The moon hung as a delicate crescent, its silvery radiance spilling across the ground like quicksilver, enveloping the entire Jinwu Palace in a dreamy, misty haze. Biantang, situated south of the Chishui River, enjoyed a mild climate, with winding paths of artificial hills, flowing streams, small bridges, and flowering trees. The sprawling palaces and pavilions rose and fell like undulating mountain ranges, layer upon layer without end.
Li Ce, like a half-grown mad child, tugged Chu Qiao along as they dashed through the moon-drenched halls and courtyards. The night wind was strong, whipping Chu Qiao’s loose hair into wild disarray behind her, nearly blinding her several times.
Under the watery moonlight, the resplendent or classically elegant red walls and green tiles shimmered like rippling emerald waves beneath the glittering stars. Li Ce’s crimson robes billowed in the wind like a kite. Along their path, palace maids, attendants, and officials knelt in trepidation on either side, allowing the pair to rush past. Behind them trailed a long procession of maids and servants, some gripping sabers, others lifting their skirts, their line meandering like butterflies chasing the wind. The palace’s signature incense, Mihe Xiang, drifted lightly through the air, while extravagant gold dust swirled and glittered in the night breeze, sparkling under the glow of octagonal palace lanterns like fireflies along a summer riverbank.
“Wait… wait…”
Weakened by poison and having eaten little for days, Chu Qiao was already breathless after just these few steps.
“Wait,” she managed at last, pausing as a stitch seized her side. One hand pressed against her waist, the other pointing accusingly at Li Ce, she panted, “Li, you madman, where are you taking me?”
The exertion had brought a faint flush to Chu Qiao’s pale cheeks. She wore a goose-yellow gown embroidered with large water-patterned roses, its hem adorned with flowing silk tassels. Her disheveled hair cascaded down her back, occasionally teased by the mischievous wind, releasing a subtle fragrance.
Li Ce bent close, staring at her without a word. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. He straightened, glanced around, and clapped his hands cheerfully before striding over to a maid following behind. Reaching out, he plucked a hairpin from her coiffure.
It was a rather garish butterfly hairpin, featuring a pair of blue butterflies—a common accessory among palace servants. Yet, crafted from purple jade, it appeared exquisitely delicate. Li Ce casually untied a string of jade linglong pendants from his waist—clearly a priceless treasure—and tossed it to the maid. Smiling, he declared, “I’ll trade you.”
The young maid froze in terror, dropping to her knees with a thud, her face ashen. “This humble servant dare not,” she stammered.
Unfazed, Li Ce tossed the jade to her. “No refusing. I like this one.”
He then turned and walked back toward Chu Qiao, pulling off the two butterflies from the hairpin as he went. The craftsmanship was surprisingly sturdy—one butterfly wouldn’t budge. He gritted his teeth and bit down hard, then spat out the fragment. Glancing back at the maid, he chided, “Don’t wear jasmine scent from now on. I dislike it.”The magnolia trees on either side of the courtyard had just begun to bloom, their half-open buds exuding an air of elegance. After the heavy rain, the flowerbeds were filled with muddy water and the soil was soft. Li Ce, heedless of his expensive boots, strode boldly into the flowerbeds, causing the eunuchs and palace maids behind him to shriek in alarm. He picked and chose carefully before snapping off a purple magnolia bud, its shape resembling a small lotus. With his long, nimble fingers, he tied the magnolia stem to a hairpin, then held it up to examine it closely, revealing a row of white teeth as he smiled happily.
"Your Highness…"
"Crown Prince…"
Chu Qiao watched as the servants knelt in a dense, fearful mass, but Li Ce seemed not to notice them at all. He simply admired the magnolia, his eyes crinkling into a smile like—yes, like a fox.
"Beautiful!"
In a few quick steps, he was at Chu Qiao's side. With deft movements, he loosely pinned up her long hair with the hairpin, the magnolia dangling beside her ear and emitting a faint, elusive fragrance. Chu Qiao was taken aback, and in the next moment, she heard the flattering praises of the servants. Li Ce stood before her, grinning triumphantly, his lips pursed, the corners of his eyes slightly upturned, and his chin raised in evident delight.
"Li Ce, what are you doing?"
Chu Qiao felt somewhat flustered—she had never been looked at like this in her life—and reached up to remove the magnolia from her hair.
"Hey! What are you doing?" With a crisp sound, Li Ce swatted her hand away, frowning seriously. "Qiaoqiao, you're a girl. Can't you act a bit more like one?"
Chu Qiao froze, suddenly finding his words strangely familiar. After a moment's thought, she recalled that at Tian Chengshou's residence in Wupeng, Zhuge Yue had once drawn her eyebrows and pinned up her hair, then scolded her angrily: "Every day it's either white or black, as if you're attending a funeral."
Her face flushed slightly, and she was momentarily dazed when she heard Li Ce chuckle by her ear. "Come on, I'll take you out to have some fun."
Then the man turned around with a stern expression and said gravely, "No one is to follow. If any man follows, I'll jump into the river. If any woman follows, she'll never have a chance to serve in the bedchamber for the rest of her life."
Hearing such a bizarre threat, Chu Qiao was stunned. But to her surprise, she saw the servants visibly pale, kneeling dumbly on the ground, not one daring to follow. Only a few at the back quietly stood up and slipped away, seemingly to report the news.
"Let's go!"
