Year Seven of Tianhe.

On this day, an unremarkable cavalry of about ten men emerged from beneath Chang’an’s towering and imposing city gates, heading south.

This was an escort for an official traveling to his post. That official, like his attendants, wore everyday clothes suitable for horseback travel. In Chang’an city, where purple and gold were everywhere, he drew no attention whatsoever. But if one looked carefully, they would notice that his eyes seemed to harbor bright light, his countenance was as steady as stone, giving one a sense of imposing dignity that could not be lightly regarded.

This man, about to take up his appointment, was Chen Heng.

Four years had passed since that northern war. Prince Qi and his consort held sway in Youzhou, and the northern borders were peaceful. That young emperor of yesteryear was now eighteen years old. In the several years since taking personal control of government, he had worked diligently to govern well, reduced punishments and taxes, and brought order to the court. Externally, after eliminating the Beidi as the greatest foreign threat, the nation might spread far and wide, with all seas coming to pay tribute. The young emperor’s prestige gradually grew. Who would have known that just when all seemed peaceful, trouble arose in the south last year? A vassal king grew greedy beyond measure, nominally paying tribute to Great Wei, but in reality using various excuses to demand gold, silver, silk, salt, iron, and spices from the court. When these demands were not fully met, he would threaten rebellion, proving utterly capricious.

Such situations had persisted for many years. It was just that previously, Great Wei had focused its main energy on the north, and toward the southern vassal kings had mainly employed a policy of appeasement and conciliation. This had emboldened some who didn’t know their place, and last year, the largest of these vassal kings had again created trouble, hoping to gain higher status and richer rewards.

The emperor was at the prime of vigor. Even the once-mighty Beidi to the north now dared not take a single step south – how much less could southern vassal kings be tolerated repeatedly? Moreover, if this wasn’t suppressed, the southwest would likely follow suit in making trouble. So he sent people to rebuke them. That vassal king harbored resentment and united with various large and small forces in rebellion. The emperor had been waiting for exactly this, and immediately dispatched troops south to suppress the rebellion. The rebellion was quelled within months, but how to restore order became a difficult problem. The court intended to dispatch officials to maintain control, but the local people would not submit to governance, languages were incompatible, the region was hot and humid with endemic diseases, and the climate was completely different. They would cause disturbances every few days, officials changed like a revolving lantern, and the situation could never be settled to the court’s satisfaction. So someone thought of Chen Heng, the former Governor of Bingzhou.

During Emperor Wu’s time, he had been dispatched south to oversee military affairs while also managing civil administration. Large and small matters were handled in perfect order, his achievements outstanding. In dealing with the current situation, he should be thoroughly capable – he was the most suitable person.

Thus, Chen Heng, who had resigned from office and lived in seclusion after the great northern war, was summoned back by the emperor. The emperor descended from his throne to request his service personally, Chen Heng agreed, and was immediately appointed as governor to take up the post. He left Chang’an, passed through Jiangnan, and this evening, traveling through Qiantang, stopped at an inn where he received a visiting card.

The visiting card came from a local official named Gao Qingyuan.

This Gao Qingyuan was the Yongxing County magistrate who had distinguished himself during the regent’s southern tour several years ago. After being promoted to Special Envoy for Southeast Waterways, he had always devoted himself to water management. It was thanks to the irrigation works he had built that Jiangnan weathered last year’s drought. Though the harvest was not as good as in previous years, compared to poor harvests elsewhere, the results were remarkable. The emperor had also learned of his name, and not long ago issued an imperial edict promoting him to the Ministry of Works to promote water conservancy throughout the nation. Next month, he would travel to the capital to assume his post.

Since last year, the southern vassal kings had been causing quite a disturbance, so naturally, he paid close attention. Recently learning that Chen Heng had been dispatched as an official, knowing his status and already holding him in respect, plus hearing that he had connections with Prince Qi, who was his benefactor, now that he had arrived, both emotionally and logically, he must pay his respects. Throughout Chen Heng’s journey south, he had declined countless officials who wanted to curry favor with him, but this Gao Qingyuan he had heard of, knowing him to be an official who accomplished real work. Seeing that his visiting card was sincerely worded, he did not refuse and met with him at the inn. After the courtesy visit, Gao Qingyuan invited him to stay several more days so he could properly fulfill his duties as host. Chen Heng said: “I traveled through Jiangnan in my early years, so passing through now, I count as half an old friend – no need for excessive courtesy. Moreover, taking up my post is urgent and cannot be delayed.”

