Chapter Thirty-Six: Return to the Palace

In the back garden, the snow that had fallen all night was piled up in thick layers, cloaking everything in a silvery-white, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty. Ling Zexin held a fan in his hand, his posture graceful and effortless. Today, he wore a silver-grey brocade robe with a fur-lined coat draped over his shoulders, making him appear tall and handsome, his features as refined as sculpted jade, his demeanor scholarly and elegant. No wonder Feng Yun’er found herself entranced by him.

A gifted young man and a beautiful lady, accompanied by a wintry landscape—such a scene should have been the picture of perfection. Unfortunately, Feng Yun’er, still relying on the support of a maid, limped as she walked, somewhat spoiling the view.

“Miss Yun’er, if you are unwell, you need not force yourself. Seeing you like this, how am I supposed to enjoy myself?” Ling Zexin turned his head, a look of concern on his face as he spoke to her.

“It’s nothing, I’m only worried I’ll ruin Your Highness’s enjoyment of the snow.” Seeing him so attentive, Feng Yun’er smiled softly, her heart fluttering with hope. It seemed the prince held some affection for her after all; if only she could see him a few more times, perhaps things might truly come to pass.

With such thoughts swirling in her mind, Feng Yun’er could hardly contain her delight. She had always believed Ling Zexin was wise and valiant, with remarkable bearing. Though his reputation among the princes was less than stellar, she thought that was merely a mark of a true man. All she cared for was how she might secure more opportunities to meet this dashing prince.

In truth, Ling Zexin’s main purpose in coming today was to visit Feng Qiuji. He had hoped to use the pretext of a garden stroll to comfort her, for he, being unconventional by nature, felt a certain fondness for this unruly imperial sister-in-law. Now that his elder brother had married Qin Ruyan, he feared Feng Qiuji might be feeling downcast and intended to cheer her up. Unexpectedly, Feng Qiuji had given him a thorough rebuff.

Little did he know that the girl trailing after him, Feng Yun’er, was bubbling with happiness, busily scheming how to win his heart.

“Your Highness, may I ask what you enjoy in your leisure time?” Feng Yun’er, her voice soft and sweet, seized the opportunity for casual conversation to probe Ling Zexin’s interests. If she could cater to his tastes and win his favor, so much the better.

Ling Zexin paused and then laughed. “Miss Yun’er, you’ll think me frivolous, but my greatest amusements are frequenting pleasure houses and gambling halls. When the late emperor was alive, he often scolded me for being idle and neglecting proper duties.” He had no reason to hide anything; his escapades were common knowledge, and everyone knew what kind of man he was. He felt no shame in admitting it.

Feng Yun’er found his candor even more appealing. In her eyes, a real man should be bold and forthright. Ling Zexin’s response delighted her, and she blushed prettily, then asked, “But, Your Highness, do you not have enough concubines in your household? Why visit pleasure houses?”

He laughed. “To tell you the truth, Miss Yun’er, I cherish my freedom. I have not taken any concubines.”

“That’s wonderful…” Overcome with excitement, Feng Yun’er blurted out her thoughts before she could stop herself.

Ling Zexin glanced at her curiously, noticing her cheeks flushed like peach blossoms, every movement brimming with charm. He found her somewhat odd.

Though Ling Zexin enjoyed the company of courtesans, he was rather insensitive to matters of the heart—almost obtuse. If he liked a woman, he would make his intentions clear, and none had ever rejected him. He had no idea how women showed affection for men they admired. Though Feng Yun’er was attractive, he felt nothing untoward toward her, treating her as he would anyone else.

“Oh, I only meant that Your Highness is still young; it’s only natural you haven’t taken concubines yet.” Seeing his surprise, Feng Yun’er quickly explained herself. “Forgive my impertinence, but does Your Highness have someone you care for?”

“Why? Are you planning to introduce someone suitable to me, Miss Yun’er?” Ling Zexin gave her a sidelong glance and burst out laughing. Though he had been surrounded by beautiful women, none had truly touched his heart. If anyone had piqued his interest lately, it was that little Sakura girl—she was rather intriguing.

“Your Highness jests. I was only making conversation.” Feng Yun’er’s joy was plain to see; if he was open to introductions, then surely he was unattached. This was even better.

“It is a pleasure talking with you, Miss Yun’er.” Ling Zexin had met countless noblewomen, some dignified and graceful, others cold and aloof. This was the first time, however, that one had so boldly asked about his private affairs. Another man might have felt uncomfortable, but Ling Zexin was unconcerned with such things and cared little for decorum.

“Is that so?” Feng Yun’er’s joy grew even greater. “Then, may I visit your residence from time to time when I am free?”

“You are welcome anytime,” Ling Zexin replied with a smile. He was easygoing by nature and saw no reason to object.

Feng Yun’er was nearly bursting with joy; she could hardly keep from jumping for glee. In her mind, the prince must truly be interested in her—half the work was done! It would not be long before she could marry into the prince’s household.

As the prime minister’s daughter, a lady of high birth, it was not the prince’s status or wealth that drew her. It was simply that she had fallen for Ling Zexin at first sight. She only wished to marry him, to see her beloved day and night.

How could she know that Ling Zexin had barely spared her a thought?

