating him to send the people away. After they left, she picked up her skirt and stood up, pouting. "Put them in the study."

She had a study room where she used to keep the books she liked reading. However, she didn't touch them now and wasn't interested in reading them. She hadn't entered the study room for a long time and had been reading storybooks while lying on a couch.

Placing the portraits on the desk, Yu Xi felt annoyed and sighed deeply. She sat lazily on a chair, propping her chin in her hand as she thought about getting a divorce and living outside of the palace.

Dong Ling and Chunhua exchanged glances and made funny faces at each other, gesturing for one of them to say something to break the silence.

It was too quiet, which made them feel uneasy.

Chunhua was someone who spoke less, so she didn't want to speak now. Hence, it fell onto Dong Ling.

She shook her head soundlessly before bending down and suggesting, "Princess, why don't you take a look?"

As she spoke, she randomly picked up a portrait and unfolded it together with Chunhua, placing it in front of Yu Xi.

Yu Xi took a glance and pursed her lips in disgust. Was the man ugly to begin with or was the painter incompetent? How could the portrait turn out like this?

He had small eyes, a big and flat nose, and a large mole on his chin. He was so ugly that she couldn't bear to look at him.

She waved her hands, asking them to take it away as her eyes were uncomfortable.

Dong Ling and Chunhua didn't expect the portrait they randomly picked up to be so hideous. As a result, the princess lost the desire to look at the rest.

Subsequently, they started sifting through the pile of portraits, taking a glance first before showing Yu Xi if they found any good ones.

"Would this one do? He's the eldest son of the Minister of Works and is said to have passed the provincial examinations."

Yu Xi leaned against her arm on the table, making her face appear rounder. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, giving her a playful look.

She wrinkled her nose, not because she was disgusted but because she simply disliked him. She cast a casual glance at the portrait and shook her head. "No way."

He wasn't someone she liked, and he seemed cunning. It would be tiring to deal with cunning people.

Chunhua retracted her hand and started sifting through the portraits again. The portrait she picked up this time looked decent but seemed familiar.

Chunhua didn't think much of it and placed it in front of Yu Xi, whispering, "Princess, take a look. This young master looks outstanding."

Yu Xi yawned as she felt her arms ache from leaning on the table. Thus, she straightened her back and leaned against the chair, appearing even more relaxed.

She glanced at the portrait expressionlessly. In the next second, her pupils dilated, and her eyes curved upward. "Eh, his portrait is here too."

She had seen the person in the portrait before—it was Lin Xue'an.

Yu Xi recalled that he was Fu Anyian's student, so he must be very close to Fu Anyian. Perhaps she had seen him frequently when she was at Fu's residence.

With that thought in mind, Yu Xi perked up and had an idea.

"Let's go to the Qianqing Palace."

-

In early December, the cold winds grew fiercer, and the weather became colder.

After the princess moved out of Jinghua Palace to live outside of the palace, the palace became even quieter. The palace servants were unaccustomed to it and took a few days to adjust.

The princess's residence was bustling with activities. Yu Xi had made up her mind to live outside of the palace, so she had moved many things into the residence. The servants spent two days organizing everything.

The residence was granted to Song Mingyin after he ascended the throne. It covered eighty acres of land. There were magnificent buildings in front, while there was a garden and a small lake at the back. Next to the lake was an orchard with various fruits planted, and behind that was a vast stretch of grassland. It was a great place to catch a breeze or fly a kite during the cooler months.

However, there was one downside to the residence, which Yu Xi only realized after moving in.

That was, the grassland was separated from the back garden of the Fu residence by a street. If the noise here was a little louder, the Fu residence could hear it. Therefore, Yu Xi had never visited the grassland since she moved in.

At this moment, she was lying in the courtyard, basking in the sun while drinking tea and enjoying some snacks. It was very comfortable, much more than being in the palace.

Before leaving the palace, Song Mingyin had been unwilling to let her move out. Firstly, it would be inconvenient for them to meet. Secondly, her injury had just recovered, and he was afraid that she might be in danger again. However, he eventually gave in and agreed to let her live outside of the palace. But there was one condition, which was to increase the number of guards in the residence.

Therefore, the current princess's residence was surrounded by guards, making it even stricter than before.

Yu Xi's face had turned slightly red from basking in the sun. Her skin basked in the sunlight, revealing her fine hair and fair, delicate complexion. She squinted her eyes and took a sip of tea to moisten her throat. Then, she asked De Shun, "Did you deliver the invitation? What did he say?"

De Shun was standing by the side. Upon hearing that, he bent down and replied, "As per your instructions, we've arranged to meet at Tianxiangju two days later."

She hummed in response. It was as expected. Since she had invited Lin Xue'an, he wouldn't dare to reject her. She didn't expect him to agree so readily without considering Fu Anyian's feelings.

Yu Xi got up from the lounge chair, adjusted her skirt, and returned to the room, feeling satisfied.

Didn't they say that the wine at Tianxiangju tasted great? She wanted to try it.

On this day, Yu Xi brought De Shun and Chunhua out with her. There were also a few guards hiding in the shadows. They headed to Tianxiangju brazenly and requested for a good private room, a pot of tea, a pot of good wine, and a few of her favorite snacks.

