The first time I saw Gu Jinzhao was in the thirty-second year of Yunde.

When I emerged from the Empress’s palace, it was already evening. The sunset’s remaining glow fell on the horizon, casting golden light like burning flames, illuminating the ground in patches of gold with a luminous halo that made it difficult to see the path.

Shen Mujing watched for a while, then lifted his feet to walk.

The young eunuch behind him followed silently the entire way, only stopping when they reached the front hall’s territory, bowing respectfully: “Fourth Prince, this servant will see you off here.”

He lived in a princely residence outside the palace, the only prince among his brothers to have his residence before coming of age.

It was an honor, but also an obstacle to inheriting the throne.

Shen Mujing made no sound and continued forward. After just a few steps, he was drawn by the sound of crying.

He went around to the back of the artificial mountain and saw a little girl in azure blue clothes.

Though her clothing was simple, it was made of fine material – she must be a family member of some minister.

It was improper to watch someone cry. Shen Mujing was about to leave when he heard her say, “Why are you eavesdropping?”

Just as he was about to turn and explain, he heard the person say, “Don’t turn around!”

Her voice still carried a crying tone, childish and hoarse.

For some reason, Shen Mujing listened to her, standing with his back turned without moving, and said, “I thought it was a little cat in distress, so I wanted to take a look.”

He had intended to make a joke to make her laugh, but received no response. Shen Mujing took out a handkerchief from his breast and placed it on the artificial mountain by feel: “The palace gates will be locked soon. Leave quickly.”

“I don’t know how to get out.”

The person behind him finally spoke, her voice really like a little cat.

“Then follow me. I won’t turn back.”

Shen Mujing had practiced martial arts since childhood and walked lightly, making no sound even on the stone path. Hearing the footsteps behind him growing faster, he realized she couldn’t keep up with his pace, so he slowed down.

The Empress had told him this morning that the gardenias in the palace had bloomed, their fragrance enchanting.

Walking this path, he truly felt the fragrance wafting for miles.

As they neared the exit of the artificial mountain area, Shen Mujing stopped, and the person behind him also stopped.

He consciously stepped aside to make way: “Further ahead is the Great Main Palace. If you encounter a young eunuch, have him escort you out of the palace.”

“Today, I lost my composure because I was anxious after getting lost. Thank you, young master.”

After speaking, she ran past him from behind. Her sleeve brushed against his palm, cool and cold.

Shen Mujing couldn’t help himself and turned to look, only seeing a small back, even smaller than his imperial sister.

On the artificial mountain lay his unused handkerchief.

Shen Mujing put it away and waited a while before leaving.

Passing the palace gate, he asked the guard soldiers, “Which minister entered the palace today?”

“Reporting to Your Highness, it was Grand Tutor Gu.”

Only after returning to his residence did he learn that the old Imperial Tutor had suddenly vomited blood this morning. The Imperial Physician said he probably wouldn’t last two days.

The old Imperial Tutor was Grand Tutor Gu’s father and the Emperor’s teacher.

Shu Yang asked him, “Your Highness, should we prepare some supplements to visit the Gu residence tomorrow? The Crown Prince will surely go…”

Shen Mujing shook his head and asked, “Grand Tutor Gu has a daughter?”

“Yes, she’s ten years old this year, named Jinzhao.”

Gu Jinzhao – Shen Mujing silently repeated the name in his heart.

Shu Yang frowned and asked curiously, “Why does Your Highness ask about this?”

After saying this, he showed a horrified expression and probed, “Your Highness, you wouldn’t… By the time she comes of age, you’ll have already been introduced to countless young ladies by Her Majesty.”

Shen Mujing gave him a look, not knowing what went on in his head all day.

The second time I saw Gu Jinzhao was in the thirty-fifth year of Yunde.

The Empress had been selecting noble ladies from the capital early on, mentioning General Song’s legitimate daughter today and Imperial Censor Zhang’s only daughter tomorrow.

She even arranged a lotus pond garden party.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with Shen Muchen, insisting on marrying that bastard wild girl,” the Empress’s beautiful face was full of disdain. “Jing’er, take a good look at these noble ladies coming tomorrow. Tell Mother which one catches your eye. Don’t blame Mother for not giving you choices.”

Shen Mujing continued playing with the ancient qin, and the Empress had moved from the storeroom, ignoring her words.

The next day, he deliberately arrived very late. No matter how many times the Empress sent people to urge him, he still slowly prepared. Finally ready to leave, the palace servant secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Arriving at the lotus pond, he indeed saw the Empress’s displeased expression. He leisurely paid his respects: “Your son pays respects to Mother Empress.”

“Oh, finally got the Fourth Prince here. The garden party is almost over. Why don’t Your Highness just return?”

“Yes.” Shen Mujing turned to leave but heard the Empress’s rebuke.

“Stop!” The Empress glared at him, then sighed heavily. “Sit to the side.”

Shen Mujing obediently sat there, his gaze falling on the ancient Qin on the table, paying no attention to the garden scenery.

After an unknown amount of time, a clear Qin melody broke through the bustling crowd’s noise. Shen Mujing slightly raised his eyes, his gaze falling on a girl in crimson clothes in the center of the garden.

The crowd’s voices gradually quieted, leaving only that clear, spring-like, melodious qin music.

The accompanying musicians gradually couldn’t keep up with the rhythm and stopped. Shen Mujing picked up the melody and played harmony for her.

After the piece ended, no one among those present spoke.

The Empress was greatly pleased and said with a smile, “This must be Grand Tutor Gu’s daughter? Come, let me take a look.”

