The day Qin Yufei left, the atmosphere in Bai Shengli's private chamber was suffocating. Late that day, a servant knelt trembling before him, her forehead pressed to the cold marble floor. His guard, Meng Yu stood beside her, his hand resting lightly on his dagger, his sharp gaze fixed on her every move. A few feet away, Bai Shengli was on his cushion, his dark eyes burned with an intensity that betrayed his inner turmoil.

"Repeat what you just said," Meng Yu said, his voice cold.

The servant flinched but obeyed, her words shaky and rushed. "I-I was given a pouch of silver by a lady. She... she told me I just had to deliver this wine to His Highness during the engagement ceremony. Then I was to lead him to the guest chamber she specified..."

Bai Shengli tilted his head slightly, his fingers drumming against the armrest. "And the wine? Did she tell you what it was?" His voice was quiet, almost conversational.

The servant hesitated, her body trembling even more violently.

"S-She said it was... just to make His Highness feel relaxed. That it wasn't harmful..."

A bitter smile ghosted across Bai Shengli's lips.

"Relaxed, you say?" He leaned forward, the light catching the hard angles of his face. "And yet, I woke up in a room I did not enter willingly, with her waiting for me. Do you expect me to believe you thought nothing of it?"

The servant sobbed, her forehead pressing harder into the ground. "I swear, Your Highness! I didn't know it would go so far. I only... I only wanted the money. My brother is sick... I know this would get me killed, but I still... needed the money..."

"Enough," Meng Yu snapped, his patience wearing thin. "Sick or not, you dared lay your hands on the prince! "

The servant whimpered, tears streaming down her face as she clasped her hands in desperate supplication.

"Please, Your Highness, have mercy. I beg you... spare my family."

"Mercy?" Bai Shengli's voice cut through her pleas like a blade.

He rose slowly, his movements deliberate, and took a few steps closer to the trembling figure.

"You poisoned the wine I drank, deceived me, and aided her in humiliating the royal family. What mercy should I extend to you? You even separated me from the woman I wanted."

The servant raised her tear-streaked face, desperation shining in her eyes. Bai Shengli's jaw tightened, and for a fleeting moment, something softened in his expression. He turned to Meng Yu, his tone clipped.

"See that she is dealt with appropriately. Interrogate her further to confirm if it is really Qin Yuli, and then deliver her to the magistrates."

Meng Yu bowed. "Yes, Your Highness."

The servant cried out, prostrating herself on the floor as two guards entered and seized her by the arms. Her screams echoed down the corridor as they dragged her away.

Bai Shengli remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the empty space where she had knelt. His hands were clasped tightly behind his back, his mind racing. Qin Yuli's audacity... Her willingness to manipulate and deceive to secure her ambitions was far more dangerous than he had initially thought. And why did she go to such lengths?

"Your Highness," Meng Yu's voice broke through his thoughts. The loyal guard's expression was grim but resolute. "Do you wish to confront Lady Qin Yuli directly?"

Bai Shengli's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing in their depths. "Not yet. Confronting her now would only give her the chance to spin more lies and evade the truth."

He turned toward the window, gazing out at the sprawling palace gardens. "We'll wait. When the time comes, I'll ensure she pays for this."

Meng Yu nodded. "As you command."

Bai Shengli stood silently for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on him. The engagement ceremony was supposed to bring him the woman he wanted, but he got nothing but a viper.

"Send word to the magistrates. The last thing we need is for this scandal to reach the emperor's ears."

Meng Yu bowed deeply. "It will be done."

Bai Shengli returned to his seat, his mind already full. Qin Yuli may have thought she had played her cards well, but she had underestimated him. The game was far from over—and when it ended, it would cost her much more.

He approached his grandmother's pavilion. The servants bowed deeply as he entered the pavilion, their heads lowered as they announced his arrival. Seated on an carved chair, the Empress Dowager looked up from her tea. She gestured for him to sit, but Bai Shengli remained standing, his expression grim.

"Grandmother," he began, his tone laced with restrained frustration, "I have uncovered the truth about the incident at the engagement ceremony. Qin Yuli conspired to drug me and orchestrated the entire charade. This is not mere ambition; it's treachery. How could she dare—"

The Empress Dowager took a slow sip of her tea, her gaze unyielding. "And what do you propose to do about it?" she asked, her voice calm yet probing.

"I cannot marry her," Bai Shengli declared firmly. "Her actions have not only disrespected me but have also brought shame to the royal family. If we proceed with this marriage, it will only get worse."

The Empress Dowager placed her teacup down with a soft clink, her gaze hardening.

"Shengli, do you think I am unaware of the gravity of her actions? What she did was reprehensible, even with the death of all her family, but the damage is already done. To call off the wedding now would only bring us trouble."

Bai Shengli's hands clenched into fists at his sides. "So you would have me marry a viper to save face?"

"Yes," she said simply, her tone brooking no argument. "This is the burden of royalty, Shengli. We do not marry for love or personal satisfaction. We marry for the stability of the empire. Qin Yuli's punishment will come in due time, but for now, the wedding must proceed."

