Qiao Chu

The Empress has been missing for six years.

It happened in the winter of the fourth year of Jianning.

During the winter sacrifice, the Empress did not appear. The court officials were somewhat puzzled at the time but assumed she might be unwell.

It wasn't until the New Year Feast when the Empress still failed to appear that the courtiers grew suspicious. Dozens of officials immediately stepped forward to ask the Emperor where the Empress was.

Some female relatives even covered their heads and tried to rush into the inner palace.

The banquet descended into chaos, forcing the Garrison Guard to intervene and restore order.

The Emperor had no choice but to explain that the Empress was away on important business.

Commander Ding of the Garrison Guard, with his intimidating dark expression, also confirmed the Empress's absence. Additionally, the Empress's cousin, Princess Huimin, and Hanlin Academy compiler Official Chu Tang apologized on the Empress's behalf, explaining that the matter was too critical to disclose.

The Empress traveling wasn't unusual—she had frequently led military campaigns before.

Though no one had heard of any new wars brewing.

While there were conflicts between local governments and noble families, reportedly quite severe, they were typically quelled within days when imperial troops surrounded the areas.

Perhaps the Empress's presence was needed for mediation.

Had the Emperor been the only one speaking, doubts would have lingered. But with the Garrison Guard and Chu Tang corroborating, everyone felt relieved—these two were trusted more than the Emperor himself.

The Empress never returned from that trip, vanishing without a trace.

Yet no one pressed the Emperor further, seeing that the Garrison Guard operated as usual and Official Chu Tang had been transferred to the Censorate.

The Emperor had now reached twenty years of age, but no new consorts had been added to the inner palace.

Whether the Empress was present or not made little difference. Why shatter the illusion? It was easier to pretend she remained there, continuing as always.

When Ding Dachui exited the palace, he encountered Zhu Yong and Chu Tang approaching.

Both wore grim expressions.

Zhu Yong, a Hanlin Academy graduate, typically maintained a gentle demeanor even when interrogating prisoners in dungeons, despite wearing the intimidating python-patterned robe of the Garrison Guard.

Chu Tang, a delicate woman, remained soft-spoken and pleasant-faced despite her transfer to the Censorate, where she used her literary skills to impeach officials through memorials—no matter how harshly she criticized them in writing.

What could have made these two ever-smiling officials so somber?

"Official Ding," they greeted in unison, bowing upon seeing him.

As both were the Empress's trusted aides, Ding Dachui's expression softened slightly. "What brings you here?" he asked.

Zhu Yong replied, "Official Chu seeks to abuse her power. I requested she draft an impeachment memorial for me first."

Chu Tang sneered beside him, "Official Zhu holds damaging secrets, waiting to sell them to the highest bidder. I asked him to name his price to His Majesty."

Scholars always complicate their speech, Ding Dachui thought with a frown. "Has this year's provincial women's imperial exams been blocked again?"

Zhu Yong said, "Haste makes waste. We must persuade with reason, not execute all opposition."

Chu Tang countered, "An arrow shot cannot be recalled. Momentum lost is never regained."

Ding Dachui waved them off, unwilling to hear more. "Go on then. See His Majesty."

They bowed courteously before proceeding inward.

As the pair walked shoulder-to-shoulder, officials coming and going at the palace gate cast glances their way. Even after six years, the sight of women in official robes moving freely among men still drew attention...

"Official Chu and Official Zhu's expressions seem well-matched today."

"A golden boy and jade girl? Hah!"Some couldn't help snickering, but the next moment, a chilling gaze swept over them. The official who had spoken shivered violently, his voice cutting off abruptly.

At the palace gate, a python-patterned robe glimmered under the sunlight as Ding Dachui stared coldly at them.

"If this gentleman sees a man and woman together and immediately thinks of 'golden boys and jade girls,' perhaps you should visit our Garrison Guard prison," he said. "We have both men and women there—plenty to keep you entertained."

The official nearly choked, forcing a strained smile: "No, no, I was... thinking of my own son and daughter. Thanks to Master Ding's blessings, I've recently welcomed a new son and daughter into my family."

His words came out jumbled and incoherent. The surrounding officials struggled to suppress their laughter but didn't dare. Fortunately, Ding Dachui said nothing more and turned away.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"That scared me to death," the official muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.

"You fool," others complained. "Save your slick tongue for home where your family tolerates it. At court, you need to watch your words. We're all officials here—not people to be trifled with.The official said with frustration: "I just..." He just wasn't used to seeing men and women walking together. Aside from accompanying their husbands, women rarely appeared in public.

