#27: Pure White, Unprepared (III)

The garden was filled with plum blossoms, their fragrance delicate and serene. At the end of the narrow path stood a square brick well. Luo Wei, captivated by the beauty of the plum blossoms, only heard the faint rustling of voices when she approached the well: “Who’s there?”

The voice paused, startled.

Luo Wei drew closer and spotted a young boy behind the well.

He was crouched by the well, holding a partially eaten pastry in his hands, crumbs still clinging to the corners of his mouth. His cheeks were gaunt, making his dark, round eyes appear even more prominent.

The boy wore an expensive brocade robe embroidered with Cornus officinalis patterns, but the cuffs were frayed and stained with dirt, clearly worn and neglected.

Even in the depths of winter, no amount of luxurious fabric could ward off the cold.

“You…”

Luo Wei bent down, but before she could finish her question, the boy, seemingly frightened, sprang up abruptly, clutching the pastry tightly and retreating several steps.

From afar, a voice called out: “Sixth Prince…”

Sixth Prince?

At the mention of this title, Luo Wei quickly sifted through her memories. Emperor Gao had six sons at the time. Apart from the eldest, who had already been sent to govern a fief, the second, third, fourth, and fifth princes had all reached the age of learning and attended the Zishan Hall. She had seen them all.

Only the youngest, Song Lan, had never been to Zishan Hall.

Song Lan’s mother, originally a maid serving the empress, resided in the Qionghua side palace. However, for reasons unknown, she had been confined to the Lanxun Garden and rarely appeared in public.

Without the emperor’s presence, Lanxun Garden was akin to a cold palace. Though Song Lan’s mother was frail, Emperor Gao had not sought a higher-ranking foster mother for him.

Thus, Song Lan had grown up here, cared for by eunuchs and governesses.

Judging by his current appearance, it seemed he was not faring well. Was the neglect due to the attendants’ dereliction?

After the call, Luo Wei was still lost in thought when the boy, ignoring propriety, hastily stuffed the remaining pastry into his mouth.

The large piece nearly choked him. Seeing him clutch his throat and roll his eyes, Luo Wei quickly pulled out her handkerchief, wiping the crumbs from his mouth while gently patting his back: “Sixth Prince, swallow slowly.”

Before her words faded, a burly governess arrived, panting heavily. Without fully taking in the scene, she began scolding: “Master, you’ve given us quite the scare!”

Surprised by the governess’s blatant lack of respect—protocol within the imperial city was strict, and Luo Wei had never encountered such audacious behavior—she interjected: “How dare you speak to the Sixth Prince in such a manner?”

Hearing the voice, the governess straightened and finally noticed the little girl dressed in a fine pink brocade robe. Though young, her refined features and elegant attire spoke of nobility. The jade pendant dangling from her ears shimmered in the winter sun.

Unfamiliar with Luo Wei’s identity, the governess quickly switched to a servile smile: “Forgive me, noble one. We were merely worried about the prince’s safety. Please pardon my rudeness.”

Before Luo Wei could respond, the boy tugged at her sleeve, seemingly concerned about his dirty hands, and quickly withdrew.

His voice barely audible, he murmured: “Sister, I wasn’t being mischievous. I was just so hungry.”

The governess frowned but, mindful of Luo Wei’s presence, swallowed her complaints: “It hasn’t been long since lunch. It’s not advisable for the young master to eat again.”

Luo Wei glanced at the boy and reached for his hand, leading him back along the path: “It’s fine. Your Highness, come with me.”

Seeing them about to leave, the governess panicked and knelt, blocking their way: “Noble one, please don’t! By His Majesty’s decree, the prince is not allowed to leave Lanxun Garden before attending Zishan Hall.”

“Luo Wei!”

A voice called out, and someone came running along the narrow stone path. Looking up, Luo Wei recognized Princess Shukang, accompanied by Song Ling.

The governess immediately recognized the princess and kowtowed: “Your servant greets the Second Prince and the princess.”

Princess Shukang, wrapped in a red cloak trimmed with snow fox fur, ran over: “What brings you here? Thank goodness Brother brought me; I’d never have found you otherwise.”

Song Ling, noticing Luo Wei holding Song Lan’s hand, couldn’t help but frown with concern: “It’s too cold for the Sixth Brother to be dressed so lightly.”

The governess remained kneeling, apologizing profusely. Ignoring her, Song Ling removed his ink-black fox fur cloak and draped it over Song Lan’s shoulders, then said indifferently: “Rise.”

Shukang pulled Luo Wei aside and whispered: “… How did you run into him? You know, his mother isn’t favored. When he was born, the Astronomical Bureau reported that his birth date was ominous, suggesting ill fortune. It’s best to keep some distance.”

Song Lan clutched Song Ling’s robe tightly, seemingly having overheard their conversation. His red-rimmed eyes darted toward them.

Feeling compassion, Luo Wei whispered back: “Astrology is vague. Even if he’s isolated, look at how thinly he’s dressed. He must suffer greatly.”

