Xie Chichun - Chapter 29

Rongxi Pavilion remained as it always had been. Old Lady Xie reclined against a soft pillow on the daybed, while a maid gently massaged her legs with a beauty mallet. The elderly woman looked thoroughly relaxed, but when Luo Shi entered with her two granddaughters, her gaze settled on Xie Yue.

“Yue’er looks especially lovely today,” she remarked.

Yue Shi, seated nearby, smiled. “All of your granddaughters are beautiful, Madam.”

The old lady was pleased by this and even treated Xie Xuan with rare warmth. “It is a great fortune that Noble Consort Wan has summoned you to accompany the Fifth Princess. Many noble families would give anything for such an opportunity. Yue’er is well-behaved, so I have no worries about her. But as for you, Sixth Girl—mind your temper and do not provoke the princess.”

Xie Xuan inwardly scoffed—Xie Yue is the one who always clashes with the princess!—but she had no interest in arguing with the old lady and simply nodded. “Understood.”

“That incident with Prince Jin’s fall from his horse was terrifying. If you hadn’t run to the railing, there wouldn’t have been so much trouble. This time, listen carefully to Noble Consort Wan’s instructions. Don’t take a single step out of line, and don’t stir up any trouble.”

“Understood.”

Yue Shi smiled warmly. “Madam, you worry so much for your granddaughters. But Xuanxuan is also a well-behaved child. She has accompanied the Fifth Princess many times before, and each time, Noble Consort Wan has only praised her. This is all thanks to your guidance—your granddaughters know their place, something many families envy.” She beckoned Xie Xuan over. “Come, let me check if your clothes are in order.”

Her expression was kind, just as gentle and caring as before. She examined Xie Xuan from head to toe, adjusting her hairpins with a smile. “Perfect.”
In the past, Xie Xuan might have playfully acted spoiled in such a situation. But now, she only felt discomfort.

The more harmless and affectionate Second Madam Yue appeared, the more Xie Xuan’s skin crawled. This woman could dote on you like a daughter one moment, then coldly scheme your death the next. How terrifying!

Suppressing her revulsion, Xie Xuan forced a smile. “Thank you, Aunt.”

Meanwhile, Old Lady Xie was straightening Xie Yue’s sleeves. Flattered by Yue Shi’s praise, her wrinkled face blossomed into a smile. “It’s only because Her Highness is gracious and tolerant. Children will always make mistakes.” She continued to lecture the sisters until the palace attendants sent by Noble Consort Wan arrived, then saw them off to the carriage.

Xie Xuan and Xie Yue were now mutually disgusted with each other. Seated in the same carriage, they both stared out opposite windows in silence.

Xie Yue had always been spoiled. When Luo Shi had been punished, she had spent days red-eyed and pitiful, glaring at Xie Xuan as if she wanted to bite her but didn’t dare. Now that Luo Shi had returned, Xie Yue, though warned by her mother, still didn’t fully grasp the consequences and felt emboldened to bully again. She gradually spread her legs, encroaching on Xie Xuan’s space.

The carriage was cramped, and after several aggressive shifts, Xie Yue had nearly pushed Xie Xuan into a corner. Xie Xuan glanced sideways, then suddenly stretched her leg, kicking Xie Yue’s aside.

Xie Yue flared up. “Xie Xuan! What are you doing?!”

“Stretching. My legs were stiff.”

“You kicked me!”
“Oh, my apologies. It was an accident.” Xie Xuan’s tone was insincere, her apology perfunctory.

Xie Yue was furious. “You think a simple ‘sorry’ is enough?”

“What else do you want? When you bullied me before, wasn’t a half-hearted apology all you ever gave?” Xie Xuan frowned. “Remember what Madam said when Xie Ze beat up Dan’er? Elders should yield to the younger. Or have you forgotten?”

Xie Yue sputtered, unable to retort. The last time they had fought, she had suffered badly, and without Luo Shi present, she didn’t dare escalate things now. After huffing indignantly, she finally snapped, “I’ll tell the palace maids—I refuse to sit with you!”

“Go ahead.” Xie Xuan smirked. “Seems you’ve already forgotten Grandmother’s warnings.”

Before they left, the old lady had repeatedly stressed that they must behave with utmost obedience and harmony, never showing disrespect, even to the lowest-ranking palace maid or eunuch. Xie Yue, wary of the old woman’s temper, fell silent after her outburst. Only when the carriage stopped at the palace gates did she shoot Xie Xuan a final glare.

