The rabbit pelt in Jiayi's hands was outrageously soft. She had felt finer serving Xiang pin, but such a fine thing had never been hers. Watching the fire from the brazier glisten off the smooth white fur, she was sure it was the finest pelt anyone had caught the entire hunting trip.

  "Do you like it?" Zhishi asked, his voice echoing throughout the small yurt.

  "I love it," Jiayi whispered.

  Jiayi leaned to the side to kiss him. These days, pressing her lips to his was second nature to her, even if it made her scalp shake and her cheeks blush.

  "I'm glad," said Zhishi, sliding in closer, "The Imperial astrologer thinks this year's winter will be colder than last. You need to keep yourself warm,"

  In her mind, the warmest place would always be Zhishi's arms. While Xiang pin was more lenient about Jiayi meeting with him, she knew these stolen moments would never be enough.

  Jiayi set the fur aside and caught Zhishi worrying at an old scar on one of his knuckles.

  "Are you alright?" She asked, intertwining their fingers together.

  Zhishi looked away and bit his lip before letting out a short breath.

  "We weren't as careful as we thought the last time you visited Yuqingdian. Someone saw you,"

  Jiayi froze. Oh no.

  "But they didn't know it was you!" Zhishi said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, "They just saw a maid from the ice house coming inside late at night. Word got back to The Empress and she told His Majesty,"

  "What happened? He didn't punish you, did he?"

  Zhishi shook his head, "He almost flogged Sang'er 30 times for it,"

  30 times? What would have happened if Zhishi hadn't been able to stop The Emperor? They wouldn't be at the hunting grounds long enough for Sang'er to recover. The trip back to the palace would have killed him.

  "I didn't mean to cause you so much trouble," she replied, her chest tightening with guilt.

  "You didn't do anything," he said, kissing her forehead, "He barely spoke about you. I angered him, but that was days ago. His Majesty is in a better mood after a few good hunting trips. We have to be more careful when we return to the palace,"

  "His Majesty won't be in a good mood for very long," said Jiayi.

  At the question in Zhishi's eyes, Jiayi told him about Jingse and the bottle.

  "Xiang pin told His Majesty and Her Highness The Empress this morning,"

  "What did he say?"

  "I don't know. When Xiang pin told him that it was something urgent, The Empress told the servants to withdraw,"

  Zhishi furrowed his brows, "His Majesty didn't seem angry at all today,"

  "Maybe the bottle didn't mean anything," she said.

  Shaking his head, Zhishi said, "You don't things that don't matter. She must have something to hide,"

  He sighed again, "Why can't that woman behave herself? Huabao is getting married soon. If Shen huang gui fei is caught up in a scandal and punished, how can Huabao start her new life as a happy bride?"

  "Are you excited for the wedding?" Jiayi asked, happy to change the topic to something lighter.

  "I am, but I wish she had more time," He said, "16 is more than old enough to marry, but I remember holding her in my arms when she was born. She only just returned from Mongolia, and now she has to leave the palace again,"

  Jiayi darted her eyes away at the mention of First Princess' temporary banishment.

  "Second Princess said that she actually enjoyed her time there. And she's marrying a good man, isn't she?"

  "That's what The Empress says. I don't have many friends in the capital, so I don't know much about him,"

  "You don't have to worry. His Majesty wouldn't marry First Princess to someone who wouldn't cherish her,"

  "That's true. I'm happy that I can at least be the one who leads Huabao to her new home,"

  Jiayi wrapped the rabbit pelt around her neck, "I've heard that His Majesty is giving the Fuca clan 50 of the best pigs from the palace farm for the banquet,"

  Zhishi shrugged, "It sounds luxurious, but pigs from the palace farm get soft so easily. They turn to mush. Hogs from the countryside are much better. At our wedding, that's what I'd want,"

  What a silly thing to say.

  They would never wed. Zhishi and Xiurong would have a fabulous wedding with however many country pigs he wanted in their new lovely manor far away from Jiayi.

