The gentle glow of lantern light illuminated the private room of Elegance Pavilion.
Warm laughter and soft music flowed like a river—until Prince Murong Yunxi suddenly set down his cup and turned to Bai Rouyuan.
The Invitation
"Miss Bai," Murong Yunxi began with a warm smile, "My mother, Consort Rou, has asked me to invite you to see her. She truly wants to meet you. She has already met your brothers Yunchen and Yanyu. Only you remain."
Rouyuan blinked, surprised.
"How about this—I'll tell my mother and set a date for your visit."
He then turned toward Wen Xianyi. "You too, Miss Wen. Come with her."
Rouyuan quickly reached for Wen Xianyi's hand, "Ah, Ah Yi, come with me. I've never met Consort Rou… I don't know what I should say."
Xianyi stiffened. "But I'm scared too! I've never gone to the palace. I only meet Consort Rou at Wen Clan Mansion—"
"It's fine," Murong Qingshi chimed in cheerfully.
"I'll go with you both."
Wen Xianyi hugged her chest dramatically.
"Then I'll survive…"
The table laughed.
As the night grew deeper, the girls asked to leave.
Yexuan immediately stood and asked Bai Yunchen to walk them home.
"Yunchen, send your sister and Miss Wen home safely."
"Don't worry, I well be okay by myself"
Murong Qingshi returned to the palace with Murong Yunxi, while Bai Yunchen escorted Rouyuan and Wen Xianyi back to the Bai Residence.
The Day Arrives — Meeting Consort Rou
A week later, the long-awaited morning arrived.
Rouyuan dressed carefully.
She wore a flowing silk dress of pale lavender—soft as moonlight, shimmering gently, graceful and elegant without ostentation.
Her hair was styled simply, adorned with a delicate pearl hairpin Xianyi chose for her.
Rouyuan brought a fragrance set she personally crafted for Consort Rou— a royal-exclusive series of delicate florals and soft tea undertones.
Wen Xianyi, in contrast, carried a box of exquisite jewelry— a new collection from Wen Qianbao Pavilion, sent from Lingyan City by their grandfather.
The girls rode in a carriage from Bai Residence, moving gently toward the palace.
Entering the Palace
When they arrived, Murong Qingshi was already waiting at the gate, smiling brightly.
"Finally! I thought I'd grow old waiting for you both."
She guided them through the corridors, passing guards and palace maids who bowed respectfully.
They soon reached a serene courtyard within Consort Rou's palace quarters.
A maid announced their arrival softly:
"Niángniang, Miss Bai Rouyuan and Miss Wen Xianyi have arrived."
The Reunion of Blood
Rouyuan bowed deeply.
"Niángniang, Bai Rouyuan is here to pay respects."
Consort Rou—Wen Rouya—turned at the sound of Rouyuan's voice.
Her eyes widened.
Her breath trembled.
She stood abruptly,
She rushed to Rouyuan and held her shoulders, hands shaking.
But before anything else, her gaze fell on Rouyuan's veil.
"Child… why are you wearing a veil?"
Her voice cracked with worry.
"I heard you were injured twelve years ago."
"Are the scars still there?"
Rouyuan shook her head gently.
"No, Niángniang. The scars are gone."
"I'm simply used to wearing it."
"It feels strange… if there's nothing protecting my face."
To reassure her aunt, she slowly lifted the veil.
At that moment—Princess Murong Qingshi froze.
This was the first time she ever saw Rouyuan's true face.
Her friend…was breathtaking.
Soft eyes like warm spring water, features delicate yet elegant, a natural beauty that glowed even without any powder.
Murong Qingshi almost gasped aloud.
'No wonder Yexuan fell head over heels for her.
She's gentle, brilliant, talented… and this beautiful?
I must make sure she keeps wearing that veil.
Otherwise someone else might snatch her away before Yexuan succeeds.
Poor cousin… he'd be heartbroken.'
Murong Qingshi quietly sighed in her heart.
Consort Rou's tears fell as she cupped Rouyuan's face tenderly.
"You look so much like your mother… my dear sister Rouying…"
Rouyuan's eyes reddened.
Consort Rou pulled her into a trembling embrace.
"My dear child…"
"left without a mother so young…"
"forced to walk the world alone…"
Rouyuan couldn't speak.
Only the sound of soft crying filled the room.
Xianyi and Qingshi lowered their heads, deeply moved.
When they finally calmed, Consort Rou guided them to sit.
Tea and sweet pastries were served.
They talked warmly for over an hour before Bai Rouyuan politely asked permission to leave, not wanting to tire Consort Rou further.
Consort Rou held her hands tightly. "Come visit often, child."
Rouyuan nodded with a gentle smile.
Prince Murong Yexuan Investigation
Elsewhere in the palace, Yexuan was deep in investigation.
The ration embezzlement case was widening.
Reports gathered by Bai Yanyu and Murong Yunxi through the Strategic Intelligence Unit, and the Silk Whisper Guild, all pointed toward Que Qiwu, Deputy of the Imperial Treasury.
But Murong Yexuan knew Que Qiwu was only a pawn.
Someone more powerful was hiding behind him.
Frustrated, Yexuan stepped out of his study to breathe.
And then—
He saw her.
The Encounter — A Smile Seen by the Wrong Eyes
Rouyuan walked by with Xianyi and Qingshi.
Yexuan's expression brightened instantly.
His eyes lit instantly.
He approached with a soft smile, "Miss Bai."
Rouyuan bowed politely.
They exchanged gentle words for a short while before she excused herself.
Just as she turned—
Two figures were watching.
Princess Murong Lingwei and Zhao Shaoqin.
Murong Lingwei's eyes burned with jealousy.
Murong Yexuan had never smiled so sweetly like that at her.
She snapped her head toward Shaoqin. "Who is that lady?"
"That is Bai Rouyuan," Shaoqin whispered with venom.
"My brother's fiancée."
Murong Lingwei stiffened.
Her heart twisted with rage.
"That girl dares speak so gently to Yexuan Ge…"
Zhao Shaoqin added fuel to the fire, "She always acts like that. Shameless. Arrogant. Thinks Yunyan Pavilion is something extraordinary."
Murong Lingwei's jealousy turned into cold hatred.
She narrowed her eyes sharply.
Her voice low and dripping with malice, "I will not let you live an easy life."
And in that moment—
Bai Rouyuan unknowingly gained a dangerous enemy.