I want to enter the palace together with Sister Yue.

Afternoon, Prince Jun’s Residence, Tranquil Study

As soon as Moon entered Prince Jun’s residence, several maids whisked her away to be groomed and dressed up, then led her to formally greet the Dowager Princess and her several sworn sisters-in-law. By the time this round of ritual pleasantries was over, Moon was already drained. In truth, her exhaustion stemmed from a deep-seated reluctance she could not dispel; she found it all hard to accept. The biting sarcasm from Consort Jade and Consort Qin only added to her weariness, leaving her utterly spent.

Kiki had accompanied Hui Yue’er throughout. Kiki knew well that Moon was not, as others whispered, the sort of girl who longed for power and glory. Everything that had happened so far had forced Moon’s hand. Kiki had made up her mind—she would accompany Moon into the palace. Glancing at Hui Yue’er, who walked on her right, Kiki spoke in a sweet voice, “Sister Moon, let me go into the palace with you, please?”

She had lost her mother at a young age, and her father was always too busy to pay her much attention. Only Zhao Chengxian expressed occasional concern for her, but even that was rare. Moon alone had treated her like family.

Hui Yue’er shook her head and replied, “Kiki, you mustn’t go into the palace. It’s not a place for fun. One careless misstep and you might lose your head. I know you can’t bear to part with me, and I can hardly bear to leave you behind. If I were returning home, I’d take you with me without hesitation—but this is the imperial palace. Once you enter, there’s no telling if you’ll ever come out.” She did not wish to drag Kiki into this. Kiki was still young now, but in two years she would be grown and ready for marriage. If she ended up trapped in the palace, what then? Hui Yue’er had to think of Kiki’s future.

But Kiki would not be dissuaded. She insisted on accompanying Moon into the palace. “Sister Moon, please, let me go with you! I promise I won’t cause you any trouble. Please, say yes! Please, say yes!” What an adorable little sister she was.

Moon’s arm was nearly wrenched from its socket by Kiki’s insistence. She could only laugh and agree, “Alright, alright, I promise. But you’ll need Prince Jun’s and your father’s permission—otherwise people will say I’ve spirited you away!” Moon understood that Kiki simply feared she would be lonely in the palace, and she was deeply grateful for Kiki’s consideration. She was certain Zhao Chengxian would never allow Kiki to enter the palace.

Kiki, delighted, dashed into the Tranquil Study. Zhao Chengxian was inside reading. Moon followed behind her, troubled and uncertain, for she could not understand why Zhao Chengxian had not shown himself all day since her arrival. Was he still angry over that slap the other day? With these thoughts, she stepped nervously inside.

Kiki, bubbling with excitement, addressed Zhao Chengxian, “Your Highness, I want to go into the palace with Sister Moon. You won’t say no, will you?”

From the moment Hui Yue’er entered, Zhao Chengxian’s gaze had lingered on her. Moon, properly dressed, was truly beautiful: a pink gauze skirt paired with a pale blue outer robe, an elegant blend of colors. Her hair was adorned with a single simple hairpin, the rest cascading freely down her back—simple yet noble. She had never dressed so before.

Moon looked at Zhao Chengxian and said, “You’re never going to agree to this, are you?” But Zhao Chengxian’s answer was entirely unexpected.

With a careless, teasing air, Zhao Chengxian stepped in front of Hui Yue’er and said, “Who says I won’t agree? I give my consent. Tomorrow, Kiki will accompany Little Moon into the palace!” His agreement was not out of pique with Moon, but because he wanted her to have a trusted companion by her side, someone to ease her burdens. He himself did not understand why he felt so concerned about what awaited Hui Yue’er in the palace.

Hui Yue’er stared at Zhao Chengxian in disbelief. “Your Highness, are you truly allowing Kiki into that suffocating palace?” She had no wish to implicate Kiki; she herself was going only because she had no other choice. There was no reason for Kiki to go.

Zhao Chengxian nodded, his earnestness leaving no room for doubt. Then, glancing at Moon, he instructed in a commanding tone, “Go change back into your usual clothes. You’re coming with me somewhere.”

Moon glanced down at her outfit, bemused. She didn’t particularly care for this style, but surely it was suitable for going out? Still, since she was told to change, she did so. Kiki went to bid farewell to her father—after all, tomorrow she would truly be parted from him.

Ladies, gentlemen, old and young, and those neither old nor young, hurry and shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back—let the tempest rage on even fiercer!