Chapter 23

"The Aloof Crown Prince's Nemesis" Chapter 23

The late-spring breeze carried the fragrance of crabapple blossoms through the corridors of the Eastern Palace. Since the matter at the Palace of Earthly Tranquility had been settled, several days had passed in unusual peace. Seeing how attentive the crown prince was to Shen Zhiwei, the servants treated her with greater respect, and the whispered gossip of earlier days gradually faded.

That afternoon, Shen Zhiwei sat beside the window in the Quiet Reflection Pavilion, holding a silk handkerchief with a half-finished magnolia embroidered on it. The gentle spring light fell across her lowered profile, making her look serene and graceful. A maid brought her a cup of warm flower tea and quietly reported the news.

"Miss Shen, the gatekeeper just sent word that someone from the Su Residence has delivered a gift to the Eastern Palace, specifically as an apology."

Shen Zhiwei's fingers stilled. She raised her eyes, wariness stirring in her heart. "An apology?"

Su Wan had only just been confined to her residence. The Su family's sudden gift seemed far too conveniently timed. After a moment's consideration, Shen Zhiwei declined to accept it immediately. "Leave it in the outer room for now. We'll decide what to do when His Highness returns."

At dusk, Xiao Heng returned from court and came straight to the Quiet Reflection Pavilion without even changing out of his court robes. Shen Zhiwei went to greet him and explained the matter of the Su Residence's gift in detail.

Xiao Heng's brows drew together slightly, a cold glint passing through his eyes. "The Su family has always held its tongue and bided its time. This sudden show of goodwill most likely conceals another aim. Bring the gift here. Let me see it."

The gift box was carried into the room and opened, revealing a jade hairpin of exceptional quality. The jade had a soft luster and felt cool to the touch. Beneath it lay a respectfully worded letter in Master Su's hand, expressing gratitude for the crown prince's magnanimity, apologizing for past offenses, and voicing the hope that both families could set aside their grievances. It ended with wishes for a harmonious marriage between the crown prince and Miss Shen.

"How grand and righteous he makes it sound." Xiao Heng ran a fingertip over the jade hairpin, entirely unmoved. "Su Wan's confinement is only a temporary restraint. The Su family may not have accepted the outcome at all. This apology feels more like an attempt to test us."

Looking at the jade hairpin, Shen Zhiwei said softly, "If we refuse it, won't people say we're unwilling to reconcile? Wouldn't that give others an excuse to wag their tongues at court?"

"You needn't force yourself." Xiao Heng turned toward her, his voice gentle but firm. "I won't let you be made to accept a gift laden with schemes." He instructed the maid, "Return it to the Su Residence exactly as it came. Tell them we appreciate the sentiment, but there is no need for us to accept the gift."

The maid withdrew to carry out his orders, leaving the two of them alone. Xiao Heng removed his outer robe, walked slowly to Shen Zhiwei's side, and gently slipped an arm around her shoulders. "Have you felt at ease these past few days? Have any of the servants treated you poorly?"

"Everything has been fine." Shen Zhiwei looked up at him, a faint smile rippling through her eyes. "I just can't quite put my mind at rest. Su Wan is stubborn, and the Su family has deep roots. This setback may not be enough to make them stop."

"I've taken precautions." Xiao Heng's thumb brushed gently over her shoulder. "I've already ordered trusted men to watch the Su Residence in secret, and I've increased the guards' patrols here. I won't let you fall into danger again. Our wedding date is set. In less than two months, we'll be married, and I want you safe and at peace until that day."

As he spoke, hurried footsteps sounded outside, announcing the arrival of a trusted guard.

"Your Highness! I have an urgent report!"

Xiao Heng released her and said in a low voice, "Come in."

The guard entered and dropped to one knee, his expression grave. "As ordered, I've been keeping watch on the Su Residence. I've just learned that Su Wan has used her confinement as a cover to secretly contact the families of several senior officials who have long been on good terms with the Su family. They've been exchanging private letters and appear to be planning something. Moreover, the Su family has recently been making frequent contact with an outsider from the martial world beyond the palace. This person's origins are unknown."

Shen Zhiwei's heart tightened, and she instinctively clenched the edge of her robe.

Xiao Heng's gaze darkened, the air around him turning colder. "So they couldn't hold themselves back after all. Do you know exactly what they intend to do?"

"We haven't obtained complete evidence yet. That outsider comes and goes with extreme secrecy. It's difficult to catch them doing anything incriminating," the guard replied, his head lowered.

"Keep a close watch. Make sure you obtain solid evidence, but don't stir the grass and startle the snake," Xiao Heng instructed evenly. "Assign more men to protect the Quiet Reflection Pavilion. Have them stand guard in shifts, day and night. They must not let their vigilance slip for an instant."

"Yes! As you command!" The guard saluted and withdrew.

Quiet returned to the room. The evening breeze slipped through the window lattice, making the candle flame sway gently.

Xiao Heng turned and saw the slight furrow between Shen Zhiwei's brows. He stepped forward and took her faintly chilled hand. "Did that frighten you?"

"It isn't fear. I just don't want more trouble to arise and delay our wedding," Shen Zhiwei said softly.

"With me here, no one will be allowed to ruin our marriage." Xiao Heng nestled her hand against his palm, undisguised resolve in his eyes. "The more they scheme in the shadows, the more carefully I'll protect you. Once the wedding rites are complete, you'll be the rightful crown princess. Anyone who tries to harm you then will have to weigh the price."

Shen Zhiwei lifted her eyes and met his deep gaze. Little by little, the unease in her heart was soothed away. She leaned gently against his shoulder, breathing in the clean, cool fragrance of his robes.

The fragrance of crabapple blossoms drifted into the room as the night deepened outside. Beneath the apparent calm of their days, hidden currents still surged. The Su Residence's secret maneuvers were like a slender thorn suspended above their heads, warning that greater storms still lay ahead.