Тhе imрerial deсrеe of thе arrangеd mаrriаgе wаs issuеd on the vеry day of the winter sоlstiсe. Тhe Еmреrоr was in suсh hаstе, сlеarlу intending to currу fаvor with thе Prince оf Nanyuаn. After аll, hаving gоttеn thе рrinсe's cоnсubine рrеgnаnt, it was diffiсult to ехplain tо thе rightful husband. With Yin Gе's weeping аnd tantrums, the Emреrоr, blinded bу emotion, hаd nо timе to соnsidеr аnуthing еlse.
Wаnwаn reсeivеd the impеrial еdiсt whilе pауing rеsрects to hеr ancestors in the Аncestral Нall. Yan Sunlаng stoоd insidе the thrеshold, reciting without emotion: "Our younger sister, of noble birth and exceptional talent..." She remained kneeling before the ancestral tablets, refusing to rise. All the imperial consorts in the hall understood the reason behind this, and not one came forward to offer congratulations. Thus, Wanwan's marriage was decided amidst a scene of desolate winds and bitter rain.
The Empress Dowager sighed repeatedly: "Emperor Xiaozong had only this one princess. Though she is not my own flesh and blood, she grew up before my eyes since childhood. Whenever noble ladies and wives came with marriage proposals that would take her away from the capital, I refused them all. I was determined to keep her in the capital. In our Great Ye, there have been instances where princesses suffered in their husbands' homes—harsh mothers-in-law, indifferent men, and the girls too timid to assert themselves, ultimately wasting their lives. Wanwan's nature is too gentle. If she were closer to home, we could watch over her constantly. Now, with the imperial consort enfeoffed in the south, Wanwan will inevitably have to leave the capital. Once she goes, the journey is long and the waters vast; returning will be no easy matter!"
Since the Late Emperor's passing, the Empress Dowager had harbored many grievances about the Emperor's usurpation but could not voice them openly. Wanwan was her adopted daughter, and in times of helplessness, she regarded her as half her own flesh and blood. Now, with a single decree, the Emperor had even given away this close sister. Returning to the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility, the Empress Dowager could not help but be overwhelmed with sorrow.
The Imperial Consort and others could only try to console her: "Though it is far, the Jiangnan region is prosperous and may not be worse than the capital. Besides, we have seen the Prince of Nanyuan at banquets—such a refined and cultured man, unlike those rough and reckless types. His mother, the Old Imperial Consort Dowager, has long been known for her virtue and kindness. Once Your Highness arrives there, she will likely be cherished beyond measure. Your Majesty need not worry."
Speaking of that Old Imperial Consort Dowager, she had entered the palace in her youth, and they had met a few times. She was upright and never deceitful—there was nothing to criticize about her. The Empress Dowager's reluctance stemmed more from a sense of shared sorrow, watching the children around her leave one by one. What would remain for her in this deep palace? Others' sons, others' grandsons—all had nothing to do with her.
Wanwan knelt on the footstool, leaning against the Empress Dowager's knee. She did not cry, nor did she plead for the Emperor to revoke the decree. She only said softly, "After I leave, please take care of your health, Mother. Do not worry about me."
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager felt even more heartbroken.
Wanwan left the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility with an empty mind. Walking through the silent passageway, with piles of snow on either side and remnants of snow mixed with mud in the brick crevices after shoveling, the place looked filthy. The jade beads on her step restraint clinked together, sounding excessively desolate in the icy, snowy weather. She slowly came to a stop, gathered her fox-fur sleeves, and looked back at the Palace of Heavenly Purity. The red walls and golden tiles seemed so unfamiliar, already far removed from her.
She had not accepted the decree, nor had she expressed gratitude. The Emperor seemed entirely unaware, as if the matter was settled and no longer of concern. Perhaps the decree had been issued with some hesitation, but once spoken, it became a matter of peace of mind. And what of her? What was she to do?She let out a long sigh, the vast white mist intertwining before her eyes. She asked Tong Huan, "Seal-holding Xiao should have received the news by now, shouldn't he?"
Tong Huan couldn't answer, giving her a deep look instead. "What is Your Highness thinking?"
"What could I be thinking? Let it be." She lowered her head, feeling it was time to bid farewell to the past. Yet, in an instant, she gained an understanding of the fickleness of the world—a taste that was truly disheartening.
