Moonlit Reunion

Chapter One

In late spring, the elm and locust trees planted throughout Chang'an City were already covered in lush green, exuding the fresh fragrance of grass and leaves under the midday sun.

On the broad, straight, and slightly empty main street, seven or eight horses galloped swiftly. Mounted on them were a group of brightly dressed young men and women, all radiant with energy, leaving behind a trail of laughter and chatter.

Leading the group was a chestnut-red steed, its rider clad in a crimson round-collar robe embroidered with golden floral patterns and black leather boots. Though dressed in men's attire, the curves of the figure on horseback and the striking beauty of their face made it unmistakably clear that this was no young master, but a lady. A closer look revealed that instead of wearing a turban veil, her hair was tied up in a simple feminine hairstyle. This seemingly incongruous outfit, when worn by her, exuded a unique charm that blended both boldness and allure, making it impossible to look away.

Behind her, on the other horses, were two more ladies, though they wore traditional women's attire. The only unconventional aspect of their appearance was perhaps the absence of veiled hats to cover their faces. The rest were young men, all around eighteen or nineteen years old, with only the leading lady appearing slightly older, in her early twenties.

The group rode through several wards, and as the streets grew busier, the sounds of bustling activity grew louder in the distance. Before long, they reached the gate of the Western Market. Slowing their horses, they entered the ward, passing by a group of foreign merchants with camels and fragrant carts.

The Eastern and Western Markets were the liveliest places in Chang'an City. By afternoon, the shops had opened, and merchants and customers streamed in and out without end. The Western Market, in particular, was where foreign merchants gathered in large numbers. Bearded men with high noses and deep-set eyes dressed in exotic attire, slender and fair-skinned women with foreign scarves covering their faces, and tall, dark-skinned men—none of these sights raised an eyebrow here.

Languages from all over mingled together, the shouts of vendors, the clamor of the crowd, and the clatter of carts and horses making the Western Market even noisier. The young men and women headed straight for a large estate with white walls, black tiles, and red pillars. Servants came forward to take their horses and guide them inside, clearly familiar with these noble youths.

This was the largest music house in the Western Market, home to countless outstanding musicians, unparalleled pipa players, and many graceful dancers and singers. With new performances arranged every month, it was a favorite entertainment spot for Chang'an's elite.

The group of young men and women followed the leading lady as she led them boisterously into the estate, ascending an exquisitely decorated two-story pavilion. The second floor was open on all sides, with only gauze curtains and bamboo blinds as partitions. The floor was covered with intricately patterned rugs, adorned with numerous brocade cushions, low couches, and small tables.

Everyone found their seats with practiced ease. The lady in the crimson round-collar robe sprawled casually on a low couch, crossing one leg and gesturing toward the surrounding bamboo blinds and gauze curtains.

"It's too stuffy—roll them all up."

Though summer had not yet arrived, the gallop under the sun had left them sweaty. The servants standing nearby immediately set to work rolling up the blinds, letting in the cool breeze. Others brought out trays of fresh fruits and drinks, placing them before the group.

"Have the ladies risen yet?" someone asked.

A servant replied, "They were exhausted from rehearsing yesterday, so they slept in today. Cai Niangzi will be here shortly."No sooner had these words been spoken than several graceful women carrying pipas and other instruments ascended. The one in front holding the pipa, Cai Niangzi, wasn't particularly striking in appearance, but her gentle demeanor was inviting. She smiled at the assembled guests before seating herself on a soft cushion to one side.

With a delicate pluck of her fingers, a clear, melodious note rang out. Cai Niangzi glanced at the woman in the round-collar robe seated at the head of the gathering and said, "What melody would Wu Er Niangzi like to hear? Cai Niang will play something to liven the mood first. The other sisters are freshening up and will arrive shortly."

Wu Er Niangzi took a sip of sweet sugarcane juice and replied with a laugh, "Whatever Cai Niangzi plays will sound wonderful—feel free to choose as you please."

Lowering her head, Cai Niangzi plucked the strings. By the time the pipa melody concluded, several more beautiful women had arrived upstairs one after another. Soon, the floor was alive with music and dance, the atmosphere lively and boisterous.

This group of young men and women, led by Wu Er Niangzi, were a notorious bunch of aristocratic youths from Chang'an, widely recognized as spoiled and unruly. Among them, Wu Er Niangzi—Wu Zhen—stood out the most, both for her outrageous behavior and her illustrious status.

Her father was Duke Yu, and her only elder sister was none other than the reigning empress. Empress Wu doted on her younger sister, which had shaped her into the woman she was today. At twenty-six, she remained unmarried, spending her days gathering friends and companions, either idling away in music halls and pleasure houses or leading grand hunting parties out of the city on horseback, with no regard for conventional feminine propriety. Her reputation—though not a flattering one—was well-known not just among the noble and official circles but even among the common folk of Chang'an.

