Liаngshi shоwеd littlе interest in the mаttеr of Mаdam Tаlа аnd thе оthеrs returning, remаrking lightly, "Just send someone tо Sоngjiang Рrefесturе tо inform thеm. Gоing bасk аnd forth wоuld only be trоublеsomе."
Wanwan no lоnger felt аny aррrеhеnsiоn tоwаrd them. She trustеd Liаngshi—if he hаd аnу intentiоn of lеtting thеm return, he wоuld hаve dоne so during the thrеe yeаrs shе wаs awаy. The Imреriаl Cоnсubinе's wоrds wеrе alsо сorrеct: аlthough a Sеcоndаrу Cоnsоrt wаs nоt of high standing, whethеr or not to allow hеr return refleсted the grаcе оf Wanwаn as the Princess Royal and Principal Consort. There were too many onlookers, and some could bring harm with mere words. Why not handle the matter thoroughly to avoid leaving room for gossip and slander?
She smiled kindly. "It's just a bit of trouble. They've been away for three years now. After such a long time apart, don't you miss them as part of the family?"
He knew she was teasing, but still felt a twinge of nervousness. "If you put it that way, it’s even more reason not to let them return. In my opinion, let Lan Zhou go in person to pay respects to his mother. Since he’s already under your name, bringing Madam Tala back would only disrupt the rules."
His intentions were entirely for her sake, and she understood that. However, rules were one thing, human feelings another. While Madam Tala was insignificant, they had to consider Lan Zhou and his new wife. The child remained silent, but he surely missed his birth mother. It would be better to bring her back so everyone could rejoice. Moreover, she had her own concerns. Leaning closer into his embrace, she toyed with his fingertips and said, "Two sons... are too few. My health is not strong, and I fear I’ll hold you back..."
He lowered his head and kissed her hair. "I know you’re uneasy. I’ve heard you talking in your sleep several times at night. You’re still young; there’s no worry about bearing sons. Even if fate denies us one, with Lan Zhou and Lanting by our side, we need not fear having no one to care for us in our old age."
She sighed wistfully. "People leave behind their names, geese leave behind their calls. If I leave nothing behind, it’s as if I came into this world for nothing."
Her worries seemed to have become a habit. Those three years had given her too many painful memories: her brother imprisoning her, courtiers daring to exchange insults with her, her miscarriage, severe illness, and mental breakdown—too many misfortunes. In truth, he had always regretted it. If he had known such great changes were to come, he should have forcibly taken her away on that Mid-Autumn Day. If he hadn’t thought so far ahead and had fully cooperated with Wang Ding, he could have at least preserved his legitimate son...
He dared not speak of these regrets in front of her, only trying to comfort her with lighthearted talk.
"Are you suggesting they return to bear sons for me? What do you take me for? Back then, the old lady pressured me, and now you’re doing the same? You speak of geese leaving their calls, but you are no goose. You are a chisel, carving your name into my heart. Isn’t that enough?"
Even when speaking words of affection, he remained earnest. Wanwan looked at him and couldn’t help but laugh. Then, recalling what he had said earlier, she frowned slightly and muttered dejectedly, "Do I talk in my sleep? How did I develop such a habit!"
He began to tease her. "Not only do you talk in your sleep, but you’re also restless. Countless times, I’ve been half-asleep and ended up getting a good beating from you. Fortunately, I’m a light sleeper and can still defend myself. If you were to kick me and cause damage, it would be you who suffers in the end."Wanwan was startled at first, then blushed, fidgeting as she said, "Then we'll just have to sleep in separate beds. Having you next to me feels too crowded anyway!"
With a look of disdain, she turned her face away. He cupped her cheeks with both hands, turning her back to face him. Gazing into her large, bright eyes and lovely cheeks, he gently bumped his forehead against hers. "If you want to get rid of me, you'll have to wait until your next life!"
