“Hmph, Your Highness has a way with words,” Wan Ruo said, offering a polite, half-smile.
Si Hongxi made a small gesture of invitation and said softly, “Shall we go, then?”
Bai Chen, however, watched from the upper floor as the two of them stepped into the carriage.
They had hardly reached the gate of the Pingnan Prince’s mansion when a commotion rose up outside.
When they got down and went to see what was happening, they found Qin Manman being held back by the palace guards.
“What gives you the right to stop me? Don’t you know who I am? You want to die? If you don’t let me in, I’ll have the Prince himself come and take off your heads!” Qin Manman shrieked, strutting up to the nearest guard.
“Enough,” the guard snapped. “Do you know what today is? It’s the Dowager’s banquet. No invitations, no entry. Move along!” He shoved her aside.
Qin Manman went sprawling to the ground, fury flushing her face as she tried to slap the guard. The man drew his sword; the glitter of steel made her retreat with a shriek.
“Qin Manman? What are you doing here?” Wan Ruo had recognized her. She stepped forward, puzzled.
Qin Manman turned and saw Wan Ruo and Si Hongxi disembarking. Immediately she put on an injured expression and blurted, “Prince, please—do something for me! I only wanted to visit the Dowager, and those blind fools at the gate won’t let me in. They say I don’t have an invitation!”
Her crying and shouting drew the attention of the guests streaming into the mansion; people slowed, curiosity spreading like ripples.
“Stop making a scene,” Wan Ruo said kindly. “You’re embarrassing yourself—and us.”
Qin Manman didn’t care for kindness. She didn’t notice Si Hongxi’s face tighten; with a small frown he said, “If Miss Manman wishes to pay her respects, there’s no reason to deny her. Bring her in.”
At being granted entry, Qin Manman’s joy could hardly be contained; her smile split her face. As she swept past the guards she sneered, loud enough for them to hear, “So this time I can enter, can I?”
“Of course, miss—please go in,” the guard replied, too respectful now to refuse the Prince’s order.
“Hmph. Always looking down on people,” Qin Manman said, striding into the Pingnan Prince’s mansion as if she owned the place.
Si Hongxi led Wan Ruo to see the Dowager. Since the Dowager’s recovery, this was Wan Ruo’s first visit; the change was striking. The old woman looked vibrant, almost like a different person.
Qin Manman, seeing the Dowager attended by so many and dressed in finery, hurried forward with an ingratiating tone. “Your Highness, I am Qin Manman, a friend of the Prince. I’m so glad to see you well!”
“Oh? Manman,” the Dowager said pleasantly, “I’ve heard of you from Hongxi. Such a fresh face—and such sweet words.” Her eyes swept over the crowd and landed on Wan Ruo. “Ruo Ruo, come here—let me look at you. It’s been so long.”
Wan Ruo stepped forward with a practiced, grateful smile. “Your Highness, it’s good to see you. You look so much restored.”
The Dowager beamed and took Wan Ruo’s hand with surprising strength. “You’ve grown more beautiful. I still think about your red-bean tarts and those delicate pastries you once brought. Hongxi tells me I owe part of my recovery to your help. You’re such a kind, likable child—seeing you makes me feel right at ease.”
Wan Ruo glanced at Si Hongxi, who watched the exchange with a small, satisfied smile. Qin Manman’s face soured; she cast a disdainful look toward Wan Ruo and moved closer to the Prince as if staking a claim.
“Oh—there was supposed to be the mysterious Shopkeeper Bai from Shan’an Lane. I’ve been eager to meet him. Has he not arrived?” the Dowager asked.
“He had something come up at the last minute, Mother,” Si Hongxi replied. “He likely can’t make the banquet.”
The Dowager sighed. “What a pity. Well, we’ll ask him to come by another time.”
“Yes, Mother,” Si Hongxi answered.
Princess An Yao then arrived, calling out, “Hongxi!” She came straight to the Dowager and offered her respectful greeting. Spotting the Dowager clasping Wan Ruo’s hand, the Princess feigned a pout and slipped an arm possessively through the Dowager’s. “Has the Dowager found a new favorite and forgotten little Yao?”
“You’re being childish in front of guests,” the Dowager scolded gently, but she went on smiling. “This is Miss Wan Ruo. Look—beautiful, kind, and so talented with her hands.”
Wan Ruo smiled awkwardly, grateful but embarrassed. Princess An Yao, stroking Si Hongxi’s sleeve and pouting theatrically, whispered, “Really, Hongxi, the Dowager is so unfair to me.” Her eyes, however, flicked with thinly disguised irritation at Qin Manman. “Weren’t you the one making a scene at the gate earlier?” she asked the loudly.
Qin Manman’s palms went clammy. Why did this princess have to be so persistent? She forced a tight smile. “I came in with the Prince, Your Highness. I’m here to pay respects.”
“Hmph. Thick-skinned, aren’t you?” the Princess sneered.
“Hongxi, are all the guests here?” the Dowager asked.
“They’re arriving now, Mother. The auspicious hour is upon us; the banquet will begin,” Si Hongxi reported.
The Dowager looked tired and said, “I’m a bit weary; I’ll rest for a while. You all carry on—ring me when the hour strikes.” Then she turned to Wan Ruo. “Ruo Ruo, let Hongxi show you around the mansion. Make yourself at home—don’t be shy.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Wan Ruo replied.
Ever since Wan Ruo had gone into the Pingnan Prince’s mansion, Bai Chen had been uneasy. Regret gnawed at him—he should have gone too. He cursed his hesitation and walked the streets toward the Pingnan residence, shoulders heavy with worry.
On another road, a carriage rolled toward the same mansion. Inside sat Miss Wei Qingshan, the Chancellor’s daughter, and her maid, Bi Yu.
They were almost at the Pingnan Prince’s gate when Wei Qingshan suddenly stood up. “It’s early, and we’re close. I’ll get out and have a look around. Give me my coin.”
“Miss, may I come with you? It’s dangerous for you to be out alone,” Bi Yu said, anxious.
“No need,” Wei Qingshan said, tossing out the instructions. “You take the gifts on to the mansion and deliver them safely. That will be your task—don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”
“Miss! Miss!” Bi Yu called after her as Wei Qingshan walked away without a backward glance. She muttered under her breath, “This lady—if anything happens to her, my master will be cross. Sigh.”