This thunderous pronouncement left Shen Lingzhen dizzy.
Huo Liuxing had entered the capital—this news precisely corresponded with the vague, fluttering tension and anxiety that had surfaced in her heart when she’d just heard the good news from Hexi.
“What hero emerges young, Huo of Hexi laughs and talks while achieving all”—just as this poem, recited and passed along by Bianjing’s literati eleven years ago proclaimed, besides Huo Liuxing, who else possessed such heaven-reaching abilities to recover Hexi without bloodshed?
And since Huo Liuxing had successfully recovered Hexi, how could His Majesty, who had already been interested in winning over the Huo family and reinstating them over a year ago, possibly not summon him to the capital?
Shen Lingzhen looked at Meng Qufei, yet her gaze seemed to pierce through this face toward some distant, blurred place.
Seeing her lost in thought in the middle of the street, Jianjia and Bailu quietly reminded her of the current situation.
Only then did she notice the chaotic scene around them. Seeing that several roadside vendors had their stalls knocked over, she quickly instructed the two to go compensate them with silver and check if anyone was injured.
Meng Qufei smoothed the two strands of shrimp-whisker-like hair at his forehead, his expression casual: “Elder cousin-in-law is so generous with her spending—I cause trouble, you pay for it. Truly family indeed. To have elder cousin-in-law break the bank at our first meeting, Qufei thanks you here.”
Although the age difference was an ironclad fact, his devil-may-care manner combined with his eager repeated use of “elder cousin-in-law” inexplicably gave Shen Lingzhen a sense of responsibility as an elder, feeling she ought to lecture him on proper conduct.
She cleared her throat: “You’re welcome, but don’t do this again in the future. Galloping horses through the marketplace is extremely dangerous. Damaging property is a small matter, but injuring people is serious. As the saying goes, the law shows no favoritism to the noble, and the measuring line bends not for curves. This time you were fortunate not to cause a great disaster, but if you offend again, no matter how noble your status, you should still be punished according to law. Even I won’t be able to protect you then.”
Meng Qufei laughed so hard his shoulders shook violently: “Elder cousin-in-law is so young yet nags like she’s seventy or eighty—how can my elder cousin stand it?”
When someone particularly reasonable encounters someone completely unreasonable, no amount of reasoning is like punching cotton—not only completely useless, but one could easily fall into their trap without realizing it.
Shen Lingzhen was stunned and said instinctively: “He doesn’t find me unbearable…” Then added somewhat uncertainly, “Does he?”
Meng Qufei’s face showed admiration as he nodded: “Then my elder cousin truly has great forbearance.”
“…”
Jianjia and Bailu stepped forward, half-concealing Shen Lingzhen behind them, silently suggesting she not continue entangling with this ill-mannered wastrel son.
Shen Lingzhen indeed felt rather stifled, and knowing she shouldn’t show her face in public too long, she nodded to him, preparing to take her leave.
Just then, a eunuch wearing a three-peaked hat arrived from afar, his voice reaching them before he did: “Oh my, I wondered why this street was so congested—it’s Young Master Meng again!”
Meng Qufei cupped his hands toward the newcomer: “I’ve made Eunuch Yang laugh. It’s me disturbing the peace again.”
Shen Lingzhen’s heart tightened when she saw who had come, and she also nodded to him in greeting: “It’s high noon—why has Eunuch Yang specially come out of the palace?”
This Eunuch Yang was a palace attendant by His Majesty’s side. Ordinary people couldn’t easily trouble him; if he left the palace, it was usually on the Son of Heaven’s orders.
Eunuch Yang smiled and pointed upward: “This humble one was just about to deliver a message to Duke Yingguo’s mansion and the Meng mansion on behalf of those above, but didn’t expect to be stuck on this street. I had no choice but to get out of the carriage and run about, but fortunately happened to encounter both honored persons halfway.” He made a “please” gesture as he spoke.
Having both grown up in aristocratic circles, they naturally had the discernment to know this gesture meant His Majesty was summoning them.
Meng Qufei laughed: “How truly exquisitely crafted!”
First “arrogantly” and now “exquisitely crafted”—did he even know how to use idioms properly?
