Yеt he cоuld оffеr guidаnсe to Lan Zhоu, but hе could nоt share thе wоrriеs in his hеаrt with Wаnwan. Thе son was his; if she learned оf thоse hiddеn seсrеts, hоw wоuld she viеw him?
If а sоn is nоt tаught well, thе fault lies with the fаthеr—he bоre the resрonsibility. Вut Lan Zhou hаd nеvеr bееn likе аn ordinarу сhild from а уоung agе; it was аs if his sоul had beеn рlaсed in the wrong bоdy. From the mоmеnt hе begаn his educatiоn, hе disрlaуеd а mаturitу аnd cunning fаr bеyоnd childrеn his age. Нe hаd оnсe tаkеn соmfort in this, but now that this рrecocious intеlligence hаd turned its spеar tоwаrd him, he rеalized that a child knowing too much too soon was not something to celebrate.
Fortunately, the situation had not yet reached an irreparable point. Lan Zhou had one redeeming quality: at least he was respectful and obedient. As long as the approach was appropriate, he still knew how to reflect on himself. Ah, this old father truly worried himself sick over him. He would marry someday—why cling to someone else’s wife?
With his hands clasped behind his back, he walked slowly from the embankment of Lake of Graceful Charm. The Cloud Panther cloak on his body billowed high in the wind—tomorrow might bring a change in weather. After a few more steps, he heard a familiar soft call. She was waiting for him on the waterside pavilion in front of the Tower of Profound Grace, her delicate silhouette set against the bleak winter scenery. He quickly forgot his worries, strode forward to meet her, and wrapped her in his cloak.
“Why did you come out? It’s so cold—you might catch a chill!”
She said, “I saw you returning from afar and hurried out to meet you. I haven’t been standing long; I’m not cold.”
He squeezed her hand—it was clearly icy—and cupped it in his palms to warm it. A sweet smile graced her face as she asked if he had finished his business. He nodded hesitantly, “Almost done. Don’t worry.”
She looked back into the distance, where the clouds were thick and heavy, and said, tiptoeing lightly, “Will it snow tomorrow? This is the downside of the south—it builds up momentum for a long time, puts on a grand show, but then holds back at the last moment. Let it snow heartily once, and then clear skies will follow. That’s the way to be bold.”
Following her gaze, he murmured, “The weather in the south is like the people of the south—mostly cautious, preferring to think things over repeatedly. The process of deliberation may be long, but once they decide it’s not worth it, they drop it immediately.”
“You’re from the south too. Are you like that?”
Her eyes sparkled as she seized his slip-up, waiting to see him embarrassed. He pinched the tip of her nose. “The roots of the Yuwen Clan are not in Jiangnan. Our ancestors once herded livestock at the foot of the Qilian Mountains. Your Murong Clan looked down on us, calling us uncivilized barbarians.” Lowering his head, he kissed her neck. “Yet this barbarian still married a princess. That’s fate.”
The two laughed and joked as they returned to the tower. It was too cold outside; after standing for just a while, they were covered in goosebumps. She pulled him to sit around the stove, where a tripod stood over the fire and a bronze tea kettle warmed milk tea. Xiao You finished refilling their tea and retreated backward. Liangshi took a sip from his cup and brought up Lan Zhou again with her.
“He’s now under your name, so his future marriage will inevitably require your efforts. I’ll have to keep an eye out for suitable candidates. When the time comes, I’ll compile a list for you to review. Discuss it with the old lady, see which family is suitable, prepare the betrothal gifts, and bring the bride over.”
Wanwan looked at him in surprise. “Arranging a marriage for Lan Zhou? Are you in such a hurry to become a father-in-law?”He clicked his tongue in annoyance, "I'm just anxious to hold a grandson. He's old enough now, it's time to arrange things. Last time when we talked about selecting a bedchamber attendant, you all said it was too early. Now three years have passed, looking at his stature, he's about ready."
Though tall in stature, his temperament was still that of a child. She hesitated, "If he gets distracted by that, I'm afraid it might hinder his growth."
She was a princess, so she wouldn't speak so directly. What she meant by "hinder his growth" was actually a concern that his health might suffer. After all, young boys, once they become indulgent, might not be able to withstand the toll.
