In everyone's eyes, Lou Xiyan and Xuan'er were an inseparable pair—this was well-known throughout the court. The emperor's gift of a woman to him was hardly objectionable; men of their stature often had three or four wives or concubines, and she cared little for such matters. Yet, she never expected the usually gentle Lou Xiyan to find an excuse to oppose this marriage proposal! No wonder Xuan'er was driven to despair.
It seemed Lou Xiyan was utterly bewitched by Qingling, and forbidding him from marrying her was impossible. He had no desire to sever ties with him now either. The Empress Dowager's expression shifted slightly as she suppressed her anger and said coldly, "Very well. If Minister Lou insists on his loyalty, I admire your character greatly and will not trouble you. Xuan'er shall enter your household as an equal wife, without distinction in rank—this arrangement neither disgraces her nor breaks your vow, correct?"
For a princess of a small kingdom to hold equal status with a princess—this was already a tremendous concession. If Lou Xiyan failed to appreciate it, she would not blame her for it. From addressing him as "Xiyan" to "you" and now "Minister Lou," the Empress Dowager's patience was clearly wearing thin, while Lou Xiyan's chest tightened painfully. He silently composed himself for a long moment, but still could not utter a word.
"Minister Lou, if you remain silent, I shall take that as your consent," she pressed on despite knowing he wished to object. Having lost one son, she could not afford to lose a daughter.
Breath ragged, Lou Xiyan felt a sharp pain in his chest and had no strength left to argue. He spoke candidly: "Between the princess and me, there is only the formality of sovereign and subject, not love between man and woman. I fear I cannot properly care for the princess, nor ensure her lifelong happiness. Your kindness is more than I deserve."
"You—" The Empress Dowager was about to lose her temper when Yan Hongtian, who had been silent and stern, suddenly intervened: "Xuan'er's health has yet to recover. Let us postpone the marriage discussions. It is late; you should return and rest."
Xiyan seemed off—where he would normally handle such matters with ease, today he appeared anxious. The sweat on his brow and his unusually low voice revealed he was enduring pain. Could his illness have relapsed? The emperor clearly stood by Lou Xiyan; after all, Xuan'er was his beloved sister.
As Lou Xiyan turned to leave, the Empress Dowager's eyes darkened and she suddenly said, "Your Majesty, the palace is rife with gossip. No one knows how this matter will be twisted. Xuan'er is overly sensitive. The palace is no place for her convalescence. I believe the quiet and elegant Lou residence would suit her recovery better. Why not let her recuperate there?"
Upon hearing this, Lou Xiyan's foot froze in place as he hurriedly protested, "I deem that inappropriate."
The Empress Dowager's once kindly face had turned icily cold. She scoffed, "What? Is the esteemed princess of a nation unworthy to recover in your residence?"
"Not at all," he replied cautiously. "But it may sully the princess's reputation. The Lou family has another villa that is well suited for recuperation. The princess could go there."
Allowing the princess to stay at the main residence would not only make it impossible for him to explain to Qing'er but also expose him to accusations from the Empress Dowager that the princess had stayed too long and compromised her virtue, forcing him to take responsibility—he could not afford such risks. The more he resisted, the more she insisted, as if to force his hand.
The Empress Dowager sneered inwardly but softened her expression, smiling faintly: "Xiyan need not worry. The residence is not his alone; Xiwǔ is there, close in age to Xuan'er. It would be good for her to have a companion. Besides, you say there is no love between you and the princess. Use this time to cultivate affection. If you still cannot develop mutual feelings, I will not force the matter further."
She glanced meaningfully at Yan Hongtian and asked, "What does Your Majesty think?"
After a moment's thought, Yan Hongtian ignored Lou Xiyan's cold gaze and solemnly said, "Approved."
Xiyan was his closest friend, loyal minister, and worthy rival. He had not forgotten that after Xiyan's mother died in childhood, Xiyan promised her he would marry only the woman he loved, having but one wife for life. He had assumed it was idle talk—today, he was not so sure. He wished to see how long Xiyan could hold to his resolve.
Xuan'er was a cherished sister, and seeing her pale and frail in bed pained him deeply. He hoped Xiyan would grow fond of her and become his brother-in-law, though knowing Xiyan, that was unlikely.
