Suppressing the rebel army—what a momentous affair! In the few years since the Emperor’s enthronement, among the handful of court sessions held, this was the most grand. As dawn broke, eunuchs in ceremonial robes cracked whips made of sheep intestines on the imperial avenue. The several-zhang-long whip bodies snapped with sharp, piercing sounds that echoed atop the upturned eaves and flying corners.

The Emperor held court at the gate—not inside the great hall, but atop Huangji Gate. A precious throne was placed at the center of the moon terrace. When the Emperor ascended his seat, all ministers stood solemnly according to rank on both sides of the imperial way. At the whip’s crack, they performed the ritual of one kneel and three kowtows. Strangely, the timing was always perfect—as they bowed their heads, dawn’s rays carrying golden light surged like tide over the dark brick pavement and up the spines of the hundred officials. Then a red sun burst forth, leaping over the horizon and palace walls to shine brilliantly on a row of bright yellow glazed tiles.

Wanwan arrived very early. Civil and military officials gathered at both flanks of the Meridian Gate at dawn, and once Liang Shi arrived, he too would enter the palace from there to have audience with the Emperor. The front court was crowded—inconvenient for her to show herself—so she could only hide atop Guiji Gate. The Inner Golden Water Bridge was his inevitable path, so she waited there. Not seeing him appear for so long inevitably made her anxious. She twisted her handkerchief until both hands turned white. Yu Qixia said softly, “Your Highness, please be patient. Even if His Lordship traveled through the night, the nine gates only open at the fifth watch. Then traveling from there to the inner city takes considerable time. In another quarter-hour or so, it should be about right.”

Wanwan nodded, her heart beating irregularly. Atop Huangji Gate, there were initially some memorials to discuss, but the Emperor dealt with them perfunctorily, focusing intently on waiting for Prince Nanyuan to enter court. So ruler and ministers all gazed toward the Meridian Gate with eager anticipation.

The sun slowly rose higher, climbing above the palace roof of Wenzhao Pavilion. After waiting long, finally someone emerged from the left flanking gate—black silk cap with good wings, crimson gauze robe, great belt and sash, shoulders bearing coiled dragons, always maintaining a composed bearing regardless of circumstances. Wanwan recognized him at first glance—that was Liang Shi. He had truly come!

She stood atop Guiji Gate, fearing she might lose control and make a scene. She covered her mouth and nose, weeping soundlessly. These two years of longing seemed entirely dissolved by seeing him once. So many days and nights of torment—having this day seemed worth it all.

Brocade Guards escorted two bedraggled princes who walked unsteadily. Liang Shi strode ahead with raised head, squinting to gaze at this center of power. What attracted him now was no longer the golden, resplendent palaces, but that ruler of the nation at the center of ten thousand people.

He remembered how that man had detained his wife and caused his son’s death. He had lain dormant for two years, never truly swallowing this grievance. Why had he abandoned continuing north after instigating Wang Ding? Because after several battles, he clearly sensed insufficient preparation—even gathering his own two hundred thousand troops, taking the capital in one stroke would be no easy task. Moreover, with too many wanting a share, involving Prince Chu and Prince Changsha as well, even gaining the realm would end in irreconcilable conflict. Better to eliminate those three princes in one stroke, then convince the Emperor to station the main army along the Andong Guard line. This way his forces could double, and when his turn came to act, he would have wings like a tiger.

Ultimately, in his heart the empire was secondary. He was someone who would repay the smallest slight—whoever owed him a blood debt, he would collect double in return. Temporarily enduring humiliation was to later trample on his enemies’ bones. He stared fiercely at the figure atop Huangji Gate, hands clenched tightly beneath his great sleeves. However much hatred he felt, his conviction was equally firm.

But the figure atop Guiji Gate unexpectedly leaped into his vision, instantly destroying all his iron walls and copper ramparts. He stopped short, nearly crying out—it was Wanwan who had come. She hadn’t waited for him at the Princess’s residence but personally came to the front court to await him.

