They stepped out beneath the drifting petals, moving from the quiet of the courtyard toward the open space of the front hall.
At the entrance—
A figure stood waiting.
Dressed elegantly—far more deliberately than the occasion required.
The Third Princess wore a layered silk ruqun of soft lilac and pale rose, the colors chosen not for restraint, but for attention. The fabric shimmered faintly under the light, woven with delicate silver-threaded patterns that caught the eye with every small movement.
Her outer robe was lighter, almost translucent, yet embroidered heavily along the sleeves and hem with blooming peonies—each stitch intricate, each detail meant to be noticed.
Around her waist, a wide silk sash was tied perfectly, adorned with a carved jade ornament that rested at her side. It was not subtle. It was meant to be seen.
Her hair was styled higher than customary for a simple visit, pinned up in an elaborate arrangement of loops and folds. Golden hairpins adorned with small dangling pearls framed her face, swaying softly whenever she shifted her weight.
A single phoenix-shaped ornament rested near the crown of her head—
Not quite appropriate for her rank.
But not openly forbidden either.
Just enough to suggest ambition.
Just enough to invite attention.
He face was carefully composed, her expression gentle at first glance—yet her eyes carried a faint sharpness, watching everything, measuring everything.
And still—
She stood at the threshold
Not stepping inside
Not retreating either
Her posture straight
Her chin slightly raised
As if unwilling to lower herself—
Yet not bold enough to step forward.
Wang Xinyi leaned slightly towards Yu Shayue as they approached.
"…Look at that," she murmured softly.
"…Not inside. Not outside."
Her gaze moved deliberately from the hair ornaments to the embroidered sleeves, then to the jade at her waist.
A faint smile tugged at her lips.
"…And dressed as if she's attending a spring banquet instead of paying a visit."
"…She really chose a perfect place to stand."
A small pause
"…Did she come to speak… or to be admired?"
Shayue said nothing.
But her gaze moved once—
Slowly, calmly—
Taking in every detail
The silk.
The ornaments.
The deliberate excess.
Her eyes stilled slightly.
Because she understood clearly
This was not care carelessness.
This was an intention.
Not a visit
But a display.
It was a move.
And beneath it—
Something quieter
Something more deliberate
A challenge.
As they approached, the Third Princess finally lifted her gaze fully, her expression softening into a gentle smile—carefully measured, perfectly timed.
"Greeting Elder Sister," Yu Shiyi greeted, her voice light and pleasant, carrying just enough warmth to seem sincere.
She inclined her head gracefully, her sleeves falling in delicate folds.
"It has been some time since I last visited…"
A small pause, her eyes flickering briefly across Shayue's courtyard behind her.
"I was worried I might be disturbing your peace."
Her tone remained gentle.
Considerate.
Yet beneath it—
Something else lingered.
A faint smile touched her lips again.
"I heard the news this morning," she continued, her gaze settling back onto Yu Shayue.
"That Elder Sister will soon leave the palace…"
Her voice softened slightly.
"…to marry into the Lin Empire."
A brief pause followed—just enough to seem thoughtful.
"…It must have come rather suddenly."
Her eyes lowered, than lifted again, as if with quiet sympathy.
"I could not help but feel…"
A faint breath.
"…concerned for Elder Sister."
The words sounded kind.
But the meaning behind them was clear.
Sudden,
Unexpected,
Out of your control.
Before the air could settle—
Wang Xinyi shifted slightly, clearly catching the undertone.
A brief moment, she simply looked at her, her smile remained.
But something in her eyes shifted—
Faintly amused.
Faintly unimpressed.
"…The news travels remarkably fast," she said lightly.
A small tilt of her head.
"As expected of the inner palace."
Her tone was polite.
Almost admiring.
A brief pause.
"…To reach concern so quickly," she added with a soft smile,
"…it must have been quite urgent."
The words lingered—
Sweet on the surface.
Sharp.
Shiyi's expression did not change. But her fingers tightened slightly within her sleeve. Her gaze shifted slightly—then paused, as if just noticing someone beside Shayue.
"Oh…" she said lightly, as though surprised.
"I did not realize Lady Xinyi was also here."
Her tone remained polite.
But the implication was clear—
You were not worth noticing at first.
To be continued...