It seemed something was about to happen. When passion reached its peak, everything flowed naturally. She was just a bit nervous as his hands roamed over her body – ticklish, but she couldn’t bear to ask him to stop. From initial awkwardness to gradual evolution, intimate as one person – this was what being married meant! She depended on him completely. The Emperor’s instructions before the grand wedding still echoed in her ears, and she had considered it – if he truly harbored rebellious intentions, she hoped she could use her own strength to turn him back. This would be the best accounting to Second Brother and to herself.
A princess and prince consort living in comfort and plenty – cool breezes in summer, snow in winter, and when spring flowers bloomed they would have a child. Her whole life would then be complete. It wouldn’t waste all those years lingering beneath the crabapple tree, waiting for a good husband who was loving, righteous, and considerate of her.
She cupped his face in both hands, her wide sleeves falling to her elbows, her slender arms looking somewhat delicate. Between his brows was a very faint vertical line – he had worried too much. Her fingers stroked it again and again, wanting to smooth it out and iron it flat. Her gaze toured his face before she finally smiled, “You’re truly handsome.”
Receiving her praise was better than conquering a city. He was bashful yet satisfied, saying thank you, “You’re beautiful too.”
Such tender intimacy, with thoughts circling endlessly – impossible to express completely.
He carried her like dancing, spinning to the window. The windowsill wasn’t high, just waist level. He lifted her and gently placed her up, letting her sit among the intricate carved decorations. She lowered her head like that, smiling as she looked at him, her long hair flying in the afternoon warm breeze. Her hands pressed on his shoulders as she bent down, resting her cheek against his neck. The pulse carrying hot blood beat joyfully beside her ear.
Her playful mood returned as she kissed his neck, “A kiss of intimate friendship.”
His hands gripped her waist, thumbs rubbing against her ribs, gradually rising higher…
“The bond of intimacy.”
She flushed red, scolding him for being improper, but at such a time, what was the point of propriety?
Her soft shoes couldn’t stay hooked on her toes and fell to the floor with a thud. He followed the downward flow, capturing those delicate jade feet in his palms.
The temperature in the room kept rising – this afternoon was as hot as midsummer. His round-collar robe became unbearable. He raised his hand to unfasten the buttons, but after undoing just one, he heard someone announcing outside that the Dowager Consort had returned from her Buddhist devotions.
Both trembled, instantly struggling out of their confused passion. Looking at each other with disheveled clothes, they both felt extremely embarrassed. Tonghuan and Xiao You entered to help her change clothes. She stepped barefoot on the blue bricks, quietly slipping her shoes back on, then turned to him: “You go to Yin’an Hall first. I still need to dress my hair – I’ll come over once I’m properly arranged.”
He smiled, “Mother isn’t someone who stands on ceremony. You don’t need to dress formally either. For family life, it’s better to be casual.” As he spoke, he withdrew from Longen Tower.
Crossing the courtyard, Lan Zhou waited at the ornamental gate. Seeing him, he hurried forward and respectfully presented a letter with both hands: “Fifth Uncle has investigated all the military forces around the capital. With Tan Jin’s expedition this time, one hundred thousand troops were transferred from Western Hills – sixty thousand each from the Five Armies, Three Thousand, and Divine Engine camps. The capital garrison still has forty-eight guards, plus the Emperor’s personal troops of twelve guards – eight hundred thousand men total.”
Eight hundred thousand men – how magnificent! He read through the letter once, slowly folded it, and stuffed it back into the envelope.
“The Great Ye’s military strength is at least two million. A centipede doesn’t die easily – unless it rots from the root, never mind this generation, even your generation won’t live to see that day.”
Lan Zhou smiled: “Fortunately it’s not far from rotting. The northern frontier has owed the garrison soldiers’ pay for two or three years now. With grain shortages, the officers and men can only requisition from civilians, causing widespread resentment and making life unbearable. Of the two million troops, less than half are actually usable. Once we move, people will respond along the way – attacking Beijing is just a matter of time.”
