For two full days, Li Ce had not set foot in the rear palace. The commotion in the front halls grew increasingly intense, as if various factions were deliberately lurking in the shadows, waiting for someone to break the silence before swarming through the palace gates. Fortunately, Zhao Chun'er's arrival finally stirred the tranquil waters of the Tang capital, and Li Ce's grand wedding ceremony drew ever closer.
Just as Li Ce and Chu Qiao had anticipated, Daxia made no statement regarding Li Ce's abrupt dismissal of the Ninth Princess, Zhao Yan. Instead, they decisively dispatched a marriage alliance envoy. Dowries of all kinds, delivered by swift horses galloping day and night, arrived just one day after Zhao Chun'er, with even greater grandeur and a touch more solemnity than before. The envoys from both nations feasted warmly in the Imperial Academy Hall of the Tang capital, as if nothing had ever happened, presenting a scene of thriving prosperity that instantly dispelled the common people's fears and speculations about war.
However, only a few clearly understood that Li Ce's rash actions were not entirely without consequence. The splendor and calm were merely temporary—the slap across Daxia's face would leave behind lingering pain and repercussions that might only become apparent much later.
Thus, Chu Qiao remained in the Tang palace for another two days. Her body had mostly recovered, and her spirits grew increasingly refreshed. Li Ce had procured many Spirit Medicines for her injuries, leaving no scars behind. Even her old wounds had healed by seventy or eighty percent. After days of recuperation, her complexion improved significantly; she was no longer as gaunt and fragile as before, seeming as if a gust of wind might topple her.
Zhao Chun'er's arrival in Biantang for the marriage alliance was entirely beyond Chu Qiao's expectations.
The Xia Emperor had many children, with six or seven princesses of marriageable age. Sending a princess who had been lost amidst chaotic armies seemed somewhat forced. Yet, the officials of Biantang were visibly delighted by Zhao Chun'er's arrival. Hundreds of scribes from the Censorate waved their pens in unison, loudly praising the historical significance of the alliance between Biantang and Daxia. Timid civil officials spoke eloquently, crafting flowery essays that painted the friendship between Daxia and Biantang as if it dated back to ancient times, completely forgetting who had shattered Biantang's gates, seized the eighteen prefectures of Hongchuan, and forced the Tang royal family to retreat in panic, leaving the emperor trapped and defenseless without the entire northwestern barrier.
After all, in Biantang, where bloodline and the distinction between nobility and commoners were highly valued, Zhao Chun'er's status as the only biological daughter of Daxia's Muhe Empress earned her considerable regard.
But there was one thing no one else knew. Chu Qiao slowly furrowed her brow, her slender fingers gently pinching the green gauze of the window curtain. A golden foil flower adorned her forehead, adding a touch of delicate beauty.
Zhao Chun'er had been violated amidst the chaotic armies and was no longer a virgin. As a princess of Daxia, she might not undergo the same chastity verification as ordinary consorts during selection. However, once she shared the bed with someone as experienced as Li Ce, it would be impossible for him not to notice.Of course, even if Li Ce discovered the truth, he could not hold Daxia accountable afterward. After all, with Daxia's princess having shared his bed, if this libertine were to later claim she was not a virgin, no one would likely believe him. Moreover, Li Ce had always vehemently opposed this marriage alliance, so the incident would likely be dismissed as yet another of his reckless antics. Given Li Ce's intelligence, he would not humiliate himself by publicly proclaiming that he had been cuckolded with an enormous green hat. Zhao Chun'er would thus smoothly marry and secure her status. However, as a tainted princess sent for a political marriage, her future fate was all too predictable.
And given Zhao Chun'er's temperament, would she willingly endure such disgrace?
Chu Qiao remained cautiously vigilant. Unfortunately, her concerns could not be voiced aloud. Though she recognized the impropriety of the situation and shared a deep bond with Li Ce, she could not bring herself to expose Zhao Chun'er's vulnerabilities. Even if Zhao Chun'er had once dealt her a ruthless blow, Chu Qiao was incapable of resorting to such petty tactics.
The situation in Biantang grew increasingly chaotic, yet Chu Qiao deliberately restrained herself, no longer rushing to leave the palace.
After all, if she could not depart quietly, it was better to remain safely where she was and await the right moment. For now, the only strategy was to stay still and adapt to changes, waiting for Yan Xun's arrival.
At night, a cool breeze arose. Dressed in soft robes, Chu Qiao sat by the carved window lattice, the gentle night wind lifting the hem of her garment, bringing a slight chill.
Footsteps sounded slowly from the outer corridor—only one person. There was no one else who would come here at this hour. Sure enough, moments later, Li Ce appeared at the doorway in a dark blue robe, his face slightly flushed and reeking of alcohol. He stood there gazing at her but did not enter.
Chu Qiao turned to look at him. His steps seemed unsteady, as if he could barely stand. She quickly rose and approached to support him, but as soon as she reached out, Li Ce suddenly pulled her down to sit on the threshold. He lowered his head, resting his forehead heavily on her shoulder, and murmured wearily, "Qiaoqiao, I'm exhausted."