"Today, the Emperor led the civil and military officials to the Circular Mound Altar to offer sacrifices to Heaven. Such a grand ceremony is nine-tenths likely to be overseen personally by Seal-holding Xiao. If the decree came down, he might not even know." Tong Huan stepped forward to support her arm, speaking gently, "I imagine if he found out, he would surely find a way to advise the Emperor."
Wanwan shook her head. "What's done is done. Don't make things difficult for him." She walked slowly forward but suddenly paused again. "Where is the Directorate of Ceremonial office?"
Tong Huan said, "Behind Longevity Hill, diagonally opposite the Hall of Imperial Longevity. Why does Your Highness ask?"
She smiled. "I want to go see him there."
This was a sudden whim. In the past, she had always followed the rules, rarely daring to leave the palace. Only once, after her eldest brother passed away, she had run out in deep sorrow, only to encounter Xiao Duo and Yin Lou halfway. She hadn't enjoyed herself fully and returned dejectedly. Now, she estimated the Emperor wouldn't bother with her anymore. She wanted to go to the Directorate of Ceremonial to talk to him... though perhaps there was nothing truly to say. She just wanted to see him.
Tong Huan was clearly surprised but didn't try to stop her. Suppressing her too much might be unbearable, so now, whatever she wanted to do, it was best to go along with it.
She said, "Alright, this servant will arrange for Your Highness to leave the palace."
Wanwan raised her hand to decline. "I'll go just like this. Let's see who dares to stop me."
She wore an apricot-yellow peony-patterned cloak, her raven-black braid hanging down her back, tied at the end with a glazed bead ribbon. As she walked, echoes followed her steps. This time, she carried an air of reckless determination. Tong Huan was stunned for a moment before hurriedly catching up.
She walked as if no one else existed. When she reached the Gate of Shunzhen, palace guards stood on both sides, swords at their waists. Even the living seemed cold and devoid of warmth. As she tried to pass through the gate, a Silk-clad Guard indeed stepped forward to stop her, bowing with hands clasped. "Palace women are not permitted to leave without the Emperor's decree. Please return, noble lady."
She lifted her head and glanced at him. "I am not one of your Emperor's palace women. I am Princess Hede. I wish to leave the palace, and no one is to make a fuss."
A fifteen-year-old child had little prestige, but her imposing demeanor was not to be underestimated. Everyone was startled and bowed in salute. Blocking her path was no longer an option, but letting the Princess Royal leave the palace without reason—if something happened, who could bear the responsibility?
Thus, as soon as she stepped out of the palace gate, the Commandant immediately assigned guards to escort her personally. Wanwan was extremely displeased, turning back abruptly and glaring at them resentfully. "Are you treating me like a prisoner? If you follow me again, I will punish you."
The Commandant was in a difficult position. "We would never dare to let Your Highness leave the palace alone. Wherever Your Highness wishes to go, we will escort you. This is for Your Highness's safety. Please understand.""With such a grand entourage, it's as if you're afraid no one will know who I am." She frowned, pointing at Tong Huan. "Such a large person right before your eyes, yet you claim I am 'alone'—your eyes are big but lack sight! How do you serve The Emperor like this?"
The Commandants, having been scolded, were thick-skinned and unfazed, still intending to follow. Tong Huan blocked their path. "Her Highness is not leaving the inner city but heading to the Directorate of Ceremonial. There is no need for you to follow. This servant will ensure Her Highness's safety."
She was someone Xiao Duo had meticulously selected, naturally not limited to serving tea and water. Seeing the faint glimpse of her identification plaque in her sleeve, the Silk-clad Guards retreated inside the Gate of Shunzhen as instructed.
Wanwan strode forward, glancing back to confirm no one was following, and felt a surge of delight. She grumbled to Tong Huan, "What I detest most are the Silk-clad Guards. They bully others by relying on their master's influence, turning the imperial court into a murky mess."
Perhaps love extends to all things associated with the beloved. Although the Eastern Factory was even more overbearing, because of Xiao Duo, she felt no aversion to it. Tong Huan smiled at her. "They all act under orders, sometimes forced to play the role everyone despises."
She raised an eyebrow, offering no comment, and bypassed Longevity Hill to exit through the North Central Gate, entering the alley of the Directorate of Ceremonial.
