The letter should arrive in Jianyu's hands. Xuanwen gazes into the distance as she pulls weeds from the garden.
"Xuanwen? Are you certain that you're pulling the weeds and not the plant itself?" Aunt Yin inquired.
Xuanwen looks down and chuckles, "I wasn't paying attention."
Aunt Yin observes, "Xuanwen, you've changed so much; you've become more mature."
Xuanwen smiles while continuing to pull the weeds, "What do you mean, Aunt Yin?"
Aunt Yin sighs, "The Xuanwen I remember would never allow herself to get dirty, would never stoop to the level of commoners, and would never show empathy. Perhaps I didn't truly know you after all."
Xuanwen turns to Aunt Yin and replies, "Then, Aunt Yin, you can begin to know the real me from this moment on."
Aunt Yin smiles in response, "That's right."
Xuanwen watches as Aunt Yin returns to the kitchen.
"I'm sorry, Aunt Yin, for deceiving you."
Wang Bao gazes at his feet, struggling to resist the overwhelming urge to scratch or touch them. Just as he is about to reach for his wound, Xuanwen enters the room and advises, "I suggest you leave it alone unless you want to remain in this condition for an extended period."
Wang Bao pouts in frustration, saying, "I'm bored, and my feet itch. Everything feels uncomfortable."
Hualing sets down a tray filled with herbs on the table and remarks, "That means you're healing; you shouldn't be complaining."
Xuanwen takes a seat at the table and pops a piece of orange she has peeled into her mouth. "Hualing, you seem quite busy today," she observes.
Hualing smiles, though it carries a hint of sadness. "Xuanwen, we only have a month left until we're summoned back. I want to prepare additional prescriptions for the townspeople."
Xuanwen rests her face in her hands, which are draped over the chairs. "Is that really necessary? I don't intend to return."
Hualing responds earnestly, "But if it's the Lord's order, we won't have a choice but to go back."
Xuanwen rolls her eyes in response. "He probably doesn't want me back. I'm sure he would prefer it if I stayed here."
"However, it's better to be prepared than unprepared, Xuanwen," Hualing insists.
Wang Bao's gaze drops, and he asks quietly, "Does that mean you're leaving me?"
Hualing and Xuanwen turn their attention to Wang Bao. Xuanwen reassures him, "Of course not. You're a patient, and I can't abandon a child, especially one as weak as you."
Hualing nods in agreement. "Xuanwen is correct. Wang Bao, you seem to be getting quite sensitive," she teases gently.
"I—"
Hualing chuckles and adds sarcastically, "Xuanwen has a soft spot for weak innocent people; she would never abandon you. Besides, I haven't even finished your treatment yet. How could I leave my patient behind? Although, by then you'll likely be just fine."
Wang Bao smiles, feeling a sense of comfort in their words.
**Empress's Birthday Banquet**
As the nobles take turns presenting their gifts to the Empress, Xuanqing keenly observes the Crown Prince, her demeanor exuding confidence tinged with a hint of arrogance. Liu Lian cannot help but chuckle, her laughter bubbling up as she watches her cousin Xuanqing attempt to assert her superiority.
Xuanqing shoots a glare at Lian'er, who, in response, playfully averts her gaze and presses her lips together in mock innocence.
Across the room, Huian and Rong'er observe the unfolding scene.
Suddenly, Xuanqing, her eyes fixed on Rong'er, stands up and announces, "Your Majesty, I, Xuanqing, would like to present a dance in your honor. I have been preparing this special performance just for your birthday."
The Empress smiles warmly and replies, "Of course, go ahead."
Xuanqing turns to Rong'er and inquires, "Would Miss Xiao Rong be willing to accompany me on her guzheng?"
Rong'er glances around, seemingly taken aback by the unexpected request.
Meanwhile, Lian'er indulges in some cakes, clearly relishing the spectacle before her.
