The three of them were settled in the side chambers behind the main hall. Once Mother Cui led them to their quarters, she hurried off in high spirits to report to the Emperor, leaving them to settle in on their own.
Nan Xueyin claimed a room for herself and stood in the center, casting a glance around.
"Thud!"
Suddenly, a heavy sound of a door being slammed echoed from next door.
As per Xiao Youlan’s instructions, Hantao and Linglang were kept on to serve, placing them in a slightly lower position, which meant they had to share a room.
Hantao, feeling resentful, shoved the door open and sneered, "Some people love to put on airs—always keeping a cold face and acting like a mistress. I wonder if she really thinks she’s about to fly up to the branches and turn into a phoenix."
Linglang chimed in, "Hardly likely. She’s... she’s just a bedchamber attendant, not even the lowest-ranking concubine."
Hantao laughed. "Exactly. You know it too—just a bedchamber attendant."
She raised her voice, clearly aiming it at Nan Xueyin’s room. "No better than an ordinary palace maid. Who knows if she'll even get to attend to the Crown Prince? Don't get too smug too early!"
Nan Xueyin didn't even blink.
Dealing with the two of them would be as easy as flicking a finger; even if she killed them, it wouldn't be traced back to her. But as a top-tier assassin, Nan Xueyin only took jobs for high prices, unless it was for Prince Duan. As for these two? They weren't worth the effort.
Right now, her priority was to dispel any lingering suspicions in the Crown Prince's mind.
She sat at the vanity beneath the window and looked at her reflection. This was Doukou’s face—a young girl with elegant, gentle features that were pleasant to look at. The only jarring element was her eyes. Because eyes were the hardest thing to change during a disguise, Nan Xueyin’s gaze remained sharp, like the blades she used to kill.
Nan Xueyin narrowed her eyes, and the sharpness faded.
Suddenly, she had an idea.
Later that evening, Mother Cui returned from the Emperor and headed straight to Nan Xueyin's room.
"The Crown Prince has been busy all day, and it's getting late. Doukou, bring some tea and refreshments and go see His Highness!"
Nan Xueyin replied, "Mother, I cannot go. My period has started."
Mother Cui’s smile froze instantly. "What?!"
Taking a closer look, the young girl sitting quietly in the room did indeed have pale cheeks and colorless lips.
The excuse was likely true!
Hantao and Linglang, hearing the commotion, rushed to the door to watch the drama.
Nan Xueyin caught them in her peripheral vision and continued, "I only realized when I changed my clothes just now. Mother, I truly wish to serve the Crown Prince, but in this state, I fear I would only ruin his mood."
Mother Cui gave her a look of utter frustration.
Why did it have to be today of all days? But on second thought, it was fortunate that she had admitted it herself. If she had rushed into the Crown Prince’s bed only for him to find blood during a moment of passion... not only would Doukou suffer, but Mother Cui would face severe punishment as well.
Hantao, gloating, stepped forward. "Mother, I'm not on my period. Why don't you let me go serve the Prince instead?"
Mother Cui frowned. "You?"
Hantao hurried to add, "The Prince stared at my hands for a long time today! He must like me."
Mother Cui wasn't so sure. If he had really liked her, the first thing the Crown Prince would have said was, "Keep Hantao."
"Oh, Mother," Hantao said, seeing her hesitation, and grabbed her hand, acting spoiled. "If the Prince didn't have any interest in me, he wouldn't have kept me here. I've been the most diligent in my studies, and all the palace mothers praised me! I believe that if I perform well later, the Prince will surely let me attend to him!"
Seeing her so confident, Mother Cui finally wavered and relented. "...Very well."
Hantao was instantly overjoyed. "Mother, you're the best!"
Before leaving, she glanced over and shot Nan Xueyin a look of extreme provocation, then strode away with her head held high.
The sunlight had faded outside. Nan Xueyin sat in the dim room, her eyes cold, yet a meaningful smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
***
Xiao Youlan was discussing matters with his personal guard, Shu Yu.
Mother Cui entered and said with a smile, "Your Highness, it is late. I have had some tea and snacks sent to you."
Xiao Youlan was focused on a map and did not respond.
Shu Yu rubbed his stomach. "Now that you mention it, I am actually a bit hungry."
His grandfather was the venerable General Shu, who had fought many campaigns and commanded great respect among the troops. However, Shu Yu himself lacked talent and ambition, so the Shu family had sent him to the East Palace. After spending a few years by the Crown Prince’s side, he could enter the civil service via his family’s influence. The Crown Prince was accustomed to Shu Yu and would surely promote him after ascending the throne.
Shu Yu had a straightforward personality and was as close to the Prince as siblings. Without waiting for the Prince’s response, he signaled for Mother Cui to bring the food in.
Mother Cui agreed, and Hantao, who had been waiting outside, took a deep breath, picked up the tray, and stepped inside with a graceful gait.
"My, it's rare to see such a beauty in the East Palace," Shu Yu teased. "Has the Crown Prince finally opened his eyes?"
"She was sent by the Emperor."
Xiao Youlan answered casually, raising his eyes to look at Hantao.
Hantao’s cheeks flushed with just the right amount of color, and she bent her knees to bow.
Suddenly, Xiao Youlan spoke: "You are not Doukou."
Hantao froze, her expression faltering uncontrollably.
She tried hard to regulate her breathing and looked up at the Prince with a coquettish pout. "Your Highness, I am of course not Doukou. My name is Hantao. How could you forget so quickly?"
Xiao Youlan remained expressionless.
Hantao felt rebuffed. She bit her lip and said, "Doukou is unwell today and cannot come to serve you."
"Unwell?"
"She has started her period; she is weak and her face is deathly pale. I fear she will not be able to serve you for a few days."
Xiao Youlan’s gaze was profound, but he said nothing.
"Your Highness, you have been busy all day. You must be tired and hungry. Please have some tea and snacks," Hantao said, gathering her courage to step forward. "Let me massage your shoulders to loosen your bones."
This was one of Hantao’s unique skills. Her hands were fair and slender, and her technique was excellent; not only was her massage comfortable, but watching her hands move was a delight in itself. High-ranking nobles loved this.
Hantao relied on these hands, confident that she would win over the Prince tonight.
To her surprise, Xiao Youlan spoke in a cool tone: "I kept you here to take care of Miss Doukou."
Hantao was startled.
"Since she is unwell, shouldn't you be staying by her side to look after her?"