Gu Jinzhao approached with graceful steps, her manner appropriate, her voice clear as silver bells: “This humble daughter Jinzhao pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress.”

“Jinzhao, how old are you this year?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble daughter is thirteen.”

Shen Mujing had always had a good memory and instantly recalled the little girl who had been crying behind the artificial mountain.

In three years, she had grown into a graceful young lady. When she spoke, the corners of her eyes curved like crescents, and her eyes were unusually bright.

Three years ago, he had misjudged – this wasn’t a cat at all, but a complete little fox.

Lady Gu came forward with some polite flattering words before leading her away.

The Empress sighed softly and murmured, “Thirteen is a bit young.”

Young? He thought to himself, it seemed acceptable.

The third time I saw Gu Jinzhao was in the thirty-fourth year of Yunde.

This year, because of his marriage, the Empress and he nearly had a complete falling out.

“Shen Mujing, what exactly do you want?” The Empress angrily threw down her chopsticks. Seeing him still leisurely eating, she became even more annoyed: “Why don’t you go make a political marriage?”

A political marriage? That was a good idea. Shen Mujing’s eyes immediately brightened as he looked up and asked the Empress, “May I?”

His eyes were full of sincerity.

“No!” The Empress glared at him fiercely.

As expected.

Shen Mujing lowered his head to eat again.

A son who was entrusted with great hopes to become Crown Prince – how could he marry a princess from another country?

“During morning court today, when His Majesty asked who would go to the southwest for border patrol and Shen Muchen volunteered, why didn’t you speak up?”

Here we go again. Shen Mujing sighed inwardly and spoke honestly: “I didn’t want to go. I was afraid that if I spoke up, Father Emperor would send me.”

“Why don’t you want to go?”

“The southwest is desolate and harsh.”

Shen Mujing had a pampered nature and was clear about his character. He never volunteered for such hardships.

“You are a prince. You should share His Majesty’s burdens and solve the people’s difficulties.”

These were all empty words. The real purpose was to gain the Emperor’s favor and the people’s love, laying the foundation for his future struggle for succession.

But he didn’t want to fight for succession. He just wanted to be a prince, living peacefully and leisurely.

He had mentioned this idea to the Empress more than once. Every time he brought it up, the Empress seemed to become a different person.

Usually, she was gentle and patient, even better than ordinary mothers. Only when this topic came up would she become extreme and stubborn, as if his becoming Emperor was a goal that must be achieved in her heart.

For this, she could sacrifice everything.

So after Shen Muchen turned twelve, he chose to comply outwardly while resisting inwardly – appearing to agree with the Empress while doing nothing. He wanted to wait it out until Shen Muchen ascended the throne or until Shen Muchen reached heights he could never attain.

Then the Empress should give up on her own.

“Leave after eating. Later, the wives of external officials will come to collectively discuss Xiao Yue’s marriage.”

Shen Muyue, his imperial sister.

“Xiao Yue is of marriageable age?” he asked.

“She had her coming-of-age ceremony last month while you were mountain climbing and enjoying distant views at Li Mountain. Xiao Yue still blames you for not giving her a coming-of-age gift. Fourth Prince truly has a noble person’s forgetfulness.” The Empress waved her hand, instructing palace servants to clear away all the dishes, completely ignoring whether Shen Mujing had finished eating.

When he left, he deliberately went around the main entrance to avoid the wives who had come early.

At the palace gate, he passed two women. One recognized him and pulled her companion to pay respects.

He didn’t recognize them but still nodded lightly to indicate they should rise.

“You’ve come to discuss Xiao Yue’s marriage with Mother Empress? Thank you for your trouble, both ladies.”

“Fourth Prince’s words are too kind,” the Assistant Minister’s wife smiled. “Sister Gu’s daughter is the same age as the Little Princess. If there’s anyone suitable, we’ll take a look while we’re at it.”

Lady Gu also smiled: “Jinzhao is too young. She still has a childish nature. I don’t want her to marry too early.”

“We know you couple dote on your child, but you can’t let a perfectly good girl become an old maid, can you?” The Assistant Minister’s wife had a straightforward nature. After speaking, she realized her words were somewhat presumptuous and apologetically said to Shen Mujing, “Look at me, getting carried away and delaying Your Highness’s time. We’ll take our leave.”

Shen Mujing smiled faintly: “Both ladies, please go slowly.”

On his way back to the residence, Shen Mujing deliberately took a detour past the Gu residence. Before he even arrived, he saw a small child not even reaching his knee jump out of the residence and run in his direction.

Small body, short legs, but runs quite fast.

Soon after, he saw a girl in a snow-white gauze dress run out, holding a tree branch, running while shouting, “Gu Jin’an, come back here!”

The girl was like the wind. When she passed him, her hair brushed against his cheek, tickling.

He turned to watch. She seemed to have grown taller and developed into the appearance of a refined young lady.

She was fourteen years old.

When she comes of age, he’d have Shu Yang send a gift.

He thought silently.

Gu Suzhi had been Shen Muchen’s teacher. The Empress didn’t much like anyone close to Shen Muchen.

If he rashly told the Empress he wanted to marry Gu Jinzhao, she probably wouldn’t agree.

Shen Mujing sat in the corridor thinking, wanting to find a legitimate reason the Empress couldn’t refuse.

Shu Yang was brewing tea beside him. He knew the Fourth Prince slept little and restlessly, always sleeping uneasily at night. At such times, he would brew hot tea and accompany the Fourth Prince in silent sitting until dawn.

But this time, the usually taciturn person spoke first, asking him: “Is Gu Suzhi part of the Crown Prince’s faction?”