Rong'er looks to Huian, who nods in agreement.
With a smile, Rong'er responds, "Certainly, Miss Liu Xuanqing."
Like a scene from a film, Rong'er begins to play her guzheng, renowned for her exceptional skill. Xuanqing dances gracefully to the melody, each movement fluid and enchanting, her attire billowing elegantly in the breeze.
In an unexpected turn, one of the strings on the guzheng snaps, leaving Rong'er momentarily stunned and unsure of how to proceed. Xuanqing, however, maintains her composure and continues to dance, as if she had anticipated this mishap. Huian, observing her frustrated friend, recalls a similar incident from the past and was prepared to act. Although the original performance had involved Xuanwen and Rong'er, the roles have shifted to include Xuanqing.Perhaps the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, especially when they're sisters.
Quickly, Huian replaces the broken guzheng with a new one, and this time, she joins the performance with her pipa.
Xuanqing shoots a sharp look at Huian, but her expression soon softens, as she is mindful of keeping her intentions discreet.
As the music gradually fades, the audience erupts into applause, appreciating the exquisite performance.
"Madame Ye, your daughter certainly lives up to her reputation," the Empress commends.
Madame Ye responds with a smile, "Thank you, Your Majesty. My daughter is merely average, not deserving of such praise."
The Empress counters with a smile, "How can you say that? From my observation, Liu Xuanqing's talents surpass many others. Wouldn't you agree, Jianyu?"
Jianyu, appearing somewhat detached and seemingly unaware of the ongoing festivities, nods absentmindedly, "I agree, Mother."
Madame Ye nods in acknowledgment, smiling.
At that moment, another voice interjects, "I also agree, Mother." The voice belongs to none other than Zhusheng.
Usually, Zhusheng refrains from attending banquets, but he has chosen to partake in this one, much to the Empress's delight, as she has been striving to improve her relationship with him.
Zhusheng continues, "However, I have also heard that the eldest Miss Liu Xuanwen possesses equal talent. It would certainly be a sight to behold both sisters performing together."
The Empress nods in agreement, "Indeed, now that I think about it, where is your eldest daughter?"
Madame Ye hesitates before responding, "My first daughter, Liu Xuanwen, is unwell and therefore unable to attend Your Majesty's banquet. I sincerely apologize on her behalf."
The Empress reassures her, "That's fine. If she is ill, it is understandable. I will be hosting a tea banquet in a few days. She will surely attend, won't she?"
Madame Ye smiles and nods affirmatively.
The Empress then turns her attention to Rong'er, stating, "Xiao Rong, despite the minor mishaps, you performed admirably, as did you, Miss Su Huian."
Rong'er and Huian both bow slightly in gratitude to the Empress.
Jianyu strides down the corridor, clearly annoyed by the women attempting to catch his attention. Following closely behind him, Weimin places his hands on his head and remarks, "It seems that Miss Liu Xuanqing has taken a liking to you; she was gazing at you as if she wanted to devour you, your highness," he jokes.
"Is that supposed to be amusing?" Jianyu responds, his irritation evident.
Weimin nods with a grin, "You are like the ideal prey for those predators, your highness," he laughs. "I can already picture the ladies competing for your affection."
Jianyu pivots to face Weimin, "Want to die?"
Weimin raises his hands in mock surrender, "No, your highness," he continues to tease. He then moves ahead of Jianyu and adds, "But surely, the announcement for the crown princess selection will be made soon; I suppose I will have a sister-in-law before long."
"Weimin, you—" Jianyu starts to say, but Weimin has already dashed away.
**Guizhou**
Xuanwen found herself in Guizhou without any particular business, save for purchasing some cooking ingredients for Aunt Yin. Additionally, Hualing required more cloth bandages. Although Hualing had offered to accompany her, Xuanwen ultimately decided to go alone due to the patients in the shop requiring Hualing's attention.
