When it came to his lifesaver, Lu Zhan was exceptionally patient. Even though he had already seen through Shen Wan's intentions, he still cooperated and acted as if he knew nothing. After lunch, Lu Zhan politely declined Shen Chuan's invitation and left the Shen residence in high spirits.
Qing Su waited outside the gate. Seeing him come out, he immediately stepped forward. "Your Highness, Her Majesty the Empress has sent word asking you to enter the palace at once."
"Then let's go," Lu Zhan said, waving his hand as he boarded the carriage with brisk efficiency.
The carriage Qing Su had prepared was spacious and comfortable. A long, soft bolster lay atop the couch inside. Lu Zhan leaned against it with his eyes closed, idly rubbing the prayer beads on his wrist. He looked like a piece of cotton that had just burst free from its casing—relaxed from head to toe, every strand of hair radiating ease.
TL: Bolster is a long, soft cushion.
Qing Su rode alongside the carriage. When his gaze accidentally swept past the window slit and caught sight of Lu Zhan in this state, he froze for a moment.
Ever since preparations for seizing the throne began three years ago, Lu Zhan seemed like a different person. His former carefree laziness had been reined in, replaced by a taut, bowstring-like tension—sharp and gleaming like a blade's edge, cool and flawless.
—even though he still wore that same lazy smile.
Qing Su had followed Lu Zhan since childhood and knew him well. He understood that those smiles were merely a façade to lower others' guard. That genuine, heartfelt smile of Lu Zhan's had long since vanished—or so he thought. For an instant, Qing Su nearly believed his eyes were playing tricks on him.
He tilted his head, about to look again, when a familiar sharp voice rang out. "This servant greets the Yong Prince. Please alight from the carriage, Your Highness."
TL: Alight is nice way of staying please leave the carriage.
The curtain lifted and swayed. Qing Su glanced over instinctively and saw that Lu Zhan had already returned to his usual, impeccable composure. "How long has Mother been waiting? Is she anxious?"
Liu Wen was plump but surprisingly nimble. His short legs moved quickly as he struggled to keep up with Lu Zhan. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he smiled ingratiatingly. "Her Majesty said she simply wishes to speak with you and told you not to rush."
Lu Zhan didn't slow his pace at all. His long strides remained swift and steady as he replied lightly, "How could I not?"
Liu Wen grimaced. His lips twitched as if he wanted to say something, but his face flushed red and he ultimately didn't dare utter a word.
They hurried along for nearly half an hour before the Phoenix Palace finally came into view. Liu Wen was drenched in sweat and felt faint. Seeing the Empress's senior maid waiting at the entrance, he immediately excused himself to rest.
Only after Liu Wen had gone did Nanny Li glance helplessly at Lu Zhan. "Liu Wen was sent over by Consort Ru. Your Highness deliberately exhausting him like this—aren't you worried she'll grow suspicious?"
Lu Zhan lifted the curtain slightly, a smile playing at his lips. "I was in a good mood today, so I teased him a bit. It's nothing."
"What good thing happened to put you in such spirits?" A gentle, smiling female voice sounded from inside the hall.
Lu Zhan quickened his steps, first bowing in greeting before supporting the Empress's arm and helping her sit by the low table. "Is Mother feeling better?"
"It was only a chill. I'm much improved," the Empress replied. She studied him carefully and didn't allow him to change the subject. "I heard you just came from the Shen residence. Are you this happy because you met your lifesaver?"
Lu Zhan felt helpless. He had thought Qing Su tight-lipped, never expecting the matter to spread so quickly.
The Empress immediately guessed his thoughts and shook her head. "Don't blame Qing Su. I asked him myself. By the way—didn't you ask him to tell me you wanted another medical maid?"
"Yes," Lu Zhan admitted after a moment's thought. "I heard Miss Shen is still somewhat weak after her illness, so I wanted to send a medical maid over, as a token of thanks."
The Empress glanced at him teasingly. "So you've set your sights on my people?"
Since she was just recovering from her chill, the attendants of Phoenix Palace were serving her with extra care. A thick cushion had even been tied to her chair, bringing her seated height nearly level with Lu Zhan. As she looked him up and down, her gaze passed from his face to his sleeves.
Lu Zhan wore a light blue robe that day. Inside the cuffs, several straight bamboo stalks were embroidered in silver thread, elegant and refined. The Empress paused briefly before lifting her eyes back to his face.
