The streets were thick with the clamor of common life, yet within the same capital, a change of place made all the difference.
As evening approached, the princes entered the Changchun Garden. Today was the birthday of the Gurun Princess, and all had come to partake in her longevity noodles. The Gurun Princess and Prince Rui, Hongxun, were siblings by blood, the youngest in the family order, doted upon by their parents and raised close at hand, making her far more cherished than the average princess. The Manchus had no coming-of-age ceremony like the Han, but turning seventeen marked adulthood, making this birthday especially significant. Even the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager had returned from distant Yunnan, so naturally, the brothers had to come to offer their congratulations. Among the imperial family, affection was often thin, but on such occasions, they had to at least feign closeness. The family gathered around the table for a meal, listening to directives and sharing trivialities—even the Emperor could not be exempt on this day.
The garden was alive with the whisper of pine winds and the embrace of green waters. Walking along the Lilac Embankment, one could feel a faint tremor underfoot. Looking up, a large waterwheel churned tirelessly in the distance, its splashes scattering wildly, cloaking the lake in a thin veil of mist. Amid the haze, the shimmering glow of twilight danced with poetic grace.
A melody drifted on the wind—a Kunqu Opera tune, its notes lingering with poignant beauty. Hongtao paused and asked the eunuch beside him, "Is this the troupe the Third Prince sent into the garden? Their voices are quite good. Bring them to me later."
The eunuch bowed deeply, his face creased with smiles, as he lifted a lantern to light the way. "The Third Prince said Her Majesty enjoys opera, so he sought out performers from the Zhaohui Theater. The troupe is full of beautiful young girls in their teens, fresh and vibrant. They excel in delicate tunes—once the drums start, their rendition of The Peach Blossom Fan can melt one’s bones. Since Seventh Lord has spoken, I’ll report to Chief Shaoyao Hua'er later. You and Twelfth Master can find a quiet spot, and we’ll have them perform for you alone."
Hongtao frowned and turned his head. "Such loose talk could travel miles. If the old man finds out, it’ll be trouble. They can’t stay in the garden. Tell Shaoyao Hua'er to find a way to bring them out and set up a private performance at my residence. We brothers can gather there." He then turned and patted Twelfth Master’s arm. "Hongce, the Emperor is here today. If he asks about Anling Ba Wu’s case, I won’t be able to answer—you’ll have to handle it."
At first, he had acted recklessly, but now he worried the news might reach the palace. Anling Ba Wu’s case had far-reaching implications, and the Emperor had made an example of it to the court. If not for Twelfth Master’s intervention, the death of an executioner could have been exploited by schemers. Losing a few pearls from his hat would have been the least of his worries.
Uncertain in his heart, he relied entirely on this younger brother. Twelfth Master was dependable, someone who could speak before the Emperor. Unlike himself—back when the Emperor Emeritus still ruled, he and the Sixth Prince, Hongyong, had often entangled themselves with the Crown Prince of Dongli. Later, when the Crown Prince was stripped of his clan membership for treason and quietly sent to the Outer Eight Temples to become a monk, the Second Prince—now the reigning Emperor—had once scolded him in the Imperial Study as a lackey. Though years had passed and the brothers had grown, he could never shake his unease around the Emperor, a lingering wariness rooted in childhood. It wasn’t exactly fear, but discomfort. He was rebellious by nature, unable to tolerate reproach. After all, they were all from the same vine—who was truly nobler than whom?As for Hongce, he was the most easygoing among the brothers. The Emperor Emeritus had thirteen sons, and Hongce was the second youngest. Back when the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager had a four-year falling out, the Khalkha Taiji sent his mother to the palace, where she was enfeoffed as a noble consort. While not enjoying boundless imperial favor, she was certainly a favorite in the emperor's presence. Later, when the two reconciled, the Khalkha noble consort, having risen high, fell hard, and along with several other consorts, was left behind in Langrun Garden. After several Autumn hunts where Khalkha's tributes failed to win imperial favor, even the Twelfth Master gradually lost power and was sent far away, only returning to Beijing in recent years.
What a pity about his deafness—it was said to have been caused by a misfire of the red-coated cannon during military drills. A prince in his prime, exiled three thousand li under the pretext of border defense. Hongtao didn’t know the full story, but he couldn’t help feeling indignant on his behalf.