Shen Lingzhen felt puzzled, glancing sideways at Meng Qufei, only to see him look at her deeply, seemingly intentionally yet unintentionally.
Receiving this look, she was startled and vaguely associated it with something, yet couldn’t fully comprehend it for the moment.
Meng Qufei continued smiling at Eunuch Yang: “I’ll tidy up right away and accompany Eunuch Yang, only—Eunuch Yang, please don’t mention the trouble I caused to the honored one. I was taking a perfectly good stroll today, and truly don’t know why that foolish horse suddenly went mad and ran wild!”
Eunuch Yang said he would certainly do him this favor, then sent people to clear the road.
Shen Lingzhen turned back to her carriage. Once the commotion on the street had settled, she told Jianjia to follow Eunuch Yang’s carriage and take an alternate route to the palace.
Palace attendants led the two to Chuigong Hall.
Shen Lingzhen knew that Chuigong Hall was where the Son of Heaven normally heard governance and received ministers, but neither she nor Meng Qufei were officials, nor would they discuss state affairs with His Majesty. Being brought here together now could only mean that besides the two of them, inside there was very likely “someone else” discussing official business with His Majesty.
But what “someone else” would be connected to both her and Meng Qufei, suitable to have an audience with His Majesty together with them?
The answer was already clear.
It was at this moment that Shen Lingzhen suddenly understood the meaning of Meng Qufei’s look earlier.
He had said “coincidentally,” but was actually reminding her that today’s events were “not at all coincidental.”
How could it be that Meng Qufei’s horse just happened to be spooked and collide with her Duke’s mansion carriage? How could it be that His Majesty just happened to summon Huo Liuxing’s wife and cousin to the palace on the very day of Huo Liuxing’s arrival in the capital?
Shen Lingzhen was no longer that young girl living in the inner chambers, knowing nothing of worldly affairs.
She guessed this was a test. His Majesty was testing the relationships between her, Huo Liuxing, and Meng Qufei—catching them before their long separation had ended, absolutely before they could privately meet and prepare.
So first there was the street “chance encounter” between Meng Qufei and her, and after… at this very moment in Chuigong Hall, Huo Liuxing was certainly there.
Shen Lingzhen kept her head lowered all the way as she followed Eunuch Yang, thinking about what expression and words would be most appropriate for this upcoming reunion. When she crossed the threshold of the hall’s entrance, she finally couldn’t help but lift her eyelids slightly.
With this glance, the wheelchair wheels first entered her view. Looking up further, she saw Huo Liuxing in sky-blue robes with bamboo leaf patterns, smiling at her.
She felt dazed for a moment, suddenly remembering that the morning after their wedding, when she first saw him through the curtain, he had also worn this outfit and smiled at her from afar like this.
Seeing her thoughts drift, Huo Liuxing raised his eyebrows, as if reminding her to exercise proper restraint.
She hastily lowered her head, maintaining proper decorum of looking straight ahead, and together with Meng Qufei, kowtowed to the person on the dragon throne.
“Rise, all of you. Yinyin, you and Liuxing haven’t seen each other for a year, have you?” The Emperor smiled and granted them seats, arranging Shen Lingzhen at Huo Liuxing’s right hand. Seeing her nod, he said to Meng Qufei sitting across from them, “Qufei even longer—it must be about ten years now. I summoned you both to the palace today for no other reason than to let you see Liuxing. He just arrived in Bianjing and I summoned him to discuss official business. I don’t want people saying I’m unreasonable, not allowing him to reunite with his long-separated wife and family.”
Shen Lingzhen quickly said: “Imperial uncle speaks too seriously. State affairs are important—I don’t mind.”
Meng Qufei was quite forthright: “I’m grateful for Your Majesty’s consideration. I truly have missed elder cousin. The last time I saw him, we were still galloping horses together at the racecourse here in Bianjing. Now reuniting again… Elder cousin, can your legs truly not stand anymore?” As he spoke, seeming unable to restrain his curiosity, he rose to lift Huo’s robe hem. After taking two steps, realizing his breach of etiquette, he sat back down, shaking his head: “Ah, what a pity, what a pity. Now I have no one to accompany me hunting.”
