The Empress and Hongce exchanged glances. She wasn't overly concerned about the Emperor's temper, knowing his anger would pass quickly—just a few soothing words would smooth things over. But the girl Hongce mentioned piqued her curiosity, so she gestured to the armchair, saying, "Sit down so we can talk properly."
Twelfth Master was a man of depth, and for him to reach this point must have been out of sheer desperation. In times like these, finding someone so genuine was rare. What fortune that girl had, to encounter such a dependable man.
"Were you completely truthful with the Emperor?" The Empress smiled. "You're still hiding something, aren't you? I can tell—you truly care for her. Even though she's not here, His Majesty's displeasure stems from his concern for you. He's upset because he feels his brother has been wronged. When it comes to matters of the heart, who hasn't been young? Once you're caught in it, there's no escape—everyone understands that. Hiding isn't the solution. You must bring her back, no matter how difficult. Face the challenges together—there's always a way, I refuse to believe otherwise. The Emperor has a kind heart beneath his stern demeanor in court. He values loyalty and wants nothing but harmony among you brothers. At the end of the day, she must come forward. Only when everyone sees her and deems her suitable can we arrange the match. Otherwise, as His Majesty said, if her character is flawed, no one would dare bring you together, right?"
A shadow of worry crossed Hongce's brow as he glanced at the Empress, hesitating. He knew she was now his only ally, but he dared not take the risk—hearts were inscrutable, and one could never truly know another's thoughts. Clenching his fists unconsciously, he weighed his words before speaking: "She went missing in Ningguta. I mobilized troops, turned Heilongjiang upside down, but still couldn't find her. She's deliberately avoiding me—I know that much. There are circumstances I can't disclose to Your Majesty at present, but I swear on her character—there's not an ounce of deceit in her. Seventh Master can vouch for that."
The Empress and Seventh Master were at odds, and the mere mention of him soured her mood. "What does that wretched creature have to do with this? Since when does he know anything?"
Hongce replied, "Dingyi came from under the Headsman's tutelage and later became a bird keeper at Prince Xian's Residence, tending to Seventh Master's songbirds. When Seventh Master traveled north with his birds, she accompanied him to care for them. That's how we spent most of our time together. As you said, one's true nature reveals itself in small things. To me, she's the finest—upright in heart and dignified in bearing. Had life not forced her hand, she'd have held herself higher than anyone. It's a pity someone so remarkable fell into such hardship. When I developed feelings for her, I never once looked down on her. Instead, I worried my hearing impairment made me unworthy of her. That's how deeply I care—I truly want to spend my life with her."
The Empress studied Twelfth Master—a grown man, his eyes reddening as he spoke. How pitiful. Was there anything more painful than separation in this world? Nothing. She remembered when she had wanted to part from the Emperor—how he had thrown tantrums, unbecoming of a ruler, and how it had pained her to see. Now it was Twelfth Master's turn. He had suffered as a child, and now, as an adult, when he finally found someone who truly understood him, everything went awry. Fate had been too cruel to him.She sighed along with him. "Hearing you say this, I can somewhat grasp the situation. Don’t worry too much—find a way to look for her. With so many bondservants in the Merchant Banner, cast a wide net and search everywhere. Once you find her, bring her back. No matter how big the issue, being separated like this is too much. She must have a heart of stone. Ah, it’s been hard on you. No wonder you’ve looked so haggard since returning—it was because of this. To be honest, I had my eye on a girl earlier, one with excellent looks and character, and I originally intended to arrange a match for you. But now that you already have someone in mind, I won’t bring it up again. Rest assured, given your sincerity, I’ll speak on your behalf before the Emperor. Stay steady and don’t worry about the future. Even if this marriage decree were to fall on Seventh Master’s head, it wouldn’t land on yours. The position of Princess Consort will be reserved for Dingyi. When she returns and sees how highly she’s regarded, she won’t leave again."
Hongce felt a wave of relief and bowed deeply to her. "Your Majesty is most generous. Since my return from Khalkha, I haven’t visited the palace often, nor have we interacted much. Today, with your help, I will remember your kindness."
The Empress smiled magnanimously. "People with different temperaments have different insights. You think well of me, but Seventh Lord certainly doesn’t. I don’t know how I’ve offended him—he never has a fair word to say about me. You went to Ningguta with Seventh Lord. Did he cause any trouble along the way? Did he meet anyone, perhaps make some grand vows of love?"
Hongce hesitated awkwardly before replying, "Seventh Brother also has some feelings for Dingyi..."