For a moment, Bai Shengli was silent, his jaw tightening as he processed her words.

"And what of the one I wanted?" he asked quietly, his voice laced with bitterness.

The Empress Dowager's expression softened slightly, though her resolve did not waver. "A crown prince should always consider everything but himself. This is just a woman, you can get plenty others."

Before he could respond, a figure entered the pavilion, a graceful woman dressed in soft lavender robes. It was Jiang Mu. She bowed deeply to both Bai Shengli and the Empress Dowager.

"Your Majesty," Jiang Mu said, addressing the Empress Dowager, "you summoned me."

The Empress Dowager nodded, her expression thoughtful.

"Jiang Mu, we must ensure that the wedding proceeds without incident. However, once Qin Yuli enters the harem, you are to keep a close eye on her. She has already proven herself to be dangerous and untrustworthy. Should she make even the slightest misstep, I want you to catch her red-handed."

Jiang Mu inclined her head, her demeanor composed and professional.

"I understand, Your Majesty. I will ensure that Lady Qin's actions are closely monitored. She will not have the opportunity to bring further disgrace to the imperial family."

The Empress Dowager turned her gaze back to Bai Shengli.

"Do you hear, Shengli? Justice will come, but we must be smarter than her. If Qin Yuli believes she has won, she will grow careless. That is when we strike."

Bai Shengli met her gaze, his inner turmoil evident in his eyes.

The Empress Dowager said firmly, "Jiang Mu and I are watching. Trust me, Shengli. This is the only way to protect the Bai dynasty."

✤

The main wedding ceremony was a grand event, fitting for the crown prince's status. The palace was transformed into a sea of red and gold, with lanterns, silk banners, and blooming flowers adorning every corner. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the hum of ceremonial music played by a full orchestra of palace musicians. Nobles and dignitaries from across the empire gathered in the Great Hall, their lavish garments shimmering under the light of countless hanging lanterns.

Jiang Mu, the bride, was pure elegance as she entered the hall. Her wedding robes were made of crimson silk embroidered with phoenixes in golden thread, symbolizing her high status. Her headdress sparkled with gold and pearls, while a delicate veil partially concealed her face, adding an air of mystery and grace. She walked with measured steps, her every movement radiating poise and dignity. What a crown princess she was!

Bai Shengli stood at the end of the long, carpeted aisle, his figure clad in a ceremonial robes of red and gold. Though his expression was composed, those closest to him could sense the heaviness in his demeanor. Still, he fulfilled his role flawlessly, guiding Jiang Mu through the rituals that sealed their union—bowing to the heavens and earth, honoring their ancestors, and finally, bowing to each other as husband and wife.

The ceremony went on in a grand banquet, where guests feasted on delicacies from every corner of the empire. Toasts were made to the health and happiness of the newlyweds, and performers entertained the crowd with traditional dances and acrobatics. For the world to see, it was a perfect union—a symbol of strength and stability for the royal family... but later that day, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, Qin Yuli's wedding ceremony took place in stark contrast to the earlier grandeur.

Held in the smaller Orchid Pavilion within the palace grounds, the ceremony was intimate and subdued, befitting her status as a concubine. Only a select group of attendants and lesser nobles were present, and the atmosphere was markedly less celebratory.

Qin Yuli, though dressed in fine garments, wore robes of a deep red hue without the intricate gold embroidery reserved for the principal consort. Her hair was adorned with gold ornaments, far from the dazzling display Jiang Mu had worn earlier. Despite the more humble setting, she carried herself with confidence, her eyes glinting with determination.

Bai Shengli attended the ceremony with the same stoic composure he had shown earlier. Though his movements were mechanical, he performed the necessary rites. To him, this was a mere obligation... He even had trouble breathing the same air as her.

There was no banquet to follow Qin Yuli's wedding. Instead, she was escorted to her quarters in the Eastern Palace, where she would reside as a concubine. The few guests who had attended departed quietly, and even General Pei did not even get the chance to talk to the Crown Prince. He was furious.

Bai Shengli didn't bother exchanging words with Qin Yuli or anyone else! Jiang Mu was left alone in her room. By tradition, he was supposed to consummate their union to complete the marriage rites and solidify her status as the Crown Prince's wife. But Bai Shengli was sick to his stomach only thinking about them. Instead, he retreated to his own chambers without a word to anyone.

Still clad in his ornate wedding robes, he sat alone at a low table. A jade flask of fine wine and a single cup sat before him. Without hesitation, he poured himself a drink.

The room was silent, save for the soft sound of the wine being poured and the occasional clink of the cup against the table. Shengli's expression was unreadable, his eyes dark and distant. Each sip of wine seemed to weigh heavier on him, all of them felt so bitter.

Jiang Mu still thought Bai Shengli would go see her, but after waiting for a while, she just went to bed, not even minding it. On her part... Qin Yuli was certain he would come. At first, she sat on the bed, then drank alcohol. When it was really late and no noise could be heard outside, she angrily went to bed. Holding her belly, she swore she would get him again next time.

