Chapter Two: The Princess’s Seduction

Sunlight streamed through the window lattice, bathing Wen Zhiyan in its glow, softening the features of her face under the warm light.

Kneading dough, brewing tea—the ingredients prepared yesterday were transformed by Wen Zhiyan’s hands into delicate little pastries today. Steam rose in the kitchen as she wiped the sweat from her brow, carefully placing the pastries from the steamer onto plates and pouring tea into the pot.

From her sleeve, she retrieved a neatly folded paper packet, unfolding it deliberately. Gazing at the white powder inside, her mood brightened as she gently sprinkled it over the pastries and into the tea.

“Midnight cries echo through the corridor, blood moon casts long ghostly shadows by the window. The soul-eater lurks in hiding, ancient house’s restless spirits lament their sorrow.”

Wen Zhiyan hummed softly, a tender, motherly smile gracing her lips, her eyes shining with a strange light. She arranged the pastries one by one on the small table in the main hall that had escaped confiscation, meticulously wiping the dust from the cushions on the floor, quietly awaiting her guest’s arrival.

At the sealed back gate of the Duke of Zhen’s residence, the surroundings were deserted and silent. An old carriage creaked as it swayed along the empty alley. The coachman, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, yawned and stopped the carriage.

A maid opened the sedan door, and a veiled woman stepped out. After sending the carriage away, the woman slowly removed her veil.

Her long brows arched gracefully, phoenix-shaped eyes steady amidst a round, serene Buddha-like face—this was Li Youwei, the eldest legitimate daughter of the reigning emperor, renowned for her filial piety and virtue.

The maid eyed Li Youwei cautiously. “Princess, are you sure you don’t want me to accompany you inside?”

Li Youwei glanced at her, recalling the letter she had received a few days earlier.

“…Recently, Zhiyan has heard some clues regarding the Crown Prince’s death that may help the Princess find the true culprit and ease your sleepless nights. Due to the sensitive nature of this matter, it is inconvenient to disclose it in public. Therefore, I specially invite the Princess to the Duke of Zhen’s residence three days from now. The back gate seal has been removed and can be quietly lifted. Our secret signals remain the same. Zhiyan awaits your arrival.”

Li Youwei’s expression grew serious, tinged with unease. She shook her head at the maid. “Find a teahouse nearby and wait for me. If I haven’t come out after two hours, bring people in to fetch me.”

The maid, anxious at her stern demeanor, protested, “Two hours is a long time—what if something happens to you, Princess?”

“I said two hours, so two hours it is!” Li Youwei’s tone was unyielding, a stark departure from her usual easy manner. “After I enter, remember to reseal the gate.”

“B-but…”

“Have I not given orders as your Princess?”

“…Yes, Mistress,” the maid reluctantly agreed.

After confirming no one was around, Li Youwei peeled off the seal on the door, then knocked thrice in a rhythmic pattern. The door opened, revealing Wen Zhiyan’s gentle face.

“The Princess has arrived? Please come in.”

Li Youwei took Wen Zhiyan’s hand and stepped into the Duke of Zhen’s mansion, sealed for two years. She glanced back at the maid, who nodded before closing the door and firmly resealing it.

Wen Zhiyan led Li Youwei through a courtyard overgrown with weeds, the stone path slick with moss. Thanks to Wen Zhiyan’s steady support, Li Youwei avoided slipping.

Looking at the desolation, Li Youwei shuddered and complained, “Why choose such a place to meet? What exactly did you hear about the Crown Prince’s death?”

Wen Zhiyan smiled softly and replied obediently, “I only thought about safety—no one else can overhear here. But I forgot that the Duke’s residence has been abandoned for two years, and all that remains is a garden of wild grass.”

Li Youwei was displeased by the focus on the mansion’s decay. “Who killed the Crown Prince? Where did you get this information?”

Wen Zhiyan looked at her with a gentle smile that sent a chill down Li Youwei’s spine. Suddenly aware of the danger she was in, Li Youwei tried to pull her hand away, but Wen Zhiyan said calmly, “It was Prince Fu. Prince Fu killed the Crown Prince.”

A heart that had hung heavy in her throat settled calmly back into her chest. Li Youwei felt an odd sense of peace at those words. She studied Wen Zhiyan’s expression, as if trying to discern how much of this news was true and how much false.

“Princess, please be patient, this is a long story,” Wen Zhiyan said, leading her to the main hall and seating her. She lowered her gaze respectfully and brewed tea, her movements no different from when she served in the palace.

Gradually, Li Youwei’s suspicions eased as she watched the familiar gestures. Glancing down at the cushion beneath her, she sighed, “Years ago, Mother said that if one wanted to see the finest goods of the common folk, the Duke of Zhen’s residence was like a treasury. It’s a pity I never saw it... Though now it’s empty, the carved beams still hint at the former splendor.”

Wen Zhiyan placed the tea before Li Youwei with a faint smile. “For a princess of your rank to grace the Duke’s residence is a blessing. This place is nothing more than an ordinary household. You’ve surely seen finer things in the palace.”

Li Youwei picked up a delicate pastry, turning it over in her fingers. “Since childhood, I’ve heard tales of the valor of the late Duke of Zhen and Lord Wen Chongyi. I have always respected them greatly. Who would have thought…”

A shadow of sorrow passed over Wen Zhiyan’s face. “I am fortunate to have the help of someone as saintly as you, Princess, to survive. The past is not something I dare dwell on.”

“Enough, enough, I’m speaking out of turn.” Li Youwei patted Wen Zhiyan’s hand. “You’ve done well to still make such exquisite pastries here—they’re just like those in my palace.”

“They’re made just to suit the Princess’s taste. Please, try them.”

With hopeful eyes glistening, Wen Zhiyan reminded Li Youwei of the dog her mother kept in the palace. Perhaps bewitched by her, or feeling safe in this moment, Li Youwei took a small bite. The delicate, tender texture melted on her tongue.

“Your skills have improved greatly, Zhiyan! But I cannot stay away from the palace too long. About Prince Fu… how did you come to know?”

“What matter concerns this prince? Let me hear it too.”

A tall young man in a striking red outfit stepped through the door, fanning himself. His sharp brows and sparkling eyes shone brightly—an elegant youth in fine clothes astride a spirited horse.

With a crash, the teacup in Li Youwei’s hand shattered on the floor.

Her voice rang out sharply, “What are you doing here?!”

Then, as if realizing something, Li Youwei glared at Wen Zhiyan. “Did you invite Prince Fu?”