"I don't know. I've lost my memory," Zhuo Qing replied smoothly, the excuse slipping from her lips with practiced ease. What a convenient lie this was.
"You poor child, one of these days I shall have the imperial physician examine you thoroughly," the Empress Dowager said with feigned concern.
Zhuo Qing smiled politely. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Inwardly, she was growing impatient—just how long would this tedious gathering continue?
"Qing Consort must have missed her sister dearly after all this time. Why not have Ling'er stay in the palace for a while? The two sisters could spend some quality time together," the Empress Dowager added in a seemingly affectionate tone, sending a shiver down Zhuo Qing's spine.
Before Zhuo Qing could voice her refusal, Qing Feng responded swiftly,
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your graciousness. But with the wedding fast approaching, my sister must have many preparations to attend to. Moreover, it would be improper for the wife of a high-ranking official to enter and leave the palace so freely."
"Such trivial matters are best left to the men," the Empress Dowager replied indifferently. "Still, Consort Qing raises a fair point. Here's what we'll do: since Ling'er is to wed Minister Lou, it's essential she be well-versed in court etiquette. I'll request a decree from His Majesty, permitting her to enter the palace openly to learn these rites. That way, you sisters can enjoy some time together."
"Your Majesty—"
"It's settled," the Empress Dowager said with a wave of her hand, forbidding further protest.
Qing Feng seemed ready to argue further, but Zhuo Qing signaled her with a glance to hold her tongue. After all, Qing Feng lived in the palace—antagonizing the Empress Dowager would only bring trouble.
But why was the Empress Dowager so intent on bringing her into the palace?
As Zhuo Qing pondered how to extricate herself from this precarious situation, a shrill voice echoed from the corridor:
"Her Majesty, the Eastern Empress Dowager, arrives!"
Another one?
Before the eunuch's cry faded, a woman draped in lavish dark-red robes entered the hall, flanked by maids and attendants. Her well-maintained features and statuesque figure made her appear younger than the Western Empress Dowager—perhaps just over forty. Her golden hairpins and ornate gown radiated nobility. By contrast, the Western Empress Dowager seemed plain and approachable.
Her unexpected arrival threw the gathered concubines into disarray. They quickly rose to their feet and greeted her in unison,
"Greetings, Your Majesty. May you enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
"Rise," Lou Suxin said coolly, not even glancing at the kneeling women as she made her way to Yang Zhilan.
The Western Empress Dowager stepped forward, smiling,
"Sister, what a surprise! What brings you here today?"
"I heard you were hosting a banquet in the palace. I thought I'd join the merriment," Lou Suxin replied, sweeping a glance across the room. "Where were we? Please, do continue."
Yet no one dared to answer. Everyone kept their heads lowered.
Zhuo Qing watched in curiosity—why did everyone seem so afraid of her? As she continued her silent observation, a warm hand suddenly clasped hers. She looked up to see the Western Empress Dowager gently patting her hand.
"Xiyan is to be wed soon, yet the bride remains hidden away. I insisted she be brought into the palace today, and truly, she is a fine young lady—elegant and intelligent. Just looking at her is a joy. We were just discussing having the Emperor issue a decree for Ling'er to enter the palace and study royal etiquette. It would also allow her to spend time with Qing Consort. They've both been away from home for so long; they must have much to share."
Lou Suxin's eyes merely brushed past Zhuo Qing, as if she hadn't bothered to truly look at her. With a touch of arrogance, she announced,
"Ah, that matter. A few days ago, Xiyan came to me about it himself. He's always been frail—every spring and summer his health declines. Ling'er knows acupuncture, and she can treat him when he falls ill. He pleaded with me to allow Nanny Wu to leave the palace and teach Ling'er etiquette. I couldn't refuse."
The Western Empress Dowager, ever tactful, immediately shifted her tone and smiled,
"Ah, I see. Since it concerns Xiyan's health, let us set this matter aside. Sister, since you're here, please join us for the meal."
"Gladly."
With both Empress Dowagers present, the once lively atmosphere turned stifling. Zhuo Qing, however, was relieved—at least no one would bother her now.