Shu Yang frowned slightly: “The Grand Scholar is neutral, but having been the Crown Prince’s teacher for six years, he would probably lean toward the Crown Prince somewhat.”

Shen Mujing lowered his eyes. This wasn’t the answer he wanted to hear.

“Does Your Highness want to win over Lord Gu?”

Not receiving Shen Mujing’s response, Shu Yang, already accustomed to this, continued talking to himself: “Lord Gu is a First Rank Grand Scholar. If we could win him over, it would indeed be of great benefit to Your Highness. But how to do it? Lord Gu holds a high position and is upright and incorruptible – bribing him with money definitely won’t work. If money won’t work, then there’s emotion… In terms of the teacher-student relationship, the Crown Prince surpasses Your Highness. Miss Gu is now fourteen years old, next year…”

Shu Yang’s eyes lit up as he looked at Shen Mujing: “If Your Highness could marry Miss Gu, then we wouldn’t need to worry about Lord Gu not helping you.”

Shen Mujing held his teacup without speaking.

He didn’t want it to be this way.

Every spring, there would be equestrian competitions that all family members of capital officials, regardless of legitimate or secondary birth, could participate in.

Shen Mujing didn’t like crowds and naturally didn’t like these events.

Shen Muchen went every year because Su Niannian would go.

When Shen Muchen saw Shen Mujing at the racetrack today, he was somewhat surprised and asked, “Why is A’jing interested in coming this year? Don’t tell me you’ve taken a fancy to some young lady?”

Though they were half-brothers, they hadn’t grown up in the same palace. Imperial Noble Consort Su, who raised Shen Muchen, had openly and secretly competed with the Empress for years, so the relationship between the two children naturally wasn’t very close.

Shen Mujing nodded lightly without denying: “I have taken a fancy to someone.”

He spoke the truth, but no one would believe it.

Because everyone privately called him the Buddha’s Child – the kind who was pure-hearted and had few desires.

Shen Mujing didn’t know how this nickname had spread. It didn’t match him at all.

When he asked Shu Yang about it, Shu Yang didn’t say anything at the time. A few days later, he brought him a painting of himself in green robes sitting cross-legged under a willow tree playing the qin.

He asked, “What’s wrong with this?”

Shu Yang clicked his tongue twice: “Isn’t this Buddha-like enough? You’re just missing a halo above your head.”

Shen Mujing looked carefully again and again before finally saying, “This artist’s skill is quite good.”

But back to the topic – hearing this answer, Shen Muchen was stunned, then smiled and patted his shoulder with a sigh: “The iron tree has bloomed? Secretly tell your imperial brother which young lady is so capable.”

As he said this, Gu Jinzhao’s figure approached from a distance. Almost the instant she appeared, Shen Mujing saw her.

Shen Muchen followed his gaze and saw seven or eight young ladies in the distance.

For the entire morning, Shen Mujing observed Gu Jinzhao.

She seemed to be in low spirits today, just sitting quietly among the group of noble ladies, occasionally looking up at the competition field, frowning as if thinking about something. She hadn’t touched a single pastry in front of her and had only taken two sips of tea.

He was pondering how to approach her without being presumptuous or making the young lady feel offended.

Thinking about it, he found it incredible that a dignified Fourth Prince would deliberate repeatedly over talking to a young lady. This feeling was strange but not unpleasant.

Shen Mujing smiled silently. Hadn’t he seen it long ago?

In every quiet night of meditation, in courtyards bathed in moonlight, in the low whisper of wind past his ears, he had seen the seed named Gu Jinzhao that had somehow been planted in his heart, conquering his inner self with hurricane-like speed.

He had long recognized it.

He was willing to be imprisoned.

Finally, when one round ended, Shen Mujing crossed through the crowd to stand behind Gu Jinzhao. Just as he was about to speak to her, he was interrupted.

The equestrian competition was essentially another kind of matchmaking gathering. Gu Jinzhao was among the top in terms of appearance, temperament, and family background, naturally attracting more attention.

He watched from behind as they conversed – the young masters asked questions, and she answered.

Polite in manner, gracious and generous.

After chatting for a while, she excused herself to leave. When she turned, he saw the annoyance that flashed through her eyes.

He followed at a distance – not too close, not too far. His footsteps were light, unnoticed by anyone.

“Why didn’t Miss like that Master Li just now? In terms of learning, he’s the best among them,” one of her maids asked.

The young lady’s voice was soft and gentle, like today’s wind, warm and seemingly carrying gardenia fragrance, no longer with that year’s sob: “They seek me out only because they value my family background. If I weren’t the legitimate eldest daughter of the Gu residence, I’d probably be ignored. These people come with ulterior motives, thinking they hide it so well, but it’s truly disgusting to see.”

Shen Mujing stopped in his tracks, remembering that night when he had only asked Shu Yang one question about Gu Suzhi, and Shu Yang had immediately thought of winning him over by marrying Gu Jinzhao.

If she thought this way about young masters from aristocratic families approaching her, how much more would she detest him, a prince with succession ambitions?

She would probably find him even more repulsive.

Shen Mujing gazed at the young lady’s slender back and stood still, unable to move forward.

The thirty-sixth year of Yunde was the second year Shen Mujing loved Gu Jinzhao.

He thought that no matter what, he should first marry the young lady.

So he volunteered to go to many places, working diligently without complaint, finally earning the Emperor’s praise.

When the Emperor asked what reward he wanted, he almost spoke the words requesting a marriage decree, but still felt he should tell the young lady first.

Tell her what kind of person he was and what kind of life she would have after marrying him.

