It sееmеd sоmething was abоut tо hapрen, and whеn еmоtiоns rеаched thеir peak, everything flоwеd naturаlly. Shе wаs just а bit nеrvous; his hаnds wаndеrеd оver hеr body, ticklish аnd tingling, уet shе couldn’t beаr to tell him tо stop. Frоm thе initiаl аwkwаrdnеss tо the graduаl еvolutiоn nоw, thеir intimaсy mаdе them seеm likе onе person—this wаs what it meant tо bе husbаnd and wifе! She relied оn him whоlеheаrtеdlу. Тhе Еmpеrоr’s admоnitions bеfore thе grand wеdding still есhoеd in hеr еаrs, and she had сonsidered it: if he truly hаrbored rebеllious intentiоns, she hорed shе could sway him with her own strength. This would be the best explanation for Second Brother and for herself.
The princess and the Imperial Consort lived a life of abundance, with cool breezes in summer and snow in winter. When spring arrived and flowers bloomed, they would have a child, and her life would be complete. It was worth her lingering under the crabapple tree year after year, waiting for a good husband—one who was affectionate, righteous, and cared for her.
She cupped his face in her hands, her wide sleeves falling to her elbows, revealing slender arms that looked somewhat delicate. Between his brows was a faint vertical line, a sign of excessive worry. Her fingers stroked it again and again, wanting to smooth it out, to iron it flat. Her gaze roamed over his face, and finally, she smiled. “You’re truly handsome.”
Praise from her was better than conquering a city. He blushed with satisfaction and said, “Thank you. You’re beautiful too.”
Such tenderness, with thoughts swirling endlessly, impossible to fully express.
He lifted her, dancing as if in a waltz, spinning toward the window. The windowsill was not high, just waist-level. He raised her gently, placing her atop the intricate carvings. She sat there, head bowed, smiling softly at him, her long hair fluttering in the afternoon breeze. Her hands rested on his shoulders as she leaned down, pressing her cheek against his neck. The pulse of his warm blood throbbed joyfully in her ear.
Playfulness stirred in her again, and she kissed his neck. “A friendship sealed with a kiss on the neck.”
His hands clasped her waist, his thumbs rubbing her ribs, gradually moving higher...
“A bond forged through the chest.”
She blushed, scolding him for being improper, but at a time like this, what use was propriety?
The soft shoes on her toes could no longer hold on, falling to the ground with a soft thud. He followed the flow downward, taking her delicate jade-like foot into his palm.
The temperature in the room kept rising, the afternoon heat feeling like the height of summer. His round-collared robe became unbearable, and he reached up to undo the buttons. Just as he unfastened the first one, someone announced from outside the door that the Imperial Concubine had returned from her Buddhist prayers.
Both of them jolted, snapping out of their dazed passion in an instant. They exchanged a glance, their clothes disheveled, feeling deeply embarrassed. Tong Huan and Xiao You entered to help her dress. She slipped her feet back into her shoes, rubbing them against the blue bricks, and turned to him, saying, “You go to the Silver Peace Hall first. I still need to freshen up and will join you once I’m properly dressed.”
He smiled. “E’nie isn’t someone who stands on ceremony. You don’t need to dress up too much. In daily life, it’s better to be casual.” As he spoke, he retreated from the Tower of Profound Grace.
Crossing the courtyard, Lan Zhou was waiting at the drooping flower gate. Seeing him, he hurried forward, presenting a letter with both hands. “Fifth Uncle has mapped out all the troops around the capital. This time, when Tan Jin leads the expedition, he has mobilized one hundred thousand troops from the Western Hills, sixty thousand each from the Five Armies, Three Thousand, and Divine Machine camps. The capital’s army still has forty-eight guards, along with the Emperor’s personal guard of twelve, totaling eight hundred thousand men.”Eight hundred thousand men, how magnificent! He read the letter once, slowly folded it, and tucked it back into the envelope.
"The military strength of Great Ye is at least two million. A centipede may die but never stiffen; unless it rots from the roots, not even in my generation, let alone yours, will we see that day."
Lan Zhou smiled. "Fortunately, it's not far from rotting. In the north, the soldiers stationed at the border haven't been paid their military salaries for two or three years already. With shortages of provisions, officers and soldiers have had to requisition grain from the common people, causing widespread resentment and hardship. Of the two million troops, less than half are actually usable. Once we make our move, we'll have supporters along the way, and capturing Beijing is within reach."