Ah, times were changing. Best to let it go. If he really ended up in the Garrison Guard prison, he'd lose both his position and possibly his life.

"I understand. I'll be more careful from now on."

......

......

On the bustling streets, a team of government messengers galloped past, carrying bundles and holding aloft banners.

"They're announcing next year's imperial examinations," the capital's residents immediately recognized. "How time flies—another three years have passed."

In a street-side tavern by the window, Qi Leyun stared intently at the messengers, leaning so far out that she nearly toppled. A young girl and boy cautiously clung to her legs.

"Mother, be careful," they said.

The door swung open as several women entered. Seeing the scene, one couldn't help but chuckle.

"Qi Leyun, just because you failed the exams doesn't mean you should throw yourself out the window," she joked.

Qi Leyun pulled back from the window and glared at her before urgently asking: "Well? How did it go? Did Chu Tang succeed?"

The women settled inside, leisurely pouring tea until Qi Leyun snatched the teapot away. Only then did they laugh and say: "She succeeded."

One woman pointed outside.

"This time, the announcement includes that women can participate in examinations at the provincial, commandery, and county levels—not just the single exam in the capital."

Qi Leyun clasped her hands together and murmured a Buddhist prayer: "Finally, we've survived until this day."

Previously, women only had one examination opportunity, forcing all candidates to flock to the capital. Unless they were exceptionally talented, it was nearly impossible to succeed.

"Qi Leyun, you're already a mother. Are you still planning to take the exams?" one woman laughed, pulling Qi Leyun's two children close and giving each a scented sachet. "Here, aunty brought these for you to play with."

The two children bowed respectfully and sat quietly nearby without fuss.

"I'm not taking them—my younger sister-in-law is," Qi Leyun said, her face beaming with excitement. "I've had this planned for a long time. She'll study at the Imperial Academy here in the capital, then we'll return to our hometown for her to take the exams. By then—"

No matter how talented the women from their hometown might be, they couldn't compare to someone educated at the capital's Imperial Academy. She was sure to pass with high marks. Even if she didn't take the top spot, merely being selected would grant her an official scholarly rank—the same as men. With that rank, she could be appointed by the government as either an official or a clerk.

Qi Leyun threw her head back in triumphant laughter.

"Whatever it takes, our family will produce a female official!"The women shook their heads helplessly. "Even after becoming a mother, she's still this sharp-tongued." "Don't think you're so clever either. Many people share your thoughts, but without real capability, it's still difficult."

With the urgent reports from officials, news of the new imperial examinations spread throughout Daxia. By now, everyone knew about women participating in the exams.

In the remote Yunzhong Commandery, next year's examinations had become the hottest topic.

Though Yunzhong was remote, it was rich in resources. With no warfare in recent years, the city had grown prosperous.

Teahouses and taverns lined the streets, while the roads outside the city bustled with constant traffic of carts, horses, and people.

Beneath a large locust tree outside the city gate, traveling merchants and porters taking breaks were all discussing the women's imperial examinations.

"This time, women can participate in the prefectural and county-level exams too, no need to travel all the way to the capital."

"They'll compete in the same venue as the men."

"I still think this is nonsense. What can women possibly achieve?"

"You're wrong about that. Have you heard of Minister Zeng? She passed the exams and applied her skills—now she oversees water management in the Ministry of Works."

"You mean the River Goddess!"

"The River Goddess? I know her! My hometown used to flood every three years. Minister Zeng spent three years on it, and this year, there was no flood!"

"Is she really that remarkable?"

"Absolutely. My hometown is building a temple in her honor. Everyone's donating money—I even wrote to my mother, and our family contributed too."

Just then, half a pear dropped from the tree with a soft thud, followed by a child's cry: "My pear—!"

The passerby hit on the head looked up and exclaimed, "Whose child climbed so high?!"

Everyone under the tree glanced up and saw a delicate, jade-like girl of about four or five nestled in the thick, leafy branches of the old locust tree.

Her short arms couldn't properly hug the trunk, and she seemed to sway unsteadily.

The crowd below gasped in worry, fearing she might fall at any moment.

As they fretted, the girl wobbled precariously, as if on the verge of tumbling down.

The tree was difficult to climb. Several passersby circled it, attempting to scale it but failing each time.

Bystanders stretched out their arms, ready to catch the child, while wondering how she had managed to climb up in the first place.

Amid the commotion, a group of riders galloped up the road and halted nearby, stirring up a cloud of dust. A clear, bright voice called out from within:

"Chu Qiqí!"

At the sound, the child stopped swaying. Under everyone's gaze, she giggled, pushed off with her short legs, and flew through the air.

