CHAPTER 33
CHAPTER 33
A gentle spring breeze played with Xiao Yanfei’s hair, a few strands brushing against the curves of her eyes.
She watched as Tian Shouzhi entered the Pavilion, crossing paths with Imperial Physician Cao carrying his medicine box.
Soon after, two palace attendants carefully moved away the six-panel folding screen. The emperor sat upright on the carved zitan wood daybed, his complexion slightly paler than before but his eyes bright and alert.
The ibuprofen’s pain relief was indeed effective, Xiao Yanfei thought with quiet satisfaction.
She wasn’t sure what the emperor had said, but Empress Liu beside him smiled warmly.
The relaxed laughter and conversation between emperor and empress gradually dissolved the earlier tension, and the Pavilion once again grew lively.
Liang Zheng busied himself attentively serving tea and water to the emperor, his smile so wide his eyes nearly closed.
Meanwhile, Gao An, who once stood close to the emperor, was now pushed into a corner, glaring resentfully at Liang Zheng with a dark, venomous gaze.
Xiao Yanfei felt as if she were watching a grand performance and couldn’t help but feel quite pleased.
This outcome was no surprise to her—in fact, it was exactly what she had expected all along.
What surprised her somewhat was that Eunuch Liang was not only patient and cunning but also quite emotionally intelligent.
After benefiting from the situation, he didn’t just seize the opportunity to subtly put Gao An down—he also remembered to return the favor to her.
Hmm. Working with a smart person was truly a pleasure.
The next moment, Liang Zheng looked up in her direction and smiled warmly, his attitude remarkably friendly.
Xiao Yanfei gave a slight nod and a faint smile before turning leisurely and heading back to the Tianyi Pavilion.
From next door, Liang Zheng’s smile deepened a few degrees as he slowly straightened his sleeves.
It seemed the Second Miss Xiao was very pleased with his arrangement just now.
Two tigers cannot share one mountain—the closest position beside the emperor can only belong to one person. As long as Gao An held that spot, he would never have a chance and would forever be overshadowed by Gao An’s influence.
If this matter succeeded, it would be a great benefit both for Second Miss Xiao and for himself!
Gathering his composure, Liang Zheng bent slightly and asked the emperor, “Your Majesty, shall the polo match continue?”
Before the emperor could respond, Gao An quickly interjected, “Your Majesty, Your Dragon Body has not fully recovered. It would be unwise to have too much noise.” His face was filled with concern, feigning loyalty and care for the emperor’s health.
“Eunuch Gao, you flatter me. The emperor’s health is perfectly fine; there’s no need to throw the baby out with the bathwater,” Liang Zheng replied calmly.
“I feel quite well,” the emperor said confidently.
As long as his head didn’t ache, he felt full of energy. Not only could he sit here and watch the match, but he could easily run three laps around the polo field.
With a smile in his eyes, the emperor gently shook his folding fan and said in a clear voice, “Let them continue. Don’t spoil the boys’ fun.”
Looking out, the thick incense stick in the three-legged bronze censer by the gong was just about burned down—signaling the end of the first half of the match.
Liang Zheng shot a half-smile at Gao An before instructing his trusted attendant, “Aliang, go next door and tell Princess Ning Shu and Lady Bao’an that the second half will resume after a cup of tea.”
The sharp-eyed attendant quickly took the message and hurried to the Tianyi Pavilion.
Soon, the Tianyi Pavilion buzzed with activity again.
Everyone’s spirits lifted, the atmosphere became lively and warm—like a tree bursting into bloom all at once in springtime. Even the emperor was infected by this vitality; his smile deepened as he reminisced with the empress about old times.
“Dong!”
After a cup of tea, the heavy gong sounded again, echoing through the air.
Another incense stick burned down in the three-legged censer, and the young riders adorned with red and yellow sashes once again raced across the field, chasing after the dark leather ball.