  Instead of saying so, she said, "Really?"

  "Of course! And acrobats,"

  "A wedding with acrobats?" Jiayi asked with a laugh, "You want your wedding banquet to be a circus?"

  Zhishi nodded, his eyes glittering with mischief, "I want fire breathers, too!"

  Jiayi stifled another laugh behind her hands. She couldn't believe that this refined third-rank prince was such a little boy at heart.

  "And we'll fill the hall with yellow asters and pink jasmine as far as the eye can see,"

  Zhishi's words dampened Jiayi's laughter. It was fun to play pretend and think of an outrageous wedding, but it was another to realize that her love's heart was filled with beautiful dreams that were no better than dust in the wind.

  It made something deep in Jiayi crack to know that if Zhishi managed to convince The Empress to grant their marriage, she could only refuse. Her lies wouldn't turn a pigeon into a phoenix.

  "I'd ask the clothing house to embroider gold asters on your wedding dress–"

  Jiayi slid into Zhishi's lap and let the pelt fall. She didn't want to hear anything more of the future they didn't have or the hopes she was destined to dash.

  The warm, slick press of lips was enough for her.

  ?

  Even though they were out in the open, the air was still thick with the scent of grilled meat and sharp wine. It wouldn't be long until it was time to pack and return to the palace, so a farewell was in order. Jiayi wasn't as entertained by the banquet as she could've been. Not only were thoughts of Zhishi rolling around in her head, but Xiang pin wouldn't tell her anything about what happened with the bottle, only that His Majesty would investigate from there. It frustrated her, but there was no point in dwelling on it.

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  "Your Highness," A well-dressed woman at a table near the Imperial table said, "You've always graced the Yele-Nara clan by treating Xiurong like your own daughter and finding the finest tutors for her. Would you like to see her perform tonight?"

  Looking closer, Jiayi had no doubt that the noblewoman was Xiurong's mother. They shared the same nose and brows.

  The Empress smiled, "It's been so long since I've heard Xiurong perform. I'd love to see how she's improved,"

  It was hard to miss how The Empress glanced at Zhishi as she said this. Jiayi's breath caught in her throat. The Empress really wouldn't announce their engagement so soon, right?

  A troop of musicians arranged themselves in front of The Emperor and Empress. A single chair was left empty in front of them as they sat and took their positions. The banquet fell into a hush, and Xiurong walked out, her maid trailing behind her with a pipa.

  Xiurong looked beautiful in a way that Jiayi could never achieve. Her skin was white and smooth like the most exquisite mutton fat jade. Her lips could only be compared to the sweetest peach. She walked so delicately that it looked like she floated to her chair. When she sat down, her deep purple chenyi billowed around her legs and sun made it shimmer just so.

  It made Jiayi sick.

  Maybe all Xiurong had was her beauty, and Yele-Nara furen was forcing her so-so child to play for an audience. When Xiurong struck the first note, Jiayi knew she was wrong. Xiurong had the skill that was reserved for His Majesty's orchestra. There wasn't a single wasted movement or poor note. It was nothing short of amazing.

  Nobody could tear their eyes away from the performance, and Jiayi couldn't blame them. Xiurong had come alive with the music, her skin blushing with happiness as her hands flew through the strings. As Jiayi was a glutton for punishment, she immediately looked for Zhishi, only to find him staring right back at her. Jiayi stared back, her pulse jumping.

  She would've done nothing but stare had Xiang pin not nudged her.

  Jiayi fought back a smile. Even with Xiurong's beauty, talent, and pedigree, Zhishi only had eyes for her. However, she didn't enjoy the look in The Emperor's eyes. He looked far too pleased.

  "That girl really is something," The Empress Dowager said after Xiurong finished her performance, "I haven't heard such talent in some time,"

  "Royal mother is right," said The Empress, "Xiurong is a one-of-a-kind girl,"

  Xiurong stood, her face beaming, "I thank Her Highness and The Empress Dowager for their grace,"

  "What do you think, Your Majesty?" The Empress asked.

