Silence fell.
Jing Yan grabbed the edges of her robes, her fingers dipping deeply into them. Her dignity had been completely shattered. She had never been this humiliated in her entire life and now this?
With shaky hands, she stood up. "Thank you, Niángniang for the words of wisdom, I'll take my leave now." She bowed before leaving the room.
"Momo." Consort Yao called. "Find someone to investigate if Li Mei ever had contact with anyone outside the palace."
"Niángniang, this…" Zhun Momo muttered, then stopped. "From what I know, Lady Mei never had any relatives except Wangfei Niángniang."
"I know that. But still look into it. Also, find someone to keep an eye on Ruyi. She's close to the Crown Prince. I want to know exactly what they're up to."
"Niángniang, you suspect Miss Xu?" Zhun Momo asked curiously.
"No, I just want to tie every loose end. She was able to get Jun'er to fawn all over her, I know my son. He's not always interested in people unless they're really worth his time."
"Yes, Niángniang." Zhun Momo bowed before leaving.
"Ruyi… don't disappoint me," Consort Yao murmured.
---
The Imperial Academy was unusually quiet that morning. With the poetry examination approaching, even the most carefree students were forced into rare concentration.
Pages turned softly. Sleeves shifted. A cough echoed and quickly faded, as though one was restricted from making even the slightest noise.
The quiet was soon disturbed as Shen Chun rushed into the room with a piece of information.
"Ruyi! Ruyi! She shouted.
The whole class turned to look at her.
"I heard His Majesty appointed Brother Jingxuan to conduct an investigation about the accident on the training ground."
"Really?" Ruyi asked, but there was no hint of surprise in her voice.
"You already know?" Shen Chun remarked.
Ruyi nodded.
"Is it that serious?" Students started whispering to one another.
"Did you forget who was involved? It was the Emperor."
"Yeah. Ruyi is so brave. Where did she get the guts to stand in the face of danger?"
"I heard that His Majesty granted her father the title of Marquis of Rong'an."
"She's so lucky. I wish it was me."
"But come to think of it," another student joined the conversation, "could it be that what happened that day wasn't an accident at all?"
"Indeed. How can nails suddenly appear on the training ground?" Another observed.
"The training grounds are always examined by officials before organizing a competition or training."
The murmurs continued for a while before the academy bell signaled the end of the lesson.
After class, Shen Chun walked towards the library with Ruyi when she spotted Rou Bing with Sun Jingxuan.
"Rou Bing? What is she doing with Brother Jingxuan?"
Ruyi turned her head to the side. Rou Bing leaned forward, staring at Sun Jingxuan in the eye.
Shen Chun scoffed. "How can she throw herself shamelessly at him?"
Ruyi chuckled. "You're jealous?"
"Who's jealous?" Shen Chun retorted.
"Wasn't that how you used to cling to him when we first met?" Ruyi pointed out.
"I… that's different. Besides, I now understand things. But she clearly knows Brother Jingxuan doesn't like her anymore, yet she still clings to him like this," Shen Chun explained.
"Anymore?" Ruyi repeated. "You mean he used to like her?"
"Yes, you probably don't know. She and brother Jingxuan were betrothed to each other since childhood. Brother Jingxuan used to like her very much— my godmother did as well. But as soon as he lost his legs, she pleaded with His Majesty to take back the decree. Now she thinks she can have him after he became the Crown Prince? In her dreams!"
"What a surprise," Ruyi murmured.
"She's so pretentious. She thinks she can do things however and whenever she wants," Shen Chun called her out.
"What? Do you still like him?" Ruyi asked jokingly.
"I don't. He's my brother. I know better— things that don't belong to you, don't snatch them."
"Alright. I'm glad you've grown up." Ruyi teased, touching her hair.
Shen Chun blushed, linking her arms with Ruyi's as they headed for the library.
Not long after, Rou Bing arrived at the palace and made her way towards Sun Jun's quarters, pacing anxiously and tugging at the sash of her robes.
"Biǎo gē (cousin)?" Rou Bing called out as Sun Jun made his way to his chambers.
"Help me." She held his hands.
"What did you do?" he asked firmly.