Gao Qingyuan dared not disturb him overmuch. After sitting for a while, he took his leave, saying before departing: “This humble official’s opportunity to realize his ambitions today is entirely due to Prince Qi’s promotion. After that one meeting years ago, I’ve had no chance to express my gratitude, which weighs heavily on my mind. Though Prince Qi’s mother consort resides in Qiantang, she has always lived in seclusion and sees no outsiders, so this humble official dares not disturb her. I’ve heard that the Governor’s friendship with Prince Qi runs deep – should the Governor see Prince Qi in the future, I hope you might convey this humble official’s regards.”

Gao Qingyuan spoke with sincere feeling, Chen Heng agreed, and Gao Qingyuan was delighted, bowing deeply in gratitude.

After seeing off Gao Qingyuan, Chen Heng sat alone in his inn room, then walked out casually and unknowingly came to the lakeside.

Jiangnan in the third month – grass growing and orioles flying. The day’s spring excursion crowds had dispersed, and the surroundings gradually returned to tranquility.

This was a place he had visited in his youth, and now, setting foot here again, he was but a traveler. The mountains and waters remained the same, but his temples had grown gray.

Prince Qi had once written to him, asking him to help care for his mother.

In this world, there was another person who could not let go of her.

That person was the Supreme Emperor Wu.

Prince Qi’s request of him was also Emperor Wu’s dying wish. Years ago, Chen Heng had received a secret decree allowing him to take her to live in seclusion in the mountains and forests after she left the palace and returned to Jiangnan.

However, whether Prince Qi or the Supreme Emperor, they had both miscalculated.

He was still the same Chen Heng, but the person they could not let go of was no longer the Wu-Yue princess of yesteryear.

Emperor Wu had treated her extremely well. It could even be said he had given her the greatest love and favor an emperor could bestow.

People are not grass and trees – after years of daily companionship, how could there be no trace in her heart?

She had left the palace and returned to the place where she was born and raised, but like flowing water that cannot return upstream, a severed life could not be mended.

Knowing she was in that place, all well, was enough.

It was time to return.

At dawn, he would continue his journey.

Chen Heng withdrew his gaze from the distant silhouette of that traveling palace and quietly departed, his figure gradually disappearing into the night.

A carriage approaching from a distance had stopped for some unknown reason. After Chen Heng left, it continued forward, arriving at the foot of the mountain path leading to the traveling palace. A capable-looking woman alighted from the carriage, accompanied by several maids and attendants, and quickly ascended, entering the palace gates.

This woman was Zhuang Shi.

The Imperial Dowager Consort had not come here for several years, but would return tomorrow. She was coming to welcome someone she had long anticipated. For that person’s sake, the traveling palace had been cleaned inside and out early on, and everyone from top to bottom eagerly awaited her arrival.

In all the world, only one person could make even the Imperial Dowager Consort so nervous. That was three-year-old Shan’er, the daughter of Prince Qi and the Princess Consort. After her birth, she had been enfeoffed by the emperor as Princess Yongle. Previously, she had always followed Prince Qi and the Princess Consort, living in Youzhou. At the beginning of the year, Prince Qi and his consort had planned to bring the little princess back to Jiangnan to visit the Imperial Dowager Consort.

This would be the first meeting between the little princess and the Imperial Dowager Consort since her birth. Upon hearing the news, the Imperial Dowager Consort was extremely delighted, hoping and waiting day and night. Unexpectedly, just before departure, an incident occurred in Youzhou, and the couple could not return. After the discussion, they decided to have Fan Jing escort their daughter south according to the original plan, to comfort the Imperial Dowager Consort’s longing.