“It’s getting late. Since you are injured, Miss Yun’er, you should rest. I must take my leave,” Ling Zexin said. Without Feng Qiuji’s company, he found the garden stroll dull and had no interest in lingering.

Though reluctant to see him go, Feng Yun’er could not bring herself to ask him to stay and could only let him leave.

Ling Zexin headed for the main hall, where he found Feng Qiuji already packed and waiting. She had brought little with her when she returned to her family home, hoping for a settlement from Ling Zetian. Now that she was returning to the palace, there was little to prepare.

“Sister-in-law, why do you look so pale? Are you unwell?” Ling Zexin regarded her with some concern.

“Enough with the questions. Let’s go.” Feng Qiuji was anxious about how to deal with Qin Ruyan upon her return. They would now have to share the same roof, and with Qin Ruyan present, it would be even harder to see Ling Zetian. She would truly be a lonely, resentful consort in the deep palace. The title of Empress sounded enviable, but in truth, it was nothing to boast of. She could not understand why Ling Zetian had not yet deposed her.

“Oh.” Feng Qiuji’s sour mood affected Ling Zexin as well, leaving him out of sorts. He felt she was unusually irritable today, her words sharp as if she had swallowed gunpowder, her tone far from pleasant.

A woman’s heart is as unfathomable as the sea, and he had never tried to understand it. Never mind—he would just make sure to get Feng Qiuji back to the palace; his brother was waiting for his report.

Outside the prime minister’s residence, a splendid carriage awaited—clearly Ling Zexin’s, as anyone could tell.

In ancient times, carriages were like today’s automobiles, much prized, and only the wealthy and powerful possessed them. Ordinary folk could never afford such a conveyance. The ornate curtains, the polished wheels, the fine horses—only someone as fond of luxury as Ling Zexin would bother with such extravagance.

Feng Qiuji climbed in and immediately chose a seat by the window, turning her face away to gaze at the scenery outside, refusing to speak to Ling Zexin.

Someone like Ling Zexin could not abide such silence, so he racked his brains for a topic of conversation.

“Sister-in-law, how did you come to know Sakura?”

“Why do you ask?” At the mention of Sakura, Feng Qiuji turned to give him a sidelong glance. “Why are you so interested in her?”

“I’m not interested—just curious. She seems rather endearing at times.”

Endearing, indeed!

Ling Zexin actually used the word “endearing” to describe Sakura! Feng Qiuji turned to scrutinize him closely, making sure he hadn’t lost his mind, before coolly remarking, “You think she’s beautiful and now you’re lusting after her, aren’t you?”

“Sister-in-law, is that really what you think of me?” Ling Zexin sounded genuinely aggrieved.

“No, my impression of you was much worse to begin with!” Unsparing as ever. “The Sakura family is, after all, quite distinguished. Sakura Xuan Yu, you, and my husband all grew up together. If you’re thinking of toying with the younger sister, that’s hardly honorable!”

“Don’t you think your imagination is running a little wild? I merely mentioned Sakura, and you jump to all these conclusions.”

“If you didn’t have such thoughts, why bring her up at all?”

The carriage rolled on, gradually entering the palace grounds. After a brief stay at her family home, Feng Qiuji had returned to this place she both loved and hated.

“Summon Eunuch Sun to the prime minister’s residence with my decree: the Empress is to return to the palace at once.” Ling Zetian sat before a pile of memorials, unable to concentrate on his work. The thought of Feng Qiuji running off on her own inexplicably infuriated him.

“Your Majesty, the Empress has already returned and is waiting outside the hall.”

Ling Zetian raised his head, a flash of delight in his eyes, though his expression remained cold. “Let her come in.”

“Your Majesty.” Feng Qiuji’s emotions were tumultuous as she knelt low before Ling Zetian, bowing her head so deeply she hardly knew how to face him.

“If I hadn’t sent for you, would you have ever come back?” Ling Zetian looked at her, his feelings conflicted.

“I acknowledge my fault, Your Majesty.”

As soon as Feng Qiuji admitted her mistake, Ling Zetian found himself at a loss for words. He had intended to depose her after marrying Qin Ruyan, but now, faced with the moment, he realized he could not bear to. He stared intently at the woman kneeling before him. Did she truly feel nothing about his marriage to Qin Ruyan? Could she sincerely offer them her blessing?

He suddenly stepped forward, taking her chin in his pale fingers, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Do you truly understand the mistake you’ve made?”

Feng Qiuji frowned slightly, her lips pressed tight as she met his icy eyes in silence.

In truth, she did not know how to face Ling Zetian.

Seeing the trace of pain flicker across her features, Ling Zetian released her. “Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Feng Qiuji stood.

But just as she did so, Ling Zetian caught a faint whiff of wine on her breath. His expression grew even colder. “You drank last night?”

Feng Qiuji smiled. “Is this really all Your Majesty wishes to discuss?”

Her smile stung him. “I won’t let you leave,” he said. Even he did not notice the petulance that crept into his normally cold voice.

“I understand.” Feng Qiuji did not ask for a reason; she knew that the emperor never needed one. “Return to your chambers,” he said, as if realizing the weakness of his reasoning, waving her away.