The Empress Dowager's heart leapt with joy. "At dawn tomorrow, I shall personally escort the princess to the Lou residence. It is late now; Minister Lou, you should rest."
She could not believe her daughter would be outmatched by that disfigured woman. Even if she were, she would see her wishes fulfilled.
"I take my leave," Lou Xiyan said coolly, knowing resistance was futile. With a final chilling remark, his slender figure swiftly vanished from sight.
A glimmer passed through Yan Hongtian's eyes—Xiyan was angered. Intriguing.
Tonight's moonlight seemed dim, the lake's surface dark and ominous, lacking its daytime clarity and tranquility. Such vastness evoked unease.
The lotus leaves near Lan Yue Tower were thick and lush, with buds still small and unseen in the night, only the rustling breeze whispering through.
A gentle night breeze caressed the leaves as Zhuo Qing lay resting on a stone table, slightly tipsy but mind clear, unwilling to open her eyes.
Looming in her thoughts was Lou Muhai's warning—"You will ruin him."
Perhaps she truly would. Yet if asked whether she would let go, she would answer without hesitation—No. She despised surrender without effort.
"Didn't I tell you to sleep first?" came a soft murmur, tinged with helplessness and affection.
Startled, Zhuo Qing opened her eyes to find Lou Xiyan beside her, fingers gently twirling a strand of her hair—this playful gesture had become his habit whenever they were alone.
She rose, withdrawing her hair, holding his hand. "I'm not tired. You look ill. Let's talk inside."
His exhaustion was palpable and heart-wrenching.
Allowing her to lead, they returned to the chamber. She helped him to the bedside, massaged his shoulders as he sat, and whispered, "I'm relieved you're back. Rest early. Good night."
Turning to leave, she suddenly felt a firm grasp at her waist, drawing her close. Standing as he sat, she looked up at his exquisitely handsome face, now more striking and refined than ever. His long fingers rested gently on her waist, her heartbeat quickening.
"Do you want to know what the Empress Dowager said when she summoned me?" His eyes gleamed, seeking her thoughts.
She nodded honestly. "I do. But your health matters more."
Unaware his face had paled nearly translucent, he pondered quietly before simply stating, "Princess Chaoyun did a foolish thing for my sake. The Empress Dowager demands I marry her."
Zhuo Qing raised an eyebrow, unsurprised.
He quickly added, "I refused."
She nodded in acknowledgment, emotion unreadable. He pressed on, "The Empress Dowager decreed the princess should convalesce at the Lou residence. The emperor has consented. I cannot refuse."
Zhuo Qing nodded again. "That's all?"
"Yes," he replied slowly, masking a trace of nervousness she perceived.
Patting his handsome cheek, she smiled gently, "Rest early."
Before she could finish, his arms tightened around her waist once more. Rarely did Lou Xiyan show such vulnerability.
She laughed softly, realizing even he had moments he could not control his anxious heart.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, her bright eyes met his profound gaze. She whispered, "I am not fragile like a morning glory needing a towering tree to survive, nor do I need to hide behind you for shelter. I want to stand beside you. Do you understand?"
"Qing'er," he whispered, prepared for any reaction, even anger, though she responded with calm resolve.
Leaning gently against her, breathing in her subtle fragrance, Lou Xiyan could not define his feelings but held her tighter, as if she were the one destined to accompany him through life—never to be let go.
Her body shifted slightly, uncomfortable as his head rested on her chest, his hand tracing softly. Zhuo Qing blushed, uncommon for her.
He murmured a name not hers, causing unease. She did not want their intimacy to be shadowed by another woman's memory.
Quietly, she said, "Call me Qing, my childhood name."
He looked up slightly. "Your memories have returned?"
She shook her head hastily, "No, Qingmo told me. I am familiar with and fond of the name Qing."
He nodded, "Very well, Qing'er."
She smiled silently, refraining from correcting him on the diminutive.
Attempting to shift again, she blushed, awkwardly saying, "It's late. Your health is just improving. You should sleep. I'll leave first."
Her flushed eagerness to escape lifted Lou Xiyan's spirits. A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes, but when he looked up again, his expression softened into tender concern.
"You're not afraid I might suddenly fall ill tonight?" he murmured.