The afternoon sun filtered through the windows, casting soft light across Ruyi's desk.
She was sorting through a few dried herbs when Hua hurried in, clutching an envelope tied with silk.
"Miss," she said breathlessly, "an invitation arrived for you."
Ruyi paused mid-movement.
"An invitation?"
Her brows lifted in mild surprise.
The last time she had appeared publicly was at the Queen's spring banquet.
"…For me? Are you sure?" she asked lightly, returning her gaze to the herbs.
Hua nodded. "It has your name on it, Miss."
Ruyi went still for a heartbeat. "That's unusual…"
Then, very calmly, she said, "Reject it."
Hua let out a quiet breath of relief, nodding vigorously.
"I thought you would say that, Miss. I also disliked it the moment that maid delivered it."
Ruyi looked up at that.
"Who?"
"One of Madam Shen's maids." Hua's lips tightened. "So I told myself, "of course the Third Miss won't accept this." I stand with you, Miss. I will reject it immediately."
Hua turned on her heel to leave when,
"Wait."
She turned back, startled, as Ruyi tapped her finger on the table.
"…Madam Shen?" Ruyi repeated.
"Yes, Miss."
Ruyi's lashes lowered in thought.
"Who is the host?" Ruyi asked quietly.
"The Wen family," Hua replied, opening the booklet. "Madam Wen is holding an flower-viewing banquet. But Miss…" Hua frowned deeply. "It is suspicious. I will go and reject it now."
She moved again.
Ruyi raised her hand, stopping her a second time.
Her voice softened, thoughtful.
"Hua… the weather has been getting better lately," she said. "It would be a shame to miss the spring orchids."
Hua stared at her. "…Miss?"
Ruyi offered her a calm, faint smile.
"Is the new flower shop going well?"
"It is going well, miss."
Ruyi nodded. "I see. Tell the manager to send some of their best peonies to the Wen Mansion. We wouldn't want to show up empty handed, since she has gone out of her way to invite us."
But the glint in her eyes said something entirely different.
Hua swallowed, nodding slowly. "Yes, Miss…"
************
Ruyi had only just stepped into the Wen family's flowering courtyard when a familiar but unavoidable voice rang out, as bright as stone and twice as fake.
"Jie-jie."
Ruxin drew the word loudly, ensuring half the courtyard turned their heads.
"Jie-jie finally made it."
She stepped forward, followed with two finely dressed young ladies at her side, Fifth Lady Ping and Seventh Lady Xu.
Around them, several groups of young women subtly angled their bodies, pretending politeness while blatantly eavesdropping.
Ruyi paused.
A girl whispered behind her fan. "Isn't that the Third Lady of the Cai family?"
"So she really dared to come…" another murmured.
"I wonder what Madam Wen was thinking, inviting her. "
Hua shifted closer to Ruyi's side.
"Mei-Mei." Ruyi gave a small nod. "Fifth Miss Ping. Seventh Miss Xu."
Xu Meilin hid a smile, covering her mouth with her sleeve.
"Aiya, she really came. I thought a little bird like Third Miss Cai wouldn't dare flutter outside her cage today. One might get lost if one hasn't walked freely in a while."
Yuehua added coolly, "Wen Manor's paths are long. I was worried you might… tire yourself before reaching the garden."
Facing Ruxin is bad on its own, now I have to deal with her two purses. Though what did I expect when I accepted the invitation?
Ruxin pressed a hand to her lips, feigning worry.
"Aiya," she said sweetly. "Elder Sister's health has always been… fragile. Gatherings like these must feel unfamiliar after living in a barracks these past weeks. Father shouldn't have punished you like that."
Her gaze flicked to Ruyi's face, which held a quiet expression.
A ripple went through the nearby groups.
"Jie-jie, everyone was just admiring Wen Manor's flowers. With the weather warming, it must feel nice to leave your courtyard for once."
Her voice dripped with concern, her intention plain as day.
Ruxin leaned closer, voice soft and "worried."
"You didn't catch another chill from… living among soldiers, did you?"
She tilted her head innocently. "Such a pity… men and women shouldn't mix, you know. People talk."
Xu Meilin giggled. "Some say too much yang energy makes a girl look older."
Ping Yuehua lifted her cup to her lips. "I heard her skin worsened. If this goes on, her flowers will wilt before they can be plucked. Isn't the Third Miss already past the age of seventeen?"