This child, so young yet with such great ambitions. He looked down at him, “Once we act, it’s like a giant wheel rolling forward that can never stop. Without complete certainty, we can’t act rashly. I ask you – how many troops do we have?”
Lan Zhou said: “Adding up all of Nanyuan’s forces, about two hundred thousand.”
“Even if the court has one million usable troops, one million versus two hundred thousand is a vast gulf. One misstep and all efforts would be wasted.” He patted his shoulder, “Son, deep planning and foresight are the way of governing the world. Plotting for the realm can’t be rushed – it needs long-term consideration.”
Lan Zhou looked at him in amazement. The father who once had the ambition to swallow mountains and rivers seemed to have vanished. Since marrying the princess, he had become timid and cautious, fussing over trivial matters. He frowned, “Everyone below is waiting for Father’s orders.”
He made a sound of acknowledgment, “Wait and see how things develop.”
Lan Zhou hesitated, then couldn’t help asking: “Did the Grand Princess say something to you?”
Liang Shi was displeased, “Why are you calling her Grand Princess now? Weren’t you happily calling her Mother before?”
Lan Zhou couldn’t help frowning, “What’s wrong with Father? My being close to her is also for your sake. Do you want me to be at odds with her instead?”
He glanced at him dismissively, “Stop putting on this virtuous act here. You’re grown now – you can’t keep clinging to her. Go do what you should be doing.”
So in his father’s eyes, his filial devotion was “putting on an act” – this was unacceptable to him. He said: “You sent all the grandmothers away. I lack someone to care for me, so I like being close to her.”
Having an obedient child suddenly argue with you was truly depressing. Liang Shi asked: “How old are you this year?”
Lan Zhou said: “Your son is eight, turning nine at the Dragon Boat Festival.”
“Tomorrow pick someone in the manor who catches your eye and take her as a concubine.”
This premature decision left the son dumbfounded, “Qi people don’t until thirteen…”
He brushed his robes, “Learn the skills early, and you can marry directly at thirteen.” Then he ignored any protests, leisurely and languidly strolling into Yin’an Hall.
The Dowager Consort had received several bolts of fine silk and was examining them spread on the table. He stepped forward and bowed, “Your son has returned to pay respects to Mother.”
The old lady made a sound of acknowledgment, put down her eyeglasses and returned to sit on the couch, “Is the Princess taking an afternoon nap?”
He said no, “We just settled in, covered in dust. I came to pay respects to Mother after washing up.”
The Dowager Consort was satisfied, smiling as she said: “So thoughtful. It wasn’t in vain to clear out the Prince’s Manor – trading three secondary consorts for one Grand Princess, we made a profit.” After a pause she asked, “The Huaining trip was quite fruitful, wasn’t it? I had Shucun come to inquire and heard you two stayed together? By this calculation, there should be good news in another two months. The trouble is the national mourning – the Empress just died, and if there’s movement now, I’m afraid questions will be asked above.”
He didn’t take it to heart, “His Majesty will establish a new empress soon enough. When great joy washes over everything, who will care when the previous empress died? It’s just that she and I haven’t consummated yet. If Mother wants to hold a grandchild, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a bit longer.”
Hearing this, the Dowager Consort flared up again, “What’s going on? I even went to Bao’en Temple to pray today – the head monk said the divination shows it’s soon.”
Liang Shi said: “It is soon. Mother, please don’t worry.”
The Dowager Consort said this wouldn’t do, “Since you’re sharing a room, there should be developments. While nagging and complaining, “At my age, I still have to worry about your bedroom affairs – you never let me rest easy! Back then even your father was more clever than you. You have a wife right there, how did you become timid instead? Have a child – that way you’ll have legitimate status in the future.”
As she spoke, she saw a dignified figure approaching from the central path and stopped talking.
Wanwan curtsied in greeting. The Dowager Consort had to stand to receive the courtesy. After exchanging pleasantries, she pulled her to sit down, asking about their journey and saying she shouldn’t have gone to such a place, having suffered these past days. After talking for a while, she turned to instruct Nanny Ta: “Bring the amulets I requested.”
