Awakening in the Forbidden City: A Fog of Mystery

De Fei smiled, still pulling Murong to her side, and said to them, "This is your cousin, her name is Murong." She then pointed at them and said, "These are your two cousins, Yinzhen and Yinsi. Yinsi is only a year older than you."

She noticed amazement in both princes' eyes. Yinsi immediately moved closer and said, "What a beautiful cousin you are! Mother, she looks very much like you."

De Fei flicked his forehead and said, "You always know what sounds nice. I'm old now, how could I compare to you young people?"

While the two were bantering, Murong secretly observed the Fourth Prince. She saw him standing silently to the side, his figure somehow appearing lonely. Murong suddenly felt disoriented—why did he look so familiar? It was as if she had seen him somewhere before. Remembering that De Fei was beside her, Murong composed herself and listened to her conversation. They chatted about many trivial matters, mostly family affairs.

Yinsi suddenly remembered something, clapped his hands and said with a smile, "That's right! Before you even arrived in the capital, your reputation preceded you. Everyone said General Fucha's daughter was a talented young lady. Meeting you today, I see the reputation is well-deserved!"

Murong gave a slight smile and said, "I understand now. The Fourteenth Prince means to say I am beautiful on the outside but lacking in wisdom within. Though I dare not claim such wisdom in the first place."

Yinsi was so charmed by her smile that he felt weak in the knees, repeatedly saying, "How could that be? You're definitely beautiful outside and wise within."

Before they knew it, it was time for dinner. De Fei said, "Rong'er, you must stay and dine with me this evening. If you wish, let these two stay as well. If you find them disagreeable, send them away, and we two can chat together."

Murong feigned surprise and delight, saying, "Aunt, you're embarrassing me! They are princes, after all, who could take my life at any moment. I'd just like to spend more time with you." De Fei laughed heartily and sent someone to make arrangements.

The Fourth Prince said, "Mother, the Thirteenth Brother will be coming soon. May he join us for dinner as well?" Murong thought to herself, "The Fourth Prince finally speaks. Since entering, he's only said two sentences—how cool!" Yet she noticed the Fourteenth Prince's evident displeasure. De Fei nodded in agreement, though Murong could sense her reluctance. She thought, "This Fourth Prince truly lives a life caught in the middle. He hasn't even become emperor yet and already his situation is so bleak. How will he manage as emperor? Why doesn't he improve his relationships with others?"

Shortly after, the Thirteenth Prince indeed arrived. He was two years older than the Fourteenth, also with the appearance of a handsome youth. De Fei introduced Murong to him as well, and he too seemed captivated by her beauty.

During the meal, except for the Fourth Prince who remained rather composed, the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Princes couldn't take their eyes off Murong. Inwardly, Murong felt aggrieved. In the past, when surrounded by admirers, she had ways to frighten them off, but before these imperial nobles, she could only maintain a pleasant smile. In the future, who knew who she might be ordered to marry—how troublesome! Murong was thoroughly familiar with history, of course, but knew little about the inner court. Who was she? Did such a person exist in history? It was agonizing!

After dinner, they chatted for a while longer. De Fei specifically instructed the Fourteenth Prince to escort Murong back to her residence. The Fourteenth Prince gave his mother a big smile, and Murong politely bid farewell to everyone before leaving with him. Two eunuchs carrying lanterns followed behind.

The Fourteenth Prince asked, "Rong'er, are you cold?"

Murong was startled by his familiar address but quickly recovered, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Fourteenth Prince, but I'm not cold."

He failed to notice Murong's distant tone and continued, "The autumn night sky is beautiful, with so many stars."

Murong glanced at the sky and replied, "Yes, and there's a new crescent moon as well." But inwardly she thought, "The Fourteenth Prince is just like an Englishman, opening with small talk about the weather."