He took her to a waterfall.
It was perhaps an hour's ride from the palace, through forests that grew denser and wilder with each mile. When they finally arrived, Soyeon understood why he had brought her here.
The waterfall was breathtaking.
It cascaded down smooth black rocks into a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by ancient trees whose branches created a canopy overhead. Mist rose from where the water struck the surface, catching the sunlight and creating small rainbows. The sound was soothing, a constant gentle roar that drowned out thought.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Prince Zhao Yifeng dismounted and helped her down. "I come here sometimes when court politics become.…overwhelming."
"It's amazing," Soyeon breathed.
They walked to the edge of the pool. Someone had arranged a pavilion here, a delicate structure with silk cushions and a low table already set with wine and fruit.
He planned this, Soyeon realized. This isn't spontaneous. He had servants prepare everything in advance.
"Sit," he said, settling onto the cushions comfortably. "Relax. No formality here. We're just two people enjoying nature, no."
Soyeon sat, tucking her legs beneath her. The sound of the waterfall was almost hypnotic.
Prince Zhao Yifeng poured wine, watching her with his intelligent eyes.
"You know," he said conversationally, "most women would be thrilled to have the Crown Prince's attention. Yet you seem.…resistant. Reluctant."
"I don't mean to be disrespectful—"
"You're not. You're honest. It's refreshing." He swirled his wine. "I've been surrounded by sycophants and social climbers my entire life. People who agree with everything I say, who laugh at my jokes even when they're not funny, who want something from me." He met her eyes. "You don't want anything from me."
"I want to survive," Soyeon said quietly.
"Fair enough." He smiled. "Then let me tell you about myself. Really tell you, not the court version."
And he did.
He spoke of growing up as Crown Prince, of the pressure, the expectations, the constant surveillance. Of his mother, the Empress, who groomed him from birth to be perfect. Of his education in warfare, governance, poetry, philosophy. Of the loneliness of being first in line to the throne.
"Everyone sees the crown," he said softly. "No one sees the weight."
Soyeon listened, nodding at appropriate moments. But her mind kept drifting.
Where is Prince Liang Jian now? Is he safe? Did his wound reopen? Is he eating properly?
"Su Yan?"
She blinked. "Yes, Your Highness?"
Prince Zhao Yifeng was watching her, his expression unreadable. "You're not listening."
"I'm sorry—"
"No, it's fine." He set down his cup. "You're thinking about something. Or someone."
Soyeon's face heated. "I'm just tired, Your Highness. Last night—"
"Hmm." He studied her for a long moment. Then, quietly he spoke. "You really don't want me, do you?"
The question was so direct it stole her breath.
"Your Highness, I—"
"It's alright. You can be honest." His smile was sad. "I promise I won't have you executed for bruising my ego."
"It's not—" Soyeon stammered. "You're wonderful. Truly. Any woman would be honored—"
"But not you."
She couldn't lie to that face. "I.…..I'm sorry."
He laughed softly. "Don't be. It's actually quite humbling. Good for me, probably." He stood, brushing off his robes. "Come. We should head back. I want to introduce you to someone I think you'll like."
They rode back to the palace in silence, but it was a comfortable one. Prince Zhao Yifeng seemed lighter somehow, like a weight had been lifted.
He led her to the Jade Phoenix Palace, through winding corridors to a courtyard garden where a woman sat reading under a plum tree.
She was stunning.
Long hair the color of jade, actual green, somehow, like spring moss, fell in waves down her back. Her features were delicate, doll-like, and when she looked up and smiled, it was like sunshine breaking through clouds.
"Your Highness!" She rose gracefully, bowing. "You've returned!"
"Lady Xia," Prince Zhao Yifeng said warmly. "I've brought someone I want you to meet. This is Su Yan, the physician who saved the Second Prince's life."
The woman's eyes widened. "Oh! I've heard so much about you!" She rushed forward, taking Soyeon's hands in hers. "It's such an honor! His Highness said you used unusual techniques, herbal medicine, practical treatments. I've been studying healing arts myself but I'm not very good yet. Would you—" She glanced at the Crown Prince, then back to Soyeon, her eyes hopeful. "Would you teach me? Please? I promise I'm a dedicated student!"
Her enthusiasm was infectious. Soyeon found herself smiling despite her exhaustion. "Of course. I'd be happy to."
"Really?" Lady Xia bounced, filled with glee. "Oh, this is wonderful! Come, sit, I've been reading medical texts but some of it doesn't make sense—"
They settled in the garden. A servant brought tea and pastries, delicate things filled with sweet bean paste and lotus seeds. Lady Xia pulled out scrolls covered in neat handwriting, asking questions about pulse diagnosis, herbal preparation, treatment of fevers.
She was genuinely interested. Genuinely kind. And so refreshingly normal compared to the cutthroat palace politics Soyeon had experienced so far.
They were laughing over Lady Xia's misidentification of a medicinal herb ("I thought it was ginger root!" "That's definitely NOT ginger!") when the alarm sounded.
Bells. Echoing across the palace grounds.
All three of them froze.
"What—" Soyeon started.
A servant rushed into the courtyard, his face pale. "Your Highness! Emergency in the eastern kitchens! One of the cooks is vomiting blood! The physicians suspect poison!"