Two jade plaques lay side by side in a red lacquer tray. The Dowager Consort chose one and fastened it to her jacket front, “This was blessed by an eminent monk and can ensure safety. You each have one, and it can also help you bear a precious son early. I’m not pressuring you – you’ve been married for some time now. If you find him acceptable, give him some face! Honestly speaking, I had three secondary consorts before, but none were important people. In my heart, I’ve only recognized you as my daughter-in-law. Once you two bear fruit, even if I go down, I can face his father.”
Wanwan knew the Dowager Consort would inevitably give these same instructions each time they met, always making her feel embarrassed. She stammered in response, blushing before even opening her mouth, “I’ll remember Mother’s words.”
“Still so shy – what’s this about? Everyone in the world goes through this.” She pointed to the silk on the table, “The weather’s getting hot. I’ve arranged everything in previous years, but this year I’ll take a break. Liang Shi’s summer clothes will have to trouble Your Highness. Have them send the detailed patterns – whichever Your Highness likes, have them make accordingly. There’s also another matter – his courtyard needs renovating before summer. The roof tiles are loose and the walls are old…” The Dowager Consort smiled, “Let him move to your place. The lakeside scenery is lovely, and couples need to spend time together for deeper affection.” Having said this, she was delighted and quickly called out: “Hurry, hurry, start today – don’t wait. If the weather changes tomorrow, work can’t begin.”
Such eager promotion – this mother truly worked hard. Wanwan glanced at Liang Shi, who smiled sheepishly at her, showing both passivity and satisfaction. Presumably those sharp nannies in her entourage had long been bought by the Dowager Consort, and the record books had become muddled accounts. With such a long journey, the sovereign wouldn’t have nothing better to do than concern himself with his sister’s bedroom affairs, so the Dowager Consort could act boldly and freely.
The conversation didn’t last long. The Dowager Consort soon grew tired and wanted to return to her own courtyard to rest. They wouldn’t dine together in the evening – everyone could do as they pleased. Morning and evening attendance wasn’t necessary either – use that time to be intimate and have an heir soon, which was better than anything.
Liang Shi said: “Our old lady has always been so informal, which is why all the children adore her.”
Wanwan felt he always made himself seem homeless, which was rather pathetic. But he certainly didn’t see it that way, enthusiastically having his daily necessities moved to her place. With Lan Zhou and Lan Ting watching, he modified and repeated the Dowager Consort’s words: “Your studies are quite tiring, having to enter the study room before dawn. Starting today, morning and evening attendance is waived – Father knows your filial hearts.”
The two children agreed and withdrew. Lan Ting said: “Father has been so gentle lately. Take my recitation – in the past he would have found the ruler and started beating already.”
Lan Zhou kept his head down, lost in thought, “As people age, their hearts soften.”
Lan Ting laughed uncooperatively a couple of times, “I think it’s ‘Spring nights are short and one rises late, from now on Father sleeps in.'”
Though quite reasonable, Lan Zhou still glared at him, “After all, they’re newlyweds – sleeping in is appropriate.”
Lan Ting said: “It’s been several months already – still newlyweds?”
These two half-wits, what could they discuss about new or old marriages? Confused, they shook their heads and walked away along the embankment.
Peaceful times – this was something Wanwan hadn’t expected before coming to Nanyuan. She thought arriving here would require battles of wit and courage, exhausting her schemes, yet none of her preparations proved necessary. Her prince consort was gentle, her mother-in-law loving, and the illegitimate sons respected her. She had merely moved from the palace to a broader world, and now it seemed marriage wasn’t such a bad thing.
The lake excavated in front of Longen Tower had a beautiful name – Yanwan Lake. Coincidentally, her name and his were already connected in Su Wu’s poetry – “Joy is in this evening, gentle and lovely in good times” – as if their marriage was predestined, seeming quite fateful. After returning to Nanjing, he still had to handle Huaining affairs, so a study was set up in the small adjacent courtyard where he received people. She loved climbing high, standing behind the second-floor railings where she could see his profile as he worked by the window.
Living together for two days, he hadn’t overstepped boundaries even slightly – this was quite considerate. He always said there was no rush, she was too young and he feared frightening her. He would wait until she was ready before they truly came together.