Life outside the capital was turbulent, far less comfortable and affluent than in Beijing, yet Hongce never complained. His words were mild, his smile gentle, devoid of sharp edges, yet unable to conceal the innate brilliance about him. It was as if an unseen fire burned fiercely in some hidden corner—this was the unyielding spirit of the Yuwen lineage, and in him, it shone most authentically.
He watched his lips carefully and nodded, saying, “Seventh Brother, rest assured. I know what to do.”
Hongtao felt reassured and raised a hand to smooth his hair, regaining his vigor. “Good. I was just saying we should arrange a private opera performance. I’ll have Najin invite you then, and we’ll have a proper chat.”
Inviting him to an opera was like asking a blind man to admire flowers. Hongtao walked ahead with his hands behind his back, while Hongce smiled wryly to himself and followed at a leisurely pace. Gazing into the distance, he saw dusk settling over the landscape, with lanterns being lit in the pavilions near and far. The Changchun Garden was an excellent retreat for escaping the summer heat. Built by the water, it was humid in summer, with more lakes than land, making it ideal for leisurely living. This reminded him of his mother. Unlike others of her generation, the dowager consorts were not permitted to reside in their sons’ mansions but had to live separately in designated gardens. Lately, the Grand Council had been busy, and he hadn’t found time to visit her. Once he finished his tasks, he would pay his respects at Langrun Garden to ease her worries.
Lost in thought, he was suddenly startled by someone leaping onto his back. Under normal circumstances, he would have flipped them over his shoulder, but this was Changchun Garden. No one would dare such boldness except the little tyrant.
He peeled the person off his back. “Are you allowed to do whatever you please today? Be careful, or Father will scold you.” Then, with a smile, he clasped his hands in greeting. “Birthday girl, congratulations.”
The Gulun Princess was seventeen but still childlike at heart. Having traveled from north to south in her early years, she had learned little of palace etiquette and was far livelier than princesses raised strictly within its confines. Since their age gap was smaller compared to his other siblings, he had spent much time with her before his departure to Khalkha, and their bond was deep.
She pressed her knees and curtsied. “Greetings, elder brother.”
Hongtao, hearing this, turned back. “Sweet Ears, you call him ‘elder brother’ but address me so formally as ‘Seventh Brother’?”
The princess rolled her eyes. “I even call my thirteenth brother Hongxun! You should be grateful!” As she spoke, she sidled up to Hongce, affectionately linking arms with him. Worried the distant lanterns wouldn’t illuminate her face, she ordered the eunuch Kou Hai to raise the lantern higher and said to Hongce, “Did you bring me anything fun today? The flute you gave me last time has a cracked hole and doesn’t play well. When you have time, make me another one—ivory will do.”Before Hongce could respond, Hongtao began to scoff, "An ivory-carved flute? What an idea. You're really giving your dear brother a tough task. A carved suona would be more like it."
The princess clearly had no patience for him and ignored his remarks, pestering Hongce instead for her birthday gift.
This little sister was doted on by everyone, and knowing her unique temperament, they had all prepared in advance. Hongce said, "I commissioned a set of 'Zhong Kui Marries Off His Sister.' Two master craftsmen spent over a month on it. I hope you like it."
The so-called "bristle dolls" were a folk art—clay heads and bases with a ring of inch-long bristles glued underneath. The bodies were made from sorghum stalks, painted with facial designs and dressed in costumes, all placed on a gong. When the gong was struck, the little figures would bounce and spin, clashing swords and spears, more entertaining than an opera performance.
The princess cared little for expensive items but was deeply fond of such novelties. When the eunuch presented the box, she opened it to find Zhong Kui wearing a soft-winged hat, a crimson robe, a rhinoceros-horn belt, and tilted boots, his arms akimbo and his rear sticking out—utterly lifelike!
The complete set was meticulous, featuring everything from the opera, including dowry items and a bridal sedan, all exquisitely crafted. The princess clapped in delight, "Twelfth Brother, you're wonderful! This hits the spot. Last time, I had those folk art monkey figurines framed in glass—keeping them in a box was a waste, so I display them on my desk. This set deserves the same treatment. I’ll take it to my princess residence once it’s built."