Gu Feichi didn’t return for the second half, but the crown prince, Tang Yueze—who had fallen from his horse earlier—insisted on playing. His face no longer bore the shadows of the first half, nor the slump from his fall; instead, he seemed enlightened and spirited, full of vigor.
The second half proved even more thrilling than the first. The players galloped wildly across the polo field like bolts of lightning, swinging their mallets with ease and precision. The score seesawed back and forth, leaving hardly a moment to catch their breath.
Xiao Yanfei, just like in the first half, wandered around the field—here and there, meandering—yet despite the incense in the censer nearly burning out, she hadn’t touched the ball once.
She didn’t mind at all. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she followed the flying leather ball relentlessly.
Pulling on the reins, she steered her horse for another turn—just then, a ball suddenly came hurtling from the left side, swift as lightning.
The angle, force, and speed were all perfect, as if the ball had been sent straight to her.
Catching sight of Tang Yueze nearby, who had just struck the ball, Xiao Yanfei felt a flicker of surprise but didn’t dare resist her luck. Without hesitation, she swung her mallet.
Thwack!
The fist-sized leather ball flew off her mallet with perfect precision, slicing cleanly into the goal ahead.
Xiao Yanfei had scored the final goal of the day.
Almost simultaneously, the loud clang of the gong echoed once more, signaling the end of the second half.
“We won! Yanyan, we won!”
Princess Ning Shu waved her mallet in celebration. After high-fiving Xiao Yanfei, she cheerfully exchanged high-fives or tapped mallets with Lady Bao’an and the other teammates.
The group wearing red sashes all raised their arms in jubilant cheers, their faces radiant with excitement.
Xiao Yanfei looked toward the goal, her eyes curved into a smile, her face blooming with joy.
It was her first time playing polo—and she had scored two goals. Simply perfect!
“Congratulations, Miss Xiao,” Tang Yueze rode over casually. Though his team had lost, there was no trace of displeasure in his expression. Instead, he smiled warmly and spoke kindly to Xiao Yanfei, “Your horse isn’t very good. In a few days, there will be a horse market on the outskirts of the capital. The horses come all the way from Liaodong and the northwest. When the time comes, let your big sister help you pick one.”
The horse Xiao Yanfei rode was just from the palace stables—naturally not as fine as others’.
“Luan’er,” Tang Yueze then looked tenderly toward Xiao Luanfei, who stood about two yards away, and asked softly, “Is that all right?”
His tone and manner were already like a doting brother-in-law.
Xiao Luanfei’s eyes flickered and she instinctively tightened her grip on the reins. Her mount, sensing her unease, snorted nervously.
She could clearly feel that not only Tang Yueze but everyone on the polo field was watching her.
Under so many watchful eyes, she couldn’t say no—only, “Your Highness is very thoughtful…”
Xiao Luanfei smiled gently at Xiao Yanfei, then turned to Tang Yueze with a deeper smile, her eyes shimmering warmly like the radiant spring sun.
Tang Yueze felt his heart skip a beat—he understood now.
This time, he had done the right thing.
The words Tian Shouzhi had reported back to him echoed in his mind, confirming even more clearly that the one Luan’er truly despised was Gao An—not Xiao Yanfei, and certainly not himself.
Finally reassured, Tang Yueze rode up to Xiao Luanfei with a light heart and lowered his voice to admit his mistake.
“Luan’er, I was wrong.”
“You care so deeply for your sister, and since I am to be her future brother-in-law, I should treat your sister as if she were my own.”
“Don’t worry—I’ll handle the matter with Gao An. I won’t let you be troubled.”
His gaze was sincere, filled with deep affection and unwavering determination, as if he longed to pluck the stars from the sky just to see her smile.
Xiao Luanfei: “…”
She didn’t understand how things had come to this, yet she couldn’t bring herself to say anything unpleasant to Tang Yueze—in fact, she had to put on a very happy face.
A gentle breeze stirred her skirt, making it flutter softly and accentuating her slender figure. Her skirt brushed against his robe, their garments tangling lightly together.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yanfei barely managed to suppress a smile, obediently pressing her lips together like a gentle, harmless little white rabbit.
