Within the Manor of Prince Xuanyuan, there were three miles of covered corridors. One branch terminated in a dead end, and this final half-mile was paved with stone bricks.
These bricks were specially fired in Min Province; they were hard, wear-resistant, and carved with deep patterns. If one walked upon them in soft-soled shoes, it would only take a few steps before the discomfort became unbearable.
It was a silent warning—a reminder to any who sought to traverse it that the master of this manor did not wish for anyone to reach the end of that corridor.
Lady Bo had not walked this path for many years.
Ever since that woman died, she had been forbidden from setting foot here.
After a brief pause, she lightly lifted her feet, clad in soft silk slippers embroidered with white peonies and adorned with a thousand sea pearls, and stepped gracefully forward.
Behind her followed a dozen or so people. Among them were the trusted confidants she had cultivated in the manor over the years, as well as female guests from other noble families who were close to her and had come for the banquet.
Now that the play was beginning, how could she not invite an audience?
She looked down at the sachet hanging from her wrist; the spherical incense burner inside had just finished burning. The timing was perfect.
If luck was on her side, she might even get to see two shows in a row.
Lady Bo’s mood suddenly brightened, as if the clouds had parted to reveal the sun.
It had been a long time since she had felt such pleasure. The last time, it seemed, was when she had heard the news of that woman’s death.
"Madam, the Painting Residence lies ahead. You cannot go further."
Lady Bo’s pleasant thoughts were interrupted. She slowly looked up to see a young servant dressed in simple green robes standing in the middle of the path, bowing. She hadn't noticed when he had appeared.
Normally, no servant would dare block the path of a master of the house, even if that master was technically only a secondary wife.
But he was different; he was one of the Prince’s personal attendants. Though a servant, his words carried weight.
*A mere servant, acting with such arrogance and pretense just because he understands a bit of his master’s mind.* Lady Bo’s nails dug deep into her palms.
But she could not yet punish this low-born wretch who knew not his place; she had more important things to do.
She stopped her pace, her smiling eyes crinkling.
"I received a report from the servants that someone was lurking suspiciously in the back garden. Fearing they might disturb Mr. Zong in the ancestral hall, I brought people to investigate."
"Did Madam inform the Prince that she was coming to the Painting Residence?"
Lady Bo paused, then said softly, "The matter was sudden. I feared there was no time to report to the Prince..."
"Then please return, Madam."
There was a brief silence in the air. Lady Bo took a breath, her smile deepening.
"The guests here today are all of great distinction. It is best if all is peaceful, but if a thief has truly snuck in and someone is harmed, will you take responsibility for the manor?"
The servant was silent for a moment before finally saying, "I would not dare."
Lady Bo slowly resumed her walk forward. As she passed the servant, she hissed in a low voice, "Now get lost."
Who was the mistress in charge of this manor now?
She loved this unspoken, unquestionable authority; it possessed the leisurely grace of one who stood above others.
Her days of suffering were long over. One day, she would have someone tear up these stone bricks that hurt the soles of her feet, and she would smash every piece of her unpleasant past and throw it out of the manor.
Her silk slippers stopped at the end of the stone path. Lady Bo made a show of looking around.
"You said just now that you saw someone entering and leaving these rooms. Did you see clearly which one it was?"
The maid following behind her immediately lowered her head and replied, "The one in the center."
Every word reached Xiao Nanhui’s ears.
Separated by a thin door panel, she didn't dare breathe. In her intense nervousness, she momentarily forgot her current predicament.
Then, the two arms wrapped around her tightened slightly, and a voice sounded by her ear, neither hot nor cold.
"What should we do? Someone is coming."
Her ears burned. She suddenly felt the embarrassment of being caught in an illicit affair. Her face turned bright red in an instant, and her tongue felt paralyzed, leaving her unable to speak.
*What should we do? I want to know what to do too!*
Seemingly having waited too long for her response, he lowered his head slightly, his cheek brushing against her burning skin. Sensing the unusual temperature, he let out a soft chuckle and pulled back. Like a satisfied python, he slowly released his hold and left his prey.
Air rushed back into Xiao Nanhui’s lungs. She felt as though she could finally breathe again.
The footsteps outside grew closer until several shadows were cast upon the carved door.
"The lock has been tampered with."
It was Lady Bo’s voice. This matter was indeed inseparable from her.
But... was his presence here also part of Lady Bo’s design?
"Hand."
