Chapter 31

Chapter 31

In mid-spring, when orioles soared and grass grew lush, the Spring Banquet hosted by Her Majesty the Empress was the grandest event of the moment, the talk of the town. Noblewomen from prominent families considered an invitation a great honor, and it was rumored that the Marquis of Yongding would also attend.

The Marquis of Yongding now wielded immense power, standing as Prince Jing's equal in influence and authority. Yet, he remained without a Marchioness. Since the former Marchioness's departure, the Marquis of Yongding had transformed. He no longer concealed his sharp edges; his actions grew increasingly ruthless. However, he was remarkably diligent in state affairs, personally overseeing every detail with little rest, as if in defiance or self-punishment.

When the Marchioness left after their separation, the Marquis of Yongding immediately ordered the city gates sealed, intent on scouring Lin'an to find her. This disruption during the New Year festivities caused widespread discontent among the populace. Upon learning of this, the Emperor was furious and reprimanded him severely. The Marquis offered no defense, even undertaking a half-month patrol of the main streets as an apology to the people of Lin'an. The Emperor agreed. Within ten days, the Marquis had completely replaced the city's defenses with his own men, effectively seizing control of the entire city. This also facilitated his search for the Marchioness, infuriating the Emperor, who fell ill for half a month. The Marquis personally attended to him, and after the Emperor recovered, the court dynamics had irrevocably shifted.

The Emperor helplessly realized that the man he had once feared, once unwilling to be restrained, was now beyond his control.

Fortunately, the Marquis of Yongding made no further moves, so the Emperor turned a blind eye to his past transgressions and refrained from intervening too much in the rivalry between him and Prince Jing, allowing the two to keep each other in check and buying himself a moment of respite.

However, those with keen eyes could discern the fragility of this balanced stability. A coup had not yet occurred only because the Marquis of Yongding had not acted. If he wished, it would plunge the realm into bloodshed and upheaval.

The initial shift in everything began the day the Marchioness of Yongding left. The Empress considered arranging another marriage for the Marquis but struggled to find a suitable candidate. The previously discussed engagement between the Marquis and the daughter of the Privy Councilor was never brought up again. Even the Marquis's close confidants found his recent behavior increasingly unfathomable, particularly Xiao Han, who complained to Xiao Yin more than once.

"The Marquis is truly strange lately. He doesn’t go to the camp or the yamen, spending his days staring blankly at the gate of the west courtyard. None of the Lady’s belongings are to be moved, and he even talks to himself during meals. Anyone who didn’t know better would think the Lady hadn’t run away but passed away!"

Xiao Yin looked at him as if he were a fool: "Watch your words! If the Marquis hears, he’ll punish you again!"

Xiao Han smirked and winked: "Don’t worry, the Marquis isn’t in the residence today."

Xiao Yin: "Today is… the Spring Banquet? The Marquis has gone to the palace?"

—

Just after the Awakening of Insects, flowers bloomed eagerly throughout the garden, including many rare varieties. Spring had arrived in all its glory, adorning the garden anew.

The garden was filled with peach blossoms, along with peonies, hydrangeas, as well as pear trees, roses, pear blossoms, and crabapples.

The Spring Banquet had been prepared well in advance. Besides the Marquis of Yongding, it also invited royalty, nobles, and unmarried men and women of suitable age. In addition to flower appreciation, the banquet aimed to pray for the nation’s prosperity, with the Empress leading a donation drive for military funds. There were also literary and martial arts activities: horseback riding, archery, *cuju*, poetry, and the guessing game of *shefu*. After the luncheon, guests were free to mingle and stroll through the garden with kindred spirits.

Pavilions were set up throughout the garden, offering tea and snacks for rest and conversation.

After the morning donation drive, with the banquet still some time away, the Empress encouraged everyone to explore the garden at leisure.

Princess Junxian was nearly of marriageable age, so the Empress invited her to attend, accompanied by the Virtuous Consort. The group sat in a pavilion, chatting and laughing over tea. Not far away, a figure in robes of azure paused for a moment before stepping toward them.

But her long skirt trailed on the ground, and with palace servants hurrying to and fro serving tea, the woman had to repeatedly step aside. Inadvertently, she stepped on her own skirt and stumbled.

A pair of hands steadied her.

"Be careful!"

Her gaze traveled upward to a breathtakingly beautiful face. The woman smiled graciously and thanked the other with a grateful smile.

—

Xiao Lin, who had arrived unnoticed, watched from the shadows, his eyes widening in fury.

He first saw the woman’s face and felt an unprecedented surge of joy, a sense of recovery flooding his heart. But before he could revel in it, he noticed the person beside her.

Pei Yu held Ye Shuang firmly, asking softly if she was alright.

"Thank you," Ye Shuang replied with a gentle smile, gracefully withdrawing her hand.

"That’s good. It’s been a long time."

Ye Shuang nodded. "It has been a while. I hope all is well with you, Pei Yu."

They exchanged a few pleasantries when suddenly a dull thud echoed.

Xiao Lin had punched a crabapple tree, drawing everyone’s attention and disturbing the Empress.

The Empress scolded him, "Xiao Lin, why hide upon arrival and destroy my crabapple tree?"

Xiao Lin said with a dark expression and coldly replied, "I will repay Your Majesty twofold." He strode over, grabbed Ye Shuang’s hand, and dragged her away.

"Has it been so long that you’re already eager to find another husband?" Xiao Lin hissed through clenched teeth.

The next moment, he froze, raising his hand as if to gently touch Ye Shuang’s neck.

Ye Shuang took a large step back, her tone icy. "We are long separated. Please act properly, Marquis."

Xiao Lin lowered his hand with a self-mocking smile, undeterred. "So what? Since we’ve met here today, I’ll simply ask Her Majesty to arrange our marriage again."

