Just past New Year’s Day, the usually imposing head steward of the Yuan residence waited anxiously at the side gate, sweating profusely. He looked into the distance and saw a familiar carriage slowly approaching. The carriage walls were garishly embroidered with many strange patterns using gold, silver, pearls, shells, and kingfisher feathers—from afar they looked like a child’s scribbled talismans, but up close they were actually genuine talismanic symbols.

The head steward’s face lit with joy. He personally went forward to greet them, bowing and bending to help down from the carriage a spirited elderly man with grizzled hair and beard, chattering incessantly, “Thank heaven and earth, you’ve finally come! Aiyaya, we were at our wits’ end…”

The old man’s face was full of impatience. “Wasn’t he fine last time? How has it happened again? Who provoked him this time?”

The head steward looked distressed. “Elder Cheng, no one in our entire household dares take those words to heart! What prestige does the old master have in the residence? Usually his word is law—who would dare provoke him? It’s just, it’s just…”

The old man snorted coldly. “Hmph! This person—spent decades outside appearing refined and eloquent with an embroidered heart, but at home is so fierce. Speak clearly, or I’m leaving.”

The head steward could only tell the truth. “The eldest son’s seventh daughter is about to marry. Yesterday the old master took some notion and personally opened the storeroom to add to seventh daughter’s dowry. Everything was fine at first, but as he was searching through things, the old master suddenly muttered to himself, ‘Shaoshang would definitely love this fabric. Tomorrow I’ll personally deliver it to her’…”

The old man helplessly scratched his ear. “This is just recalling old habits.”

The head steward sighed mournfully. “Who’s saying it isn’t? Back then, the young master always loved sending things here and there to Shao—to Marchioness Huo. I was still serving as a page boy beside the young master then. I remember for many years in a row, whenever the young master opened the storeroom, seeing anything made him think whether Marchioness Huo would like it. This has become an ingrained habit. Elder Cheng, you know this matter best…”

He glimpsed the spirited old man’s expression turning sour and quickly shut his mouth. Back when he followed Yuan Shen to the Cheng family daily, the one responsible for turning them away was precisely this Third Young Master Cheng who loved discussing celestial way, astrology, cosmic cycles, and reincarnation. Both sides were acquainted.

Cheng Shao Gong turned his face away angrily. “Who told him to send things? Who told him to! Back then I spent so much effort trying to chase him away, but he stuck like medicinal plaster, refusing to leave. He brought this suffering on himself—who else can he blame?”

The head steward smiled apologetically. “You’re absolutely right, absolutely right. But now those of the old master’s generation who are friends and relatives have either passed away or aren’t in the capital. This lowly one could only come find you.”

Cheng Shao Gong scratched his ear irritably. “Fine, fine, fine! Quickly lead the way!”

It was the first month, spring still cold and sharp. Following the pond covered with thin snow, they walked all the way into the depths of the residence, arriving before a tall bamboo pavilion enclosed on all sides by warm walls. There sat a dignified and solemn, refined elderly scholar in the seat of honor. A tea stove burned nearby. He was sternly rebuking a clear-browed, handsome young master in fine clothes kneeling before him.

The head steward exclaimed, “Isn’t that the fourth young master? Alas, over twenty years old and still with a child’s temper, constantly provoking the old master’s anger.”

Seeing Yuan Shen was disciplining his son, Cheng Shao Gong simply hid behind a thick bamboo stalk, having the head steward not announce him yet.

Yuan Shen rubbed his tightly furrowed brow, his voice carrying some helplessness. “Stop these wild fantasies. Study properly and produce some real scholarship—that’s better than anything else…”

Fourth Young Master Yuan stiffened his neck. “When your son was young, Father taught me to read Kuai Tong’s books. Father said though Kuai Tong was arrogant, he had one saying that was right: ‘A fierce tiger’s hesitation is not as good as a bee or scorpion’s sting; a fine steed’s hesitation is not as good as a nag’s steady pace; Meng Ben’s doubt is not as good as a common man’s certainty’…”

Yuan Shen felt his head ache. “What exactly are you trying to say?” Fourth Young Master Yuan was born to a concubine he took in middle age. Who knows where he went wrong in teaching—this child had not half his own smooth cunning, but rather a stubborn bookworm temperament.

“Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. Your son has read so many books—surely he should go outside and see…”

“Didn’t Father let you go see? You’ve traveled east, south, west, and north!”

“Those were all Father’s friends and relatives’ homes! Each time I went, Father also had me deliver letters and gifts—how can that count as going out? A man wears his sword and travels the four directions, in the years of poetry and books…”

“Have you been reading Lord Ban’s travel records again recently?” Before his son could finish reciting poetry, Yuan Shen coldly interrupted.

