The Emperor Emeritus had abdicated, so during the New Year celebrations, the Changchun Garden was livelier than the palace. The Qi people had the custom of staying up late to bid farewell to the old year, with the whole family sitting together to chat and drink tea with the elders. Only after eating dumplings at midnight were they allowed to disperse.
Today was New Year's Eve, and the closest members of the Imperial Clan had to attend. Not only the direct-line Princes and Beiles, but also the brothers of the old Prince Zhuang's branch, including Hongzan, were all present. The old Prince Zhuang and the Emperor Emeritus were blood brothers, the only two left from their generation, so their bond was naturally strong. However, the old Prince Zhuang was a man who loved nature and had no interest in clinging to power. From his youth, he rarely stayed at home. His sons had studied in the Imperial Study since childhood, alongside the Emperor Emeritus's own sons, all under the old man's guidance. To the Emperor Emeritus, they were like his own, so he always reserved seats for them during festivals.
When Hongce entered the courtyard, it was still early. After paying respects to the Emperor Emeritus and withdrawing, a young eunuch approached from a distance and kowtowed, saying, "The masters are all at Yun Song Xuan. The Twelfth Master is invited to join them there."
Yun Song Xuan was originally where the imperial princes studied in the Changchun Garden. Before the age of ten, Hongce had also spent over half a year there. It was a quiet place, located on the eastern side of the garden. Passing through the Ruyi Gate and crossing a small bridge led to Wan Fang Zhai, and beyond that was Yun Song Xuan.
The weather remained poor, with heavy snow falling on New Year's Eve, making distant views unclear. A young eunuch held a smoke tree umbrella to guide him. As the umbrella tilted slightly, a delicate curved roof appeared behind the pine needles, mostly buried under thick snow, with only intermittent gray ridges visible.
The attending maids curtsied upon seeing him and lifted the curtain to usher him inside. The main hall was bustling, with over a dozen brothers who rarely gathered together throughout the year, now chatting endlessly. Yet, the moment he stepped inside, they all fell silent, turning to look at him as if he were a stranger. A chill ran through his heart—he knew his recent handling of Wen Lu's case had been too heavy-handed. The Defender General of the Nation, holding an eighth-rank position below the Beile of the fixed territory, was a legitimate member of the Imperial Clan. By reopening old cases to arrest him, Hongce had inadvertently made everyone uneasy. Truth be told, among these Princes and Princes of the Commandery, how many were truly clean, either themselves or their subordinates? If thoroughly investigated, none would emerge unscathed.
Pretending not to notice, he brushed off the snow from his clothes and smiled as he entered. "What a full house today." He cupped his hands in greeting. "My brothers, I'm late. My apologies."
The atmosphere froze, with no one responding for a long while. Finally, the Thirteenth Master stepped in to ease the tension. "You're not too late. Seventh Brother and Tenth Brother haven't arrived yet." He pulled Hongce's arm toward the charcoal basin. "It's cold outside. Warm up first. I have something to ask you."
Hongce glanced up and saw Hongzan standing there, smiling and waving him over.
The others resumed their casual conversations, avoiding any mention of him while undoubtedly discussing him behind his back. He didn't mind—out of sight, out of mind. But Hongzan was remarkably composed. Though he appeared unruffled, his calm demeanor likely masked inner turmoil.
Hongce approached and greeted him. "When did you arrive, Third Brother? Earlier, I passed by Baihua Shenchu Alley but didn't see your carriage. Turns out you were already here."
Hongzan remained as elegantly smiling as ever. "I just arrived, practically right after you. The water stains on my robe haven't even dried yet. The snow today is heavy—I doubt even the north of Changbai Mountain sees worse."The eunuch brought him some old rice wine to warm him up. He took a sip and remarked casually, "Indeed, there's some grandeur here, though it pales in comparison to the northern regions. Third Brother should visit when he gets the chance. It's bone-chillingly cold, but the scenery is truly remarkable."
Whether intentional or not, Hongzan caught the underlying tone in his words. Waving his hands dismissively, he said, "I was born and raised in the capital—I doubt I could handle traveling elsewhere."
Hongce smiled. "You gradually get used to the cold; it doesn’t feel so bad after a while. When I first went to Khalkha, it was the same—you adapt. Even Seventh Brother, a man of leisure unaccustomed to hardship, endured the cold and still praised its beauty. Every place has its own magnificence."