“Your Highness, Big Sister, you two talk—I’ll take my leave first,” Xiao Yanfei said warmly, bidding them farewell with care. “Big Sister, if there’s any misunderstanding between you and His Highness, it’s best to clear it up.”
At those words, Tang Yueze gave her a look full of genuine admiration, realizing he had misunderstood her all along and had unfairly taken it out on her.
In truth, the young girl was very sensible, sincerely hoping for a good relationship between him and Luan’er.
Xiao Luanfei felt a mix of frustration and helplessness welling up inside her chest, but with things having come this far, she could only maintain the dignity of an elder sister and earnestly advised, “Second Sister, this palace is twice as big as the Imperial Palace. Be careful and don’t wander off, or you might get lost later…”
Tang Yueze gazed at Xiao Luanfei gently.
Indeed, he had completely misread the situation before, but fortunately, it wasn’t too late to make amends.
He had to ensure that Luan’er had no worries on her mind.
“Big Sister, I understand,” Xiao Yanfei chirped as she nodded.
With a squeeze of her horse’s flanks, she trotted off toward the water pavilion, her body rising and falling rhythmically with the horse’s steps.
Once she was out of sight, beyond Tang Yueze and Xiao Luanfei’s view, she let out a quiet laugh, utterly delighted.
This was fun—really, truly fun.
Covering her mouth with one hand, her slender shoulders shook with laughter. Even her fiery red horse let out a few joyful neighs.
“Ahem.”
Suddenly, a light cough came from behind.
Xiao Yanfei froze for a moment as if chilled, quickly stifling her laughter and replacing it with a sweet smile.
Turning her head, she spotted a familiar tall figure leaning beneath the parasol trees about ten feet away. Golden sunlight filtered layer upon layer through the thick branches, casting dappled shadows over his body and face.
She clearly saw the thin lips beneath his mask curl into a teasing smile.
As the breeze stirred, the leaves above swayed gently, causing the shifting light and shadow on Gu Feichi to dance like a carefully painted, vividly colored ancient scroll.
“Phew—”
Xiao Yanfei immediately relaxed, the innocent, charming expression on her face melting away in an instant, replaced by a sharp, lively gleam in her eyes.
Gu Feichi watched as her expression changed several times within seconds and couldn’t help but smile.
Normally, he disliked when others put on airs around him, but watching her flip through emotions like turning pages was oddly entertaining—he found himself reluctant to look away.
She was like a wildflower blooming in a muddy swamp: though the soil was poor and harsh, she still grew freely, and with just a bit of sunlight, she’d lift her head from the mud and bloom in brilliant colors.
“Smooth going?” Gu Feichi’s voice was soft and gentle, like spring rain falling or pearls lightly tapping on a jade plate.
His prized Ferghana horse grazed quietly by the tree trunk, occasionally flicking its long tail. Its glossy chestnut coat gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.
“Mm.” Xiao Yanfei nodded, barely suppressing a grin as she happily shared her little secret with him. “And… I even had an unexpected surprise.”
Xiao Yanfei laughed uncontrollably, tapping her left foot on the stirrup to make sure it was steady before preparing to dismount.
Her movements were awkward—understandable, since this was only the second time in her life she’d gotten off a horse. The first time, Princess Ning Shu and some palace maids had helped her down.
Without anyone to support her now, she suddenly felt a bit unsteady. Somehow, this short-legged horse seemed taller than before.
Who said “once bitten, twice shy”?
She tightened her grip on the reins, trying to keep the horse still, but the little chestnut grew restless and kicked its hoof nervously.
“Don’t move,” Gu Feichi said calmly.
At his words, Xiao Yanfei froze, sitting stiffly on the saddle, her whole body tense.
Gu Feichi strode over and grabbed the reins firmly, his voice gentle: “Breathe out. Don’t be nervous. Your tension only makes the horse nervous.”
