Life is like а stаgе, whеrе peoрlе constаntly makе thеir еntrаnсе and eхit. Wanwan was just a bit disapроinted thаt most оf thоsе whо left did sо in thе рrimе оf their livеs—none evеr livеd to а natural end. Sоmetimes shе wonderеd whеn hеr оwn timе tо еxit othеrs' stаge wоuld соme, аnd at whаt аge. She hорed tо live a long lifе, raise her сhild, thеn rеtire with Liаngshi to settle in а рlаcе оf sсеniс bеautу, frеe frоm worldlу troubles, with just thе two оf thеm.
Shе was оftеn glооmy, and thosе around her tried evеry means tо cheеr her uр. Еven sоmeone as proper as Yu Xixia joined Xiao You in dressing up to perform "Picking Cherries" for her. At first, she managed a smile, but gradually she grew quiet again—the play also ended with lovers parting. Reflecting on her own situation, she felt even more desolate.
Tong Huan and Xiao You were at a loss for how to comfort her, so they pushed Yu Xixia forward. Yu Xixia tucked his hands into his sleeves and said, "Your Highness, dwelling on heavy thoughts does you no good. If you're feeling idle, why not think of a name for the Little Heir?"
Wanwan shook her head. "That's for his Ama to decide. I won't trouble myself with it."
Her attitude was truly worrying. Yu Xixia continued, "Your Highness used to always keep the State and Altars in mind, willing to pay any price for the good of the family and country. But now, just because you're temporarily separated from the Prince, you've become so dispirited. Does this mean all your caution toward him in the Southern Garden was insincere?"
How could that be the same!
"He stationed troops, but the numbers were limited. If he had acted treacherously, I would have surely taken his life—but he didn't." She argued, feeling this reason was entirely sufficient. Then she lowered her head, her gaze falling on her belly through the lotus-patterned jacket. "Besides, I'm carrying a child. How can I not miss his father?"
Yu Xixia sighed. "Do you resent The Emperor?"
Wanwan thought for a long while. "Personally, I resent him. He married me off to Yuwen and then separated us as husband and wife—how could I forgive him! But publicly, he has his own considerations. If peace in the world must be bought at the cost of me alone, I can only feel disappointed, not dare to hate him."
This was the sorrow of being a descendant of Emperor Xiaozong. The succession of Emperor Xiaozong's throne differed from previous dynasties—the tradition of father-to-son inheritance was broken. Gao Gong ascended the throne following the principle of brother succeeding brother, so that lacquered golden Dragon Throne kept circulating among the brothers. Wanwan was too close to them; often, it wasn't that she wanted to get involved but that she had no choice. She had thought all her ties to the palace would end with her marriage, but her Brother wouldn't let her stand aside. The territory of Great Ye never belonged to her, yet she had to bear half the responsibility—all because she and he were born of the same parents.
She stood up and paced along the covered walkway. When tired, she sat on the swan-neck chair. Raindrops splashed outside the railing, dampening her skirt, but she paid no mind. Looking up at the sky, the endless dark clouds reminded her of the rainy season in the Southern Garden. Her memories of the Southern Garden amounted to only half a year—how much could there be! She hadn't stayed until the fruit ripened, never knew the taste of autumn in Jiangnan. She only remembered the pervasive fragrance of redbud flowers in March and April. In the Eldest Princess Residence on Big Hat Lane, there was a flowering tree planted before the screen wall outside the second gate, meticulously pruned by the gardener, displaying a graceful, charming figure reminiscent of a maiden's charm.Lovers, even separated by rivers, lakes, and seas, still share a connection of hearts. While Wanwan stood alone by the railing, Liangshi was in his study discussing matters with his subordinate generals. As he studied the battle lines and deployed troops before the map, a sudden palpitation struck him, freezing him in place and causing him to forget his actions. Lan Zhou softly called out "Ama" twice before he snapped back to attention, shook off his daze, and planted a small flag on the marker for Andong Guard.
