Sea of No Return

The bоаt swауеd at the heаrt оf the lakе, a crеsсеnt mооn сasting its light aсross the land.

As the night deерenеd, the wind grаduаllу stillеd, yеt riррlеs stirrеd upоn the water. Ноllow wаves lapрed agаinst the hull, onе аftеr аnоthеr, сeasеlеss and unеnding.

А hаnd stretсhed оut frоm the deсk, susрendеd in mid-air as if grasрing for something. It strugglеd twiсе befоre falling limp. Тhеn аnothеr firm аrm wоund its wау аlong thе сurve, rеaсhing her pаlm, gentlу turning, аnd lоcking fingеrs tightlу with hеrs.

Тhe surroundings werе dim; the horn lantern had lоng since burned оut. The mоonlight fаilеd to illuminаte their features, only casting faint, hazy outlines. She swallowed her sobs, and he froze. Even exposed to the air, his sweat-drenched back still radiated warmth.

"Does it hurt?"

She hummed in response. "That remedy... doesn’t seem to work."

"Then I’ll go slower." He gritted his teeth, aching with restraint, not daring to move further. After a moment, he eased into a gentle rhythm, soothing her softly, "It’ll be better next time."

Wanwan had never been one to endure pain well since childhood. She remembered playing with her mother’s small silver sewing scissors once, accidentally dropping them onto her calf. Watching blood seep through her skirt, she thought she might die, her cries piercing and mournful. Her napping mother was startled awake, and the palace chamber erupted into chaos, even alarming her father in the Palace of Heavenly Purity. After that accidental injury, she lay in bed for half a month, the wound bandaged beneath gauze. Just looking at it hurt, thinking about it hurt, and the pain brought waves of dizziness.

This time, no one could help her; only he was by her side. Perhaps this, too, was a kind of injury—not malicious, but necessary. She felt as though she were completing a pilgrimage, a baptism leading to a new beginning. This person would forever be hers.

In truth, Nurse Matron had already warned her that the first time might not be pleasant, that she must endure and not act rashly, lest she kick the Imperial Consort off the bed. She thought to herself, in this situation, if she kicked him off, he would fall into the water! Fearful that the small boat couldn’t withstand the rocking, worried he might lose himself in passion and truly tumble overboard, she gritted her teeth and held him tightly, regardless of the discomfort.

His voice grew even gentler as he asked what was wrong. She shook her head, saying nothing. "I’m afraid you don’t know how to swim."

He paused, sighing as he kissed her. "I do, but at a time like this... it could make one ill."

So she held him even tighter. He sweated profusely, yet teased her, whispering by her ear, "The boat is big enough. Don’t be afraid."

In the dimness, amidst the tumult, she half-opened her eyes in confusion. Moonlight streamed through her interlaced lashes, her tears blurring the moon’s reflection. But she remained silent, moved by her own endurance and sacrifice.

Wanwan felt she had never cherished someone so deeply before. Even with the Eunuch Official, when she saw him despondent over Yin Lou, her feelings were mostly sympathy. Now, as he wreaked havoc upon her, she felt no anger. Whenever he lifted his eyes to gauge her expression, she would smile at him, offering encouragement.

She didn’t know how long it lasted—perhaps a very long time. After the storm, peace finally settled. Exhausted, she touched his face. He was disheartened. "You didn’t enjoy it at all."Wanwan thought, why should one endure such torment? He hadn't seen the tears glistening in her eyes when she smiled—this sacrifice was too great, and she must take good care of herself afterward. Yet her concern lay elsewhere: "Will this help me conceive now? I should return to rest during the postpartum month."

He chuckled. "The postpartum month is for after childbirth. This time, you only need to rest for two days—the injury isn't as severe as you think. As for conceiving, some succeed on the first try, while others must persist. Take Madam Tala and Madam Zhou, for example—they were once maidservants, robust in health. You are different, a princess, so it will naturally take several attempts to strengthen your foundation."

He spoke carelessly to deceive her, all for his future plans. Even now, he could hardly believe he had reached this day—yearning for a decade, finally achieving his wish, and then, having tasted its sweetness, becoming insatiable. He had thought himself restrained, but it turned out he simply hadn't met the right person. Your Highness possessed a bloodless magic; grand ambitions and imperial schemes were matters for later. All he knew was that he could no longer free himself from this gentle refuge. Even if she knew little in this regard and sometimes seemed a bit foolish, he loved her nonetheless. Bit by bit, his fighting spirit and sharpness were worn away, yet he felt no unease. So be it—first, let them have a child, one with eyes like the moon and lips like roses.