Ruxin lowered her gaze, appearing distressed.
"Aiya! Yuehua, Meilin, don't say that. It's not Jie-jie's fault that her health won't let her leave her courtyard. How are families supposed to know of her existence?"
Ruxin then turned to Ruyi. "Don't misunderstand everyone, they're just… concerned. Nobody blames you, Jie-jie. After all, when one's appearance suffers, people's hearts become uneasy."
The laughter was soft but razor-edged.
"Rumors were spreading everywhere. I was so worried you'd be stained, though of course," she gave a tinkling laugh, "I defended you."
Hua's fists tightened. "Young Miss didn't stay in the barracks…"
Ping Yuehua's gaze cut sideways. "Keep shut. A maid should know her place. Such an eyesore."
Xu Meilin nodded eagerly. "Clearly the Third Lady hasn't been well enough to discipline her servants."
Ruyi spoke quietly.
"Hua."
Hua swallowed her anger and stepped back, her jaw clenched tight.
But then, Xu Meilin's voice rose.
"Well, we all know she was sent there, wasn't she? As punishment. I'm sure it was… enlightening. All those men…"
"You are lying! The Third Miss was never…" Hua's voice sharpened.
"You dare open your mouth?" Seventh lady Xu's hand lifted.
Ruyi caught her wrist mid-air, grip firm but graceful.
A ripple spread through the onlookers like wind across water.
Ruyi flung her hand, letting it go with just enough weight to make the girl stagger two steps backwards, nearly crashing into Ping Yuehua.
Ruxin quickly caught her friend from stumbling.
Seventh Lady Xu gasped. "You! You dare push me?!"
"Jie-Jie! Why are you being so intense? Meilin was only correcting your maid."
Ruyi's voice was soft, but carried, turned to Seventh Lady Xu.
"I stopped your hand from touching my maid. If Seventh Lady Xu lacks balance, that is due to your own lack of stability, not mine."
A few ladies choked on laughter.
Ruyi admired the sleeve of her dress calmly.
"Mei-mei, you never told me all this time that these gatherings were only held so everyone could wear their best and recite each other's faults."
She paused thoughtfully.
"I used to think I was missing something. Now I see… there was nothing to miss at all."
Someone muttered, "She's not wrong…"
Ruxin bit her lip.
Seventh Lady Xu recovered quickly. Her voice turned sharp.
"You think you are better than all of us. Third Miss, everyone here knows what happened at Ruxin's hair pining ceremony, when you stole the pin."
Murmurs and nods could be seen from the crowd.
Ruyi scoffed, her voice steady and measured.
"First, you slander me for being near soldiers," she said, each word picked carefully. "Yet it was they who sacrificed their lives at the borders so you could stand here and gossip safely while admiring blooming flowers."
She paused.
Ruyi's gaze slid back to Xu Meilin. "Also Seventh lady Xu, tell me, did you personally see me steal the pin? It is strange how those who know the least always speak the loudest. "
Xu Meilin hesitated.
"It was found in your room. Or do you want to deny it?"
Ruyi let out a small laugh.
"And if you remember correctly, the pin found on that day was mine." Ruyi said mildly. "And not the pin for the fifth sister's hair pining ceremony. So, I am quite curious where you got this rumor of yours."
The accusation landed heavily.
Fifth lady Ping glanced at Ruxin.
But Seventh Miss Xu recovered fast. "Don't twist the story! You were punished. End of matter!"
She turned eagerly to Ruxin. "Isn't that right, Ruxin? The Third Miss was punished because she told her maid to steal the pin."
Ruxin's smile froze.
Ruyi turned to her slowly, voice mild.
"Mei-mei, refresh my memory. What was the reason for my punishment again? You should know it best… since you explained it to so many people."
Ruxin's throat bobbed.
"The pin. Or wait," Ruyi stepped closer. "Was it for the letters?"
Ruxin paled instantly.
Fifth Lady Ping and Seventh Lady Xu glanced between them, confused.
The watching crowd shifted.
Ruxin's fingers curled into her skirts.
"I… I don't know what you're talking about," she whispered, voice tight.
"Then perhaps," she said softly, "you shouldn't speak so eagerly about punishments. Because, If I truly stole it, why would Father decide my punishment was to visit my own brother, while you knelt in the ancestral hall?"
