Li Ce was even more perplexed than Ye Jiao. He murmured, "Judging by the voice, I don't recognize her.""Don't recognize her? And yet she calls you brother?" Ye Jiao rose swiftly to tidy her clothes. "Why doesn't she call me sister then?"A trace of irritation flickered across her delicate, mischievous features, only heightening her charm."Perhaps she's a younger cousin from the clan," Li Ce replied, meticulously straightening the gold hairpin in her hair and gently draping her shawl back over her arm with utmost care and tenderness.
Before Li Jing barged in with the visitor, the two had been seated across from each other, conversing by a small table."This white porcelain cup—is it from the Xing kilns?" Li Ce inquired, lifting the tea cup. Though the tips of his ears were flushed, his expression remained composed."Possibly," Ye Jiao replied, picking up one as well. "The body is thin and elegant, the form symmetrical, the glaze luminous. But I still prefer the celadon of the Yue kilns. They are rarer. You should have Prince Zhao exchange this set for one in celadon."
Just as she spoke, the door creaked open, and Li Jing entered—just in time to hear her last words."Exchange them? Do you know how costly celadon is?" he blurted out, frozen mid-step. "Are you here to visit the sick or to ransack the house?"
Ye Jiao rose unhurriedly and looked past him. Behind Li Jing stood a slender young woman clad in a lilac corset gown, her hair styled in an orchid bun, a frost-colored shawl draped over her arms. Seeing others inside, she modestly lowered her head and shielded her face, revealing only a pair of long, graceful phoenix eyes. Her every movement exuded tranquility and refinement.
"So it's Shu Wen," Li Ce said, setting down his cup and rising. He nodded toward the young lady.Among the imperial clan's daughters surnamed Shu, only the princess's children bore that name.Ye Jiao studied her face and surmised she must be the daughter of the Princess Royal.
Sure enough, Li Ce asked, "How is your father, the Prince Consort?"Shu Wen revealed her face and curtsied. "My father is on the mend. I heard Ninth Brother was unwell, so I came to pay my respects."
A maid behind her stepped forward and presented a gift box, which Shu Wen offered with both hands, her demeanor graceful and dignified, the very image of noble upbringing.
Ye Jiao's gaze drifted to the girl's fingers—white and slender as scallion stalks, her nails carefully trimmed and painted with delicate patterns. Her appearance and bearing were truly exquisite.Li Ce accepted the gift and turned to introduce her. "This is Lady Shu, daughter of the Princess Royal."
Though Shu Wen held no official title, her lineage marked her as nobility.Ye Jiao offered her a formal salute, which Shu Wen returned with poise and a gentle smile."You must be Lady Ye of the Duke of Anguo's household.""That's right," Li Jing chimed in from her side, smirking. "Good eye, little sister. This one's no easy match—you'd best keep your distance."
Yet Shu Wen took a step closer, sliding a filigreed gold bracelet from her wrist and placing it into Ye Jiao's hand."A small token for our first meeting. I hope you won't find it lacking."
The gesture caught Ye Jiao off guard. She was used to gifting others with her hairpins—rarely did anyone reciprocate. Instantly, she felt a fondness for this kindred spirit. With a smile, she unpinned her most ornate ornament, a golden hairpin adorned with the Twelve Floral Deities, and offered it in return.
This graceful exchange melted any reservations Ye Jiao had.Who gifts love rivals? This girl clearly had no interest in Li Ce.
Shu Wen accepted the gift with a pleased smile. "Miss Ye's generosity leaves me at a gain.""You'd best watch out," Li Jing warned. "Let her swindle you once, and you'll be weeping in no time."He took a cautious step back, fearing she'd draw her sword.
Strangely enough, Ye Jiao was in excellent spirits today. Even Li Jing's jibes only drew laughter."You two talk," she said, feigning magnanimity. "I have things to attend to, so I'll take my leave."Li Jing stepped aside at once. "Be sure to use the front gate. Break your leg climbing the wall and I'll have to tend two cripples."
