The Great Xia Dynasty originated from nomadic tribes. A thousand years ago, like the Quanrong People, they spent their days galloping across the Hongchuan plains, living a pastoral life following water and grass. It was only with the emergence of Peiluo Zhenhuang that this formidable nation gradually entered the sight of the eastern orthodox clans under his leadership. Promoting culture and education, opening trade, and developing agriculture—over a century of accumulation, the once alien regime shed its rustic demeanor, becoming profound and solemn. The once barren, snow-covered lands gradually acquired their own flavor and connotation under the hands of the Xia people. Moreover, compared to the timid Biantang and the ostentatious Huai Song, Great Xia exhibited the grandeur and dignity befitting a powerful nation.
At the same time, the prairie sentiments in the blood of the Great Xia Dynasty did not fade. Though they held a modest attachment to the land, they were fervently passionate about power. Their magnanimous national spirit and whale-like absorption and annexation made their culture appear all-encompassing and inclusive. Centuries of continuous integration and intermingling among various ethnic groups resulted in a brilliant and diverse cultural customs, becoming a unique spectacle on the continent.
Shengjin Palace covers an extensive area, incorporating the unique characteristics of various ethnic groups across the Ximeng lands. It features the misty rains and flowing waters, small bridges and pavilions of the Jiangnan region, as well as the grandeur, solemnity, and majestic heaviness of the northwest. The outer city is solid, with red walls, golden tiles, and black inkstone platforms. The moat is extremely deep, and the military presence is strict, with tight security, exuding an atmosphere of tension and readiness. The middle city is where officials present their advice, with rosewood halls, golden gate towers, and the magnificent Xiahua Palace, radiating immense grandeur and majesty. The rear city, on the other hand, is where the imperial concubines, princes, and princesses reside. With mountains, waters, plants, pavilions, and arched bridges, every corner is a scene, and every scene is exquisite. Hot spring water from the Yalang Mountain peak is channeled underground, adorning the rear city with lush green hills, clear waters, flourishing flowers and plants, and serene bamboo groves, set against the backdrop of lakes and mountains. Hence, the rear city of Shengjin Palace in Great Xia is also known as "Little Nantang."
Originating from the grasslands, the nomadic nature of the Great Xia Dynasty led to a relatively elevated status for women. Unlike Biantang and Huai Song, over the centuries, there have been no shortage of female generals and scholars serving as court officials, and within the inner palace, empresses have often held power behind the scenes. They are also relatively more lenient regarding gender segregation. Therefore, within the rear city, aside from the emperor's consorts and daughters, there are also many guards stationed, and most princes who have not been enfeoffed or established their own residences outside the palace reside here.
At this moment, within the Yingge Villa in the rear city, amidst a tranquil bamboo forest, sat a young man dressed in black robes.
The young man was only around twenty years old, with handsome features, star-like eyes, a high nose bridge, and sword-like eyebrows. His jet-black hair flowed loosely down his back, tied with a black satin ribbon. His black robes were elegant and luxurious, embroidered with purple-gold qilins and bordered with subtle floral clouds, lined with Huai Song's Su brocade. He wore soft deer-patterned boots with cloud patterns carved on the soles, sitting leisurely and quietly before a small blue stone table. Beside him, incense smoke curled upward, and an ancient zither rested on the table, its strings humming softly. A few scrolls lay scattered nearby, and a celadon jade wine pot stood beside a glazed jade cup adorned with twin dragons spitting pearls—clearly a rare treasure.Although it was already winter, the geothermal warmth of Yalang Mountain and the surrounding hot springs had created this secluded and warm haven. A refreshing breeze swept through, carrying a crisp coolness as it rustled through the bamboo, enhancing the sense of leisurely tranquility.
The young man’s hands were as fair as jade, his fingers long and slender. He slowly raised a crystal glass to his lips but did not drink. His starry eyes narrowed faintly, and without even looking, he spoke in a calm voice, "Come out."
"How annoying," a delicate, girlish voice immediately chimed in. From behind the bamboo grove emerged a charming young girl. "You always find me out—it’s no fun at all!"