By the time they stepped out, Xie Yue had plastered on a bright smile again.

Compared to Yue Shi’s two-faced nature, Xie Yue’s act was child’s play. Xie Xuan was content as long as she didn’t cause trouble and quietly followed the group to Noble Consort Wan’s palace.

The Fifth Princess was practicing calligraphy, and the attendants dared not disturb her, so the sisters waited outside. When the princess finished and learned of their arrival, she bounded out happily. “Cousin Xuan, you’re here!” Spotting Xie Yue, she added flatly, “Oh, you came too.”

“Greetings, Fifth Princess,” Xie Xuan and Xie Yue chorused, then bowed again when Noble Consort Wan emerged.

Today, Noble Consort Wan was dressed more splendidly than usual. Her embroidered palace robes accentuated her graceful figure, and a golden phoenix hairpin with pearl tassels swayed by her ears, exuding quiet luxury. Her formal attire puzzled Xie Xuan—until the consort addressed the princess.

“Play with your cousins for now. I’ll return shortly.”

“Where are you going, Mother?” the princess asked.

“Zhaoren Palace. His Majesty and the Empress have summoned me.” She kissed her daughter’s cheek, then turned to the sisters. “You’re both sensible girls. Keep Her Highness company until I return.”

The princess nuzzled her mother’s face. “Don’t worry, Mother.”

Watching their affectionate exchange, Xie Xuan felt a pang of envy.

Noble Consort Wan, alone in the palace, doted on her daughter as her sole anchor, treasuring her beyond measure. In both her past and present life, Xie Xuan had never experienced such maternal love. Even after reuniting with her birth mother, Tao Shi, their relationship remained distant and cold. What must it feel like, to express love so freely?

Sighing inwardly, she followed the princess inside once Noble Consort Wan left.

But the Fifth Princess, restless by nature, soon grew bored with familiar games. Before long, she blurted, “Prince Jin is still recovering in Leyang Palace. Let’s go visit him!”

Her “suggestion” was practically an order. Xie Yue’s hesitant “But is that appropriate…” was cut off as the princess grabbed Xie Xuan’s hand and marched out. Noticing Xie Yue lagging behind, she snapped, “Why are you just standing there?”

When the trio arrived at Leyang Palace, it was eerily quiet. The princess, clearly a frequent visitor, stopped a passing maid. “Where are Consort Yu and Prince Jin?”

“Fifth Princess, Consort Yu has gone to Zhaoren Palace. His Highness Prince Jin has been moved to Zichen Palace.”

They changed course. Inside Zichen Palace, Prince Jin lay half-reclined on a lounge chair, studying a painting. Beside him stood a tall man in his thirties, adorned with jade pendants and ribbons—Prince Yue, the so-called “Foolish Prince.”

The princess bounded in cheerfully but hesitated upon seeing Prince Yue, her smile dimming slightly. She curtsied. “Prince Yue.” Then, sweetly, “Prince Jin.”

Xie Xuan and Xie Yue exchanged startled glances before hurriedly bowing.

Prince Yue, who had been standing behind Prince Jin to admire the painting, smiled genially. “Fifth Sister, hello. And who are these two?”

Despite being in his thirties—an age when imperial princes should exude dignity—his slow, deliberate speech and perpetually amiable demeanor betrayed the rumored brain damage from his years as a hostage in Tiele.

The princess introduced, “These are my cousins,” before skipping to Prince Jin’s side. “What are you looking at, Prince Jin?”

“Prince Yue gifted me this painting. Would you like to see it, Miss Xie? You might appreciate it.” Prince Jin turned his head, offering Xie Xuan a gentle smile. A month had passed since his injury, and though he had been well cared for, he still moved cautiously, merely gesturing for her to approach.

The princess chimed in, “Oh? Prince Yue appreciates art too? Let me see!”

Xie Xuan had no choice but to approach. As she passed Prince Yue, she instinctively lowered her head, avoiding any contact—

This man is a venomous snake in hiding. In her past life, after ascending the throne, he had mercilessly purged countless officials, half of whom had once slighted or mocked him. Some grudges dated back over a decade—reportedly over nothing more than an offhand remark. Such a man never forgets a slight. Best not to offend him in the slightest.

She edged past him, keeping a wide berth, and examined the painting. “It truly is exquisite.”

Xie Yue, emboldened by Prince Jin’s approachability and Prince Yue’s reputation as a fool, was less intimidated. She peered at the painting but found it unremarkable, soon turning her attention to the palace decor instead.