He told the Emperor he indeed had a wish, but needed some time before he could speak of it.

The Empress was also very happy, thinking her child had finally come to his senses and knew to actively compete for succession.

Back in the Empress’s palace, Shen Mujing casually mentioned that during his trip to Jiangnan, he had encountered a tsunami and was saved by a fisherman. He had stayed at their home for some time, and the fisherman’s wife made excellent fish dishes.

The Empress indeed caught the key point and brought up marrying him again. He hesitated: “Your son has delayed for so many years. Are there still young ladies of appropriate age who haven’t married in the capital?”

“Of course there are,” the nanny who had watched him grow up smiled and joined the conversation. “This servant has been keeping an eye out for Your Highness. Three young ladies came of age last year.”

“Coming of age last year means they’re only sixteen now. Wouldn’t that be too young? Your son is rather old…”

“You’re only twenty, the perfect age. Even those coming of age this year would be suitable,” the Empress immediately interrupted, instructing palace maids to report information about noble ladies who came of age this year.

At the top of the list was Gu Jinzhao.

Shen Mujing saw the Empress linger on Gu Jinzhao’s portrait for a long time, even showing a satisfied expression.

His eyes also showed amusement.

So next, it was time to meet this young lady he had loved for a year.

That night, he sat quietly in the courtyard again while Shu Yang dozed beside him.

He thought for a long time and finally decided.

Azure green – when going to see her, he would wear azure green.

Having decided this, he went inside to sleep, leaving Shu Yang alone in the courtyard with the wind.

However, the next day, after washing and dressing, when Shu Yang asked where he was going, he said the Gu residence.

Shu Yang said, “Your Highness must have heard about Old Lady Gu’s passing last night and wants to pay respects?”

Passed away?

Shen Mujing looked at him, though his gaze didn’t focus properly.

He again thought of that little girl who had hidden behind the artificial mountain to cry – at that time, her grandfather was critically ill.

So what about now? Would this grown-up little girl still crouch alone somewhere to secretly shed tears?

He rushed out. White mourning banners hung in front of the Gu residence.

He went inside, greeted Lord Gu, and in the garden encountered Gu Jin’an – a small child in white clothes looking at him curiously, as if asking who he was.

He crouched down, his tone gentle: “Where is your sister?”

He had thought such a small child wouldn’t understand, but unexpectedly the boy pointed and said in his childish voice, “Sister is crying back there. She told me to guard here and not let anyone through.”

Just as he finished speaking, Gu Jinzhao walked over. Her complexion was normal, but her eyes were red.

Seeing him, she wasn’t surprised, followed proper etiquette to bow, and her voice wasn’t as hoarse as he had imagined. She said, “Fourth Prince.”

After speaking, she picked up Gu Jin’an and left.

The little girl had grown up after all. Even when crying, she wouldn’t let it interfere with anything.

Shen Mujing once again watched the young lady’s back recede into the distance.

After the Gu residence’s mourning period, news spread that Gu Jinzhao’s coming-of-age ceremony would be simplified, and she would observe mourning for three years, during which marriage would not be discussed.

Shu Yang, seeing that Shen Mujing had thoughts of marrying Gu Jinzhao and thinking it was for succession purposes, actively inquired about him.

Shen Mujing listened quietly, a trace of regret crossing his heart.

He would have to wait another three years.

He could only marry this young lady in the thirty-ninth year of Yunde.

No matter – he could afford to wait.

The thirty-eighth year of Yunde was the fourth year Shen Mujing loved Gu Jinzhao.

The relationship between the Empress and Imperial Noble Consort Su reached its lowest point.

The reason was that Imperial Noble Consort Su had poisoned the Empress, killing the imperial heir still in her womb.

The Empress was devastated and took up a sword to kill the Imperial Noble Consort, but was stopped by the Emperor.

The Emperor ordered the Imperial Noble Consort demoted to Consort, Prime Minister Su Ye dismissed from office, and the Su family’s descendants forbidden from holding office for generations.

Shen Mujing entered the palace to visit the Empress. She lay on a beauty couch, her lovely face full of malice, gripping his hand and repeatedly saying, “You must become Crown Prince. You must sit in that supreme position.”

The Empress felt the Emperor was biased – a life for a life, so why was the Imperial Noble Consort merely demoted? This wasn’t fair.

“Consort Su just relies on looking somewhat like Liu Yiyi, doesn’t she? She’s nothing but a substitute, yet a substitute dares to try climbing above me – ridiculous! Truly shameless!”

Liu Yiyi – the deceased Consort Liu, Shen Muchen’s birth mother, the Emperor’s first wife.

The Emperor and she were childhood sweethearts, but she died in childbirth.

After her death, she was posthumously made Empress, entered the imperial mausoleum, and Shen Muchen was made Crown Prince.

Three years later, Su Ye encountered a girl in the countryside who resembled the former Empress and brought her to the capital. The Emperor made her Consort Su and had the Crown Prince raised under her care.

The world said the Emperor’s love for the former Empress was deep, but Shen Mujing knew this was only because the former Empress had died that year.

His father was naturally cold-hearted.

But Consort Su didn’t understand this, nor did the Empress.

She still saw these two as formidable enemies. How could the living compete with the dead?

Shen Mujing let the Empress grip him, her nails digging into his flesh. He looked down with a calm expression, as if he couldn’t feel the pain.

He had come wanting to ask how Consort Su had obtained forbidden palace drugs and how she had broken through the layers of security he had arranged for the Empress, evaded countless eyes in the Empress’s chambers, and accurately placed poison in that bowl of red date and Job’s tears porridge that she wouldn’t necessarily eat.