He was tall, and when he looked up, their eyes met—his gaze level with hers on horseback, even closer than that day in the Sutra Pavilion.
So close that Xiao Yanfei could count his long, thick eyelashes, see the slight flare of his nostrils. Bathed in golden sunlight, his skin was as pale and flawless as snow.
Obediently, Xiao Yanfei relaxed her body and began to steady her breathing. The little horse, soothed by Gu Feichi’s gentle touch, calmed as well and nuzzled his palm affectionately.
Even though Gu Feichi didn’t physically help her down, just holding the reins steadied Xiao Yanfei’s nerves, giving her a sense of calm. Gathering her courage, she swung her leg up and over, smoothly dismounting.
This time, her movements were much more fluid.
But the moment her right foot hit the ground, she realized she’d used too much force. Her body wobbled from the momentum, while her left foot was still caught in the stirrup.
With a soft “ah,” Xiao Yanfei started to lean toward the chestnut horse…
The next instant, she felt a firm grip tighten around her waist.
A strong, capable hand caught her just in time, steadying her slender frame.
Through the thin fabric of her clothes, she could feel the warmth radiating from his palm, and her whole body stiffened as a crisp, fresh scent—like snow settling on bamboo—lingered around him.
Quickly, she lifted her left foot out of the stirrup, finally standing firmly on both feet.
She exhaled deeply, relieved.
Once she was steady, Gu Feichi withdrew his hand. His pale, long fingers unconsciously clenched, the roughness of his palm still seeming to crave the softness of her touch.
Her waist was so slim he could almost encompass it in one hand.
“Thank you!” Xiao Yanfei smiled brightly at Gu Feichi, her eyes sparkling and cheeks lifted in a joyful curve.
Gu Feichi gave a faint smile and reminded her, “The stirrup is a bit too high. Next time, adjust it before mounting.”
“Got it!” Xiao Yanfei nodded obediently.
Behind his mask, his elegant, fox-like eyes curved upward, the darkness of his pupils slowly filling with a hint of amusement.
“Young Master Gu.”
A small-eyed eunuch approached respectfully, bowing without looking away. “The emperor requests you to come speak with him.”
Gu Feichi gave Xiao Yanfei a slight nod in farewell, then calmly followed the eunuch toward the Danbi Pavilion by the water.
Xiao Yanfei handed over her chestnut horse to another eunuch by the polo field and made her way to the Tianyi Pavilion.
As soon as she entered, she spotted Princess Ning Shu at the center of a lively crowd, animated and radiant.
Princess Ning Shu was busy paying out those who had bet on Team B to win.
The odds were three to one—betting one tael of silver would earn three in return.
The winners were thrilled, but Princess Ning Shu, as the house, was even happier. Not only had she paid out the winnings, she also kept the house’s share—profiting on both ends.
“Yanyan!” Princess Ning Shu saw Xiao Yanfei and waved her over.
Together, they worked through the payouts, and after about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, they had nearly finished.
Next came the part where the two of them split the winnings.
“Yanyan, let’s just call it two plus one makes five,” Princess Ning Shu said with a bright smile as she handed half the earnings to Xiao Yanfei, leaning in to whisper playfully, “I’ve never won such a big sum before. In a couple of days, I’ll treat you to the theater.”
“There’s a new playhouse opened recently in the capital. I hear the performances are excellent, and the repertoire is fresh… plus, their leading actresses are especially beautiful!”
Though Princess Ning Shu claimed they had made a fortune, most people were just gambling for fun, placing small bets with gold and silver coins. The most valuable wager was the emperor’s jade pendant.
“Uncle Emperor, this is your winnings!” Princess Ning Shu happily presented the emperor’s share, saying, “You bet on your niece to win, so you were right!”
The emperor, delighted by his little niece’s teasing, joked, “This time, I guess I’m the lucky one.”
He was only joking around, but then generously added, “Since you won the match today, I’ll reward each of you with a fine steed and a polo mallet.”
Everyone’s eyes lit up and smiles spread across their faces—the emperor’s horses were imperial mounts.