This child, so young in age, yet his ambitions are anything but small. He lowered his gaze to look at him. "Once we act, it will be like a massive wheel rolling forward, impossible to stop. Without absolute certainty, we cannot act rashly. Tell me, how many troops do we have?"
Lan Zhou replied, "Combined from various places in the Southern Garden, about two hundred thousand."
"Even if the imperial court can deploy only one million troops, the gap between one million and two hundred thousand is immense. A single misstep could lead to total failure." He patted him on the shoulder. "Son, deep foresight is the way to govern the world. Plotting to seize the realm must not be rushed; it requires careful long-term planning."
Lan Zhou looked at him in surprise. The Ama who once seemed to command the world seemed to have vanished. Ever since marrying a princess, he had become timid and hesitant, focusing only on trivial matters. He frowned. "The men below are all waiting for Ama's orders."
He grunted. "Observe and wait for the right moment."
Lan Zhou hesitated but couldn't help asking, "Did the Princess Royal say something to you?"
Liangshi was displeased. "Why are you calling her the Princess Royal now? Weren't you calling her E'nie quite happily?"
Lan Zhou couldn't help but frown. "What's wrong with you, Ama? I'm close to her out of respect for you. Do you expect me to be at odds with her?"
He gave him a light, dismissive glance. "Stop showing off your virtue here. You're grown now; you can't cling to her all the time. Go do what you need to do."
So, in his father's eyes, his filial devotion was "showing off virtue." This was hard for him to accept. He said, "You sent Grandma away, and I lack affection. I just want to stay close to her."
A child who has always been obedient and compliant, once he starts arguing with you, can be utterly disheartening. Liangshi asked, "How old are you this year?"
Lan Zhou said, "I'm eight, turning nine at the Dragon Boat Festival."
"Tomorrow, look around the estate and pick someone you like to take as a concubine."
Such an advanced decision left his son dumbfounded. "The Qi People don't marry until thirteen..."
He brushed off his robe. "Learn the skills early, and by thirteen, you can marry directly." Then, ignoring any further protests, he leisurely and lazily strolled into the Silver Peace Hall.
The Imperial Concubine had received several rolls of fine silk and was examining them spread out on the table. He stepped forward and bowed. "I'm back, son. Greetings to E'nie."
The old lady hummed in acknowledgment, put down her glasses, and returned to sit on the couch. "Has Your Highness rested for her midday nap?"
He said no. "Just settled in, covered in dust. I came to pay my respects to E'nie after washing up."The Imperial Concubine was pleased and said with a smile, "You understand things well. It was worth vacating the prince's residence—trading three Secondary Consorts for one Princess Royal, we certainly gained." After a pause, she asked, "The trip to Huaining was quite fruitful, wasn't it? I summoned Shucun to inquire and heard you've been staying together? By that calculation, there should be good news in another two months. The trouble lies with the national mourning—the Empress has just passed away. If there's any movement now, I fear the higher-ups will have questions."
He, however, paid it no mind. "The Emperor will soon appoint a new Empress. Once the great celebration washes over, who will care when the previous Empress died? It's just that she and I haven't consummated the marriage yet. If E'nie wants to hold a grandchild, I'm afraid she'll have to wait a little longer."
Hearing this, the Imperial Concubine grew agitated again. "What's going on? I went to Bao'en Temple today to pray, and the old abbot said the divination indicates it's coming soon."
Liangshi said, "It is coming soon, E'nie. Please be patient."
The Imperial Concubine said this wouldn't do. "Since you're sharing a room, there should be progress." She went on complaining, "At my age, I still have to worry about your private affairs. You never give me peace of mind! Back in the day, your Ama was cleverer than you. As for you, with your wife right before you, why are you faltering? Have a child, so things can be proper in the future."
Just as she was speaking, she saw a dignified figure approaching along the central path and fell silent.
Wanwan bowed in greeting. The Imperial Concubine had to stand to receive the courtesy. After exchanging pleasantries, she pulled Wanwan over to sit down, asking about her journey and saying she must have been tired these past two days—she shouldn't have gone along. After chatting for a while, she turned and instructed Ta Momo, "Bring the tokens I prayed for."