Unfortunately, Xuanwen arrived at an inopportune moment, as rain began to fall unexpectedly. By the time the rain ceased, darkness had already enveloped the surroundings.
As Xuanwen traversed the alley, she made her way toward the horse she had tethered to a nearby stall.
Approaching the dim alley, she noticed the silhouette of a figure walking ahead of her. He was clad in a grey-black outfit and wore a hat that obscured his face with a cloth.
"Long time no see, Miss Xuanwen," he said.
Xuanwen squinted up at the man, frowning in confusion. Does Xuanwen know him? "Who are you?" she inquired.
The man chuckled softly. "You've already forgotten who I am?" He gradually lowered the cloth that covered his face.
Still unable to recognize him, Xuanwen suddenly sensed another presence behind her. However,she refrained from turning around, her curiosity about the identity of these strangers was more important.
Before she could react, the person behind her struck her back, rendering her unconscious.
Sun Bai grinned. "Your hand is as heavy as ever; are you sure you didn't kill her, Miss Fenfang?"
Xuanwen gradually regained consciousness, her eyes scanning her surroundings. She found herself in an empty room, with a woman seated in front of her and the man from earlier standing beside her.
"You're awake?" Sun Bai remarked as he stepped closer.
Xuanwen realized she was bound to a pole, unable to defend herself unless she cut the ropes, but she did not attempt to do so.
Sun Bai scrutinized her. "Have you truly gone crazy, as the rumors said?"
Xuanwen focused intently, trying to remember who this man was.
Sun Bai turned to Fenfang, who was leisurely sipping tea. "Miss Xuanwen, have you genuinely forgotten everything, or..." He then abruptly tightened his grip around her neck, lifting her slightly, and leaned closer to whisper, "Are you merely pretending? How could you forget the hand that saved you?"
"You—you," Xuanwen gasped, struggling for air.
Sun Bai released her and chuckled. "So, do you remember now?"
"It's you," Xuanwen managed to reply.
Sun Bai turned to Fenfang, laughing. "That's right, it's me, Sun Bai. If the master hadn't commanded me to save your life, you would have been dead by now, Miss Xuanwen."
Xuanwen coughed, finally recognizing him as Sun Bai.
Fenfang rose from her seat. "That's enough, Sun Bai."
Sun Bai's laughter subsided as he redirected his attention to Xuanwen. "The crown princess selection will be held soon, and the master wants you to participate. No matter what, you must get as close as possible to the crown prince, it would be best if you can secure the position of crown princess."
Xuanwen queried, "But my father ordered that I remain here for three months; how can I just return suddenly?"
Fenfang smiled reassuringly. "Do not worry about that; the master has made all necessary arrangements. You only need to prepare and fulfill your duties adequately."
Sun Bai added with a grin, "I've heard you have a rather pretty maid accompanying you. Perhaps if you fail, something unfortunate might befall her."
"You!" Xuanwen exclaimed, eyes narrowing.
Sun Bai laughed, "Ah, so she's your weakness. Does that also extend to the old lady and that weak looking child?"
Xuanwen shot him an angry glare.
Sun Bai chuckled again. "My, my, my, I never anticipated this day would come. Hasn't Miss Xuanwen always been rather selfish?"
Fenfang, appearing somewhat irritated, interjected, "That's enough, Sun Bai." She walked over to Xuanwen and began untying her hands. "As long as you complete your task, they won't be harmed."
"Or will they?" Sun Bai teased.
Xuanwen, now on the ground, glared at him defiantly.
Sun Bai chuckled as he lifted her chin. "You seem more spirited than last time. Did I touch a nerve?"
Fenfang exited the room, saying, "Sun Bai, stop frightening her."
Sun Bai laughed as he followed Fenfang out.
After what felt like several minutes, Xuanwen stood up and stretched her arms. "So he was just Sun Bai. I thought he had actually come. (sighs) It appears I have no choice but to be a part of this stupid game."