Sui Wei’s voice rang out again in the darkness. Xiao Nanhui stared at the hand extended toward her, swallowed hard, and struggled to find her voice.
"Your... Your Majesty, there seem to be many people outside. To act like this in public... is it perhaps a bit ill-considered...?"
After a long silence with no response, she looked up, but the lack of light made it impossible to see his expression. Her heart began to drum with anxiety.
Could it be... he was going to... he was going to...
"What are you thinking?" The Emperor’s voice was exceptionally calm, like Master Yikong chanting sutras for a vulgar, worldly devotee. "You have provoked someone you shouldn't have. You are safest by my side."
So... so it wasn't because he wanted to publicly announce some unspeakable relationship between them?
Xiao Nanhui suddenly felt humiliated by her own sentimental delusions. The red that had barely faded from her face now spread down to her neck.
Before she could process the awkwardness radiating from her body, her hand was firmly grasped.
"We have done this many times before. Why are you nervous?"
*What has been done many times before?!*
Xiao Nanhui’s legs trembled.
She should have forcefully flung his hand away with great momentum, then pointed a finger at his nose and sternly demanded he explain himself.
But she didn't dare.
And within that lack of daring was a trace of a throb. In the past, she hadn't understood the meaning behind that throbbing, but now she understood it more and more.
It wasn't that she didn't dare; it was simply that she didn't want to.
She didn't want to pull her hand away. She didn't want to refuse him. She didn't want to leave him.
His hand was somewhat cool, devoid of warmth like moonlight. But at this moment, within the vast and dark cage of the Prince’s manor, he was like the bright moon—the only existence that could make her feel at peace.
Was there a moon in the sky tonight? There must be. It must be because the moonlight tonight was too beautiful, so she would let herself be immersed for a while longer—just a little while.
*Creeeeeak.*
The door in front of them was pushed open from the outside.
No moonlight shone in; instead, there was only the chaotic, piercing glare of countless lanterns.
In the light, a dozen or so shifting heads formed a mass of dark shadows. Their faces were blurred, but their emotions were palpable—pointing, whispering, and speculating with all their might.
This was disastrous. Simply disastrous.
Xiao Nanhui stood frozen in place, staring down at her toes as if this would spare her from facing the courtyard full of shocked and probing gazes.
Before leaving today, she truly hadn't expected things to develop this way.
She had done nothing wrong. But so what? Often, people find themselves in danger or harmed not because they have done anything wrong.
Lady Bo’s gaze swept over Xiao Nanhui from top to bottom, finally landing on the two joined hands. But other than that, she found no suspicious marks, nor even a single loose button.
*Was I too early?*
Early was better; perhaps she would see something happen right now.
Clearing her throat, she spoke in a somewhat stern voice.
"Miss Xiao, do you know what place this is?"
Xiao Nanhui answered truthfully, "I heard from a young maid gathering flowers that this was once the residence of the Second Young Master’s wet nurse."
As soon as these words were spoken, Lady Bo’s face instantly twisted into an expression of shock and fury, and the crowd of young and old behind her all mirrored the same look.
"What wet nurse? This is the former residence of the late Princess Consort. How dare you speak such slander?"
*What? That simple, cramped, windowless room was Mei Ruogu’s former residence?*
Xiao Nanhui finally began to grasp the direction of tonight’s game, yet she felt things wouldn't be that simple.
Sure enough, seeing her silence, Lady Bo’s expression became even more certain.
"Not to mention a mere maid, even I am normally forbidden from stepping foot into the Painting Residence. I wonder who this 'maid' you saw was? Furthermore, not only do I see no maid now, but I find you pulling and pushing with an outside man..."
As Lady Bo spoke, she turned her gaze toward the man beside her. When she finally saw his face clearly, she suddenly froze.
Wait, this didn't look like the fourth son of Governor Huang from the borderlands, whom she had arranged.
Whatever. It didn't matter whose son he was; he was a man regardless.
She took a deep breath, summoning the full authority of the mistress of the house, and barked out the most powerful sentence of her life.
"And who are you? How dare you trespass into the back garden of the Prince’s manor!"
Xiao Nanhui was instantly stunned.
It felt like watching a person famous for their intelligence suddenly rush into a latrine to eat filth.
Lady Bo was completely oblivious to this, as were the people behind her.