As for Lan Zhou, whenever he saw her afterward, he always seemed deeply embarrassed. Most likely, every detail of his intimate affairs had been reported to her, making him feel ashamed. Several times when they met, he avoided her, not even daring to look her in the eye when speaking.
Wanwan had originally thought that with time, he would naturally come to terms with it. Unexpectedly, even after a long while, the situation showed no sign of improvement. She felt she should find an opportunity to have a proper talk with him. If he kept avoiding her like this, what could be done?
The New Year was approaching, and the holiday gifts from the estate had been delivered. This year, because she was present, various offices also entrusted him to forward their gifts. He brought items like fragrant fans and Huzhou brushes to her, but after just a few words, he was about to leave. Wanwan quickly called out to stop him.
"Has E'nie done something wrong to upset you? Lately, you haven't been willing to talk to me, and it truly saddens me."
He said no, still keeping his eyes lowered. "Your son has been too busy with his duties and has neglected E'nie. It is my unfilialness."
After all, he was still a child, appearing awkward and restrained. Wanwan truly was a competent and caring mother. She invited him to sit and spoke to him gently, "When people grow up, they all marry. There's nothing to be ashamed of in such matters. Your Ama and I are both very happy, hoping you will carry on the Yuwen Clan's lineage. Bedchamber Attendants are meant to serve you. If you leave them untouched, we would actually worry. Since your grandmother is no longer here, it falls to me to tell you this. No matter how old you grow, in our eyes, you will always be a child. What is there to be embarrassed about between a child and their parents? You handle official duties outside, encountering so many people and situations. If you remain this timid, how can you share your Ama's burdens?"
Lan Zhou listened silently, then stood up and said, "E'nie misunderstands. It's not because of that..."
"Then what is it?" Wanwan asked patiently. "Is it because you miss your grandmother?"
He shook his head, slowly raising his downcast eyes to glance at her timidly. "E'nie need not worry about your son. Everything is going smoothly for me. The Bedchamber Attendants were arranged by the mistress and E'nie, and your son dare not disobey. But... I have my own thoughts, which I cannot share with others. It's enough for me to know them myself."
Wanwan was puzzled. "So it seems you have someone you like? After the New Year, we will begin discussing marriage arrangements for you. If you already have someone in mind, be sure to tell E'nie. As long as the girl comes from a good family, we will prioritize your choice. After all, marriage is a lifelong matter and cannot be taken lightly."
His face flushed red, and he lowered his head again, mumbling that there was no one. Hastily, he made a respectful bow. "Your son still has unfinished duties and cannot delay any longer. E'nie, please allow me to take my leave first. If there is anything else, we can talk when I return."
He fled as if escaping. Xiao You was utterly baffled. "This young master, the older he gets, the harder he is to understand."
Wanwan didn't take it too seriously. In her view, she had done all she could. Children have their own thoughts, and if they are unwilling to confide in her, she couldn't force them.The New Year arrived, finally bringing a snowfall. Southern snow differed from the north; because it was rare, its arrival was filled with surprise. After the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, the family gathered in front of the Silver Peace Hall to watch fireworks, the sky still faintly dotted with stars. After a night of deafening firecrackers, the next morning, upon pushing open the window, the courtyard was blanketed in white.
Liangshi had been strictly disciplined since childhood. Lan Zhou and Lanting, the two brothers, had to rise at the fourth watch to study, just as he had done back then. When young and unable to wake, Nanny Jingqi would stand by the bed, rapping the bed frame with a ruler, the sound sharp and insistent. Fear of Household Discipline forced one to get up quickly, and over the years, this habit had formed—waking precisely at the appointed time, more accurate than any Western chiming clock.
Wanwan loved to linger in bed in the mornings. At the fourth watch, she was still deep in sweet slumber. He had initially wanted to call her to see the snow but feared disturbing her rest. Instead, he draped his clothes over himself, slipped out of bed, and quietly moved to the outer chamber.
