Not long after leaving the courtyard, the Third Prince and Princess Wenyang encountered a grand procession strolling through the palace grounds. Hao Lin walked at the front beside the Emperor, the two conversing merrily. The Third Prince’s gaze passed over them without pause, cutting straight toward Shangchuan Hong, who stood further behind.
“What a coincidence!” Hao Lin’s eyes curved with playful mischief as he appraised the pair before him, as though watching an entertaining scene unfold.
The Emperor’s expression was somewhat complicated, though the smile on his face dominated. Behind him, the gathered officials seized the opportunity to flatter, praising the two as a perfect match—talented and beautiful, a union of equals.
Princess Wenyang’s face flushed with shy delight. The hand held by the Third Prince had already softened, as though boneless. Women of Lubei were more open by nature; being led by the hand in public did not trouble her in the least. On the contrary, it only made their apparent affection all the more evident.
“Lu Jue, have you shown the Princess a pleasant time along the way?” the Emperor asked with a genial smile.
Before the Third Prince could reply, Princess Wenyang spoke first, her tone carrying a hint of complaint. “We never even left the courtyard! It wasn’t satisfying at all… And he promised to take me to see the lantern festival, yet we haven’t gone…”
Her lips pouted slightly as she spoke.
“Heh…” Hao Lin’s lips curled into a faintly arrogant smile. “My royal sister is far too willful. The Third Prince is burdened with affairs of state—how could he have the leisure to accompany you everywhere? Come here to your elder brother. How can you trouble His Highness so freely?”
The Emperor’s brows knit subtly; he understood the implication in Hao Lin’s words all too well.
“Today, with honored guests present, what business could be more important than attending to them?” the Emperor said calmly. “If the Princess wishes for my son to accompany her to the lantern festival, it is his good fortune. Why would he refuse?”
“My father speaks truly,” the Third Prince replied. “I am willing to accompany the Princess.”
At those words, Princess Wenyang’s grip on his hand tightened noticeably, her gaze toward Hao Lin filled with quiet triumph.
“However…” The Third Prince shifted his eyes toward Hao Lin. “If the Princess is to go out, she cannot do so dressed as she is now. I shall escort her back to change attire first.”
Hao Lin met that icy gaze—like fire clashing against frost. In that fleeting moment, he discerned the deeper meaning hidden within the Third Prince’s eyes.
“As expected, the Third Prince is thorough in his considerations…” Hao Lin tilted his head slightly, then turned his gaze toward Shangchuan Hong. “Prime Minister, accompany them. My sister is rather mischievous—I cannot help but worry.”
Shangchuan Hong inclined his head in acknowledgment and stepped out from the crowd, following alongside the Third Prince, Princess Wenyang, and their retinue of guards.
Once Princess Wenyang entered the inner chambers, only Shangchuan Hong and the Third Prince remained standing in the courtyard.
One was strikingly heroic, the other refined and elegant. Their gazes met—both unfathomable in their depths.
“I wonder, Your Highness, for what matter you have summoned me?” Shangchuan Hong asked calmly.
With his back turned, the Third Prince’s voice carried a chilling edge. “What do you think?”
“I do not know,” Shangchuan Hong replied, his tone steady, unruffled by the coldness.
“I have a request.” The Third Prince turned abruptly to face him.
A flicker of surprise passed through Shangchuan Hong’s eyes. He quickly pondered the situation. He had only helped Mu Xueshi suppress the poison and had taken no further action. For the Third Prince to use the word “request”… who else could it concern?
Seeing no response, the Third Prince spoke plainly. “I wish to borrow the silver coin in your sleeve.”
Understanding dawned instantly upon Shangchuan Hong. The last time he had visited Mu Xueshi, the latter had persistently asked to see that very coin. Even then, he had thought it might prove useful one day—he had not expected that day to come so soon.
A faint smile touched his lips, his voice as clear as a mountain spring. “May I ask what Your Highness intends to use it for?”
The Third Prince let out a cold laugh.
“I believe Your Highness has misunderstood,” Shangchuan Hong added. “This silver coin is not some trick of mine—it was obtained by chance.”
The Third Prince showed no interest in its origin, maintaining a detached, almost indifferent demeanor throughout.
Shangchuan Hong smiled faintly and spoke two words:
“The frontier.”
The frontier…
The Third Prince recalled that during the time Mu Xueshi had been exiled there, he himself had been leading troops to resist Lubei’s invasion. If Shangchuan Hong spoke the truth, then this coin must have originally belonged to Mu Xueshi.
But what meaning did it hold? Why had Mu Xueshi never mentioned it before, only for it to become so crucial now?
As they spoke, Princess Wenyang emerged from within. Dressed in simple, elegant garments, she resembled a snow lotus blooming upon a distant peak—pure and radiant. Noticing the Third Prince’s gaze, she lowered her head and walked toward him.
“Your Highness,” Shangchuan Hong said calmly, “though the coin is in my possession, its fate is decided by my sovereign. This matter cannot be rushed. Why not first accompany the Princess to enjoy the lantern festival?”