Shen Lingzhen looked at Meng Qufei with an expression reserved for scoundrels and rogues, then glanced at Huo Liuxing whose eyes had darkened. She gently stroked the back of his hand, silently suggesting he not be saddened.
Huo Liuxing smiled at her serenely, shaking his head to indicate he didn’t mind.
The Emperor “helpfully intervened”: “Liuxing, Qufei speaks bluntly—don’t take it to heart. I absolutely must heal your legs. Now that you’ve entered the capital, stay here peacefully. I’ll send the best medicine and the finest physicians to your mansion.”
Shen Lingzhen was startled and looked at Huo Liuxing.
Huo Liuxing glanced at the Emperor, and only after receiving permission did he explain to her: “His Majesty is preparing to grant me an official position. From now on, I’ll establish a mansion in Bianjing.”
Though Shen Lingzhen’s heart was still pondering whether she should feel joy or worry, her face already displayed the appropriate attitude, breaking into delighted smiles: “Truly?”
“Ask His Majesty.”
The Emperor smiled and shook his head: “This child of mine—are you overjoyed? Liuxing assisted me in recovering Hexi, which is a great merit. I must reward him well, so naturally it’s true.”
“I just heard about this on the road, but didn’t know the one who helped our Great Daqi recover Hexi was my husband. How did you manage it, husband?”
“I know this!” Meng Qufei excitedly stood up, and seeing the Emperor showed no anger, continued: “Let me tell it, let me tell it… Recently, the court argued back and forth—some advocated war, saying we should recover Hexi; others advocated peace, saying we should stop while ahead. But elder cousin was amazing—sitting in his wheelchair, he went to negotiate with the Xiqiang. The battle didn’t need to be fought, Hexi was recovered, and soon the Xiqiang will send envoys to Bianjing to pay tribute and submit, signing a surrender document with Your Majesty. If you ask me, my elder cousin is simply heaven-sent and extraordinarily…”
“Qufei!” Huo Liuxing frowned and reprimanded him sharply, “Watch your words.”
The words “heaven-sent” were absolutely no joke—those were used to flatter emperors.
Meng Qufei “oh-ed” twice, scratching his head: “Did I use the wrong idiom again? I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
The Emperor continued to “helpfully intervene”: “No harm done. You youngsters joking among yourselves needn’t be too constrained.” He looked at Shen Lingzhen, who had been startled by Huo Liuxing’s angry rebuke. “Liuxing, look, you’ve frightened Yinyin.”
Huo Liuxing glanced at her but seemed still immersed in his concern over Meng Qufei’s indiscretion and didn’t comfort her.
For the third time, the Emperor “helpfully intervened,” saying Shen Lingzhen had just returned from guarding the tomb and must be weary from travel, letting her return to the Duke’s mansion first while he wanted to keep Huo Liuxing to discuss more state affairs.
Shen Lingzhen looked reluctantly at Huo Liuxing.
Huo Liuxing gently stroked her wrist: “Go on. I’ll come later.”
Shen Lingzhen glanced at Meng Qufei, who seemed to plan on shamelessly staying to eavesdrop, nodded, took her leave and departed. Only after switching from the palace sedan to her carriage outside the palace did she collapse weakly against the carriage wall.
Accompanying the monarch was like accompanying a tiger—in that brief reunion, no one had truly been themselves.
She played a docile and obedient wife who harbored no grievances toward the Huo family. Meng Qufei played a simple-minded, poorly-bred young noble.
And Huo Liuxing? He displayed just the right amount of dissatisfaction with this spoiled cousin, and while warm and courteous to her as his wife, he showed absolutely no excessive investment or concern.
It seemed everyone was seeking a posture to survive in the cracks.
After this encounter, Shen Lingzhen vaguely sensed a premonition that Huo Liuxing’s official appointment and entry to the capital was perhaps not driven by the times but had been planned long ago. The Huo and Meng families seemed to be brewing something major.
And now, a force was driving her—or rather, driving Duke Yingguo’s mansion—to also participate in this matter.
From the moment she stepped out of the mausoleum, it seemed everything could no longer turn back.