Step by step, swallowing like a whale and nibbling like a silkworm, he never acted without certainty. Nanjing was far from the Capital, and once the army advanced, they would need support along the way. Andong Guard was situated midway between the two locations. According to historical records, it was "a protective barrier outside the Capital, with the most coastal defenses in the eastern sea region, and none surpassed it in safeguarding the east." It was a crucial military stronghold in Eastern Lu, where the imperial court stationed heavy troops, with a total of thirty-four coastal and transport defense guards, all under the jurisdiction of the Five Chief Military Commissions. Coincidentally, the newly appointed Assistant Military Commissioner was his childhood friend, with a term of six years. Six years was ample time for him to prepare.
Seeing him once again prioritize military affairs, the men below were all flushed with excitement. These passionate warriors were eager to achieve glory and make their mark, but their ambitions had been pushed aside due to their leader's recent marriage. Now, with the Princess Royal gone and the Prince having formed a new grudge with The Emperor, there was finally hope for raising an army.
After the generals dispersed, Lan Zhou remained, tilting his head to ask his Ama, "What happened to you earlier? Were you thinking of my E'nie again?"
His Ama glanced at him. "You're still young. This isn't something to discuss with you."
Lan Zhou said, "Why not? Your sons miss E'nie too. Brother Ting tosses and turns in bed at night, saying he misses the strange-flavored flatbread and aiwowo from E'nie's place, asking when E'nie will return."
He stood by the window as torrential rain battered the bamboo blinds beneath the eaves, scattering into fine mist that drifted toward him. Gradually, a cloud of worry gathered between his brows, and he struck the windowsill with his hand. "Wait a little longer. I received a letter from your Fifth Uncle, saying she is safe and well. Today is the twenty-sixth day. When the time comes, I will set out to the Capital to bring her back."
Lan Zhou clasped his hands behind his back and sighed. "In Ama's opinion, can we bring her back smoothly?"
Could they? It was uncertain. He slowly shook his head, pausing before saying, "Whether we can or not, we must try. Your E'nie is carrying a little brother in her belly. I cannot leave her alone in the Capital, facing childbirth in solitude."
At that time, Lan Zhou was still naive, only sensing his father's deep sorrow, which contradicted his usual decisive and ruthless demeanor. Perhaps falling in love with someone could bring about such a change, and that Princess Royal was indeed very likable. When he first learned that his Ama was to marry, his mother came to him in tears. While he felt annoyed by the adults' trivial disputes, he also resolved to resent this so-called legitimate mother. Yet, the facts proved his plan had failed. She was a kind and beautiful person, her heart as pure as a bodhi tree, untouched by dust. Being with her never felt uncomfortable. She was casual, sitting or lying down as she pleased. As long as no other elders were present, she allowed him to break rules and even act recklessly. For a child accustomed to restraint from a young age, this feeling was as carefree as that of an immortal.
Lan Zhou said, "I will go with Ama."His Ama still shook his head, "We've already lost two men, sacrificing another would be too great a cost." Then he fell silent, stepped out of the study, and slowly headed toward the Tower of Profound Grace.
Missing someone truly made each day feel like a year. Most of their time was spent waiting, often thinking a long while had passed, only to look back and find it had been no more than the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn.
The color on the plum blossom on the wall was gradually filling in, the blank spaces growing fewer, and Wanwan's mood began to lift.
The symptoms of morning sickness had eased, and her cheeks finally regained some fullness. The first thing she did upon waking was ask how many days were left. Xiao You carefully counted, "It's almost Mid-Autumn Festival—five days left, four days left..." After listening, she got out of bed, feeling spirited enough to apply her eyebrows, put on beautiful clothes. Even though she knew he wouldn't arrive so soon, she waited without discouragement until dusk, and the next day she did the same.
The fifteenth was just around the corner, but this year was a pity. The Emperor and the Empress Dowager were at odds, and no one was advocating for a grand banquet. Moreover, that day was when the moon was full and the world was bathed in its light. Cultivation emphasized harmony between heaven and humanity, and the Emperor was very busy, with no time to feast and play with a crowd of women. He had long made arrangements with the immortal master to ascend a high tower and refine his primordial spirit to leave his body. Once he entered the path, he could ascend to immortality in broad daylight, transforming into a celestial being.
