The autumn breeze swept through, yet the Peach Blossom House remained as prosperous as ever.
The sound of strings and flutes filled the air, while cups clinked amidst conversation. Wealthy merchants and scholars gathered in small groups, some raising their cups in toast, others sipping tea and chatting. Dancing girls swirled their long sleeves and skirts, deepening the night's splendor.
On the pavilion, the fragrance of wine permeated the air as colorful lanterns swayed, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.
"Have you heard? Tomorrow's Fragrance Competition at Jade Spring House is a rare opportunity," several guests whispered among themselves.
"Indeed! I heard Grand Minister Zhao himself will attend. He's quite favored by His Majesty these days. If we could make that connection..."
"Hey, I also heard..." the speaker suddenly lowered his voice, "that Zhao's new concubine, Lady Wei, will be there too."
Before he could finish, a graceful figure passed by.
In the candlelight, Su Xingyao's cool presence immediately silenced the gossipers, who feared their words had reached her ears.
After she passed, someone nervously added:
"That Lady Wei... she used to be Su's personal maid..."
The next day, at Jade Spring House.
Steam rose from the hot springs flowing into carefully arranged pools. Between the ornate beams and painted pillars, luxury met refinement. Outside, incense burners wafted herbal fragrances through the air.
Beautiful flowers adorned the entrance, flanked by majestic stone lions. Distinguished guests arrived in their finest, engaged in pleasant conversation.
Su Xingyao, dressed in red, ascended the stone steps.
Inside, she was greeted by swirling mists and the laughter of nobility. Some guests lounged by the pools drinking wine, while others focused intently on games of chess.
With a quick glance, she spotted Cheng Xuan chatting with several distinguished guests. Before she could approach, an efficient attendant hurried forward.
"My lady, please follow me." The attendant led her past screens painted with cranes and auspicious clouds, explaining:
"This is the hot spring pool, with perfect temperature."
"Over there is the cool pool, excellent for summer heat..."
"The warming rooms are behind these wooden doors." He continued walking, "We have both public and private options. Guests seeking tranquility often choose private rooms. We also offer medicinal and fragrant baths, all of the finest quality—"
His enthusiastic introduction was interrupted by a sudden "creak."
A door flew open.
Through the rising steam, a tall figure strode out. His damp robe clung to his muscular frame, water droplets trailing down his honey-colored skin, disappearing into his barely visible Apollo's belt.
It was Jiang Yichuan.
Their eyes met, and he clearly hadn't expected to encounter Su Xingyao. He instinctively pulled his robe tighter, but the movement only caused the collar to fall open further, revealing more tantalizing glimpses.
"Lady Su..." his voice was slightly hoarse, his Adam's apple bobbing.
"Your Highness seems to be enjoying himself." Su Xingyao's red lips curved slightly as her gaze fluttered over his form like a feather. "In this cold weather, Your Highness should... take care of yourself."
Jiang Yichuan nervously adjusted his collar, wet hair falling across his forehead. "Lady Su jests."
Su Xingyao's gaze suddenly turned cold. "If Your Highness truly has such leisure time, perhaps you should visit the Ministry of Justice. Perhaps... someone there awaits vindication."
Before Jiang Yichuan could respond, he was surrounded by a chorus of feminine voices.
Several maids encircled him, giggling:
"Your Highness hasn't visited in so long. Tonight..." their voices grew more seductive, "will you stay?"
Amidst the suggestive atmosphere and steam, Jiang Yichuan's figure flashed away, stirring a cool breeze past Su Xingyao's ear.
"Lady Su, until we meet again!"
His voice came from afar, but the maids pursued him like butterflies, clinging coyly to his arms. Surrounded by the group, he maintained his composure, merely instructing a nearby maid casually, "The morning's green tea was quite good. Send some to the prince's mansion tomorrow."
Watching his retreating figure, Su Xingyao's gaze turned cold before shifting toward the main hall.
In the center of the hall, Zhao Hengde was entertaining guests.
Dressed in a dark blue robe and holding an ivory fan, his manner was composed and unhurried. Though his clothing was luxurious, it wasn't ostentatious - clearly, he was well-versed in worldly affairs.
Jiang Yichuan stood at a distance, his eyes flashing as he quietly observed Zhao Hengde.
The latter seemed to sense this scrutiny and turned, offering a courteous bow: "Your Highness's presence truly honors Jade Spring House today!" A meaningful smile played at his lips.
Looking closer, this Grand Minister who had passed fifty still maintained a handsome countenance, though frost touched his temples. The years had only added to his sophistication.
"Minister Zhao is too kind." Jiang Yichuan inclined his head slightly.
Their gazes met like master swordsmen crossing blades, speaking volumes in silence.
Zhao Hengde smiled, "At today's Fragrance Competition, Your Highness will surely find something to your liking." His tone was probing yet respectful.
Jiang Yichuan smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying. The scrutiny in his eyes vanished as quickly as it had appeared, and he was about to turn away.
"My Lady!"
A clear voice called out.
Su Xingyao turned to see a figure in pale green hurrying toward her. The newcomer wore a simple elegant dress, her features delicate with a hint of cleverness.
"Hong Dou..."
Seeing the familiar face, Su Xingyao's lips curved into an involuntary gentle smile.
"My Lady!" Hong Dou rushed forward, her eyes reddening, "When we heard about your fall into the water,Wei Qing and I were so worried! Seeing you safe now finally puts my heart at ease."
After collecting herself briefly, she lowered her voice and said, "Since you left Zhao Manor, Su E has..."
She suddenly stopped herself mid-sentence, shaking her head with a bitter smile. "Look at my loose tongue, I just can't help myself when I see you, My Lady."
Su Xingyao's eyes flickered with sympathy. "Just endure a while longer at Zhao Manor, I'll find a way to help you." Then she lowered her voice to ask, "Is Su E here today?"
Hong Dou's expression shifted slightly as she nodded.
Sure enough, a sharp reprimand rang out from nearby: "What kind of manicure is this? And your hair is such a mess! Go fix yourself up immediately!"
Wei Su E, dressed in bright yellow finery, was berating a trembling maid. Her luxurious clothing gleamed in the candlelight, only making her seem more overbearing.
Su Xingyao's eyes turned cold as she walked directly over.
"Su E, it's been a while." Her voice was neutral. "How have you been?"
Wei Su E stiffened, clearly not expecting to encounter her former mistress here. She forced a smile: "My Lady, I'm so relieved you're well. That day when you fell into the water, we were all so worried..."
"No need to speak of matters at Zhao Manor anymore." Su Xingyao smiled faintly. "I'm no longer the lady of Zhao Manor now. Just call me Xingyao."
Just then, drums and gongs suddenly sounded throughout the hall.
"The Fragrance Competition officially begins!"
Su Xingyao's eyes flashed with a glint as she took Wei Su E's hand without ceremony: "Come, let's go watch."
In that moment, no one noticed the cold gleam that passed through her eyes.
Amidst the swirling fragrances, an earth-shattering game of chess was quietly beginning...
Attendants carefully placed prepared incense in the burners and lit them.
Elegant fragrances wafted through the air like gossamer veils.
From the incense burners, a wisp of blue smoke rose...