"Xiao Lin!" Ye Shuang addressed him by name for the first time. "Stop this nonsense. We’ve been separated for so long. Since you’re here today, you must have accepted it. As for why I’m here, there’s no need to explain."

"I don’t believe you feel nothing for me."

"And you, Marquis? Is your new love not to your liking? Why are you here today?"

"Shuang'er, are you still angry with me? I never entered into any other engagement."

"What of it? Should I thank you for that? If you wish to appear deeply devoted and unwavering, you shouldn’t be here today."

Xiao Lin noticed the scar and asked haltingly, "Your injury…"

"Thank you for your concern, Marquis. It has fully healed," Ye Shuang replied expressionlessly.

"What happened back then… I wronged you."

"There’s no need to speak of it, Marquis. It’s been too long to bring up now."

Xiao Lin pressed urgently, "But it hasn’t been that long, and you’re already attending the Spring Banquet?"

Ye Shuang let out a disbelieving laugh. "Have you forgotten, Marquis? It has been three years since our separation."

Xiao Lin stood frozen in place.

Three years… She had been gone for three years.

"Time flies. Why does it feel to me as if it were only yesterday?"

"You live a life of ease, Marquis, so time passes quickly. Others who struggle day by day find each day feels like a year."

Xiao Lin smirked sarcastically. "Where have you been all these years?"

Ye Shuang raised her eyes sharply, her gaze turning colder. "What are you doing now, Marquis? Do you wish to hear that I’ve suffered to feel better?"

"That’s not what I meant."

"Good. I must see Her Majesty now. Do as you please, Marquis!" Unwilling to stay, Ye Shuang gave a cursory bow and turned to enter the pavilion.

Leaving Xiao Lin standing alone.

Unexpectedly meeting another pair of amused eyes, Xiao Lin quickly suppressed his sorrow and stared back with wary defiance.

Pei Yu met his gaze defiantly, making Xiao Lin bristle. He unsheathed his sword and headed toward the pavilion but was cut off by Pei Yu midway.

Xiao Lin suppressed his anger and snapped, "Step aside!"

Pei Yu wore a smile, but his eyes were cold. "If I were you, I wouldn’t push so hard right now."

Xiao Lin brushed his hand away. "This is my business, not yours."

"That’s exactly how you were back then! You pushed her away. And now you’re doing it again? If you don’t change this attitude of yours, even if you meet over and over, the outcome will be the same." Pei Yu sighed softly. "Xiao Lin, you’re not suited for her."

Xiao Lin froze in place, ultimately saying nothing more before turning to leave.

—

In the pavilion, Ye Shuang paid her respects to the Empress, the Virtuous Consort, and the Princess.

The Empress was delighted and invited her to sit.

The Virtuous Consort was surprised to see Ye Shuang, but upon noticing the Empress’s reaction, she pieced most of it together. The Empress must have known about Ye Shuang’s return—after all, the Spring Banquet was hosted by the Empress, and Ye Shuang was likely invited by her. Still, she wasn’t sure what the Empress’s intentions were.

The Empress introduced Ye Shuang, "This is Princess Junxian. You’ve likely met before."

Ye Shuang bowed again while seated. "It’s been three years, Your Highness. You’ve blossomed into even more grace."

Princess Junxian smiled warmly. "Sister Ye, there’s no need for formalities. Xian'er and Sister Ye have met before. If I may say, Sister Ye looks even more glowing and beautiful than at the palace banquet years ago."

Ye Shuang smiled modestly. "You flatter me, Princess."

The Virtuous Consort nodded in agreement. "I’ve also seen her before. Indeed, she looks even more vibrant now."

Ye Shuang quickly stood and bowed. "Thank you for your concern, Noble Consort. I’m flattered."

The Virtuous Consort gently motioned for her to sit. "Today, let’s speak as sisters. There’s no need for such formality."

The Empress laughed cheerfully. "More than that! Her demeanor is more confident now, and she speaks more freely. I think it’s wonderful—you should be like this. From now on, don’t just stay by my side. Go out and socialize more."

Ye Shuang obediently agreed. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

From their conversation, the Virtuous Consort noticed that the Empress treated Ye Shuang differently from others. Though puzzled, she made a mental note.

After taking a sip of tea, the Empress smiled even brighter and encouraged Jun Xian to chat more with Ye Shuang.

Jun Xian had long wanted to befriend Ye Shuang and eagerly nodded, taking Ye Shuang’s hand. "Xian’er liked you from the moment we met, Sister. What are you busy with these days? Would you consider being Xian’er’s instructor?"

Ye Shuang was taken aback and glanced at the Empress.

The Virtuous Consort interrupted, "You already have two instructors. Why do you need another? Day after day, I haven’t seen you learn much."

Jun Xian pouted irritably and whined, "I don’t like either of my current instructors! Especially Sister Liu—she can’t teach me anything and only scolds me."

Ye Shuang paused, her teacup in hand, and looked out into the garden.

She had forgotten—she hadn’t seen Liu Yiyi today. Wasn’t she usually following Xiao Lin everywhere? Moreover, Liu Yiyi had already completed her mourning period, yet there was still no news of their marriage. How odd. But then again, what did it have to do with her? She shook her head, dismissing the thoughts, and continued drinking her tea.

As they chatted, cheers erupted not far away. Jun Xian instantly forgot her troubles and turned to look, exclaiming happily, "They’re playing archery! Sister Shuang, let’s go too!"

Within moments, Jun Xian’s address for Ye Shuang had grown affectionate. Without waiting for a reply, she pulled Ye Shuang along to join the excitement.

Ye Shuang glanced inquiringly at the Empress and, receiving permission, followed Jun Xian away.