Though he remained within the estate, matters outside still required handling. Some could be delegated to subordinates, while others demanded his personal attention. By evening, he had received two letters—one from the Capital and another detailing recent developments at the Andong Guard. He had been preoccupied with them earlier but, hindered by her presence, had set them aside. Now, with a moment to spare, he remembered to review them.
The Capital’s movements involved not only The Emperor but also the promotions and demotions of imperial court officials, troop deployments around the Capital, and more. The Emperor was a fool. The Commander of the Five Armies, due to conflicts with Yan Sunlang, had been framed by Eunuch Yan. Without investigation, The Emperor succinctly declared, “When in doubt, do not employ,” thus vacating the position. The fifth prince had already begun maneuvering, mobilizing all available connections to push their candidate into that role. Once successful, both the Capital’s defenses and the Garrison Troops of the Andong Guard would fall under his control, securing peace of mind for the future.
He plotted for the realm, each step steady and deliberate. Generations of planning had led to this moment; waiting another three to five years was of little consequence.
From the Andong Guard, along with the letter, came a Tiger Tally. He opened the box to examine it. The gilded bronze surface, aged with time, faintly gleamed with a bluish tint. He clasped the Left Tally in his palm. The next step was to obtain the Right Tally held by The Emperor. With both tallies united, not only the surrendered Guizhou Army but half the forces of Great Ye could be deployed at his will.
Under the lamplight, his face wore a cold, emotionless smile. If love had once clouded his ambitions, now they were clearer than ever. He loved Wanwan and would give her stability above all others. The title of Princess Royal was noble indeed, but regrettably, The Emperor was mad. If another took the throne, she could live without fear or restraint, free from anyone’s control.
Charcoal glowed within the incense cage at the center of the room. He lifted the lid and tossed the letters inside. The paper twisted and shrank in the blue flames, suddenly trembling as it lifted a glow of red light. He stood quietly, the fire dancing in his eyes.
From the inner chamber came the rustling sound of fabric shifting. He replaced the lid on the incense cage, just as Wanwan emerged from within.
Still drowsy-eyed, she murmured sleepily, “You’re up already? So early, the sky isn’t even light yet.”
He returned calmly to the desk, hands behind his back, slipping the Tiger Tally back into its box. Casually, he replied, “Couldn’t sleep, so I got up to read for a while. Have you seen outside? It’s snowing.”She let out an "ah," leaping with childlike excitement as she ran to open the door. A cold gust met her face, lifting the hair at her temples. She shivered slightly, gazing at the pure white snow covering the ground under the dim sky, and said with a smile, "This snowfall is perfect, right at the turn of the old and new."
Standing in the draft, her light sleeping robe fluttered with the wind. He stepped forward and pulled her back. "It's still snowing. You can admire it in the morning—it won't be too late."
Reluctantly, she let him tug her back to bed, nestling into his embrace as she said, "Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year. Shall we go out for a stroll?"
He agreed. "After paying respects to E'nie, I'll have the carriage prepared."
Yet she hesitated again. "I'm afraid the eldest brother and the others will come to pay New Year's visits. It wouldn't be proper for us to leave."
She was never the type to act recklessly, always overthinking things, which inevitably weighed heavily on her mind.
He gently smoothed her hair. She lay against him, a tender burden that brought him peace. They chatted for a while, dozed off briefly, and lingered until a pale light glowed through the window before finally rising.
The first day of the New Year was indeed filled with busy affairs—receiving guests and offering prayers at the Ancestral Temple. Among her sisters-in-law, Wanwan preferred not to stand out. With her serene disposition, she leaned quietly to the side as they chatted away, listening with a faint smile on her face, like a beauty from an ancient painting sitting gracefully within her precious frame.
The consorts were all deeply concerned about Lan Zhou's marriage, and the conversation soon centered on potential brides for the eldest son. As the firstborn, even if he couldn't inherit the title in the future, his prospects would still be promising. Thus, the consorts eagerly recommended girls of suitable age from their own families, urging the Princess Royal to give them due consideration.