Lying on the deck for too long risked catching a chill, so they moved into the cabin, where bedding had long been prepared. Just as she was about to express surprise, he pulled her into the covers. "Fortunately, I prepared in advance."

In truth, it had been premeditated! She muttered complaints about his wickedness, but he only smiled. "Wicked or not, without it, there would be no today."

Indeed, exhaustion weighed heavily, and she slept soundly, only waking at the fifth watch to the faint crowing of roosters. The hours before dawn were especially dark, for the moon had set and even the stars seemed to doze. She rustled about, groping softly, and called for Liangshi. He took her hand. "Does it still hurt?"

This pain would not fade anytime soon. She looked outside but saw nothing, only hearing the gentle lapping of waves against the hull. "We've slept on the boat for a long time."

He said, "Dawn is near."

She felt too ashamed to face Tong Huan and Xiao You afterward and fell into a sullen silence. Knowing her thoughts, he patted her back tenderly. "This is human nature—there's nothing to be embarrassed about. Husband and wife are meant to be this way. If they don't understand, find them husbands. Once married, they'll know."

Though he spoke thus, upon returning, her face still flushed crimson.

Yet Tong Huan and Xiao You remained composed, preparing hot water for her bath and moving about respectfully, though with a slight difference from usual.

"Your Highness, from today onward, you are a grown woman. Henceforth, conduct yourself well—be dignified when dignity is called for, and make an example of whomever you must. Everyone in this household is under your authority. Do not fear; should anyone dare defy you, our palace guards are stationed beyond the second gate. At your command, you may take anyone's life."

With downcast eyes, she murmured, "You won't laugh at me, will you?"Tong Huan said, "What's there to laugh about? About you consummating the marriage with the Imperial Consort? That's only right and proper. If you kept quarreling with him, then we'd really have to worry!" She sighed, "Everyone has different fortunes. Yours lies with Prince Yuwen, so settle down and live well with him! Seal-holding Xiao... he's at sea now, and no one can say what will happen later. We all depend on you. If you live happily, we'll be at ease too. Even if not for yourself, do it for us, so our service to you won't have been in vain."

Tong Huan spoke with deep emotion, her words tinged with the uncertainty of a rudderless boat. Originally, they had taken orders from Xiao Duo. Now, for love, he had abandoned everything in Great Ye, and they were like discarded belongings he had left behind, placed somewhere to remain forever. Before, their first consideration had been his position, but now it was different—the Princess Royal had become their true master. As servants, they were accustomed to being led their whole lives. Without someone to bow to, they felt like lost souls. Now, with no other hopes left, as long as the Princess Royal lived well, they could ignore the storms outside, stay by her side, and live peacefully with her.

Wanwan let out a long sigh, still feeling quite embarrassed. "I ache all over, but after a hot bath, I feel revived." She looked down at the date-pit-sized bruises on her chest—several of them—and exclaimed softly, "It was like this last time too..."

Her mind buzzed. So that afternoon dream wasn't a dream after all—he had been there. She panicked. How could this be? No wonder he had been so angry later; she must have said something she shouldn't have.

She covered her face and sank into the water. Fortunately, it had happened so long ago that he must have forgotten by now. Since that was the case, she might as well act as if nothing had happened. A magnanimous person wouldn't cling to a young girl's infatuation.

After fiercely comforting herself, she felt at ease again. After bathing, she slept until nearly dusk.

Tong Huan came in to extinguish the incense seal in the brazier, saying that dinner was ready. In the afternoon, the Prince had come to see her, but seeing her sleeping soundly, he told them not to disturb her and went off to attend to his own affairs.

"Where is he now?"

Just as Tong Huan was about to reply, Xiao You came in from outside, saying that the Imperial Concubine had summoned her. The Prince and two young masters were also there, likely for some important discussion.

