Bai Xiyue had not expected Song Yunqing to disappear so soon after leaving Baohua Hall. Although she held Song Yunqing in contempt, she knew that Song Yunqing represented the Marquis of Yongan's Estate and, by extension, the family's reputation. If she caused trouble in the palace, it would implicate them all. Left with no choice, she did her best to search for her, intent on dragging her back.
However, as soon as she reached the Imperial Garden, a pebble was thrown at her. Bai Xiyue reacted quickly, catching it with a flick of her hand before tossing it back in the direction from which it came.
A nearby osmanthus tree shook violently, causing the blooming flowers to fall like powdered gold, releasing a heavy, intoxicating fragrance. A figure tumbled from the branches, his body dusted with petals.
"Little Yuer, we meet again."
It was His Highness Prince Ning, Li Mexiao. He was dressed in mourning clothes, yet he carried a flask of wine and reeked of it. His face held not a trace of sorrow, only smug leisure. Clearly, Li Fuyin meant nothing to him; he had no intention of wasting effort at her funeral and had gone off to find a quiet place to slack off, never expecting to run into Bai Xiyue.
Bai Xiyue seemed equally surprised to see Prince Ning here. She bowed slightly, her tone cold and distant. "This subject pays her respects to Your Highness. Might I ask if Your Highness has seen my sister?"
"I have seen no one but you," Li Mexiao replied, his gaze resting on her with keen interest. "Since you are here, Little Yuer, would you like to taste the fine vintage I have here?"
"A fine vintage? You are too kind, Your Highness." Bai Xiyue raised an eyebrow, her eyes falling on the flask. A smug smile tugged at the corners of her lips. The flask was clearly from the newly opened Qianwei Winery in the capital, and all the novel fruit wines, milk wines, and grape wines sold there were her own creations. To hear Li Mexiao praise her wine as a "fine vintage" gave her a sense of pride.
"Admitting it so quickly? The wine you brew truly has a fine flavor... though, without someone to promote it for you, it might be difficult to sell at a high price. Would you like my help?" Li Mexiao was clearly intrigued, leaning closer to her.
Bai Xiyue’s expression remained cool. She gave a cold laugh and said decisively, "I thank you for your kind offer, Your Highness, but there is no need. Since you are betrothed to my sister, you should keep your distance. Do not provoke me further; if she were to see us, I fear she would be heartbroken."
Despite these words, she made no move to distance herself from him, nor did she show any intention of leaving. After all, Li Mexiao was someone who could truly help her.
"I am indeed betrothed to your house, but the marriage contract specifies the legitimate daughter of the Marquis's estate. As the estate now has two legitimate daughters, who is to say it must be Song Yunqing who marries me?" Li Mexiao’s eyes were direct and filled with undisguised appreciation. Compared to the dull and uninteresting Song Yunqing, Bai Xiyue was not only more beautiful and lively in character, but she also possessed the wits and means to attract and assist him.
"My apologies." Bai Xiyue’s expression turned icy. She looked at Li Mexiao with stubborn determination and said, word for word, "I will never marry you. I will never compete with my sister for a man. Your Highness should abandon this thought once and for all!"
Having spoken her mind, she turned to leave with a flourish. However, no sooner had she turned than she was startled by a group of people appearing before her. Emperor Qingyuan had arrived in the Imperial Garden with a retinue of attendants, his face dark as he stared at Bai Xiyue and Li Mexiao.
"This subject pays her respects to His Majesty!"
"This brother pays his respects to the Emperor!"
Bai Xiyue and Li Mexiao, clearly caught off guard by the Emperor's sudden appearance, knelt at once. Their faces went pale, and they were filled with panic.
The Emperor’s eyes landed on the flask in Li Mexiao’s hand. Veins bulged on his forehead as he gritted his teeth. "Today is the final day of the Eldest Princess’s mourning rites... Not only do you refuse to kneel at the altar, but you are here drinking and dallying with a woman! Li Mexiao, you are truly..."
In life, Li Fuyin may have been ruthless and regarded by many as a villain, but she had never treated Li Mexiao poorly. She had even bestowed upon him his status, title, and power, elevating an illegitimate prince with no foundation to a secure position of authority in the capital. The disappointment and rage in the Emperor's eyes left him no time to notice how beautiful Bai Xiyue looked; he wanted nothing more than to rush forward and strike Li Mexiao to knock some sense—and humanity—into him.
"Your Majesty, it is a misunderstanding... I was only..." Li Mexiao was sweating profusely, desperate for an excuse but unable to conjure one.
At that moment, Bai Xiyue spoke up, remaining on her knees. "Your Majesty, you have misunderstood. My sister went to the privy due to an upset stomach and was gone for some time. I came out to search for her, but I stumbled upon Prince Ning, who was drowning his sorrows in wine. He misses the Eldest Princess dearly and was overcome with grief; he was not meeting me in private! I can swear to the heavens that I have no romantic feelings for Prince Ning!"
"Is that so? Li Mexiao! Is what she says true?" The Emperor’s expression softened slightly, though his eyes remained fixed on Li Mexiao with suppressed fury.
Li Mexiao looked up at the Emperor and gritted his teeth. "I have already given my heart to another and have an existing betrothal with my beloved. I would naturally never meet anyone else in secret."
"Is what you said... truly the truth?" A timid voice sounded from behind the Emperor.
Li Fuyin emerged from the crowd, her eyes filled with delight as she gazed at the Prince. She seemed to be suppressing her excitement as she repeated in a soft voice, "Is what you just said true, Your Highness? The beloved you spoke of... is it me?"
Li Mexiao was stunned to see her. He had not expected Song Yunqing to be here, nor that she would hear his words. But under the gaze of the crowd, having already spoken, he could not retract it. Without a moment’s hesitation, he looked toward her with feigned devotion. "Naturally it is you, Qing'er. We have long been betrothed; if it were not you, who else could it be?"
Li Fuyin lowered her head in bashful delight, playing the part of a lovestruck young woman to perfection.
Standing to the side, Lin Xun watched Li Fuyin, a faint, imperceptible smile in his eyes. He hid endless indulgence and tenderness within his gaze. To Lin Xun, Li Fuyin was adorable, spirited, and vibrant in every guise, and he could always tell at a glance what kind of mischief she was plotting.