Chapter Twenty-Eight: Setting the Wedding Date

In the Prince Yi’s residence, Yun Yan Yi was in his study, discussing recent court affairs with his advisers. Suddenly, the guard Leng Feng knocked urgently at the door. “Your Highness, I have important news to report.”

“That will be all for today. Sir, you may take your leave,” Yun Yan Yi said gently.

The adviser bowed and exited, nearly bumping into Leng Feng at the threshold. After a brief exchange of courtesies, Leng Feng stepped inside and knelt on one knee, his head lowered in respect. “Your Highness, our spy in the Prime Minister’s mansion reports that the second young lady’s face is covered with red rashes and she is suffering from severe itching.”

“Who is responsible?” Yun Yan Yi’s calm, clear voice resonated above Leng Feng, his figure clad in blue robes accented at the waist by a flawless jade ornament.

“We do not know yet. I will send someone to investigate immediately.”

“No need. I already know who did it.” A look of comprehension crossed Yun Yan Yi’s eyes. He remembered well that a few days prior, Su Lilu had sneaked out with her maid to gather medicinal herbs. The symptoms now plaguing Su Baizhi matched exactly the effects of those herbs.

Yun Yan Yi’s handsome face glowed with an almost ethereal light. Leng Feng dared not look up at his master directly. When Yun Yan Yi remained silent for a long time, his brows furrowed, Leng Feng risked a glance upward. If a lady were present, she would surely wish to smooth away the prince’s worry.

The prince was pondering Su Lilu’s unusual behavior, his lips pressed in a thin line. For someone as plain and disregarded as Su Lilu to possess such knowledge—could she have a skilled mentor guiding her from the shadows? Yet, Yun Yan Yi quickly dismissed the notion, rubbing his temples. If Su Lilu truly had such a patron, she would not have humbled herself so much.

“Your Highness, what troubles you?” Leng Feng finally ventured, unable to contain his concern at Yun Yan Yi’s unusual silence.

“It’s nothing. You may go,” Yun Yan Yi replied, his eyes chilling slightly. Su Lilu had crossed paths with him more than once—was someone orchestrating these encounters? Yet he recalled her indifference towards currying favor, and dismissed the thought.

“As you command.” Leng Feng withdrew, glancing at the sky outside. He thought his master was acting quite strangely today. Why had news of the Prime Minister’s daughter unsettled him so? Could it be the prince harbored feelings for the second young lady of the Su family?

Yun Yan Yi was unaware that his subordinate had already linked his odd behavior to Su Baizhi. In truth, it was Su Lilu who piqued his interest. A faint smile played at his lips as he mused that Su Lilu could even concoct medicines—a new curiosity glinted in his eyes.

Meanwhile, the palace was abuzz with happy tidings. By imperial decree, the Emperor had selected the daughter of the Huo family as the Crown Prince Yun Fengxiao’s principal wife, with the wedding set for May next year. The Huo family was a venerable clan, their legitimate daughter both noble and worthy—a perfect match for the Crown Prince.

Yun Fengxiao expressed his gratitude with a smile, pleased at the prospect of Huo family’s support. Yet another matter soon weighed on his mood.

Prime Minister Su had privately hinted at Yun Fengxiao about his marriage to Su Baizhi. Though Yun Fengxiao’s face remained impassive, a flash of anger crossed his eyes. He had once made plans for the future with Su Baizhi, but he could not forget how she had deceived him behind his back.

“Prime Minister, what are you saying? Naturally, I wish to welcome Miss Su into the palace soon. I’ll mention it to the Emperor in a few days—it’s been delayed long enough; it’s time to set the date,” Yun Fengxiao replied smoothly, sparing the Prime Minister any embarrassment and personally helping him up when he apologized. His cordial smile never faded, only making the Prime Minister feel all the more humiliated for his daughter’s sake.

“Then I will take my leave.” Yun Fengxiao nodded, his smiling eyes watching Su Hong depart. He treated Su Hong with great courtesy, almost as if he were a cherished guest. Yet Su Hong, a veteran of court intrigues, knew it was unwise to appear too close to the Crown Prince and risk the Emperor’s suspicion.

After a moment’s reflection, Yun Fengxiao went straight to the palace to report to the Emperor. That very day, an edict was issued, setting his wedding to Su Baizhi for June.

When the imperial decree arrived at the Su residence, Su Baizhi, veiled, stepped forward to receive it. Yao Ruoshui, her mother, quickly sent a maid to slip a few silver notes to the eunuch delivering the edict, saying politely, “Just a small token for your tea, sir. I hope you won’t take offense.”

“Madam, you are too kind. Your young lady is truly fortunate. Once she becomes the Crown Prince’s consort, even we must show her respect,” the eunuch’s shrill voice caused Yao Ruoshui to force a smile.

“Please stay for a meal before you return to the palace. Our kitchen will prepare dishes you favor,” Yao Ruoshui offered.

The eunuch waved her off. “I must go to the Huo residence next to deliver another decree. Another time, Madam—I’ll gladly accept your hospitality then.”

At the mention of the Huo family, Yao Ruoshui walked with the eunuch, exchanging glances with Nanny Ping and slipping more silver into his hands. He tucked it away deftly; clearly, he was practiced in such matters. “Could you perhaps tell me what decree you are to deliver to the Huo family?” she inquired.

The eunuch’s eyes darted slyly. News would soon spread, and since he’d been well rewarded, why not do her this favor? With a smile, he replied, “Let me congratulate you first, Madam. I am going to the Huo residence to deliver a marriage decree. In the future, your young lady will have company in the Eastern Palace. I won’t stay any longer—there’s no need to see me out.”

Yao Ruoshui was stunned by the eunuch’s words. After a long silence, her voice hoarse, she turned to Nanny Ping. “Did I hear correctly? Did he say a marriage decree?”

Nanny Ping nodded gravely, her mind troubled. The Crown Prince now had a principal wife—what awaited their young lady once she entered the palace?

Su Baizhi received the edict with a smile, her thoughts consumed by how she would serve the Crown Prince once in the Eastern Palace. She was determined to win Yun Fengxiao’s heart before he married his principal wife.

When Yao Ruoshui pulled her into a room and shared the news she had gathered, the earlier joy slowly faded from Su Baizhi’s face. Clutching her mother’s hand, she asked urgently, “Mother, send someone to find out when the Crown Prince’s wedding will be held.”

Her eyes were clouded with disappointment. If the principal wife’s wedding was close to her own, she could not be certain of winning Yun Fengxiao’s affection. For the first time, Su Baizhi was restless and desperate to see the Crown Prince and question him herself.

A servant returned an hour later with the news. Mother and daughter fell silent upon hearing it. At last, Su Baizhi spoke through clenched teeth, “Mother, I will not let this go.”

Seeing her daughter so distraught, Yao Ruoshui tried to comfort her, but Su Baizhi, expression cold, paid no heed. Yao Ruoshui decided to wait for a better opportunity, but Su Baizhi would not be delayed. She sent Jinling to deliver a letter arranging a meeting with Yun Fengxiao.

Yun Fengxiao responded quickly, and they agreed to meet at a tavern. Su Baizhi made a casual excuse about going out to look at jewelry. Yao Ruoshui, knowing how much her daughter had suffered lately, agreed at once. Su Baizhi left the house with Jinling and Yinling, riding in a carriage.

When they arrived at the tavern, the driver, uneasy, tried to dissuade her. “Miss, we should go back. If Madam finds out, she’ll have my hide.”