Caught out, Fourth Young Master Yuan’s expression became awkward. “Your son heard that Uncle Ban was also gentle-natured in his youth and loved to cry. Even he could travel far to the Western Regions. Now his son has inherited his father’s career—one family, two marquises…”

Yuan Shen sighed deeply. “Your Uncle Ban only appeared gentle. Actually, from when he first began his studies, he was rarely sick. Don’t look at how timid and weak he was—actually he had one great talent: he could recognize routes. Years ago when he and the late emperor went to investigate land survey decree matters and got trapped in deep mountains—the mountain paths winding, locals calling it ‘ghost walls,’ even the old farmers leading the way at their wits’ end—he was actually able to lead the late emperor back out following the original path.”

“Precisely because of this ability, later he dared to travel deserts with no markers and no travelers, and came out whole and intact. And you? You’re directionally challenged—don’t you know that yourself? If a cool breeze blows, you’ll be bedridden for three days. Don’t you have any sense of your own constitution? Looks like you haven’t drunk enough medicinal soup!” Yuan Shen’s voice grew louder. “Get out of my sight! If you dare babble more, I’ll break your legs first and see where you can walk to! Go, go!”

Fourth Young Master Yuan was shouted dizzy and could only retreat unwillingly and resentfully.

Cheng Shao Gong turned his head. “His mind seems quite clear? Scolding his son so methodically.”

The head steward smiled bitterly. “Keep listening.”

At this moment another young master in fine clothes and jade crown entered and knelt before Yuan Shen.

Cheng Shao Gong asked quietly, “Your family has many sons and grandsons—I can’t tell them apart. Who’s this one with the oily, powdered face?”

The head steward quickly clarified. “He’s the eldest son’s fifth young master. Among so many young masters in the residence, he’s the most handsome in appearance.”

Cheng Shao Gong rolled his eyes.

Yuan Shen was already in a foul mood. Seeing his grandson’s cowering appearance made him even more displeased. “I confined you for half a month to copy books facing the wall. Have you thought things through now?”

Fifth Young Master Yuan’s eyes reddened. “Grandfather, your grandson’s feelings for Miss Wu are, are genuine…”

“Genuine? You know what genuine feelings mean?” Yuan Shen said ill-humoredly.

Fifth Young Master Yuan was still sniffling below.

Yuan Shen stroked his beard, his eyes revealing mockery. “How about this—when your great-grandparents passed, because of pressing court affairs, Grandfather only observed mourning for seven months. Over these years I’ve often felt guilty. You go back to the ancestral home now and observe the remaining seventeen months of mourning for Grandfather, completing Grandfather’s regret. When you return, Grandfather will arrange for you to marry Miss Wu as your wife—how’s that?”

Fifth Young Master Yuan’s heart was in turmoil, torn in all directions. He thought he greatly loved the Wu woman, but if he had to leave this world of pleasures and return to the rigid old home to suffer for over a year—that was harder than killing him.

Yuan Shen smiled with a snort. “Or else… in a couple years when I retire, His Majesty will surely allow me to recommend one or two Yuan clan youngsters. By order of age and scholarship, it should be your turn and sixth young master from second brother’s family. But if you’re willing to let this opportunity go to seventh young master from third uncle’s family, you can still marry Miss Wu.”

Fifth Young Master Yuan’s mouth dropped open. This concerned his future prospects—it made the choice even more difficult.

The Yuan clan had numerous sons and grandsons. He wasn’t like his eldest cousin with talent and reputation filling the scholarly forests, nor like third uncle understanding waterworks and able to govern people, much less having a distinguished father-in-law’s family like Marchioness Huo’s, with several brothers-in-law each shrewd and capable, favored in the imperial heart.

He opened his mouth several times wanting to speak but stopped, finally mumbling, “Your grandson heard people say that Grandfather in his youth also had fate but no destiny with a beloved woman. Why can’t you sympathize with your grandson…” This was a very old rumor. Who that woman was, few could say clearly now.

Yuan Shen laughed in anger. “This is what your mother told you. Women—their ears are too long!” His laugh was full of mockery. “Not wrong—there was such a person.”

“But if you can’t give up what you value for her, you dare say it’s genuine feelings? Exchanging glances behind a screen a few times counts as genuine feelings?! If you dare say one more word, get out and garrison the northern desert—our Yuan family’s sons are lacking military generals!”

The last sentence Yuan Shen roared out. Fifth Young Master Yuan tumbled and crawled out.

Cheng Shao Gong couldn’t help turning back again. “I see his vigor is full, his words sharp—where’s the problem?”

The head steward pleaded repeatedly. “You’ll know once you go over.”

Cheng Shao Gong flicked his sleeves and strode toward the bamboo pavilion, shouting as he walked, “An old friend visits—won’t Shanjian come greet his guest?”