A hush broke over the courtyard.
"The Fifth Miss was punished too…"
"Commander Cai is the Third Miss's blood brother…"
"I heard it was a maid that did it…"
"Maybe she didn't actually do it…"
Ruxin had no reply.
Her friends looked unnerved, unsure whether to defend her or retreat.
Before any of them could recover, Ruyi turned slightly.
"Hua."
"Yes, Miss," Hua said, eyes bright and steady at her mistress's side.
"We are here to enjoy the flowers," Ruyi said lightly. "Not gaze at weeds."
"Cai Ru Yi! You!" Xu Meilin tried to lunge forward but Ruxin held her back.
And with that, Ruyi walked past the circle of girls.
Ruyi had barely taken three steps toward the peony pavilion when Ruxin's voice floated after her, bright and airy.
"Jie-jie, wait!"
Ruyi paused.
Of course she wouldn't let it end here.
"Jie-jie," Ruxin said, loud enough for the nearby groups to hear, "I'm sure you didn't mean to… frighten anyone just now. We are all invited her to admire flowers and be familiar with each other."
A few girls glanced over.
Ruyi said nothing.
Ruxin clasped her hands in front of her chest, sighing delicately.
"Jie-jie, you shouldn't act this way in front of everyone. What would happen if Prince Gao caught wind of this? Your engagement might be affected."
"Oh… was I not supposed to mention it?" She pressed a hand to her lips dramatically. "Forgive me. I just assumed everyone already knew."
Whispers burst immediately.
"Engagement?…"
"To Prince Gao?"
"I thought it was only a rumor…"
"So the Cai family is moving forward with it…"
Ruxin sighed dramatically.
"But, I'm sure he wouldn't take offense to this. I truly envy you, Jie-jie. Even when you left the Queen's banquet abruptly… His Highness seemed to overlook your flaws."
Ruyi finally stepped closer.
Well-done, my dear sister. Very well-done.
"Mei-mei," she said gently. "I'm touched by how deeply you worry over my marriage."
Ruxin stiffened, as if she didn't expect such a calm response.
"Y-yess… We are sisters after all."
Ruyi paused. "But perhaps you should focus on preparing yourself. I hear Madam Liang is very hard to please, mm?"
Several girls gasped.
Xu Meilin choked. "Liang? As in Minister Liang family?! A'xin, is this true?"
Even the quiet Fifth Lady Ping's eyes widened.
Ruyi added softly. "What if she heard about how you behaved today. It would be a shame if Mei-mei's efforts to make a good impression… went to waste."
She leaned in just enough for only Ruxin to hear.
"Oh? Was I not supposed to mention it?"
Ruxin jerked back as if burned.
Ruyi straightened, her tone returning to its gentleness.
"Since you care so much about propriety," she said, "Mei-mei, I'm sure you'll set a good example today."
Standing here any longer will be petty. I'm tired.
Ruxin stood frozen, fingers trembling around her skirt. Her eyes darted from the onlookers to Ruyi's calm gaze.
"Hua." Ruyi murmured, almost bored.
"Yes, miss."
Ruyi had already turned, her sleeve brushing lightly against Hua's arm as she began to walk away.
But Hua froze mid-step.
"Miss…"
Ruyi paused without looking back.
A pair of footsteps approached the garden, unhurried but heavy.
Fans stopped fluttering.
A few girls stood a little straighter, subconsciously smoothing their skirts.
"Is that the Queen Dowager's nephew?"
"Why is he here…"
Prince Gao's voice stepped into view before him. "Third Lady Cai, leaving so soon?"
Ruyi tapped the back of her palm with her finger, hidden under her sleeve.
He finally came. Took him long enough.
A charcoal embroidered robe, dark jade clasp, hair tied with a gold crown that caught the sunlight like a blade's edge.
Tall, composed, expression unreadable, except for the faint arch of amusement tugging at his mouth.
The ladies all curtsied together. "Your Highness."
Everyone except Ruyi, who was a few steps away from the crowd.
He didn't look at anyone in particular.
He simply walked forward, and people moved out of his path before he even reached them.
Ruyi turned, expression composed, spine straight, hands folded neatly in front of her.
"Your Highness."