"Ah—!" the onlookers screamed in alarm.

But with their cries, the girl landed steadily by the roadside, right into a pair of outstretched arms emerging from the dust.

As the dust settled, the crowd saw a tall, slender man dressed in black robes, his head and face wrapped in a black scarf, revealing only his eyes. Those eyes, bright as stars and jade, were captivating.

Holding the girl securely, he frowned sternly. "You—"

Before he could finish, the child threw herself against his face, cooing softly, "Daddy— Qiqí missed you so much—"

His stern expression melted like ice, transforming into a radiant smile.

"Daddy missed you too," he replied with a laugh, cradling her in one arm as he urged his horse forward. "Let's go home."The sound of galloping hooves mingled with a little girl's laughter as the group rode forward once more.

Only then did the roadside onlookers snap out of their daze, noticing the weapons carried by the party and their undisguised ferocity.

In this era of peace, there were no foreign invaders or mountain bandits—well, perhaps there were some bandits, as they'd encountered a few while passing through forests, but those bandits seemed uninterested in them, either turning a blind eye or even trying to sell them game.

Maybe they'd misjudged them. Despite their fierce appearance, they might just be hunters.

So what were these people then?

Though times were peaceful, the authorities maintained strict military discipline. Carrying heavy bows and swords without authorization would invite questioning.

Judging by the direction they were heading—toward the commandery city—they intended to enter openly.

"I know who they are," a bystander suddenly said. "They're from Falling Timber City."

The onlookers, all outsiders unfamiliar with the cities and counties of Yunzhong Commandery, looked puzzled. What was special about Falling Timber City? Did its residents have free rein?

"Falling Timber City doesn't actually belong to Yunzhong Commandery," the bystander explained with a laugh. "It originally belonged to Western Liang. Ten years ago, when Western Liang was defeated, the King of Xiliang fled with his people. Their former territory was occupied and renamed Falling Timber City."

"So these men are our Great Xia's soldiers?" someone asked, catching on.

But the bystander shook his head. "Not exactly soldiers, but they serve as a protective barrier for Great Xia over there."

Finally understanding, the crowd realized why they were permitted to carry weapons openly. Though not official soldiers, they were still considered guardians of Great Xia.

What a pity they hadn't looked more carefully earlier. Eager to catch another glimpse of these heroes, they turned toward the main road, but the group had already vanished from sight.

...

...

These heroes, however, were no longer discussing matters of heroism.

They rode straight through the city gates under the watchful eyes of the guards, their conversation centered entirely on the little girl being carried in a man's arms.

"How many times has she run away from home now? Counting from when she first learned to walk."

"Have you forgotten? Even before Qiqi could walk, she was crawling her way out of the house."

Laughter frequently rose from the group, interspersed with the girl's playful protests.

"I wasn't running away—I was seeking knowledge," the girl declared earnestly to the uncles around her, clinging to the man's neck. "I'm going to become a River God when I grow up."

One man chuckled. "Did you just hear that term somewhere?"

"Wasn't she saying she wanted to be a peddler last time?" another added.

The girl tried to argue, but the man pressed her against his chest and raised an eyebrow sternly. "Out with it. What trouble did you cause this time?"

The girl grinned up at him as if about to say something.

"Don't try your sweet talk on me. Your tricks are nowhere near as good as your mother's," the man said, tapping her forehead.

Covering her head obediently, the girl replied, "I planted Doggie and the others in the soil. They said they wanted to see if they could grow taller."

The man laughed and tapped her forehead again. "I bet you put them up to it."

The other men joined in the laughter. "So Qiqi caused trouble, your mother was going to spank you, and you ran away?" "Why didn't you go to your grandmother's?"

The girl sighed. "Don't even mention it. Grandma's even more scared of Mother than I am. She ran away faster than I did."

The men burst into laughter again.

Only a one-armed man snorted disdainfully. "Just as expected—Mu Mianhong is unreliable."The others avoided eye contact and remained silent, but the little girl's eyes immediately lit up. She reached out toward the one-armed man and called out sweetly, "Grandpa Zhong, hold me—"

The one-armed man's face broke into a wide grin as he extended his hand toward the girl. "Good Qiqi."

"Qiqi missed Grandpa Zhong too," the girl said. "When we get back, you have to help me talk to Mother—"

Before she could finish, she abruptly retracted her outstretched hand.

The one-armed man rubbed his nose and coughed twice. "I caught a chill on this trip. I should avoid people for a couple of days to recover."