Yuan Shen looked up and saw him, immediately saying, “Has your wife run away from home to cultivate immortality again?”

“Nonsense! No such thing! My wife and I are deeply affectionate—what immortality to cultivate, what running away!” Cheng Shao Gong nearly stumbled, puffing his beard and glaring in anger.

Yuan Shen’s brows and eyes didn’t move. “The second year after you married, she secretly slipped away once. Fortunately she was pregnant so it didn’t work out. After giving birth to your eldest daughter, she ran again. If your mother hadn’t prepared in advance, it would have succeeded. Not long after your eldest son married, she wanted to go to the mountains to cultivate immortality again—you feigned illness to keep her. Recently your household has been peaceful, children and grandchildren harmonious—I estimate she’s having thoughts again!”

Though hit on the mark, Cheng Shao Gong absolutely couldn’t admit it, so he said loudly, “Absolutely not! Young couples are companions in old age. My wife and I now play in perfect harmony—we’re planning to jointly write an astrology book!”

“Then what are you here for?” Yuan Shen frowned. “You’ve already touched all the astrology books in my house—what more do you want?”

“Can’t I come visit you?! You had a serious illness last month—can’t I worry about you?!” Cheng Shao Gong was furious.

He now just wanted to vigorously shake the head steward and ask him, “Where exactly is Yuan Shanjian unwell? Why did you call me here?!”

Yuan Shen stood up and patted his robe. “No time to receive you today. Yesterday I found a piece of fine silk gauze. Shaoshang most fears heat in summer—I’m taking it to make her summer robes.”

Cheng Shao Gong froze, immediately stiffening. He said awkwardly, “Aren’t you afraid Huo Buyi will give you a cold look?”

Yuan Shen laughed heartily. “Between close friends and relatives by marriage, where’s the need for anger?”

Cheng Shao Gong smiled bitterly. “All these years, you’ve always found excuses to go to the Huo residence, making the entire capital think you and Marquis Huo have deep friendship. Who knew it was just you making trouble? If not for seeing you’re frail, Huo Zicheng would have given you a good beating long ago!”

“That’s why he’s been desperately wanting to be posted outside!” Yuan Shen laughed heartily. “Unfortunately the late emperor did things decisively and swiftly—couldn’t do without him, wouldn’t let him serve outside no matter what.” Speaking of this, his expression fell. “When the late emperor passed, Huo Buyi wanted to retire. Who knew His Majesty remembered the late emperor’s dying words and insisted on keeping him as a regent minister.”

Cheng Shao Gong didn’t know how to respond.

“Forget it. I’m heading out now. Let’s catch up another time.” With that, Yuan Shen made to leave.

Cheng Shao Gong firmly held him back. “What kind of host are you? The sky’s getting dark—won’t you treat your guest to a meal!”

Yuan Shen thought about it. “Why don’t we go to your sister’s house and mooch a meal together!”

“What kind of joke is that! With you there, never mind giving us food—if they don’t give us a scolding, that would be pretty good!”

Yuan Shen, pestered by Shao Gong with no way out, could only have the steward bring food cases. The two chatted about this and that over dinner.

After the meal, Yuan Shen was determined to go find Shaoshang. Shao Gong advised him the sky was already dark, and moreover it was bitterly cold. But Yuan Shen’s memory was very good. He said disdainfully, “Are you senile? Today is the Lantern Festival—there’s no curfew in the capital. I specifically told my household to go see the lanterns today and not bother me.”

Shao Gong was helpless and could only follow Yuan Shen onto the carriage.

The wheels pressed light crunching sounds on the thin ice covering the ground. Before long they saw from afar the large lanterns hanging before the Huo Marquis residence gates. Passing by the Huo residence’s east wall, Yuan Shen lifted the carriage curtain and suddenly ordered the carriage to stop, saying quietly, “Something’s wrong!”

He looked around the tall east wall. “Every Lantern Festival, Shaoshang hangs a long string of colorful revolving lanterns here. Why are there none today?”

Shao Gong sighed deeply. “…Because Shaoshang isn’t home.”

Yuan Shen’s usually decisive and shrewd face showed a bewildered expression. “She, where did she go?”

Shao Gong’s eyes held pity. “Half a year ago, Huo Zicheng requested retirement for the third time. His Majesty finally allowed it. Not long after, he took Shaoshang out traveling.”

Yuan Shen sat blankly. After a long while he said, “Is it because of that young chieftain? Shaoshang has already properly arranged his children’s marriages and futures. That great chieftain position has an imperial decree making his family’s succession perpetual and irreplaceable—what more could be needed?”

Shao Gong sighed and shook his head. “Shaoshang always thought there would be many days ahead, that there would always be a day to see A Xiu again. Who knew…” Thinking of that delicate, tearful, honest youth, he too couldn’t help feeling sorrowful.