Their exchange carried veiled barbs, and the thirteenth prince, who had been handling official duties since he was seven, easily picked up on the tension. Without showing any reaction, he smoothly changed the subject. "We’ve been buried in official business all year—can’t we take a break during the New Year? Forget Changbai Mountain or Ningguta. The other day, I visited Tenth Brother’s residence and saw something amusing. He keeps a chicken and a Great Immortal roaming freely in his courtyard. The two get along surprisingly well, even nesting close to each other and visiting back and forth—like good neighbors."
The so-called "Great Immortal" was a weasel, a natural predator of chickens. That the Tenth Prince had managed to foster friendship between them was truly astonishing.
Hongzan shook his head repeatedly. "Tenth Brother loves tinkering with such things. Last time, I saw him keeping a cat and a parrot in the same cage—probably trying to train them too. But later, I heard the bird was eaten by the cat, so he switched to a yellow bird and a mantis. And now, against all odds, he’s actually succeeded."
The old rice wine in Hongce’s hand had gone cold, so he set the cup down on the table and chuckled. "I don’t believe he managed it. Check back in a few days—I bet the weasel’s teeth were pulled, so it can’t bite the chicken’s neck anymore. That’s why it’s lost its ferocity."
The group laughed, shaking their heads. Just then, a eunuch arrived with an imperial summons for Hongzan, who rose and followed him out.
Hongxun moved closer, and the two brothers spoke in hushed tones. "The case you’re investigating is troublesome," Hongxun said. "Look at all these imperial relatives in this room—none of them are at ease. You might end up as the villain, with everyone resenting you."
Hongce was well aware of the stakes, but at this point, he had no choice but to proceed.
"I’m acting on the Emperor’s orders—I can’t back out halfway. Cases like this always make enemies, just like when we reformed the Imperial Clan Court. I know I’m unpopular, but I’ve been that way since childhood—one more grievance won’t matter." He glanced at his younger brother. "Right now, I’m like a man wading across a river—the water’s up to my neck. One more step, and I might reach shallows or drown completely. If I have to take action against Hongzan, I might need your help. I just worry that since you two are close, it’ll put you in a difficult position."
"Don’t worry about that. I know who’s closer to me. If he’s committed crimes, I won’t shield him." Hongxun grinned and lowered his voice. "By the way, I heard about Twelfth Brother’s big scene at Langrun Garden the other day. Give my regards to Twelfth Sister-in-law when you return."
At the mention of Dingyi, Hongce’s face brightened. He touched the sachet at his waist—a magpie holding a copper coin, clumsily embroidered but painstakingly stitched by her own hands.Hongxun observed his demeanor and leaned against the wattle fence with a sigh. "I wonder when I'll ever meet that person. Father keeps nagging me to welcome a princess consort, forgetting how he was back in the day." Realizing he had inadvertently made light of his mother, he quickly fell silent in embarrassment. After glancing around, he added, "I’ve heard some rumors too. Twelfth Master should be careful. Make arrangements early with your wife, in case someone gets desperate."
He had already made preparations—several guards from the prince’s residence had been dispatched to Wine and Vinegar Bureau Alley. If anyone tried anything underhanded, they wouldn’t lack the means to resist.
But while covert skirmishes could be guarded against, no one could stop an open, armed arrest.
On New Year’s Eve, when countless households were lit up in familial harmony, after paying respects to their ancestors, the siblings were playing chess to usher in the new year, engrossed in their game. Suddenly, a rapid knocking echoed from the front courtyard.
Dingyi hesitated. "Who could be out at this hour? Could it be Twelfth Master returning?" She set down her chess piece and stepped out to the corridor, instructing the gatekeeper, "Make sure you ask who it is before opening the door."
The gatekeeper acknowledged and slid the bolt halfway, demanding the visitor’s identity. Before he could finish speaking, a forceful kick shattered the door latch. An official stormed in with dozens of torch-bearing soldiers. A deputy commander stood in the courtyard and bellowed, "Commander of the Infantry Patrol Five Battalions, here to arrest a fugitive convict on the run!" With a wave of his hand, he ordered, "Search the place!"
It was as if disaster had fallen from the sky. Rujian had no time to hide before he was dragged out from the main hall.
Dingyi panicked, stunned into momentary paralysis. She rushed forward and clung to her brother, turning to scold, "What kind of law is this, barging in to arrest someone without proof?"
The deputy commander sneered coldly. "The Infantry Patrol arrests as it pleases. If he’s innocent, he’ll be released after investigation. If he’s guilty, he might rot in prison—that’s how it is." Seeing her refusal to let go, he raised his voice. "You’re obstructing official duties. Out of respect for your being a woman, I’ll let it pass. Let go, or I’ll take you in too!"