The girl waved her little fists in frustration. "Grandpa Zhong, you're unreliable too!"

The men burst into laughter once more.

"Enough," the man holding the girl said, adjusting her in his arms. "No more tricks. It's time to go back and face your punishment."

The girl sighed dejectedly, but before she could say anything, commotion erupted from the street ahead.

"Fire—!"

"Fire—!"

The man's eyes darkened as he looked ahead and saw thick smoke billowing into the sky not far away.

"Let's go," he urged his horse forward.

...

...

The fire raged fiercely. Countless people rushed to douse it with water, while disheveled civilians were helped out one after another. Cries and shouts filled the air everywhere.

"My child—!"

"My child is still in there—!"

A woman was carried out, screaming hoarsely. The man carrying her heard her cries and handed her over to others who rushed to help. Without a second glance, he charged back into the blazing inferno.

"It's dangerous—!"

"You can't go back in—!"

Ignoring the shouts behind him, he vanished into the thick smoke.

The intense flames forced people to retreat step by step. More crowds surged forward, and soon soldiers arrived, swiftly clearing the area to prevent the fire from spreading.

"My child, my child—" The woman staggered toward the fire but was firmly held back by the bystanders.

Besides her, several soot-covered men also anxiously peered into the fiery scene.

"It's over, it's over."

"They can't possibly survive."

Someone muttered, "If only we hadn't passed by this way."

Amid the chaos, a shout rang out: "He's out—!"

Following the cry, a ball of fire rolled out from the blaze. The soldiers immediately doused it with water and beat it with cloth. The fireball was a wrapped blanket, and when it was opened, the first sound to emerge was the wailing cry of an infant.

Though the cry was faint against the roar of the fire, it made everyone breathe a sigh of relief.

The woman rushed over to embrace her child, then looked at the person before her—

His face was blackened by smoke, his hair and clothes singed beyond recognition. Exposed skin was covered in gruesome blisters, and he had only one arm.

"Benefactor—" The woman knelt with the baby in her arms, kowtowing and weeping.

The one-armed man had shown no hesitation facing the fire, but now he retreated in panic, his voice hoarse. "No need, no need."

A soldier stepped forward. "Come, let's treat your injuries."

The one-armed man avoided him again. "No need, no need." With that, he lowered his head and walked away.

The other men quickly followed. The soldiers and onlookers watched as the group gathered nearby, hoisting baskets filled with massive stones onto their backs.

So they were convict laborers.

The crowd understood. Convict laborers were punished criminals, usually met with disdain in daily life.

But at this moment, no one looked away. They watched as the man slowly straightened up, the heavy stones bending his posture.

"He has only one arm, just like Grandpa Zhong," a little girl's voice came from not far away. "So brave—"

Perhaps it was the mention of "one arm." The standing man stiffened, instinctively turning toward the voice. He saw a man holding a little girl.His face was already blackened by smoke, yet despite that, one could still see the shock in his expression.

Then his gaze met the man's.

After a moment of silence, he averted his eyes and slowly walked away with his companions, carrying a basket on his back.

"Daddy," the little girl reached out to turn the man's face toward her, "do you know him?"

The man withdrew his gaze and said, "No, I don't."

The girl pouted, "Liar." But then her eyes sparkled mischievously as she leaned closer to his face and said ingratiatingly, "But Daddy is still the bravest."

The man chuckled and gently pushed her away. "But even the bravest Daddy won't help you plead with your mother."

The girl immediately slumped in disappointment. As the father and daughter bantered, an officer approached.

"Nine—" he hesitated slightly, then said respectfully, "Ninth Lord, the fire is under control."

The man stopped joking and looked toward the fire scene, his eyes distant. "Investigate the cause of the fire."

The cause of the fire? In this mixed residential area, chaotic kitchen fires often led to blazes—what was there to investigate? Though puzzled, the officer immediately acknowledged the order.

"Ninth Lord," he added with excitement, "since you're here, would you like to visit the camp?"

The man glanced at him, smiled, and shook his head. "I'm going home."

The men who had been fighting the fire alongside the soldiers also returned. Unconcerned about the soot covering their faces and clothes, they mounted their horses and galloped away with the man.

...

...

They passed city after city, crossed ravines and valleys, galloped across the undulating grasslands, and wove through herds of cattle and sheep until a city appeared in their sight.

Spotting them from afar, colorful flags waved atop the city walls, and long horns sounded with a low, mournful tone.

The men let out wild shouts in response to the homecoming horns, while children playing outside the city rushed toward them.

