Unexpectedly, it even evoked a certain charm.

I hadn’t expected my idea, which was merely a sudden inspiration, to excite Zhang Bitong so much. To her, though it was risky, if it succeeded, it would certainly outshine all others. She immediately ordered me to prepare everything with her, working tirelessly.

Whether the plan would succeed was still uncertain.

On my way back to Cuiwei Palace that day, I ran into Xiao Dezi rushing past.

“Xiao Xiaozi, it’s so good to see you here.”

“Why are you in such a hurry? Where are you headed?” Xiao Dezi grabbed my arm, panting. “It’s all because of our master.”

“The Crown Prince?”

“Yes, exactly. He drank a lot in the palace today, and no matter how I tried to dissuade him, he wouldn’t listen. I couldn’t possibly alarm the Emperor with this matter. So I went to find the Fourth, Sixth, and Ninth Princes to persuade him. Since you’re here, go call the Ninth Prince for me, and I’ll fetch the Fourth and Sixth.”

“All right, I’ll go now.”

I agreed and hurried towards Jiang Xuan’s quarters. Yet as soon as I entered the palace, I hesitated, my foot hovering in mid-air. The incident last time had passed a few days ago. During those days, not seeing Jiang Xuan had eased much of my embarrassment. Now, facing him again, I wondered how I should act.

It was only because the matter was urgent and Xiao Dezi’s request so pressing that I didn’t think twice before agreeing. Now I was starting to regret it.

“Xiao Xiaozi, are you here to see the Ninth Prince?” While I was still wavering, a palace maid spotted me. I had no choice but to go ahead. Sooner or later, I would have to face him. Zhang Bitong was Jiang Xuan’s mother, and in Cuiwei Palace, both Jiang Xuan and I saw each other often. There was nowhere to hide.

“Yes, is the Ninth Prince inside?”

“He is.”

“Good.”

I walked to the door, paused, and then said, “Ninth Prince, it’s Xiao Xiaozi.”

“What is it?” Jiang Xuan’s voice came from inside.

“There’s word from the Eastern Palace; the Ninth Prince is needed there.” With others present, I couldn’t mention Jiang Yun’s drunkenness outright.

After a moment, the door opened, and Jiang Xuan appeared before me in bright purple robes, as handsome and cold as ever.

Seeing him, I lowered my head slightly and stood bowed.

“Xiao Xiaozi!” Jiang Xuan suddenly called my name.

“I am here.” I had to lift my head a little.

“You—” Jiang Xuan paused, his gaze flickering to the palace maids and eunuchs in the courtyard. He changed his tone. “Come with me to the Eastern Palace; I have something to say to you.”

“Yes!”

Following Jiang Xuan toward the Eastern Palace, he suddenly stopped and turned. I nearly bumped into him, quickly stepping back, silent.

“Xiao Xiaozi!” Jiang Xuan called my name again, sharply.

“I am here!”

“Have you breathed a word about what happened that day?”

So Jiang Xuan was still troubled by that matter. I quickly replied, “Not a single word, Your Highness. Though I am dull, I know the gravity of the situation. Some things must never be spoken, even at the cost of my life.”

“Hmph. If you tell anyone, and it becomes known that I, a prince, was kissed by a eunuch—a eunuch!—I’d become the laughingstock of everyone.” Jiang Xuan finally managed to say those words, though with difficulty.

Though I understood his concern and wished to assure him he was worrying too much—for I am a woman, after all!—seeing him so awkward, I actually found him endearing. With that thought, my expression slipped, and my lips curled into a smile.

“Xiao Xiaozi, are you laughing?”

I quickly composed myself, eyes wide and denying, “No, Your Highness, I am not!”

“You are! I saw it.”

I protested sincerely, “Truly, Your Highness, I am not!”

Jiang Xuan, annoyed, swept his sleeve and said coldly, “Remember what I told you.”

With that, he strode to the Eastern Palace. I followed, saying, “Rest assured, Your Highness, every word is etched in my heart.”

We soon arrived at the Eastern Palace, where Jiang Ye and Jiang Chen had already arrived. As I followed Jiang Xuan inside, Jiang Ye blocked my way.

“Not just anyone can enter here, can they? This isn’t a matter to boast about. Ninth Brother, are you bringing your servant in for amusement?”

Jiang Chen, sensing the awkwardness, interjected, “Fourth Brother, Ninth Brother only meant well, coming to see Third Brother. Don’t say such things.”

“Wait outside,” Jiang Xuan said quietly to me.

“Yes!” I was about to step back when the drunken Jiang Yun beckoned. “Xiao Xiaozi, come in! Come in!”

I hadn’t expected Jiang Yun to call me specifically, nor did I know why.

“Xiao Xiaozi, perhaps the Crown Prince has questions for you. Go in,” Jiang Chen said.

“Yes!” I shifted from retreat to entering.

As Jiang Chen closed the door, he told Xiao Dezi, “Stand guard. Tell the servants in the palace not to gossip, or there will be severe punishment.”

“Yes!”

Jiang Chen closed the door. Jiang Ye had already helped Jiang Yun, who had collapsed on the floor, onto the soft couch. He seated himself on a nearby chair.

Jiang Chen asked with concern, “Third Brother, what troubles you so much that you drown it in drink?”

Jiang Yun gave a bitter laugh. “Bring me wine, Fourth, Ninth—bring me wine!”