Wanwan had them help her change clothes and tidy up before heading to the Imperial Concubine's courtyard. Upon entering, nothing seemed unusual—she paid her respects and offered greetings as usual. However, the Imperial Concubine looked at her with exceptional affection and asked Nurse Matron Ta to bring something: a set of head ornaments that had been her most precious possession in her youth.Her fingers gently brushed over the hairpin and phoenix hair ornament, carrying a nostalgic tone: "These were given to me by the Grand Prince on my thirtieth birthday. I’ve always cherished them, saying I’d pass them on to my daughter-in-law someday. Yesterday was your joyous occasion, and I was overjoyed to hear about it. Though this set of jewelry may not catch your eye, it comes from the heart. Please accept it. From now on, you truly are a member of the Yuwen Clan. In the future, when you have a son and he takes a wife, pass it on to her—that’s the wish of us women." As she spoke, she patted her hand gently. "Good child, you’ve endured much, and I know it hasn’t been easy. Don’t worry, rest for a couple of days, and things will get better from here."

Her mother-in-law was so open-minded, yet speaking such intimate words in front of the men was truly embarrassing. She stole a glance at him—his gaze was like water, almost overwhelming her. Her cheeks flushed, and she whispered softly, "Thank you, E’nie. I’ve caused you worry in the past, and it’s Wanwan’s fault."

Just as the Imperial Concubine was about to comfort her, Lanting, who had been sitting there like a blockhead, stood up. "E’nie has long been married to Ama, so why does she say you’re only now becoming a member of the Yuwen Clan?"

His words left both his Ama and Wanwan speechless, but the Imperial Concubine chuckled. "Amitabha, when will this child ever outgrow his thoughtlessness? That would truly be a blessing. You don’t understand this yet—you’ll know once you have a wife of your own."

Lanting glanced at Lan Zhou. "Then will Big Brother know soon? Is he getting a Bedchamber Attendant?"

Wanwan was stunned, while Lan Zhou glared at Lanting for his loose tongue and kicked him under the table. Then, hanging his head, his face flushed bright red.

The Imperial Concubine let out an "oh" and said, "Right, today we’re gathered to discuss the matter of Lan Zhou taking a Bedchamber Attendant. It’s his Ama’s idea, saying he must learn sooner or later..." She coughed twice, still unable to fathom what this father was thinking. Having an eight- or nine-year-old child do such a thing was like pouring brine on a field—it would only harm the child.

The Imperial Concubine looked pleadingly at Wanwan. "What does Your Highness think? Liangshi insists his son learn this skill, and I can’t persuade him. Only you can speak up now."

It was both laughable and frustrating—what kind of irresponsible father would make a child learn such a thing! Yet she couldn’t say too much. She beckoned Lan Zhou over and, noticing his sachet was askew, straightened it for him. Softly, she asked, "What about this matter? Are you willing?"

Lan Zhou remained silent, tears welling in his eyes. After a long pause, he finally said, "I’m still young. I don’t want those women fussing over me—I find them unclean."

Wanwan turned to look at Liangshi. "This is far too early. I ask the Prince to put yourself in his shoes and not make things difficult for the child."

Indeed, he himself had been hesitant and reluctant, almost needing to be forced into intimacy, yet now, as a father, his demands on his son were utterly unreasonable. The Imperial Concubine shot him a sidelong glance, fully expressing her disapproval.

Liangshi leaned an elbow on the armrest of his chair and rubbed his nose. "I just thought he had too much idle time. Having someone in his room early on would mean having someone attentive to care for him."

Lan Zhou stubbornly straightened his neck. "Ama just doesn’t want me bothering E’nie and is deliberately punishing me." Then, shaking Wanwan’s hand, he pleaded in a pitiful tone, "E’nie, I’ll be obedient from now on and never cause you trouble. Please plead for me. There’s no reason in the world for a nine-year-old to have a Bedchamber Attendant—I’ll be laughed at by the other brothers in the clan."His large eyes blinked as he gazed at her, a look that no one could bear to refuse.

She gently stroked his hair and said warmly, "Since your mother isn't here, it's only right for you to come to me with anything. Don't worry, I'll talk to your Ama. Getting a Bedchamber Attendant at eight—won’t the room be too crowded by the time you take a consort!"

So women were easy to placate. Liangshi frowned at Lan Zhou, who returned a vague glance. In this battle, he had relied on his striking looks to get his way—truly, the student had surpassed the master.