Chu Qiao froze for a moment, her hand suspended mid-air, unsure how to respond.
The night breeze carried the faint fragrance of ginger lilies. Li Ce's sleeves were embroidered with subtle golden patterns, the fine stitches smooth as water. Chu Qiao took a deep breath and asked softly, "Li Ce, what's wrong?"
Li Ce shook his head and remained silent.
Chu Qiao tentatively inquired, "Is it because of the marriage alliance with Daxia? Do you dislike Zhao Chun'er?"
Li Ce still did not speak. Chu Qiao sighed helplessly and sat beside him on the threshold, allowing him to lean on her shoulder without saying another word.
It was early autumn, and the desolate aura of withering grass permeated the air. The crescent moon outside the window resembled a newly drawn eyebrow, its faint silver light spilling through the window and across the floor. The palace lanterns glowed with a dim purple hue, flickering intermittently. Candle tears dripped slowly down the silvery candlesticks.
The chirping of autumn insects made the room feel even colder and more desolate. This empty palace had long been uninhabited.
"Qiaoqiao, did you send someone to look for me the day before yesterday?"Li Ce suddenly spoke, his voice somewhat low but no longer carrying the previous exhaustion. He sat up straight, his eyes darkly luminous, as if the momentarily softened man from before had never existed. Chu Qiao knew his moment of vulnerability had passed—now he was once again the invincible Crown Prince of Bian Tang.
"Yes," Chu Qiao nodded. "I wish to leave."
"Good, I'll arrange for someone to escort you to Yanbei tomorrow," Li Ce agreed without hesitation, his tone firm.
"No, I don't wish to return to Yanbei just yet. There are matters I must attend to here."
Li Ce's brows faintly furrowed as he fixed his gaze on Chu Qiao, instinctively adopting an expression of scrutiny and contemplation. Chu Qiao said, "No need to speculate. I'm waiting for someone, and you needn't inquire further about who that person is."
A sly smile touched Li Ce's lips. "Are you planning to betray Yan Xun behind his back? Zhuge Si is about to arrive—could it be him you're seeking?"
Chu Qiao shot him an impatient glare. "Keep guessing if it amuses you."
"You'd best be careful," Li Ce leaned against the doorframe. "While you're under my watch, I can protect you. But once you venture out, I can't guarantee your safety. The Daxia forces have entered the city. They've clearly learned of your presence in the palace from Zhao Yan. I need not remind you how deeply the Daxia people despise you."
Chu Qiao nodded, suddenly recalling the image of Zhao Song's severed arm, her expression growing somber as she whispered, "I understand."
Li Ce watched her sideways, and when she fell silent, he suddenly stood up and grabbed her hand. "Come, I'll take you somewhere!" he declared loudly.
The night mist hung pale gray, with dim palace lanterns fading into the darkness like clusters of warm flames. Dressed in simple yet elegant robes, Li Ce held her hand as they ran briskly through the night. The evening breeze slipped through their hair, light and ethereal like the finest Brocade Gauze Curtain.
They arrived at a courtyard Chu Qiao had never visited before, passing through winding paths adorned with flowers and willows, their footsteps treading upon early autumn dew. After turning past several small gates and pushing aside a curtain of emerald willows, a clear jade-green lake suddenly appeared before them. The water surface was densely covered with lotus leaves stretching to the horizon, while pristine white lotus blossoms stood like snow sculptures under the moonlight, their intoxicating fragrance permeating the air.
Chu Qiao stared in astonishment, turning to ask, "How did you manage this?"
Li Ce smiled, pulling her hand as they crouched by the water's edge and dipped their hands into the lake. Chu Qiao let out a soft exclamation of surprise.
"Clever, aren't I?" Li Ce said proudly. "I had people bury lotus roots in the lakebed beforehand and diverted hot spring water. The flowers bloomed overnight."
Chu Qiao covered her mouth with a laugh. "Remarkable. Money can make ghosts turn millstones, power can make millstones push ghosts—since you possess both wealth and authority, even the Flower God must obey your commands."
"Money can make ghosts turn millstones? That's a novel saying."
Li Ce chuckled. "Come, follow me."
The two followed a stone path to the lakeshore. Li Ce, evidently familiar with the place, guided Chu Qiao onto a small boat by the faint moonlight. Standing at the prow, he gently pushed with an oar, and the boat slowly departed from shore, gliding smoothly into the clear jade waters.
A gentle breeze carried the delicate fragrance of newly bloomed lotuses across the misty expanse. Miles of smoky waters stretched magnificently, with countless wind-swept lotuses shimmering amidst the vapor. The moonlight washed pure and bright, its radiant glow rippling across the surface like cracked mirror ice.The small boat drifted through the emerald green lotus leaves, with large lotus flowers brushing against its sides, exuding an almost extravagant sweetness. After all, Chu Qiao was a woman; she gently brushed her hand over a few white lotuses, her eyelashes curved as she smiled quietly.
