Yanbei was bitterly cold with heavy snowfall, while Huai Song was battered by wind and rain, its gloomy skies dark as twilight.
No lamps were lit in the hall, only deep candle shadows remained. The spacious Moji Hall was draped with pale cyan gauze, its long corridors paved entirely with Baihua Pear Wood. Though seemingly rustic, each plank was worth its weight in gold. Every step produced a unique echo that lingered between the beams, ancient and profound, as if piercing through primordial time to chant ancient sacrificial melodies at the edge of the world.
Every palace had long hung pure white palace lanterns. Today was the death anniversary of the late Emperor Nalan Lie. All palace attendants had changed into plain white mourning garments, even the crimson chrysanthemums blooming before the palace gates were wrapped in white silk. The drizzling rain fell mournfully, casting a pall of desolation.
With the tinkling of jade pendants, a palace lady wearing a Luanpi Ring Hairpin walked slowly through the main hall. Her slender eyebrows and thin lips, bright star-like eyes, and radiant grace made her stand out from the crowd. Though not stunningly beautiful, she possessed the quiet elegance of orchids and the pure whiteness of snow.
At the far end of the hall was a low table placed directly on the floor. Several young palace attendants crowded around it, shouting loudly with veins bulging on their faces and foreheads flushed red. Among them was a youth in deep robes embroidered with Coiled Dragons, jumping and gesturing animatedly. Though eighteen or nineteen years old, he behaved like a mischievous six- or seven-year-old child.
An elderly matron on the left frowned and stepped forward: "Her Highness the Eldest Princess has arrived. Why haven't you paid your respects?"
Upon hearing this, the playing crowd immediately turned around. Seeing the woman standing at the center, they hurried forward in panic, prostrating themselves on the ground and calling out loudly: "We pay respects to the Eldest Princess! May Your Highness live a thousand years!"
"Rise, all of you."
The plain-robed woman nodded quietly, her voice light and ethereal as morning mist. Looking at the bright-yellow-robed youth among the crowd, she gently beckoned: "Yu'er, come here."
The youth scratched his head and walked over somewhat reluctantly. The servants beside the woman hastily bowed, paying respects: "We greet Your Majesty."
The young emperor didn't even glance at them, waving his hand dismissively. When he looked up, drool trickled from the corner of his mouth. Like a child afraid of his teacher, he said to the woman: "Elder Sister, I didn't cause any trouble."
In the candlelit hall, the woman took out a handkerchief embroidered with Zhi Lan and gently wiped the young emperor's drool: "Elder Sister knows."
The emperor lowered his head, mumbling something unintelligible. The woman sighed and asked: "Today is Father Emperor's death anniversary. Why doesn't Yu'er want to offer incense at the Temple Mausoleum? And why did you have someone beat Eunuch Lu?"
The emperor's voice was very soft as he hung his head: "I... I don't want to go..."
The woman bowed her head patiently: "Why not? Can you tell Elder Sister?"
"Because, because," the emperor looked up, his fair and handsome face flushed red as he argued: "Because King Changling and the others always laugh at me... I don't like playing with them."
Outside, the rain fell crisply, and wind blew through the corridors carrying a damp scent. After a long while, the woman nodded: "If you don't want to go, then don't."
She said to the kneeling attendants on the floor: "Accompany His Majesty well in his play."
"Yes!"
A group of twelve- or thirteen-year-old youths responded in unison. The woman turned and left with her palace attendants. Soon, the noise and clamor rose again behind them, the sounds filled with such joy and delight.Who could have imagined that the ruler of Huai Song, which occupied the continent's most fertile lands, was a veritable fool whose mind would forever remain at the level of a ten-year-old child, never to mature? This was the highest secret of the Huai Song imperial family. The Princess Regent had meticulously schemed for years to conceal this fact from the outside world. But now, as Nalan Hongyu gradually grew older and the date of his coming-of-age and assumption of power was repeatedly postponed, dissenting and questioning voices in the court grew increasingly loud. She was finally beginning to feel the strain of bearing this burden alone.
Back then, Nalan Lie, who had galloped through life and carved out vast territories in the Eastern Sea, on his deathbed gazed at his young daughter and foolish son, sighed deeply to the heavens, and lamented, "Too much blood has been shed!" before passing away in sorrow. He left behind this magnificent, sprawling empire entirely on the shoulders of a girl not yet fifteen. In the blink of an eye, five years had passed.
Watching the slender, retreating figure ahead, Aunt Yun felt a wave of dizziness. Unconsciously, years had flown by—the young girl who once wore her hair in twin buns now past twenty. Her blooming youth had slowly faded within these deep palace walls. Though rumors outside spoke of the Princess Regent's shrewdness, decisiveness, and unparalleled wisdom—and in recent years, some even secretly suspected her of monopolizing power, confining the emperor, and ruling autocratically—only she knew how much bitterness this woman before her carried in her heart.
Five years—how many such five-year spans does a woman have in her lifetime?