"Perfect." The Empress curled her lips in satisfaction, drawing out her words. "What to do then? The eldest princess of the Khorchin noble Hurlebair is eighteen now, just the right age for marriage. A beautiful girl with striking features, though her temper isn’t the best. Mongolians are bold, after all, and those in the Imperial Clan might not be able to handle her, which is why she’s still unmarried. I think she’d be a perfect match for Seventh Lord—well-matched in status, simply ideal!" The more she spoke, the more pleased she became, eager to set things in motion. She stood and smiled at Hongce. "Twelfth Master, you may return now. As long as the Imperial Garden doesn’t interfere, I’ll handle things in the palace. There won’t be any trouble."
Hongce assented and retreated from the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Once outside the palace, his mind settled somewhat. For now, he could muddle through—as the Empress had said, as long as the Emperor Emeritus and his mother didn’t intervene, things wouldn’t be too dire.
He looked up at the sky. It was just past eight in the morning, and the sun cast a warm glow. The morning mist hadn’t fully dissipated yet, and the distant city walls were shrouded in haze, the base of the walls still cool to the touch. Bird enthusiasts strolled leisurely, birdcages in hand, their robes fluttering in the breeze, brushing against the lotus pedestals of the bridge and scattering the light frost on the surface.
Guan Zhaojing waited outside the Xihua Gate and hurried forward to greet his master when he emerged. A small blue-canopied sedan chair stood ten paces away. Bowing, he said, "Master, you only returned to the residence late last night and had to report early this morning—it’s been exhausting. Please board the sedan quickly. I’ve prepared some tea and snacks for you to have on the way. Ningguta’s deputy commander Daoqin has already been detained by the Censorate. Leave the rest to the military secretaries. You should rest properly—sleep for three days straight, regain your strength, and then we’ll plan the next steps."Guan Zhaojing was the steward of Prince Chun's Residence, responsible for managing affairs in the inner quarters, including the daily life and moods of the masters. When Sha Tong returned and relayed the matter to him in detail, he was utterly stunned. Who would have thought that Mu Xiaoshu was actually a woman! Back then, when her senior brother had stolen Seventh Lord's dog, she had come to the northern bank of Houhai with her head hanging low, waiting under the lamplight outside the gate for permission to enter. So small and trembling, she had looked pitiful. After all, a girl was still a girl—pretty and quick-witted. Their master had helped her repeatedly until feelings developed between them. It truly seemed like a debt from a past life—first saving her life along the way, then owing her a love debt, and in the end, even having to sacrifice himself. What a calamity.
But though he knew, he dared not speak much of it. This matter was like a tumor—untouchable, for touching it would draw blood. Twelfth Master was now gritting his teeth and enduring it. The sorrow in his heart was too profound, so everyone kept a distance of ten zhang, neither mentioning nor asking. They waited for the day Twelfth Master could face it, and then this pain would heal.
Yet one was pining away, while the other remained without a trace. Such torment was truly unbearable. Twelfth Master was human, after all. No matter how strong he pretended to be, he could never truly deceive himself.
He did not take his sedan chair but walked slowly along the Tongzi River with his hands behind his back, muttering as he went, "Tomorrow is the ninth day of the ninth month..."
Guan Zhaojing hurriedly acknowledged, following closely and feigning nonchalance as he said, "Tomorrow is Your Highness's birthday. This servant has ordered a banquet prepared. Our family's opera stage was built but has yet to be used. Recently, two merchants from out of town brought several Goryeo beauties to the capital and sold them into Fenzihutong. I heard those women can dance the Huteng dance..." He raised his hands like the flying apsaras in the Dunhuang murals, gesturing left and right. "You know, the Sumozhe, the Tanianyao—they dance beautifully. This servant will bring them into the residence to perform for Your Highness to lift your spirits."
Hongce shook his head. His heart was missing a piece, long having lost the ability to appreciate beauty. Now, life held no joy for him. In the past, he had thrown himself into his duties, busy with one task after another, spending his free time reading and practicing calligraphy—his days orderly and stable. But now, nothing held his interest. Though he knew Wen Lu's case had been resolved and perhaps Dingyi would return, he lacked the perseverance and willpower. Whenever he was still, his mind felt like it would explode. Sometimes, facing the wind, tears would flow unbidden... He didn’t know how much longer he could endure. It seemed there was nothing left to live for.
The streets were bustling with people during the morning market. The steamed bun shops on either side emitted a sweet, fragrant aroma. Stacks of bamboo steamers emitted white smoke from each layer. When customers came, the steamer baskets were opened midway, revealing smooth, knife-cut buns with a few red and green threads scattered on their skins. After steaming, the colors bled slightly, giving off a simple, living scent.
He dismissed his sedan chair and wandered slowly along the road, his princely court attire starkly out of place with his surroundings, but he paid it no mind, moving forward aimlessly. He didn’t know how long he had walked when he looked up and found himself outside the Shuntian Prefecture. The people there recognized him, and a yamen runner hurried out in a fluster to greet him, dropping to one knee and saying, "Your Highness, blessings upon you! Please come inside. This lowly one will summon our magistrate at once."