Prince Jin glanced at Xie Xuan. “What do you think, Miss Xie?”

“The old man waits for the shepherd boy, leaning on his staff by the wicker gate.”

“That is the peaceful pastoral life I’ve always yearned for.” Prince Jin’s gaze lingered on the painting before shifting to Prince Yue. “Thank you for finding this, Brother. Though born into the imperial family, I’ve always preferred the simplicity of countryside life. Grand landscapes and tales of heroism may stir the soul, but pastoral joys align with my nature.”

Prince Yue nodded. “As long as you like it.”

The Fifth Princess and Xie Yue, uninterested in art, wandered off to explore. Xie Xuan studied the painting, mulling over Prince Jin’s words. Was there hidden meaning there?

From what little she knew of Prince Jin, he was gentle and mild-mannered. If he admired this painting, why bring up grand landscapes and war epics? In the treacherous imperial court, talk of “rivers and mountains, swords and steeds” could easily be misconstrued as ambition.

Was he declaring his innocence to Prince Yue, pleading for survival?

But he was only twelve. Having never seen Prince Yue’s true nature, why would he grovel like this?

Xie Xuan pondered silently until the princes resumed their discussion, convincing herself she was overthinking it.

Prince Yue, a man in his thirties, had little to say to three young girls. After a while, he excused himself with the same slightly vacant smile, departing without a trace of arrogance.

The Fifth Princess immediately latched onto Prince Jin, begging for a story.

Despite his youth, Prince Jin was well-read and imaginative, weaving tales that captivated his listeners. The four of them whiled away the hours until voices outside announced the arrival of Noble Consort Yu and Noble Consort Wan.

The consorts exchanged pleasantries about the children until Noble Consort Wan, noting the late hour, prepared to leave with the princess and Xie sisters.

Back in Zichen Palace, Noble Consort Yu instructed servants to carry Prince Jin to bed. Noticing his lingering smile, she remarked, “You truly seem fond of that Xie girl. I haven’t seen you this happy in ages.”

“It’s rare to meet someone like her.” Sensing his mother’s thoughts, he changed the subject. “Prince Yue brought that painting. I told him I prefer pastoral life over power and conquest.”

“Prince Yue?” Noble Consort Yu frowned. “Why say such things?”

“I can’t explain it. He seems slow-witted, but sometimes, standing alone with him… it’s like a chill runs down my spine.” Prince Jin lowered his eyes. “Everyone assumes the Crown Prince orchestrated my accident, but I suspect… Prince Yue.”

“Prince Yue?” Noble Consort Yu mused. “But the investigation by the Three Judicial Offices found no connection to him.”

“Which is why it’s only a suspicion. With his reputation and lack of influence, it’s unlikely he could manage such a scheme.” Prince Jin sighed, and mother and son lapsed into thoughtful silence.

Meanwhile, outside Zichen Palace, Noble Consort Wan had barely taken a few steps with the girls when a eunuch hurried over, summoning her to the Emperor. With no choice, she instructed attendants to escort the princess and Xie sisters back.

Xie Xuan walked behind the princess, noting the tension between her and Xie Yue. Testing the waters, she said, “Prince Jin’s story today was fascinating. It’s a shame we didn’t hear the ending. Next time, Your Highness must share it with us.”

“Of course!” The princess tilted her head. “I’ll only tell you!”

Clearly, some rift had formed between her and Xie Yue. Recalling their earlier interactions, Xie Xuan guessed Xie Yue had reverted to her selfish habits, monopolizing playthings and fawning over Prince Jin, irritating the princess.

Perfect. Xie Xuan feigned surprise. “Did Fifth Sister upset you, Your Highness?”

Xie Yue, already seething from being sidelined all afternoon, lacked the restraint to hold back. “How dare I upset the princess?!”

But the Fifth Princess, proud and unyielding, never tolerated slights. As the Emperor’s daughter, she had no patience for Xie Yue’s attitude. “Look at you, acting so aggrieved! As if I’ve wronged you!”

At nine years old, her temper was mercurial. The more she recalled Xie Yue’s earlier behavior, the angrier she grew. Halfway back, she abruptly ordered, “It’s getting late. Escort my cousins back.” Then, to Xie Xuan, “Next time at Xiechi Literary Society, I’ll join you. We’ll have fun then.”

With that, she flounced off.

Xie Yue stood frozen, tears welling instantly.

What did the princess mean by that last line?!