The place was filled with Eunuchs on duty. Since the higher-ups were out attending to official matters, the remaining ones, led by Cao Chun'ang, were gathered around a stove in the room, roasting sweet potatoes and eating peanuts. When Wanwan appeared at the door, everyone froze for a moment. Upon recognizing her, they sprang up and rushed forward to bow and kowtow. "Your Highness, how did you come here?"
Wanwan, having walked a stretch in the cold wind, her face flushed from the chill, glanced into the main hall. "I came out for a stroll... Has the Eunuch Official not returned yet?"
Cao Chun'ang confirmed, "There's much business today, so it will be a while before he returns!" As he spoke, he ushered her into the Warm Pavilion, dusted off the southern kang, and settled her there. "This is where our Director conducts his official duties and usually rests. It's the most fragrant and cleanest place in the Directorate of Ceremonial. Please warm yourself first. This servant will immediately send word to the Director and prepare to escort Your Highness back to the palace."
She said there was no hurry. "I'll wait for the Eunuch Official to return."
Cao Chun'ang exchanged a glance with Tong Huan, acknowledged the order, and retreated from the Warm Pavilion.
She looked around. The Warm Pavilion was exquisitely and elegantly arranged, adorned with calligraphy and paintings, furnished with blue cushions embroidered with longevity symbols. On the kang table, a Boshan incense burner emitted the finest agarwood, making it indeed the "most fragrant" place. He usually moved through the Forbidden City alone, coming and going by himself. She had never visited his duty room nor understood the environment he lived in. This visit felt like suddenly stepping into his world, so close it was almost unreal.
She casually flipped through the books on the kang table. He was reading Baopuzi: "Even metal and stone cannot match its firmness; even clear dew cannot equal its softness..." It rather resembled his character. The book had a peculiar effect; after reading for a while, her earlier restlessness gradually settled, and she could calm down. She placed her hands on her knees. The room was filled with his scent everywhere. It was wonderful. She desired nothing else, only to know he was still there. Since he married Tongyun, he had drifted further from her. In his heart, there was only Yin Lou, while she had to stand behind both Yin Lou and Tongyun. Thinking about it carefully, it was truly sorrowful.When she first arrived, she had braved the bitter cold, her heart set on seeing him. But after spending the time it took to drink two cups of tea in his Warm Pavilion, she changed her mind. His duties differed from those of the ministers; even after The Emperor returned to the palace, he likely wouldn’t have a moment to spare. What could she possibly gain by sitting here so eagerly? Even if she did wait for him, what would she say?
She stood up, and Tong Huan hurried forward. "Your Highness?"
Her hands hung loosely at her sides, her expression indifferent. "The ceremony must have ended long ago. I doubt he has time now, and I don’t wish to wait any longer."
As she stepped out of the Warm Pavilion, Cao Chun'ang promptly approached. "This servant will arrange Your Highness’s carriage and escort you back to the palace."
She declined. "I only came out for a walk. I’ll return the same way I came."
Cloaked in her cape, she exited the gates of the Directorate of Ceremonial. Unlike the palace, this area was less meticulously guarded. The twelve directorates were clustered together—the Directorate of Imperial Wardrobe to the west, the Office of Wine, Vinegar, and Noodles to the east. Once out of the alleyway, the flow of pedestrians resembled that of any ordinary ward compound.
Retracing her steps, she felt a lingering sense of listlessness. As she turned a corner and glanced up, she spotted a figure in a dark blue archer’s jacket standing not far away, hands clasped behind his back. His profile was half-hidden beneath a black fox fur collar, yet his appearance felt achingly familiar.
It was him! Her heart, which had felt like a stagnant pool, suddenly stirred with faint ripples. Three months had passed since they last met, and she had thought her feelings of guilt toward him had long faded. Yet encountering him unexpectedly like this brought an awkwardness that was almost unbearable.
She hastily tugged at Tong Huan’s sleeve, intending to retreat into the Directorate of Ceremonial before he turned around. But she was too late—they were barely ten steps apart, and no matter how quickly she moved, she couldn’t outpace his gaze. He noticed her, his deep eyes neither stormy nor serene, yet piercing enough to see through a person’s heart.
Caught off guard, Wanwan stood frozen, unsure how to respond. It was he who took the initiative, offering her a deep, formal bow. "It has been exactly three months since we parted at Tanzhe Temple. Thank you, Princess Chang."
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