"Third Lady Cai," he repeated, tone smooth, "I was under the impression that the Wen family prepared this gathering to… admire the flowers."
He smiled faintly. "Yet you seem eager to leave."
Ruxin stepped forward quickly, seizing the chance.
"Your Highness, Jie-jie has always been… reserved. She must have been…"
Prince Gao lifted one finger.
Ruxin fell silent instantly.
He never looked at her.
Hua leaned in, whispering tightly, "Miss… he's speaking to you."
Ruyi exhaled once. "I heard him."
She turned and curtsied lightly. "Your Highness."
Instead, he spoke to Ruyi alone. "It seems the Third Lady finds today's flowers lacking."
"The flowers are lovely," she replied, voice soft. "The noise around them… not so much."
Prince Gao's smile deepened.
"Ah," he murmured, "so the Third Lady prefers quiet places."
He stepped closer, deliberate.
"If the Third Lady wouldn't mind, I could accompany you to somewhere more quieter."
Ruyi's lips curved, not quite a smile.
"If Your Highness wishes for someone to keep company," she said calmly, "there are many eager volunteers behind me. The capital doesn't lack noble ladies of high standings."
Prince Gao did not glance at any of them.
"Yet one would think," he said lightly, "that my wife-to-be would show more… attentiveness."
Whispers burst around them.
Ruyi's voice stayed cool.
"Your Highness, please be mindful with your words. Because it seems to have mistaken me for someone else. I dare not accept such privilege."
Murmurs began to swell around them.
"To defy a Prince so openly…"
Ruxin's voice rang out sharp, but her eyes sparkled with delight.
"Jie-jie! How can you speak to His Highness this way?"
But Prince Gao only laughed as he took a step towards Ruyi.
"Third Lady," he said softly, "I assure you, I never mistake what belongs to me."
Belongs? This dog-man think he can… Ruyi, calm down.
"As I recall," he said, "Third Lady Cai and I have already exchanged intentions."
Ruyi tilted her head slightly.
"Intentions," she said, "require agreement from both parties. Neither Minister Cai nor Madam Shen are in the position to made that decision for me."
His jaw twitched.
She continued softly, the perfect picture of courtesy.
"If Your Highness wishes to pursue this matter, I suggest speaking to my aunt first. Her Ladyship has far more authority over my future than I."
He went still.
Prince Gao lowered his voice.
"Third Lady Cai… are you refusing me? Here, in front of everyone?"
Ruyi did not blink.
"I am merely stating," she answered, "that Your Highness is speaking to the wrong person."
She angled her body away.
"If Your Highness is finished," Ruyi said, voice crisp as she bowed, "I was about to take my leave. My body is not suited to long gatherings."
Ruyi called out to the girl behind her. "Hua."
"Yes, Miss."
Hua quickly took her miss's hand and guided Ruyi away.
They had barely stepped off the garden path when she saw a small cluster of older women beneath the shade of a Mongolia tree.
Madam Wen stood at the center and Ruyi could pick out Madam Shen from the crowd surrounding.
Hua leaned close. "Miss… should we go another way?"
"No," Ruyi murmured lightly. "Hua."
Hua straightened at once. "Yes, Miss?"
"Ask them to bring the peony."
Hua nodded, curtsies and hurried away.
Ruyi approached the women, lowering into a graceful curtsy.
"Madam Wen. Madams." Her gaze remained on the ground.
"Oh! This must be The Third Lady Cai." Madam Wen smiled gently. "What a filial child!"
"Madam's kindness humbles me." Ruyi dipped her head. "I was just about to take my leave. Please forgive my leaving early."
Madam Shen's smile stretched too thin.
"Third Miss," she said sweetly, "you shouldn't leave a gathering too early. People might think you dislike socializing."
Ruyi offered a small, apologetic smile. "I dare not. Madam Wen's gardens almost rival Her Majesty's. I couldn't get enough of the elegance and beauty, but I fear my body is not strong enough to spend more time admiring them."
A few of the older women murmured understandably.
A low sound of surprise rippled through the garden as two servants approached, carrying a porcelain vase between them.
At its center bloomed a peony unlike any other.
The outer petals were pale jade, translucent as spring rain, while the heart blushed slowly into a deep wine-red. Where the colors met, they melted like the blue sky melting into the dusk.
"I've never seen such a peony."
"Is it even real?"
