Chapter 125 It’s Nothing, Someone’s Face Fell Off

Chapter 125: Never Mind, Someone's Face Just Fell Off

The carriage turned a corner after leaving the Vice Minister's residence and soon entered Tianjie Avenue.

Today, Tianjie Avenue was exceptionally lively. Red lanterns adorned the entrances of shops along the street, each inscribed with various celebratory phrases like "Longevity" and "Good Health."

Princess Xinan opened the carriage window, lifting a corner of the curtain to gaze outside.

A thin layer of snow already covered the ground, crisscrossed with wheel tracks and footprints of all sizes.

She still remembered the year she first came to the capital—it had snowed then, too.

It was her first time seeing snow, light and fleeting, melting quickly in her palm.

In the blink of an eye, over a decade had passed.

Her gaze shifted from the snow on the ground to the lanterns lining the street, and she couldn't help but smile. "These lanterns are so festive—one might mistake it for the New Year."

"His Majesty's birthday is even more lively than the New Year," Xu Zecheng remarked, noticing her leaning further out. "Be careful not to catch a chill from the wind."

Princess Xinan glanced back at him and chided playfully, "All you ever do is tell me to be careful. You're not as thoughtful as Nanny Xu."

The hand warmer in her hands radiated steady heat, accompanied by a subtle, fleeting fragrance. The scent was delicate and alluring, just enough to be captivating.

Princess Xinan thought to herself that she should ask Nanny Xu where she had bought the scented powder once they returned from the palace.

Xu Zecheng chuckled. "I also pay Nanny Xu's wages so she can dote on you all day."

Amused, Princess Xinan put down the hand warmer and leaned against Xu Zecheng.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and after a moment of quiet, he suddenly whispered in her ear, "Two weeks from now, it will be Che'er's death anniversary."

Princess Xinan, who had closed her eyes, opened them again. A flash of irritation crossed her face, but it vanished quickly.

"Yes, another year has passed. If not for that accident, the child would still be alive and well."

Xu Zecheng sighed softly. "That child was too willful. Even after being put on the carriage, he jumped off on his own."

And ended up snapping his neck.

When they had returned to the capital from Jiaozhou, everything had gone smoothly—until it came to Xu Che.

The child had refused to accept her as his mother, and outsiders assumed it was because he had grown up apart from her and wasn't close to her.

But later, they realized the child had become convinced his mother was not his real mother. Once, he even gave his nurse the slip and ran to Prince Ying'an's manor, only to be returned by Prince Ying'an.

That was when Xu Zecheng knew the child could no longer stay with them.

Even though he was his eldest son.

Over the years, whenever he thought of the child, he was consumed by guilt.

If the child had lived... if only...

He stopped himself. For the child to have lived, none of it would have happened—but it had.

While Xu Zecheng was lost in thought, Princess Xinan felt a growing itch on her face. At first, she endured it for the sake of her makeup, thinking it would pass. But after a while, she couldn't take it anymore and lightly scratched with her carefully tended nails.

Yet the itch seemed to seep into her bones, unrelenting no matter how much she scratched.

Seeing that she had already left two angry red welts on her cheek, Xu Zecheng grabbed her hand and frowned. "What's wrong?"

"My face is itching."

"Don't scratch—you'll leave marks."

Princess Xinan couldn't contain her annoyance. "Then what do you suggest I do?"

Xu Zecheng cupped his palm against her itchy cheek and gently massaged it. Surprisingly, the itch subsided.

"Better?" Once the discomfort faded, Princess Xinan finally smiled, looking at Xu Zecheng with admiration. "My husband always knows what to do."

Xu Zecheng smiled without a word and adjusted the hairpin in her hair.

The carriage gradually slowed. Xu Zecheng lifted the curtain to look outside—they had arrived at the palace gates.

The two tidied their clothes slightly, and when the carriage came to a stop, Xu Zecheng alighted first.

As Princess Xinan descended, Xu Zecheng offered his hand, helping her down the carriage step.

Several other carriages had also stopped nearby.

One of them was ostentatiously decorated, with golden embroidery even on the curtains. At the sight of it, Princess Xinan frowned.

It was Princess Puning's carriage. Princess Puning had always had it in for her, publicly humiliating her on multiple occasions.

Sure enough, moments later, the statuesque and imperious Princess Puning stepped down from the carriage.

Her gaze swept the surroundings and immediately landed on Princess Xinan and Xu Zecheng.

Ignoring her husband, she strode toward them.

"Xin'an, long time no see," she said, though her eyes remained fixed on Xu Zecheng.

Xu Zecheng, as if oblivious, bowed respectfully. "Your humble servant greets Princess Puning."

"No need for formalities, Lord Xu."

Princess Xinan, noticing how the princess was practically devouring Xu Zecheng with her eyes, spoke coldly, "Princess, today is His Majesty's birthday. It wouldn't do to be late."

Princess Puning immediately recognized her jealousy and scoffed. "Xin'an, look at you. Where's the boldness you had when you snatched him away from me?"

Princess Xinan's expression darkened, but she held her tongue.

