The private chamber was smaller than the main hall, but no less elegant. Silk screens lined the walls. Incense burned in a bronze brazier, its scent light and calming.
Princess Fei sat in a carved chair, her wine-colored robes pooling around her. Beside her, Feng Yin sat with her hands folded, her expression composed.
Fan Xinyu bowed and stepped aside.
"Fourth Miss Shen," Princess Fei said, her voice warm. "Thank you for joining us."
Shen Miao bowed deeply. "Your Highness, It's my honor."
"No need to be so polite have a sit. Please." The princess gestured to a cushion near Feng Yin. "We have not had a proper chance to speak tonight. And I have been meaning to speak about your mother."
Shen Miao's breath caught. She seated herself carefully, her hands folded in her lap. Her head slightly bowed.
"You knew my mother?" she asked, her voice soft.
Princess Fei's eyes softened as she remembered the blurry sight of the woman who held her at her weakest. "Yes ...you could say General Luo and I were friends. The closest of friends. Your mother was the bravest woman I ever knew."
Shen Miao felt a warmth spread through her chest.
"She told me about you," Princess Fei continued. "In her letters. She wrote of a daughter who was kind, clever, and patient. A child adopted by her and raised by the borders under her wing."
Shen Miao's eyes stung. She blinked quickly.
No one had spoken about her mother like that in months.
Feng Yin, beside her, reached over and touched Shen Miao's sleeve—a small, quiet gesture of comfort.
Princess Fei leaned forward slightly. "Your mother's greatest wish was for you and your brother to finely get along together."
Shen Miao looked down at her hands. She did not trust her voice.
For a long moment, the only sound was the soft crackle of the incense burner.
Then Princess Fei smiled. "But we can speak of such things another time. Tonight, I simply wanted to see you. To know that you are well and .....to confirm your brother's situation though it seems some of my concerns were unnecessary"
Shen Miao raised her head. "Thank you, Your Highness. We—" she paused, searching for the right word, "—We are learning to adjust."
Princess Fei's smile deepened. "That good to hear."
"Accompany me a bit for some tea "she motioned to the cup in front of Shen Maio
A maid moved forward and poured Shen Maio a cup of tea she quickly nodded whispering a low" thank you"
Princess Fei smiled slightly taking a sip of the tea as Shen Maio picked up her cup mirroring feng yin's mannerism. afraid she may embarrass herself
"It's smell amazing, "she said
"It's a special kind of tea from Xiangnan in the east "Princess Fei's smile widened "If you like it, I'll send some to the Shen residence tomorrow"
Shen Maio nearly spilled her tea. She hurriedly placing the cup down "No it's not necessary"
Princess Fei smiled
" Mhmm"
---
Outside the chamber, the banquet continued.
The music played. The wine flowed. The threads of the evening wove themselves tighter.