✤

The day of the royal wedding took place on Qin Yufei's fourth day at Shen Wei's manor. The time she spent there had been eerily quiet... Shen Wei had neither sought her out nor sent anyone to check on her. It was as though he had vanished, leaving her entirely on her own. Yufei couldn't tell if his absence was an act of courtesy, allowing her time to rest and recover, or if he finally simply didn't care. Either way, she appreciated the solitude after the events at her own house.

Bai Shengli's wedding had stirred the entire capital into celebration. The streets beyond the manor walls were alive with music, laughter, and the clamor of festivities. Lanterns floated into the evening sky, their warm glow illuminating the faces of the crowds below. The vibrant noise filtered faintly into Yufei's room.

The commotion eventually drew her from her bedchamber. Draping a shawl over her shoulders, she stepped out into the hallway, her bare feet brushing against the polished wooden floor. She moved carefully, uncertain of who or what she might encounter. Her curiosity led her toward the main garden.

To her surprise, the manor was utterly silent. The corridors were empty, and not a single servant seemed to be around. When she reached the main garden, the sight was equally strange. The vast space, framed by meticulously trimmed bushes and blossoming plum trees, was deserted. The only sound was the rustle of leaves in the gentle evening breeze. The garden, though beautiful, felt almost... lifeless.

Yufei's gaze wandered to the tree at the center of the garden. She then approached the stone bridge that arched over the water. She paused midway across the bridge, resting her hands on the cool stone railing. She sighed softly, her chest heavy with conflicting emotions. Her fingers traced absent patterns on the stone as her thoughts drifted, but the sound of soft footsteps behind her pulled her from her thoughts. She turned quickly, her heart skipping a beat, and saw Shen Wei standing at the other end of the bridge. His dark robes blended seamlessly with the night, and his hands were clasped behind his back as he observed her with his usual unreadable expression.

"You've finally decided to leave your room," he said, his voice as calm and precise as ever, cutting through the quiet like a blade.

There was no warmth in his tone. It was a simple statement, laced with the faintest hint of curiosity. Yufei straightened and met his gaze, unsure whether to feel embarrassed or defensive.

"The noise outside woke me," she replied, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her chest. "I thought some fresh air would do me good."

Shen Wei stepped closer. He stopped a few paces away, his sharp eyes studying her intently. His piercing gaze lingered on her, as she was wearing so little, not even shoes. His hand then emerged from behind his back.

He held a small bundle wrapped in fine silk, the deep crimson fabric glinting faintly under the moonlight. Without a word, he extended it toward her.

Yufei hesitated, her eyes flicking between the silk-wrapped object and his face.

"What is this?" she asked, her voice low but firm, masking the unease she felt in his presence.

"A dress," Shen Wei replied simply, his tone calm but leaving no room for questioning. "You'll wear it for the Flower Festival."

The sentence caught her off guard. Yufei's brows furrowed slightly as she looked down at the bundle in his hand. She hadn't expected him to give her anything, let alone make such a specific request—or command, depending on how one interpreted his tone.

She finally took the bundle, her fingers brushing against the silk as she cradled it carefully. The material was soft and luxurious, far finer than anything she had worn before. The weight of it in her hands was heavier than she anticipated, not just physically but emotionally, as though it carried unspoken expectations.

Before she could muster a response, Shen Wei turned on his heel, his robes swaying slightly as he began to walk away. His footsteps were so quiet that it was as if the shadows themselves swallowed the sound.

"Shifu?" Yufei called after him, her voice breaking the silence.

She wasn't sure what exactly she wanted to ask... why would he give her the dress, why would he want her to attend the festival... She had no clue.

Shen Wei almost paused mid-step but didn't turn back. He left Yufei standing alone on the bridge, clutching the silk bundle to her chest. She stared after him, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and curiosity.

Yufei then unwrapped the bundle, her breath caught in her throat. The dress within was unlike anything she had ever seen. Even ever own. It was made of the most exquisite white silk, smooth and radiant it seemed to shimmer like dew under the light. The fabric alone was too delicate, but it was the embroidery that truly took her breath away.

Patterns of blooming flowers intertwined with sweeping clouds and adorned the dress, stitched in threads of silver and pale gold. The intricate designs seemed to shift and dance as the light touched them, creating an almost ethereal effect. Every detail was immaculate... How expensive this must be.

Yufei stared at it, her fingers trembling slightly as they hovered over the delicate embroidery. She couldn't bring herself to touch it for fear of ruining something so pretty. She stepped back, letting the silk cascade fully as she held it up to inspect its shape. It was tailored to flow gracefully, with a high neckline and sleeves that would drape elegantly to the wrists. Yufei's heart swelled with emotions again. How could she wear something so exquisite? Would she even dare? She felt unworthy of such a dress, as though donning the dress would only expose her as a girl pretending to belong in a world she had no claim to... But still, she liked really much this dress. It was the first time someone gifted her one.