"I know that rumors of a man and woman alone together are unpleasant, but if you do not state your name, I will have no choice but to have you seized and sent to the magistrate. When that happens, no matter which household you belong to, it will not look good for your family. Quecheng is at the foot of the Emperor’s throne, and this is the Prince’s domain. There are many noble guests at the banquet today; the situation is not what it used to be. Do not blame me for being harsh; blame yourself for appearing here at such a time..."
"Jiangfei." The man who had been silent beside her finally spoke. His voice held a rare trace of annoyance, like someone whose peace had been disturbed by a mosquito in summer. "What is this noisy sound? Go take a look for me."
Lady Bo’s high cheekbones nearly failed to hold the flesh of her face in place at those words.
*Noisy?*
Her reason was destroyed by that insulting word; she didn't even notice the man’s self-reference.
However, before she could speak again, a purple-robed eunuch stepped out from the shadows beneath the eaves, his pale face a picture of amiability.
He kept his head low, walking with small steps until he was only half a pace away from Lady Bo. Only then did he stop, look up, and carefully study her distorted face.
"To answer Your Majesty, it was the concubine of Prince Xuanyuan, Lady Bo of Xiaoshan, who was speaking just now."
*Your Majesty.*
Lady Bo finally heard it clearly. Those two words were enough to make her understand the end of tonight’s game.
She wouldn't even know the final score, for her chessboard had been flipped over, the black and white pieces scattered in ruin.
How had tonight’s plan been exposed? Why was the Emperor here? What exactly was the relationship between that low-born Xiao girl and the Emperor?
None of these questions would have answers.
"This humble one kowtows to Your Majesty. I did not know Your Majesty’s identity and spoke insolently. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness!"
She prostrated herself weakly on the ground, stretching her waist as much as possible. But she hadn't performed such a grand salute in many years, and her waist had long since grown stiff and heavy from a life of luxury.
"Royal Uncle has arrived."
*The Prince?* Lady Bo felt a surge of wild joy in her heart, though her face took on an even more piteous expression. She turned toward her husband, her face written with misery and grievance.
However, the man who was usually modest, polite, and always spoke to her with gentle words didn't even look at her. He stood beneath the eaves with a frown.
Prince Xuanyuan, Sui Che, scanned the scene and understood almost instantly.
"This subject greets Your Majesty. I did not know Your Majesty had come to the banquet and failed to welcome you..."
"It was a whim of mine. I wished to have a secret meeting with Camp Guard Xiao here..." The Emperor’s voice paused as if unintentionally, then continued slowly, "To discuss matters of military importance. Fearing that walls have ears, I took the liberty of borrowing a room. Will Royal Uncle be angry with me?"
"I would not dare."
"Why be so distant, Royal Uncle? We haven't gathered in years. Let us take this opportunity to chat about family matters."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Sui Che understood the deeper meaning.
This was a demand to clear the area and prepare to settle accounts. Royal face had to be preserved, but the Emperor would not easily let go of what needed to be done.
He had always been that way.
Sui Che said nothing more, giving only a single look. The crowd of onlookers who had come from nowhere vanished in an instant.
Anyone with half a brain knew that what was about to happen in this courtyard was likely not something anyone should witness.
Lady Bo knew this as well, but she didn't believe it. Prince Xuanyuan was still present. Even if he was the Emperor, could he really have her beaten to death on the day of her son’s full-month celebration, right in front of the master of the manor?
"Your Majesty, today’s matter requires a clear investigation. It is late now..."
Sure enough, her husband was going to speak for her.
Lady Bo was joyful in her heart and began to rise slowly, but that flat voice sounded again, as if knowing exactly what she was thinking.
"Since night has fallen, let the lamps be lit. Under the light, right and wrong can be discerned."
The oil lamp from the room had appeared in his hand at some point. Sui Wei’s finger lightly hooked the handle, and his other hand took a fire-starter from Shan Jiangfei, lighting the wick that was shriveled in the lamp oil.
The light flared up. A moment later, a strong scent similar to flowers wafted out.
As soon as Xiao Nanhui smelled that familiar scent, she understood everything. Her gaze fell upon the oil lamp.
The man gently placed the lamp on the ground, illuminating the floor tile beneath it.
Only then did she notice that a perfect plum blossom was carved into that stone brick.
"Kneel."
The Emperor’s voice was so thin it held no emotion, yet it was more terrifying than any angry shout or insult.
Lady Bo bit her lower lip, seemingly wanting to struggle for a moment longer, but her knees betrayed her first, striking firmly against the stone brick.
Her eyes stared fixedly at the plum blossom on the ground. The stone flower bloomed silently; though it had no fragrance, it would never wither.