Counting the days, the little princess would arrive in about seven or eight days, but the Imperial Dowager Consort could no longer wait and planned to come tomorrow to wait here. Zhuang Shi had come early tonight to make preparations.

The next day, the Imperial Dowager Consort arrived quietly by boat from the back mountain. The first thing she did upon arrival was to inspect the room prepared for Shan’er. The room was adjacent to her sleeping chamber for easy care, furnished with exquisite items and soft bedding.

As the Imperial Dowager Consort looked around, she said: “Shan’er is still small, and this is her first long journey, all alone. Jin Mei and Sisi probably wronged Shan’er for my sake. I’m afraid she’ll miss them and won’t be accustomed here.”

Zhuang Shi smiled: “Rest assured, Imperial Dowager Consort. Zhang Bao sent word saying the little princess wanted to come see the Imperial Dowager Consort herself. When she heard she couldn’t come, she was very sad, which is why His Highness and the Princess Consort arranged for Fan Jing to escort her here.”

Hearing this, the Imperial Dowager Consort was delighted and said, “I wonder what her tastes are like. Prepare more variety.”

Zhuang Shi presented a menu: “What the little princess likes to eat, I’ve already inquired beforehand and will prepare daily. Also, seasonal vegetables and fruits, various pastries – all prepared to see the little princess’s preferences. Fortunately, this season has abundant spring delicacies – whatever is wanted, we have.”

The Imperial Dowager Consort nodded and smiled: “That’s good. Now I just await Shan’er’s arrival.” She lowered her head, carefully examining the menu.

Zhuang Shi dismissed all the maids, leaving only the two of them in the room, wanting to speak but hesitating.

The Imperial Dowager Consort looked up at her and smiled: “What is it?”

Zhuang Shi thought of the figure she had glimpsed by the lake when she arrived last night, paused, then finally said: “Last night when I came, I saw someone nearby who looked very familiar, like Governor Chen…”

The Imperial Dowager Consort started, the smile on her face slowly fading. She rose and walked to the window, gazing at the lake scene outside in silence.

“The Governor stood by the lake for a while, then left. I thought, having seen this, it wouldn’t be right to conceal it, so I’m informing the Imperial Dowager Consort.”

The Imperial Dowager Consort remained silent. Zhuang Shi hesitated, looking at her back, and said softly: “Imperial Dowager Consort, forgive my boldness in speaking further – the Supreme Emperor’s permission for the Imperial Dowager Consort to leave the palace was originally meant to ensure that in your remaining years, someone could care for you in his place…”

The Imperial Dowager Consort turned back and said slowly: “The Supreme Emperor and Jin Mei don’t understand me – do you not understand me either?”

“If I had such intentions, why would I wait until now?”

Zhuang Shi was stunned, suddenly understanding, and hurriedly prostrated herself to beg forgiveness.

The Imperial Dowager Consort’s lips curved in a faint smile: “I am not lonely. Things are very good as they are now. My greatest remaining wish is for all those around me to be well. The same goes for Governor Chen.”

She pondered for a moment, then said: “He should be going to the southern vassal states, passing through here. The southern regions have many endemic diseases and poisonous insects. I have a miraculous prescription passed down from my father king. Send someone to deliver it to him, saying that while managing government affairs, he should not forget to take care of his health.”

Zhuang Shi respectfully received the order, turned to go out, called someone, and gave instructions. Just as she was about to return to report, hurried footsteps came from outside, and a maid called: “Imperial Dowager Consort! Imperial Dowager Consort! The little princess has arrived! The little princess has arrived!”

At the mountain pass below the traveling palace, several carriages from a long journey had stopped, with attendants busily unloading luggage. A little girl in yellow robes and a green skirt peeked impatiently out of the carriage window, wanting to climb down herself. Zhang Bao stopped her: “Little Princess, be careful not to fall! Let this servant carry you down.”

“Don’t carry me, I can do it myself!”

Accompanied by a sweet, childish voice, the little girl appeared at the carriage door.

She was naturally bold and lively. Though she was only as tall as a little bean, when in Youzhou she had enjoyed climbing down from carriages herself. Jiang Hanyuan was too busy to manage such things, while Shu Shenhui doted on his daughter endlessly, always allowing her to follow her wishes in such matters.