Jiang Ye said, “If you keep drinking, Father will find out. Then none of us can help you.”

Jiang Yun continued, bitterly, “It’s better if he finds out. Let him strip me of my title, even better.”

Jiang Chen was alarmed, “Third Brother, you mustn’t say such things. That’s a grave offense.”

I glanced at Jiang Ye, whose expression was inscrutable, not as concerned for Jiang Yun as Jiang Chen was. Jiang Xuan, meanwhile, remained calm and silent.

Jiang Yun, waving drunkenly, said, “What’s there not to say? This Crown Prince’s title—let whoever wants it have it. Fourth Brother, you can take it; Sixth Brother, you too. Or Ninth Brother, let it be yours.”

Jiang Chen was desperate, not knowing how to stop Jiang Yun’s rambling. Jiang Ye slowly said, “Third Brother, you can’t just designate the Crown Prince at will. It depends on whether Father consents. In my view, Third Brother, you shouldn’t worry. Soon you’ll marry two peerless beauties—what greater fortune could there be? I, too, benefit from your good fortune, having secured a lovely bride. Next year, if you work hard and marry two more, the Sixth and Ninth Brothers will find their princesses as well.”

“Fourth Brother, spare him. Third Brother is drunk; why say these things?”

“Heh.” Jiang Yun laughed self-deprecatingly. “Peerless beauties—take them all if you want, I want none. As Crown Prince, I am forced to do so many things I dislike. Marrying a Crown Princess is one thing, but now I must marry two women I do not love, one of whom is my own sister! The one I truly love I cannot see, cannot touch, while those I do not care for are pushed upon me, forced on me. Tell me, what is the good in being Crown Prince?”

Jiang Chen was speechless, unable to comfort him.

“Since ancient times, emperors have known loneliness. As heir, Third Brother, you are destined to bear this,” advised Jiang Xuan, who had been silent until now.

“Heh,” Jiang Ye laughed. “Ninth Brother, are you saying Father is lonely? You seem to know a lot.”

Jiang Xuan said nothing, unwilling to argue further.

“Ninth Brother is right,” Jiang Yun said with a bitter smile. “Born in an imperial family, there is so much helplessness. Fourth Brother, you too—because of my choice, Mother made you marry a woman you’d never met.”

Jiang Ye replied, “I must thank you, Third Brother. Your judgment is sound; I grow more fond of Ruo Qing every day. She has surprised me many times. This marriage is thanks to Third Brother. After we wed, we’ll come to the Eastern Palace to express our gratitude.”

“Is that so? Fourth Brother, then let me congratulate you on your splendid match. It seems I will be the only lonely one. Give me wine—today, let us drink together. The four brothers will not leave until drunk.”

Jiang Chen looked helplessly at Jiang Ye. “Fourth Brother, what should we do?”

Jiang Ye replied calmly, “Third Brother wants to drink—let him. Can you defy the Crown Prince’s orders?”

“Fourth Brother, don’t say such things now. Drinking only leads to these words. If he drinks more, who knows what outrageous acts he might commit.”

“Let him drink,” Jiang Xuan spoke again.

Jiang Chen stared, stunned.

“Once he drinks enough, Third Brother will be tired and sleep.”

Jiang Chen realized, “That’s an idea! Let’s make him drink more, and then put him straight to bed. Once he sleeps it off, he’ll be fine. I’ll fetch more wine.”

With that, Jiang Chen left to get wine.

“Xiao Xiaozi, let me ask you—” Jiang Yun, muddled, called for me.

“I am here.”

“Is she well now? I harmed her—is she suffering?”

He meant Xiao Ruo, of course.

Jiang Yun was a passionate soul. He’d fallen for Xue Yi at first sight, but only so far. He blamed himself for her death, so that slight affection grew into lasting guilt, rooting Xue Yi in his heart. Xiao Ruo was the same; he’d sent her to hardship in the laundry, and now he was wracked with remorse. The irretrievable loss of Xue Yi made him unable to forget Xiao Ruo.

If only Jiang Xuan were present, mentioning Xiao Ruo wouldn’t matter. But Jiang Ye was here. Last time, over Xue Yi, he had acted against me, showing himself as a sinister character. If he learned about Xiao Ruo, he would certainly pursue it relentlessly. I glanced at him, but he appeared wholly indifferent.

I said, “Your Highness, you’ve had too much to drink; I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Nonsense—I mean—”

“Your Highness!” I interrupted him. If he spoke Xiao Ruo’s name, it could implicate her—I had to stop him. Seeing Jiang Chen return, I quickly said, “Your Highness, your wine is here.”

Jiang Yun sat up, reaching out. “Wine, wine, I want wine.”

“Third Brother, drink—tonight I’ll keep you company,” Jiang Chen declared, as if resigned.

They drank two jars, and Jiang Yun was finally overcome, collapsing onto the couch, unconscious.

Jiang Chen breathed a sigh of relief. “He’s asleep at last. Fourth Brother, let’s help him to bed.”

“Xiao Xiaozi and I can manage,” Jiang Ye said suddenly. I sensed trouble but couldn’t refuse.

“Very well. Fourth Brother, I’ll leave it to you.”

I went over, Jiang Ye and I each supporting one side of Jiang Yun, carrying him behind the curtains to the large bed. After removing his shoes and covering him, I was about to rise when Jiang Ye seized my wrist and whispered, “Tell me—who is the person the Crown Prince mentioned?”