Madam Wen turned at the sound, eyes widening.
"This…" she stepped forward, "…this is extraordinary."
Ruyi spoke gently. "I heard that Madam Wen was a deep appreciator of flowers. This humble gift may have arrived a bit later than expected. This is a token of my apology for having to leave early."
Madam Wen studied the flower closely.
"Third Lady, where did you find such a thing?"
Ruyi smiled, small and almost shy.
"An acquaintance of mine cultivates them," she said at last. "A small place. Not well known yet."
"Not well known?" Someone scoffed lightly. "If word spreads, it won't remain so."
Madam Wen laughed. "Indeed. I fear this peony will invite envy."
Ruyi smiled back. "The flower blooms at spring's will, but before Madam Wen, even a thousand flowers fall shy."
Madam Wen smiles brightly at this subtle praise. "Madam Shen, you have really raised the Third Miss well. I never knew the Cai household has been hiding such a jewel."
Madam Shen's fingers tightened around her sleeves.
Before Ruyi could reply, the courtyard's atmosphere shifted.
Commander Liang entered the corridor, dressed in a dark indigo round-collar robe. His expression was unreadable, but his presence exuded authority.
Madam Wen brightened. "Commander Liang? What an honor to have you."
The women all curtsied to him.
Liang Tian offered a respectful bow. "Madam Wen. I was invited by Master Wen to discuss some matters. Forgive my intrusion."
"Not at all. Not at all." The older woman shook her head.
But as he straightened, his eyes flickered unmistakably to Ruyi, then it was suddenly drawn to the flower.
"I see even Commander Liang is entranced by the beauty of this peony." Madam Wen commented. "The Third Lady here is to be thanked for this gift."
Madam Shen lowered her voice to the maid behind her. "Fetch Ruxin. Quickly."the maid bowed and dashed off.
"General Liang," Madam Shen said warmly, "since you are here, you must meet my younger daughter properly. A'xin is well-versed in the Four Arts and has heard much of Commander Liang's accomplishments."
The older ladies exchanged knowing glances.
Ruyi remained expressionless, waiting for the right time to leave.
Liang Tian's jaw tightened for the briefest moment.
Madam Shen clapped her hand lightly. "Ah! the younger generation should speak among themselves."
She smiled pointedly at Madam Wen and the other women.
Madam Shen, already seeing Ruxin making her way to them, nodded politely.
"We should let the young ones enjoy the spring air."
Ruyi took that as her cue. "I should also be taking my leave."
"Third Lady Cai, wait—" Liang Tian started.
"Mother!" Ruxin, flushed, appeared in front of them. She quickly curtsied to the women.
"Madams."
Her eyes lit up when she saw Liang Tian. "Commander Liang, what a pleasant surprise."
He just wordlessly bowed.
Madam Shen beamed happily.
"Commander Liang, why don't you and A'xin enjoy a walk together. Ah… I believe Prince Gao was seen somewhere in the garden earlier…"
Ruyi curtsied.
"Madams. Commander Liang, please enjoy the rest of your day."
Liang Tian's eyes followed her, but Ruyi didn't look back.
Ruxin watched Ruyi disappear through the archway, her smile tightening until it trembled.
She straightened her shoulders, turning to Liang Tian with a delicate, practiced smile.
"Commander, it truly is fate that brings us together again," she said, voice sweet. "But surely you have a little time to…"
"I do not."
Ruxin blinked. "…What?"
Liang Tian's gaze stayed fixed on the path Ruyi had taken, though his expression didn't shift.
"I am not here to watch flowers," he said, tone utterly flat. "Lord Wen is expecting me."
Ruxin's smile twitched.
She stepped forward lightly, pretending she hadn't heard the dismissal.
"Still… today is a rare spring gathering. Since you have…"
"Fifth lady Cai."
The way he said her title was cold enough to frost over a summer tea set.
Ruxin froze.
Liang Tian continued, "I have important tasks to attend to."
He gave the faintest bow, strictly polite. "If you will excuse me."
He walked past her without waiting for a reply.
Ruxin stood rooted in place, fingers twitching as she desperately tried to hold the smile on her face.
But Ruxin's eyes flared with bitterness as she clenched her fists.
"If that sickly fox thinks she can steal you from me, she is dreaming."
**********************
The carriage rocked gently as it pulled onto the main road.
