The carriage rolled to a stop before the main steps.
Shen Yao dismounted, handed his reins to a waiting attendant, and walked toward the carriage door. He opened it himself.
Shen Miao looked up at him, her eyes wide in the dim light.
"Brother?"
He extended his hand. She took it, and he helped her down. Her fingers were cold. He didn't let go immediately.
"Xi Shu will stay with you until you're seated," he said. "I'll be in the main hall. If you need anything—"
"I know." She squeezed his hand once, then released it. "Thank you, Brother."
He nodded, turned, and walked toward the main entrance where other nobles were already gathering.
Shen Miao watched him go, then turned to Xi Shu, who stood a respectful distance away.
"Fourth Miss," he said, offering his arm. "Shall we?"
She nodded and took it.
Together, they walked up the stone steps, past the guards, into the lantern-lit courtyard.
She drew in a slow breath. The mansion sprawled before her_ majestic, humming with the quiet murmur of hundreds of guests. Servants in purple livery moved through the crowd carrying trays of wine and small delicacies.
Shen Miao's heartbeat quickened.
"You are the daughter of two generals," she told herself. "You belong here."
But she wasn't sure she believed it.
--
Entering the grand hall of the princess's mansion adorned with elegant flower patterns.
Polished jade pillars rose to a ceiling painted with scenes of the four seasons. Silk banners in deep purple and gold hung between them, embroidered with the princess's personal crest—a phoenix in flight, its tail feathers curving into peony blossoms.
The guests had been arranged according to rank and favor.
Near the head of the hall, on a raised dais, Princess Fei sat in a high-backed chair of carved rosewood. Her robes were the color of aged wine, her silver hair pinned with a simple jade clasp. She looked every inch the eldest princess—composed, watchful, and utterly unreadable.
To her right sat the imperial women: the Empress in deep blue with silver phoenixes, Concubine Ke in burgundy, Concubine Mei in lavender, Concubine Jing in deep green. Each smiled the same practiced smile. Each watched the room with different eyes.
To the princess's left, the seat of honor remained empty. Reserved, perhaps, for someone who had not yet arrived.