Once the wedding was over, Yuelan and Guangfeng didn’t stay in Zhongshu. The servants packed everything and the group from Longuo left to return to their own country, leaving Second Princess Ainuan and her personal servants behind. As Yuelan’s carriage had been ruined on the trip to Zhongshu, she took the now-empty imperial carriage that had belonged to Ainuan back. 

Just like the trip to Zhongshu, it took eight days to return to Longuo’s capital. Yuelan took Camphor’s hand as she stepped down from the carriage outside of her Crystal Moon Residence and went inside. She covered her mouth as she yawned and headed for her courtyard after instruction Chung Soo to take charge of unpacking and everything else that needed to be done for her return.

As she stepped over the threshold into her courtyard Yuelan remembered that there was still the issue of Laurel to deal with. She frowned, sighed, and decided to deal with it first thing after she had gotten some rest.

***

Guangfeng’s first action upon returning home was to go into the palace to meet with the emperor. He entered Emperor Xiong Lijun’s study and knelt in salute. “Father Emperor, son has come to request an audience.”

“Rise. How was your sister’s wedding? Will she be treated well in Zhongshu?” The emperor set down his brush and looked up from the reports to study his third son.

“Ainuan’s wedding went smoothly, there should be no problems,” Guangfeng reported as he stood up. “But that isn’t what I came to speak with you about.”

“What is it then?” The emperor leaned back in his gold-painted chair and watched Guangfeng with steady eyes.

“On the way to Zhongshu, Yuelan’s carriage went out of control and ran into the forest. The carriage wasn’t able to be fixed, so we had to abandon it. Yuelan’s hidden guard protected her, so she wasn’t harmed. While she was in the woods alone she formed a contract with a divine beast, the White Tiger called Byakko.” Guangfeng frowned and hesitated before finally asking the question he had been troubled by since that incident. “Father Emperor, were you aware that Yuelan is the dragon priestess?”

“Yes.” The emperor’s calm answer startled Guangfeng and the prince looked at his father’s face, frowning. “The library is a special existence and the emperors of Longuo have always been responsible for protecting it. Lord He’s identity is also something that all of the emperors have known.”

“And Kilin? Do you know where it really is?” Guangfeng asked.

The emperor chuckled. “Yes. The more important question is: do you?”

“Yuelan told me the day I delivered the betrothal gifts.” Guangfeng frowned and thought about how to phrase his next question. The emperor remained quiet and said nothing while he waited, even though it took several minutes for Guangfeng to open his mouth again to ask, “Why was the dragon priestess in the other world for so long?”

“That I don’t know,” the emperor answered. “Lord He probably does, though. You would have to ask him.”

“Then do you know why she came here now?” Guangfeng rubbed his thumb and forefinger together inside his sleeve and kept his eyes on his father as he waited for the emperor’s answer.

Xiong Lijun said nothing for a while before he finally sighed. “I don’t, but I would assume it is very important. I have heard there is a prophecy left behind by the last priestess and that may have something to do with it, but I truly do not know.”

“There is such a prophecy. Lord He has the original in the library and allowed me to study it the day Yuelan first came here. I’m not sure what it could mean, though.” The admission frustrated the third prince and it showed on his face.

“I’m sure we’ll understand it after it has been fulfilled,” the emperor replied, looking rather amused. “You should go back to your palace and get some rest. You had a long journey.”

Guangfeng bowed, then left the study and the imperial palace to return home to his own palace.

***

Yuelan rested until early afternoon of the next day. As she let Willow and Camphor help her dress and do her hair she was deep in thought. As Willow put the last hairpin into Yuelan’s hair the priestess finally spoke, “I’m going to go to the third prince’s palace today. It’s time to deal with Laurel’s issue.”

“But Miss, your carriage hasn’t been replaced yet,” Camphor reminded Yuelan.

“I’ll ride on Byakko. It isn’t too cold today and I expect to be back before dark.”

Camphor and Willow looked at each other and then back at Yuelan. “What does Miss plan to do?” Camphor asked hesitantly.

“I won’t know the answer to that question until I’ve spoken to Laurel myself.” Yuelan looked out the window and sighed. “Camphor, while I’m gone, start the arrangements for new winter clothes for all the servants. Also, I plan to pass out congee and tea to the poor starting the end of the month. Make a list of madams and misses from wealthy families who might be willing to help. Gather all the old clothes that any servants are no longer using as well. We’ll donate them to the poor. I’d like to try to avoid having anyone starve or freeze to death in the streets if we can.”

“Yes, Miss.” Camphor bowed to acknowledge the order and headed out of the courtyard to begin preparations.

Yuelan stood up and walked out of the courtyard. As soon as she set foot outside Byakko appeared beside her. The large, white tiger nuzzled her. Where are you going? I will carry you.

“Heping Palace,” Yuelan answered. “Where the third prince lives. There are some things I need to take care of there.”

Byakko lowered himself to the ground and let Yuelan climb up onto his back before he got back to his paws and headed out of her residence and toward Guangfeng’s palace.