Xi Guang’s name was given to her by her grandfather.

Her father told her that when she was born, it was dawn, and the first ray of the morning sun shone into the Zhang family courtyard. Since there were already three older brothers before her, and all the children of her generation in the clan were sons, her grandfather was delighted to learn that a granddaughter had been born, believing it completed the character for “good” and was auspicious for the family. Thus, he named her Xi Guang after the morning sunlight.

The Zhang family was a renowned high-ranking clan from the north. Since the previous dynasty, their ancestors had been officials for generations. It was a family of scholarly traditions with a long and illustrious history. By the time of Xi Guang’s grandfather, Zhang Shiyong, who had risen to the position of Minister of Rites and was granted the title of Upper Pillar of State, he was entrusted by the late Emperor’s will to assist Minister Pei in supporting the then seven-year-old young Emperor. Their family had reached the pinnacle of glory. Little did they expect that glory could fade from dawn to dusk, and after more than a decade, the Zhang family would face such an awkward predicament.

Two years ago, her grandfather was implicated in a partisan scandal involving the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate. He was forced to claim illness and submit a memorial requesting retirement. After returning home, her grandfather could never resolve his inner turmoil. Combined with his advanced age and declining health, his condition gradually worsened until several months ago, when he suddenly passed away.

When her grandfather retired, in recognition of his many years of service in government, an imperial edict was issued, and Xi Guang, then fourteen years old, was designated as the future Empress of Great Wei. The wedding was originally scheduled to take place two years later when the Emperor would turn eighteen. The wedding date had been approaching when her grandfather passed away, and now sixteen-year-old Xi Guang had to observe one year of mourning for her grandfather, causing the wedding to be postponed.

For her grandfather’s funeral, although the Emperor did not personally pay his respects, he sent envoys to confer posthumous honors and a posthumous title on her grandfather. The arrangements for his passing were certainly dignified and respectful.

But Xi Guang’s father, Zhang Ming, was anxious and restless day and night.

Xi Guang knew her father was afraid.

Two years ago, when her grandfather retired and returned home and she became the future Empress of Great Wei, this fear had followed her father like a shadow, constantly accompanying him as he observed mourning at home.

Compared to her grandfather, her father’s official career was much more modest. He was naturally unassuming and did not seek glory. Before his period of mourning, he had only risen to the position of Deputy Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, responsible for various court sacrificial ceremonies and ritual music.

That Emperor, now only eighteen years old, had already been ruling personally for four years. Since two years ago, when the regent Minister Pei left the capital to be enfeoffed beyond the frontier, he had not only taken complete control of court affairs but also increasingly accumulated authority, making court officials not dare to show the slightest disrespect.

Her father’s fear stemmed from his daughter’s fiancé whom she had never met—the current Emperor.

Her father knew that her grandfather had already fallen out of favor with the Emperor. Her position as “Empress” might be a hidden danger for the Zhang family and herself, rather than a glorious honor admired by those uninformed outsiders.

Xi Guang’s grandfather, holding high office, had been cautious throughout his official career. Unexpectedly, in the end, he still fell victim to one of his prized students.

That student was Yang Song, the then Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate. Due to a disagreement with a political opponent, to bring down his adversary, he secretly mobilized and united multiple people to jointly impeach his opponent before the Emperor.

The impeached official was later found guilty and dismissed from office. But before Yang Song could celebrate, he was subsequently reported to the Emperor for the crime of secretly forming a faction. He was attacked with irrefutable evidence, even listing detailed accounts of which year, month, day, and hour, at which location, and who participated, without a single omission.

These accusations subtly implicated Xi Guang’s grandfather, claiming that when Yang Song was secretly rallying support, he had more than once hinted to others that this was also his mentor’s intention.

Although Minister Pei had been regent for many years and was the Prime Minister, at that time, due to his three attempts to resign, court officials had already seen Minister Pei’s intention to leave.

Once Minister Pei left the court, whether in terms of seniority or prestige, her grandfather would undoubtedly rise to become the most prominent official at court.

