Later that day, Emperor Zixuan arrived in Xiyue with Princess Yuyan and Prince Leng Yue. They had come to pay homage to the royal court of Xiyue—a diplomatic visit meant to strengthen ties between the two great kingdoms. As was tradition, gifts were presented, formal bows exchanged, and respectful words offered in the grand hall before the two emperors and their entourages sat for formal discussions.
At that moment, Prince Feng Lianyi was still in the training center, sparring with his guards. A palace messenger rushed in, bowing deeply before announcing, "His Majesty summons Your Highness to the imperial palace. The Emperor of Lianhua has arrived."
Without hesitation, Lianyi returned to his chambers. His attendants helped him into formal robes, fixing his hair swiftly but neatly. When he stepped into the palace hall, his eyes immediately found Yuyan. His face lit up with joy, and she smiled politely in return.
They exchanged pleasantries, their brief conversation warm but formal. Yet, throughout the diplomatic exchange, Lianyi's gaze kept drifting back to her. And standing just a few paces behind was Mimi—beside her father, Assistant general Ruichen—watching everything with quiet pain in her chest.
Lianyi's smile, his eyes, his presence… it was all for Yuyan. And Mimi saw it clearly.
After some time, Princess Yuyan politely excused herself. Emperor Huojin turned to Mimi and said, "Go with her. Show her the way."
"Yes, Imperial Father." Mimi bowed.
She caught up to Yuyan and together they walked through the polished stone corridors of the palace. But as they neared a quiet garden corner, Mimi stopped.
Yuyan turned back, concerned. "Is everything alright?"
Mimi hesitated. Then, with a gentle but strained voice, she said, "You must be very lucky that Lianyi is interested in you. I see the way he looks at you. He's… a really good prince."
Yuyan gave her a small, thoughtful smile. "And he must be very lucky to have someone like you care so much about him. I see the way you look at him too. He may not see you as a woman, but judging by how he treats you… you're very special to him."
Mimi's eyes widened. She looked down, voice barely a whisper. "We grew up together. I've liked him since we were about ten… but he only sees me as a sister."
Yuyan stepped closer, gently patting her shoulder. "Then don't push him. Let your heart rest. But don't give up on it either. He clearly cares for you."
Mimi looked up slowly, a soft smile blooming on her lips. She nodded.
As they continued walking, Mimi glanced sideways and asked, "So… I heard you turned down his marriage proposal. Why?"
Yuyan was quiet for a moment, then replied simply, "I like someone else."
"Really?" Mimi blinked. "Then that person is lucky to have you. I just hope he knows it."
"I hope so too," Yuyan said, smiling faintly. "But… time will tell."
When the two girls returned, they were giggling and whispering like old friends. Lianyi's heart warmed at the sight.
"I see you two have gotten along so quickly," he said with a grin as he walked up to them.
"Yeah! Your friend is so sweet," Yuyan said, nudging Mimi lightly. "And she's so talented in medicine."
Lianyi turned to Mimi. "There's a patient waiting for you. Go on ahead—I'll show Princess Yuyan around myself."
Mimi remembered Yuyan's advice about not pushing too hard. She smiled, hugged Yuyan gently, and left without a word.
---
Lianyi led Princess Yuyan on a quiet tour through the palace grounds. They strolled through the Hall of Phoenix Flame, the Chamber of Jade Blossoms, and the Sky Pavilion, where royal scrolls were kept. He pointed out the Moonlit Terrace, used for stargazing, and the Heavenly Orchid Courtyard, where his mother hosted poetry recitals. Yuyan admired everything in silence, absorbing the beauty and quiet pride of Xiyue.
Eventually, their steps took them to a small garden nestled beside a gentle stream. A willow tree leaned protectively over a smooth stone bench. The sound of birdsong mingled with the trickling of water. Here, the air felt lighter, as if holding its breath in reverence.
"This is where my mother used to bring me when I was upset," Lianyi said, his voice softening. "She would sing to calm me down. I remember every word."
"Your mother... Empress Rulan," Yuyan said with a gentle smile. "She's very beautiful. I think you got your cute looks from her."
Lianyi chuckled and glanced away. "People say that."
Yuyan looked around again and sighed. "Your kingdom is truly beautiful. Peaceful. There's something magical about it. And when your time comes… I believe you'll make a great king."
He turned to her, touched. "Thank you. That means a lot coming from you."
A quiet moment passed between them, filled with the rustle of wind in the leaves and the soft babble of the stream. Then Yuyan spoke up again.
"I want to know more about your friend, Mianhua. She's so talented in medicine. And honestly, very beautiful too."
"Oh—Mimi?" Lianyi's expression softened further. "Yes. A lot of people say that about her. We grew up together. She's like family to me. Precious."
"She's... a difficult girl," Yuyan said, watching his face.
Lianyi raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
"I mean…" she paused, choosing her words carefully. "It's hard to find women that beautiful and talented these days. Anyone who wins her heart would be lucky. Really lucky."
Lianyi didn't answer at once. His gaze drifted toward the stream again, his voice quieter now. "I hope she finds the right person. She deserves someone who truly sees her. And if anyone dares hurt her—after claiming they like her—I'll make sure they taste hell."
"You must care for her deeply."
"I do," he said. "She's like a sister to me."
---
Meanwhile, the Emperor assigned a young maid named Xin Yi to guide Prince Leng Yue and show him around the palace.
Xin Yi was cheerful and bright-eyed, no more than twelve. She pointed out the key parts of the palace before asking shyly, "Would Your Highness like to visit the main market? Many guests love it."
Leng Yue, curious and smiling faintly, nodded. "I'd like that."
They slipped into the bustling market where people stared, whispering at the sight of the handsome foreign prince.
"Don't feel awkward," Xin Yi said, noticing his unease. "They're just curious."
Leng Yue chuckled. "A little overwhelming, that's all."
Suddenly, a little girl ran into him and dropped her sugar tanghulu—skewered hawthorn berries coated in syrup. She looked ready to cry.
Her mother rushed over, panicked. "I'm so sorry, Your Highness!"
Leng Yue raised a hand gently. "What's your name?" he asked the girl.
"I'm Ling Ling," she sniffled.
"That's a lovely name." He stood and turned to her mother. "Where can I buy this for her?"
"You don't have to, my lord—"
But he was already taking Ling Ling's hand. Xin Yi followed in awe.
At the sweet shop, he bought two tanghulu sticks for Ling Ling, then handed more to Xin Yi. He glanced at the girl's mother. "Do you eat sweets?"
She stammered in shock.
He smiled and ordered the seller to give her one too.
As they walked away back to the palace, Xin Yi looked up at him. "You're not like other princes."
"How so?"
"Most would scold her. Not buy her candy."
"That's unfortunate," he said, then smiled. "See you later, Xin Yi. It was a great pleasure".
Xin Yi smiled and bowed slightly.