Li Ce leaned close to Chu Qiao's ear, chuckled, then pulled her along as they ran to the city gate. He mounted a horse, surprisingly taking the front seat while having Chu Qiao sit behind him, and shouted gleefully, "Qiaoqiao, hurry! Don't let them catch up!"
Only then did Chu Qiao remember that this man wasn't very skilled at riding. So, she shook the reins, called out clearly, and the horse clip-clopped swiftly along the bluestone pavement.
"Woo-hoo!"
Li Ce spread his arms and cheered happily. The night wind was strong, their robes fluttering silently and clinging tightly to their bodies. Li Ce shouted, "Qiaoqiao! Faster!"
"Giddy-up!"Chu Qiao shook the reins, and the horse swiftly galloped along Taiqing Road. Within the vast palace complex, guards knelt in neat rows on both sides. Palace lanterns flickered in the cool night breeze, carrying a faint scent of lotus blossoms. The echo of hoofbeats reverberated across the square. Li Ce laughed heartily, his laughter bright and brimming with untamed vitality.
Chu Qiao’s long-pent-up melancholy momentarily lifted. The petals by her temples occasionally brushed against her ears, tickling her. She shrugged but kept the horse at a gallop, taking deep breaths. It felt as though the weariness of many days had suddenly vanished, leaving her entire body refreshed and invigorated.
As they sped along, they gradually left the inner city. Chu Qiao glanced back and saw numerous palace lanterns glowing in the distance, accompanied by the sound of approaching hoofbeats—it seemed pursuers were closing in. Li Ce, however, appeared entirely unconcerned, clearly a seasoned hand at such situations. Gesturing animatedly, he directed Chu Qiao through streets and alleys, quickly shaking off their pursuers.
The night was clear and serene, with a tranquil lake ahead. Pleasure boats drifted leisurely on the water, their soft, melodious songs and string music drifting through the air. The dark water, shimmering under the hazy moonlight, reflected silvery ripples that danced across their faces like countless blossoms of white pear flowers.
Chu Qiao dismounted in one fluid motion and tied the reins to a tree.
"Qiaoqiao, help me down, help me!"
Li Ce called out cheerfully. Chu Qiao offered her hand, and Li Ce clumsily hopped down before dashing to the lakeside. Scooping up a handful of water, he laughed, "So cold!"
Chu Qiao approached as well, crouching by the lake and trailing her fingers through the water. It felt pleasantly warm.
The lakeside was bustling. There were storytellers, acrobats, street singers, and vendors hawking all sorts of wares. A few brothels and taverns with warm-colored signs stood among them, the scent of the women’s cosmetics mingling with the languid songs, drifting over the lake.
Chu Qiao suddenly found herself at a loss for words. In such an atmosphere, she always felt both languid and restless. For years, this kind of life had seemed so distant, almost too far to ever blend into again.
Li Ce tilted his head, watching her with a smile. Suddenly, he sprang to his feet, grabbed her wrist, and exclaimed, "Come with me, come with me! I’ll take you somewhere wonderful!"
This wasn’t one of Tang Capital’s main streets. The shops and taverns here were less opulent than those on the central avenues, but they carried a rustic, folk charm. Commoners in hemp clothes moved about, and children ran playfully here and there. Li Ce seemed familiar with the area, pulling her through the crowd without a care, unbothered by the mud-stained laborers who might dirty his robes.
Their fine attire and youthful, handsome appearances quickly drew attention. Several vendors approached, urging Li Ce to buy hairpins and cosmetics for his "beautiful lady."
As they ran, they came upon a large elm tree. Beneath it was a small stall run by a young woman. She wasn’t particularly beautiful, but her fair complexion and large, limpid eyes stood out. Dressed in blue, she stood beside a young man around her age. Though the stall had few customers, a rich, enticing aroma wafted from it even from a distance.
"Proprietress!"
Li Ce shouted loudly even before they reached the stall.The woman turned at the sound and said with a smile, "It's the young master. You've come again?"
"Indeed!" Li Ce led Chu Qiao to a small corner table and said, "I've brought a friend. Two bowls of noodles, a plate of beef, half a serving of shrimp dumplings, with extra vinegar."
"Mm," the young proprietress agreed cheerfully. The young man beside her gave Chu Qiao and Li Ce an awkward smile but remained silent. The proprietress remarked, "This is the first time you've brought a friend here."
Chu Qiao looked at Li Ce curiously and frowned, "Are you very familiar with her?"
"Yes," Li Ce replied with a laugh. "I used to come here often as a child. Back then, I'd sneak out of the palace. Once, I was being chased hard by the guards, so I took off my clothes and gave them to a child to help lure them away. But I forgot my money pouch was tied to the clothes. After wandering around hungry all day, I happened upon this shop's proprietress—well, she was young then too, helping her parents run the stall. She saw how hungry I was and offered me a bowl of noodles. I've been coming ever since."
"Oh," Chu Qiao nodded, though her gaze remained somewhat skeptical.
"Qiaoqiao, are you touched? Do you think I'm not just a pretty face but also have a heart of gold inside?"
Chu Qiao rolled her eyes, propped her chin in her hands, and couldn't even be bothered to reply.
A fragrant aroma wafted over as the young man brought the noodles, gesturing for them to eat with inarticulate sounds—it turned out he was mute. The young proprietress followed behind, her eyes strangely fixed in their direction. Chu Qiao froze, staring intently at her. Sensing the gaze, the proprietress smiled lightly and said, "You're right, miss. My eyes are blind; I can't see anything."