Liangshi believed that sometimes you have to risk something to gain something. Due to their ethnic background, the Qi people matured much earlier than the Xianbei people, with many having children at thirteen or fourteen. He himself had Lan Zhou at sixteen, which was already considered late. Starting now to let him gain experience would mean he could properly marry a wife by next spring.
He went on at length with profound arguments, from their ancestors living in felt tents on the grasslands to the physiological conditions of the Qi people. Countless pieces of evidence proved that Qi people were already quite mature by twelve, and experiencing a bit of worldly affairs wouldn't cause much harm. Wanwan couldn't argue with him, so she reluctantly nodded, "Two bedchamber attendants should be enough. Too many might overwhelm the child." After saying this, she blushed.
He laughed at her shyness, deliberately teasing her as he lowered his voice, "Let's see his capabilities. If he has even half the skill of his Ama, it should be enough for him to handle."
Wanwan grew even more bashful, stomping her foot in feigned anger, "You're always making fun of me!" She stood up and headed behind the floor screen, grumbling as she went, "I can't be bothered with you. You're not a good person!"
He followed her inside. They had both been standing at first, but somehow they ended up tumbling onto the bed.
One measure of whether a man had come of age was whether he had someone in his chambers. Just like the hairpin ceremony for Han girls, once that hairpin was worn, they left the circle of childhood, gaining weight in their words and being regarded as adults by everyone.
In prominent families, selecting bedchamber attendants wasn't a hasty decision. After all, it was about initiating the young master into matters of intimacy, so they needed someone slightly older who could guide him. Like in Liangshi's case, they usually chose from among those who had been close to the mother and whose character was well understood. Now it was Wanwan's turn to arrange things. She looked over the people close to her, but Tong Huan and Xiao You both looked as if they'd seen a ghost, and the age gap was too large anyway, so choosing them was definitely not an option. As for the others, she hadn't interacted much with the older servants originally in the mansion, so she didn't really know how they were. She was afraid of choosing the wrong person and causing Lan Zhou distress.
With no other choice, she had to seek help from the Imperial Concubine, "Lan Zhou grew up under E'nie's care, so I must ask E'nie to take the trouble for him. E'nie has a keen eye for people. Although all the children in this mansion are good, since they are to be assigned to the young master's chambers, I'd only feel at ease if we pick someone extremely prudent. This year it's Lan Zhou, next year it'll be Lan Ting's turn. I'll first observe how E'nie handles it, so I can follow the example when it's time to arrange things for Brother Ting."The Old Imperial Consort Dowager beamed with delight. "Last time you said it was too early, but now it really is about the right time. He's twelve this year, and after the New Year he'll be thirteen. According to the customs of the Qi People, this is just the right moment. Don't leave it all to me—I'll pick a few out first, and you can take a look. If any catch your eye, keep them. The Bedchamber Attendants for the young master will have status in the future, so we can't be careless. In my opinion, background isn't important; what matters is character. Just like his grandmother—she used to wash my feet. It doesn't sound good to say it, but those who understand know that your feet can't be shown to just anyone. The one who holds your feet must be the most observant and perceptive person around you." She paused thoughtfully. "Gather all the girls aged thirteen to eighteen. I don't want to miss anyone. You can also take a look—we're not looking for beauty, just honest and well-behaved ones."
Thus, at the Imperial Concubine's command, all the eligible girls in the entire mansion gathered in the hall. At a glance, there were over twenty of them, lined up neatly, waiting to be chosen.
The Imperial Concubine walked among the girls, pointing with her hand. "You, you... and you..." The chosen ones stood in a separate area, while the rest were dismissed.
"These six have all served me, and each is clever and capable," the Imperial Concubine said, sitting in a rosewood chair with a smile. "Pick two that you like—any of them will do."
For a moment, Wanwan truly felt the melancholy of twilight—her son was already selecting Bedchamber Attendants. In another year or two, when she held a grandchild, she would be old.
These six girls all had pleasant appearances. Wanwan carefully examined their figures, inspected their eyes, brows, and skin, and after much deliberation, selected two. The Imperial Concubine was pleased. "We think alike. I think they're very good too."