Xiao You and Tonghuan prepared their beauty treatments again and again, finally becoming somewhat dejected, “What is His Highness thinking? Whether you stick your head out or pull it back, it’s still a knife – it’s hard on us servants, worrying anxiously.”
Hearing their chatter, Wanwan also calculated – this matter had indeed dragged on too long and couldn’t be explained away. But if he had no intentions, she could hardly force herself on him. Besides, they were so intimate that even without that final step, it didn’t seem to matter.
Tonghuan said it was different, “To bear an heir, you need that connection, otherwise you can only raise other people’s children.”
Wanwan felt helpless, “The last two times I dressed so lightly in front of him, he still didn’t do anything to me. His self-control is too good, or perhaps I’m not alluring enough.”
Not alluring enough? Then find a way to become alluring. He sent word that he would take her boating on the lake tonight. The three of them discussed it and felt this was a good opportunity. Xiao You carefully dyed her fingernails while Tonghuan applied rouge. Instead of a horse-face skirt, she wore a sky-blue chest-high ru skirt with a willow-green painted silk sash that fluttered gracefully in the wind like a flying apsara from wall paintings.
Wanwan felt uncomfortable, “Don’t let him see through my intentions – I’m a princess and can’t be like this.” After hesitating before the mirror for half the day, she finally found a cloak to hide all that spring beauty beneath.
The boat on the lake wasn’t small – much larger than ordinary pleasure craft. A low table was placed on deck with a few small dishes and a pot of clear wine, enough for two people to sit side by side. When he came to fetch her in the evening, he took her hand as they walked the small path, glancing at her from time to time. She wondered: “Why do you keep looking at me?”
He said it was nothing, “You seem different from usual today.”
Except for the heavy makeup on their wedding day that made her features indistinguishable, he had never seen her with cosmetics. She lightly pursed her lips and bashfully lowered her head, “I wore lip rouge today.”
He smiled and nodded, “No wonder – it has a special charm.”
She uncomfortably avoided his gaze, fearing he would think she had deliberately dressed up for their boat trip.
Fortunately he said nothing more. Reaching the shore, he boarded first while two young servants half-knelt on the dock, letting her step on their knees to board. The moon had risen – a crescent hanging at the sky’s edge. He lit a horn lantern on the awning, and after she was seated, released the mooring rope. Without using a pole, he let it drift with the wind to the lake’s center.
The pool was full of lotus plants. Though not yet flowering season with no buds visible, the lotus leaves layered and spread leisurely into the distance. Wanwan breathed in the cool night breeze, feeling greatly refreshed. He poured her a drink, and after she sipped twice, he was still thinking of her red lips, asking what that lip rouge was called. She said it was called Sacred Sandalwood Heart – a name with subtle religious overtones, quite distinctive.
The small boat drifted with the current. Fearing she was cold, he reached over to touch her hands. She loved this small tenderness – wordless and seemingly eternal. She said: “Let me play ‘Travels in Suzhou’ for you – I can play the flute too.” Drawing her jade flute from her sleeve, she leaned against the black awning and began playing melodiously.
Her flute music was light and playful – misty Jiangnan mornings and small bridges over flowing water spread from her nimble fingertips, covering the entire lake surface. The Murong clan’s musical accomplishments truly couldn’t be matched by someone like him who specialized in weapons. What he lacked, she could fill – this was a match made in heaven.
He turned to look outside the boat where the water surface reflected the flickering lamplight and curved shadows. When she finished the piece, he forgot to praise her, simply opening his arms for her to nestle against him.
In the hazy night with hazy hearts, they embraced continuously until somehow they had collapsed sitting, gradually pressing closer until he had her beneath him.
“Wanwan, are you afraid? Here…”
Her heart pounded, but as long as it was him, she felt no fear.
He unfastened her jacket, revealing a patch of sky-blue beneath the cloak – the low neckline showing delicate, lovely collar bones. He was slightly surprised – if this was a dream, he hoped to stay drunk and never wake. Steadying himself, he bent down and pressed his lips to that patch of smooth skin.