What was the point of summoning him? He declined. "I’m just wandering around and happened to come here." Turning around, he slowly walked away in another direction, leaving the yamen runner utterly bewildered.He hadn't walked far when he encountered Wu Changgeng, Dingyi's master—the very person he'd asked to look after things before leaving. He stopped and called out, "Master Wu."
Wu Changgeng said nothing, simply dropping to one knee in a deep salute.
The sight of him only deepened the longing for Dingyi. Adopting a gentler tone, he asked, "How fares Master Wu's household? Should any difficulties arise, you need only come to Prince Chun's residence at Houhai. I shall do my utmost to assist."
Wu Changgeng glanced up at him before lowering his gaze again. He understood perfectly—this must be at his little apprentice's behest. Xiaoshu had followed them to Ningguta; he knew she'd gone to search for her elder brother. He'd thought her clever enough to find some way to bring her brother back to the capital together, never imagining she'd end up a fugitive.
As the saying goes, one's own flesh pains one most. Xiaoshu had come to him at barely ten years old, and he'd raised her with his own hands, teaching her how to stand firm in this world—no different from his own children. All that care and effort, only to lose her in the end. The grief was beyond words.
He'd just returned from the Seventh Lord's residence, where he'd learned that her disguise as a boy had been uncovered. Worse still, reading between the Seventh Lord's words, it seemed she'd become entangled with both Princes. What a mess! Now, observing the Twelfth Master—a man usually as steady as an anchor—he noted the carefully controlled expression, though the pallor and exhaustion betrayed how hard this had struck him. Knowing Xiaoshu as he did, if forced to choose between the two Princes, she'd undoubtedly favor the Twelfth Master. Thus seeing him like this twisted Wu Changgeng's heart.
"Many thanks, Twelfth Master. These hands and feet still serve me well enough—I scrape by for now." He hung his head with a sigh. "But my Shu'er... has Your Lordship heard any news of her?"
Hongce shook his head slowly. "I'm searching with all my might, but..."
Wu Changgeng studied Prince Chun for a moment before venturing, "Your Highness was close with our Shu'er?"
Without pretense, the Prince stated plainly, "She is my Princess Consort."
This left Wu Changgeng dumbfounded. When had she become a Princess Consort? If they were truly wed, what matter couldn't be discussed? Why flee? The Twelfth Master cherished her, gave her a home—what could be better? She'd have roots, no need to drift anymore. Yet she was stubborn; choosing to abandon this meant she'd been torn between loyalties—her brother or her man—and ultimately chose the former. Whether this was right or wrong couldn't be judged, only that her path was bitterly hard. As her master, he'd wished her peace. Reuniting with her brother would bring family joy, but living in hiding, never seeing daylight—what good was that?
Frowning in thought, he said, "I've two things to say, Twelfth Master. Judge whether they hold water."
Hongce inclined his head. "Please speak, Master Wu."
Wu Changgeng said, "Xiaoshu's had a hard life. Having followed Your Lordship, leaving wasn't her true wish. You're kindhearted—you understand her plight. The obstacle between you isn't anything else—it's her brother. No national enmity, but family grievances aplenty. That's the hardest knot to untie. You must reassure him, make him trust his sister to your care... Where has Your Lordship searched so far?"
Only then did Hongce realize this master knew Dingyi's circumstances inside out, increasing his respect. Quickly he replied, "The first few months were spent in Heilongjiang and Jilin Wula. After returning to the capital, I sent men to investigate southward."Wu Changgeng licked his lips and asked, "What about Shanxi? Have you been there? The Wen family's ancestral home is in Datong. That's their foundation—maybe they went there."
As if struck by sudden enlightenment, Hongce jolted awake. He had been foolish indeed, considering so many places yet overlooking Datong. Flushed with excitement, he grabbed Wu Changgeng's arm and shook it. "Master Wu, thank you! How could I have missed that? I'll go to Datong right now—right away!"
All pretense of pride and decorum vanished; he was simply a man desperate to find his wife. Prince Chun hurried off, while Wu Changgeng watched him go with hands clasped behind his back, lost in thought. Suddenly, Xiazhi slipped up beside him and asked quietly, "Master, did you know all along that Xiaoshu was a girl?"
Wu Changgeng grunted in affirmation. "I've known for eight years."
"Am I not your disciple? You kept it from me all these years! I've been single—did you ever think of me?" Xiazhi whined, his face a picture of misery. "You'd rather hand her over to those eccentric princes than give your own disciple a chance. Is this how much you care for me? If I'd treated Xiaoshu better, would she have looked at someone else? Would she have gotten lost alone? Childhood sweethearts, growing up together—how rare is that? And now it's all ruined!"
He spoke as if on the verge of tears, but Wu Changgeng rapped him sharply on the head. "What nonsense are you spouting? A toad dreaming of swan meat—put that thought out of your mind right now!"
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