But he still couldn’t ask, because before coming, he had learned that the Imperial Physician treating the Empress had drunkenly fallen into a lake and drowned a few nights ago.

He knew the Empress had done something wrong in her urgency, and this matter would drag both him and the Empress into hell.

If it were before, he would have thought: the Emperor wouldn’t kill him anyway, so let them investigate. If they found evidence and demoted him to a fief, he wouldn’t have to compete for succession.

But now he hesitated.

He secretly erased all traces of what the Empress had done.

Because he wanted to marry Gu Jinzhao, only one year left, and he could marry her.

Shen Muchen being deposed as Crown Prince was something he hadn’t expected.

For Su Niannian’s sake, he had beaten the appeal drum all night, believing Consort Su wouldn’t do something like harming an imperial heir.

But he had no evidence.

Beating the appeal drum to demand that the Emperor investigate a closed case was a naked slap in the Emperor’s face.

No supreme ruler would allow this to happen, so Shen Muchen was deposed as Crown Prince.

Everything happened too suddenly. Shen Mujing felt vaguely uneasy.

Until he completed all the procedures to become Crown Prince, he still felt everything was very strange.

The Empress didn’t think so. She only believed that killing her unborn child in exchange for another child’s heir position was extremely worthwhile.

She was immersed in the joy of completely trampling Consort Su underfoot and becoming the victor.

She said many happy things. Shen Mujing only heard the last sentence.

“Your marriage to the Gu family’s legitimate daughter is set for two months from now.”

The thirty-ninth year of Yunde was the first year Shen Mujing married Gu Jinzhao.

The young lady he had loved for five years, wearing wedding robes, walked toward him step by step.

The wedding attendant spoke blessing after blessing. He lifted the young lady’s veil and met a pair of limpid eyes.

He had drunk a whole pot of wine outside to suppress the excitement in his heart. She was probably somewhat afraid – her fingers gripping her sleeve hem had turned white. He took her hand and gently held it.

Everyone in the room left. He called her Zhaozhao.

She lowered her eyes without looking at him. After a long while, he heard a small “Your Highness.”

He embraced her, gently stroking her hair. The young lady’s body was delicate, her waist slender enough to circle with one arm.

He had no particular pursuits in this lifetime. His previous days passed monotonously without much to look forward to, never competing or fighting.

Only for her had he put in some effort.

Shen Mujing looked at the young lady sleeping in his arms, with fair skin, thick eyelashes, like a porcelain doll, the flush on her face not yet faded.

He somewhat regretted whether he had been too forceful earlier – she had cried from the pain.

Marrying home such a beloved young lady was his good fortune.

He thought he must treat her extremely well.

When returning from court and passing through the market, he remembered hearing Mu Yi and Mu Xin chatting last night, saying the young lady hadn’t eaten much yesterday, perhaps due to the hot weather affecting her appetite.

Young ladies mostly enjoyed sweets. Shen Mujing entered Jinshan Hall and bought several pastries that the shopkeeper recommended.

He truly couldn’t claim to understand her well, so he bought several different varieties, silently observing that she ate a few more bites of the red date flavor.

She loved quiet and always sat alone in the corridor, quite similar to him.

He suddenly thought of the portrait Shu Yang had shown him years ago. If he could be painted together with her, it would be extremely beautiful.

So he found an artist and described what he envisioned.

The artist asked him, “Why not build a swing?”

It was like a sudden enlightenment. He worked through the night to make a swing, afraid the wood shavings might hurt someone. He sanded it again and again, having Shu Yang sit on the swing all night to test its weight capacity.

The next day, when she woke up, Shen Mujing immediately pulled her to the courtyard, showing her the swing like presenting a treasure.

But her expression was indifferent.

She doesn’t seem to like it, Shen Mujing thought.

But thereafter, she would sit on the swing every day.

She does seem to like it. Shen Mujing couldn’t understand the young lady’s thoughts.

She was indeed a legitimate daughter raised by a wealthy family, managing the Crown Prince’s residence inside and out with perfect order. The servants both respected and loved her.

Sometimes she would even manage him, her tone gently chiding as she scolded him for not finishing that bowl of strong tea meant to refresh his spirit before court this morning.

After saying this, she would be stunned for a moment and begin apologizing to him: “This consort has overstepped.”

She hadn’t overstepped at all. Shen Mujing would pull her into his arms and peck her cheek, watching the young lady’s ears slowly turn red.

He loved being managed by her.

Jinzhao always ate quietly, probably due to rules learned from childhood.

Only once did she eat very little. After putting down her chopsticks, she looked at him with furrowed brows, staring until he mentally reviewed everything he had done that day – he hadn’t made any mistakes.

Just as he was about to apologize directly, he heard her say, “Your Highness, I am with child.”

Oh, so that was it. He had thought he’d made an error.

He prepared to pick up some fish, but his chopsticks suddenly stopped in mid-air.

Wait, what did she say?

Shen Mujing turned to look at her, taking quite a while to digest those six words.

“With child? Mine?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he saw anger rising in the young lady’s eyes. He quickly corrected himself: “I’m sorry, I was too excited.”

The young lady asked whether he preferred a boy or a girl. After some thought, he said a girl.

Boys carried too heavy a burden on their shoulders. He didn’t want the child to suffer.

If it were a princess, she would be the Shen Kingdom’s first princess, with no one daring to bully her.

But whether boy or girl, in the entire Crown Prince’s residence, Jinzhao would always come first, the child second.

On the Emperor’s birthday, he had drunk some wine. The young lady was advising him to drink less when he took her hand and rubbed it against his face.