Li Ce released the oars and sat at the bow of the boat, saying nothing, only silently watching her. In the distance, palace lanterns reflected on the pond's surface, casting vast stretches of crimson and golden hues upon the clear water, as splendid as a rainbow after rain.
Chu Qiao turned her head and smiled at Li Ce, saying, "Li Ce, thank you."
"Thank me? For what?"
The man's eyes curved slightly, tilting upward with a hint of masculine depth and cunning. His eyes were half-squinted, gleaming with a mysterious light, as if concealing many things while also masking others.
"Thank you for taking care of me these past days. If it weren't for you, I might have died."
Li Ce smiled faintly, "Then you really should thank me properly. A life-saving grace is no ordinary matter. Why don't you stay in Biantang and offer yourself in marriage?"
The flowing water murmured softly, its faint sounds mingling with their sporadic words, disappearing amidst the vast expanse of wind-swept lotuses. Chu Qiao lifted her head, her eyes bright, and said, "The beauty of the lotus lies in its ability to emerge unstained from the mud and remain unadorned after being cleansed by clear ripples. I think the fact that I can still think and speak like a normal person after spending so much time with you is a testament to the spirit of the lotus."
Li Ce clasped his hands over his heart and sighed, "Qiao Qiao, your poetic talent makes me adore you even more."
Chu Qiao gazed up at the gentle moonlight and said, "You adore too many things. Being too greedy is not a good thing."
Li Ce stood up, his light robe and wide sleeves fluttering in the wind, and said casually in a light tone, "Some things, however, cannot be forced no matter what, so one can only strive to take a few more glances."
Chu Qiao felt a slight pang in her heart but maintained a calm expression as she said, "Withered lotuses can bloom again. It's already remarkable that you've managed to keep them blooming for an extra pond."
Li Ce nodded and sighed softly, "Yes, they will bloom again next year."
The small boat swayed, and the duckweed parted and gathered again, light as a feather, drifting slowly with the currents.
"Yanbei must be very cold," Li Ce suddenly sighed softly. "I've heard it snows all year round there, with few flowers to be seen. It's a place of ice and snow."
Chu Qiao looked up at his slender back and said cheerfully, "Spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums each have their own charm. The vast snowy plains and pristine icy mountains of Yanbei are also rare sights. If you ever grow tired of the misty rains of the south, you might as well ride to the frontier and tread through the snow. The beauties of the Yanbei plateau will surely captivate you beyond your expectations."
Li Ce was slightly taken aback, his expression momentarily dazed, before he suddenly laughed heartily and said, "You understand me best. You always know how to think of me."
Just then, with a soft thud, the boat gently touched the shore. The pond was not large, and in such a short time, they had already reached the end.
The two disembarked and slowly made their way toward Mihe Residence. The moonlight shone upon them, so pure and desolate, carrying a faint sense of bleakness. Their shadows fell upon the ground, overlapping and separating, overlapping and separating again, until they drifted farther and farther apart. After all, they were two shadows, and they had never truly intertwined.Before they knew it, they had arrived at the entrance of Mihe Residence. The two stood there, momentarily lost in an awkward silence. Li Ce leaned lazily against a pomegranate tree, its crimson petals falling like rouge, dusting his entire body and lightly dotting his forehead and temples with a delicate pink. The distant lamplight cast a fleeting, dreamlike haze over the scene.
Li Ce yawned lazily and said, "It's too late. I probably won't be able to get up tomorrow morning."
Chu Qiao nodded. "You're just lazy. I heard from Qiusui this morning that you hadn't even put on your boots after the morning court session, and the Tang Emperor was furious about it."
"Why bring that up?" Li Ce waved his hand dismissively. "I really hate waking up early. Why can't the morning court be moved to the afternoon? Such a hassle. Anyway, I'll send someone to escort you out of the palace tomorrow morning. After that, you'll be on your own, and I won't see you off."
Chu Qiao nodded again. "No need to trouble yourself."
Li Ce smiled. "Very well. The journey ahead is long—take care of yourself. If..." His words trailed off, tinged with an indescribable bitterness. He let out a self-mocking laugh and turned away, faint lines forming at the corners of his mouth. "If someday you find the cold of Yanbei unbearable, you could always consider returning to the south to recuperate. Though this place lacks the grandeur of the deserts or the openness of the grasslands, it is warm and pleasant, suitable for living."
A bitter smile touched Chu Qiao's lips. "Life has its sorrows and joys, partings and reunions; the moon waxes and wanes. Everything in this world depends on fate."
Li Ce shook his head gently and said softly, "I hope that day never comes for you. Take care of yourself."
A pang of inexplicable sorrow stirred in their hearts. Li Ce's figure gradually receded into the distance, and Chu Qiao slowly turned away. Moonlight spilled between them, that empty, bright expanse slowly spreading until it enveloped the entire lonely palace.
————Break————
This chapter was written with such obscurity, and I feel a little sad too.
I can't help but say goodbye—this is the last day of the carefree journey in Biantang. Chu Qiao's long holiday has finally come to an end.
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