Unconcerned with her displeasure, Princess Puning looked her up and down for a moment before finally remarking, "You know, I think you've gotten uglier."

"You—" Princess Xinan clenched her fists, barely restraining herself from making a scene.

At that moment, her husband finally approached, his demeanor submissive. "Princess, it's almost time. We should enter the palace to pay respects to His Majesty."

Princess Puning gave a dismissive hum and raised her hand. Her husband hurriedly took it, his posture no better than that of a palace eunuch.

Xu Zecheng glanced at them briefly before looking away. Once, this husband had been his fellow examination candidate, a man of talent and grace. But after marrying the princess, he was condemned to a life with this shameless, licentious woman.

Back then, his own situation hadn't been much better.

Only after Princess Puning entered the palace gates did Princess Xinan speak again. "Husband, let's go in too."

Once inside the palace, the two proceeded to Yongshou Palace with familiar ease. Along the way, Xu Zecheng encountered several colleagues and their wives, stopping briefly to exchange greetings.

Today felt different; compared to court audiences, they appeared much more relaxed at this moment.

While they were speaking, they suddenly heard the guards behind them chorused, "Greetings to King Ming!"

The group quickly turned around, swiftly forming two lines to make way.

King Ming strode forward in his black embroidered python robe. Xu Zecheng and the other officials immediately bowed in greeting, while Princess Xinan stood behind Xu Zecheng and followed the others in paying respects.

King Ming merely acknowledged them with a curt "Hmm" and ignored them.

After King Ming passed, the group rose from their bows, only to catch sight of another tall figure approaching at a measured pace.

Bai Xiuming wore a black robe beneath a dark red wide-sleeved surcoat, with even his hairpin adorned with rubies. Though his handsome face bore no expression, he remained strikingly handsome.

Bai Xiuming passed by them silently, his footsteps making no sound.

None of them greeted him, feigning indifference as they averted their gazes. However, the ladies present stared unabashedly.

Once he was far enough, the Left Vice Minister of Rites remarked coolly, "Lord Bai's attire is quite fitting for the occasion. He understands the Emperor's preferences—no wonder he has His Majesty's ear."

"Brother Wang, you're mistaken. It's more about having the right father."

After the man spoke, the group exchanged knowing smiles.

During the court session, though all officials had agreed to the execution of the Prince of Xiling and showed little reaction to Prince Kang's impeachment of Bai Xiuming, dissenting voices had since surfaced.

Some officials believed that, regardless of his crimes, the Prince of Xiling was still Bai Xiuming's father. How could one who condemned his own father to death be worthy of serving alongside them?

The Hanlin Academy voiced the loudest objections, while the Censorate remained conspicuously silent.

However, the matter had already been settled. When the Emperor heard rumors maligning Bai Xiuming, he directly reprimanded the Hanlin Academy's scholars, forcefully quashing the dissent decisively.

Though many were displeased, the Emperor's stance was too firm, leaving them no choice but to mutter among themselves in private.

The ladies knew little of Bai Xiuming's background and were unaware of what their husbands found so amusing—except for Princess Xinan.

After the Prince of Xiling's incident, Xu Zecheng had discussed it with her at home, expressing disdain for Bai Xiuming and dismissed him as a sycophant.

Unbeknownst to them, their words, though spoken softly and at a distance, reached the ears of the father and son walking ahead.

King Ming clicked his tongue upon hearing them. "These officials are not only ugly but also jealous of my son. Truly lacking in taste."

Bai Xiuming shot him a glance but couldn't muster a response.

"Young people should wear bold colors. If you don’t believe me, ask His Majesty—he’d surely approve of your attire today."

"My official robes are just as vibrant. If you hide them again, I won’t visit the palace anymore."

"Very well. When did you become such a nag?"

Bai Xiuming suppressed a smirk and abandoned the debate.

Upon entering Yongshou Hall, the two headed toward Changqing Palace, where the Emperor and Empress were holding court.

All the princes, princesses, and close imperial relatives were gathered in Changqing Palace.

Prince Ying'an, who usually had no chance to enter, had been recommended by the imperial clan this year after Prince Kang and Prince Shun had fallen from grace. Though the Emperor hadn’t officially appointed him as Clan Head, he accorded him unprecedented access.

Prince Ying'an watched the Emperor surrounded by his children, wondering whether his daughter and son-in-law had gained entry. His wife had spoken of Xin'an just the other day—perhaps he could invite them back to his residence after the banquet.

No one noticed Prince Ying'an's distraction as the Emperor exchanged pleasantries with his family. Soon, the chief eunuch announced that the auspicious hour had arrived, and the banquet was to begin.

The attendees bowed and withdrew to Yongshou Hall, while the Emperor and Empress, escorted by their attendants, followed shortly after.

Princess Xinan attended the banquet as the wife of the Vice Minister of Personnel, seated in a modest position. Untroubled by her position, she conversed pleasantly with the wife of the Vice Minister of Rites beside her.

After a brief exchange, the imperial princes entered and took their seats. Princess Xinan immediately spotted Prince Ying'an, who was scanning the room—likely searching for her. Unfortunately, her seating was too inconspicuous, and he eventually sat down without noticing her.