He said, “Zhaozhao, I like you so much.”

Loved for so many years, truly loved so much.

This love was enough for him to sacrifice everything. He would do so without hesitation.

In the Shen Kingdom, a woman’s monthly period was considered inauspicious.

For a few days each month, she would always banish him to the study, saying it would violate taboos.

He didn’t believe in such things, but seeing her insistence, he let it be.

Since marrying, Shen Mujing’s sleep had improved greatly, but only when sharing a bed with Gu Jinzhao.

She possessed a magical ability to make people relax. Holding her each day, smelling her fragrance, he would fall asleep without realizing it.

These days, staying in the study brought him back to his pre-marriage state.

Shu Yang had been injured falling from his horse yesterday. Tonight, an unfamiliar servant was brewing tea for him.

As soon as the tea touched his lips, he frowned slightly – not properly steeped.

Looking at the young man sweating profusely and fumbling about, he must be new. Tomorrow, he’d have Jinzhao find someone to teach him properly.

“You may go. I’ll do it myself.”

The servant kowtowed and left without daring to raise his head.

After drinking another cup of tea, he rose to return to his room. Just entering, he smelled a fragrance, very strong and unpleasant.

Feeling something was wrong with his body, he quickly grasped the doorframe, suppressing the fire within him. Holding his breath, he walked to the inner study and indeed saw someone standing inside.

Su Niannian.

She wore something thin, her fair shoulders visible through the gauze.

She slowly approached him. Just as she was about to touch him, he grabbed her throat and pushed her against the wall, continuing through gritted teeth: “Su Niannian, how dare you.”

Su Niannian only smiled, her hands wandering restlessly over his body.

He took a rough breath, threw her to the ground, kicked open the door, and dragged in a household guard. Pointing at Su Niannian, he told the guard: “Tonight, she belongs to you.”

“If the Crown Prince treats me this way, Shen Muchen won’t let you go!”

Su Niannian hadn’t expected Shen Mujing’s willpower to be so strong, such potent medicine, yet he could suppress it. She panicked.

Shen Mujing left quickly as if he hadn’t heard, walking straight to the garden and jumping into the lake.

The cool lake water relieved the heat in his body. He soaked in the lake for half an hour before going ashore to find Shu Yang.

Seeing his appearance, Shu Yang was greatly alarmed. Ignoring his leg injury, he quickly rose and knelt: “This subordinate deserves death.”

“You do deserve death.”

Shen Mujing stood with his back turned, hands behind him, his face cold. A great palace guard, yet someone could tamper with his horse and injure his leg.

Shu Yang had a maid bring clean clothes and asked what to do with Su Niannian.

Shen Mujing lowered his eyes in thought.

Su Niannian’s actions tonight must have had Shen Muchen’s assistance. But for Shen Muchen, who loved her so much, to still let her do such things was truly eye-opening.

The next morning, Shen Muchen indeed stormed into the Crown Prince’s residence but was stopped by guards.

He sat in the study’s inner room, where Su Niannian lay on the bed with torn clothes.

This was his first quarrel with Gu Jinzhao. He didn’t want to tell her about these dark, treacherous court matters.

Someone pure as jade like her should be protected and live peacefully throughout life.

The Emperor was furious about Shen Muchen’s unauthorized entry into the Crown Prince’s residence, severely criticizing him during morning court and punishing him with a year’s salary reduction.

The Empress laughed heartily over this matter, praising his taking Su Niannian as a concubine as beautifully done.

Shen Mujing rubbed his forehead, knowing danger had descended upon their heads.

“Is Mother so happy?”

“Of course, this is the happiest day of my life.”

That was good then.

After leaving the Empress’s chambers, Shen Mujing stood at the corner tower for a long time.

Looking down at the entire palace from the corner tower, it looked exactly like a cage – one he couldn’t break through or escape.

When he was thirteen, he had overheard a conversation between the Emperor and Empress Dowager. The Emperor said that if A’jing threatened Chen’er’s heir position, they should act.

The Emperor was never on their side, but the Empress could never see clearly.

She always felt her son was no less than Shen Muchen – why could Shen Muchen be Crown Prince but not her son?

A beloved’s deathbed entrustment, tearfully begging the Emperor to secure her son’s heir position – this was what the Emperor owed her.

How could such devotion be shaken even slightly?

He summoned the Imperial Physician to ask about abortion now…

Before he could finish speaking, the Imperial Physician shook his head repeatedly: “The Crown Princess is already five months pregnant, and with her cold constitution, if she miscarries, she may find it difficult to conceive again.”

He nodded lightly, reminding the Imperial Physician that today’s matter must not be known by anyone.

He reminded the Empress to restrain her actions, but she became increasingly arrogant. Sometimes, even he couldn’t bear to watch.

The Imperial Physician said the Empress might be suffering from hysteria.

The Shen Kingdom would not tolerate a mad empress.

He carefully stored the collected hallucinogenic powder and brought all evidence to meet the Emperor.

This emperor, over fifty and sitting on the dragon throne for forty years, spoke to his son with cold, arrogant detachment.

When had he realized the Emperor didn’t favor him?

Since childhood, probably.

No matter how excellently he performed, he only received bland responses. He didn’t understand why, as fellow princes, Father Emperor was so cold to him.

He still couldn’t understand now.

So he asked aloud: “Does Father Emperor dislike your son because of Mother Empress?”

“You are very much like me.”

He had heard this before, from the Empress Dowager.

She had told him he was another Emperor, resembling the young Emperor in both appearance and temperament.

How could an emperor in his prime allow his child to be just like himself? What would be the point of his reign then?