Being Little Nine's older brother was no easy task. He himself was sickly, yet his heart belonged to this wall-climbing, sword-wielding maiden.
Ye Jiao wasn't the least bit angry. Cheerfully, she took her leave. "All right."Li Jing looked as if he'd seen a ghost and turned to Li Ce. "You faked illness again, didn't you?"Last time he'd feigned sickness, Ye Jiao had been doting and obedient all day.
Li Ce ignored him. In front of his brother and sister, he called out to her."Jiao Jiao.""Hmm?" She turned."Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival," he said gently. "Will you spend it with me?"Ye Jiao didn't answer right away. She waved a hand. "I'll be busy. We'll see tomorrow."
With that, she strode off briskly, instinctively heading for the wall, only to stop and correct course toward the courtyard gate.Li Ce watched her with a soft smile until her figure vanished from sight.
"Shu Wen's visit—there's more to it, isn't there?" His tone changed, shedding affection for the cool authority of an elder brother.
Indeed, Shu Wen had come with purpose.
Things at the Princess Royal's residence had grown unsettled lately. The Prince Consort was injured, and the Princess herself was plagued by sleepless nights.Shu Wen hoped to establish an altar for blessings and warding off misfortune, with Daoist Master Wang presiding over the rites.
"That can be arranged," said Li Jing. "The man lives here free of charge—he owes us that much."
But Shu Wen shook her head. "I approached him yesterday, but he refused. Said he was too busy.""Ha!" Li Jing scowled. "Arrogant fool! Shall I throw him out?"
Li Ce motioned for patience. "Let me speak with him."Shu Wen relaxed, her manner gracious and composed."They say Daoist Wang followed Ninth Brother back from Mount Li. If you make the request, he may reconsider."
She bowed deeply. "This favor, I will not forget.""No need for such words," Li Ce replied warmly. "Last year at Mid-Autumn, I was too ill to return. You sent gifts to Hantang Hall and rewarded the palace maids and servants to ensure my well-being. That kindness—I owe you still."
Hantang Hall was where his mother had resided.Shu Wen smiled gently.
Li Jing, already seated with a cup of tea, added, "Indeed. Of all the capital's noble daughters, only Shu Wen has the heart to look past your ill fortune.""Fifth Brother," Shu Wen lowered her sleeves, her slender face pale and delicate. Her voice was barely a whisper."You care for Ninth Brother too, and you've never shunned him.""I mind it plenty," Li Jing scoffed, pointing to his sleeve. "I've hidden two Mount Tai talismans in here."Only with the protection of sacred stones did he feel safe from Li Ce's ominous fate.
Li Ce had arranged for a servant to wait by the gates. When Daoist Wang returned to the residence, he was immediately summoned.
Shu Wen and Li Jing had already departed.Wang Qianshan stood in the courtyard, arms folded. "Prince Chu certainly has an eye for real estate. This courtyard is splendid."
Li Ce invited him to sit. The setting sun painted the sky in brilliant hues. Under the ginkgo tree, Li Ce spread a rug and placed down a low table and floor cushions. A pot of fruit wine and a few light vegetarian dishes were served.
Wang Qianshan knelt beside the table, glanced at the food, and frowned."Perhaps Your Highness is unaware—my sect of Daoism permits marriage and the consumption of alcohol and meat. As long as it's not beef, tortoise, goose, or dog, I am free to partake."
Those animals symbolized loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness—principles revered in Daoist belief.
Li Ce immediately apologized and ordered the vegetarian dishes replaced with poultry, fish, and strong spirits.Only then did Wang Qianshan grow pleased.
After the meal, Li Ce brought up the matter at hand.To his surprise, Wang Qianshan refused outright.
Li Ce was baffled.
Though Wang's name was well known, he had only recently arrived in the capital. A ritual for the Princess's household would connect him with the powerful and earn him rich offerings—why decline?
Wang Qianshan first shook his head in silence. After drinking heavily and becoming slightly tipsy, he finally confessed...