Tonight, a southeast wind was blowing. She knelt downwind, her nose and mouth filled with the scent drifting from the oil lamp.
She was all too familiar with that smell. Just a hint of it made her begin to feel anxious and irritable.
She tried to hold her breath, but she couldn't stop breathing forever. Veins popped out on her neck from the effort.
*Fine, if it's just the scent, inhaling a few breaths won't matter, as long as I don't...*
"Lady Bo, do you know why you are kneeling?"
She put on a bewildered expression, her voice carrying a hint of sobbing.
"I... I do not know where I have erred. I only heard a report from a servant and was worried for the safety of the ladies in the manor and for Mr. Zong. In my haste, I failed to verify the facts and did not know the Holy Carriage was here. I swear to Heaven, I had no intention of overstepping my bounds, nor any desire to cause trouble without reason!"
"So reasonable and logical, it is quite moving." The Emperor nodded, appearing to agree. "However, I am making you kneel not because of anything you did wrong."
This time, Lady Bo was truly bewildered.
"Then why...?"
"Is Lady Bo not from a noble family? How is it you do not know the rule that a concubine must kneel before the mistress of the house?"
This sentence was like a blow to the head, instantly shattering the perfect shell Lady Bo had managed to maintain.
To kill the heart. A bloodless execution of the soul.
She had once used the same tactics against others. No one in this manor was her match, and she had thought no man would understand the subtleties of such things.
But the man before her clearly understood. Not only did he understand, but his strike was far more vicious than hers.
"As I said, Madam is not guilty of any crime; there is no need to be alarmed." Sui Wei’s voice grew even softer and slower, as if he were truly chatting about family matters at a banquet. "Today is a great feast for the manor; it is only right to celebrate with fine wine. I came empty-handed on a whim, but just now I happened to see some excellent vintage on the table in the room. I shall now borrow these flowers to offer to the Buddha. Please do not refuse, Madam."
If everything before could only be considered a stinging pain, hearing this sentence made Lady Bo truly understand the meaning of a slow death by a thousand cuts.
Every moment before had been an ordeal, yet after he finished speaking, time seemed to slip away uncontrollably.
In an instant, the Emperor’s pale hand held the freshly poured cup of wine before her.
Shan Jiangfei’s voice sounded from the side, still carrying a hint of polite amusement.
"Lady Bo, accept the reward."
Lady Bo’s eyes stared fixedly at the cup of wine, her eyeballs crossing from the intensity of her gaze. Her carefully styled hair at her temples began to wrinkle, and the rouge on her lips was half-swallowed by her two rows of chattering teeth.
"I fear losing my composure after drinking and do not dare drink before Your Majesty. I am willing to punish myself with three months of confinement to reflect on today’s errors..."
"I have already said that Madam has done nothing wrong. Besides, it is but a single cup of wine; why refuse?" His voice remained calm; no one could pick out a trace of malice from it. "Or is it that Madam is dissatisfied with the previous owner of this room and is determined to strike a pose of 'rather die than obey' on this ground? Or perhaps... you are dissatisfied with me?"
Lady Bo’s waist could no longer support her body; she shook like a leaf in the wind.
"I... I would not dare..."
Prince Xuanyuan, Sui Che, who had witnessed everything, wanted to speak up for her several times but ultimately found himself unable to open his mouth.
He had no standing to plead for mercy because the Emperor had not decreed any punishment. But as for why the woman on the ground was so terrified, he already understood.
If she had not harbored ill intentions regarding that wine, everything happening now would be nothing more than a perfectly ordinary bestowal of wine.
And the hand holding the wine cup was as steady as a rock, unmoving; it seemed nothing could shake it.
"Will you drink, or not?"
Lady Bo’s suppressed whimpers drifted out fitfully.
"Will you drink, or not?"
He asked again. The tone, the weight, the pitch—all were identical to before. But it was precisely this lack of fluctuation, this voice so flat that no emotion could be detected, that was most hair-raising.
The corridors all around led in every direction, yet she had happened to walk into this dead end. She could not advance, she could not retreat; she could go neither left nor right, neither to heaven nor into the earth.
After a long time, Lady Bo finally reached out a trembling hand and took the small, exquisite porcelain cup.
The man before her finally smiled, his voice gaining a hint of mercy.
"Madam must hold it steady. If a single drop of this wine falls to the ground, you will lick it clean."
***
**Glossary**