Shen Mujing produced evidence of crimes, large and small, committed by all Shen Kingdom officials over the years: “Does Father Emperor remember owing your son one wish?”

“What do you want?”

Once, he had wanted to use this wish to request an imperial marriage decree.

Now…

“What your son and Mother Empress have done, the Crown Princess knows nothing of. It has nothing to do with her or the Gu family. Your son wishes to protect the Gu family – after Your Majesty paves the way for Imperial Brother, never touch the Gu family.”

The Emperor agreed.

On Zhao’er’s first birthday, he woke up in the morning while the young lady was still sleeping.

He held the child in his arms, like a little dumpling, with features identical to the young lady’s.

“The little one looks like his mother and will be blessed,” he murmured.

Many people came to the first birthday banquet. Shen Mujing and Gu Jinzhao sat in the seats of honor. He raised his wine cup: “I toast our Zhaozhao to peace and prosperity.”

In the days ahead without him, she must also be peaceful and prosperous.

“Then I toast the Crown Prince – may you have today year after year.”

The young lady smiled cunningly like a little fox. He also smiled, taking her wine and drinking it all.

Upon entering his throat, it was bitter.

Year after year, with today.

He had read in books that those with deep sins in past lives would not be blessed in this life.

He was perhaps such a person with deep sins – heaven was never on his side.

Just when he thought he had arranged everything, Zhao’er was gone.

Such a small child, burned to death in a fire.

When he carried him out of the great fire, his body was scalding hot, not crying or making noise, silent and still.

He held the collapsed Gu Jinzhao tightly in his arms, letting her struggle and scream as he comforted her, like comforting himself, burning with rage like the fire.

He killed Su Niannian with nearly cruel methods, then, disregarding the exposure of his informants, killed over twenty of Shen Muchen’s men.

Naturally, he was also summoned to the palace by the Emperor.

The Emperor told him to stop – Shen Muchen’s vitality was already damaged.

He asked the Emperor with bloodshot eyes why he was so biased.

Shen Muchen was his child, and so was he.

The Emperor’s eyes remained glacier-cold, not answering his question: “If you continue targeting Chen’er, our previous agreement becomes void.”

He violently smashed his teacup to the ground, instantly shattering it into pieces.

As he swept his sleeves to leave, he heard the Emperor say: “Do you know where you lost?”

He stopped at the door, hearing the Emperor continue: “You lost because when you negotiated with me using leverage, what you wanted wasn’t this throne, but the Gu family. Shen Mujing, you’re not entirely like me after all.”

The Emperor’s tone seemed regretful. What was he regretting?

Regretting that he wasn’t like him?

Shen Mujing laughed coldly, turning back to look at him: “Like you in what way? Selfish, cold, cruel, and heartless? Then your son would be glad not to resemble you. Sitting in this supreme position, do you have anyone by your side who can speak?”

“Insolent!” This seemed to strike the Emperor’s pain point. For the first time before Shen Mujing, he flew into a rage. “What do you understand? Sitting in this position, you control the power of the entire realm. Mere romantic sentiments only become shackles.”

“Then your son would rather be shackled.”

Shen Mujing left without looking back, encountering Shen Muchen standing at the door.

Shen Muchen said, “You lost.”

“I was destined to lose,” Shen Mujing curved his lips, looking at him with contempt, “but in the process, I achieved complete victory.”

The forty-second year of Yunde was the eighth year Shen Mujing loved Gu Jinzhao.

Without telling Gu Jinzhao, he went to the Gu residence to see Gu Suzhi.

His first words were: “Lord Gu, tomorrow at court, I will submit a memorial impeaching you. In the coming days, I will suppress you.”

A Grand Scholar who had stood firm in the turbulent court for years could naturally see the situation. Gu Suzhi had originally thought Shen Muchen had good character – respectful, upright, and beneficial to the people.

But years of observation taught him that everyone sometimes misjudges.

This Fourth Prince, now Crown Prince, was truly suited to be heir.

He asked: “Is Your Highness no longer competing?”

“Lord Gu knows that regarding the throne, I never intended to compete. The defeat is set. I hope you won’t tell her what I’ve done.”

Let her think she misjudged, married wrong, and loved wrong.

That would be better than suffering with him in the future.

When he gave Gu Jinzhao the divorce papers, the young lady looked at him for a long time, as if trying to detect some flaw in his expression.

Until her eyes slowly filled with disappointment, she said: “Shen Mujing, you once said you truly liked me. I believed it.”

Gu Jinzhao moved out of the Crown Prince’s residence within a day. He walked through every corner of the residence – everywhere bore traces of her life.

At night, he sat in the corridor. Shu Yang brought him tea, and he said: “Bring wine instead.”

“Your Highness…”

“Go.”

He couldn’t remember how much wine he drank, only that he had a dream.

In the dream, he returned to their wedding day. The young lady wore a phoenix crown and robes, blushing as she softly called him “Your Highness.”

It was his fault for not protecting her well.

Perhaps he should have listened to the Empress and competed from childhood. Perhaps if he had done so, even without liking the throne or heir position, he could have had her, had her forever.

One wrong step, every step wrong – complete defeat.

He ignored the Emperor’s warning and stubbornly sent Shen Muchen to prison on charges of secretly hoarding military weapons.

He stood at the prison gate, speaking to him with a calm expression: “See, even though I was destined to lose, I won again in the process.”

Shen Muchen sneered: “How long do you think you can hold me?”

“Not long. Father Emperor will rescue you,” he calmly stated the facts. “Imperial Brother, live under Father Emperor’s protection forever, always remaining a fledgling.”

