The steward Sun and the others finally came to their senses, shocked as they called out, "Your Highness?!"
Dongzhi hurried over to Song Feiwan's side, supporting her arm and blinking in confusion. "Your Highness? Which prince?"
No matter who it was, how could they share a carriage with our princess at this late hour?
Steward Sun stumbled over, both excited and incredulous as he gazed at Xiao Yu. "It really is you!" He was on the verge of tears, trembling as he asked, "I can't be dreaming, can I? His Royal Highness, Prince Chen!"
Xiao Yu looked at him and replied calmly, "You've worked hard, Steward Sun."
Song Feiwan was astonished by his keen perception; with just one sentence, he had identified Steward Sun's identity and could win people over better than she could.
As expected, Steward Sun suddenly knelt down with a thud, tears streaming down his face. "It is an honor for this servant to pledge loyalty to Your Highness! I humbly welcome Your Highness to your residence!"
The other servants also dropped to their knees in unison, exclaiming, "We humbly welcome Your Highness to your residence!"
Song Feiwan couldn't escape either; she knelt as well and sighed inwardly. No wonder she didn't like going to the palace—there were always higher-ranking masters around. After kneeling for one person, there was always another to kneel for; it felt endless.
After a flurry of joyful chaos, Xiao Yu was surrounded as they made their way to the Beichen Courtyard. Song Feiwan lagged a few steps behind and overheard Dongzhi's astonished question: "Is the princess really His Royal Highness, Prince Chen?"
"Yes."
"Oh my goodness, this truly is divine protection!"
Song Feiwan forced a dry laugh.
Dongzhi exclaimed excitedly, "You’ve fulfilled your wish by marrying into the Prince Chen’s residence! And now His Highness has come safely and healthily—this means you and His Highness can be together for a lifetime! If you’re not favored by the heavens, then who is?"
Did she really have to perform a disappearing smile right then?
Not only Dongzhi but also Steward Sun and the others had many questions they wanted to ask. However, it was so late that they couldn’t delay their master’s rest any longer.
Thus, Steward Sun busied himself preparing water, arranging a late-night meal, and making beds for them before discreetly taking his leave.
"Your Highness, Princess, I will be waiting outside."
Once the servants had left, the room suddenly felt empty and spacious. The candlelight flickered, occasionally accompanied by the faint sound of sparks from the flame.
After Xiao Yu washed his hands, he did not eat but instead walked around the room, finally stopping in front of his spirit tablet. The man stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his cold gaze sweeping over the characters inscribed on the tablet that read "Prince Xiao Yu." He let out a scoff.
At that moment, Song Feiwan happened to arrive and was taken aback by the scene before her, her scalp tingling with unease. "Ahem, this was set up by me before. Please don’t blame me, my lord." She stepped forward, intending to remove the tablet.
The man raised his hand to stop her. His gaze drifted over the fruits and incense burner before finally landing on the oil lamp beside them. "Is this the everlasting lamp you lit for me?"
If she and Xiao Yu were truly lovers, this scene would have been incredibly moving. But she was merely an imposter! Xiao Yu had no feelings for her at all. Thus, there was no sentimentality—only awkwardness.
"Yes," she replied softly.
The man blocked the light, casting a large shadow over her. He lowered his head, his phoenix eyes deep and meaningful. "The princess has put in thought. Unfortunately, I remember nothing of what happened three years ago."
Song Feiwan genuinely feared he would engage her in a long conversation. She lowered her eyelids, feigning a gentle and affectionate demeanor. "My lord's safety is more important than anything else. Memories are merely creations of people; we still have plenty of time ahead of us."
Not meeting Xiao Yu's scrutinizing gaze, she spoke softly, "It’s late; my lord should rest. I will take my leave now."
"Wait."
Her heart leaped in her chest.
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