Hua puffed out her cheeks like an angry sparrow.
"Miss, those..! I almost bit my tongue trying not to shout."
Ruyi snorted softly. "You almost bit more than that."
Hua huffed indignantly. "Miss! They were saying… such.. such… things about you. And… and…" She stomped once for emphasis. "Even crows would be embarrassed to caw so loudly."
Ruyi's lips curved. "Then it's good I'm not a crow."
"Miss…" Hua glanced up at her. "Are you really alright?"
Ruyi exhaled slowly.
"It isn't anything I haven't heard before," she said softly. "I know it is not true and that is all that matters."
Hua's eyes dimmed.
"But," Ruyi added, voice light, "there's also good news."
Hua blinked. "What good news?"
Ruyi smiled. "Madam Shen seems quite desperate."
"…Miss, that is good news?"
"Of course. It means she is worried. Why do you think Prince Gao showed up today?"
Hua's mouth dropped. "So today was really…"
"A stage," Ruyi finished. "And they wanted to put me in a corner."
Hua flared again. "Well they failed! Miss looked like a princess from a painting. The Fifth Miss looked like a plum that fell on the ground…"
"Hua," Ruyi laughed softly, "that's enough."
"Miss… I-I wasn't sure if I should say it, but… the way Commander Liang was looking at you."
Ruyi kept her gaze on the passing road.
Hua continued anyway, voice a mix of excitement and suspicion.
"His eyes followed you the whole time! When he rejected Fifth Miss, his head turned right toward you. Even when you bowed to Madam Wen, he kept staring!"
Ruyi's lashes lowered. "That's enough, Hua."
"But Miss…" Hua bit her lip, puzzled. "Do you think he has feelings for you?"
"It doesn't matter." Ruyi closed her eyes briefly. "We will avoid him in the future."
"Eh? Why?"
"Because," Ruyi said slowly, as if choosing each word, "whatever draws his attention… has nothing to do with me."
Hua blinked, confused.
Ruyi turned her head toward the curtain again, watching the blossoms blur past as the carriage rolled forward.
"Commander Liang…" she murmured, almost to herself, "is not someone we should be entangled with. Not now. Not ever."
Hua nodded. "Miss is right. All those rumors…" She shivered in fright.
Ruyi let out a soft breath, fingers brushing her sleeve. She closed her eyes briefly.
"He is a complicated man with complicated ties. And I… have no intention of stepping into anyone else's storm."
Hua opened her mouth, then shut it. She hesitated, then a teasing look returned.
"And," she muttered. "Miss has someone else in her heart already. If such rumors reached Liu Jiangjun's ears…"
"Hua'er."
Hua pursued her lips, holding back her smile.
*******************************
Cold incense burned in the corner, filling the space with the thick scent of sandalwood.
Prince Gao knelt before the Queen Dowager's low table. His usual confidence evaporated between the first and second cup of tea she drank without looking at him.
She hadn't spoken for several minutes.
When she finally set down her cup, the soft clink of porcelain against the wooden table.
"Have you forgotten who you are, Yichen?"
He exhaled through his nose, a sound caught between frustration and something dangerously close to a whine.
"She won't even look at me properly. Acts like I'm… like I'm nothing. Like I'm some pest buzzing around her precious flowers."
"And that surprises you?"
"I'm a prince. Girls are supposed to…"
"Supposed to what? Fall at your feet because you showed up with jewelry?"
The Queen Dowager leaned back slightly, studying him.
"I'm disappointed with you, Yichen. Have you forgotten who she is related to? You think a wild horse cares about your sweet words?" she continued, her tone almost conversational. "You break the spirit first. Then it learns to appreciate the hand that feeds it."
Gao's hands tightened on his knees. "You want me to—"
"I want you to stop embarrassing yourself," she cut in, her tone dropping.
"A mere girl, Yichen. I gave you the easiest task possible."
The older woman's voice hardened. "At the end of the day, she's still just a girl who needs to learn her place."
She stood and moved to the window, her movements fluid despite her age.
"The Imperial Consort believes she's hiding her little pet in the shadows of her skirt. Playing some grand game. But protection only works when one has real power."
Gao remained on his knees, watching her silhouette against the afternoon light.
"What does Your Majesty mean?"
"I'm saying accidents happen."
