Chapter 16: An Old Acquaintance

Wen Yueqing and Tong’er had been busy all afternoon, and finally finished tidying up the room. They hadn’t brought many belongings with them, but Wen Yueqing disliked the way the new chamber had been arranged, so she took it upon herself to redecorate.

Her quarters were close to Zunyou’s bedchamber, spacious and airy. Standing in her new home, she felt thoroughly satisfied. The carved canopy bed, draped with pale blue-green curtains, had been adorned by her own hand with an additional layer of goose-yellow fabric. She disliked the two landscape screens that had been placed in the room, so she instructed Tong’er to remove them—she’d wait for something more to her liking in the future. In each corner stood delicate, elegant floor vases, lending the space an air of refined grace.

She was especially pleased with the large dressing table, its intricate carvings and filigree work exuding luxury in every detail. The polished mirror gleamed brightly, clearly newly made. The tables, chairs, candleholders, and incense burners were all new as well, filling the room with a faint, soothing fragrance.

Most remarkable of all, Zunyou had prepared a chaise lounge for her. The surface was woven of rattan—supple and breathable—with a silvery fox fur spread atop.

“My goodness, His Highness is truly generous—such fine fur…” Tong’er stroked the lounge cushion, unable to hide her delight, and spoke with heartfelt admiration.

Indeed, with such furnishings and arrangements, this chamber could easily be mistaken for a princess’s boudoir.

“All I lack now is my set of down bedding,” Wen Yueqing said, hands on her hips as she surveyed the room.

Tong’er stifled a giggle. “Miss, you’re getting impatient, aren’t you?”

“How could I not? It’s been over a month. Has Fangcao still not finished?” She had been looking forward to it and was growing anxious.

“I asked the other day—Sister Fang said they’ve collected enough duck down and feathers, but there’s still a smell, so it needs more airing out.”

These days, Tong’er visited the embroidery room every couple of days, keeping a close eye on the progress.

“She’s really worked hard. There’s no need to keep pestering her—she’ll let us know when it’s ready.”

Tong’er looked slightly embarrassed. “Honestly, Qing-jie, I keep going because I want to learn more embroidery skills.”

“That’s good,” Wen Yueqing replied approvingly. “You’re young—learning a craft is always worthwhile. If you want to keep studying, then go ahead. You don’t have to spend all your time keeping me company.”

She already regarded Tong’er as a younger sister and sincerely hoped she would find happiness. Without something to do, being cooped up in this residence every day would be stifling. Wen Yueqing began to wonder what she herself ought to occupy her time with.

“What are you thinking about, Qing-jie?” Tong’er asked curiously.

“Oh, nothing. Come, let’s visit the little garden.”

Wen Yueqing was especially fond of the small garden in the front courtyard, where there was a carp pond she often visited to feed the fish.

“Alright, let’s go.”

The two of them strolled through the garden, admiring the flowers and watching the fish, enjoying themselves. Suddenly Tong’er seemed hesitant, as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t bring herself to speak.

Sensing something was amiss, Wen Yueqing asked softly, “Tong’er, what’s with that expression? Are you so distracted by the flowers?”

“Qing-jie, there’s something I want to ask you, but I’m not sure, so I’m afraid to say it.” Tong’er faltered, glancing at Wen Yueqing out of the corner of her eye.

“There’s nothing you can’t tell me. Ask whatever you wish,” Wen Yueqing replied warmly.

“Well… About the assassin yesterday—I thought he looked familiar, like… like someone I know.”

Tong’er’s words came out haltingly, as she watched Wen Yueqing’s reaction. If Wen Yueqing seemed unconcerned, she would let it go. Truthfully, Tong’er had wanted to mention it the day before, but she wasn’t sure if she should. Wen Yueqing had lost her memory, and the prince was so fond of her—if she spoke up, she worried it might cause trouble, yet that young master Shangguan had always been kind to her, leaving Tong’er deeply conflicted.

Wen Yueqing’s expression grew serious. She glanced around to make sure no one was near before speaking quietly: “You recognized him? An old acquaintance?”

Tong’er nodded.

“This isn’t the place. Let’s talk when we get home,” Wen Yueqing said cautiously.

At this, Tong’er said no more, and accompanied Wen Yueqing as they continued their stroll. It was late autumn now; soon, there would be no more flowers to admire, not even in the prince’s estate.

On a street in the southern part of the city stood a large residence, its scale indicating it had once belonged to an official family, though now it bore an air of neglect and desolation.

A young lady, strikingly pretty and gentle in appearance, strode along the corridor with a brisk, almost boyish gait. She rapped on a door and called, “Brother, are you inside? May I come in?”

Shangguan Yinchun was inside, polishing his sword. Hearing his sister’s voice, he put the weapon away and set it aside.

“Chengxiang, it’s you. Come in.”

Shangguan Chengxiang pushed open the door and walked straight to the table, taking a seat opposite her brother. She fixed her gaze on him for a long moment before raising her voice, “Brother, where did you go last night? Why did you return so late?”

At her questioning, Shangguan Yinchun’s head ached. “Lower your voice! How do you know when I got back?”

“I heard everything. And I know you climbed over the wall to get in.”

This little sister of his had always enjoyed practicing martial arts by his side, her temperament more like a tomboy than a demure lady. When their father was alive, he could still keep her in check, but ever since his passing a few years ago, no one could restrain her. Their mother, gentle and doting, only spoiled her all the more, treating her as a precious jewel.

“My dear lady, you’re fifteen already. Can’t you mind your manners a bit?”

“Never mind about that—tell me, did you go to see Qing’er?”

“…”

“Well? Did you?”

“Yes, I went to see her,” Shangguan Yinchun admitted, not hiding it from his sister.

Shangguan Chengxiang gave him a look that said “I knew it” and asked anxiously, “But she’s in the prince’s estate—how did you dare?”

“Hmph, never mind the prince’s estate—I could get into the palace itself if I wished,” Shangguan Yinchun replied without a hint of concern.

“Tsk, tsk, we know you’re skilled,” she teased. “But why didn’t you bring her out with you?”

He remained silent.

Realizing something was wrong, she changed the subject. “How is she now? I visited her when she was ill—she was in a terrible state back then.”

Shangguan Yinchun thought for a moment. “Yesterday, she seemed to have recovered. No major problems.”

“That’s good. So, the prince took her back because…?” Shangguan Chengxiang wanted to ask if Wen Yueqing had become one of the prince’s concubines, but recalling her brother’s feelings for her, she couldn’t quite bring herself to say it.

“A maid. She’s serving as a maid.”

“Oh, I see.” Shangguan Chengxiang felt regret for Wen Yueqing, but at the same time was relieved for her brother.

“Well, then, I can still look forward to having her as my sister-in-law,” she said cheerfully.

Shangguan Yinchun managed a wry smile. He remembered the way Wen Yueqing had looked at him the night before—a gaze filled with unfamiliarity, all the old tenderness gone. And then, her mention of memory loss.

A tangle of emotions welled within him. “Qing’er, is there any future left for us?”