Strategy of Winning Hearts Comes First

This matter requires careful consideration; I must return to Emerald Palace immediately. I have already been away for some time under the pretense of an upset stomach, and if Zhang Bitong inquires, it will be difficult to explain.

Yet, upon my return, I discovered that Zhang Bitong was not in the palace.

Only Hongxiu was present in the courtyard.

“Is Her Ladyship not here, Sister Hongxiu?” I asked.

As soon as Hongxiu saw me, she stood up and walked away, leaving only a faint remark, “Her Ladyship has gone to the Eastern Palace with Aunt Yunqing and the others.”

“Thank you, Sister Hongxiu. Did Her Ladyship leave any instructions?”

Hongxiu glanced at me, as if she had something to say, but then replied, “No, just wait here.”

“Very well.”

And so, I waited at Emerald Palace. Han Feiyue’s commotion in the Eastern Palace was no small matter—surely the entire inner court was in uproar. Many likely went just to watch the spectacle.

The first to return was Yunqing, but Zhang Bitong was not with her.

“Aunt Yunqing,” I greeted her as she entered.

“Little Xiao, you’re back.”

“Where is Her Ladyship?”

“At present, Her Ladyship is accompanying the Empress Dowager at Cining Palace to offer comfort. I returned ahead of them. Little Luzi and Lanyan are still there to attend to them.”

“Aunt Yunqing, you must be tired. Please have some tea,” I said, quickly pouring her a cup of hot tea.

Yunqing sat down and took a sip, sighing, “This matter has truly put both the Empress Dowager and His Majesty in a difficult position.”

“Did His Majesty lose his temper?”

She put down her cup and replied, “Not quite. His Majesty is fond of Miss Feiyue and feels guilty toward the Han family. Forcing Miss Feiyue to become the crown princess is indeed putting her in a difficult spot.”

“So now, does His Majesty intend to cancel the marriage because of her outburst?” I wondered if Han Feiyue’s actions had taken His Majesty by surprise; not everything can be anticipated, for the human heart is the hardest to fathom.

“His Majesty said that if Miss Feiyue refuses, she will not be forced. The Empress Dowager also spoke to her, then took her to Cining Palace.”

“And now?”

“It was just idle talk among the servants. Miss Feiyue didn’t really cause a great scene in the Eastern Palace. It turns out she went to speak plainly with the Crown Prince: if he could defeat her, she would agree to marry him; if not, the matter would be dropped. So, they sparred in the courtyard. The eunuchs, not knowing the reason, thought they were truly fighting and alarmed everyone. But with so many watching, it was hard to retreat. Both the Crown Prince and Miss Feiyue then publicly opposed the marriage. The Empress said little, only watching to see if Lady Meng would object, but Lady Meng remained silent as well.”

At that time, with the Empress Dowager and His Majesty present, Liu Yunmeng would not dare overstep her bounds.

“His Majesty worried the Empress Dowager might be unable to handle the situation alone, given her age, so he had Her Ladyship and Lady Meng accompany her to Cining Palace to counsel Miss Feiyue.”

At this, I recalled that yesterday Zhang Bitong had asked Yunqing to persuade Han Feiyue. I wondered whether Han Feiyue sought out Long Zhan before or after Yunqing’s attempt.

“I remember you went to speak with Miss Feiyue yesterday, Aunt Yunqing. Was it of any effect?”

Yunqing shook her head. “I ran into her outside, but she already knew why I’d come and cut me off before I could speak. Miss Feiyue is clever and strong-willed. I could do no more for Her Ladyship.”

“You’ve done your best, Aunt Yunqing. Her Ladyship must know that.”

“To serve one’s master, effort is not enough; most care only for results. Who among them spares a thought for the process?”

I fell silent.

Yunqing rose and said, “I’ll go make some soup for Her Ladyship in the kitchen. She’ll be chilled when she returns. You wait here; Hongxiu will help me.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Yunqing called Hongxiu to the kitchen, leaving me at the entrance to wait.

It was cold outside; I rubbed my hands for warmth. As I turned, a figure in crimson caught my eye.

I hurried forward to greet her. “Greetings, Miss Feiyue.”

“Is Aunt Yunqing here?” Han Feiyue’s eyes were red-rimmed, as if she had just been crying.

“Aunt Yunqing is in the kitchen. Shall I fetch her for you?”

As I turned to go, Han Feiyue stopped me. “Wait.”

