The Grand Princess's residence stood in the northeastern corner of the Imperial City, not far from the Palace City, yet far quieter.
Fu Niang had been confined here for several days.
Though "confined" was not quite the word.
The Grand Princess treated her exceedingly well, having the servants prepare different pastries for her every day.
She also ordered maids to keep her company and spoke to her gently, never once raising her voice.
But Fu Niang knew she could not leave.
When Wei An died, she had wanted to leave the palace to pay her respects at the Wei Residence, only to be stopped by the Grand Princess's people.
Fu Niang refused, but they wore her down with coaxing and pressure.
In the end, they had all but escorted her under guard into a carriage.
She had cried, made a fuss, and even refused a meal.
None of it had got her out...
"Young lady, please have a little more," the maid behind her said cautiously.
"The Grand Princess specially ordered the kitchens to make this, using the finest..."
"I don't want to eat," Fu Niang said dully. "I want to leave."
The maid lowered her head, not daring to answer.
This same exchange had repeated itself countless times over the past three days.
Fu Niang turned to look out the window.
She suddenly remembered the day she met Wei Nisheng when he visited the Feng Residence. The morning light had been just like this.
He had stood in the flower pavilion in blue robes, his hands behind his back, his features as lovely as a painting.
He had said, "Hello, Miss Feng."
She had hidden behind Grandpa, showing only half her face, and murmured in a voice as faint as a mosquito, "Hello."
She had been eight then, and