Yang Song and Xi Guang’s grandfather had deep connections, with the latter greatly appreciating the former. Everyone at court knew this. It was for this reason that those people were persuaded by Yang Song to follow him.

The Emperor did not personally pass judgment at that time but forwarded all the memorials impeaching Yang Song’s faction, including those questioning himself, to Xi Guang’s grandfather, ordering him to handle the matter with full authority.

Her grandfather was conservative in governance and stubborn in his views. In recent years, on matters of military and state affairs, the Emperor had gradually begun to reveal some ideas of radical reform.

In these two years, after the Emperor began to rule personally, as Minister Pei gradually relinquished power, the rift between the young Emperor and her grandfather, the old minister, had been deepening day by day.

Her grandfather, who had been cautious all his life, finally let down his guard and fell victim to his prized student.

Or rather, he fell into the hands of that sixteen-year-old young Emperor.

Later, Xi Guang also heard a rumor that the Emperor had received a secret report early on, knowing that Yang Song was using her grandfather’s name to secretly form factions to bring down political enemies. But the Emperor remained silent, waiting until the last moment to transfer the matter to her grandfather’s hands, beautifully calling it “full authority to handle.”

His deep scheming was evident.

It was only then that her grandfather fully understood.

The once seven-year-old Emperor who had ascended the throne had truly grown up. Even Minister Pei had to retreat to avoid the appearance of restraining him, let alone her grandfather.

The Emperor no longer needed Minister Pei, and certainly no longer needed her grandfather.

That old era had completely passed.

Xi Guang still remembered clearly that night when the light in her grandfather’s study burned unceasingly through the night.

The next day, her grandfather submitted a memorial suggesting that the matter be handed over to the Court of Judicature for investigation, with appropriate punishment according to the law. Subsequently, her grandfather claimed illness and submitted a memorial requesting retirement.

The Emperor approved. Soon after, an imperial edict was issued, and Xi Guang became the future Empress.

She had to observe mourning for her grandfather for one year, so the originally scheduled grand wedding would be delayed and postponed.

Xi Guang’s several brothers who had already entered official service, like her father Zhang Ming, all observed mourning due to her grandfather’s death.

Her two older brothers had both entered official service through the imperial examinations and, before their mourning period, held minor positions in remote places far from the capital.

This had been her grandfather’s intention. Although her grandfather himself held a prominent position, there were no other family members in high positions within the clan.

He had valued his reputation all his life and was unwilling to be criticized for using his power and influence to promote Zhang family members. Ironically, in the end, he fell victim to a prized student whom he had once greatly valued.

Her grandfather’s funeral had already passed three months ago, and her brothers had all returned to their hometown. Due to her special status as the future Empress, Xi Guang still remained in the mansion in the capital, with her father accompanying her in Beijing.

Xi Guang was exceptionally beautiful. From childhood, she had been influenced by her family’s culture and was skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She was beloved by her family. The only regret was that her mother had passed away in her early years, but her stepmother was gentle and treated her like her own child. She had an excellent relationship with her stepmother, so she never lamented her circumstances. Originally very cheerful and lively, always smiling, only in these two years, sensing the family’s changes in fortune, did her smile fade as she gradually became more reserved.

Her father had never been in very good health, and recently, due to handling funeral arrangements and excessive worry, he had caught a cold a few days ago that had not yet fully recovered.

That evening, she and her stepmother delivered the freshly boiled medicine to the study, served her father as he took it, and seeing his furrowed brow, she felt deeply concerned and couldn’t help saying, “Father, I know you long for the countryside. Why not leave the capital and return home? From now on, even if it means planting beans on the southern mountain, it would be better than being trapped in the capital, unable to be happy all day.”

Zhang Ming shook his head: “You are the future Empress of Great Wei. With such a status, how could I take you out of the capital?”

