043 The Empress Dowager’s Grace

"Prime Minister Feng..." she stammered, astonished as she gazed at the man in white standing by the door. Yun Xiyin’s voice trembled, her earlier triumph utterly shattered.

The man before her wore a gentle, smiling expression, yet that very smile filled her with dread.

Everyone knew that even when Feng Xilou was angry, his face remained placid and unreadable. Now, more than ever, she found herself at a loss to guess his thoughts. Her body shivered uncontrollably; to her, this seemingly amiable man was more terrifying than Duan Nanyu.

"Yicui," she called softly, summoning her maid to support her as she fixed her gaze on Feng Xilou.

"Princess Xiao, there’s no need to be nervous," the prime minister said, his phoenix-like eyes brushing past Yun Xiyin to rest on Yun Xueyan, who lay half-reclining and dazed upon the bed.

Her face was ghostly pale, lips bloodless, her sharp chin almost able to pierce a sheet of paper. A wave of heartache spread through him; he longed to gather her into his arms and take her away from this place.

But he lacked the power to do so. She still belonged to Duan Nanyu. He had no right to take her, nor could he steal her away. He could only watch her endure this suffering and loneliness.

"Then just now..." Yun Xiyin ventured, suspicion etched across her face.

Had he heard what she’d said? She couldn’t read his expression, couldn’t guess his thoughts, and anxiety pressed heavily upon her chest.

Her nails dug into her palms, anger and panic flickering in her eyes. If Feng Xilou had overheard, then she could only accept her fate—this time, fortune favored Yun Xueyan.

"Just now?" He raised a brow slightly, straightening as he strode forward. "What would Princess Xiao like to say? I, too, am interested in hearing it."

His lips curled into a subtle smile, his gaze shifting toward Yun Xueyan.

Feeling the gentle attention, Yun Xueyan lowered her head, determined to ignore his presence. Why had he come again, and in broad daylight at that? Was he not inviting trouble for them both, courting dangerous misunderstandings?

The same thought occurred not only to Yun Xueyan, but also to Yun Xiyin. She pressed her lips together, a barbed sarcasm lacing her words. "I have nothing to say. It’s just..." She paused, glancing at Yun Xueyan lying on the bed. "The prime minister comes to the Xiao Prince’s residence in broad daylight, and all the way to the Xuan Yue Pavilion. Surely outsiders will talk. May I ask the reason for your visit?"

She expected his anger, but instead he merely nodded and stepped past her, approaching Yun Xueyan. "I come at the Empress Dowager’s command, to deliver the formal gown for Madam Xueyan to wear at the palace banquet."

At his signal, an attendant entered, bearing a delicately crafted box edged with gold filigree. The openwork design of phoenixes and luan birds spoke of luxury. The attendant approached the bed with care, stopping before Feng Xilou. "Prime Minister."

"Madam Xueyan, this is bestowed by the Empress Dowager herself." He opened the box and drew forth an elegant pink robe, its border stitched with lotus blossoms.

Though simple in style, the robe radiated a subtle nobility that was all the more difficult to achieve for its restraint.

Stunned, Yun Xueyan only then came to herself, preparing to rise and offer thanks.

"No need to get up. Consider this a token of my regard as well," he said gently, halting her with a soft smile.

Taking in the scene, Yun Xiyin let out a cold snort and allowed Yicui to lead her away. She would make certain that Yun Xueyan received no such favor at the banquet.