She sat inside and waited. After a while, she heard light footsteps coming from the entrance, followed by De Shun's voice. "Lord Lin, please come in."

The door was pushed open halfway before closing again.

Lin Xuean entered with composure, wearing a lake blue robe that accentuated his refined demeanor and gentle smile.

"Princess Royal, at your service."

Yu Xi remained seated without moving, but considering their location, she lifted her hand and said, "Let's not be too formal out here."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Lin Xuean accepted the informality and sat down across from her, smiling with a hint of mystery in his eyes. "Truly unexpected, Princess, that you would summon me for a meeting."

Yu Xi looked at him, not believing he hadn't guessed the reason. "Aren't you quite familiar with Fu Anyian?"

He had mentioned it on the night they met, and Yu Xi remembered clearly. However, she also observed that Lin Xuean was a smooth-talking, cunning individual.

She had always disliked such people, and even before her memory loss, she likely felt the same.

Lin Xuean was well aware of her intentions, which boiled down to seeking information.

"Yes, but I'm not close with the Princess. We've only met a few times."

Pouring himself a cup of tea, he glanced at the wine flask before pouring another cup. He sipped alternately, creating a unique blend of flavors.

"The matter you wish to inquire about, I have an inkling. But truly, there is nothing to say. How could an outsider know intimate details about another couple?"

He spoke the truth; no one knew Fu Anyian and Yu Xi better than he did. Gaining insight into their secrets was virtually impossible.

This time, the Princess had sought the wrong person.

Yu Xi pursed her lips, suddenly finding the tea tasteless. "Seems like your relationship isn't that special after all."

Lifting his eyelids, Lin Xuean looked at her sincerely, unconcerned. "Heh, it's adequate. But let me advise you, Princess, the past cannot be revisited. Let it go."

"The Emperor has intentions of selecting a prince consort for you. There's no need to dwell on old flames."

She had intended to gather information, yet somehow ended up being counseled.

Staring at him, Yu Xi realized the extent of Lin Xuean's persuasive skills.

"What are you trying to imply?" She scanned him, sensing both sincerity and duplicity. "You're not suggesting yourself, are you?"

With a mouthful of wine, Lin Xuean paused upon hearing this, nearly choking. Swallowing, he blinked and chuckled. "Why? Did the Princess already detect my ambitions to climb the social ladder?"

"Well, it's a pity that it'll inconvenience you." He wore a playful grin, seemingly oblivious to any potential offense.

Yu Xi was taken aback by his bold statement, staring blankly for a moment. She adjusted her clothes and composed herself.

Meeting someone so straightforward was new to her, leaving her somewhat at a loss. After a brief silence, she asked, "Do you always speak so candidly?"

"A gentleman's heart is open and unassuming."

The corners of Yu Xi's mouth twitched. Was that how the phrase was used?

Sipping her tea, she maintained a neutral expression as she looked at him. "Do you speak to my Imperial Brother the same way?"

Lin Xuean set down his cup, resting his hands on his lap. "A loyal or treacherous minister is but a thought away. I am what the Emperor needs me to be."

Yu Xi understood now—he was particularly suited to be a cunning servant.

Well, she had approached the wrong person.

Expecting to uncover some secrets, it seemed her efforts were in vain.

Eating a pastry, Yu Xi's mouth was slightly full, puffing out her cheeks. Her words were muffled. "After this cup of wine, you may leave."

Using someone and then dismissing them—yes, just like last time.

Lin Xuean agreed, finishing the last of his wine in one gulp before standing to bid farewell. As he turned, a peripheral glance caught two figures on the street below, strikingly familiar.

His departure halted, and he leaned closer to the window, his expression excited.

"Two acquaintances, Princess. Care to take a look?"

Though she didn't want to indulge him, his mention of familiarity piqued her interest.

"Which acquaintance?"

Looking down, she saw Fu Anyian walking along the street, his usual cold demeanor unchanged. His face betrayed no emotions, making it difficult to discern his feelings.

What caught Yu Xi's attention was the young lady beside him, dressed in a green gown, graceful and elegant. They walked side by side, a handsome couple.

Her expression darkened as she asked, "Who is that girl?"

"Princess, you really don't remember her."

Pouring himself another drink, Lin Xuean continued, "Jiang Yaoyao. Her father was once a vanguard under General Fu. He died saving the general during the pacification of the state capital. In gratitude, General Fu, realizing the girl had no remaining family, took her in as his foster daughter and brought her back to the Fu residence. She has lived with the Fus for years."

Oh, that explained it.

Observing the pair examining jewelry, they shared a smile, causing a pang in Yu Xi's chest.

"Are they siblings?"

"Indeed."

Lin Xuean's ambiguous response held hidden meaning, which she detected.

Noticing she still stood by the window, he suggested after a moment's thought, "Princess, would you like to take a stroll? It's not often you venture out."

She lifted her chin, resembling a proud swan. "Of course."

Lost in thought, Yu Xi stood still as Lin Xue'an had already opened the door and stepped out, "Come on, let's go."

Or we'll lose our chance to get far away.