Shukang hesitated, then agreed: “You’re right. Despite his ominous birth, he’s still our brother. Father only forbade him from leaving the palace until his education begins. These servants shouldn’t treat him so poorly. But after Brother’s reprimand today, they’ll surely behave better.”

Song Ling adjusted Song Lan’s robe, asking a few questions.

Four years older, Song Ling towered over Song Lan, who rarely saw him and shyly avoided speaking.

With a sigh, Song Ling patted the boy’s head and said earnestly: “You’re a prince. If anyone mistreats you, punish them. If you can’t, call for me. I’ll also request Father to allow you to attend Zishan Hall sooner.”

Song Lan clung to his arm, his voice trembling as he thanked them: “Thank you, Brother. Thank you, Sister.”

Luo Wei and Song Ling left Lanxun Garden together. As they departed, Luo Wei glanced back at the boy standing by the well. He watched their retreating figures wistfully and waved when he saw her looking.

Beside her, Song Ling hung his head guiltily: “Father forbade it, and I neglected to visit the Sixth Brother. Had I known he… Alas, it’s my fault as an elder brother. How could I let him grow so thin?”

Having lost his outer robe, Luo Wei drew closer, wrapping her cloak around his arm: “Don’t be sad, Brother. We’ll take better care of the Sixth Brother. Tomorrow, I’ll send him some fruit.”

Song Ling patted her head affectionately: “Vivi knows how to care for others now.”

Whenever he did this, Luo Wei felt like he was treating her like a child, which infuriated her: “I’m a sister too! Of course I know how to care for others!”

Struggling to shake off his guilt, Song Ling couldn’t help but laugh.

Between the bare plum branches, he stood tall and elegant. Seeing her pout, he playfully pinched her cheek.

His hand bore only a simple white jade ring, its touch warm against her skin.

The little girl angrily scooped up a handful of unmelted snow and threw it at him without forming a snowball. Pretending to be offended, he retaliated, scattering snowflakes under the winter sun. Gradually, their figures faded into the soft glow of the snow.

In an instant, the area behind the plum branches became empty and silent once more.

“Ajia?”

Song Lan’s voice pulled her back from her reverie.

Noticing she stumbled slightly, Song Lan steadied her, half-embracing her shoulder just as Song Ling used to do.

Luo Wei dug her nails deeply into her palm, taking a long moment to steady herself.

Song Lan whispered softly by her ear: “Are you cold?”

Luo Wei shook her head, forcing a smile and gripping his hand: “No, I was just lost in thought. Remembering that time… you were so young, shorter than me. You were squatting by the well eating a green bean cake, nearly choking.”

Song Lan blinked, recalling the memory, his expression softening: “Yes, the first time I met Ajia, I found protection. I thought you were a celestial being, a goddess descended to earth. After that day, you sent me an entire box of exquisite pastries.”

“I had never seen such delicate treats outside of banquets. The finest honeyed preserves, candied citrons, deer-calling cakes, and five-spice cakes. They delivered food to me for three days. On the third day, there was…”

“There was crab-stuffed orange.”

“Yes, yes! As an adult, I’ve never tasted such delicious crab-stuffed orange. Did the master chef retire?”

Luo Wei replied calmly: “That was something I made with your elder brother.”

Song Lan fell silent, then gave a bitter smile, as if questioning himself: “Is that so?”

He lowered his gaze, looking at Luo Wei—now taller than her, his crown from the state deliberations still atop his head, the pearls clinking with regal authority: “Ajia, why did you agree to the Ministry of Rites’ request to send me alone to pray at the Imperial Ancestral Temple?”

Luo Wei met his gaze unflinchingly: “To govern is to bear responsibility. A ruler must practice self-discipline and pray for the nation. This is the way of kingship. As for matters of the court, Your Majesty need not worry. Grand Tutor Yu and I will safeguard everything.”

Song Lan’s brow furrowed, unsatisfied with her explanation.

Luo Wei clearly knew he was nearing his coming-of-age and intended to assume personal rule. Based on her previous conduct, she should have encouraged him to handle affairs personally rather than delegate power to Yu Qiushi.

Yet today, she had unilaterally decided to send him away from the palace for ten days, offering vague justifications. Was she planning to meet someone or do something during this time?

A chill ran through Song Lan. After much deliberation, he resolved to act.

Perhaps his suspicions were unfounded, but Luo Wei’s recent behavior seemed unusual. He would use this opportunity to leave the Zhuque Guards and Ye Tingyan in the palace to monitor her.

If he could uncover her intentions, he would feel more secure. If she harbored no ill will, it would ease his unease.

While he calculated silently, Luo Wei had already shifted the topic. She took a few steps forward, sat casually by the corridor, and continued reminiscing: “After that day, it wasn’t long before New Year’s Eve. Though I sent food, I was lazy and didn’t visit the palace for a while. Later, the late emperor took me on his spring tour. When I returned, it was summer, and I met Zilan again at Zishan Hall.”

Song Lan followed her words, remaining silent. Luo Wei glanced at him, noticing his trembling eyelashes.

“It was… Ajia and Elder Brother who saved me once more.”