As they struggled, Sha Tong arrived with a group of guards and commanded, "Block the gates—not even an ant gets through! Let’s see who dares to arrest someone from Prince Chun’s residence!"
The standoff escalated. Only then did the leading official speak, resting a hand on his waist saber as he scrutinized Sha Tong. "Isn’t this the deputy chief under Twelfth Master? What’s the matter, don’t recognize me?"
Sha Tong certainly recognized him—this was Lou Boxiao, Commander of the Nine Gates, a first-rank official responsible for the capital’s defense, inspections, night patrols, prohibitions, neighborhood watch, and arrests. His presence alone signaled an unwinnable battle. All Sha Tong could do was quietly send someone to Changchun Garden to alert Twelfth Master while buying as much time as possible. But with Twelfth Master currently attending to the Emperor Emeritus, getting word to him would be difficult. Prince Zhuang had chosen the perfect moment to strike.
He took a breath and feigned surprise. "Well, if it isn’t Commander Lou!" He hurried forward and bowed deeply. "Busy even on New Year’s Eve? This humble servant wishes you a prosperous new year!"
Commander Lou gave him a glance and cut straight to the point. "This official is here on duty. Uninvolved parties must not interfere, or they will be treated as accomplices. After all these years serving Twelfth Master, you still don’t know the rules?"Sha Tong inwardly cursed him for being pedantic but maintained a smiling facade, repeatedly saying he dared not interfere. "This servant is ordered by the Princess Consort to guard the household. Governor Lou barging in to arrest someone at this late hour—this servant must at least inquire the reason, so I can report back to our master later."
Governor Lou glanced at the siblings. "This is the Twelfth Master’s Princess Consort?"
Sha Tong hurriedly confirmed, "The matter has already been reported to the palace, just awaiting the imperial decree... You see, this is like the dragon king’s temple being flooded by his own waters. Your young master and our master are on good terms, our families have dealings. Once Guard Lou marries the princess, the ties will grow even closer. During such a festive season, if you take away our Princess Consort’s own brother, this servant fears it would be hard to explain. I don’t mean to obstruct your duties, only beg for your leniency—wait till tomorrow when our master returns from Changchun Garden, and he’ll personally escort the brother-in-law to your office. Surely you trust our master’s character? You can set your mind completely at ease."
Governor Lou remained unmoved. "I act under orders. The prisoner must be taken today. The Governor’s Office does not detain criminals; they will be handed over to the Ministry of Justice. When the Twelfth Master returns, convey my message—this official is bound by duty. For any offense caused to the Prince, I shall visit another day to apologize."
Seeing negotiations fail, the deputy commander gestured to have the prisoner taken away. But Dingyi absolutely could not let go. She had endured this pain before—when her father and brother were taken, they never returned. The nightmare from over a decade ago replaying now was more agonizing than death itself. Trembling with fear, she had no other choice but to live or die with Rujian.
Rujian was also helpless. He hadn’t expected them to arrive in the dead of night, disrupting all his plans. Seeing Dingyi like this pained him, but he forced himself to appear composed. "It’s alright, I’ll go with them. Since the truth must come out sooner or later, there’s no better time than now. It’ll help steel my resolve."
While others celebrated family reunions, she had to endure another separation from kin—an unbearable torment. Frantically looking around, the faces illuminated by torchlight were as cold as clay idols. She didn’t know whom to rely on. Even Sha Tong seemed at a loss, watching her with a bitter expression. She clung even tighter to Rujian, shouting sharply, "I won’t be separated from my third brother! If you take him, take me too!"
Governor Lou found this troublesome. Though not yet formally wed, this woman was Prince Chun’s beloved—offending her would be unwise. The prisoner had to be taken regardless, and further delay was futile. He turned to Sha Tong. "Deputy Steward, don’t just stand there. My soldiers are rough men—what if they accidentally harm the young lady? Since she is the Twelfth Master’s future Princess Consort, it’s best to preserve some dignity and face."
With matters at this point, force became inevitable. Sha Tong could only console her gently, "Princess Consort, don’t distress yourself—your health matters most. Wait for the Twelfth Master’s return, then we’ll settle everything."
She said nothing, gripping Rujian’s robe so tightly that the deputy commander drew his blade and severed the hem. Stumbling, she nearly fell but was caught by Sha Tong. By the time she turned to grab hold again, Rujian had already been led away by the soldiers.
Outside, snow fell thick and fast. She chased after them, watching helplessly as Rujian was taken away. Fireworks burst in the streets—a loud boom as they shot into the sky, painting the night with color. Then, as if ignited by the spectacle, firecrackers and strings of explosions erupted across the city, their deafening roar drowning out her cries.
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