“Huo Zicheng promised Shaoshang in early years he’d take her to see high mountains, great seas, deserts, and snowy lands, but never had time. When A Xiu died, the couple realized heaven’s will is unpredictable—they must cherish the present moment. When the late emperor was alive, Marquis Huo couldn’t bear to let the late emperor fight alone, so he could only remain at court. When the new emperor ascended, he assisted for three years, completing his duty to an old friend, then firmly resigned his office.”

Yuan Shen seemed to have all his strength drained away, his shoulders and back collapsing like a truly old man.

He said quietly, “I remember now. Half a year ago they left. Shaoshang also said she didn’t plan to return to the capital again.”

“Here, she saw off Grand Empress Dowager Xuan, then saw off Emperor Wen and Empress Yue, the Cheng family elders, then received news of that young chieftain’s death. Three years ago she saw off the late emperor—she never wants to return here again.”

The atmosphere in the carriage congealed. After a long while, Yuan Shen forced a smile. “Look at me—truly senile, actually forgetting this matter. Looks like I should retire early to avoid delaying court affairs…”

Shao Gong could bear it no longer and old tears fell. “No! Your memory has always been good. You, you just had a serious illness. After recovering, you remember everything. You even remember the day my youngest son entered the Imperial Academy, even helped me ask the Academy instructors…”

“You remember everything, only, only you forgot that Shaoshang has already left…” He choked and couldn’t continue.

Yuan Shen murmured as if in a dream. “So she’s already left… I remember it all now…”

“She said she wanted to spend her remaining days in joy and happiness.”

“She hoped every day would have brilliant sunshine and endless spring breezes. In the future when she dies, it doesn’t matter where, as long as she’s buried together with Huo Zicheng.”

—But didn’t you also promise that in the future you’d be buried with me in the Yuan ancestral tombs?

Shao Gong’s tears fell even harder. Instead, Yuan Shen gently patted his back, consoling him. “No matter, no matter. When one gets old, one always forgets things.”

“Shao Gong, don’t feel bad for me. Shaoshang didn’t choose wrong. Huo Buyi treated her very well, treasured her in his heart for decades, not like me always busy climbing ranks and seeking wealth. However, this way, His Majesty must value the Huo family even more—such a perceptive old minister, assisting when needed with full support, then leaving cleanly once His Majesty had firm footing…”

Speaking, Yuan Shen smiled self-mockingly. “I truly am a common man, constantly thinking about scheming and striving.”

Shao Gong wiped his face and smiled. “Good that you know you’re a common man! You just properly manage your clan youngsters’ official careers—make connections where needed, cultivate relationships where needed. May the Yuan clan produce high ministers for generations, renowned throughout the realm!”

“High ministers for generations, renowned throughout the realm…” Yuan Shen murmured. In his ears seemed to ring a woman’s angry voice—

‘…Don’t boast about making me a minister’s wife anymore. If I were born male, I’d be the minister and you’d be the wife!’

Thinking and thinking, Yuan Shen smiled with a snort and said, “Shao Gong, let me sing you a song.”

Cheng Shao Gong sat dumbly, not understanding. Then he heard this first-rank minister of the current dynasty sing toward the Huo family’s east wall.

“Out the eastern gate I go, women numerous as clouds. Though women numerous as clouds, none are who I think of. In white robe and dark green kerchief, she alone delights my heart. Out the outer gate I go, women numerous as flowers. Though women numerous as flowers, none are who I love. In white robe and red silk sash, she alone brings joy and pleasure…”

—I walked out the eastern gate of the city, saw women numerous as clouds. Though women numerous as clouds, none were my heart’s beloved. The one in white robe and green skirt, she alone brought me joy and closeness.

I walked out the outer city gate, saw women numerous as flowers. Though women numerous as flowers, none were whom I loved. The one in white robe and red silk kerchief, she alone brought me love and gladness.

His voice was warm and rich, but carried indescribable vicissitude and melancholy. Singing and singing, Yuan Shen inexplicably shed tears. He covered his eyes with his palm, tightly pressing his lips together.

He too had once loved a woman earth-shakingly, though the one surnamed Huo was even more earth-shaking.

For her, he wasted five years of time, threw away excellent marriage prospects, needlessly offended many people.

He had also once stood under the scorching sun, heedless of people’s gazes, waiting bitterly for her to open the gates of Yongle Palace.

He had even run with all his might along the endlessly long palace walls, just to chase her flying figure, even though everyone in the palace showed expressions of surprise and mockery.

In his life of scheming and weighing gains and losses, he had also once truly loved earth-shakingly.

He had no regrets. He’d done his utmost, given his all to love one person.

This was good enough.

Shanjian, Shanjian—good to meet, destined never to meet again.