The girl was no more than eighteen or nineteen years old. She wore a lotus-root-colored top embroidered with golden patterns and a white butterfly-print gauze skirt. A light green sash cinched her waist, adorned with a green lily-orchid pendant. Her hair was styled high, with tassels framing her ears, a chicken-blood jade pendant dangling at her forehead, and orchid-shaped earrings paired with a carnelian necklace. Though elegant, her attire exuded no hint of vulgarity. As she walked, she removed her snow-fur cloak, her voice clear and crisp as she spoke, "Father is still the most partial to you. I just came from Lanshan Court—it’s freezing there. But look at this place—the snow melts before it even touches the ground."
The young man turned around, his expression serene, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "It is His Majesty’s gracious favor."
"Hmph," the girl snorted. "Why doesn’t he show me such favor? I am his own daughter, after all."
"Princess…"
"Calling me 'Princess' again!" She tossed her heavy cloak to a nearby servant and rushed up to the young man, exclaiming loudly.
The young man smiled helplessly. "Chun'er."
"Don’t think you can get away with that," Princess Chun'er said, sitting on a stone stool opposite him, puffing her cheeks in frustration. "Tell me, why did you leave the banquet so early? You made me abandon all the guests and chase after you here."
The man replied with an unruffled smile, "My apologies, something came up unexpectedly."
"What could possibly have come up?" the girl cried out. As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized her bluntness and quickly glanced at the man’s expression. Seeing no reaction, she hurriedly added, "Did you leave because Wei Shuyou showed up? He just returned from the south. I had no idea he would come—please don’t be angry with me."
The man lifted his head and slowly shook it. "Princess, you need not overthink it. Yan Xun would not dare."
"Calling me 'Princess' again." Chun'er frowned, suddenly standing up and grabbing the hem of Yan Xun’s robe. "Yan Xun, do you even consider me one of your own?"
Yan Xun lowered his gaze, his brow furrowing slightly as he looked at the girl’s delicate, pale hand. He discreetly pulled his robe free. "Princess, you worry too much. The distinction between nobility and commoner must still be observed."
"Damn the distinction between nobility and commoner! We were so close when we were young. Do you remember when I was nine, and you took me to fight in a brothel? Now you won’t even call me by my nickname without hesitation."
"In those days, this humble subject was young and ignorant, acting recklessly."
"Ugh!" Chun'er hurled the wine pot to the ground, shouting, "I hate you so much!"
With that, she turned to leave.
"Princess, please wait," Yan Xun called out, rising to his feet and handing her a box wrapped in light purple silk.
Chun'er raised an eyebrow. "What’s this?""Although the princess's birthday cannot be lavishly celebrated as it falls in the same month as His Majesty's, a small gesture should still be made. Please accept this humble gift."
Chun'er's little face immediately lit up with joy. She opened the box with a giggle, only to find a section of pure white rabbit tail inside. The young girl's eyes widened instantly as she exclaimed, "Is this... is this Huanhuan's tail?"
Yan Xun nodded and said, "I heard a few days ago that Huanhuan bit your hand and was ordered by the Western Consort to be beaten to death and discarded. You cried for a long time. I had someone intercept the rabbit outside the palace and cut off this section of its tail for you to keep as a memento. It's not a valuable item, so please don't mind its simplicity."
The girl's eyes immediately grew moist. She shook her head gently and whispered, "I've received too many gold and jewels. Only this is the best gift. Brother Xun, thank you. Chun'er is very happy."
No sooner had she spoken than the girl's cheeks flushed bright red. Clutching the rabbit tail, she didn't even bother to put on her heavy fur coat before turning and running out of the bamboo grove.
Yan Xun remained standing where he was, the smile on his face gradually fading as the girl's figure disappeared into the distance.
"Crown Prince, Princess Chunyu has left."
With a sharp rustle, Yan Xun stripped off the outer robe that had just been touched by the girl and threw it onto the table. Turning to leave, he uttered in a low voice, "Burn it."
"Yes."
The servant responded in a subdued tone. By the time he looked up again, Yan Xun's figure had already vanished.
OpenNovel