As September approached, Eunuch Gao found himself with another matter weighing on his mind.

The Empress’s birthday was coming soon, but the timing was awkwardly troublesome. The palace had never held grand celebrations for it, and considering the Empress’s disposition—she had no fondness for unnecessary social obligations—each year she had simply celebrated with the Emperor alone. However, he wasn’t sure what the Emperor had planned for this year.

If there were to be fireworks, sky lanterns, a theater troupe, or perhaps a hot spring pool like they had arranged one year… these preparations would require time and effort, and he would need to have people start the arrangements early.

With these thoughts, Eunuch Gao couldn’t restrain himself from seeking the Emperor’s instructions. But to his surprise, this September, the Emperor planned to take the Empress south to Qingzhou, leaving him behind to look after the Imperial Princess.

Eunuch Gao asked again: “Your Majesty, the journey to and from Qingzhou will take at least a month, and if you stay at the Qingzhou prefectural office for some time, it could easily stretch to several months. This old servant… this old servant…” *Truly cannot accompany you? Must I stay in the palace to look after the Imperial Princess?*

The Emperor replied: “The Imperial Princess has her daily studies, companions in the palace, mentors, and teachers. You are my trusted confidant, so keep a watchful eye on her. If any urgent matters arise, send word to me.”

Though Eunuch Gao loved the Imperial Princess dearly, he couldn’t help feeling a bit dejected. He had served the Emperor far longer than the Imperial Princess had been alive. Moreover, Qingzhou prefecture was no longer what it once was—now it was prosperous, with bustling streets and abundant wealth.

Even in autumn, the climate would be mild and the scenery delightful.

Who wouldn’t want to go see it if they could?

But according to the Emperor’s meaning, he certainly couldn’t go.

Ah, well.

Three days later, after palace affairs had been properly arranged, the Emperor and Empress departed for Qingzhou.

It had been several years since Gu Yi’s last journey away from the capital. Though she frequently visited the villas and detached palaces at West Mountain and Wu Mountain, those trips only lasted a few days before returning. Now, traveling south to Qingzhou would take at least a month before they could return to the capital.

Xiaoyan’s journey to Qingzhou was for matters at the prefectural office. Wang Zibo had been in his position for three full years and was due to return to the capital for evaluation, but Qingzhou had recently discovered a silver mine, which was truly an important matter.

The strategy of collecting silver based on land area had been implemented for several years, with excellent results in filling the national treasury. However, after two years of poor harvests and with grain merchants speculating, silver prices had begun to fluctuate. Opening silver mines was one measure to alleviate this.

Although this journey was for official business and not exactly relaxing, Gu Yi was… delighted!

In the palace, as both Empress and head of the household, she was bound by palace rules and had to set an example, which sometimes left her feeling restricted.

But outside the palace, things were different.

Even the wind in the open air felt unrestricted.

They traveled south by water, their boat following the Luo River downstream. After two weeks, they were already in southern landscapes.

Green willows lined both banks, with occasional boat docks and ornate pleasure boats moored here and there.

Gu Yi stood at the bow, looking around with excitement, and said: “I’ve heard that the docks in Qingzhou Prefecture are bustling with song and dance. I want to go see.”

Xiaoyan answered: “Certainly. Once we enter Qingzhou territory, we’ll find a pleasure boat for dinner.” He looked at Gu Yi and added with a faint smile, “I remember you’ve always loved song and dance. You used to enjoy watching the war dances from the Danta Prefecture.”

Seeing the teasing in his eyes, Gu Yi thought for a while before remembering that the “war dance” he mentioned referred to the half-naked men’s dance.

She laughed, awkward yet polite: “My husband has such a good memory.” Then she turned away, pretending to admire the golden sunset on the river.

Xiaoyan smiled without speaking.

When their boat docked at Qingzhou Prefecture, it was already past the hour of the rooster.

For this southern tour, everything was kept simple. Xiaoyan wore a black robe with a jade belt, while Gu Yi wore a partridge-brown outer garment over a moon-white dress and skirt, both dressed as ordinary merchant family members.

With three attendants following behind, they disembarked and looked around. Gu Yi chose a two-story pleasure boat.

The carved windows of the boat were half-open, with shadows moving inside as ethereal music drifted out.

Eight colored glass lanterns hung from the corners of the eaves of the upper floor, painted with colorful landscapes.

In the night breeze, the lanterns slowly rotated.

The light flashed before Gu Yi’s eyes, causing her to stare for a few extra moments at the colorful disco on the boat.

Is this… a place respectable people should visit?

It felt somewhat exciting.

She had just glanced sideways at Xiaoyan when a seductively dressed beautiful matron approached them.

Her face was powdered and rouged, her appearance alluring, wearing a crimson floor-length dress embroidered with red plum blossoms. She smiled gracefully and asked: “Honored guests, have you come to listen to music or watch dancing tonight?”

Gu Yi blinked: “Music, dancing, and dinner as well.”

The boat mistress hadn’t expected the woman to speak first. She couldn’t help taking another look at her, noting her elegant and spirited demeanor, clear bright eyes, and a pair of pearl and red jade eardrops of pure color. Her hair was arranged in a married woman’s style, so she must be the wife or concubine of the gentleman beside her, who appeared handsome and distinguished but merely smiled at the woman without speaking.

The boat mistress found this even more surprising and nodded to her: “Please follow me. There’s still a small room available on the second floor for dining.”