He was becoming an immortal, yet he never considered what would become of the State Altars. When he described the benefits of immortality to Wanwan, she asked him this question. In the end, he said, "Whoever cares, let them care. Let the ten sons draw lots—whoever has the best luck becomes the Emperor." Wanwan left the Western Sea feeling utterly lost about the future. You might say he was absurd, yet when it came to the State Altars, he would use any means necessary. But if you called him diligent, he often treated the realm with disregard. If there were a golden elixir that could make him an immortal instantly, he would undoubtedly trade the empire for it without hesitation.
Wanwan felt helpless. What she could do was limited; she had done right by her deceased parents. What happened next would depend on the fate of this Emperor brother.
As Mid-Autumn Festival approached, she had the mansion decorated—there would be flowers to admire and lanterns to see. She had never longed so much for someone's arrival, waking each day with hope. She knew her own days were difficult, and his must be the same. Standing on the pavilion atop the rockery, she gazed southward, hoping someone would come to announce that the Prince of Nanyuan had arrived. If he did, she would bury herself in his embrace and never come out.
So, starting from the fourteenth, she waited anxiously. Remembering the Silk-clad Guards at the gate, she worried they might obstruct him and made a special trip to the duty room.
Upon entering, she happened to find Jinshi there, sitting at his desk polishing his embroidered spring knife. Seeing her, he was startled and quickly rose to bow. "Your Highness, why have you come? If you have any orders, you could have sent someone to summon me. How dare I trouble Your Highness to come personally!"
Wanwan gave a slight smile. "Don't stand on ceremony. Since you're on duty in my mansion, it's not as formal as outside. I have a matter to entrust to you, Lord Jin. If I didn't come personally, it would seem insincere."
Jinshi waved a hand, and his subordinates retreated backward to the door. He himself clasped his fists respectfully. "Your Highness, you honor me too much. I am at your command."Wanwan thought of Liangshi, a faint smile appearing on her face. "In the next couple of days, I expect someone will come to see me. I ask Commandant Jin to be accommodating and allow him entry. I know the Emperor has ordered you to protect the safety of my Eldest Princess Residence, but since this is supposed to be a peaceful retreat, not imprisonment, I should be allowed to receive guests. Commandant Jin need not be troubled. If the Emperor blames you, I will personally accept the punishment and will never implicate you."
Jinshi hesitated for a moment, glancing up at her briefly. "Could Your Highness please clarify who the visitor is?"
She pursed her lips into a smile. "An old friend. I must see him. If the Silk-clad Guard obstructs this, then do not blame me for being ruthless and leaving you no room."
Her mood was excellent, her complexion radiant. As she turned, the fragrance from her gown wafted from the fluttering palace ribbons, nearly filling the entire duty room. Jinshi watched her retreating figure, his brow furrowed. He had experienced this princess's stubborn temper many times before. In truth, she looked down upon them, the Silk-clad Guard—the emperor's lapdogs, biting whomever they were ordered to bite, their status now even lower than that of the Eastern Factory eunuchs. Her coming here was already giving them face, notifying them in advance. If they were sensible, they would not stand in her way; it would be more convenient for everyone.
A commandant entered, following his gaze. "This old friend is likely no ordinary person. Should we report it to the higher-ups?"
Jinshi gave a faint, wry smile. "How would we report it? Tell the commander that Princess Chang will soon have a friend visiting, but as for who it is, we do not know yet?" His words already implied an exception. It was rare to see her smile; this Golden Branch and Jade Leaf had not had it easy. Let her be happy a little longer.