As soon as the noodles were served, Li Ce buried his head in eating.
Chu Qiao felt a wave of embarrassment and said apologetically, "Oh, I'm sorry."
"It's alright," the proprietress replied with a serene smile. "I've been blind since childhood and never thought much of it. It's just a bit inconvenient when I go out to buy groceries."
Chu Qiao took a few bites; the noodles were delicious. Suddenly remembering something, she looked up and asked, "If you can't see, how did you know I'm a young lady?"
"I caught the scent of magnolia on you—fresh ones, likely just picked buds."
"Oh," Chu Qiao nodded. "Your sense of smell is very sharp."
"When the eyes don't work, other senses become sharper," the proprietress chuckled. Just then, a four- or five-year-old child ran out from the back and stood beside her, staring eagerly at Chu Qiao. Chu Qiao smiled at her, and the child grew bold, running over to say, "Will you tell me a story?"
The proprietress frowned sternly. "Qian'er, come back. Don't disturb the miss while she's eating."
"It's fine," Li Ce said between mouthfuls. "She's not hungry anyway."
Chu Qiao hadn't eaten in a long time—to say she wasn't hungry was a lie. She shot the man a fierce glare but couldn't bring herself to refuse the adorable child. Patting her head, she said, "I don't know how to tell stories."
"Then I'll tell you one."The child climbed onto the stool and sat upright on the other side of the table. Just then, other customers arrived, and the proprietress went to attend to them. Chu Qiao noticed her husband drawing something on her hand, after which she nodded and walked toward those people. Clearly, this was how the two communicated.
At that moment, the child spoke with an earnest tone, "Go ahead and eat. I'll tell you a story while you eat."
Chu Qiao nodded and, being extremely hungry, began to eat.
The child pulled a few small clay figurines from her pocket—all crudely made. Picking up one of a bare-chested figure holding a small sword with only a torn cloth wrapped around its waist, she said, "He is the Great Emperor."
"Pfft!"
Li Ce, who was drinking tea, spat it out upon hearing her words. Chu Qiao dodged just in time, but the child wasn't so lucky. Li Ce quickly wiped the child's face, smiling apologetically, "Judging by your mother, you must be a little beauty even at your young age. My apologies, my apologies."
The child didn't seem to mind. She wiped her face and, unconcerned, picked up another clay figurine—this one dressed in red—and said, "This is a very famous beauty."
"I see, she must be the Great Emperor's consort."
"No, they didn't know each other. One day, they met on the street but didn't see each other and went their separate ways."
Li Ce frowned and said, "What kind of story is that? They both went out on the street, didn't see each other, and just left?"
"You're so ignorant," the child retorted. "The Great Emperor always rides in a grand carriage with many officials surrounding him. How could he just meet anyone? Would someone like you, casually sitting at a food stall eating, be the Great Emperor?"
Chu Qiao felt awkward, while Li Ce chuckled and said, "Makes sense, makes sense."
"Later, another day, they walked on the street again and still didn't see each other. Then, after a year, they walked on the street once more, but they still didn't see each other."
The child held one clay figurine in each hand, repeatedly having them meet and part.
Li Ce sighed helplessly, "Is this story just going to be like this?" He gestured with his hands, "Like this? Meeting? Not seeing each other, then parting?"
"No," the child shook her head seriously. "Later, the Great Emperor's country was destroyed, and he ended up wandering the streets. He met the beautiful woman again, and just as someone was trying to kill the Great Emperor, the woman saved him. They fell in love."
The child's face was very serious, even carrying a hint of reverence, as she spoke word by word, "He loved her, and she loved him very much too."
"But the Great Emperor wanted to restore his kingdom and was unhappy all the time. To make him happy, the woman decided to help the emperor reclaim his throne."
"Wait," Li Ce interrupted again, "She's just a woman, not some high official. How could she help the emperor restore his kingdom?""They all say she's a very beautiful woman, and high officials are all quite lustful." The child looked extremely impatient, taking out two more clay dolls. One had a black cloth strip draped over it, with a small broomstick horse between its legs. Chu Qiao thought it looked a lot like Harry Potter from the movies she'd seen in her previous life, then heard the child point at this broomstick man and say: "This is the Great General. He's the one who led his men to destroy the Great Emperor's country. But he also loved this woman very much. Seeing her sad made him feel deep regret."
The child took out another doll, this one dressed more neatly with several cloth strips hanging from its body: "This is the Great Emperor of another country, who also loved this woman very much."
The child placed all four dolls together, gesturing as he said: "He loved her, and he loved her, and he also loved her. But she didn't love him or him—she only loved him. But he lacked confidence, feeling he had nothing left, so he thought she might have fallen in love with him or him, which made him very sad. And the other two both knew she loved him, so they were also very sad."
Chu Qiao and Li Ce listened with bewildered expressions as the child continued very seriously: "Later, the Great Emperor set up an ambush, having the woman arrange a negotiation with the Great General. The woman didn't know about it, but the Great General did. Still, he came anyway, so he was killed by the Great Emperor."
"Ah!" Chu Qiao's eyelids twitched, her heart suddenly skipping a beat, feeling half frozen.
