That morning, Wanqing was reluctantly awakened by Chunhong’s soft whisper informing her that Prince Ning had arrived and was waiting for her.
She had always been sensitive to disturbances around her, especially when waking up, so she was naturally aware of Chunhong’s presence. But upon hearing the news that Prince Ning had come to wait for her, her thoughts immediately turned to the matter of visiting the palace to treat the Empress Dowager.
Though her body was heavy with exhaustion and her eyes slightly sore from lack of rest, she still opened them and said, “Help me get ready.”
“Miss, you’ve been busy all night. Should I fetch you a *Dali Pill* to take?”
Chunhong watched as Wanqing woke up. Though there was no displeasure in her eyes, the sight of her bruised and dark-circled eyes, along with her weary frown, made Chunhong feel guilty. She stuck out her tongue slightly before stepping forward to fetch her clothes, dressing her while expressing concern.
“No need. I can handle this bit of drowsiness. Just bring me a basin of cold water to wash my face.”
Wanqing smiled gently at Chunhong’s guilt-ridden and worried expression. If she hadn’t already been stirring, would Chunhong’s call alone have woken her? She chuckled softly to reassure her before giving further instructions.
“After breakfast, we’ll go. Brother Ning, have you eaten? If not, let’s have a meal together. I stayed up late reading last night, heh…”
Once dressed and freshened up, Wanqing went straight to the front courtyard. She instructed Honglian and the others to prepare food, then turned to Prince Ning, who had risen upon her arrival. Seeing the sunlight slanting in, indicating it was already mid-morning, she gave an awkward smile.
“It’s fine. Young ladies should rest well. Just don’t stay up so late in the future. Should I go to the palace first and inform the Empress Dowager that we’ll visit after lunch?”
Though she appeared composed and relaxed, Prince Ning could still see the fatigue in her eyes. Not knowing why she had pushed herself so hard, he spoke gently, watching as she sat down and sipped some floral tea. After a pause, he added with concern,
“No need. It’s just a short while. I can rest after returning from the palace. Besides, making the Empress Dowager wait would be impolite, wouldn’t it?”
Wanqing smiled faintly at her brother’s care, though her eyes still felt dry. She answered lightly, teasing him with a playful question.
“You always have an answer for everything. I just worry about you. Go ahead and eat—I’ll wait.”
Prince Ning chuckled helplessly at her response. As Honglian and the others brought out the food, he smiled warmly and strolled around her courtyard with Qingfeng.
Half an hour later, Wanqing and Prince Ning left the Marquis’s residence, boarding the prince’s official carriage and heading straight for the palace.
“What? You’re saying that girl went to the palace with Prince Ning again? What is she up to?”
The news of their visit quickly reached Leng Mingye’s ears—thanks to Qingfeng, whom he had specifically instructed to keep watch. Initially, he thought Prince Ning had taken her to the palace to meet the Empress Dowager for personal reasons. But now, after going yesterday and again today, he couldn’t help but frown, wondering about her true purpose.
“I made some inquiries. They say the Empress Dowager’s headache has returned, and Prince Ning took her to treat it. Master…”
Seeing his master’s tense expression, Qingfeng sighed inwardly. He had tried to advise him before, but Leng Mingye hadn’t listened, leading to this strained relationship. Now, he was finally realizing her worth. Though reluctant, Qingfeng reported what he had learned, watching as Leng Mingye’s brows furrowed slightly.
“Just treating the Empress Dowager’s headache? Let’s go to the palace too. Yufeng has been there for days now…”
At Qingfeng’s words, Leng Mingye couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy at the thought of Wanqing laughing and chatting with Prince Ning. With a low mutter, he stood up.
“Master…” Qingfeng grew anxious at his reaction, but when Leng Mingye shot him a glance, he swallowed his words and followed. With Baiyu absent, he could only trail behind silently—his clumsy tongue was no match for persuasion.
Wanqing and Prince Ning met with the Empress Dowager, exchanging brief pleasantries before she began the acupuncture treatment.
But as she finished and left the Empress Dowager’s chambers, she spotted a familiar figure on the way out.
“…” Seeing the man dressed as a eunuch, trailing behind others while carrying a tray, Wanqing stopped in surprise.
“What’s wrong?” Prince Ning halted as well, following her gaze.
“Nothing. Brother Ning, could you wait here for a moment? I just remembered that I need to add an ingredient to the Empress Dowager’s medicine to make it less bitter.”
Pretending she had merely noticed the clouds, Wanqing smiled faintly, acting as if she had just recalled the matter. After Prince Ning nodded and walked to a nearby pavilion with Qingfeng, she returned to the Empress Dowager’s quarters with Wanchun.
“Your Majesty, it’s time for your sweets.”
Instead of entering directly, Wanqing hid by the door with Honglian and Wanchun, observing the scene inside.
The leading eunuch stepped forward, opening a small tray held by another eunuch, presenting the exquisite pastries to the Empress Dowager.
“Leave them. I’ll eat later. All of you may withdraw—I feel drowsy and wish to rest.”
The Empress Dowager spoke indifferently, eyeing the beautiful but unappetizing treats before yawning and waving them away.
“Understood. We shall take our leave.”
The head eunuch bowed, signaling the others to follow. As they departed, one lingered behind—only to be nudged impatiently by the leader. The man lowered his head and finally followed.
Wanqing and her maids trailed the eunuchs, confirming that Zhao Zhong, the last one, stealthily slipped into a grove of flowering trees. Though he had shaved his beard to blend in, she recognized him instantly.
“Phew…”
Once Zhao Zhong reached a secluded spot behind a rockery, he shed his eunuch robes, revealing a guard’s uniform underneath. Wanqing signaled to Honglian and Wanchun, who swiftly moved to intercept him.
“You—!”
Startled by their sudden appearance, Zhao Zhong paled. Recognizing them, he lowered his head in shame, remaining silent.
“Brother Zhao, what are you doing in the palace? Don’t you know how dangerous it is here? If we hadn’t found you, what if you’d run into Nightshade’s men—or the Emperor’s? Sneaking into the palace like this—do you have a death wish?”
Wanqing pretended not to notice his actions, feigning concern as she questioned him.
“I—I’ll leave now.”
Just then, a voice called out for Wanqing. Seizing the opportunity, Zhao Zhong’s face lit up before he leaped away.
“Let him go. What does Qingfeng want? Stall him—tell him I’ll be right there after checking on the Empress Dowager.”
As the voice grew nearer, Wanqing grew increasingly suspicious of Zhao Zhong’s behavior. Instructing her maids to handle Qingfeng, she slipped away toward the Empress Dowager’s quarters.
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