Chapter 147: Will They Come Over?

"The palace curfew is lifted for today; you may depart once you have finished watching the fireworks."

Shen Nanyuan paused briefly before joining the others in a collective bow. "Understood. Thank you, Your Majesty."

In truth, the view from the Duke's residence would have been just as clear. She had not originally intended to watch from the Wenhua Pavilion, but Wu Miaofu was brimming with curiosity. Since it was her first time witnessing the palace fireworks, Lady Shen had finally consented to the visit.

The Second Prince stood nearby, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I had intended to invite the County Princess to the palace to watch the fireworks, but it seems Father beat me to it by summoning you all."

His gaze rested on Shen Nanyuan, his eyes filled with a lingering, gentle light that seemed even more tender under the flickering candlelight. Wu Miaofu, trailing quietly behind, bit her lip as she watched the Second Prince’s attentive focus on her cousin.

The Wenhua Pavilion was the tallest building in the entire palace. From its summit, one could overlook the vast imperial grounds and even catch a glimpse of the brilliantly lit capital beyond the palace walls, where the dazzling lights stretched toward the horizon like a magnificent, unbroken sea. It was chilly outside, so the group retreated to the top-floor chamber to rest and wait for the midnight fireworks. As the silver frost charcoal burned, Shen Nanyuan finally began to feel the warmth return to her body.

The pavilion served as the palace’s library, spanning six levels filled with countless volumes. The Chancellor had already returned home, but since Meng Chuyue was permitted to share the Duke’s carriage, the Chancellor had relented and allowed her to accompany Shen Nanyuan.

Come to think of it, this year’s New Year’s celebration felt strangely hollow. It simply lacked the joy of the previous year. As more time passed since her arrival in this place, the complications only seemed to mount. She rested her chin on her hand, looking at Meng Chuyue, longing to strike up a conversation, but with the Second Prince hovering nearby, she found herself at a loss for words.

After a moment of thought, she tugged Meng Chuyue to her feet and looked toward the Second Prince, who had turned his attention to them. "Your Highness, may we browse the books here?"

"By all means."

A faint smile touched Shen Nanyuan’s lips. "Since there is still some time before midnight, I shall go find something to read."

The Second Prince made as if to join her, but before he could even rise, Shen Nanyuan had already pulled Meng Chuyue away, descending the stairs with a speed that suggested she was fleeing from some fearsome beast.

Gu Shengyu: "..."

Only when she was finally out of the Second Prince’s line of sight did she breathe a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, the lower levels provided ample seating. Though not as warm as the top floor, it was far more comfortable than remaining under the Second Prince's scrutiny. Meng Chuyue’s expression visibly relaxed as well.

"This is my first time in the palace library. They say it holds tens of thousands of volumes. I owe this visit to you, Yuanyuan; otherwise, my father would have dragged me away long ago."

Shen Nanyuan replied, "I should be the one thanking you for staying to keep me company." Otherwise, given the atmosphere upstairs—especially under the Second Prince's gaze—she felt she might have suffocated.

When they had first arrived, palace maids had lit lamps throughout the building. Only the highest level featured a grand viewing deck. Shen Nanyuan stood by a window, looking out at the endless expanse of brilliantly lit palaces below. The Wenhua Pavilion was but a tiny structure in the vast sea of the imperial city. The thought of being trapped in such a place for a lifetime was stifling. Yet, she understood why so many were willing to be imprisoned here for the sake of power; after all, this was the closest one could get to the seat of authority.

After Shen Nanyuan and Meng Chuyue departed, the atmosphere upstairs turned icy. Shen Jinyu regretted not seizing the chance to leave with his sister, but Wu Miaofu was secretly delighted. She no longer had to endure the sight of the Second Prince gazing at Shen Nanyuan with such tender affection. She loosened her grip, her palms marked by deep indentations from how tightly she had been clenching her hands.

With Lady Shen present, she could not easily speak to the Second Prince. After a moment's hesitation, she said, "Your Highness, Aunt, I would like to step out and take a look."

Receiving permission, she rose slowly. As she lifted her gaze, she cast a cautious look at the Second Prince before walking toward the outer viewing deck. It was freezing outside, but she wanted to see if the Second Prince would follow her. If he did not, she would simply stay for a moment and return; it would confirm that he had not yet taken notice of her. But if he did come, she would be overjoyed.

Most men preferred her brand of softness rather than the seemingly delicate but actually rigid temperament of her cousin. She had occasionally glimpsed the suppressed irritation in the Second Prince’s eyes when he faced Shen Nanyuan, and she reasoned that while he might harbor some affection for her cousin, it was likely not deep—soured by her repeated, uncompromising attitude.

This was her opportunity.

Outside, the brilliant lights of the palace merged into a galaxy of stars. She loved such places of opulent splendor. Yet, to her surprise, the Second Prince did not appear for a long time.

Gu Shengyu sat calmly, then asked, "What is the hour?"

The servants had retreated to the lower levels to avoid disturbing them. Lady Shen, realizing the question was directed at her, replied, "It should be nearly midnight."

"Indeed," the Second Prince said with a smile. "The fireworks are about to begin. Would you mind, Lady Shen, along with Young Master Shen, going down to fetch the others?"

Lady Shen paused for a moment before rising. After agreeing, she and Shen Jinyu made their way quietly downstairs.

Gu Shengyu sat alone for a moment before slowly standing up.

Wu Miaofu felt a wave of disappointment. She pulled her cloak tighter, preparing to return inside, when she caught sight of a dark figure standing not far behind her. Startled, she let out a soft cry and stumbled, only for a pair of hands to catch her waist, steadying her. A pleasant scent enveloped her, followed by a light, calm voice.

"Take care, Miss Wu."

Wu Miaofu looked up, meeting Gu Shengyu’s ink-black eyes, which held a hint of a smile.

When Shen Nanyuan and the others returned, they found the Second Prince sitting composed at the table, just as they had left him. He smiled gently, "Let us go; the fireworks are about to begin."

The cold outside made Shen Nanyuan shiver. Wu Miaofu turned to see her, her eyes sparkling, a strange, rosy flush appearing on her cheeks. "Cousin."