By the time his final word fell, Princess Wenyang had already reached the Third Prince. The carriage was prepared.
Without hesitation, the Third Prince helped her aboard. Shangchuan Hong mounted his horse and followed behind.
Though it should have been a quieter hour, the streets remained lively. The center of the road was filled with intricately crafted lanterns of all shapes and designs. Along both sides hung lanterns made by common folk—varied in color, yet equally exquisite.
Riddles and verses were written upon them. Groups gathered beneath the lights, laughing as they guessed their meanings, their faces bathed in shifting hues.
Princess Wenyang, lively and talkative, quickly drew countless gazes. With the handsome Third Prince at her side, how could passersby not pause to admire them?
“Young master, won’t you buy a lantern for your beloved? We have many styles—surely one will suit your fancy!”
“Over here, young master! These lanterns were made by my wife—she’s expecting a child, they’ll surely bring you good fortune!”
“Young master, such a lovely lady at your side—how could you let her leave empty-handed?”
“Young master—!”
…
“Xi…” Mu Xueshi murmured softly.
Though he knew the man could neither hear nor see him, he could not help but call out, longing for him to turn back.
Mu Xueshi had been completely separated from his body—like a wandering soul drifting alone through the streets. He dared not draw too close, afraid of witnessing the Third Prince’s gentle attentions toward another.
That person… must be the princess from afar. There was no need to see her to imagine her beauty.
No matter how prevalent certain customs might be, Mu Xueshi had never heard of a man taking another man as his consort. The Third Prince’s choice was the sensible one—better to accompany a future empress beneath these lanterns than remain beside an unconscious man.
Perhaps… it would be better if his soul simply scattered.
At least then, he would not have to face what lay ahead.
With the real Mu Xueshi returned to his side—and such a charming princess besides—what was left for him to cling to?
Yet no matter how he tried to console himself, it failed him now.
The streets were bustling, the lights brilliant—but no one could see him.
Even if he wept, no tears would fall.
The Third Prince’s gaze settled upon a white lantern.
Plain, unadorned—pure as fresh snow.
It hung in the most inconspicuous corner, as though the vendor never expected anyone to buy it.
Coincidentally, Shangchuan Hong noticed it as well. At a glance, it evoked a certain smile—innocent, unguarded, as clear as snow.
For a fleeting moment, that image shifted into Hao Lin’s face—dangerous beneath its charm.
Startled, Shangchuan Hong steadied his thoughts. When he looked again at the Third Prince, a trace of coldness had crept into his eyes.
The Third Prince removed the white lantern and gazed at it for a long while.
At his side, Princess Wenyang felt a faint disappointment. To her, every lantern on the street was more beautiful than the one he held. Yet unwilling to dampen his mood, she remained quietly obedient.
The Third Prince held the white lantern in one hand, then selected another—bright and colorful. On its side were written four delicate characters:
“A night to reveal one’s heart.”
Turning, he placed the vibrant lantern into Princess Wenyang’s hands.
In that instant, it was as though the very air stirred.
Clad in an ice-blue brocade robe trimmed with silver hibiscus patterns, his dark hair flowing, his gaze deep and mesmerizing—the Third Prince seemed almost unreal. Though hearts stirred at the sight, none dared approach.
Princess Wenyang accepted the lantern in a daze, her eyes soft as water. In that moment, only he existed—everything else faded into illusion.
If this were a dream, she would gladly never awaken.
Only when the last lights dimmed did the Third Prince escort Princess Wenyang back to the palace.
She clutched the lantern tightly, her gaze unfocused, unwilling to close her eyes despite her exhaustion.
Back in the palace, she reluctantly retired under Hao Lin’s command.
The Third Prince remained, his expression calm, betraying not the slightest impatience as he awaited Hao Lin’s words.
Shangchuan Hong had already explained everything. Hao Lin now understood—the Third Prince had come for the same person once more.
A spark of curiosity ignited within him.
Just how deeply had Mu Xueshi captivated this man?
“The silver coin can be yours,” Hao Lin said at last. “But you must exchange something of equal value.”
The Third Prince knew Hao Lin’s nature well. Even if the coin meant nothing to him, he would never surrender it freely.
If Hao Lin were to demand Mu Xueshi in exchange, the Third Prince would rather watch him die than agree.
Anything else… could be considered.
“Name your price.”
At some point, Hao Lin had already taken the coin from Shangchuan Hong’s sleeve. Turning it idly between his fingers, he stepped close and leaned in, his lips near the Third Prince’s ear.
With a teasing whisper, he spoke:
“Lin… Han… Palace.”
The three words struck like a massive hammer against the Third Prince’s heart.
Hao Lin’s expression remained light, almost casual—as though reminding him that to himself, Linhan Palace was nothing more than abandoned ground, of no consequence whether kept or discarded.
But to the Third Prince—
Linhan Palace was built for Lin Yue.
There lay the only mother he had ever known.
Two months ago, she had been the sole person he held dear.
And now—
For another, he was being asked to relinquish the love she had given her entire life to build.
Futile Devices Scans 
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