The moment they entered Jade Brocade Pavillion, the familiar chime of the bell announced their arrival. Workers lifted their heads in practiced politeness.
"Welcome, esteemed lady," one greeted, bowing lightly as he adjusted the array of silks and embroidered robes on the racks.
Qingwan nodded, her expression calm but alert. She began to stroll casually through the shop, fingertips brushing the fabrics as she admired the intricate embroidery, the gleam of threads catching the lantern light.
As she wandered past a curtained door at the back of the shop, voices drifted through the thin fabric. Qingwan paused, listening.
"I heard the banquet isn't really for celebrating the season," a woman said, voice low and breathy, "but to find candidates for the prince's… you know."
The second woman responded with a soft, conspiratorial laugh. "I heard that too. They say only the most graceful and proper will be considered."
Qingwan's lips curved faintly. She walked past the door, letting the gossip drift behind her.
Always so eagar to speak behind other'd backs, she thought, a trace of amusement touching her eyes.
She continued down the aisles, examining fabrics and patterns.
The soft murmur of the Jade Brocade Pavillion filled the air as Shen Qingwan finished examining a bolt of pale blue silk. Before she could turn away, a calm, measured voice spoke from behind the counter.
"Lady Shen."
Qingwan turned and met the eyes of Owner Yuwen, the woman who managed the pavilion. She was dressed plainly compared to the nobles who frequented the shop, yet her posture was straight, her gaze sharp someone who had seen far more than she ever revealed.
"It is rare to see Lady Shen in person," Owner Yuwen continued with a polite smile. "If you would honor me, I would like to invite you for a cup of tea."
Qingwan studied her for a brief moment. The invitation was unexpected, but not unwelcome. She inclined her head slightly. "I would be glad to."
Owner Yu gestured toward the inner section of the shop. She led Qingwan past layers of hanging fabrics, through what appeared to be a narrow storage corridor. Then, with a practiced motion, she pushed aside a wall panel concealed behind stacked brocade rolls.
The wall slid open silently.
Behind it stretched a surprisingly vast space quiet, dimly lit, and meticulously arranged. Shelves lined the walls, not only with fabrics but with ledgers, sealed boxes, and scrolls. A low table sat at the center, already prepared for tea.
Shen Qingwan did not pause, nor did she show surprise. Her expression remained calm as she followed Owner Yu inside, as though such hidden spaces were the most natural thing in the world.
Owner Yu watched her closely from the corner of her eye.
Just as I thought, she mused. Not easily shaken....
Tea was poured, steam rising gently between them. Owner Yu moved with deliberate care, her actions respectful but purposeful.
She had brought Shen Qingwan here intentionally. Of all the noblewomen in the capital, Shen qingwan was the one who can claer paths that others could not, a woman with influenece, and intelligence.
Yuwen poured the tea with steady hands, the faint sound of liquid meeting porcelain filling the hidden room. Steam curled upward, carrying a subtle, calming fragrance. She placed the cup before Shen Qingwan with practiced respect, then sat opposite her.
For a moment, Yuwen watched quietly.
Most guests who entered this room could not help themselves they glanced around, counted shelves, and measured exits with their eyes. Yet Shen Qingwan did none of that. She simply lifted her teacup and took a slow sip, her gaze lowered, expression composed, as if she had been here many times before.
Intelligent or.....Yuwen thought...cautious.
Clearing her throat lightly, Yuwen spoke. "Lady Shen… I wonder if there is something you might be able to help me with."
Qingwan's hand paused midair, the teacup hovering just short of her lips. A faint smile curved beneath the rim, gentle yet unreadable.
"Help," Qingwan repeated softly.
Yuwen met her eyes and for the first time since entering this room, felt a subtle pressure settle on her chest.
Qingwan lowered the cup slightly. "Before that," she said calmly, "Do you wish to know about your brother… Yudi?"
The air seemed to freeze.
Yuwen's fingers tightened around her sleeve. Her composure cracked for the briefest moment, eyes widening in shock. "How… how do you know that name?"
That name was buried. Erased. Known only to the palace shadows and a past she had sealed away.
Qingwan did not answer immediately. Her gaze softened, as if she were looking not at the woman before her, but at a thread stretching across time.
In her past life, she had heard of Yudi the orphan who rose from nothing, the man who married the Princess. The court had praised the match, calling it fate. Yet Qingwan knew better.
Yudi had been chosen because he was easy to shape.
The princess is clever, yet blinded by affection.The minister's patient, calculating, waiting for love to dull her judgment.Yudi unaware that he had become a perfectly placed piece on the board.
He had never known his sister lived. When he finally learned the truth, it was already too late. Yuwen was bound to the shadows, a hidden spy of the palace. Even as a prince consort, Yudi could do nothing. To protect her meant exposing her and that would have been her death.
Qingwan set the teacup down gently.
"You believe you serve the palace," she said quietly. "But you do not know who truly stands behind it."
Yuwen's lips parted, her voice unsteady. "Then… what do you want?"
Qingwan met her gaze, steady and clear. "I can help you," she said. "But on one condition."
The room fell silent once more.