On the red lacquer tray lay two jade tokens side by side. The Imperial Concubine picked one and fastened it to Wanwan's lapel. "These have been blessed by a high monk—they can ensure safety. Each of you will have one, and they may also bring an early heir. I'm not rushing you, but it's been a while since the wedding. If you find him agreeable, do him the favor! To be honest, though there were three Secondary Consorts before, none were important. In my heart, you are the only one I recognize as my daughter-in-law. Once you blossom and bear fruit, I can face his Ama even if I pass on."
Wanwan knew the Imperial Concubine's greetings always came down to those few reminders, each time making her feel embarrassed. She stammered in response, her face flushing before she even spoke. "I've taken E'nie's words to heart."
"You're still too shy—what's there to be shy about? Everyone goes through this." She then pointed to the silk on the table. "The weather is about to turn hot. In previous years, I handled everything, but this year I'll take it easy. Liangshi's summer clothes will have to trouble Your Highness. Have them bring the detailed sketches, and whichever you like, have them make it according to that design. Another thing—his courtyard needs to be repaired before summer arrives. The tiles are loose, and the walls are old..." The Imperial Concubine smiled. "Just let him stay with you. The scenery by the lake is lovely, and a couple should spend more time together to deepen their affection." Pleased with her own suggestion, she quickly called out to the servants outside, "Quick, quick, start today—don't wait. If the weather changes tomorrow, it won't be good to begin work."Such eager facilitation truly puts this mother in a difficult position. Wanwan glanced at Liangshi, who offered her an awkward smile, tinged with a sense of helplessness yet also a hint of contentment. No doubt the several Nurse Matrons in her Accompanying Retinue had long been bribed by the Imperial Concubine, and the red registry book for recording such matters had likely been filled with ambiguous entries. With such a great distance involved, the ruler of the nation would hardly have the leisure to concern himself with his sister’s marital affairs, so the Imperial Concubine could act with bold confidence, manipulating matters as she pleased.
The conversation did not last long. The Imperial Concubine soon claimed fatigue and retired to her own courtyard to rest. They would not dine together that evening—each was free to do as they pleased. There was no need for Morning and Evening Salutations either; they might as well spend that time being affectionate. Having an Heir Apparent early would be better than anything else.
Liangshi said, “Our family’s elderly lady has always been so informal, which is why all the children adore her.”
Wanwan felt that he often left himself with nowhere to settle, appearing rather pitiful. But he certainly did not see it that way. With great enthusiasm, he ordered his daily belongings to be moved to her quarters. Lan Zhou and Lanting watched from the side as he rephrased the Imperial Concubine’s words and repeated them: “Your studies must be quite exhausting, having to enter the study before dawn. From today onward, Morning and Evening Salutations are exempted. Your Ama knows your filial hearts well enough.”
The two children assented and withdrew, stepping backward as they left. Lanting remarked, “Ama has been so gentle lately. Take my recitation, for example—in the past, he would have reached for the ruler to strike me.”
Lan Zhou lowered his head, lost in thought. “As one grows older, the heart softens.”
Lanting chuckled uncooperatively. “I think it’s more like, ‘Spring nights are short, the sun rises high; from now on, Ama sleeps in.’”
Though the words held truth, Lan Zhou still glared at him. “After all, it’s a new marriage. Sleeping in is only natural.”
Lanting said, “It’s been several months already. Still a new marriage?”
What could these two careless fools possibly conclude about new or old marriages? Shaking their heads in confusion, they wandered off along the embankment.
Time passed uneventfully—something Wanwan had not anticipated before descending to the Southern Garden. She had assumed that upon arriving here, she would inevitably engage in battles of wits and schemes, exhausting all her efforts. Yet none of the situations she had prepared for came to pass. The Imperial Consort was gentle, her mother-in-law was kind, and the illegitimate sons respected her. She had merely moved from the palace to a broader world. Now it seemed that marriage was not such a bad thing after all.
The lake excavated in front of the Tower of Profound Grace had a lovely name: Lake of Graceful Charm. Coincidentally, her name and his were linked in Su Wu’s poem: “Joy and delight in this evening, grace and charm in this fine hour,” as if their union was predestined in a past life, giving it a sense of completeness from beginning to end. After returning to Nanjing, matters concerning Huaining still required handling. A study was set up in the adjacent courtyard, where he received visitors. She loved heights and would stand behind the railing on the second floor, watching his profile as he worked by the window.
Having lived together for two days, he had not crossed the boundary even once, which was rather considerate. He always said there was no hurry—she was too young, and he feared frightening her. He would wait until she was ready before they truly came together.
