CHAPTER THIRTY‑FIVE — WELL‑MATCHED
"What… what are you two doing?"
The voice rang out suddenly—trembling, shocked, and thick with disbelief.
Ye Lan Jue's eyes narrowed. A faint, unreadable smile touched the corner of his lips. He released Tang Ke Xin's shoulder at once and stepped back, widening the distance between them as though nothing at all had happened.
"This son pays his respects to the Empress."
In the blink of an eye, he had returned to his usual composed, impenetrable calm.
"There is no need for such formality, Third Prince," the Empress replied, though her gaze betrayed the turmoil in her heart.
"Xin'er, come here."
She tried to steady her voice, but it still quivered.
"Yes," Tang Ke Xin answered softly, head bowed so low that her expression remained hidden.
"Come back with me."
The Empress did not question her, but her tone lacked its usual warmth.
"Yes," Tang Ke Xin repeated, still keeping her head lowered.
The walk back to the palace was heavy with silence. The Empress's expression grew increasingly grave. Several times she turned to glance at Tang Ke Xin, as though wishing to speak, yet each time she held her tongue.
Once inside her chambers, she dismissed every servant until only the two of them remained.
Tang Ke Xin knew the Empress had something to say.
"The Third Prince is a man accomplished in both the civil and martial arts," the Empress began slowly. "His talents are unmatched. He is, without question, an extraordinary man."
Tang Ke Xin blinked, startled. She lifted her eyes, confusion and surprise flickering across her face.
What was the Empress implying?
She remembered clearly that the Empress had spoken of finding her another match after dissolving the engagement with Mu Shaoyi. Why praise Ye Lan Jue now?
Seeing Tang Ke Xin's bewilderment, the Empress quietly exhaled in relief.
If Xin'er harboured feelings for the Third Prince, she would surely have shown some maidenly shyness. Instead, she looked only puzzled.
"His Highness is far too cold," the Empress continued gently. "He is not easy to approach."
"Indeed," Tang Ke Xin agreed at once. Cold was an understatement.
"The Third Prince is deep and reserved—difficult to fathom."
"Very true," Tang Ke Xin nodded again.
Difficult to fathom?
He was practically unfathomable.
At last, Tang Ke Xin understood the Empress's meaning.
She was warning her, not matchmaking.
Relief washed over her so strongly she nearly sagged where she stood.
The Empress had frightened her half to death.
"A woman's greatest happiness," the Empress said softly, "is to marry a man who truly cherishes her and can protect her all her life. But a prince of Dayuan… his heart belongs to the world, not to a single woman."
Her voice grew solemn.
"As a man, Ye Lan Jue is unparalleled—admired by thousands. But as a husband… I fear he would bring only danger."
She spoke with the quiet wisdom of someone who had lived too long in the palace.
"A man like him will never lack women. And with his status, he cannot avoid the struggle for the throne. If he seeks that position, he will be surrounded by danger—open and hidden alike. If you were to marry him, Xin'er, you would be drawn into that danger as well."
Her eyes softened with deep affection.
"I want you to be safe. To be happy. Nothing more."
Tang Ke Xin's heart tightened.
The Empress's sincerity moved her deeply.
Most people would never speak such truths aloud. A lesser woman might even have tried to push her toward Ye Lan Jue for political gain.
But the Empress…
She thought only of her wellbeing.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I understand," Tang Ke Xin said quietly.
"Come here."
The Empress smiled at last and took her hand, leading her into the inner chamber. From a lacquered chest she drew out a beautifully embroidered garment.
"Try this on. Let me see if it fits."
Tang Ke Xin froze.
The Empress had made this… for her?
She remembered the previous night—the Empress sitting beneath the lantern, stitching with gentle concentration. She had never imagined the garment was meant for her.
Warmth surged through her chest, so sudden and unfamiliar that her nose stung.
In her previous life, she had been an orphan.
No one had ever made clothes for her.
Even in the Prime Minister's Estate, though the Prime Minister's wife had treated her kindly, it had never been like this—this quiet, tender care.
When she emerged wearing the garment, the Empress's face lit up.
"Beautiful," she murmured. "Xin'er looks truly beautiful."
Tang Ke Xin smiled softly. It was a warm, delicate smile.
A palace maid's voice sounded from outside.
"Your Majesty, everything is prepared. Shall we depart?"
"Yes," the Empress replied. She took Tang Ke Xin's hand once more. "Come. I shall take you to Qing‑Yun Garden. It is far too hot today."
Qing‑Yun Garden—the most tranquil sanctuary in the palace. A serene lake, shaded pavilions, cool breezes even in the height of summer. Only the Emperor and Empress were permitted there. Ordinary concubines were not qualified to enter.
But today, the Empress was bringing her.
Tang Ke Xin felt a flutter of excitement.
Yet the moment they stepped into the garden, her steps faltered.
Two men sat playing chess above the lake—Ye Lan Chen and Ye Lan Jue.
The Empress's expression tightened almost imperceptibly.
"Mother, you're here!" Ye Lan Chen called out cheerfully, rising to greet them.
The Empress approached with Tang Ke Xin in tow.
"You're idling here again," she said, though her tone held fondness.
"Mother, your son is not idling. I am playing chess with Third Brother. I met him on the way and dragged him here."
Ye Lan Chen's excuses were as quick as ever.
"You want to play chess with His Highness?" the Empress teased. "Then I must see how badly you lose. Xin'er, come—sit and watch."
She guided Tang Ke Xin to the stone table. The Empress sat on one side; Tang Ke Xin sat opposite Ye Lan Jue—far too close for comfort.
"Mother, must you assume I will lose?" Ye Lan Chen muttered, though his glance at Ye Lan Jue betrayed his lack of confidence.
"Third Brother, let us continue," he said gloomily.
Tang Ke Xin glanced at the board and nearly laughed. Ye Lan Jue could win in minutes, yet he played leisurely, as though indulging a child.
"Xin'er," the Empress said suddenly, "I have already sent someone to the Mu Manor to discuss dissolving your engagement with Mu Shaoyi."
Tang Ke Xin's heart leapt with joy, though she hid it behind a sip of tea.
"I think you and Chen'er are well‑matched," the Empress continued gently. "Once the engagement is cancelled, you and Chen'er could…"
Her voice trailed off meaningfully.
Tang Ke Xin nearly choked on her tea.
The Empress had said this deliberately—in front of Ye Lan Jue.
To test his reaction.
And Ye Lan Jue…
was sitting directly opposite her.