Wanwan found it difficult to respond, simply deferring the decision to the Imperial Concubine. The Imperial Concubine drawled, "Choosing a bride isn't like hiring a laborer—it can't be decided in a few words. We must take our time and consider carefully. The eldest boy is rather particular; if we pick someone hastily, it could lead to chaos and unrest in the household. Let's wait a little longer. There are already a few candidates, and it will be easier once he makes his own choice."
The consorts were somewhat disappointed but didn't dwell on it, shifting to another topic for casual conversation. Having sat for too long, Wanwan grew restless and excused herself, heading out to the garden.
Today being the first day of the New Year, Liangshi and his brothers had seized the rare opportunity to gather and went out to play cuju together. With little else to do, Wanwan wandered into his study to find something to read. He had two large bookcases, filled not only with the Four Books and Five Classics but also numerous local gazetteers and folklore records from the Jiangnan region. She selected a book of strange tales and settled behind the desk, noticing a thick stack of manuscripts piled on its surface. She began tidying them up, intending to store them in a drawer.
Inside the drawer was a small box, which she remembered seeing that morning. At the time, she hadn't asked about it, but her curiosity had lingered. Now that she had found it, she was determined to open it.
She was a princess, yet unlike most princesses who spent their time studying embroidery patterns and stitches, she understood military strategy and recognized the Tiger Tally.
The Tiger Tally, also known as the military tally, was a credential granted by the emperor to his subjects, used to confer military authority and mobilize troops. Her eyes fixed on the tally itself, engraved with intricate gold-inlaid seal script: "When raising troops and donning armor, if mobilizing fifty or more soldiers, the ruler's tally must be matched before action is permitted"... The Right Tally remained with the ruler, while the Left Tally was held by the general, typically entrusted only to those commanding significant forces. The Feudal Princes had seen their military power diminished for over a century—how could such a Tiger Tally appear here?Her heart was filled with alarm—could this be a reward from the imperial court? Had the Emperor grown confused again and given the Left Tally to Liangshi? She held the bronze object in her hand as if it were a scalding hot potato. She pondered over and over, unsure whether she should confront him directly. If it had been obtained openly and honestly, wouldn’t it seem as though she was always doubting him? But if there was something suspicious about how it came into his possession… then things would take a dire turn.
For a moment, she felt such intense fear. In truth, she had indeed been on guard—it was her instinct, something she couldn’t suppress. Her heart pounded wildly, and she forced herself to calm down before placing the object back where she found it. After checking repeatedly to ensure there were no traces of disturbance, she hurriedly returned to the Long’en Tower.
Though she sat down, her mind raced with countless thoughts, unable to settle. She had Tong Huan summon Yu Xixia and, after struggling internally for a long while, whispered to him, “Go and investigate something for me—find out who currently holds the Tiger Tallies of Great Ye.”
Yu Xixia was taken aback. “As far as I know, there are two pairs of Tiger Tallies. One is held at each of the eastern and western fortresses of Great Ye, and they should be in the hands of the garrison commanders. Why does Your Highness wish to inquire about this?”
She dared not reveal the truth and only evaded, “I need to know the exact details… whether the tallies can be transferred, whether the imperial court has recently reassigned military authority…”
As she spoke, someone outside responded to her words, “Tiger Tallies cannot be transferred. Who holds them is determined solely by the Emperor, and the information is kept strictly confidential.”
She turned her head in panic and saw Liangshi entering through the door, his face slightly pale and his expression displeased. He walked up to her, waved his hand to dismiss Yu Xixia, and then fixed his gaze on her, scrutinizing her carefully as if he had never known her before.
After a long pause, he finally smiled, though the smile only touched the corners of his lips. His eyes, however, were sharp as swords, piercing through her defenses and laying everything bare.
“Wanwan, so you have never trusted me.”
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