The child laid the broomstick man with the black cloth face down on the table, continuing: "So the Great Emperor restored his kingdom. The woman was very sad and left the Great Emperor, eventually meeting another emperor. The Great Emperor became very angry and sent troops to attack this other emperor. This other emperor wasn't powerful, so he was eventually defeated and killed by the Great Emperor."
The other cloth-strip man was also laid down, indicating he too had died.
"The woman was very sad. She wandered and wandered until she fell ill, and then she died too."
The red-clothed woman was laid down. The child picked up the small clay doll that only had a torn cloth around its waist, looking like a savage, and said: "So in the whole world, only the Great Emperor remained."
Li Ce stared dumbfounded and asked: "That's it?"
The child nodded, very matter-of-factly saying: "That's it."
"What kind of story is that?"
The child said: "It's a love story."
But Chu Qiao had no mind to watch Li Ce and the child bicker. She stared somewhat dazedly at the single lonely clay doll remaining on the table. The night breeze blew, making the cloth strip around the small clay doll's waist flutter as if about to fall off. It held a small iron rod that looked like a sword, waving it fiercely, but looking around the table, there was nothing left—not even anyone to fight with.
After dinner, the two wandered along the street. The story told by that child had left Chu Qiao feeling somewhat down. She couldn't quite grasp her own thoughts, only feeling somewhat sad, though she didn't know exactly why.
This road was crowded with people, with many temples along it. Biantang was an open country with various religious sects—there were kindly, plump Buddhas, stunningly beautiful water goddesses, and spirit summoners with spells painted on their foreheads. Fortunately, the local customs were simple and honest, and people would never fight just because you believed in Tathagata Buddha while I believed in the Luo River Goddess. As Chu Qiao walked along, she received many wooden tokens handed to her by believers, much like modern flyers.A crabapple tree by the roadside was in full bloom, its blossoms a delicate crimson. As Chu Qiao and Li Ce passed by, a breeze stirred, causing the flowers to shimmer like rain, scattering petals onto their clothes like dots of rouge.
Li Ce happily pointed at the crabapple tree and said with a laugh, "This tree is wonderful. I'll have someone transplant it later."
A passerby overheard and cautiously glanced at them, seemingly thinking this young man spoke rather boldly despite his youth, their gaze carrying a hint of peculiarity.
"Look, there's street performance ahead!"
Li Ce suddenly exclaimed with great enthusiasm, grabbing Chu Qiao's hand and starting to run. The outer perimeter was packed with people, and the two stood outside, unable to squeeze through.
Li Ce's eyes lit up with an idea. He reached into his robe, pulled out a large stack of silver notes, exchanged them for a pile of scattered copper coins at a nearby stall, and gathered them in the hem of his garment. Then he clumsily climbed onto a step beside the performance area, stood there, and suddenly shouted loudly: "Free money! Come grab it!"
Then he began scattering handfuls of coins.
At first, people were momentarily stunned, but when they realized someone was actually foolish enough to throw money, soon the entire street crowded over, scrambling to pick up coins from the ground, pushing and shoving in a lively commotion.
Li Ce emptied all the coins from his garment hem in one sweep, then pulled Chu Qiao through the gaps in the crowd. But when they reached the center, they were dumbfounded—the street performers had all gone to grab money too, leaving the two of them standing alone in the empty space, looking like fools.
"Li Ce, Biantang is truly wonderful."
People were scrambling for money all over the ground, yet no fights broke out. Chu Qiao stood there in a daze and suddenly spoke.
Li Ce smiled, shaking his head as he replied, "It's alright, but what you've seen are the better parts. Still, it's somewhat better than Daxia."
Unable to watch the street performances, the two strolled casually through the streets, chatting idly.
Li Ce bought some snacks—honey squares, jujubes, osmanthus cakes, and chestnuts—packed them into two bags, and handed one to Chu Qiao. They walked while eating.
Chu Qiao began to relax, the weariness of recent days gradually fading. She asked, "Li Ce, you know Daxia has issued a warrant for my arrest, right? I'm now the most wanted criminal in the world."
"Wanted criminal?" Li Ce was taken aback, then laughed heartily. "That's a fresh way to put it."
"Aren't you going to turn me over to Daxia?"
Li Ce frowned in confusion. "Turn you over to Daxia? What's in it for me? A thousand in reward? Hmph, I'd rather keep you here to keep me company."
"But," Chu Qiao shook her head, "I have to return to Yanbei eventually."
"Ah, Qiaoqiao, you're deliberately breaking my heart." Li Ce wagged his head dramatically. "But never mind, I know you didn't come to Biantang specifically to see me."
After a long silence, Chu Qiao finally asked somewhat awkwardly, "Li Ce, by forming a marriage alliance with Daxia, are you planning to oppose Yanbei?"
Li Ce turned to look her up and down, then sighed heavily. "Qiaoqiao, on such a lovely evening, can't you temporarily forget about Yanbei and Yan Xun? Can't you live a little more lightly?"
Chu Qiao remained silent as Li Ce continued, "The conflict between Yanbei and Daxia is your own affair. Besides, why would I travel thousands of miles just to kick over Yan Xun's tent? He's so fierce—what if he attacks me? I've also heard Yanbei plateau is bitterly cold with strong winds that make women's skin red and rough. I'm not interested in doing anything that offers no benefits."
The wind gently brushed her thin sleeves against her wrists like butterfly wings. Chu Qiao smiled slightly and looked at Li Ce. "Li Ce, though I can never quite figure you out, I don't think you're a bad person."
