Xia Chen sat quietly on the stool.
Warm light flickered between the gilded and painted beams.
Inside the hall, a sandalwood long table was centrally placed, covered with an exquisitely embroidered brocade tablecloth.
All around, jade screens glowed faintly, isolating the worldly clamor.
Xia Chen was alone, composed, like a deep, unfathomable pool.
Maidservants stood silently around him, refilling Xia Chen's tea, but Xia Chen did not initiate conversation, appearing exceptionally quiet.
...
"Yaochi!"
Deep within the courtyard, in a not-so-luxurious boudoir, Yaoguang sat before a dressing mirror, listening to Zi Yue's detailed report, murmuring to herself, repeating those two words.
The mirror was bronze-yellow, but the face reflected within was exquisitely flawless. Zi Yue stood behind Yaoguang, picking up a wooden comb, her three thousand strands of black hair cascading like a waterfall.
"I always feel that Consort's words had a deeper meaning. His attitude towards the words 'Heavenly Phoenix' was somewhat peculiar. I always feel as if I have no secrets before him, as if he sees right through me!"
Zi Yue's delicate brows furrowed slightly, her expression puzzled.
"It seems my Consort is even smarter than we imagined. For the past seventeen years, he has been in seclusion, biding his time, concealing his brilliance."
Yaoguang was wearing a cool undergarment, having just finished bathing. Her skin was rosy and radiant, emanating an alluring glow.
"But why? Why would Consort hide his brilliance and talent? And he's not like us?
Could it be that his situation in the Marquis Manor was not good all these years, or that someone even wanted to harm him, to nip him in the bud, which is why he was so cautious, disguising himself as a mediocre person?"
Zi Yue frowned, her voice clear yet gentle, a hint of confusion in her tone.
"Fourteen years ago, Lord Antong went to the Eastern Wilderness Battlefield and had his second son. It is said that Xia Hao was a genius, and both Lord Antong and Lady Antong adored this child, while showing indifference towards Xia Chen.
But Xia Chen is, after all, the legitimate eldest son. As long as he holds this status, the future Marquis Antong title will surely be passed down to him..."
Yaoguang's voice carried an inherent mature quality, revealing composure, steadiness, and wisdom.
Her face was like a blooming peach blossom in spring, with delicate pink cheeks, fair skin with a hint of red, every inch of her skin as warm and delicate as mutton-fat jade.
Her eyes were like shimmering autumn waters, their sparkling depths captivating one's heart.
She was breathtakingly beautiful, like a fairy stepped out of a painting, making all things in the world lose their color.
Zi Yue stood behind Yaoguang, looking at the face in the mirror—a face she had seen countless times—and still felt a little lost in thought, unable to tear her gaze away.
Finally, she came to her senses and said, "Does Princess mean that Lord Antong wants to pass the title to his younger son, Xia Hao, and Xia Chen's existence is an obstacle, so Lord Antong wants to harm Consort...?
But even a tiger doesn't eat its cubs. Even after fourteen years of not seeing him, he couldn't possibly be so ruthless, could he!"
The more Zi Yue reasoned and analyzed, the more a chill ran down her spine. Xia Chen's face appeared in her mind, and she recalled his calm and confident smile, feeling a pang of heartache. How did Consort manage to grow up safely in the Marquis Manor all these years?
He must have experienced many dangers and suffered many hardships!
No wonder he fell out with the Marquis Manor this time and moved out to separate from the family.
"I don't know the specific reason, and it's possible I guessed wrong!"
Yaoguang shook her head, a hint of confusion still lingering between her brows. She always felt that things were not that simple, and she seemed to have fallen into a certain thought trap.
"What is he doing now?"
Suddenly, Yaoguang glanced at Zi Yue in the bronze mirror, changing the subject!
"He's sitting quietly there! He doesn't look around much, nor does he ask many questions. He's just quietly sipping tea!"
"He's quite patient. I heard from General Li Wenzhong that Xia Chen enjoys reading military treatises, has a calm demeanor, and possesses the bearing of a great general. Seeing him today, it truly is so!"
