Lou Xiyan remained silent for a moment. The Empress Dowager was in no rush, leisurely gazing at a nearby pond dotted with delicate lotus flowers, patiently awaiting his reply. At that moment, the door of Lanyue Pavilion suddenly opened. All eyes turned toward it, and a woman in simple attire emerged, her face still bearing the traces of sleep. Though her clothes were neat and proper, her long hair hung loose down her back, and her eyes were half-closed, giving her an air of languid ease. Anyone not blind could tell she had just awoken and had clearly not rested well the night before.
Zhuo Qing had spent last night with her back turned to Lou Xiyan, listening to his uneven breathing while remaining motionless, not knowing how long it took her to finally fall asleep. Half-awake, she heard the commotion outside. Stepping out, she was met with a sea of staring eyes. It was neither proper to walk forward nor to retreat; hesitantly, she gave a small wave, ignoring the various gazes—some surprised, some resentful, others scornful or covetous—and greeted casually, "Good morning, everyone."
Lou Xiyan chuckled. "Almost noon, and you call this morning?" He waved gently at her and called out, "Ling'er, come here."
Xiaolian could sense that ever since the woman named Ling'er stepped out of the Lou Xiang's chamber, the princess's body had trembled violently. Even through the sheer veil, she could clearly see the princess biting her lip, her complexion pale as paper.
Squinting slightly, Zhuo Qing finally discerned the group standing before the Star-Gazing Pavilion—it was the Empress Dowager and the princess. She crossed the winding Nine-Curve Bridge with poise and arrived beside Lou Xiyan. Slightly awkward, Zhuo Qing bowed lightly and said, "Empress Dowager, Princess, my humble greetings." Was that the proper phrase?
"Rise," came the reply.
Qingling was undoubtedly favored, but the Empress Dowager, having witnessed countless privileges within the palace, knew such indulgences were fleeting. Her complexion had long returned to normal as she chuckled lightly, "I was wondering why Ling'er was nowhere to be found earlier. Since Xuany'er will be residing at the Xiang residence, and you two are of similar age, you can look after each other and ease the loneliness. Your days together will be long indeed."
Was this a subtle hint? Or a veiled threat? Zhuo Qing shrugged indifferently and replied, "The princess is a precious treasure. I merely enjoy playing with the bones of the deceased and wouldn't want to frighten her."
Though Zhuo Qing spoke lightly, Yan Ruxuan's knees weakened. Just hearing Zhuo Qing's descriptions through the curtains last time nearly made her faint. How could anyone enjoy playing with human bones? It was terrifying! Not only did Yan Ruxuan grow weak-kneed, but everyone except Lou Xiyan also stiffened. Lou Xiyan merely shook his head indulgently and asked, "Ling'er, the princess favors this courtyard and wishes to recuperate at the Star-Gazing Pavilion. Will you vacate it for her recovery?"
He wanted her to move? Raising an eyebrow, Zhuo Qing refrained from objecting and magnanimously responded, "As you wish." He'd better have a good explanation later, or—hmph! Zhuo Qing's warning glance was unmistakable.
Without keeping her waiting, Lou Xiyan smiled softly, "Jingsa, order the servants to pack Ling'er's belongings and move her to Lanyue Pavilion, so the princess can rest early."
"Yes, sir." Jingsa bowed and left.
Originally somewhat satisfied with Lou Xiyan's response, the Empress Dowager's face immediately darkened upon hearing his next words. Behind the sheer veil, tears streamed down the princess's delicate face. She did not understand—if he allowed her to recuperate at the Xiang residence, why wound her so cruelly?
Swallowing the bitterness in her heart, Yan Ruxuan said calmly, "Mother, please return to the palace early. I am weary and wish to rest. Everyone may withdraw."
After Yan Ruxuan left, the Empress Dowager no longer concealed her displeasure. She approached Lou Xiyan coldly, "Take good care of Xuany'er, do you understand?"
Lou Xiyan smiled faintly, clasped his fists in salute, and replied loudly, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. I shall endeavor to care for the princess's health."
But it was care befitting a subject to a royal family member—nothing more, nothing less.
The Empress Dowager gritted her teeth silently but said no more, turning to leave the Star-Gazing Pavilion. "Lou Xiyan, this is your final chance. If you mistreat Xuany'er, do not blame me for being merciless!" With righteous fury, she departed. Xue Xian hastened after her, calling out anxiously, "Seeing off the Empress Dowager."
Lou Muhai cast a cold glance at Zhuo Qing but said nothing as he exited the pavilion.
Lou Xiwu, having witnessed the spectacle, gave Zhuo Qing a thumbs-up and laughed playfully before dashing out.
Zhuo Qing stretched innocently. Early risers catch the worm, but she was an early worm caught by the birds. Why bother waking so early? She muttered silently to herself.
