Lang Huan sat before the bronze mirror. She saw a faint lip rouge on her cheek, touched it gently, and smiled bitterly.
Laughter and tender memories with Feng Yao flashed through her mind. She didn't know how long that happiness would last. Perhaps Master Xuan Kai was right. The moment she learns the truth... she'll kill me.
---
Several days passed quietly. Lang Huan spent most of her time at the Jinse Pavilion with A Cai. She avoided Su Qing and didn't see Feng Yao at all.
Then, one day, A Cai's voice rang out, "Young Master! There's a group of women here for you!"
Lang Huan stepped outside and saw Wu Ming standing with a few women. Wu Ming gave a polite gesture toward them.
"These ladies have come to play music at Jinse Pavilion," she said.
Lang Huan remained silent. Mistaking her quiet for displeasure, Wu Ming quickly signaled the women to enter, then turned back, her brows furrowed with concern.
"Young Master, please don't misunderstand our Princess," she said carefully.
"Yun Xiang Tower may seem like a brothel on the surface, but that's only a cover. In truth, it's an underground organization founded by Her Highness to protect vulnerable women and shelter for orphans. It's not easy to find women who have both beauty and musical skill. These ladies may not be great beauties, but their talent is genuine."
Lang Huan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Did Wu Ming seriously think she was disappointed by their looks… or worse, that she was some kind of pervert?
She just hadn't expected Feng Yao to actually keep her word.
Hearing Wu Ming's explanation made Lang Huan admire Feng Yao even more. As a noble princess, she really cared for the people and served the Great Qi with all her heart.
"Haha… don't worry. I'm very satisfied and grateful for your help," Lang Huan said with a small smile, her tone sincere. Wu Ming relaxed and gave a bow before leaving the women in Lang Huan's care.
Lang Huan, still tired from days of work, was happy to welcome the ladies who came to ease her mind. She asked them to play soft music to create a peaceful mood.
She put on her round black glasses, a small memento from modern world, and tucked a bright red flower behind her ear. Reclining on a long wooden chair with delicate carvings, she looked utterly at peace, savoring the quiet joys of life.
"A Cai," she called gently, "bring me some light snacks and citrus tea."
A Cai nodded and left to prepare them. Meanwhile, Lang Huan closed her eyes, enjoying the music, the soft breeze, and the sweet scent of flowers in the air. While the world outside was full of troubles and noise, Lang Huan chose to live in peace.
Just then, a luxurious carriage pulled up before Jinse Pavilion. The curtain lifted, and with A Li's help, the Eldest Princess stepped down gracefully.
She had been busy with state affairs lately, but found herself missing her little brat. Today, after finishing some important matters at the imperial palace, she decided to stop by for a visit.
Seeing the Eldest Princess arrival, A Cai hurriedly knelt and greeted her with respect.
"Your Highness."
The princess gave a small nod, then A Cai quickly stood and guided her toward the main hall.
As they stepped inside, the gentle sound of music floated through the air. The scent of flower petals lingered in the breeze. At the center, Lang Huan lay sound asleep.
A Cai signaled for the ladies to stop playing music and quietly called out, "Young Master…" But there was no reply.
After a moment of silence, A Cai said nervously, "Your Highness… I think Young Master has fallen asleep…"
Feng Yao didn't answer. She approached silently, her eyes lingering on Lang Huan, who lay asleep with her glasses perched on her nose and a bright red flower tucked behind her ear, before shifting to the book beside her.
She picked up and opened it. After skimming a few lines, she almost laughed out loud—but held it in.
Feng Yao really didn't understand how Su Qing, the talented woman in Great Qi, had taught Lang Huan to write since childhood…It was supposed to be a report about how to improve Jinse Pavilion. But the writing was messy and somehow got worse the more she read.
Shaking her head, she placed the book down and walked off to inspect the pavilion, A Cai following closely behind.
It didn't take long for Feng Yao to notice things out of place—weathered beams, fading lacquer, worn-down corners.
"A Li, write this down," she said.
They then went to the storage room and the kitchen. The moment the princess stepped inside, she frowned. It was too messy for her taste.
Turning to a nearby guard, she said, "Have this cleaned and reorganized."
The guard bowed and began at once.
A Cai could only sigh inwardly. The Young Master's ancestors must've done countless good deeds, he thought. Otherwise, how could he have won over someone like Her Highness?
Later, the princess gave Lang Huan's note to Qiu Yue. "Rewrite this," she said. "Make it readable."
Qiu Yue pouted. In her heart, she wanted to slam Lang Huan into a wall. Of all the tasks she could've been given, this one had to be the most useless. The handwriting was barely readable—it looked like chicken scratch!
Even after all this time, Lang Huan still hadn't woken up. A Cai gently shook her shoulder, but Lang Huan didn't move. She was sleeping so deeply, like a big lazy pig.
Just then, A Li entered with steaming dishes. The aroma of warm rice, savory meat, and fresh vegetables filled the air.
Before anyone called her name, Lang Huan's nose twitched. Her eyes slowly opened, and she sat up.
"Mmm… A Cai, is it mealtime already?" she mumbled, her voice still sleepy.
Lang Huan blinked. She saw Feng Yao nearby and Qiu Yue glaring at her.
Am I dreaming? She took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. "Your Highness… how long have you been here? Why didn't you wake me?"
"You sleep like a pig. Who could possibly wake you?" Feng Yao replied dryly.
Then she gently took Lang Huan's hand and led her to the table. "Let's eat together."
But just as they were about to sit down, a sudden noise broke the calm.
Out of nowhere, a group of people dressed in black with silver masks surrounded Jinse Pavilion. They jumped down from the rooftops and walls, landing silently inside the main hall. Their movements were quick and well-coordinated—it was clear they were trained.
Today, the Eldest Princess had brought only a few guards with her, putting her at a disadvantage.
Qiu Yue immediately stepped forward, her body shifting into a fighting stance, ready for any sudden move.
Lang Huan quickly pulled Feng Yao behind her and stood protectively in front.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice steady.
One of the masked figures stepped forward. He wore a light black robe with silver embroidery. Though his face was hidden behind a silver mask, his eyes were filled with anger.
"We came to take revenge for our Young Palace Master, Mo Yuan of the Moonblade Sect," he said in a low, sharp voice.