Leaning lazily against a large cushion, the emperor waved his hand lightly, and Gao An arrived with two middle-aged eunuchs. The eunuchs carried pristine white polo mallets and wooden plaques signifying the imperial horses.
Gao An personally handed out the gifts one by one.
When he reached Xiao Yanfei, his smile turned particularly warm and suggestive, and his gaze grew unusually intense.
The young lady had dressed up just a little, and she looked even more beautiful than usual. Her skin was delicate and flawless—so soft and smooth that even up close, not a single blemish could be seen. It made Gao An itch with desire, almost wanting to pinch her.
“Miss Xiao, this one’s for you.” Gao An handed Xiao Yanfei a crescent-shaped polo mallet, and as his other hand reached toward her tender, pale hand, he attempted to touch her.
But Xiao Yanfei was already on guard. Quick as a flash, she dodged his hand and “accidentally” gave a light smack to the back of his hand with the mallet.
“Smack!”
The sound was soft but clear enough for Gao An to feel a sting on his right hand. He quickly withdrew it.
His eyes darkened instantly with a cold, sinister gleam as he silently vowed: this girl was already in his grasp and sooner or later would be his. Whoever he set his sights on in the capital—who else dared to compete?
Gao An’s gaze gleamed with greedy arrogance, his lecherous expression clear enough that Xiao Yanfei could tell exactly what he was thinking.
She almost kicked him again right there—he still hadn’t been beaten enough in the alley that day. But when she glanced toward Tang Yueze, the emperor’s eldest prince standing nearby, she paused.
Clutching the mallet tightly, she took a cautious half step back, lowering her eyes with a trembling, almost tearful expression. She bit her lip and glanced nervously at Gao An several times.
Her retreat caught Tang Yueze’s attention immediately, and he frowned deeply.
His gaze darkened, barely restraining himself from slamming his hand down in anger.
He had just promised Luan’er that Gao An would no longer set his sights on Miss Xiao, yet now Gao An was openly disrespecting her right before his eyes — clearly, he didn’t take him seriously at all.
Tang Yueze took a deep breath to steady himself, then, with a thoughtful gaze, smiled and asked the emperor, “Father, then what reward will you give your son?”
The emperor was momentarily caught off guard, then clapped his hands and teased his son affectionately, “You lost the match, and you still want a reward?”
Sharing a knowing glance with Empress Liu, the emperor asked kindly, “A’ze, what is it that you want?”
He had assumed his son would want a fine steed, but instead, Tang Yueze slowly raised a hand and pointed to Gao An, not far away:
“I want him.”
Those two words rang clearly through the entire pavilion. The noisy chatter instantly vanished without a trace, and every gaze followed his gesture, all fixed on the same person — Gao An.
The emperor raised a surprised brow and gripped the armrest of his seat tightly, his eyes deep as the sea.
This eldest prince was his and the empress’s only legitimate son, the eldest, dearly favored since childhood. Unlike himself — the previous emperor had seven sons, none legitimate or eldest, who had fought their way to their current positions.
Because A’ze had never needed to fight or seize power, there had always been a lack of ruthless decisiveness in his temperament.
Yet now, the prince dared to ask for his chief eunuch Gao An.
If anyone else had said this, it would be seen as a blatant bid for the throne.
But watching Tang Yueze just a few steps away, the emperor couldn’t help but smile warmly, his features relaxed.
This was a good thing — the emperor’s son should be like this.
His prince must become a fierce tiger, so that when the day came for him to ascend the throne, he could command respect from the scheming officials in the court and hold firm over the powerful governors of the provinces.
The emperor chuckled softly, his eyes shining unusually bright. After a moment, he slowly nodded. “Very well.”
What?! Gao An could hardly believe his ears; his face drained of color.
Instinctively, Gao An looked toward Tang Yueze. The prince’s gaze was like a deep, icy pool — indifferent, calm, and unfathomably profound. Somehow, it sent a chill straight through Gao An’s heart.
***