The lanterns of the Hall of Quiet Snow burned low as the banquet came to its end.
One by one, the ladies withdrew.
As Shen Qingwan stepped out among them, she found herself gently surrounded. Soft voices rose at her side.
"Miss Shen, your qin was truly unforgettable."
"I've never heard sorrow expressed so clearly."
"Such depth at such a young age… admirable."
Qingwan responded with modest smiles and brief replies, her demeanor composed, never lingering too long on praise.
Behind the small crowd, Shen Yu followed with stiff steps.
Her lips pressed together as she rolled her eyes, nails biting into her palm beneath her sleeve.
Always her, Shen Yu thought bitterly, Why is it always her?
Just as the ladies reached the palace steps, a figure stepped forward, blocking Qingwan's path.
The palace maid bowed. "Lady Shen, Her Highness requests your presence for tea."
The surrounding voices fell silent.
Surprise flickered briefly across Qingwan's eyes then vanished.
"This one understands," she said calmly.
She turned to the other ladies and offered a graceful farewell. "Qingwan will take her leave first."
As she turned back toward the palace halls, Shen Yu stared after her, fury blazing openly now.
The maid led Qingwan through a quieter corridor, away from the banquet's warmth. Lantern light stretched long shadows across the stone floor.
"This way, Lady Shen," the maid said softly.
Qingwan's steps slowed almost imperceptibly.
Anxin, the personal maid of Princess MingYao
In her past life, this woman had stood beside Princess Mingyao countless times pouring tea, delivering words wrapped in courtesy and knives alike. Qingwan had thought she would never see her again.
Yet here she was.
"So it truly is you," Qingwan thought inwardly, her expression unchanged.
Anxin did not notice the shift. She merely led Qingwan toward the inner chambers.
They stopped before a door carved with magnolia blossoms.
Anxin pushed it open.
"Her Highness awaits."
The private chamber was warm and quiet, scented faintly with plum incense. Princess Mingyao sat near a low table, her outer robe already removed, appearing far more relaxed than she had been in the hall.
Qingwan stepped forward and bowed. "This subject greets...."
"Enough," Mingyao interrupted gently. "There is no need for such formality here."
Qingwan lowered her head. "This subject would not dare."
Mingyao smiled, amused rather than displeased. She gestured to the seat beside her.
"Come. Sit here."
Qingwan's gaze flickered briefly.
That seat; It had always belonged to Zhu MingXue.
She did not see Mingxue anywhere in the chamber.
Without comment, Qingwan walked forward and sat down, her movements calm, her back straight, her hands folded neatly atop her lap.
Anxin stepped forward, pouring tea into delicate porcelain cups. Steam curled upward as she placed one before Qingwan.
Princess Mingyao lifted her own cup but did not drink.
"Miss Shen," she said, studying Qingwan thoughtfully, "when it comes to observing people, I pride myself on having a keen eye."
Qingwan remained silent, listening.
"I have seen countless young ladies," Mingyao continued, her tone casual. "Some rely on beauty. Others cling to family favor. Still others rush to please, fearing to be forgotten."
Her gaze sharpened slightly.
"But you were different."
Qingwan's eyes lowered respectfully.
"You did not curry favor," Mingyao said. "You did not borrow confidence from others. Even when all eyes were upon you, you stood firmly on your own."
She smiled faintly. "Such character… is something even I could learn from."
The words were praise.
Yet Qingwan heard the weight beneath them.
She lifted her teacup, her reflection rippling in the clear surface.
"This subject is merely fortunate," she replied softly. "Any composure Your Highness perceives comes from ignorance rather than courage."
Mingyao laughed quietly.
"Is that so?"
Her gaze lingered on Qingwan no longer casual, no longer purely amused.
They spoke of music, of books banned and unbanned by changing tastes, of winters in the capital that seemed colder with each passing year.
Mingyao laughed more freely than she had in the banquet hall, her posture relaxed, the sharp edge of her authority dulled in the quiet.
At last, Shen Qingwan rose.
"Your Highness," she said gently, "it grows late. Qingwan fears disturbing your rest."
Mingyao looked reluctant for a brief moment before she smiled.
"Stay longer next time," she said. "The palace is vast, yet empty. I have allies and kin but few I can speak to without measure."
She paused, then added softly, "Now I have you."
Qingwan met her gaze and returned the smile warm, unforced.
"If Your Highness does not mind," she replied, "Qingwan will visit often."
Mingyao's eyes brightened, like lantern light catching fresh snow.
"Good," she said simply.
Anxin stepped forward to see Qingwan out. As the door closed behind Shen Qingwan's departing figure, the chamber fell quiet once more.
Anxin hesitated, then spoke carefully."Your Highness… why do you hold Lady Shen in such regard?"
Mingyao lifted her teacup, the steam curling around her fingers.
"I have had allies," she said calmly. "I have had partners."
Her gaze drifted toward the door.
"But never a friend."
The words fell lightly and left Anxin speechless.
Outside, the palace wind had sharpened. Snow crunched softly beneath waiting footsteps.
"Lady!"
Maid Su hurried forward the moment she spotted Shen Qingwan, relief flooding her face. She draped a long white fur cloak around Qingwan's shoulders, tucking it close against the cold.
"You've been inside for so long," Su whispered. "This servant feared something had gone wrong."
Qingwan smiled faintly. "Nothing went wrong."
They climbed into the carriage, the door closing with a soft thud as the palace lights receded behind them.
The wheels began to turn.
Maid Su leaned closer, her voice low. "Mistress… was your plan successful?"
Qingwan nodded once, her eyes already half lidded with fatigue.
"Yes."
She rested her head lightly against the carriage wall, the tension finally draining from her shoulders.
"Princess Mingyao is not born cruel," Qingwan said quietly. "She was simply surrounded by those who taught her to be so."
The carriage swayed gently.
Qingwan yawned, covering her mouth with her sleeve, a rare hint of youth showing through her composed exterior.
"Enough of palace matters," she murmured. "I'm hungry."
Maid Su laughed softly. "This servant will have the kitchen prepare something warm."
Qingwan closed her eyes, a faint smile lingering on her lips.
Tonight, she had gained an allyNo.
A friend.
And for now, that was enough.