Xi Guang lowered her eyes for a moment, finally mustering the courage to say, “Father, I also know that the Emperor is polite on the surface, but in reality, he dislikes our family. It’s all for the show. Others envy me, but I don’t care for the position of Empress. Even if he marries me, in the future, if he so desires, he can find any excuse to depose me. Grandfather served the court for most of his life, loyal to the Emperor. If not meritorious, at least laborious. Yet look how the Emperor treated him, ending up like this—my heart chills just thinking about it. I suspect the Emperor has no sincere intention of making me his Empress. It must have been for other considerations initially. Taking advantage of this opportunity, why doesn’t Father submit a memorial, saying the nation cannot be without an Empress for a day, and he shouldn’t delay state affairs because of me? Perhaps he’s even hoping for a father to speak up like this. Once it’s approved, I can accompany Father back home, growing melons and beans, free from worries. Wouldn’t that be better than living in daily fear of what’s to come?”

Her stepmother hadn’t expected her to be so bold and looked at her with wide, surprised eyes.

Zhang Ming was slightly startled and looked at his daughter.

Xi Guang had just turned sixteen, at the most beautiful jade-like age of a girl’s life. A few days ago, she had removed the deep mourning clothes but still wore white. The plainclothes made her even more bright-eyed and fair-skinned, with wrists as white as snow, like a newly blooming delicate bud.

She opened her large eyes wide and looked directly at him.

“Why are you looking at me like that, father? Did I say something wrong?”

Xi Guang was not afraid and questioned back.

This only daughter of the family had been raised like a pearl and jade since childhood, so spoiled that she became so bold as to dare say such things.

The young Emperor in the palace was learned and wise, but his iron fist was no less imposing than the late Emperor’s. Compared to the late Emperor’s stern discipline, he was even more patient and profound.

Sometimes, thinking about what would have happened if his father hadn’t prudently submitted a memorial requesting retirement back then, the outcome would be unknown, and thinking too much about it even made one shudder.

Zhang Ming frowned and scolded, “How dare you say such things! Don’t talk nonsense!”

He adored this daughter immensely, and such a harsh reprimand was the first time in his life.

Xi Guang’s eyes gradually filled with tears, her teeth tightly biting her lip for a moment before saying, “Father, I don’t want to be any Empress. Although I’ve never seen the Emperor’s face, I know he’s not an easy person to deal with. If I enter the palace, with so many eyes watching, it will be increasingly difficult for you and my brothers in the future. What happens to me is unimportant, but I can’t bear to see you and my brothers walking on thin ice, trembling with fear.”

Thinking of her father’s and brother’s love for her, crystal tears rolled down her cheeks.

Her stepmother hurriedly came over, softly comforting her while taking out a handkerchief to wipe her tears.

Xi Guang took it herself, lowered her head, carelessly wiped her eyes, then looked up again at her father, with a hint of stubbornness in her gaze.

Facing such a delicate daughter, a father’s heart immediately softened.

Zhang Ming sighed deeply and shook his head, “Silly daughter, do you think father would be willing to part with you? It’s just that imperial orders are difficult to disobey. Regarding your earlier suggestion, my father has thought about it too. It seems to accord with the Emperor’s wishes, but it absolutely cannot be done. If your father uses your grandfather’s death delaying state affairs as a reason to request the Emperor to appoint another Empress, do you think the Emperor would agree? If he agrees, he will certainly be criticized. So he absolutely will not agree. Not only that, he might even suspect our Zhang family of using reverse psychology to gain public sympathy. This approach won’t work. It’s only one year anyway. Let’s wait until your mourning period is over. Father will think of a way, to see if we can seek some flexibility from the Duke of Jin. The Duke of Jin served in court with your grandfather for many years, and he knows better than anyone how your grandfather served as an official. If we can get his help, it would be much better than father speaking up himself. Do you understand?”

Although the Duke of Jin had left the capital to be enfeoffed in Ganzhou two years ago, the Emperor’s favor toward the Duke of Jin had not diminished but rather increased.