Under the watchful eyes of the other women, each harboring her own thoughts, Zhuo Qing finished her meal in peace.
She was led out of Xixia Palace by the Eastern Empress Dowager herself.
Zhuo Qing expected a conversation, but once outside, Lou Suxin merely gave her a glance and said,
"Xiyan is waiting for you outside the palace."
Then, with an air of elegance, she drifted away.
So she was Lou Xiyan's aunt. The thoughts of the Lou family were truly impossible to read.
An elderly maid guided Zhuo Qing out of the palace gates.
As expected, Lou Xiyan's discreet carriage stood waiting. But instead of sitting inside, he stood by it, clad in a robe of pure white that shimmered beneath the moonlight, his presence as refined and ethereal as an immortal. So perfect, it made others feel unworthy to stand beside him.
When he saw Zhuo Qing approaching, Lou Xiyan walked toward her.
"Have you waited long?" she asked.
He smiled gently, his expression as calm as ever, revealing nothing of whether he'd waited ten minutes or ten hours.
"Just a short while," he replied.
Very well, if he said so.
Standing beside the carriage were only Lou Xiyan and Mo Bai. Zhuo Qing asked, puzzled,
"Where's Qing Mo? I didn't see Gu Yun."
"She came to inform me that the Empress Dowager had summoned you, and then she left."
She had arrived in a rush, seemingly anxious, and he had assumed she would follow. But after delivering the message, she departed quietly. A truly enigmatic woman.
Zhuo Qing was hardly surprised. Gu Yun had likely seen Lou Xiyan's composure and trusted that he would find a way to bring her out safely.
Stretching her arms, Zhuo Qing said,
"It's late. Let's go home."
It had been a long, exhausting day.
As she stepped toward the carriage, Lou Xiyan suddenly grasped her wrist. She turned back, puzzled, to find him gazing at her intently.
"Don't you have something to ask me?" he said.
Zhuo Qing thought for a moment.
"What should I ask you?"
"You might be angry that I didn't come into the palace to find you, leaving you there alone for so long."
His grip on her hand tightened slightly, his deep eyes locking onto hers.
So that's what he meant. His faint anxiety amused her. She had to admit—it pleased her vanity. Still, she had no desire to play the damsel or seek pity.
With a gentle smile, she replied honestly,
"The Empress Dowager summoned me, but she meant no harm. As an official outside the palace, it would've been improper for you to enter. Had you tried to retrieve me, tongues would have wagged. You already did enough by bringing the Eastern Empress Dowager to my defense. I see no reason to be angry. Most importantly, I'm not that fragile. Those women may be vicious and cunning, but I'm no helpless little rabbit. You needn't worry about me."
Her eyes sparkled with confidence, her lips curved with a hint of amusement. In the moonlight, not a trace of fear marred her face—only dazzling self-assurance.
Perhaps he had worried too much.
Lightly lifting a lock of her hair that had fallen across her back, he twirled it around his fingers and whispered with a low chuckle,
"Indeed, my Ling'er is a little fox."
My Ling'er…
That gentle, indulgent tone—intoxicating and tender. As he played with her dark, silk-like strands, the unspoken tension between them swirled ever stronger, and her heart once again leapt uncontrollably.
Since that fleeting kiss last night, something inside her had changed.
But what was Lou Xiyan really thinking?
Would she remain in this uncertain state, always second-guessing, always reactive?
Absolutely not.
"I heard you're preparing for a wedding?" she asked, determined to make him confess first.
The texture of her hair was just as he imagined—cool and smooth as silk. Lou Xiyan, still playing with the strands, replied absentmindedly,
"I am."
Zhuo Qing gently pulled her hair back and asked, firmly,
"With whom?"
Reluctantly releasing the strands, Lou Xiyan met her pressing gaze and answered without hesitation,
"With you."
Zhuo Qing couldn't help but laugh.
"Funny. And yet I, the bride, hadn't heard a word about it."
Lou Xiyan furrowed his brow, feigning innocence.
"You were unconscious..."