"I…" she hesitated.
She lowered her voice. "His Majesty has asked Jingxuan to investigate what caused the accident on the training ground."
"It was you" Sun Jun said, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"I didn't mean to hurt anyone, I just wanted to teach Ruyi a lesson," she quickly defended. "I didn't expect it to turn out that serious."
She looked up at Sun Jun. "Cousin, I was wrong. Please help me. If my aunt finds out about this, she will definitely be mad."
"Alright. I can help you. But what do you have to give in return?"
"What do I need to do?" she asked eagerly.
"I like Ruyi. You're not allowed to cause trouble for her again."
"What? You like… her?" She pronounced the words one after the other.
"That's right. Stay away from her," Sun Jun declared.
"Why? She's just a nobody. How could she possibly compare to my biǎo sǎo (cousin-in-law)?"
"Silence!"
Sun Jun barked. "I'm warning you— either you play by my rules, or I could just as well take you to Fù Wáng (King Father.)"
"Sun Jun, you're threatening me?"
"However you see it," he said dismissively before walking away.
Rou Bing clenched her fist. "Why… Why does everyone treat her like she's some treasure? Ruyi, I'll make sure you never have peace!"
---
"Achoo!" Ruyi sneezed. "Who's cursing me out?" she muttered, lounging lazily on her bed.
"Miss Ruyi, did you say something?" Xiao Lan asked.
"Did I miscalculate?" Ruyi muttered under her breath.
"Miscalculate what?" Xiao Lan asked.
Ruyi suddenly sat upright, her thoughts spilling out. "I thought if I took the risk to save His Majesty, I would gain recognition, but it seems I misjudged. His Majesty didn't take any particular notice of me."
Xiao Lan blinked, completely lost.
At that moment, Lady Ling cleared her throat as she entered.
"What are you girls discussing?" she asked, taking a seat by Ruyi's bedside.
"Mother, you're here." Ruyi smiled.
"Xiao Lan, leave us for a moment. I have something to discuss with Ruyi."
"Yes, Furen (madam.)" Xiao Lan curtsied and quietly withdrew.
Ruyi's smile faded slightly. "Is everything alright, mother?"
Lady Ling hesitated, then reached for her hands.
"Ruyi… do you like the Crown Prince?"
The question came so abruptly that Ruyi froze.
"I… I don't!" she replied at once.
Lady Ling studied her carefully. "You can tell me anything, after all I am your mother."
She looked away. "I really don't. He's only teaching me how to defend myself. That's all."
"I am not blind. I've seen the way you both look at each other." She paused. "And that is exactly why I'm worried."
Ruyi raised her brows.
"The Crown Prince is not a bad man," Lady Ling continued. "In fact, he is far more suitable than the second prince. But do you know why he was made the Crown Prince?"
Ruyi shook her head.
"Because the Crown Prince's maternal family holds the military power. He has three powerful uncles, His Majesty could not go against them."
Ruyi griped her bed cover.
"Do you know who truly has a say in court?"
Ruyi lowered her gaze. "Consort Yao," She answered softly.
Lady Ling nodded.
"Yes. His Majesty listens to her more than anyone." Her voice dropped. "And I know the kind of person she is."
Ruyi's fingers tightened on the bed cover.
Of course she knew.
In her past life, Consort Yao had been ruthless— feared by all. Every move she made, every step she took, was always meticulously planned."
Ruyi sensing the fear in her mother's voice, smiled to ease her mind.
"Mother, don't worry. I won't cause any trouble. I promise I won't disappoint you or father."
Lady Ling sighed.
"I know. But Ruyi… be careful." Even if Niángniang favors you now… that kind of favor can turn into a blade at your throat."
But the words did not frighten her. She already knew what—and who— she was dealing with.
Lady Ling slowly released her hands.
"I can't tell you to avoid her but be cautious, nothing comes for free. I don't want you to get hurt. And if you can, stay even further away from the Crown Prince."
Ruyi didn't respond.
The room fell silent.
Outside, a sudden gust of wind rattled the window.
Ruyi's gaze drifted towards it, her expression unreadable.
…Too late.