Zhang Bao quickly brought over the little princess’s special small stool and placed it below the carriage.

She hugged the carriage handle with her arms, her body swaying in the air twice, then her little feet stepped onto the stool, and she landed steadily on the ground. As soon as she stood firm, she skillfully lifted her ankle-length skirt and immediately ran forward.

“Oh my, little princess! Wait! Your shawl!” Zhang Bao hurriedly grabbed her little shawl and chased after her.

“I’m not cold! I don’t want to wear it!” Yongle shook her head.

“What did the Princess Consort say before we left? Has the little princess forgotten?” Zhang Bao blocked her path, coaxing.

“Dress properly, don’t run around, don’t be mischievous…”

“When we meet, you must be dressed neatly and properly, and cannot be rude.”

Yongle had no choice but to stand still. Zhang Bao helped her put on the shawl, tied the sash, made a pretty bow, and while she was still standing, quickly took out the little comb she always carried and hurriedly smoothed her bangs that had been messed by the wind.

She looked around curiously, suddenly her gaze fell behind Zhang Bao. Zhang Bao turned around – in the distance, the Imperial Dowager Consort had come out personally to welcome them. She hurriedly hid the comb.

Over there, Fan Jing was already leading people in quick steps upward for formal greetings. The Imperial Dowager Consort asked why they had arrived early. The truth was that the little princess had too much energy, waking before dawn almost every day and urging them to get on the road, leaving everyone exhausted. But Fan Jing couldn’t very well say this directly, only saying the journey had gone smoothly and they had arrived ahead of schedule.

The Imperial Dowager Consort spoke with Fan Jing, but her eyes and heart had long since flown to that little girl being led over by Zhang Bao. Yellow robes, green skirt, wearing a little cloak, with black hair hanging to her shoulders, curved bangs, and a pair of round bright eyes like two crystalline black grapes, standing before her, tilting her little head up slightly, looking at her. Such a tiny little person, brilliant and bright like a flower in the sunshine.

The Imperial Dowager Consort immediately embraced her.

“Shan’er pays respects to Imperial Grandmother.” Yongle stood motionless in her arms, appearing very well-behaved.

The Imperial Dowager Consort gazed at her, her heart nearly melting, momentarily not knowing how to express her affection. “My little sweetheart, were you tired on the journey?”

Yongle shook her head: “Shan’er wasn’t tired.”

The Imperial Dowager Consort nodded repeatedly, and amid the joyful laughter of Zhuang Shi and others, brought Yongle inside.

She had been worried that Yongle wouldn’t be accustomed to here and would miss home. She soon discovered she had worried unnecessarily. Everything Yongle saw here was completely different from before, and she went out to play daily, so happy she forgot about home. The Imperial Dowager Consort naturally wished for nothing more, wishing she could keep her by her side permanently. It wasn’t until two months later that Yongle gradually stopped talking about going out to play, and Zhuang Shi quietly mentioned that she had been calling for her father, king, and mother consort in her sleep – she was probably homesick.

Though the Imperial Dowager Consort was very reluctant to part with her, she knew they had spent quite a while together, so she summoned Fan Jing and told him to prepare for departure.

Half a month later, having packed their luggage, Princess Yongle ended this family visit. She bid a reluctant farewell to the Imperial Dowager Consort, promising to come visit her again. When they had come, without disturbing anyone, the group set out on the road back to Youzhou.

After leaving the city, the surroundings gradually became more open, and traffic on the road began to thin out.

Fan Jing rode at the very front. Passing a fork in the road leading toward Chang’an, beside the roadside woods, a group of riders suddenly appeared. Several dozen men, all fierce and martial-looking, dressed uniformly as servants of a great household.

The official road was peaceful, and moreover this kind of place was no poor mountain or evil waters. Looking at these people’s appearance, they didn’t seem like bandits either. But instinct told Fan Jing that this group was unusual, seeming to be waiting specifically for their party’s arrival.