Wanwan said, "I've prepared a courtyard for Lan Zhou, not far from the Tower of Profound Grace, so it's convenient for me to look after him."
The Imperial Concubine looked at her, a faint layer of melancholy rising in her eyes. Poor thing, she cares so much. If only her own son were alive, how wonderful that would be!
But Wanwan was overjoyed, as if she were building a home for fledgling birds in her childhood, personally overseeing every detail and arranging everything for Lan Zhou. Once the courtyard was tidied up, she went to inspect the furniture and decorations. The mother-of-pearl cabinet paired with a nanmu screen didn't look good, so she had it replaced with a red sandalwood one. The blue-and-white entwined branch incense burner on the table also seemed out of place, so she had a young eunuch bring the green-glazed Suanni lion from her own room. Finally, everything was settled, and Lan Zhou returned from outside.
He entered and looked around, roughly guessing what had happened. His mood plummeted.
Wanwan asked him, "What's wrong? Don'tt you like this room? I chose everything according to my own preferences. If you don't like it, we can change it."
He saw the two maids standing by the south window, and his expression grew even more displeased. He lowered his head and muttered, "E'nie, I don't want this."
She had expected him to be unwilling, but what could she do? His Ama wanted to hold a grandchild early, and she couldn't help it.She could only gently persuade him, "A real man must first establish a family before he can achieve great things. You're at the right age now and can't delay any longer. Next year we'll have to arrange for you to marry a Young Mistress. These two girls were carefully chosen by me and your mother—they're both steady and reliable, capable of taking good care of you. You must listen and behave like an adult from now on. Don't be willful and disappoint your elders. Your Ama, your mother, and I all have your best interests at heart. Listen to your E'nie—keep them here and treat them well..." She couldn't give too detailed instructions, so after hastily offering a few more words, she left the courtyard.
Xiao You sighed, "That young master isn't an easy one to deal with! Those Qi People are truly strange—letting such a young child practice like this. Aren't they afraid he'll be damaged and won't grow tall later?"
As expected, like master, like servant—Xiao You's thoughts aligned perfectly with hers. The difference was that what she felt too embarrassed to say, Xiao You expressed word for word. She didn't mind her coarseness, just laughed, "I originally thought of sending you over."
Xiao You rolled her eyes dramatically, "I'm the same age as you. I'd be more suitable as his wet nurse than as a Bedchamber Attendant—that would be too old for him, not appropriate."
Tong Huan teased her for having no shame, "Dreaming of being someone's wet nurse—how conceited! You haven't even had children, where would you get milk to feed him? Last time His Highness said he'd match you with Jinshi, and you pretended to be all proper. If that had actually happened, we'd surely be inviting you to take up that high position now."
The two of them tussled playfully. Wanwan laughed for a while, but when she saw the overcast sky filled with dark clouds, she grew somewhat melancholy.
She now summoned the Chief Physician every few days to check her pulse, claiming it was to regulate her health, but deep down she knew she still hoped for good news—she also wanted a child of her own. Yet as time passed, she felt increasingly disheartened. Her long-standing worries seemed about to become reality: she couldn't conceive, her body was probably depleted, and no matter how she tried to recuperate, nothing worked.
Disappointed and disheartened, she didn't tell Liangshi, secretly taking medicine to regulate herself instead, but with little effect. He spent every day with her now—what more could she ask? Her own body was failing her; perhaps her blessings were limited, destined to be childless.
A letter arrived from the capital, written in the Emperor's own hand, saying he had recently been feeling unwell, nauseated by everything he saw. Even his favorite snacks were hard to swallow now, and his dragon neck had swollen so thick... The State Preceptor suggested this was the perfect opportunity for fasting, a sign his cultivation had reached a new level. But the Imperial Physician, reading his pulse, diagnosed it as "failure of water and grain essence to distribute to the five organs, caused by excessive fatigue and deficiency of the spleen and kidneys." The Emperor had always believed in Taoist practices, but this time he was somewhat doubtful, unsure whom to trust.