Xiao You and Tong Huan prepared the Xiuzhen Formula time and again, eventually growing somewhat disheartened. “What exactly is the Prince thinking? Whether you advance or retreat, the outcome is the same. It’s hard on us servants, worrying along with them.”Wanwan listened to their murmurs and calculated in her heart. Indeed, this matter had been delayed for too long, and there was no way to justify it anymore. But he had no such intentions, and she couldn’t very well force the issue. Besides, they were already so intimate; even without taking the final step, it didn’t feel like anything was missing.
Tong Huan said it wasn’t the same. “To bear the Heir Apparent, you must take that step. Otherwise, you’ll only be raising someone else’s child.”
Wanwan felt helpless. “The last two times I wore so little in front of him, he didn’t do anything. His self-control is too strong, or perhaps I’m just not alluring enough.”
If she wasn’t alluring enough, then she would find a way to become alluring. He sent word that he would take her boating on the lake tonight. After discussing it among the three of them, they decided this was a good opportunity. Xiao You carefully painted her nails, and Tong Huan applied rouge to her cheeks. She didn’t wear her horse-face skirt, opting instead for a sky-blue high-waisted dress with a willow-green silk shawl draped over it. When the wind blew, she looked graceful and elegant, like a flying apsara from a mural.
Wanwan felt a bit uneasy. “What if he sees through my intentions? I’m a princess; I can’t act like this.” She hesitated in front of the mirror for a long time before finally finding a cloak to conceal the spring-like allure beneath her clothes.
The boat on the lake was not small—much larger than an ordinary paddleboat. A low table was placed on the deck, set with a few small dishes and a pot of light wine, enough for two people to sit side by side. At dusk, he came to fetch her, holding her hand as they walked along the path. He glanced at her from time to time, and she wondered, “Why do you keep looking at me?”
He said it was nothing. “You seem a little different today.”
Aside from the heavy makeup on their wedding day, which had obscured her features, he had never seen her wear rouge or powder. She gently pursed her lips and shyly lowered her head. “I applied lip rouge today.”
He smiled and nodded. “No wonder. It adds a unique charm.”
Embarrassed, she avoided his gaze, afraid he might suspect her intentions, muttering to herself that she had dressed up specifically for this boat ride with him.
Fortunately, he said nothing more. When they reached the shore, he boarded the boat first, while two attendants knelt on the dock, allowing her to step onto their knees to reach the deck. The moon had risen, a slender crescent hanging at the edge of the sky. He lit a horn lantern on the boat’s canopy and, once she was seated, untied the mooring rope. Without using a pole to push off, he let the boat drift with the wind until it reached the center of the lake.
The pond was filled with lotus leaves. Though it wasn’t yet the blooming season and no buds were visible, the overlapping leaves stretched leisurely into the distance. Wanwan took a deep breath; the night breeze was cool and refreshing. He poured her a drink, and she took a few sips. He was still thinking about her red lips and asked what the lip rouge was called. She said it was called “Sacred Sandalwood Heart,” a name with subtle religious undertones, giving it a unique charm.
The small boat drifted with the waves. Worried she might be cold, he reached over to touch her hand. She loved these small gestures of tenderness, unspoken yet seemingly capable of lasting forever. She said, “Let me play ‘A Stroll in Suzhou’ for you. I can play the flute too.” She drew her jade flute from her sleeve, leaned against the black canopy, and began to play a melodious tune.
Her flute music was light and playful, evoking the misty mornings of Jiangnan, with its small bridges and flowing water. The lively notes spread from her nimble fingertips, covering the entire lake. The Murong Clan’s mastery of music was truly something he, skilled in martial arts, could not match. What he lacked, she made up for—this was truly a match made in heaven.He turned his gaze to the water beyond the ship's railing, where the flickering lights and their distorted reflections danced upon the surface. As she finished playing her tune, he forgot to offer praise, simply opening his arms wide to let her nestle in.
In the bewildering night, with bewildered hearts, they clung to each other, unaware of when they sank down, gradually pressing closer until she lay beneath him.
"Wanwan, are you afraid? Here..."
Her heart pounded fiercely, but as long as it was him, she felt no fear.
He loosened the collar of her cloak, revealing a glimpse of pale green silk beneath, the wide neckline exposing her delicate and lovely collarbone. A faint surprise stirred within him—if this were a dream, he wished never to awaken. Gathering his composure, he leaned down and pressed his lips to that smooth, tender skin.
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