The noon sun dazzled painfully, hardly qualifying as early.
Lou Xiyan's hand found hers again, cool and comforting, leading her back to Lanyue Pavilion. The Empress Dowager left several guards and maids to attend the princess. Countless eyes watched the courtyard, making Zhuo Qing somewhat uneasy. Yet Lou Xiyan was unbothered. What was there to fear? Allowing him to lead her, they walked shoulder to shoulder along the winding Nine-Curve Bridge.
"Did you sleep well last night?" Lou Xiyan asked softly, reluctant to disturb her peaceful slumber earlier.
"Not really," Zhuo Qing answered without wishing to elaborate. "It was okay."
Lou Xiyan sighed deeply, "I didn't sleep well either. I'm rather worried."
"Why?" she asked, startled. Had he suffered an episode last night, and she hadn't noticed?
"I fear…" He paused deliberately, then whispered in her ear, "Before our wedding night, I might collapse from exhaustion or overexcitement."
"You…" Realizing his meaning, Zhuo Qing laughed in disbelief.
They sat together on a stone bench by the lotus pond. Lou Xiyan's tone turned serious, "I've suddenly changed my mind—I want to marry you before the celebration."
He sensed the Empress Dowager would not relent. He did not want to lose her and thought an early wedding would prevent needless complications.
Zhuo Qing shook her head, smiling, "You're so busy now; don't distract yourself with these thoughts. As long as we're determined to be together, whether we marry or not makes no difference to me. I don't care."
Marriage was merely a formality. Even if wed, their bond might not withstand the trials ahead, and separation could be inevitable.
She was no fool. The Empress Dowager's intentions were transparent. Lou Xiyan's wish to marry now might only be to provoke her ire. She did not want him to fight a battle he could not win.
Tightly holding her hand, Lou Xiyan frowned, "I care."
He wanted her as his lawful wife. His deep, tender gaze conveyed profound affection. Though his grip was firm enough to cause pain, she felt his sincerity and squeezed his hand back.
"Are you going out later?" she asked, clearly trying to divert the subject.
Lou Xiyan did not press further, replying, "Yes. I'll likely only return late at night these days."
The celebration was imminent, and affairs were endless. He also wished to avoid Yan Ruxuan to minimize trouble.
Nodding knowingly, Zhuo Qing smiled, "I understand. You focus on your duties; I won't let myself be bored."
As if on cue, Mo Bai's tall figure hurried toward Lanyue Pavilion and announced, "Mistress, Miss Qingmo has arrived."
Indeed, she would never be lonely.
Lou Xiyan gently released her hand, smiling, "Very well, I'm off. You two sisters have a good chat."
"Mm." Gu Yun's visit likely signaled progress on the case.
Entering Lanyue Pavilion, Gu Yun found Zhuo Qing with her hair loose, chin resting on her hand, her face marked by weariness.
Sitting on the stone bench, Gu Yun teased, "Another sleepless night?"
"Mm." Zhuo Qing nodded candidly instead of denying it, muffling a sigh, "The coming days will be quite eventful, I suppose."
The Star-Gazing Pavilion stood so close to Lanyue Pavilion, and with the princess living there, encounters would be inevitable. It was awkward, and she couldn't just abandon Lou Xiyan.
Gu Yun raised an eyebrow, curious, "Did I miss something? Wasn't there talk of a sweet wedding last night, and now the mood's changed by morning?"
Zhuo Qing shook her head, glancing toward the Star-Gazing Pavilion with a smile, "No, the real drama has just begun!"
Following her gaze, Gu Yun saw four tall, imposing men clad in fitted armor standing before the courtyard, swords at their waists. Two young girls dressed as maids stood guard at the doorway.
Frowning, Gu Yun asked, "What's going on?"
Zhuo Qing gave a sheepish shrug, resignedly saying, "It's complicated. Simply put, the princess of Qiongyue secretly adores Lou Xiyan. Upon hearing about his impending marriage, she attempted suicide by hanging in the palace but was rescued. The Empress Dowager tried to have Lou Xiyan marry her daughter, but he refused. Now the princess is assigned to recuperate at the Xiang residence. I suspect it's a ploy—either to gain favor or to force the issue."
Hearing this, Gu Yun laughed heartily, "So, you've got a rival in love!"
Gu Yun's laughter was wild, and Zhuo Qing couldn't help but chuckle softly herself, "I suppose so."
Falling in love for the first time, who could have foreseen such complications? Surely, there would be many trials ahead.
A faint bitterness colored her smile. Gu Yun comforted her, "Lou Xiyan is exceptional. Having a princess vying for him is proof enough. Stay confident."
Zhuo Qing sighed, "I will."