Li Ce snorted coldly, tilting his chin up. "This Crown Prince is noble in status, golden and jade without, brocade within. If someone as ordinary as you could see through me so easily, wouldn't I lose face?"
No sooner had he spoken than he leaned in closer, grinning. "Qiaoqiao, I'll give you a chance to see through me. Want it?"
Chu Qiao curled her lip. "You'd better keep it to yourself."
"Ah," the man sighed. "Such an unromantic woman."
Passing by a fish vendor's stall, Chu Qiao paused slightly and curiously went over for a look. A large vat contained many red-tailed goldfish, their crimson color like sunset clouds, charming and adorable.
Chu Qiao was quite knowledgeable about keeping fish. She had always loved small animals and once considered getting a puppy, but during her army days she had no time to care for one, and dormitory rules didn't permit it. She ended up secretly keeping some tropical fish instead. When her dorm supervisor found out but didn't interfere, her fish-keeping habit stuck. So many years had passed since then—survival itself was struggle enough, where would she find the energy to keep fish now?
Seeing her interest, Li Ce immediately bought the fish. The vendor, rarely encountering such generous customers, threw in a porcelain jar for carrying them.It was already very late. Chu Qiao, still recovering from her severe injuries, couldn't help but feel weary. After discussing it, the two decided to head back.
When they returned to the lakeside, the horses were still leisurely grazing. A few children crouched nearby, repeatedly trying to tug at the reins—likely intending to steal the horses—but they were afraid of being kicked and hesitated, unwilling to leave. Suddenly seeing their owners return, they scattered in an instant.
Chu Qiao and Li Ce mounted their horses. Since they now had an extra jar of goldfish, they rode slowly along the long street.
Chu Qiao suddenly felt a sense of strangeness, recalling the days in Daxia when her relationship with Li Ce blurred the lines between friend and foe. It felt as if it had happened in a past life. Indeed, just as Yan Xun had once said, Zhenhuang City was like a massive cage, lifeless and stifling—anything trapped inside would eventually rot.
Ah, Yan Xun—she wondered where he was now. Disguised as Liu Xi, he had seized Datong's wealth in Xianyang, likely planning to transport the assets back to Yanbei via the southern border. Now that they were flying the banner of defecting from Daxia to join Biantang, it wasn't hard to understand why Yan Xun had taken on Liu Xi's identity. From this perspective, he would surely come to Biantang. As for any other reasons or purposes behind it, that was beyond her knowledge.
The sound of the night watchman's drum grew closer, and Chu Qiao's drowsiness deepened. Ever since being poisoned by the female assassin from the horse caravan, she had become increasingly prone to sleep. Seated on the horse, her body grew limp, and her forehead rested against Li Ce's shoulder as she gradually drifted into slumber.
The man in front stiffened in surprise. Turning his head curiously, he saw the young woman leaning against his shoulder, her breathing soft and even—she had fallen asleep just like that.
The night breeze carried the faint fragrance of magnolia blossoms from her hair. The usual playful smirk vanished from the man's face, replaced by a quiet gaze fixed on Chu Qiao. He let the horse amble on without tugging the reins.
Biantang was a land of flowers, with blossoming trees lining both sides of the road. As the gentle breeze passed, petals occasionally drifted down like fluttering butterflies. Chu Qiao, in her goose-yellow brocade dress, swayed with the wind, her countless silk ribbons dancing amidst the falling blossoms, ethereal as a fairy or spirit, not of this mortal world.
The horse took a light step, and Chu Qiao's brows furrowed slightly as she jolted, her body tilting backward involuntarily.
Li Ce reacted swiftly, wrapping an arm around her waist. Then, despite his usual lack of martial prowess, he pivoted deftly, one hand pressing against the saddle as he leaped into the air. In the next moment, he moved from the front to the back, encircling Chu Qiao's waist with both arms, letting her sleep against his chest. With a gentle shake of the reins, the horse moved forward at a steady, unhurried pace.
The night breeze stirred, shaking residual rainwater from the flowering trees. It scattered along with countless petals, drifting down in a delicate shower.
Under the cold, hazy moon, the broad bluestone road exuded an ancient elegance. On a lean horse, a man and woman rode together—the man holding the reins, cradling the soundly sleeping young woman in his arms. With his other hand, he retrieved a bamboo-framed umbrella from the horse's saddlebag and raised it overhead. Icy dewdrops pattered against the umbrella's surface, producing a crisp, enchanting sound. The man's dark red robes fluttered in the wind, their edges flaring like blazing roses.
"Biantang is about to become unsettled,"
A low sigh came from the distance. Li Ce let out a long breath, then chuckled softly. His smile didn't convey much ease or joy—it seemed he was simply accustomed to speaking with such an expression. "Once you've recovered, I'll still send you to your old flame.""In this world, where is there any paradise, you little fool."
Moonlight spread like frost and mist, the vast Jinwu Palace gradually appearing before her eyes.
—————*—
When she woke, it was already late. The same young maid named Qiusui was sitting on a small stool waiting for her. Seeing her awake, the maid smiled happily and quickly brought over a cup of tea, saying, "You're awake. Would you like some water?"
Chu Qiao shook her head. The little maid continued, "The imperial physicians are waiting outside to check your pulse. The Crown Prince instructed that once you wake, they should be called in."