"Fine, since everyone’s pleading for leniency, we’ll postpone the discussion. I wanted you to find a Bedchamber Attendant for your own good—to settle down early and establish a household." He stood up and paced a few steps. "Let’s set this aside for now. It’s getting late; everyone should disperse." He bowed to the Imperial Concubine. "E’nie, after your meal, rest early. I’ll take my leave."

Wanwan rose and followed him out of the Imperial Concubine’s courtyard.

"You’re such a thoughtful Ama," she teased. "In all my years, I’ve never seen anyone like you."

Little did she know that Lan Zhou’s clingy, annoying behavior had rubbed him the wrong way. The boy was skilled in governance, but using such tricks in family matters was unacceptable. All he wanted was an older girl to play with—well, taking a Bedchamber Attendant would serve that purpose now and bear children later, killing two birds with one stone.

He sighed deeply, hands clasped behind his back. "Men must first settle their hearts; only then can they achieve greatness."

"What if he finds a girl he truly loves? If you force him now, he might end up just like you."

He paused, then laughed, rubbing his forehead. "You’re right—no wonder you tell me to put myself in others’ shoes. But if he falls for someone suitable, he can marry her; if it’s someone unsuitable, a fool’s dream, it’s better to cut it off early to avoid harming both."

Wanwan didn’t think that deeply. Hand in hand, they walked in the sunset, simply appreciating the boundless beauty of the evening glow.

Both enjoyed strolling along the shore, but the embankment was paved with small pebbles that easily slipped into her embroidered shoes. She stopped, tugging his hand and pouting, "A pebble’s stuck in my shoe; I can’t walk."

He crouched down, tall frame bending, and spread his arms behind him. "Hop on."

Delighted, she leaped onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck and whispering in his ear, "Can we always stay this good?"

He turned his head and kissed her lips. "Unless you leave me, my heart will remain unchanged, forever and always."

She mused that the old saying held truth: when a woman gives her body to someone, her heart follows. Now, her thoughts were filled with her Imperial Consort. What belonged to others she couldn’t grasp, but this was something she could hope for. Once she had thought him scheming and ambitious, but now she felt none of that. To her, he was a good husband. If they could continue like this, she might become the most happily married princess in Great Ye.

As they slowly made their way toward the Tower of Profound Grace, her heart brimmed with joy, and she kicked her feet playfully. Seizing the moment, he asked, "Are you still sore?"

Her feet stilled at once. After a hesitant pause, she replied softly, "I took a medicinal bath and applied some ointment. It doesn’t hurt anymore."He smiled subtly, murmuring to himself, "That's good."

Upon entering, the attendants standing nearby had already tactfully stepped aside. Feigning annoyance, he complained, "These servants really don’t know how to do their duties—they don’t take their master seriously at all! What can be done? Today, I’ll serve you instead—changing clothes, bathing, I’ll handle it all."

Her face flushed, and she turned away, chiding, "Don’t make people laugh."

Who would laugh? Serving her was no different from serving himself.

A thousand miles away, someone held a handwritten letter, pacing amidst swirling incense smoke.

"The Prince of Nanyuan truly treats the Princess Royal like a precious jewel. My imperial sister is one of a kind in the world. For Yuwen Liangshi to fall at her feet is only a matter of time."

The Emperor laughed heartily, then coughed loudly afterward. Chongmao stood nearby, holding a spittoon to catch it, remarking, "Judging by this, there’s no need to worry about Nanyuan. However, we must send someone to keep a closer watch on Yunnan and Guizhou."

"That old traitor Wang Ding—he’d better not give me any leverage. Otherwise, among the eight princes, he’ll be the first to have his fiefdom stripped." The Emperor strode barefoot across the floor, suddenly sighing deeply. "How long has it been since the Princess Royal’s marriage? I miss my little sister."

Chongmao replied, "Nearly four months, Your Majesty. If you miss Her Highness, you could summon her back to the capital."

The Emperor hummed in thought. "The couple is still in the honeymoon phase—how could I bear to separate them? Let’s wait a little longer."

A palace attendant brought scented tea, but he waved a finger to dismiss him. Placing his hands on his hips, he faced the empty hall, cleared his throat, and then, with all his might, sang out loudly: "How I hate Chen Gong for his foolish deeds, leaving behind poems to curse me. Gathering the lords to raise their troops, if I catch Chen Gong, I’ll show him no mercy!"