I paused and turned back. “Is there something you wish, Miss?”

“Are you close with Long Zhan?” she asked unexpectedly.

I was momentarily stunned but replied, “I am not close with Lord Long.”

“Really? That’s not what it looked like earlier. I know Long Zhan’s character—he is always reserved and rarely close to anyone. Even after all these years, he keeps his distance from me.”

I said, “Miss, you misunderstand. Lord Long keeps his distance from me as well.”

“Don’t lie to me. I trust what I see. I know Long Zhan—he treats you differently.”

“You are mistaken, Miss.”

“Then come with me to see Long Zhan.”

“Miss, I—”

“Miss Feiyue?” Yunqing emerged at that moment and walked quickly over.

“Aunt Yunqing.”

“Come inside, it’s cold. Little Xiao, bring Miss Feiyue some hot tea.”

“Yes!”

I poured a cup of tea and brought it in; Yunqing and Han Feiyue were already seated.

“Is Her Ladyship still at Cining Palace?”

“My royal grandmother seems to have been upset by me. Lady Tong and Lady Meng are both there, comforting her.”

“Is the Empress Dowager’s health otherwise well?”

“Grandmother is old—it was my fault for worrying her.”

“She will understand. But what brings you to see me today, Miss?”

“Aunt, I wish to speak with you.”

“Of course, please do.”

Han Feiyue hesitated, then asked, “If you were in my place, would you be willing to become the crown princess?”

“In my heart, I do not wish to see you wronged. But in reason, if you became the crown princess, His Majesty and the Empress Dowager would both be pleased. The Empress Dowager, perhaps more than anyone, hopes you will remain in the palace and become even closer to her. If you agree now, the matter will be settled. Otherwise, tomorrow’s court will be full of talk, and it is His Majesty and the Empress Dowager—who care for you—who will be troubled.”

I listened to Yunqing’s gentle persuasion, inwardly admiring her. She did not appeal to the position but to emotion, invoking His Majesty and the Empress Dowager, making Han Feiyue hesitate. For all her boldness, Han Feiyue is not without feeling; she knows who truly cares for her. How could she suspect Yunqing is only speaking on Lady Zhang’s behalf?

Han Feiyue lowered her gaze, silent for a while, then nodded. “You’re right, Aunt. But this concerns my entire life. I cannot marry someone I do not love.”

Yunqing patted her hand in comfort. “I understand. It is indeed unfair to you. You are young, hoping to find someone your heart desires, not one chosen for you. If I were in your place, I too would find it hard to choose. Only you can weigh what matters most.”

“I understand.” Han Feiyue stood and said, “I’ll think it over. I should return and see my grandmother. Thank you, Aunt, for your counsel.”

“There’s no need for thanks.”

She straightened her dress and turned to me. “You are called Little Xiao?”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Accompany me to Cining Palace, will you? Lady Tong is there, isn’t she?”

I glanced at Yunqing. She said, “It’s snowing again—hold an umbrella for Miss Feiyue.”

“Yes.”

I took an oil-paper umbrella and sheltered Han Feiyue as we left Emerald Palace.

On the way, Han Feiyue asked, “How did you come to know Long Zhan?” She wanted me along only to learn more about him.

I replied, “When I first entered the palace, I knew nothing and made mistakes, for which I was punished. Once, Lord Long happened upon me and ordered the guards to take me back.”

“And just like that, he helped you?”

“Perhaps I looked pitiful, and Lord Long took pity on me.”

She laughed. “You don’t know Long Zhan. He never feels pity. All he cares for is the safety of the palace and His Majesty. Otherwise, after so many years by his side, would he treat me so coldly?”

“Perhaps Lord Long is not good at expressing himself. I think, given your special status, Lord Long may have his difficulties.”

She fixed her gaze on me, her eyes bright with hope. “Do you mean to say that Long Zhan actually—”

I bowed. “I dare not presume. For now, you should see the Empress Dowager. If she falls ill from anger, nothing else will matter.”

She tilted her chin at me. “Little Xiao, you are quite interesting. A most unusual little eunuch. Very well, I’ll see Grandmother and settle things first; only then can I persuade His Majesty and the Empress Dowager to change their minds.”

“Miss, you are wise.”

I held the umbrella over Han Feiyue, snow settling on her hem in a thin layer. The snow grew heavier, icy flakes melting through my clothes, chilling me to the bone.

“Han Feiyue, stop right there!”