  "Not bad. You're second best after Xiang pin. You've grown up well,"

  "I could only grow up well thanks to the grace Your Majesty's grants the Yele-Nara clan," she replied, "I'm grateful that my clan's fate allowed me to treat the Forbidden City like my home,"

  "Yes," a bearded man next to Yele-Nara furen spoke, "The Yele-Nara clan can never repay Her Highness for treating my Xiurong like her own little sister,"

  "The Yele-Nara clan has served the Great Qing for generations, General Solontu," replied The Empress, "How could I treat her any other way?"

  The conversation was light and airy, but to Jiayi, each word echoed like a scream. This was the end. Why else would Xiurong be here at her most beautiful if not for her engagement?

  The Emperor smiled, "It would be better if Xiurong could truly become The Empress' family,"

  Jiayi's hands began to shake. She kept her eyes on Xiurong. She couldn't bear to see Zhishi when The Emperor spoke the dreaded words.

  "Someone of your pedigree and beauty," He continued, "Could only be a noble lady,"

  At those words, all the air Jiayi didn't know she was holding came back to her at once. Spots danced in front of her eyes, and she wondered if she had really heard what The Emperor said. Xiang pin's face betrayed nothing, but Xiurong's did. Her smile dimmed, and her glowing skin went gray in shock. The Empress' tranquil mask dropped for a moment before glancing at The Emperor in shock, and then the smile returned to her face.

  "What do you think Empress?"

  Xiruong's wide eyes locked on to The Empress.

  "It's like His Majesty said. I would like nothing more for Xiurong to be my little sister in truth,"

  General Solontu and Yele-Nara furen stood next to Xiurong before settling on their knees. Xiurong's maid folded her to the floor.

  "Thank you to Your Majesty for giving this honor to Xiurong," Yele-Nara furen said.

  The family bowed, but Xiurong was half beat slower than her parents, her movements stiff.

  Her father squeezed her shoulder, "Xiurong is muddled from your graciousness. Thank His Majesty for his grace," He ordered.

  Xiurong parroted the words.

  The Emperor smiled again, "For the beautiful view you've given us here today, I shall grant you the name Sheng,"

  Jiayi had to look away and didn't know why. She should have been more than satisfied now that Xiurong was no longer a threat to her and Zhishi's love. But Jiayi was soft-hearted. How could she take joy in this? She couldn't fault Xiurong for loving Zhishi and wanting to marry him. But becoming The Emperor's woman was something she wouldn't wish on her worst enemy.

  Xiurong and her parents were back in their seats. Xiurong mechanically accepted her well wishes and congratulations. Her eyes continued to stray towards Zhishi.

  Jiayi couldn't feel jealous. Looks were all Xiurong had left.

  ?

  It was barely fall and still The Empress Dowager's joints had already began to ache. At home, her maids would take warmed pouches of rice and drape them around her neck and knees. Here, The Empress Dowager would have to make do with a massage or two.

  As bad as the pain was, it couldn't eclipse the joy she felt now that Xiurong was Sheng gui ren. The girl immediately had more favor than many of His Majesty's concubines had in years and would need a helping hand when she entered the palace. The Empress Dowager could already imagine her upcoming era of prosperity.

  "Your Highness," Jerjer called as she entered the yurt, "Your Highness,"

  The doors parted and Jerjer hurried in, a sallow Xiurong trailing behind her, being practically held upright by her maid. Despite her cheery green outfit, Xiurong walked as if she were in mourning whites. As if her son or husband had been torn from her arms.

  The Empress Dowager supposed one of those was true.

  "I was going to ask about the commotion, but I see you've found Sheng gui ren. That is exciting,"

  At her new title, Xiurong's lips began to quiver.

