As the conversation died down, the private chamber was quiet.
Princess Fei had risen a few minutes earlier, apologizing with a soft smile. "I must attend to my other guests, fourth Miss Shen"
"You may stay here as long as you wish. If you need anything....really anything at all. Tell Commander Fan he'll remain with you."
Shen Miao nodded.
She bowed her thanks. The princess left, her robes brushing the threshold as she stepped out.
Fan Xinyu took up a position near the door, still as a pillar. Waiting.
Shen Miao stayed in the chamber with Feng Yin for a while longer. They spoke of small things—the music, the flowers in the garden, her upcoming engagement with the crown prince. Feng Yin's voice was low and calm, stable within the candlelit room.
A few minutes later, a palace attendant appeared at the door, bowing deeply. "Your Highness, the Crown Prince requests your presence."
Feng Yin rose smoothly. She turned to Shen Miao and placed a hand briefly on her sleeve. "We will speak again."
Shen Miao bowed and watched feng yin disappear beyond the doorway. Only after the sound of her footsteps did she sit down
Sighing silently, she sat alone in the quiet chamber. The incense burned low. The silk screens cast soft shadows on the walls.
Having sat by herself for a while, she suddenly stood up
Fan Xinyu's eyes moved toward her.
"Commander," she said, "may I leave?"
He studied her for a moment. "You are not a prisoner, Fourth Miss. You may return to the banquet whenever you wish."
"Actually," she said, "I would like to walk in the garden first. Before returning."
Fan Xinyu was silent for a long moment. She felt her heart sink slightly. She knew she was asking way too much. Subconsciously she had clenched her finger.
She opened her mouth to brush it off when he nodded.
"I will show you the way."
Shen Miao paused and looked up at him.
Her fingers unclenching as she followed him out of the chamber, her joy spreading through the quiet corridors, past servants who bowed and noblewomen, other guests who glanced but said nothing. The sounds of the banquet faded into the distance, replaced by the rustle of her robes and the soft echo of their footsteps.
Soon they reached the edge of the princess's private quarters.
A figure stood waiting.
Xi Shu.
He bowed to Fan Xinyu. Fan Xinyu bowed back. They knew each other—both soldiers and veterans who fought in the border wars.
"I will accompany the young miss from here," Xi Shu said.
Fan Xinyu hesitated. His eyes moved to Shen Miao, then back to Xi Shu. Then he nodded.
"Keep her safe."
"It's my duty."
Fan Xinyu turned and walked back the way they had come.
Shen Miao glanced at Xi Shu, then at Fan Xinyu's retreating back. She opened her mouth to say something, but Xi Shu spoke first.
"Where would you like to go, Miss?"
"To the garden. Just for a moment."
Xi Shu nodded and led the way.
He had already been around these corridors a couple of times so he was clear about where he was going.
---
The garden was quiet, lit by lanterns hidden among the flowering shrubs. The air smelled of night‑blooming jasmine and damp earth making the night wind refreshing.
Shen Miao walked slowly, her fingers brushing the petals of a white peony. Xi Shu stood a few paces behind her, his eyes scanning the shadows.
Shen Miao walked under the glow of the moon admiring the beauty of the garden. It was breathtaking she smelled the petals of the liles next to her. It was almost intoxicating. Looking over the flower patch in the east she paused.
She was sure it wasn't her illusion.
Just behind the lilies was a small figure, half‑hidden among the flowers. A child maybe, from looks he looked no older than ten or twelve, his grey robe patched and dust‑stained. He was crouched low, watching her with wide, wary eyes.
She stiffened.
What is a child doing here?