He couldn’t care about the earnest expectations of the full court of civil and military officials. Abandoning propriety and regulations, he ran madly toward her. The Inner Golden Water Bridge was over ten zhang from Guiji Gate—this stretch of road nearly exhausted all his strength.

She also ran toward him, her vermillion dress catching the sunlight like a ball of fire.

Drawing gradually closer, he saw the face he had thought of day and night—truly only the size of a palm. His heart ached like knife cuts, knowing she had lived poorly. The once transparent and rounded girl had been worn down by years to such a state—it was all his fault.

She finally threw herself into his arms like a drowning person grasping driftwood, embracing him with all her life’s strength and wailing, “I’ll never let go again… never let go again…”

He choked up beyond self-control, forcefully gathering her to his chest.

The imperial avenue was vast. They embraced under countless watching eyes, and observers could see their overwhelming bitterness.

The Emperor gripped the armrests of his dragon throne, his fingertips unconsciously picking at the two dragon eyes. “How did it come to this… It seems I truly did wrong, making my own sister suffer…”

A cabinet minister beside him consoled, “Your Majesty did nothing wrong. Wang Ding’s rebellion nearly caused a great catastrophe. Without Grand Princess staying in the capital, Prince Nanyuan would have had no restraints. Sacrificing Her Highness’s two years in exchange for Daye’s long-term peace and stability—though Your Majesty is reluctant, there was no fault.”

The Emperor shook his head. “Using emotion to control people is ultimately unworthy… Look at them like that. I feel very ashamed, very sorry to them.”

The ruler and ministers before Huangji Gate all sighed together. Perhaps because Prince Nanyuan had rendered meritorious service in suppression, everyone began viewing him with new eyes. Despite vast wealth, he still remembered court favors—such a minister was worthy of entering the Lingyan Pavilion where meritorious officials gathered.

The Emperor didn’t blame his brother-in-law and sister for their uncontrolled emotions during morning court. Husband and wife reuniting, embracing and kissing were human nature. It seemed nothing could separate them again. When Yuwen Liang Shi had audience with the Emperor, he didn’t release Grand Princess’s hand either. He carefully reported the entire course of military affairs, frequently glancing at Grand Princess’s face as if fearing she might fly away.

The Emperor greatly praised his loyalty and courage: “Prince Zhen’an has been restless for eighteen years, repeatedly ignoring court laws—truly a great worry in my heart. Now the Guanning Iron Cavalry is mighty, and with Nanyuan’s strong assistance, this campaign thoroughly pacified the southwest. My heart is greatly comforted. Tonight I’ll host a banquet to welcome the Prince Consort and generals, and then assign rewards according to merit—everyone will have a share.”

But Liang Shi led Wanwan to kneel down, bowing deeply: “This subject’s loyal heart toward the court can be verified by sun and moon. When family and nation face difficulty, this subject would shatter bones and body to repay the country—it’s within this subject’s duty. This subject dares not claim credit. Now that military affairs are settled, this subject only wishes to take his wife back to Nanyuan, to stay together with Her Highness and spend our remaining years together. I humbly request Your Majesty’s gracious permission.”

The Emperor’s face showed embarrassment. Forcibly separating a couple and requiring the husband to render meritorious service to redeem his wife—this matter would truly be disgraceful if spoken of. But he couldn’t admit his own incompetence. His words had to sound dignified as he smiled: “This is naturally proper—why need you request it? At that time I was reluctant to have Grand Princess leave the capital. After all, she’s my closest and most beloved sibling. Once she goes to Nanyuan over two thousand li away, I truly cannot bear the separation. I had thought to keep you couple in the capital, but worried about Nanyuan having no one to manage it, so had no choice but to aggrieve you with temporary separation. Now that you’ve spoken thus, if I continue detaining you, it would seem I don’t understand human feelings. Then let’s choose an auspicious day and prepare a treasure ship. Wanwan is delicate and can’t bear road travel—the water route is more suitable. I’ll also send Brocade Guards as escort to ensure your safe arrival at Nanyuan.”