Wu Zhen had a particular fondness for music and dance, often frequenting various music halls large and small. Today, she had come to see a newly choreographed dance she had heard about. Just as the excitement reached its peak, however, a servant rushed upstairs, wiping sweat from his brow as he bowed to her and called out, "Second Miss, the master has returned to the estate and demands your immediate return!"

Wu Zhen had been clapping in delight at the swirling skirts of the dancers when the shout caught her attention. She froze, then looked astonished. "What? My father is back? It's not even the end of the month—why has he returned?"

The music and dancing halted at this interruption, and everyone turned to Wu Zhen. She grabbed her riding crop and stood, heading for the stairs with a wave of her hand. "I’ll go see what’s the matter. I’ll take my leave for today—you all carry on."

Without waiting for a response, she swiftly descended the stairs. Just as she reached the bottom, she nearly collided with a handsome young man in his teens. The youth had been wearing an expression of impatience and arrogance, but the moment he saw her, his face lit up like a flower in bloom. He scampered over eagerly, calling out, "Zhen-jie, I knew you’d be here! Why haven’t you taken me out to play lately?"

Wu Zhen shook her head with a laugh. "Mei Si, you dare to sneak out? Isn’t your father keeping you confined to study? If he catches you, he’ll break your legs."

Mei Si Langjun pouted and grumbled, "I’m not afraid of him. Ah, Zhen-jie, is Cui Jiu and the rest upstairs? Where are you off to?"

Wu Zhen brushed past him without looking back. "My father’s come home for some reason—probably to scold me. I’m heading back now."

Watching her leave, Mei Si Langjun deflated like a wilted plant and trudged upstairs. Without the ringleader around, even the music and dance seemed dull.

Wu Zhen rode back to Daning Ward, where many of Chang'an’s elite resided. Most of the grand households here had gates opening directly onto the wide main streets, guarded by rows of armored soldiers, lending an air of imposing authority.Upon arriving at Duke Yu's residence, she leaped off her horse with effortless grace, tossing the reins to a servant before strolling in with her riding whip in hand. The old gatekeeper, spotting her, whispered, "The master is waiting for you in the main hall, Second Lady."

Wu Zhen glanced down at her attire, realizing her father would likely bemoan her appearance yet again. For the sake of his health and to spare him the lecture, she decided to slip back to her courtyard first and change into more conventional women's clothing.

Yet, she failed to evade her father's sharp eyes. As she crept along the wall trying to sneak away, he caught her red-handed. Seeing no point in hiding now, Wu Zhen followed her father into the main hall without further ado.

Duke Yu, Wu Chundao, had once been a man of great dignity—brave, resourceful, and accomplished in both civil and military affairs. In his youth, he had fought on the battlefield, later serving as a regional governor before returning to Chang'an as the Left Imperial Secretary. Eventually, he rose to become one of the Three Preceptors, a position of immense prestige. But a few years ago, he stubbornly insisted on retiring, and for reasons unknown, even went so far as to become a monk at Xuti Temple at the foot of South Mountain.

The emperor and empress made several trips to persuade him to return, but he remained aloof and detached, even shaving his head in resolute defiance. Left with no choice, the imperial couple had to let him stay at the temple.

Because of this, Wu Zhen—the unruly Wu Er Niangzi—saw her already tarnished reputation sink further. Whispers spread that Duke Yu had taken monastic vows out of sheer frustration with her. To this, Wu Zhen had only one response: utter nonsense.

Yet Duke Yu's monastic life wasn't entirely severed from worldly ties. While he usually resided at the temple, he returned to the Duke Yu residence on the last day of each month to spend a day with his second daughter, Wu Zhen, as she was the only one left in the household—a pitiable situation, in his eyes.

Wu Zhen, however, hardly shared this sentiment. She relished the freedom of being left to her own devices. Her father's monthly visits were less about familial warmth and more about reprimanding her for whatever mischief she'd gotten up to that month. The routine was predictable: Duke Yu would slam the table, glare, and berate her, while she sat before him, zoning out and daydreaming.

It was, in its own peculiar way, their version of father-daughter bonding.

This time, however, Duke Yu had returned ahead of schedule, and Wu Zhen was genuinely curious about the reason.

Duke Yu showed no intention of satisfying her curiosity immediately. Taking one look at her outfit, he smacked the table and bellowed, "What in heaven's name are you wearing?!"

Wu Zhen remained unruffled, utterly unfazed by his anger. She even grinned and sidled up to sit beside him, asking cheerfully, "Father, what brings you back so early? Is something the matter?"

Duke Yu paused mid-outburst, suddenly recalling his purpose. He looked at his incorrigible, grown-up daughter with visible exasperation. After a moment, as if unable to bear the sight, he averted his gaze to a nearby curtain and said, "Her Majesty the Empress sent me a letter. She wishes to arrange a marriage for you and asked me to return to discuss it."

This was the last thing Wu Zhen had expected. She let out a surprised "Eh?" and scratched her head, showing not a trace of maidenly shyness. Leaning against a small table, she smirked and asked with amusement, "Which foolhardy gentleman dares to marry me?"