The silence stretched between them, heavy with implications. Gao's throat worked as he swallowed whatever protest had been building.
"You want me to ruin her," he said quietly.
"I want you to marry her. Some women only see clearly after the storm passes. Let her see how much better it is under your protection than drowning without it."
She rose gracefully, her silk robes rustling like serpent scales.
"And if she still refuses?"
"Then you ensure she has no choice left to make." The Queen Dowager's reflection in the window mirrored her dark thoughts.
"Reputation is such a fragile thing, don't you think? Especially for young ladies who spend so much time in their gardens. Alone. At such predictable hours."
She turned to look at him.
"And Yichen… don't forget what you owe me."
His breath stalled.
"I covered your… success in Qinghu. Do not make me regret it. I trust you understand, now?"
Prince Gao bowed his head.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
She moved back to her seat. "Next time we speak, I expect to hear good news. I will not repeat myself."
"I understand, Your Majesty."
"Good." She patted his cheek almost affectionately, the gesture somehow more chilling than any threat. "I hope you won't disappoint me."
The dismissal was clear.
Prince Gao bowed deeply, and left without another word.
The Queen Dowager remained seated, watching the incense smoke spiral toward the ceiling as she planned her next move.
If she can get Ruyi under her control, taking care of the Imperial Consort and the Commander would be no trouble at all.
********************
Getting permission from her father to return to the ancestral home to pay her mother respect was easier than she had anticipated.
Too simple.
Minister Cai hadn't questioned it, only sent a servant, reminding her to stay no longer than a few days.
Madam Shen didn't even oppose it.
Ruyi leaned slightly against the window frame, watching droplets fall. The rain had been light these past few days.
"Hua," she called softly. "Where are we now?"
Her maid answered from outside. "We are a few li away from the barracks, Miss."
Ruyi's carriage slowed as they neared a fork in the road. Her hand pushed open the window slightly.
"Good. I want to pay my brother a quick visit. "
"Okay miss."
Behind them, the second carriage with offerings and traveling supplies, with two guards following closely.
Ruyi closed her eyes briefly. She hadn't heard from her brother in days. She would stop briefly. see her brother, and perhaps…
"Miss," Hua's voice interrupted, more playful now. "Would we be able to visit General Liu's Manor?"
"Maybe." Ruyi opened her eyes, gazing out.
"I have missed that little shrimp," Hua said with a smile. "He couldn't have grown a lot in a few weeks, right?"
Ruyi just smiled to herself without giving an answer.
Truthfully, she had decided on making this detour ever since she made plans to visit the ancestral home.
But they never reached the barracks.
As the road narrowed near a little stream, there was a shriek of a horse.
The first arrow shattered the lantern. Horses shrieked and the wheels jerked sideways.
The carriage came to an abrupt stop and shouts could be heard from outside.
"Miss! Don't come out!"
"Hua!" Ruyi pushed open the door of the carriage.
Men in black had descended on them with swords of steel.
The guards were outnumbered, but they didn't stop fighting. Even Hua found a branch, swinging wildly to protect herself.
But not for long.
"Hua!" Ruyi's feet touched the muddy ground, her silk shoes soaking.
Prior to leaving the arraign, Ruyi had assumed they were robbers after the supplies in the second carriage.
But seeing the supplies untouched, she quickly realized that these were not just petty thieves.
"Take her!"
They were after her.
Was it Madam Shen…or Prince Gao?
Now wasn't the time to think of who orchestrated it. She needed to find a way to escape whatever this was.
One of the masked men broke through the circle and inched closer to her.
Ruyi's hands searched her thigh frantically looking for something.
She couldn't have forgotten to take them with her, could she?
"Don't come close to me!"
The eyes of the man changed as his gaze lowered to where her hands searched her body.
"Miss!"
Hua fell, knocked unconscious by a blow to the back of her head.
A deafening scream left her lips as she watched her maid fall to the muddy ground.
"Hua!"
That moment of distraction made one of the men gain an entry.
It was almost too late when she saw his shadow creep up from behind her, something in his hand descending.
But the strike never landed on her.
In the next moment, one by one, the masked men fell.
Sword slicing flesh was all she heard.
When Ruyi opened her eyes, she saw a single man, blood trailing the edge of his blade. His face was also hidden.
She staggered back, vision blurring.