The two hands beneath their great sleeves gripped tightly. Wanwan’s tears fell on the brick pavement, quickly soaking into the patterns and leaving deep marks.

Where in the world was there such a tragic couple? Coming out from the palace, the two held their heads and wept bitterly in the sedan. All the torment and desolation of waiting transformed into torrential tears. He kept kissing her, telling her not to cry: “I know you suffered many grievances. It will never happen again. Forget all past misfortunes—let’s start anew.”

She only shook her head. “I even lost our child. You must resent me?”

He cupped her face and said no: “It wasn’t your fault. I know the whole story. Don’t worry—I won’t let them off. As for the child, if we lost one we can have another. From now on we have plenty of time together. I’ll fatten you up, and we’ll be well and have a whole bunch.”

She frowned. “How can we have a whole bunch? I’m not a pig.”

He laughed. “Who dares call you a pig? You’re my heart and liver—my three souls and seven spirits are all tied to you… You don’t know how I lived during that time you weren’t by my side…”

He too had grown much thinner. That gaunt face bore deep suffering. Wanwan raised her arms to embrace him tightly. In this small carriage with only the two of them, her gentle whispers were sweet enough to melt his bones.

“I was the same as you. If you hadn’t come, I might have died.” Her face pressed against his earlobe, kissing him with utmost treasuring. “Look at me—I’ve become ugly. Before you came I was afraid to see you, afraid I’d disappoint you and you wouldn’t want me anymore.”

“Who said that? You’re so beautiful now, more beautiful than when I first saw you. Before you had a child’s appearance—now you’ve grown into a woman.” His hand roamed her spine. Though he spoke thus, his eyes reddened from her frail form. “I won’t do anything else now—I’ll devote myself entirely to nurturing you back to health, definitely restore you to how you were in Nanyuan.”

She choked up, circling his neck and pleading: “Promise we’ll never separate again.”

“I guarantee it—never again.”

He kissed her lips—full and luscious. He had almost forgotten this taste. Losing and regaining it was simply heart-stopping.

She slowly leaned back against the pillow piled with embroidered pythons. Her small face, from renewed hope, became brilliantly radiant. He felt reckless impulses, bashfully complaining: “How bitter it is without my wife by my side. His Majesty revels nightly—how could he understand?” He pulled her hand to his groin. “I think having five children in a row wouldn’t be a problem.”

Wanwan blushed scarlet, letting him fondle her. Her most intimate person entwining with her made the loneliness of his absence even more apparent.

This was good. She closed her eyes thinking—finally the day of deliverance had come. She would be with him, never to part for all eternity. He had stirred her into a pool of spring water. She gazed at him tenderly with infinite tolerance. The sedan progressed slowly, the leisurely bell sounds on the curtains echoing. Seeing they were about to lose control, she shrank her neck and reminded: “We’re not home yet…”

He could barely restrain himself but couldn’t damage her princess’s dignity. He reluctantly rose and straightened his clothes. Upon entering Grand Princess’s residence, he immediately carried her to the inner quarters, driving everyone from within the second gate.

She lay on the bed smiling like a flower. He supported himself on both arms, hovering above her. “This isn’t a dream, is it?”

She reached up to gently stroke his shoulder. “No, it’s as real as can be.”

He bent down to kiss her. Their warm skin heated each other, causing trembling. He tried to be as gentle as possible, cherishing how she had suffered such severe trauma. She looked at him with hazy, dependent and yearning eyes. He felt guilty and ashamed—she truly loved him, completely and utterly, from the depths of her soul.

A woman’s body was like a flower—it needed irrigation to bloom. He could clearly see those veins becoming distinct, each leaf and petal gradually unfurling, extraordinarily enchanting. He always held back thirty percent, not daring to be presumptuous. She smiled with pursed lips: “I’m fine… you’re fine…”

Encouraged, he went wild. She swayed gracefully, reborn through fire.

Just like this, continuing to love tenderly, filling up these two years of separation. She called his name in a daze. He gathered her in his arms, saying warmly: “I’m here.” When love reached its peak, all the tenderness filling his heart wasn’t enough for her—what could he do?