After a quick wash, Chu Qiao declined the maid's offer to style her hair elaborately, simply tying it up in a casual bun. Not being from a wealthy background nor having lived a life of luxury, she was somewhat taken aback by the entourage of over a dozen people attending to her for just washing her face. Instinctively refusing, she then watched as more than twenty imperial physicians filed in one by one to take her pulse.
The little maid had arranged a large table full of food—soups, beverages, various desserts, and dishes totaling over thirty items, with both meat and vegetables. Two maids knelt on either side, so Chu Qiao didn't need to lift a finger. As the physicians checked her pulse, one maid fed her. Each time a bite was picked up, the maid would look at her; if she nodded, it was brought to her mouth, and if she shook her head, it was set aside for another dish. Too embarrassed to keep shaking her head, Chu Qiao ended up eating so much that her stomach felt uncomfortably full.
Finally, after the physicians completed their examination, the twenty-some old men collectively went to the side hall to discuss treatment plans.
Just then, a clattering sound came from outside. Chu Qiao asked, "What's happening out there?"
Qiusui, clearly the head of the maids, replied crisply, "They're repairing the pond."
The pond was right below her window. Slightly puzzled, she asked, "What are they repairing? What was wrong with the original one?"
"The original pond was too low. His Highness ordered a waterwheel to be built here, raising a flowing water pond to keep the goldfish you brought back."
Chu Qiao was taken aback and hurried to the window. Outside, about two to three hundred men were sweating profusely as they worked, though they dared not make much noise. Most components were assembled elsewhere and carefully dragged over. Hearing that so many people were toiling just to keep a few worthless goldfish, Chu Qiao was stunned. She had long heard that Biantang was wealthy, but she never expected the royal family to be this extravagant.
She wouldn't be staying here for long, and Li Ce's actions made her feel somewhat awkward.
Turning back, she asked, "Where is the Crown Prince?"
"After the morning court session, His Highness hasn't returned."
Chu Qiao nodded. She didn't even remember how she got back last night—it seemed her body really had serious issues. Since she had to stay in Biantang anyway to wait for an opportunity to find Yan Xun, she might as well recuperate here first. With that thought, she slowly sat down on the cool divan.
"Miss, are you from Daxia?"
Chu Qiao looked up and asked, "Who told you that?"
"I heard it from Guard Tie. He was the one who brought you into the palace with His Highness that day. He said you're a noble from Daxia and that we should take good care of you."
"Oh," Chu Qiao nodded, assuming it was one of Li Ce's guards."At first I thought you were another consort, but His Highness told us last night that you're his friend. Actually, you're the first female friend His Highness has ever had."
The young maid, seeming to find Chu Qiao approachable and easy to talk with, gently fanned her while saying, "His Highness treats you so well. I've never seen him treat any of his consorts this kindly."
"Does your Highness have many consorts?"
Qiusui replied, "Yes, the entire Qiu Hua Hall, Chang Qing Hall, and Qiu Shui Pavilion are all filled with them... probably... well, I can't even count them all. There are just so many."
"Oh," Chu Qiao nodded, "The rumors are true then."
The young maid said cheerfully, "His Highness just loves to have fun and enjoy himself. We all like him very much. Even though he's the Crown Prince, he's still very kind to us junior maids and doesn't put on airs at all."
Just then, another maid came in from outside and said, "Miss, Lady Hongluan has arrived and is waiting in the outer chamber. She says she wants to see you."
Chu Qiao was taken aback. Qiusui quickly explained, "Lady Hongluan is a new consort His Highness brought in recently. She's a dancer gifted to the Crown Prince from Huai Song."
Chu Qiao nodded, naturally understanding why this person had come looking for her. She asked solemnly, "Can I refuse to see her?"
Qiusui said, "Of course. Before His Highness left, he said that if you're unwilling, no outsiders are allowed to disturb you."
"Oh," Chu Qiao said, "Then tell Lady Hongluan that I'm seriously ill and cannot receive guests, but I thank her for her visit."
The maid withdrew.
Within half a day, over a dozen consorts came to visit one after another, many of whom were noblewomen from prominent families. It seemed Li Ce's reputation for debauchery was well-deserved. With so many women, she truly wondered if he could even remember all their names.
In the afternoon, the weather grew increasingly hot. Chu Qiao felt drowsy and lethargic. Qiusui prepared a bowl of crushed ice with some cherries and honeydew melon, about to serve it to Chu Qiao, when someone suddenly came to announce that Lady Tangguo wished to see Chu Qiao.
Just as Chu Qiao was about to decline the visit, Qiusui suddenly gasped in alarm and stammered, "Miss, Lady Tangguo... that's the Empress."
Fengyuan Palace was the Empress's residence. Chu Qiao had been sitting in the side hall for over half an hour without being summoned. She was extremely sleepy, her eyes barely able to stay open. While trying her best to sit upright, she cursed the horse tribe woman in her heart—the poison didn't seem to have any other effect on her except making her increasingly lethargic and wanting to sleep all day.
Ah, she wondered if Li Ce could cure her. What was the name of that famous doctor Zhuge Yue mentioned earlier? Why had she forgotten?
After waiting for who knows how long, a eunuch suddenly came out and said the Empress was feeling unwell today and asked Chu Qiao to return for now.
Though furious inside, Chu Qiao knew her place and performed a respectful bow before trudging out with heavy steps.