Lu Zhan, holding his teacup, didn't notice. "The medical maids you sent earlier are all skilled in poison techniques. I initially wanted to choose one, but the Shen household doesn't deal in such schemes and has no use for that. That's why I thought to ask you for someone versed in medicine and bodily conditioning."
Fiddling with the handkerchief in her hands, the Empress barely restrained the joy in her eyes. "Who do you have in mind?"
"Xuesong?" Lu Zhan asked tentatively, watching her expression.
The Empress smiled. "Xuesong won't do. Since this is to thank a lifesaver, choose the best. I think Hebai and Musu would be suitable."
This time, it was Lu Zhan who froze.
He remembered that Hebai and Musu were carefully cultivated by the Empress—proficient in both medicine and poisons, skilled in health maintenance, and, most importantly, fiercely loyal.
He refused almost reflexively. "Mother, one person is enough. There's no need to send someone so exceptional."
The Empress smiled, lifting a finger to tap his forehead. "Silly child, think it through. Miss Shen saved your life and didn't claim credit—she's clearly a good person and deserves this thanks. Besides, with your status, once the maid is sent over, the Shen family will probably treat her like an honored guest. They won't dare put her to work."
TL: Owo. The Empress knows which way the wind blows hahaha.
Lu Zhan was stunned again.
Suppressing her laughter, the Empress continued, "If you truly wish to express gratitude, listen to Mother. Send Hebai openly, and quietly place Musu by Miss Shen's side. That way it's appropriate."
"But—" Lu Zhan hesitated.
"All right, all right," the Empress cut him off briskly. "Stop thinking about it and follow Mother's arrangement. Go change your clothes first. Later, accompany me for a game of chess."
Seeing her firm stance, Lu Zhan suppressed his doubts, bowed, and followed the eunuch toward the side hall. The Empress then waved her hand, signaling the distant maids and eunuchs to withdraw as well. Soon, only she and Nanny Li remained in the hall.
Seeing the fine lines appear at the corners of the Empress's eyes from smiling, Nanny Li couldn't help asking, puzzled, "Your Majesty, weren't Hebai and Musu prepared especially for His Highness's future consort? Why give them away so happily?"
Taking the medicine bowl from Nanny Li, the Empress's smile only deepened. "If nothing unexpected happens, that Shen young lady will be the future Yong Princess. Didn't you notice how exceptionally good his mood was today?"
Nanny Li recalled and nodded. "His Highness's smile did seem more genuine."
"More than that," the Empress said. "His Majesty's health worsens by the day, and Zhan'er has grown increasingly tense. If it were only his good mood today, I still couldn't be sure."
Nanny Li's eyes widened slightly. "Did Your Majesty notice something else?"
Draining the medicine in one go, the Empress pressed a handkerchief to her lips, unable to hide her delight. "Zhan'er is famously indifferent to women, yet just now I saw a faint red mark of nail dye on the inside of his sleeve. And tell me—when have you ever seen him consider whether a reward suited someone before granting it? I'd say he's already taken it to heart, without realizing it himself."
Nanny Li grew excited. "Then Your Majesty will soon see a daughter-in-law—and hold a little imperial grandson!"
Lu Zhan's refusal to marry had long been the Empress's heartache. Hearing this, she could no longer maintain her dignified composure. "I think this Shen young lady is Zhan'er's destined benefactor. Call Hebai and Musu in—I must give them proper instructions."
"Instructions for what?" Lu Zhan lifted the curtain and entered, catching the last sentence.
The Empress smiled. "Instructions for Hebai and Musu—to take good care of Miss Shen. Go to the side hall and fetch the chess box. Once I finish speaking with them, we'll play. When you return to your residence later, you can take the two of them with you."
Lu Zhan sensed something amiss but never imagined his mother's thoughts had gone this far. In the end, he only answered softly, "This son understands."
Author's Note:
Wanwan (in a shabby little vest): I didn't have a single line this chapter, yet I was thoroughly arranged… [weak smile.jpg]
Thanks to the lovely readers for the landmines and nutrient solutions—love you, mwah! Thanks also to Feichai No.1, Blackcurrant Milk, and Sisi for the nutrient solutions. Fancy hearts~ Extra update today; it'll be late, so feel free to read tomorrow~