"Your Highness, it's late. You should return to the palace and rest."
Nalan Hongye gently shook her head. "There are still some documents awaiting review in Yuhe Hall."
Aunt Yun quickly suggested, "Then why not bring them back to the palace to review?"
Seeing the anxious expression on the face of the old nanny who had raised her since childhood, Nalan Hongye smiled faintly and said, "Alright."
Overjoyed, Aunt Yun immediately ordered someone to fetch the documents from Yuhe Hall. Soon, Roufu Hall was brightly lit with palace lanterns, glowing in resplendent gold. Though Nalan Hongye was not one for ostentation, everyone in the palace knew who the true master was and served with utmost care.
It was nearly the third watch of the night. Aunt Yun had sneaked in several times to check and finally saw the pile of unreviewed documents on the table gradually diminishing. But then, she noticed the Princess Regent holding a border dispatch, hesitating to write a response. Unable to hold back any longer, she stepped forward and asked with a frown, "Your Highness, what matter is so difficult to decide? It's the third watch already, and you have court in the morning."
"Hmm? It's a trade report from the border."
Nalan Hongye seemed slightly dazed, unusually flustered at being interrupted. She brushed away the stray hairs before her eyes and, not hiding anything from this closest confidante, said, "Daxia has launched an attack on Yanbei. Yanbei urgently needs medicine and provisions, and they wish to exchange minerals for our weapons."
Aunt Yun was clearly no ordinary woman. She frowned slightly and said, "Didn't we just send a batch a few days ago?"
"A paltry amount, like a cup of water on a burning cart of firewood. Marquis Changle and Prince Jinjiang strongly opposed it, using the impending war in the East Sea as an excuse. The supplies were far from sufficient. Moreover, due to the northern conflict, prices have skyrocketed. The gold previously received from Young Master Yan has almost been spent."
Nalan frowned slightly when suddenly, noises erupted from the direction of Qin'an Hall. She stood and asked, "What's happening outside?"Aunt Yun hurried out for a moment and returned shortly with a smile. "It's nothing. The Little Highness was crying at night, and the Empress was worried he might catch a chill and fall ill, so she sent for the imperial physician."
Nalan raised an eyebrow and asked, "What did the physician say?"
"The physician said it's nothing, just the child being hungry at night."
Nalan smiled faintly, her expression clear and insightful, carrying a trace of wisdom. "This child is the hope of our Great Song, no wonder the Empress is so attentive. Auntie, you have experience, please keep an eye on him when you have time."
"Yes."
Nalan slowly sat down and let out a soft sigh. Thankfully, thankfully Yu'er had such a child. Since it was no longer possible to support him to the throne, all hopes now rested on this child.
But how many years would that take?
She shook her head gently, unwilling to dwell on these matters further. Casually, she wrote "Pending Review" on a document and set it aside.
Aunt Yun frowned, wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent. Over the years, the princess had always paid close attention to the affairs of Yanbei, especially after Yanbei declared independence. Huai Song had dramatically changed its previous stance, taking great risks to exceptionally involve itself. She thought, someone as wise as the princess must have profound intentions that she couldn't comprehend.
Just as countless citizens of Great Song said, the princess was like a star descended from heaven, sagacious and clear as a mirror.
Nalan walked to the window and drew aside the gauze curtains. Raindrops pattered against the banana leaves, while in the distance, the lotus pond shimmered under the slanting rain. Occasionally, a golden carp leaped from the water, flashing its white belly.
Nalan felt a chill in her heart and stood silently. The servants gradually withdrew, and Aunt Yun finished preparing the bed before leaving the room. Suddenly, the whole world seemed to grow quiet, with only the sparse sound of raindrops and the croaking of frogs in the night.
She suddenly remembered many years ago, when she was just a young girl of over ten years old. On a drizzly night under banana trees, a boy with starlit bright eyes, two children standing side by side, their fair young hands slapping together in a pledge...
Sworn siblings, never to abandon each other.
Back then, her father was still alive, the royal family was prestigious, and she was the center of endless affection. Disguised as Xuan Mo, the youngest son of Prince An Ling, she followed her uncle on a diplomatic mission to Daxia. By chance, she met the Heir of Yanbei, who was then a hostage in Zhenhuang. After a month together, they found themselves so compatible that they swore brotherhood. From then on, they corresponded between north and south, maintaining contact for many years.
Remembering those days, she had been clever and mischievous, Yan Xun bright and unrestrained. The children of Mu Hejia, though spoiled and willful, meant no harm. Zhuge Huai was mature beyond his years, while Zhuge Yue was aloof and difficult to get along with. Zhao Che, though proud and solitary, was often teased by her, Yan Xun, Mu Hexifeng, and the others, making him so angry he'd nearly burst a blood vessel. Once, he even chased Mu Hexifeng through over thirty palace gates with a sword, vowing to settle things once and for all. And little Zhao Song, still dragging his runny nose around back then, would cry and beg to join their games, but everyone thought he was too young and no one was willing to include him.