She knew the Empress had likely been observing her from the inner chamber all along. Since she was currently in Biantang and in poor health, it was best not to provoke any conflict.
No sooner had she stepped out the door than Chu Qiao yawned. Suddenly, her vision blurred as a figure abruptly stood up. Startled, Chu Qiao saw it was a drowsy-looking Li Ce.
Her sleepiness instantly vanished by a third. Puzzled, she asked, "Have you been squatting outside the door all this time?"Li Ce said while yawning, "I heard you were summoned by my mother for questioning, so I came to listen in."
Chu Qiao was taken aback. "Why didn't you just go inside to listen?"
"It's too hot in there," Li Ce offered a flimsy excuse, then raised an eyebrow. "I was afraid you two might start fighting midway through your conversation. Being here allows me to step in and break it up in time."
Chu Qiao didn't bother bantering with him and simply walked out, saying, "I'm so sleepy. I want to go back to bed."
Li Ce chimed in, "Perfect, I'm tired too. Let's sleep together."
Chu Qiao turned around and raised her fist. "Come ahead if you're not afraid of dying."
Li Ce laughed heartily and said, "In my life, I've never been afraid of threats from women."
Just then, a young guard suddenly ran up and called out to Li Ce, "Crown Prince, Minister He's daughter has entered the palace and is visiting the Fourth Princess."
Li Ce immediately perked up, quickly bid farewell to Chu Qiao, and exclaimed, "Qiaoqiao, I have urgent matters to attend to. I won't keep you company for now."
With that, he hurried off after the guard.
Urgent matters?
Chu Qiao couldn't help but laugh. But perhaps it was for the best. With someone like him, she didn't have to worry about developing any complicated feelings that might trouble her in the future.
After boarding a small sedan chair, Chu Qiao had barely sat down before she drifted into a deep sleep.
Late at night, she was abruptly awakened by the sound of weeping. Groping her way out of bed, she draped a cotton-white robe over her shoulders and softly called out for Qiusui.
Qiusui, who lived in the outer chamber and was clearly still awake, rushed in within a few steps and said, "You're awake, Miss. It's nothing—Madam Hongluan is outside. I've already sent someone to drive her away."
Chu Qiao felt slightly puzzled. "What happened?"
"This afternoon, when you were returning, Madam Hongluan and her sister, Madam Qiuhe, encountered your sedan chair on the road. Madam Qiuhe deliberately ordered her attendants to push your sedan, nearly tipping it into the lake. Guard Tie happened to witness it and reported it to His Highness, who then had Madam Qiuhe confined to the punishment chamber. Madam Hongluan is now here crying and begging for your mercy. But this matter is beyond your control, and there's no need for you to get involved in this mess. I'll send her away right now."
It seemed these women had cast her as their imaginary rival—just another act in the drama of competing for favor. Chu Qiao didn't take it to heart. However, she was secretly alarmed that the poison's effects seemed to be deepening; she hadn't even noticed someone pushing her sedan chair. How careless of her.
When she woke the next morning, the pond by the water had already been constructed. Several goldfish swam freely in the expensively built elevated pool. Chu Qiao leaned against the window of the pavilion, reaching out to gently stir the water in the tank.
Just then, she overheard maids whispering outside. With her sharp hearing, Chu Qiao recognized Qiusui and another maid named Zichan.
Qiusui said, "She has no sense of propriety. There are so many consorts in this palace—someone like her is bound to meet a tragic end sooner or later, even if she avoids major trouble now."
Zichan sighed. "She probably thought His Highness was easy to fool. Well, now it's come to this: the Huai Song dancers are all dead or injured, and not a single one remains."
"Didn't you hear what the senior maid said? The Crown Prince's marriage alliance with Daxia is meant to sideline Huai Song. Those Huai Song dancers were never going to last long, and now it's proven true."
"Ah? Are we going to war with Huai Song?""I'm not sure, but there was fighting again near Tiger Mountain recently. Though it was just small-scale conflict, I heard many people died. Prince Luo just returned with his troops and is heading back to the capital."
"His Highness is truly angry this time. I've never seen him so furious. Madame Hongluan won't escape punishment this time. Ah, anyone can see how much His Highness cares for this young lady, yet she remains oblivious."
...
Had Biantang been at war with Huai Song recently?
Chu Qiao frowned slightly. So that explained it - no wonder Biantang chose to form a marriage alliance with Daxia at this time. Li Ce might appear amiable and mischievous, but regardless, he was still the Crown Prince of a nation. It wouldn't do to underestimate him.
Chu Qiao warned herself inwardly that she should make her exit as soon as possible. She wondered if Yan Xun had arrived yet. She had a feeling something was about to go wrong in Biantang, though she had no concrete evidence. Still, the premonition unsettled her. This was purely a sixth sense - that heightened intuition accumulated through years of combat experience that had saved her many times in critical moments. The priority now was to recover her health, detoxify, find Yan Xun, and persuade him to return to Yanbei immediately.
Yanbei was now enjoying warm spring weather, which made it the perfect season for Daxia to launch a military campaign against Yanbei. Once this marriage alliance was settled here, war between Daxia and Yanbei would likely break out. They needed to return early to prepare.
Her spirits had improved considerably these past days. Having not seen Li Ce all day, she hadn't ventured out. This place might appear peaceful, but she disliked the atmosphere here. The sight of women confined within deep palaces competing for favor and opposing each other made her somewhat uncomfortable, especially since they were targeting the wrong person.