Behind his departure was Shen Muchen’s rage.

Leaving the prison, he immediately saw Gu Jinzhao.

He could always spot her first in any crowd.

The young lady seemed much thinner, wrapped in a cloak like a figure from a painting.

“Your Highness… shall we go?” Shu Yang also saw and asked quietly.

He shook his head lightly, averted his gaze, and boarded his carriage. Passing her, the wind lifted the carriage curtain.

Shen Mujing turned his head away, not looking at her.

Later, he heard she had found a Dream Weaver, slept for a month, and woke remembering nothing.

He drank more wine. Since she left, he has always drunk.

The forty-third year of Yunde was the ninth year Shen Mujing loved Gu Jinzhao.

The imperial edicts deposing the Empress and Crown Prince were issued on the same day, shocking the nation.

He bid farewell to his mother and set out for Duanzhou.

He saw again the young lady he longed for day and night.

The young lady brewed tea. He didn’t drink it.

“Shen Mujing…”

The young lady was calling him. He felt his heart being grasped and torn by an invisible hand. He bowed respectfully: “I wish you peace and prosperity.”

I wish our Zhaozhao peace and prosperity.

He had used such great effort to preserve the Gu family. She must be prosperous in the future, free from all worries.

Passing by, the wind lifted the young lady’s hair, brushing his cheek.

Like many years ago, the year he decided to marry her was ticklish.

Only now, he could no longer turn back to watch the young lady’s retreating figure.

When the young lady married, he secretly ran from his place of exile.

Her wedding dress wasn’t as noble as the one he had made for her. Zheng Xianyan wasn’t as handsome as him. There was no swing in the back courtyard – where would the young lady sit when daydreaming?

He laughed at himself mockingly. Shen Mujing, oh Shen Mujing, look at these worries you harbor.

He didn’t leave until sunset. Hadn’t he already investigated Zheng Xianyan?

Investigated for most of a year – no misdeeds found.

He thought, if Zheng Xianyan failed her, he would have him kidnapped to Duanzhou and carve away his flesh piece by piece.

He would certainly do it.

The forty-seventh year of Yunde was the thirteenth year Shen Mujing loved Gu Jinzhao.

Shu Yang said the Zheng family lady in Suzhou had given birth to a girl, named Wanru.

A beautiful person, gentle and clear.

He stopped Shu Yang from continuing: “If she’s not living well, then tell me.”

If she lived well, such attention from him would be improper.

In the many years that followed, he never heard Shu Yang mention Gu Jinzhao again. Presumably, she lived very well.

The sixty-third year of Yunde was the twenty-ninth year Shen Mujing loved Gu Jinzhao.

The Emperor announced his abdication, passing the throne to Crown Prince Shen Muchen. After the new emperor’s ascension, the country’s name changed to Sheng’an – the first year of Sheng’an.

Shen Mujing was fishing by the river when yamen officials came to request his presence, saying a troublemaker wanted to see him.

When Shen Mujing arrived, he only saw a young woman with a red-tasseled spear sitting boldly in the yamen chair, with a man kneeling on the ground.

Seeing him arrive, she immediately stood and asked: “Are you the one in charge here?”

“Who might you be, Miss?”

“This heroine’s name is known far and wide – from Suzhou, surname Zheng, given name Wanru.”

Shen Mujing’s fingertips trembled lightly as he indeed saw familiar features in her brows and eyes.

Zheng Wanru didn’t notice anything unusual and continued: “This person cheated me of money in your territory – two hundred taels in silver notes. Will you handle it or not?”

Handle it – naturally, he would handle it.

His resolution satisfied her greatly. She patted his shoulder, saying she wanted to treat him to dinner.

They went to Duanzhou’s most expensive restaurant and ordered a table full of dishes.

Zheng Wanru ate and talked: “Before I came, my friends told me Duanzhou was a poor, remote place with nothing worth seeing. I think it looks quite good – no different from Suzhou.”

Over these dozen years, he had governed well, and the people loved him dearly.

“Traveling alone, don’t your parents worry?” Shen Mujing asked casually.

Zheng Wanru nodded: “Father worries, but Mother says it’s good for young ladies to go out and see the world.”

“Besides, I’ll secretly tell you,” Zheng Wanru wiped her mouth and whispered, “I’m not alone. Where you can’t see, many people are protecting me – all sent by Mother.”

“Your father is truly… unique.”

“Mother is wonderful,” Zheng Wanru’s eyes lit up when speaking of her mother. “She knows I don’t like needlework and poetry, never forced me from childhood. Even when I climbed trees and fought, she didn’t scold me. As long as I was reasonable, she supported me. Father dotes on Mother, and Mother doesn’t control me, so naturally, he doesn’t either. But they control my younger siblings because whenever I made mistakes, I made them take the blame.”

Zheng Wanru chattered on until her mouth was dry, naturally accepting the water Shen Mujing offered. She asked him: “Looking at your age, you’re about the same age as my parents. Where’s your wife?”

“I have no wife.”

“Why not?”

“In my youth, I wronged a young lady. Now I regret it and have remained unmarried.”

“Can’t tell you used to be a bad man,” Zheng Wanru bit into a chicken leg. “Why don’t you go find her? Tell her you regret it, that you’ve reformed.”

“She’s married.”

“Is she living well?”

“Quite well.”

Zheng Wanru nodded, curiously taking his teapot to pour herself a cup: “What kind of tea is this? Looks quite good.”

Before he could stop her, she took a big gulp, her whole face scrunching up.

“Luofu Mountain tea – bitter, not suited to your taste.”