As they climbed the wooden stairs, Gu Yi couldn’t help asking: “What kind of songs and dances are performed on this boat?”

The boat mistress paused at the question, and seeing they had come as a family, she replied: “You can listen to zither and pipa music, and watch the graceful willow-branch dance.”

Opening the wooden door, the small room on the second floor was narrow, with only a low couch in the middle that could seat two or three people side by side. In front of the couch was a long wooden table, and before the table was an empty wooden floor space where three or four people could stand.

After the two were seated on the couch, attendants went to fetch food, quietly testing it with silver needles before serving.

Gu Yi took a sip of the fine wine in her cup and looked around. The bay window faced the river, where the night waves reflected both moon and lanterns, rippling with light.

After a short wait, a musician entered the room, half-hiding her face behind a pipa. Dressed in green gauze robes, her scallion-white fingertips plucked the pipa, producing melodious and enchanting music.

She couldn’t resist turning her head to observe Xiaoyan, who sat properly on the couch, dignified in bearing.

Meeting her gaze, he smiled genially and asked: “How does this melody compare to the war dance of that day?”

Gu Yi shook her head. “They’re entirely different.” After a pause, she added softly, “I’m feeling somewhat uncomfortable and would like to visit the washroom for a moment.”

Xiaoyan nodded, and after Gu Yi left her seat, he waved to the musician: “You may withdraw for now.”

The musician dared not say more and left with her instrument.

After leaving the room, Gu Yi went directly to find the boat mistress and explained her intentions. After listening, the mistress showed no surprise at all and asked matter-of-factly: “What kind of fabric would the lady like for her dress?”

She truly was experienced and knowledgeable.

So Gu Yi boldly gave detailed instructions.

Indeed, excitement had to be sought out by oneself.

On this beautiful night with perfect scenery, she wanted to perform something exciting.

Xiaoyan took another sip of wine when the door quietly opened, and a dancer entered, her face covered with white gauze and wearing a thin pink gauze dress.

His expression suddenly grew serious as he looked toward the two attendants outside the door, who quickly closed the wooden door with lowered eyes.

Xiaoyan carefully examined the dancer again and recognized her silhouette.

Gu Yi walked to the lamp, her face slightly flushed, but still began to dance.

Having finally left the palace, of course, she wanted to express herself freely.

She had been learning this dance for some time, thinking that one day she could perform it to add joy to their ordinary life.

This setting was romantic—a perfect place!

She looked up to see Xiaoyan still sitting motionless on the couch, staring at her with a solemn gaze.

What’s going on, brother? React a little! Though her face was veiled, standing this close, how could he not recognize her?

She danced a few steps forward and gently tossed forward two strands of water-colored silk ribbons attached to her narrow sleeves, across the wooden table.

“How dare you?” Xiaoyan rebuked coldly.

Gu Yi immediately came to her senses and stepped back half a pace, pretending: “Please don’t be angry, sir. I saw you and was instantly captivated, so I lost my composure.”

Xiaoyan seemed intrigued and said: “Oh? Is that true?”

Gu Yi smiled at him: “Absolutely true. Sir is so elegant and charming, making one bow in admiration.”

Xiaoyan looked her up and down, then asked: “Why are you on this pleasure boat?”

Gu Yi wiped away nonexistent tears from her eyes: “My husband at home is so cruel that for just a few pieces of silver, he sold me to this pleasure boat.”

Xiaoyan’s brow twitched: “Your husband is such a heartless and disloyal person?”

Gu Yi forcibly held back her laughter and sighed: “Indeed he is. But meeting you on this pleasure boat has comforted my heart. I only wish that you would take pity on me and take me home with you.”

She looked directly at him after speaking, but saw Xiaoyan shake his head: “I fear I cannot grant your wish. I already have a wife at home, a person I cherish dearly.” He laughed softly, “Therefore, I’m afraid I cannot fulfill your wish tonight.”

Gu Yi suddenly felt she couldn’t continue the act. She walked forward two steps dejectedly, when Xiaoyan’s long arm suddenly reached out and pulled her into his embrace.

He gently brushed the gauze on her arm, then touched her cheek.

Gu Yi’s heart beat faster, but he heard him ask: “Aren’t you cold?”

How frustrating.

Gu Yi frowned and said: “Does your subject-wife no longer have any charm?”

Xiaoyan laughed heartily: “Let’s return to our boat. There’s nothing worth lingering for here.”

Gu Yi felt even more dejected: “Let me change my clothes first, then we’ll go.” She was about to get up and leave.

Xiaoyan firmly held her down, his eyes gleaming: “No rush. We’ll talk about it when we get back to the boat.”

As he spoke, he had already picked her up and was striding toward the exit.

When they reached the first floor, the boat mistress came forward to meet them, looked at the two, and was about to speak when she was intercepted by an attendant.

The attendant gave her a piece of gold. The boat mistress accepted it in a daze, and by the time she looked again, the group had already hurriedly left the pleasure boat.

Gu Yi nestled in Xiaoyan’s arms, hearing his heart beating rapidly.

As soon as they returned to their boat, Xiaoyan dismissed everyone and immediately pressed her down onto the couch.

Xiaoyan: “My wife has put such effort into tonight, how could I disappoint you?”

Gu Yi: …

On the Luo River, the bright moon hung high, night tides created waves, and the autumn scenery grew ever more beautiful.