To avoid drawing too much attention, they had not raised banners indicating their identity after setting out. Though the group had enough skilled fighters, the person in the carriage was the little princess – there could be no margin for carelessness.

He immediately became alert and slowed their pace. At this moment, one of the men rode closer and quickly approached.

“General Fan!” Chen Lun smiled as he dismounted and strode toward him.

Fan Jing was startled, quickly dismounted as well, and after exchanging greetings, asked what this was about.

Chen Lun’s smile faded as he quietly said something.

Fan Jing froze. He raised his head – those disguised imperial guards had quickly dispersed to temporarily block the road entrances on both sides.

The convoy had somehow suddenly stopped, and Zhang Bao had gotten out but hadn’t returned for quite a while.

Yongle waited alone in the carriage, growing anxious. She called Zhang Bao several times with no response, then called Fan Jing: “Uncle! I want to get out! I don’t like stopping here—”

She pushed open the carriage door and found it silent as death outside, with everyone kneeling on the ground, including her Uncle Fan Jing.

“Uncle! What’s wrong with you all? Why are you all kneeling on the ground?” She was puzzled.

Zhang Bao hurried over and said quietly: “Little Princess, this servant will take you to meet someone.”

“Who?” she asked.

“The little princess will know when she sees them.”

Zhang Bao led her down from the carriage, took her hand, and walked to the roadside woods, then bowed and withdrew.

Yongle stood still.

There was a stranger across from her, tall and thin, staring at her without blinking.

Yongle looked back at him in confusion. After a moment, he suddenly grinned, showing white teeth, then strode forward. Coming before her, he bent down and reached out as if wanting to embrace her.

Yongle stepped back, quickly pulled her hands back, and hid them behind her, not letting him touch her.

“Who are you?” She tilted up her little face, staring back at him as she asked.

Shu Jian withdrew his hands and slowly crouched down, looking at this little girl’s bright black eyes full of wariness, using his gentlest voice to say: “My name is Shu Jian, and I am your elder brother.”

Yongle seemed to think of something, the wariness on her face disappearing: “I know! So you’re my emperor brother who lives in Chang’an city!”

Shu Jian was startled, and somehow his mood became joyful too, nodding vigorously: “Yes, I am your elder brother!”

“Brother, you’re the one who made me Princess Yongle!”

Shu Jian smiled: “From now on, whatever you want, tell your brother. As long as your brother has it, I’ll give it to you.”

“Brother, you’re so good to me.” Yongle was overjoyed.

“Brother, why aren’t you in Chang’an? What are you doing here?” she asked curiously again.

“I came especially to wait for Yongle.”

“Do you want to come with your brother to play in the imperial palace in Chang’an?”

Yongle’s eyes lit up: “Really? I can go play in the imperial palace?”

“Of course you can. That place is your home.”

Yongle was about to nod when she suddenly hesitated and shook her head: “No, I can’t. I need to ask my father, king, and mother consort first if I can go to Chang’an.”

“Your brother will wait for you. The gates of Chang’an Palace will always be open for you. Whenever you’re willing to come, your brother will come to fetch you.”

“Good!” Yongle said happily. “Brother, you can also come to Youzhou to visit us! Father King and Mother Consort – when they see you, they’ll be very happy too!”

Shu Jian paused: “Good.” He also replied.

“When there comes a day your brother can go, I’ll come.” His voice was somewhat low.

“A promise is a promise!”

Yongle seriously extended her little hand, imitating adults, wanting to clap palms with him.

Shu Jian was startled, then burst into laughter: “A promise is a promise!”

He spread his large hand with five fingers and solemnly clapped with her small hand.

“Brother, I have to go! I have to go home!”

“Your brother has something here to give you as a meeting gift for you to take back.”

Shu Jian took out a palm-sized sealed brocade pouch and placed it in her hands.

“What is this?” It had some weight – Yongle quickly held it with both hands.

“This originally belonged to you.”

Her emperor brother said something she didn’t understand, then lifted her in his arms. Under the watching eyes of those around, he carried her to her carriage and gently seated her inside.

“Time to go!”

Shu Jian turned his face and spoke to those around him.