Mei hurried through the palace, heading to Yu Jin's home to check on Jiayi and Jie. Over the past few days, she had been carefully watching the Minister, studying his daily routines and movements.
His mornings seemed free, with private meetings filling his afternoons, leaving his evenings unoccupied. Mei had been closely observing his estate, noting guard shifts, memorizing the layout, and learning the Minister's habits. She even tracked when the servants changed shifts and found the safest paths to move unnoticed.
Every tiny detail mattered—it could be the difference between success and being caught. Mei knew she had only one shot to sneak in unseen.
For a few days, Mei had felt like someone was watching her. She couldn't tell if it was the men from before finally catching up to her or just her nerves from constantly keeping an eye on Zhang. The warm air did nothing to ease the nagging feeling, but she had no time to dwell on it—there were bigger problems to handle.
As she neared the palace gates, a movement caught her eye.
"Lady Meiying!"
She turned to see Li Ming running toward her. Of course, he'd started as a palace guard a few days ago. Mei forced a polite smile, she didn't want to seem rude, even though she was in a rush.
"Li Ming, good to see you," she said. "How has the royal guard been treating you? I trust they've been keeping you busy."
Li Ming chuckled, his laugh low and drawn out, as if savoring the sound of his own voice. "Of course, Lady Mei. It's an honor to serve." His eyes traveled up her figure, pausing briefly at her neckline as he straightened. There was an odd gleam in them now, one that felt out of place. "And it's been... eventful," he continued. "I've even had the privilege of standing guard at the fourth prince's chambers. Quite the honor, wouldn't you say?"
"That's certainly high praise, Li Ming. It seems your efforts have not gone unnoticed." Mei replied.
As she spoke, Li Ming stepped closer, his presence just a bit too uncomfortable for her, then he reached out suddenly, brushing his hand across her chest in what seemed to be an attempt to dust something off her robe. Mei stiffened, her breath catching at the unexpected contact.
"Ah, my apologies," he said quickly, withdrawing his hand. "I thought I saw something there—just a speck of dust. How careless of me."
Mei relaxed slightly, though the moment stayed in her mind longer than she liked. "It's fine," she said calmly, dismissing the incident as she smoothed her robe.
His gaze shifted, his eyes tracing her face as if committing every detail to memory. "Speaking of unnoticed," he said with a casual grin, "there's a festival at Shanguang village soon. A grand affair, they say. It's been far too long since I last attended." He leaned in slightly, "I was hoping you might accompany me. The festivities are so much better with good company."
His head tilted just slightly as he asked, "What do you think? Will you come with me?"
Mei hesitated, uncomfortable with the invite, festivities were the last thing on her mind now, but Li Ming's expression was expectant, his smile widening as though he already had her answer. Before she could decline, he pressed on.
"You'll find it refreshing," he urged. "The stories, the laughter... who knows what secrets we might uncover there?"
She weighed her options, noting the persistence in his gaze and the faint smirk that refused to fade. It was clear he wouldn't stop until she agreed. With a deep exhale, she relented, "Very well, you've convinced me. But I warn you, the moment I tire, we're leaving."
Li Ming's face lit up in triumph, his excitement spilling over. "You won't regret this! It'll be a night you'll never forget."
A warm smile returned to Mei's lips as she turned away, maybe a night away from the palace might not be the worst idea... or so she hoped.
That Same Evening
Yu Yué sat under the sprawling branches of a flowering tree, her fingers clutching an old scroll. The gentle breeze carried drifting petals, but Yu Yué was too absorbed in the tragic romance unfolding in her hands to notice.
Her voice changed as she read aloud, shifting between sadness and longing. "Oh, my dearest love!" she cried, pressing her hand to her chest as if she were the one suffering. "Why must fate be so cruel?!" Her brows furrowed in pain, then shot up as her voice grew louder, full of drama.
Prince Xuan, walking from a distance, stopped in his tracks when he saw her. He got curious and quietly moved closer, stepping lightly as he circled behind the tree to watch without being seen. He smiled as he listened to Yu Yué's lively reading.
"And then," she cried, her voice quivering with emotion, "his tears fell like dew upon the winter rose, never to bloom again!" She gasped loudly, her expression so over-the-top it bordered on theatrical, it seemed like she had forgotten anyone could see her.
Xuan held back a laugh, leaning casually against the tree as he listened. He couldn't help but be drawn in by her passion, as if the poem had completely taken over her. As she continued reading, her voice lowered to a whisper, drawing her imaginary audience closer. "But still… I love thee, though the world may scorn!"
Unable to hold back any longer, Xuan burst out laughing, making Yu Yué jump in surprise. She almost dropped the scroll and quickly stood up, her cheeks turning red as she bowed deeply. "Prince Xuan! I—I didn't know anyone was near," she stammered.
"Forgive me for interrupting such a passionate performance," he said, still laughing. "But I have to ask—are you rehearsing for a play, or is this just how you read poetry?"
She hesitated, then smiled shyly, holding out the scroll. "It's The Autumn Rose's Farewell. "Reading through different voices helps the images come alive, though it may seem strange."
"I've rarely seen anyone bring a poem to life quite so vividly."
Xuan raised an eyebrow. "Then please, don't stop. I'd love to hear more."
He sat down on the ground, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. "You've got my curiosity. Please, sit and read to me like you did before."
Still feeling flustered, Yu Yué sat on the grass, carefully choosing to sit closer than usual. She felt like her heart would implode as she sat so near him. She couldn't believe she was so close to Prince Xuan, and for a moment, she forgot to breathe. She stole a glance at him, but when their eyes met, she immediately looked back at the scroll.
She opened another scroll, the one with the poem about dancing cherry petals, and began to read. With each verse, she changed her tone, bringing the words to life. Xuan closed his eyes, captivated, letting the beautiful words surround him.
Yu Yué noticed him relaxed with his eyes shut and couldn't help but steal a few more glances. She studied his face closely—the strong lines of his jaw, the curve of his lips, and the high, defined cheekbones. His nose, long and pointed, added to his striking appearance. Every feature seemed perfectly in place, as if crafted with care. He was flawless.
As the last word faded, Xuan couldn't help but clap softly in appreciation. "You read with such grace. Your words really brought the scenes to life. I haven't enjoyed poetry like this since I was a boy. Perhaps... we could read again, if you'd like?" He leaned forward, his dark eyes meeting hers.
Yu Yué held her breath, feeling as if she might burst at any moment, and could only offer a thoughtless nod.