Chapter 047: Cousins and Such

She picked it up, hesitating, and said, “Miss, shall I take this out and throw it away?”

Wu Tan was about to nod, but then changed her mind. “Don’t throw it out. Just find an empty drawer and put it away for now.”

Xingzi was a bit reluctant. “Didn’t you say you were worried there might be something wrong with it? Things like this…”

“Just keep it for now. Who knows, it might come in handy someday,” Wu Tan replied casually, turning to retreat behind the screen to undress and bathe.

In the blink of an eye, April arrived. The seventh was the Emperor’s grand birthday celebration.

The Wu family had served with distinction for generations, and whenever the Emperor held a grand celebration, the women of the Wu family were always on the invitation list.

That morning, once everyone was ready, Wu Qinglin personally rode at the head of the escort, leading the family’s women into the palace.

The great banquet was to be held in the evening, but at noon, the women would gather in the Changchun Palace to eat longevity noodles.

Wu Tan followed behind the Old Madam and Lady Meng, heading toward Changchun Palace. As they passed through the Imperial Garden, she happened to spot, on a small path diagonally across the flowerbeds, Xiao Yue walking briskly in the opposite direction.

Since their last meeting at Prince Sheng’s mansion, the two had not crossed paths again. He hadn’t sought her out, and Wu Tan had paid no mind to his whereabouts in the capital. Running into him now stirred no particular feelings; still, as half acquaintances, it was hard not to notice each other.

By coincidence, just as Xiao Yue glanced up, his gaze landed on her.

To suit the festive atmosphere of the Emperor’s birthday, Wu Tan was dressed in cheerful attire today: a pale pink embroidered upper garment paired with a pomegranate-red high-waisted skirt, a floral decoration gracing her brow, making her appear lively and charming.

Their eyes met unexpectedly.

Wu Tan was someone who knew when to bend and when to stand tall. Remembering that he was, after all, the little crown prince's imperial uncle, she was just about to smile politely when she saw a richly dressed woman approaching Xiao Yue.

The woman seemed somewhat anxious, her steps swift, and Wu Tan’s view was soon blocked by her figure.

“Greetings, Your Highness Prince Sheng!” The woman curtsied gracefully before Xiao Yue.

She was slender and frail, with a sickly appearance. Wu Tan, from her vantage, could only see a portion of her profile, but the smile that blossomed at her eyes and brows could only be described as radiant as spring flowers—brilliant beyond words.

Xiao Yue’s path was cut off by her, yet he did not display any annoyance; instead, he paused and spoke with her.

Wu Tan found the scene rather curious, and as she walked on, she couldn’t help but glance their way a few more times.

Wu Qinglin, walking behind her, noticed and caught up to walk beside her, reaching out to smooth her hair at the back of her head. “Watch your step. Don’t trip.”

“Alright,” Wu Tan replied, her eyes shining as she lowered her voice to ask, “Who is that?”

She hadn’t seen the woman’s full face and couldn’t judge her age, but judging by her attire, she was clearly a married woman, though not a consort from the palace.

Wu Qinglin, knowing his sister’s childlike curiosity, explained, “She seems to be a lady from the House of Duke Ningguo, likely Prince Sheng’s cousin.”

The House of Duke Ningguo was the family of Empress Dowager Zhou. In earlier years they were a military family, though without a hereditary title. After Empress Dowager Zhou entered the palace and was made empress, her father died in service while suppressing river bandits, and her younger brother was left lame from his injuries. The Emperor then issued a decree, granting Zhou Yuansheng the title of Duke Ningguo. Though the Zhou family no longer commanded troops, they gained a hereditary title and rare honor.

The current Duke only held a scholarly position at the Hanlin Academy, in charge of compiling books. Though the Zhou family was illustrious, they kept a low profile at court and did not participate in politics.

Since they were cousins, exchanging a few words in the palace was nothing out of the ordinary—though the look the woman gave Xiao Yue was, perhaps, a bit too telling.

It was none of her concern; Wu Tan had always been the sort to watch the drama from afar rather than get involved.

Now that Wu Qinglin had satisfied her curiosity, she put it out of her mind and continued walking quickly with him, chatting as they went.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yue, having been stopped by Zhou Changyin, exchanged a few words before turning to realize that Wu Tan had already gone out of sight, and a faint annoyance crept into his heart.

At first, Zhou Changyin had been too delighted to see him to notice the subtle shift in his expression, but now, seeing his gaze fixed somewhere beyond her, she turned to look as well.

Yet aside from a few passing eunuchs and palace maids, there was no one else on that path. She couldn’t help but ask, “Cousin, what are you looking at?”

Her question brought Xiao Yue back to himself. Since there was little else to say to her, he simply asked, “Where is Uncle? I haven’t left the house much since returning to the capital and haven’t greeted him yet. Today is a good chance to pay my respects in person.”

Zhou Changyin quickly replied, “Father left with Grandmother half an hour before us. He should be in the Zhengyang Palace with His Majesty and the Empress now. I’ll go with you, Cousin.”

“No need. I’ll go myself. Go have fun,” Xiao Yue said.

With that, he didn’t even glance at her face, but strode away without further ado.

Zhou Changyin did not follow, but stood where she was, her gaze lingering on his retreating figure until it disappeared from view, unable to bring herself to leave for a long while.

Wu Qinglin, having escorted Wu Tan and the others to the entrance of Changchun Palace, then headed to Yonghe Palace, where the male guests were being entertained that day.

By then, most of the guests had already arrived at Changchun Palace.

Within the capital’s circle of power, the Wu family held a prominent position, and both the Old Madam and Lady Meng were often invited out for social occasions. As a result, nearly everyone present knew them, and among the gathered ladies, conversation flowed easily.

Wu Qingqiong, preoccupied with her betrothal to Xiao Yun, was on her best behavior today, following Lady Meng closely and presenting herself as a model young lady. Wu Tan, always adept at playing her part, clung to the Old Madam, earning a chorus of praise for her charm.

At noon, Empress Jiang personally presided over the meal, joining everyone for longevity noodles before taking her mother and sisters to Zhengyang Palace for a chat. Before leaving, she instructed that until the evening banquet, everyone was free to stroll about the palace and gardens.

Wu Tan had sat with the Old Madam for nearly two hours. As soon as the Empress left, she seized the chance to stretch her legs and slipped out.

Just as she exited the main hall, she saw Huo Yunhua leading Qiu Ning out of the palace gate, Qiu Ning carrying a moderately sized bundle on her arm.

The last time Wu Tan had entered the palace, she had brought Cheng Cheng, so Xingzi did not know Huo Yunhua. Seeing her suddenly pause and stare after the departing pair, Xingzi couldn’t help but ask, “Miss, what are you looking at?”

“That woman is probably up to her tricks again,” Wu Tan remarked offhandedly, then, unconcerned, wandered off to the rear garden.

As she was still inside the palace, she was cautious, sticking to crowded paths as she made her way around. When she returned to the main hall with Xingzi, the Old Madam and Lady Meng were still inside, having tea with friends.

Yet as soon as Wu Tan stepped inside, she sensed something was amiss. Puzzled, she saw the Old Madam’s brows knit together as she craned her neck to look behind Wu Tan. “Where is Third Girl?”

—Author’s note—

Tan: [Disdainful face] Just look at this—wherever I go, something always happens because of you!

Imperial Uncle: Heh…