Hongtao burst into laughter again, "Aren’t you shameless? Planning your princess residence already? Eager to marry?"
"Shut up! Must you always speak?" Among siblings, formalities were unnecessary even in the dark. Lifting her robe, the princess kicked at him, "You’d better watch out. The court is sending someone north to garrison. When Father asked who to send, Second Brother said, 'It’ll have to be the Sixth or Seventh Master.' Among all the imperial princes, you two are the only idle ones. Who else would they send? The north is freezing now—sheets of ice and heavy snow, a world apart. If you go, don’t rub your nose, or it’ll fall right off!"
Hongtao was stunned, "They named me? It’s decided?"
The princess turned away, answering casually, "Not yet, but it’s close."
Horrified, Hongtao turned to Hongce, "Did you hear? The court is sending troops to Ningguta!"
This matter had long been discussed in the Grand Council, so it was no surprise to him. "A secret memorial arrived recently, reporting misconduct by the deputy commander, stirring unrest there. The armored soldiers and banner troops are on the verge of rebellion. Someone capable must go to handle it."
This was no trivial matter. The pampered members of the Imperial Clan in the capital—who among them had ever endured such harsh conditions? The lucky ones might return with rewards if they succeeded, but the unlucky could freeze to death or be killed by rebels. Even if they escaped, failure would earn the emperor’s wrath, leaving them in disgrace.
Realizing the gravity, Hongtao steadied himself and grabbed Hongce, "Let’s see the emperor at once. We must find a way to decline."
As they hurried toward Yanshuang Tower, the princess pouted, "Is Hongtao out of his mind? I still have questions for Twelfth Brother!"Kou Hai glanced at her, "Master, the Twelfth Master hasn't been betrothed, nor have we heard of any romantic interests. He can't make decisions about your affair with Guard Lou. Perhaps we should seek the Thirteenth Master instead. Confide in him and ask for his help—it would serve the same purpose."
"Him?" The princess scoffed. "He got into a fight today with some loan sharks while investigating a case and is now reflecting on his mistakes. Don't count on him." With that, she trudged off dejectedly in the other direction.
Night had fallen completely, and palace lanterns hung high over the pavilion. Walking along the corridor into Yanshuang Tower, eunuchs and maids bustled outside, while the scene inside was visible through the sheer silk curtains. A crowd had gathered—a room full of Yellow Belts. The Emperor Emeritus sat in the main seat, cradling an infant, likely the Empress's second son. The Manchus cherished grandsons but not sons. The once-mighty Emperor Emeritus now showed signs of aging, his temples streaked with gray.
As they entered, they respectfully swept their sleeves and kowtowed. "Your sons pay respects to Imperial Father." Then, turning slightly, they bowed to the Emperor seated at the side. "Your subjects pay respects to Your Majesty."
The Emperor Emeritus smiled. "Rise, all of you. No need for formalities among family." He looked over his sons one by one. "Has the Eleventh Prince not arrived yet?"
The Emperor acknowledged, "He must have been delayed by some matter."
Hongtao laughed heartily from his armchair. "What could possibly delay him? He's just naturally slow. Last time, during Master Gao's birthday banquet, he arrived after the feast had ended. The master and his wife were stunned, unsure how to accommodate him. Seeing most guests had already left, he was too embarrassed to stay. He left his gift and went alone to Desheng Tower to order a meal. When he returned home, he boasted, 'Ah, I arrived too early today—most people hadn't even arrived yet. I waited forever but couldn't fill a table, so I left impatiently. On the way back, I ran into Le Min and had a meal outside.' Just as he was saying this, Le Min walked in and teased him for being as slow as an otter, arriving late to lick the plates. What a disgrace!"
The crowd shook their heads in amusement. The Emperor Emeritus's sons each had their own quirks—some more peculiar than others.
Amid the lively chatter, one person seemed detached from the world. The Emperor turned to see Hongce seated to his right, sipping tea with downcast eyes, his fingers gently tracing the lotus-leaf-shaped cup. The official kiln porcelain was delicate, coated in a pale green glaze that shimmered like glass under the lantern light. Hongce's fingers were exquisite—slender and fair—complementing the teacup perfectly. At first glance, there was something mesmerizing about the sight.
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