"Come with me, miss." he said quietly.
All she saw around was blood and bodies. She knew she was next to fall in the hands of this stranger.
"Third Mi…"
She wouldn't hear whatever he had to say as she backed away.
Instead, she screamed. "Leave me. Don't come close…"
She couldn't complete her sentence before she was knocked unconscious from a blow to the back of her neck.
........
Horses stopped abruptly at the wreckage.
The man leading came down from his horse and took in the sight before him, his face scrolled in frustration and confusion.
On the floor were corpses of men. Men that he personally sent on a mission.
His jaw clenched. He couldn't be bothered as rain soaked his clothing.
"Where is she?" He barked
One body stirred.
"She's alive!" One of the soldiers cried, kneeling beside the figure of Hua.
It was the maid. Bruised but alive.
"Miss…" Hua breathed out unconsciously.
"Search for her!" He barked the order at his men.
His plan had failed. But worse, someone had gotten to her first.
When he had received a message that the Cai girl would depart in a few days to her ancestral home, he put his plans in motion.
The orders were simple. Attack the carriage. Do not harm the girl.
He would appear at the height of chaos, take her away, delay their rescue until it was dark and let nature play its part.
But someone else had gotten to her first.
That person had her… He must find by all means necessary, dead or alive.
*************************
The steward knelt at the threshold of the study, his head bowed low against the polished wooden floor.
"Speak," Minister Cai said sharply.
The steward swallowed. "We have news from the servants returning from the ancestral road, my lord… There was an attack."
"What do you mean by attack? Where is the Third Miss?"
Minister Cai stood briskly from his seat.
"They found the Third Maid's maid injured and her guards killed. But the Third Miss… she is missing, My Lord." He bowed severally, his head connecting with the floor loudly.
"What?"
Behind him, still seated, Madam Shen stiffened, her composure faltering.
"Missing?" She repeated, slowly rising to her feet. "Are you sure?"
"They were ambushed on their way. The guards and carriage were found but not the Third Lady. His Highness, Prince Gao has assembled a search party for her."
"Where is her maid? Has she said anything?"
"My Lord, she is still unconscious. She suffered a great blow to her head. The physicians are with her now."
"The moment she wakes up, bring her to me." Minister Cai's jaw tightened. "Summon the head guards. I want that forest searched. You must bring back Ruyi or else."
Madam Shen's mind was already racing, calculating all the possibilities.
This wasn't part of the Queen Dowager's plan. If Ruyi vanished entirely, her deal with the Queen would be off.
Her Ruxin's future…
******************
The Imperial Consort reclined against a low couch, her shoulders covered with an embroidered jacket. Her maid had just delivered a new list for her to look over.
She read through each one before hopelessly dropping the scrolls.
None of them were suitable for her Ruyi.
None.
Suddenly, one person came to mind.
"No… that's too dangerous…"
The consort couldn't believe how that person even made his way into her mind.
She sighed deeply.
Her eyes glanced briefly at a wooden toy rattle that was placed on the side table beside her tea tray.
A sad expression took over her face, eyes glistening with tears as she reached for it.
A soft sound broke the silence. A cup had slipped from another maid's hand to the floor.
It, thankfully, hadn't shattered on impact.
The maid fell to her knees immediately. "Forgive me, my ladyship."
The consort's eyes were, however, focused on the cup on the floor.
Just then, another maid burst in, breathless.
"Your Grace."
The maid continued. "It's the Third Miss."
That name stole the consort's attention from the cup still on the floor.
"There was an ambush… She's missing, Your Ladyship."
The Consort stood and felt her world go still. Her hand tightly gripped on the hands of the maid holding her up.
"What about Hua, her maid?"
"She survived but, she was sent to the Ministry of Justice for questioning."
The Consort fell into her seat. "What is happening?"
"Your Ladyship!" Her handmaid quickly appeared at her side, supporting her.
She quickly regained herself.
"Inform my men. I want them to search from here to the borders of Yan River. Leave no stone unturned. You must find her and bring her back to me. Do you understand!"
"Yess, Your Ladyship." The maid bowed and fled.
The maid holding her hand asked. "Shall we send word to Commander Cai?"
The Consort's mind was far gone, racing and going through every possibility.
"Your Ladyship!"
"Hmm…" She tried to tune back in. "Yes…"