She was about to be submerged by waves. Before drowning, she saw his eyes—golden rings brilliant. Not knowing where such great strength came from, she arched her body to press against him, hearing his suppressed low moans. He too was as happy as she.

Heaven and earth went dark. Souls returned to their places—this was after who knows how long. Even in sleep they groped to find each other. He remembered when alone in Nanyuan, seeking her and not finding her, sitting up startled in the middle of the night, staring blankly until dawn—such days were unbearable to recall. He tightened his arms, letting her rest in his embrace. Their two bodies were like a taiji diagram—only together were they complete.

But waking from sleep, it was actually dark, frightening Wanwan into crying out. The great banquet to reward meritorious officials in the palace had probably already begun. With them arriving so late, the Emperor might think he was putting on airs and become suspicious again.

He only smiled, telling her to relax. At this time, the Emperor would be tolerant no matter what. He had just rendered great service to the court—ruler and minister were in a new honeymoon period. They wouldn’t be casually blamed for missing dinner due to the couple’s reunion.

He even had the leisure to carefully select jewelry and hairpins for her.

Wanwan looked up saying: “Hurry up! Don’t provoke dragon’s wrath and prevent me from returning to Nanyuan again.”

He was quite stubborn: “What couple doesn’t make love when reuniting? Losing track of time in a moment—His Majesty is experienced in such matters and can understand our circumstances.”

This man! Wanwan glanced at Tonghuan who was dressing her hair. Even Tonghuan’s face, which could weather storms, showed embarrassment. Wanwan felt even more awkward, lowering her head. Her slender neck under the lamplight was dazzlingly white.

Finally properly dressed, when they entered the palace the opera on stage had already begun. The couple joined hands to pay respects to the Emperor. Wanwan stammered an explanation about their carriage having problems and being delayed on the road.

The Emperor was after all a veteran of romantic scenes. Glancing at them, his heart was clear as a mirror. He magnanimously waved his hand: “I understand, I understand. What’s wrong with arriving late? Would I blame you for that?”

Indeed as Liang Shi had said—everything was negotiable.

Because his brother-in-law had helped this time, the Emperor’s attitude toward him underwent obvious change. In his view, Prince Nanyuan could finally prove his position. That intimacy was something countless beautiful women couldn’t achieve. He regarded him as a confidant, talking about everything without reserve. From current affairs to court politics, he was willing to hear his brother-in-law’s opinions.

Liang Shi spoke with great propriety—what words to say, what to avoid—he advanced and retreated appropriately, leaving no gaps. Finally discussing the large armies left by those three princes—after several battles, one hundred sixty thousand remained. He probed: “Andong Guard faces the vast sea to the south and locks Official Mountain to the north—it has always been a military stronghold in eastern Shandong. In recent years, pirates have been troublesome at sea. With sufficient forces, the court could launch full attacks at one command—why wait for troop deployments from the capital? By land, the terrain is treacherous and easily defended—it’s also a barrier for the capital. So this subject temporarily stationed the army there. Perhaps this subject’s humble opinion has shortcomings—everything depends on Your Majesty’s decision.”

The Emperor excelled at poetry and songs. If you asked him to express feelings and praise some young wife’s big bottom, he could speak eloquently. But asking him to place commander flags on sand tables and move hundreds of thousands of troops around—that wasn’t his strength. In Daye’s two hundred sixty years, what was lacking were capable generals and military strategy. Prince Nanyuan’s logical reasoning was like grasping a lifeline. He grabbed it with both hands, slapping his brother-in-law’s hand back with resounding claps—

“Good, good, good! Do as you say. The Prince Consort is truly my Daye’s right arm. With Liang Shi here, the realm can be at peace.”

The Empress looked askance due to the Emperor’s words, but glancing up, she met Prince Nanyuan’s gaze directly. Those two looks were like blade edges, sealing her throat. The Empress hastily looked away, her expression suddenly changing dramatically.