"Qiqi—"

"Qiqi is back—"

"Qiqi is even more impressive this time—it took so many days to catch him—"

"Qiqi, do you have any fun stories to tell us—"

Seeing the crowd of children of all sizes, the man laughed and tossed the little girl. She landed steadily on the ground and was immediately surrounded by the children.

"Don't rush, let me tell you slowly—" her childish voice rang out clearly.

The man paid no further attention and urged his horse into the city.

But the person he wanted to see wasn't at home. He turned his horse around and headed in another direction outside the city.

Here stood rows of tombstones. Before a spacious mausoleum, a woman sat alone.

"What are you doing?" the man called out loudly.

The solitary woman turned her head, immediately set down the paper and brush in her hands, and rushed toward him with open arms.

The man lifted her up, raising her lightly until they were eye to eye.

The harsh winds of the Border Commandery had left no trace of wear on the woman's face, as if she were still A Fu from years ago by the riverside.

Chu Zhao spat lightly, "When I was A Fu, I deliberately concealed my appearance. Are you saying I've grown ugly?"

As she spoke, she tugged down the man's scarf, revealing her radiant face.

Xie Yanlai laughed heartily. "Back then, I was solely focused on killing petty thieves. How would I have noticed what you looked like?"

"The petty thief was as beautiful as a flower," Chu Zhao said playfully, pecking his lips.

But the response she received was a nearly suffocating, deep kiss.

"Father is watching!" It wasn't until Chu Zhao lightly pounded his shoulder that he set her down.

Xie Yanlai looked toward the tombstone and asked, "Why are you visiting Father?"Chu Zhao said, "Because of that mischievous Qiqi, Xiao Man argues with me every day, scolding me for not knowing how to raise a child. I came out to get some peace." As he spoke, he pressed his hand to his forehead. "It's such a headache. How can she be so mischievous? She's nothing like me."

Xie Yanlai wore a faint, teasing smile. "Oh, really? The first time I met Qiqi's mother, she was beating people up, stealing money, and sweet-talking a whole crowd into putting on an act and running off with her to some faraway place."

Chu Zhao laughed heartily.

Xie Yanlai glanced down and noticed several sheets of paper placed before the tombstone—some with writing, others with drawings, all portraits of women.

"What are these?" he asked.

"Letters from A Yu," Chu Zhao replied. "He's complaining that Deng Yi won't listen to him, strutting around the court all day causing trouble, or dragging a coffin around to investigate tax money. He acts like he's already dead, making the living restless."

"Why tell you? So you can beat Deng Yi up for him?" Xie Yanlai said. "He's grown up now—he can fight his own battles."

Chu Zhao laughed again.

"And these?" Xie Yanlai pointed at the portraits.

"Ah, these." Chu Zhao's face lit up as she beckoned him closer. "It's time for A Yu to marry. These are portraits of the candidates. He asked me—and us—to help choose. Come, take a look."

Xie Yanlai didn't even glance at them. That kid wasn't really asking for his opinion—no need to tack on that "us" so deliberately.

He sneered, "Why should you choose his wife?"

Chu Zhao chuckled. "An aunt is like a mother, you know." She studied the portraits with a kindly expression. "They're all lovely—youthful and beautiful."

"The Emperor never lacks for beauties," Xie Yanlai said, taking the portraits from her and setting them aside. "Appearance isn't what matters."

True—an emperor must consider more than just looks. In the end, it can never be purely about affection.

Ruling the Imperial City is no easy task, burdened with worldly troubles. Chu Zhao felt a moment of melancholy before brushing it aside.

"By the way, in your letter you mentioned seeing strange people further west this time?" she asked.

Xie Yanlai nodded. "Yes, with unusual features, speaking a strange language. They said there are cities and capitals over there, completely different from ours."

Chu Zhao looked intrigued. "How fascinating. Let's go see for ourselves."

Xie Yanlai agreed, "Alright."

Chu Zhao added, "I wonder if there are even stranger places beyond that. Should we go explore those too?"

Xie Yanlai nodded again. "Alright."

Her eyes sparkling, Chu Zhao said, "They say there are immortals on the moon in the sky. Let's go see that too."

Xie Yanlai laughed and nodded once more. "Alright." He took her hand. "Not just the sky—if you want to see the Nine Springs underground, we'll go there too."

Chu Zhao scoffed playfully. "Every time we talk about life, you have to bring up death."

Xie Yanlai held her close and whispered, "In life, we're together. I'm just afraid that in death, I won't be able to find you."

Chu Zhao lifted her head, stood on her toes, and gently bit his chin.

"Don't worry. I'll leave you a scar. I'll find you, life after life."

(The End)