Of course, they had to pay extra attention to exactly who this old friend was. On the evening of the fifteenth, three fast horses came galloping down the street in front of the Eldest Princess Residence. The Silk-clad Guard pressed their swords and descended the steps as the riders arrived in an instant. The leader nimbly dismounted from his horse; the dark blue silk archer's robe accentuated his particularly graceful figure. However, a golden mesh veil beneath his cool hat covered his mouth and nose, making it impossible to identify him. Judging solely by his bearing and stature, he somewhat resembled Xiao Duo, the Superintendent of the Eastern Factory.
Jinshi raised his hand, signaling the visitor to halt. The man finally removed his face covering, revealing a face handsome enough to rely on beauty for intimidation. There was no need to guess; aside from Yuwen of the Southern Garden, there could be no second person.
Sure enough, his demeanor was refined and scholarly. He raised his hands in a salute and said, "I am Yuwen Liangshi, here to request an audience with Princess Chang. I trouble you, sir, to announce me."
A Feudal Prince, not putting on airs before low-ranking officials—this was already a rarity in Great Ye. The commandants, who had been ready to draw their embroidered spring swords at any moment, withdrew upon hearing this. Jinshi returned the salute with cupped hands. "Please wait at the gate, Prince."
There was no other way. Even in the Southern Garden, the distinction between ruler and subject had to be maintained; in the capital, status had to be observed even more strictly. He had rushed here day and night without stopping, and upon seeing the plaque of the Eldest Princess Residence, his anxiety grew even more intense. But he could not act recklessly; he had to follow the rules step by step. If there were any mishap, this trip to the capital would become a crime. Not only would he fail to bring Wanwan back, but he would also plunge himself into a quagmire.Let him wait, then he could only wait. He suppressed his impatience and looked around. Murong Gaogong was indeed generous to this younger sister. The Eldest Princess Residence was newly built, with every brick and tile exuding an imposing aura, unmatched by ordinary noble mansions. As a princess, she had never lacked material comforts; he only worried about her well-being. In Old Fifth's letter, it was mentioned that she had grown thin and frail. How was she now? After half a month of recuperation, she should have improved somewhat!
He waited patiently at the gate and finally heard a series of hurried footsteps approaching. Turning around, he saw her running onto the stone steps in front of the Silver Peace Hall. Gone was her usual composure; now she was just a young girl longing for her beloved.
She wore a loose, flowing robe, her cloud-like black hair tied high, with golden hairpins scattered all over the ground from her running. Her actions truly startled him, and he told her to stop and wait for him there. She obediently complied, crying as she stretched out her arms, calling his name repeatedly like a child. He hurried over and finally embraced her. She buried her face in his chest, sobbing, "I waited so long. You finally came."
He held her tightly, his arms trembling uncontrollably. Unconcerned about the many onlookers, he cupped her face and examined it carefully. Her features were still the same, but her skin was pale and cold to the touch—she had indeed grown thinner.
They gazed at each other with a near-greedy intensity, as if each glance were one less to cherish. The reunion of the young couple was a scene that needed no description. Those around them tactfully withdrew, leaving only the two of them in the vast courtyard. As the lanterns began to glow, casting a warm light, Wanwan wrapped her arms around his neck and said in a soft, sweet voice, "Kiss me," her tone as sweet as honey.
He kissed her, both of them choked with emotion, unable to continue the kiss. Instead, they pressed their foreheads together, entwined like two vines in the dim twilight.
Outside the gate, the Silk-clad Guards stood like halberds. Seeing Jinshi emerge, the commander clasped his hands and said, "Sir, what should we do now? The Prince of Nanyuan has arrived in the capital. Although The Emperor has granted him a yellow riding jacket, he is still a Feudal Prince. If we conceal this and fail to report it, I fear the higher-ups will hold us accountable."
Indeed, an old friend had become the Prince of Nanyuan. Even if they wanted to turn a blind eye, it was no longer possible.
"There should have been a Memorial sent ahead to the palace..." he decided promptly. "Send someone immediately to report to the Western Sea. This matter could be big or small, but if a mistake occurs on our watch, we’ll all lose our heads."
The Commandant below accepted the order, mounted his horse, and galloped toward the Western Garden.
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