Yaoguang revealed a slight smile.
"Zi Yue, what do you think of Xia Chen?"
"General Li speaks highly of Consort. The rumors in the capital can be deceiving, but General Li is loyal to Princess and would clearly not deceive her.
I have seen Consort twice. Although I don't know if Consort possesses military genius, he is indeed different from ordinary people, certainly not a mediocre person!"
Zi Yue was silent for a moment, pondering as she dressed Yaoguang's hair.
Yaoguang did not immediately reply to Zi Yue's words, and silence filled the room.
After a long while, Yaoguang finally nodded.
"Perhaps he can be won over. He might truly become my husband in the future. Some matters are destined to involve him."
In Yaoguang's intelligent, beautiful eyes, there was a thoughtful expression.
"Oh, and by the way, let's try not to contact General Li Wenzhong in the future. Now that he has been promoted to Dragon Martial Guard General, his status is ultimately different from before.
My Imperial Father is prone to suspicion and will definitely send people to watch General Li Wenzhong, to see if he has contact with others... We need to be a little careful!"
"Yes, Princess. I will reduce contact, unless there is a major event or change that requires General Li. Otherwise, I will absolutely not activate General Li as a hidden piece!"
Zi Yue's expression was serious, clearly aware of the stakes involved.
"Bring me that Phoenix Jade Hairpin. I'll wear that one today!"
Suddenly, Yaoguang looked at her exquisite face in the bronze-yellow mirror and spoke.
"Didn't Princess say that hairpin was too flamboyant and that you wanted to be more discreet?"
Zi Yue was a little surprised. This hairpin was bestowed by the current Emperor and was famous throughout the Great Wu Dynasty. It was said that Emperor Wu Zong had obtained a peculiar precious jade, entirely crimson, as if stained with phoenix blood. Emperor Wu Zong was overjoyed upon acquiring this precious jade.
He invited the most renowned jade craftsman in the land and the contemporary Celestial Master to meticulously carve and polish it together.
The first owner of this Phoenix Jade Hairpin was Emperor Wu Zong's empress.
And now, this hairpin had been passed down in the imperial family for 600 years.
When Princess Yaoguang was 16, Emperor Wen bestowed this hairpin upon Yaoguang, but to this day, Yaoguang had only worn it once.
Today, she wanted to wear it again!
"I don't have many hair ornaments or decorations that are presentable; only this hairpin. It's perfect for adding a touch of embellishment."
Zi Yue revealed a slight smile, saying no more, and rose to retrieve the hairpin.
She knew perfectly well that Princess was naturally beautiful, and to conceal her brilliance, Princess had not worn any accessories since she was 15.
This was to give other young ladies and noblewomen a chance.
However, there were still plenty of accessories in the Princess Manor. Princess specifically wearing this Phoenix Jade Hairpin today clearly showed how much she valued it.
With gentle movements, Zi Yue took out a hairpin from a jade box.
This hairpin was entirely crimson, its body exquisitely carved, with every detail of the phoenix feathers distinct, as if it could transform into a phoenix reborn from fire at any moment, full of spiritual energy.
"Princess, your entire demeanor changes when you wear this hairpin."
Zi Yue exclaimed, her eyes lost in admiration.
"Many talented scholars will be attending this literary gathering, so it needs to be taken a bit seriously."
Yaoguang observed herself in the mirror, speaking to herself, yet it also seemed as if she was deliberately explaining to Zi Yue.
"I think you're wearing it specifically to see Consort, aren't you!"
Upon hearing this, Zi Yue directly exposed and teased Yaoguang. Their relationship was very close, so they had no inhibitions.
Yaoguang's ears flushed slightly upon hearing this, but she quickly hid it, her eyes returning to their calm state.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Go quickly and check on Xia Chen. He's been waiting so long. Don't let him say I neglected him. I'll be right there!"
Yaoguang gently pushed Zi Yue, who, with a smile in her eyes, slowly exited the room.
...