Wanwan held the letter, able only to sigh. The State Preceptor's words were meant to fool idiots—fasting, not eating or drinking, did they want him to pass away sooner? As for the Imperial Physician's diagnosis, it was even more absurd. Had there ever been an emperor more carefree than him since ancient times? Where was his fatigue? In her judgment, it was entirely due to consuming too much Elixir of Immortality.She picked up her brush to reply. There truly wasn’t much else to say—only to urge him to take care of his health and follow the doctor’s orders in taking his medicine. The Elixir of Immortality was too potent; in his current weakened state, his body could not withstand it. It would be best to wait until he had fully recuperated before using it, so as not to go to waste—he was already so deeply obsessed that ordinary well-meaning advice could no longer persuade him. The clever way to handle him was to follow his train of thought and humor his ramblings.
As for Lan Zhou, he lived up to everyone’s expectations. A month later, Nanny Jingqi entered carrying a red lacquer tray. At first, Wanwan did not understand, but when the covering cloth was lifted, beneath it lay a blood-stained handkerchief.
The Nurse Matron said, “Congratulations, Your Highness. The eldest young master has come of age. This servant has brought it especially for Your Highness to see.”
This was truly rather amusing, reminding her of when she first experienced Kui water. Zhang Mo had taken her blood-stained undergarments to the Empress Dowager, saying much the same words. Later, Zhang Mo received a large reward, and the Empress Dowager also selected a set of head ornaments to be sent over as a prize for her coming of age.
Following this precedent, Wanwan ordered Xiao You to fetch a handful of gold and silver ingots for Jingqi, and carefully chose some jewelry to send over via a servant girl. Not long after, a girl with her hair tied in a bun entered the courtyard. She knelt upon entering, kowtowed to her, and thanked her for the reward.
Wanwan felt quite emotional—this was what it meant to be a mother-in-law. Thinking about it, it truly felt unbelievable. She granted the girl a seat. In truth, they were not far apart in age, yet she already carried the mindset of an elder. She asked why the girl wasn’t resting and instructed her to be even more vigilant from now on, serving her master well.
Raising her eyes to look outside, she saw that Lan Zhou had not shown himself. She asked, “Where is the young master? Has he gone out on duty again?”
The girl answered vaguely, “Your Highness, the young master left early in the morning. This servant did not dare to ask, but most likely so.”
The men of the Yuwen Clan reserved their tenderness for only one person; toward all others, they appeared indifferent. Even if a woman had accompanied them or even borne them children, without affection, patience was always lacking.
Wanwan nodded gently and said, “You’ve worked hard. Go back and rest. The Grand Consort will surely be very pleased when she finds out.”
The girl, blushing, withdrew. It was only then that Liangshi emerged from the room at the back, silently taking a seat in an armchair. Suddenly, he discovered a new source of panic—perhaps he had been somewhat ignorant before, but now, having experienced it, he was thoroughly versed… He propped his elbow on the armrest, covering his mouth and nose. Only his dark, thick eyebrows and eyes remained visible, his long eyelashes veiling the radiant brilliance of his gaze.
Wanwan sometimes enjoyed admiring his appearance. He was exceptionally handsome; even a gesture like resting his forehead or turning around carried an endless charm. The room was warm and cozy, filled with the fresh fragrance of fruits sent from the south. She reclined on the daybed. He did not speak, nor did she make a sound, simply watching him quietly.
His fingers were slender, with distinct joints yet not bony. A full green thumb ring, vibrant and evenly colored, outlined a beauty that intertwined delicacy with boldness. As if lost in thought, he pondered over and over. Wanwan had no idea what he was thinking. Seeing him remain lost in thought, she gave a light cough. Only then did he lift his eyes, a ripple passing through his gaze as he slowly smiled.
“Did you hear everything?” Wanwan asked with a gentle smile. “I truly never expected…”
Never expected that a twelve-year-old child could accomplish such a thing? Given the nature of the Qi People’s lineage, there was nothing particularly strange about it.He slowly let out a long breath. "The New Year is almost here. Once spring arrives, we can arrange the engagement."
Wanwan agreed. "I've mentioned it to E'nie as well. She said such an important matter should at least be discussed with his grandmother. Not for any other reason, but to ensure the child doesn't feel uncomfortable."
She knew in her heart that, although Lan Zhou had formally recognized her as his mother, the bond between mother and child was innate. For a son's grand wedding to proceed without his birth mother present would be unfair to everyone involved.
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