——
Returning to the Duke’s mansion after an absence of over a year, the first thing Shen Lingzhen saw was her father craning his neck with wide eyes, standing with hands clasped behind his back at the mansion gate like a望女石 (rock looking for his daughter).
Seeing her carriage, Shen Xuerong hurried out to meet her: “Didn’t we agree you’d arrive at the hour of the snake? It’s already the hour of the horse now. If you hadn’t come, Father would have gone outside the city to search for you!”
“I was summoned to the palace midway—I had no choice. Father, why were you so ‘foolish,’ standing outside in the heat?”
He wiped the sweat from his head: “Hot indeed! Your mother was smarter! Oh, did your mother already guess His Majesty would summon you to the palace, which is why she was so calm? She didn’t even tell me, leaving me anxiously worried, really…” He then examined her palm-sized, thin face. “Aiya, look at you, insisting on abstaining from meat for a whole year. If your imperial grandmother’s spirit in heaven saw how thin you’ve become, would she be happy?”
“Father’s so naggy. If I’m naggy too, I must have learned it from you. In the future if I’m disliked…” Shen Lingzhen stopped halfway through, withdrew her smile, and walked inside with a hand lightly supporting him. Seeing Grand Princess Zhao Meilan approaching, she called out, “Mother, I’m back!”
Zhao Meilan smiled faintly: “We saved you lunch—go eat.”
“Mother,” Shen Lingzhen lowered her voice as she approached, “I have something important to tell you. Just now in the palace…”
“Mother knows everything,” Zhao Meilan shook her head, interrupting her. “First go bathe and rest. We’ll talk later.”
Knowing her mother was decisive and always had everything under control, Shen Lingzhen wasn’t anxious anymore. She turned to tend to herself first. After filling her stomach and bathing thoroughly, kneading away all her fatigue, dusk had already arrived.
Remembering Mother’s words about “talking later,” before her hair had even dried, she left it hanging loose, wearing a home-suitable thin goose-yellow high-waisted robe and skirt with summer wooden clogs, and went to Zhao Meilan’s courtyard.
However, arriving at the courtyard gate, she found it completely deserted. Looking around, there wasn’t a single servant or maid within half a mile to announce her.
She had to go find Father instead. But Shen Xuerong’s main courtyard was the same—all the staff had been completely withdrawn.
Just as she wondered if the Duke’s mansion had changed its layout during her year’s absence, she saw the door to Shen Xuerong’s study open, and Father, Mother, and a tall man walked out one after another.
The reason she described him as “a tall man” was because this person should not have been standing so upright, making her notice his tall stature.
Shen Lingzhen’s small mouth gaped open wide as a date.
After returning to the capital for a year, she had always kept Huo Liuxing’s secret, never breathing a word even to her family. Yet how could he, upon entering, stand up right in front of her father and mother?
Huo Liuxing looked up and saw her, lowering his head with a smile.
This smile was completely different from the one in the palace earlier—he was genuinely amused by her ghostly expression.
Shen Lingzhen looked at the three standing harmoniously together, momentarily unable to grasp the atmosphere.
It seemed that from beginning to end, only she had been weighed down by concerns, while they all acted as if nothing was wrong.
Shen Xuerong beckoned to her: “Why are you standing there dazed? Look who’s here.”
Even Zhao Meilan, changing from her usual cold demeanor, smiled with rare genuine warmth: “Yinyin, the mansion His Majesty granted isn’t yet habitable. These days Liuxing will temporarily stay here, in your courtyard. You take him there.”
Shen Lingzhen said “Oh,” hesitantly stepping forward.
Seeing her slow manner, Huo Liuxing took the initiative to approach, raising his hand to touch her cheek: “Why have you become so thin? Earlier in the palace, I almost didn’t recognize you at first glance.”
Shen Lingzhen felt slightly uncomfortable with his matter-of-fact intimate greeting, tilting her head slightly to evade, eyes downcast as she mumbled: “It’s not that different…”
“How is it not? You’ve become much more beautiful.”
She was startled, lifting her head to look at his eyes brimming with smiles. Suddenly, she remembered that day last year at the Huo mansion in Qingyang, the promise he had spoken—that she should grow well for another year, and after a year, he would sincerely praise her beauty.
He had actually taken it to heart.