Ten years had passed in the blink of an eye. Now, everything had changed. Those faces from the past had transformed in countless ways—some now wielded great power, others had suffered immensely, some were filled with ambition, others carried deep sorrows, and some had long turned to dust and bones, scattered and gone.He retrieved the letter from his bosom, one that had just been delivered to the palace this morning. Yet in just a single day, the edges had already begun to wrinkle slightly. The paper was warm, carrying the faint, delicate fragrance of a woman’s body. Upon opening it, elegant and slender handwriting immediately met his eyes:
"Dear Xuan Mo, the great battle in Yanbei is imminent. I will soon depart for the front lines. Before leaving, after much deliberation, I must humbly request your assistance in managing military provisions and supplies. Half a month ago, I visited Song and met with their eldest princess, Nalan. Her Highness, in her noble righteousness, pledged to support Yanbei with provisions. However, with the impending conflict on your eastern shores, I fear opposition may arise within her court. Should the princess waver, I implore you to mediate and reassure the court officials. This matter concerns the very survival of Yanbei, and I must swallow my pride to ask for your aid. I hope, in light of our long-standing friendship, you will lend your support. Though I am thousands of miles away, I will forever remember your kindness.
I have heard that you married a virtuous woman from Huai'an a month ago. I have no grand gift to offer, only a jade hairpin for your bride, wishing you and your wife harmony and a lifetime of shared happiness.
P.S.: I finally had the chance to meet the peerlessly beautiful eldest princess of Song, whom you so highly praised. Yet, her veil was half a finger thick, her speech as dull as an old woman’s—dignified to a fault, but lacking in vitality. I must say, your taste in aesthetics seems rather unconventional. Should we meet again someday, I shall raise a toast to your unique discernment."
Nalan’s brow furrowed slightly as she reread the phrases "veil half a finger thick," "speech as dull as an old woman’s," "dignified to a fault, but lacking in vitality." A rare flicker of irritation crossed her usually serene face, the youthful pique breaking through her composure.
The night breeze rustled, lifting the hem of her robe and carrying the faint scent of orchids.
She picked up a sheet of white paper from the desk, ground ink, and lifted her brush. After a long moment of silent contemplation, she wrote:
"Having received your letter and learned of your imminent departure for the front lines, I am deeply concerned. The battlefield is perilous, where blades and arrows show no mercy. I implore you to take the utmost care. I still hold fast to our promise to reunite in fifteen years, to drink heartily at Pengxian Tower, admire the Autumn Lake Water, play the Baisu Qin together, and sing half of Xijiang Yue. You must not break your word and abandon me.
The eldest princess of our humble kingdom is dignified, elegant, virtuous, and benevolent—a paragon of womanhood, a rare treasure of Huai Song. How could she be easily perceived by ordinary eyes? You, who have long been immersed in the chaos of war, have surely suffered a severe decline in aesthetic judgment. Hearing your words, I am deeply grieved and gravely concerned for your future.
As for the matter of provisions and military supplies, set your mind at ease. Since the princess has given her word, she will honor it. Should circumstances change, I will spare no effort to mediate and strategize on your behalf. With the great battle in Yanbei approaching, I sit alone by the tower each night, gazing northwest, awaiting news of your victory."
Once the letter was finished, the light rain outside had ceased. Nalan sat quietly alone, holding the jade hairpin. It felt warm to the touch, its body pure white, with a plum blossom carved at the top—each petal distinct, elegant and understated. Though not ornate, it was exquisitely crafted.
For your bride? Should she truly deliver it to Xuan Mo’s new wife?
A rare, warm smile touched the lips of Princess Nalan. Casually, she picked up a pending document on her desk and wrote in response: Approved.
Outside the window, the sky was growing light. The long night was nearing its end. Nalan rose and walked to the window, standing silently as she gazed northwest. The clouds at the horizon began to glow, the air fresh after the rain. The tranquil chimes of morning echoed, and the sound of the morning court assembly drifted from the distant rear halls.
Nalan took a deep breath, closed her eyes to compose herself, and when she opened them again, they were clear and resolute.She still needed to find a way to persuade those old ministers who opposed intervening in the war between Daxia and Yanbei. Rubbing the corners of her eyes, she thought it seemed the only option was to use the pretense that the Grand Princess, with her strategic foresight and careful planning, always acted with profound intentions.
She gave a light laugh, unexpectedly revealing a hint of a young girl's mischief. After all, everyone has moments of willfulness.
Some people, some things, were simply impossible in this lifetime. She had long given up hoping for them. She knew clearly that she must protect Huai Song, protect the emperor, protect her younger brother's child, and safeguard the Nalan lineage.
The sky was clear and bright. With a calm expression, Princess Nalan slowly lifted the curtain and said softly, "Prepare my toilette. It's time for court."
——————Break——————
Something came up and delayed me. A scandal has emerged. Yanbei fans, feel free to bombard me with criticism.
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