C4 There Was No Hongxiang

"Still young? You're already of age, Yanwu. It's time to listen to your father’s advice. Being promised to Xiao Zhen isn’t a bad thing," Nan Ying sighed softly. "Xiao Zhen is truly exceptional, and his character is well-regarded. Being with him would not be a poor choice."

Not a bad thing? Yanwu scoffed internally. If it weren't a bad thing, how did she end up in this predicament? Her father had no idea about Xiao Zhen's ambitions, eyeing the West for a long time, and his visit was clearly premeditated.

Yanwu was about to speak when a servant interrupted, announcing, "Sir, Princess Yuvyi requests an audience."

"Why is she here?" Nan Ying was momentarily taken aback, glancing at Yanwu to gauge her reaction. Seeing none, he reluctantly waved a hand. "Very well, let her in."

"Good day, Father. Good day, Sister." Yuvyi entered gracefully, greeting both Yanwu and Nan Ying with perfect manners, leaving no room for criticism.

Yanwu saw Yuvyi but remained silent, lost in thought.

"Yuvyi, why have you come?" Nan Ying's words sounded more like a reprimand, suggesting she shouldn’t have come. Yuvyi paused slightly before resuming her composure.

"Did I disturb you, Father?" Yuvyi smiled gently.

"No, have a seat," Nan Ying replied, his tone still indifferent. He then turned to the silent Yanwu. "Yanwu, if there's nothing else, you may leave. I have something to discuss with Yuvyi."

"Father, I haven't been feeling well these past few days. Could I rest in my room for a couple of days without seeing anyone?" Yanwu stood slowly, contemplating before speaking.

Two days—would that be enough to uncover the truth? Even if she couldn't, it would give her time to gather her thoughts. Yanwu wasn't sure of herself but decided to take it one step at a time.

Nan Ying was convinced that Nan Yanwu was diligently preparing to welcome Xiao Zhen, so he readily agreed to assist.

"Is Sister feeling unwell? Is it serious?" Nan Yuvyi asked with concern, her expression worried. "Do you need me to stay with you?"

"It's nothing, don't worry," Nan Yanwu replied with a slight smile, brushing off the concern, though her heart was filled with mixed emotions.

Nan Yuvyi, when will you finally drop that fake facade? If she hadn't been betrayed by Nan Yuvyi, how would she have known her sister actually harbored such deep resentment?

"Of course, why would Sister need to worry about me? Father will surely take good care of you, won't he?" Nan Yuvyi's smile carried an indescribable undertone, and Nan Yanwu could clearly hear the mockery and jealousy in her voice. She chose not to respond, glancing at Nan Yuvyi before retreating to her room.

Back in her room, Nan Yanwu fiddled with the peony pendant at her waist, suddenly remembering something. She called out loudly, "Hongxiang, Hongxiang."

"Who is Princess calling for?" A maid entered just then, carrying a bowl of dark brown herbal medicine.

"Where's Hongxiang?" Nan Yanwu felt a twinge of annoyance but held back her temper, her words tinged with impatience.

"I'm Lvyu," the maid said with a slight bow.

"Where's Hongxiang? Go and fetch her," Nan Yanwu waved her hand, signaling Lvyu to leave.

"Princess, I'm not sure who you mean by Hongxiang," Lvyu replied, looking troubled.

Nan Yanwu set down the peony pendant, puzzled, and looked at Lvyu. "You don't know Hongxiang? She's been with me since childhood, the closest to me. How could you not know her?"

Lvyu's expression was complicated, and after a moment, she spoke hesitantly, "I've served you for years, Princess, and there's never been a maid named Hongxiang... Perhaps you're mistaken? There is a Suxiang, though."

"What?" Yanwu felt the world spinning around her. Before she could think, everything went black, and she fainted.

...

Yanwu found herself enveloped in a cloud, the surroundings blurred and indistinct. After a while, the mist began to clear, and she realized she was in the Rain Listening Pavilion, her favorite spot in the palace gardens.

From a distance, Yanwu saw a woman in simple attire standing gracefully in the pavilion, resembling Hongxiang. As Yanwu approached, she confirmed it was indeed Hongxiang, sitting on a stone bench, pouring herself a drink with a mysterious smile playing on her lips.

"Hongxiang, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you," Yanwu exclaimed, hurrying forward. All her earlier confusion and displeasure vanished as she grasped Hongxiang's hand, surprised by its coolness.