  Jerjer returned to her place at The Empress Dowager's side, "I ran in Sheng gui ren while I was out. She asked to speak with you urgently,"

  The Empress Dowager smiled, "I'm glad to see you, dear, but it's so late in the day. A woman my age gets tired easily. We can speak more when we return home. Jerjer, walk Sheng gui ren back,"

  "Your Highness, wait!" Xiurong kneeled, "You have to help me! You're the only one who can!"

  The Empress Dowager reared back at the display.

  "Help Sheng gui ren to a chair,"

  Jerjer and Xuirong's maid dragged her to a chair by The Empress Dowager's side.

  "Please," The girl sobbed, "Don't call me that, Your Highness, I can't bear it,"

  Huffing, The Empress Dowager said, "How silly! Do you know how many women in the back palace who have served His Majesty for years don't have an honorary name? You have that and are a noble lady!"

  "I don't want to be a noble lady!" Xiurong cried.

  She grabbed The Empress Dowager's sleeve, "Your Highness, please, I don't want to be The Emperor's concubine. He's filial, right? If you tell him to let me go, he'll listen?"

  "Sheng gui ren–"

  "I understand why Her Highness won't help me and go against her husband, but can't you help me? Please?"

  "Child, if you didn't want him to favor you, why did you put on that performance for him?"

  "It wasn't for him! It was for Prince Han!"

  Xiurong frantically swiped the tears from her cheeks with shaking fingers before pulling a folded note from her sleeve.

  "He sent me this–he asked me to play for him. He told me what to play and wear–it was supposed to be for him,"

  The Empress Dowager unfolded the parchment and furrowed her brows as she read the characters.

  "It was all a misunderstanding, Your Highness," said Xiurong.

  Sighing, The Empress Dowager shook her head, "You didn't perform for Prince Han,"

  The confusion pauses Xiurong's tears, "What do you mean?"

  "The song, your clothes, even the pipa you played are all His Majesty's preferences. Prince Han is more drawn to a woman in blue and silver and doesn't care for the pipa at all,"

  "But why...why would he ask me to do that?"

  "You must know that Prince Han's birth was unsavory. His Majesty was kind enough to raise Prince Han as his own, and in return, there's no one he loves more than His Majesty. If he had his eye on you, it wouldn't be a hardship for Prince Han to do something like this,"

  Xiurong took the note and stared down at it before letting it flutter from her fingers.

  "He gave me away?" She said, crying again, "Like I was nothing? I knew that there was no love between us, but I thought he cared for me,"

  The Empress Dowager lifted Xiurong's chin and dabbed at the sadness on her face, "Enough tears, my dear. It may hurt now, but I know Sheng gui ren will do great things for the Yele-Nara clan,"

  Xiurong slipped her face away and shook her head, "I wouldn't even know what to do. I'm so afraid of embarrassing my family. How could I survive in such a place?"

  "You have nothing to fear, Xiurong. It wasn't so long ago that I was a young girl feeling trapped behind those red walls. I prevailed in the end, but I can't help but think how different things could have been if someone was there to guide me,"

  Xiurong looked up at The Empress Dowager, her eyes wide, "You'd help me? Why?"

  The Empress Dowager tilted her head, "I can't stop my tender heart from wanting to. You look so much like my youngest daughter, who married far away long ago. When we return home, you can be another daughter.

  How does that sound?"

  Dazedly, Xiurong nodded, "Thank you, Your Highness,"

  Jerjer asked Xiurong's maid, "Can you take your mistress back alone?"

  "Yes, gugu," said the girl.

  Xiurong bid a quiet farewell and shrunk away.

  The Empress Dowager looked at the space Xiurong occupied for a long moment before flicking her fingers at the note she dropped.

  "Burn it,"

  "Yes, Your Highness," replied Jerjer, tossing it into a nearby brazier.

  Plucking a grape from the golden tray on her side table, The Empress Dowager asked, "Prince Han didn't notice anything out of order with his things?"

  "No, Your Highness, we returned his letters to his yurt without being seen,"

  The grape was far sweeter than usual.

  "Good,"