She planned to ask the imperial physician about her condition when he came that evening, then bid farewell to Li Ce and leave within the next day or two. She hoped to find Yan Xun before he entered the city and leave here together with him.
Unexpectedly, the imperial physician didn't come that evening, only sending someone to deliver the medicinal broth. After drinking the medicine, Chu Qiao took Qiusui out for a walk. When they reached the waterside pavilion above the lotus pond, she felt somewhat tired and sat down to rest. She had just settled when she heard footsteps approaching from behind. Standing up, she saw in the distance a young maiden accompanied by a crowd of maids and attendants, their ornaments tinkling, their fragrance wafting through the air. The girl was dressed in splendid attire, her expression haughty as she approached.
The young woman also noticed Chu Qiao. At first she paid little attention, but after a closer look, she started in surprise. The girl's brows immediately furrowed, then she snorted coldly and said sternly, "What are you doing here?"
"And why can't she be here?"
A lazy voice sounded suddenly as Li Ce swaggered into the waterside pavilion. Alone and unusually dressed in dark green court robes, he addressed the young woman: "Not even married into my household yet, and you're already eager to manage my domestic affairs, Princess?"
"This consort..."
"Well now, this Crown Prince recalls that meeting before the wedding seems rather inauspicious. Your Highness, though my longing for you flows as endlessly as rivers and seas, for the future fortune of our Great Tang, I must ask you to return to your palace and rest."
The Ninth Princess of Daxia turned pale with anger, suddenly snorted coldly, and left with her retinue in a flurry.
Watching her storm off, Li Ce suddenly sighed and said plaintively, "Ah, political marriage, political marriage..."Chu Qiao turned her head and smiled, saying, "Sorry for affecting the relationship between you and your future consort."
"I don't like this little princess. She's not even fourteen yet—undeveloped where she should be full, lacking where she should have curves. I really don't know why they brought her back. Even touching her would ruin my appetite."
Chu Qiao was momentarily stunned, then replied with a laugh, "You could wait a few years."
"Ah, you wouldn't understand." Li Ce shook his head and said, "No matter how beautiful a face is, one grows tired of looking at it over time. That's why a man's interest in a woman only lasts for the initial period after they meet, then gradually fades. Now that she's appeared before me but I can't touch her, by the time I can touch her, I'll already be tired of looking at her. What do you think I should do then?"
Chu Qiao shook her head and said, "Is mutual affection only about physical attraction? I don't think so."
"Of course you'd think that way."
As soon as the words fell, Li Ce grinned mischievously, then leaned in closer and said, "Tell me the truth, were these injuries of yours suffered in the Pinggui Wasteland?"
Chu Qiao was taken aback and asked, "How did you know?"
"Of course I know," Li Ce smiled smugly, then continued, "I'm getting married in a few days, and nobles from various countries have been arriving one after another. Only the fourth young master of the Zhuge family hasn't shown up yet. I just found out today that Zhuge Fourth is preparing a big gift for me."
Chu Qiao was startled: "What big gift?"
"Haha," Li Ce laughed heartily, "He spent a fortune to hire the largest mercenary group in Biantang territory, and they've swept through the horse gangs in the Pinggui Wasteland several times in a row. From now on, the trade route between Biantang and Huai Song will be completely clear."
Chu Qiao was immediately stunned. The water pavilion was open on all sides to the wind, with lotus leaves blocking out the sky. A fine layer of sweat broke out on her body. She stood there quietly, then forced an awkward smile and covered up, "Is that so?"
"The young master of the Zhuge family is furious, his anger reaching the heavens!"
Li Ce narrowed his eyes like a fox, sitting on the square stool and smiling as he looked at her. Chu Qiao only felt that his gaze was sharp, as if trying to pierce through something she desperately didn't want to think about.
She took two steps back and said, "It's windy here, I'm going back first."
Then, without waiting for Li Ce to say anything, she turned and returned to the pavilion.
Even after walking far away, she could still feel Li Ce's gaze like sharp needles, almost piercing through her shell. Sitting by the waterside window, she gently stirred the clear water in the pond with her hand, feeling only the cold touch that chilled her to the bone.
Those narrow phoenix eyes appeared before her once again, along with the man's gloomy gaze, pale face, and crimson lips...
And the last words he said before leaving.
Don't run around, don't run around—how could she be considered as running around? She was just returning to find Yan Xun. She had her own matters to attend to, and he had his own family too.
Forget it, she was in good spirits today and should be able to leave tomorrow. Staying in the palace inevitably had its inconveniences, and besides, she had encountered the Ninth Princess of Daxia today. Even if Li Ce wasn't afraid, she shouldn't cause him any more trouble. After all, she was a wanted criminal in Daxia, and it wasn't appropriate for Li Ce to openly protect her like this.
Thinking this way, she gradually fell asleep. Before sleeping, she still remembered Li Ce's words: Zhuge Yue was furious, probably partly because of her. By leaving this time, was she deceiving him again?
Probably, probably not.
Chu Qiao turned over. They were originally in an adversarial relationship anyway.
Zhuge Yue's temper had always been terrible!
Chu Qiao thought to herself, perhaps he was just unwilling to have been tricked, so he went back for revenge.
Mhmm, that must be it...
————Divider————
Such a long chapter, everyone calm down, don't be angry.
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