She mused that her father’s pre-banquet audience with the Emperor likely confirmed the rumors: he would soon be nominated as Imperial Clan Chancellor after the new year.

The thought delighted her. If her father became Clan Head, he might even be elevated to First-Rank Prince, and she, in turn, could be promoted to Commandery Princess (junzhu).

But such thoughts were premature. She curbed her speculations and waited patiently until the Emperor and Empress finally arrived.

After they were seated, the Crown Prince initiated the procession of princes, princesses, and officials in presenting their gifts.

Most officials offered humble yet ingenious tributes, and the Emperor appeared genuinely gratified.

The final gifts came from the Prince of Dongping and the King of Northern Wilderness, who had not returned to the capital in years. Their lavish offerings, twice as extravagant as previous years, seemed a calculated demonstration of fealty.

The courtiers and imperial relatives shared uneasy looks but dared not comment.

Following the presentations, the Emperor delivered a brief speech extolling the realm's prosperity and declared the banquet open.

Servants carried in exquisite delicacies as musicians played and dancers performed, filling the hall with joyous festivity.

Princess Xinan felt that persistent itch resurged. With onlookers nearby, she subtly shielded her face with her sleeve, massaging it as Xu Zecheng had shown her earlier.

Xu Zecheng was occupied with his colleagues and couldn’t attend to her. Distracted by the persistent itch, she paid little attention to those around her.

She rubbed her face intermittently for nearly an hour, oscillating between relief and irritation. The hall was at the height of merriment when the Emperor and Empress raised their glasses in a toast.

Suddenly, the itching vanished—but something seemed to have fallen. An unnatural chill crept across her face.

Yet there was no draft. Why did her face feel so cold?

Before she could look down, a piercing shriek rent the air.

After a brief commotion, all eyes turned toward the source—and Princess Xinan saw faces contorted in horror, all fixed on her.

Someone shrieked, "What kind of monster is that?!"

A lady collapsed in a faint.

The Emperor, seated farther away, couldn’t discern the commotion and asked King Ming beside him, "What happened?"

King Ming glanced over and replied calmly, "Nothing of consequence. Someone’s face just fell off."

The Emperor stared blankly, unsure if he’d heard correctly. "What fell off?"

King Ming drained his cup and repeated, "Their face. It fell off."

The Emperor prided himself on being worldly and unshakable by any event. Even when assassins had attempted to kill him during a palace banquet, he hadn't even blinked. But today, he truly didn’t know how to react.

At his birthday banquet, a person's face had come loose?

Does that sound like something that should happen?

Fortunately, the Emperor only froze for a moment before beckoning to the Crown Prince and Bai Xiuming, who sat beside the Prince.

Both men rose simultaneously and approached the imperial throne.

The Emperor instructed, "Crown Prince, go and manage the court officials. Do not alarm the ladies. Make sure they keep their mouths shut."

The Crown Prince bowed respectfully. "As you command, Father."

Then the Emperor turned to Bai Xiuming, his face showing clear exasperation. "Investigate what exactly happened."

He wanted to know—was this an accident, or someone’s special birthday gift to him?

Let this not involve the Prince of Dongping and the King of Northern Wilderness. Otherwise...

By the time the Emperor and Empress were escorted away from Yongshou Hall by the imperial guards, the Crown Prince had already arranged for those officials not involved and their families to leave. The imperial relatives were made to wait until last.

The guards stood guard inside the hall. Though some were displeased, none dared to speak up.

Prince Ying'an and his family were still casting about, seemingly searching for traces of Princess Xinan. Unfortunately, they were destined for disappointment.

Bai Xiuming now stood in front of where Princess Xinan had been sitting.

Behind him were court officials beating a hasty retreat, not daring to glance back. Once they left, the hall was left in disarray, the festive atmosphere completely vanished.

By now, Princess Xinan had realized that what had fallen was her own face. Her eyes were bulging with horror, her hands covering her face as she trembled violently.

Xu Zecheng stood nearby, horror-struck, as if he couldn’t accept what he was seeing.

A few court officials and their families who had been seated nearby had not left but were instead forcibly moved aside. The wife of the Minister of Rites, who had screamed earlier, was so frightened that she was too shaken to stand without support, and was being supported by palace maids as she sat down to catch her breath.

After staring at Princess Xinan’s ghastly face for a long while, Bai Xiuming finally spoke. His expression was calm, his tone even. "Princess Xinan, why don’t you tell me—what exactly are you?"

"I—I am Xin'an! Bai Xiuming, someone must have harmed me! Someone must have done this to me!" Princess Xinan wailed, her shrieks drawing Prince Ying'an’s attention. But as soon as they stood, the imperial guards blocked them.

"And you, Lord Xu? Anything you’d like to say to me?" Bai Xiuming turned to Xu Zecheng.

Xu Zecheng glanced at Princess Xinan and stated with conviction, "I—I believe the princess must have been framed by villains."

Bai Xiuming seemed amused by their reactions and smiled faintly. "Good. I admire persistence. Since neither of you wishes to admit anything, let’s start with a lineage verification."