At the beginning of last year, the Duchess gave birth to a daughter. Upon hearing the news, the Emperor not only sent the eunuch Cui Yinshui far beyond the frontier with numerous gifts but also exceptionally conferred the title of Princess on the newborn baby girl, titled Changning, with an estate of ten thousand households. At that time, some court officials considered it presumptuous and memorialized to dissuade him. The Emperor replied, “Since I was seven years old, I have been assisted by my tutor, so it would not be excessive to call him my father in governance. After I began to rule personally, my tutor was unwilling to take credit and voluntarily went to the cold frontier to guard the territory for our Great Wei. Which of you could do the same? Now in his middle age, he has a daughter, and I merely confer the title of Princess on her. Is that worth all your discussion?” The court officials were left speechless.

“From now on, just stay at home peacefully, and don’t overthink. Father will handle everything.”

Zhang Ming finally comforted his daughter.

Xi Guang had naturally heard some stories about the Duke of Jin and his wife, knowing they were cousins by birth. The couple was like a match made in heaven, and she admired them deeply. After being lost in thought for a moment, she sighed, “Daughter understands. I spoke incorrectly just now and won’t dare to do so again.”

The following spring, in the Imperial Palace.

On this day, Cui Yinshui rushed to the Imperial Study, beaming with joy as he reported that the Duke and Duchess of Jin, along with Princess Changning, had already reached the outskirts of the capital and would arrive in just two or three days.

Time had passed so quickly. That night, the sixteen-year-old young Emperor had gone to the Pei residence in disguise, stayed the whole night, and left at dawn.

Everything seemed like it was just yesterday, yet in the blink of an eye, three years had already passed.

Soon, he would see his parents again, and his two-year-old sister.

He wondered if his father’s demeanor remained the same if his mother was still so delicate, often red-eyed, crying and tearing up in front of his father.

And his sister, whose adorable appearance he had imagined countless times through the hands of painters.

The nineteen-year-old young Emperor, unable to suppress his inner excitement, that handsome face which rarely showed emotion before others, was filled with smiles. He threw down his brush, rose from behind the imperial desk, and said, “Quickly send people to welcome them!”

He paced a few steps. “Send the Minister of Rites, have him lead people to welcome them!”

“Yes,” Cui Yinshui smiled, “The Minister of Rites had just such an intention but dared not leave the capital without permission. He was just about to ask for Your Majesty’s instructions. This servant will immediately have the orders transmitted.”

Cui Yinshui hurriedly left.

The Emperor had no more mind to review memorials. He walked to the window, pushed it open, faced the courtyard, let out a long breath, and suddenly thought of something.

The Zhang father and daughter did not know that their conversation in the study last year had been recorded in a register, delivered secretly to him without missing a word.

Just as Zhang Shiyong’s granddaughter had said, when he designated her as the future Empress, it was out of consideration for maintaining a balance of power.

Three years had passed, and the court situation was already under his control. Whether he married her or not was now irrelevant.

If he married her, given the Zhang family’s current situation, even if she gave birth to a crown prince in the future, there would be no worry about the empress’s relatives wielding power. She was a suitable candidate for Empress in his view.

If he didn’t want to marry her, he could simply change the edict. Finding a suitable reason would not be difficult.

That girl was about to complete her mourning period now.

Just a few days ago, her father Zhang Ming had indeed submitted a memorial, listing various shortcomings of his daughter, claiming she lacked talent and virtue, was unworthy of the position of Empress, and for the sake of the realm, dared not vacantly occupy the position of Empress Consort, willingly yielding to someone more worthy.

Before submitting this memorial, Zhang Ming must have first communicated with his parents.

He knew that his parents’ return to the capital this time must be for this matter.

That Zhang family granddaughter who looked down on the position of Empress and was unwilling to marry him—should he marry her or not?

Earlier during the morning court session, there had been a spring shower, and now the rain had cleared, with bright sunshine in the imperial garden and dew-laden plants.

The young Emperor’s gaze fell on a beautiful canna lily outside the window that had been broken by the sudden rain. He stared at it for a long while, his handsome sword-like eyebrows unconsciously furrowing.