Shu Shenhui left the Prince’s mansion in the still pitch-black pre-dawn of the fifth watch. Jiang Hanyuan went to the training ground as she had in the past few days. Guard Captain Wang Ren was already there with his subordinates – both for morning drills and sparring practice. But this morning, for some reason, the Princess Consort didn’t call for them, so Wang Ren led his men in their exercises while the Princess Consort practiced archery alone at the target range. As dawn gradually broke, everyone finished their drills, but the Princess Consort still hadn’t left. They went looking and found her holding a long staff, practicing staff techniques. With one heavy strike downward, there was a sharp “crack” – the wax wood staff in her hands actually snapped in half, and the piece of gravel on the ground that bore the impact also split with several cracks.

Everyone watching couldn’t help but gasp inwardly, holding their breath, not daring to make a sound.

Jiang Hanyuan held the broken staff, stopped, caught her breath for a moment, then turned around. Seeing everyone watching from a distance, she threw down the broken staff, wiped her sweat, walked over, and told them to disperse – no need to wait here.

Wang Ren and the guards left. She sat alone in the empty training ground for a while.

As the morning sun gradually rose, her breathing and heartbeat completely calmed down. She lowered her head, opened her hand, looked at her palm, then stood up and returned to Fanzhi Court.

That last strike had used excessive force, breaking the staff, and the recoil had also injured her. The palm of one hand had a previously healed wound that burst open again, seeping blood.

She entered her room and fetched medicine and cloth to clean it. Just then Lady Zhuang happened to walk in, saw this, and was startled. She stepped forward to examine her hand: “Princess Consort, what happened to your hand again?”

Jiang Hanyuan avoided her touch, lowered her hand, and smiled: “It’s nothing. I just scraped it carelessly – it’ll heal quickly.”

Lady Zhuang sighed: “Princess Consort, please be more careful. It pains me just to look at it! You’re too careless with your flesh and blood.” As she spoke, she glanced at the scar marks on her temple. During this period, she had been watching over them daily, applying medicine to the scars morning and evening. The Jade Soul Balm from the Imperial Medical Academy had shown some effect – the scars had faded considerably. In a few more days, they would probably be invisible.

“Does Nanny have business with me?” Jiang Hanyuan asked.

“Someone came from the palace earlier, saying Dowager Consort Dunyi wishes to speak with you. If the Princess Consort is free today, please make a trip to the palace. The carriage is waiting outside.”

After Lady Zhuang finished speaking, she looked at her expression: “If the Princess Consort finds it inconvenient, shall I have someone inform the Regent Prince?”

The Princess Consort had a different temperament from others. If she was unwilling, naturally her wishes came first. So Lady Zhuang added this.

“His Highness is busy – no need to disturb him. It’s a small matter. I’ll go.” Jiang Hanyuan replied.

She bathed, arranged her hair, changed clothes, and entered the palace. Led by waiting attendants at the palace gate, she came to Dunyi Palace in the inner palace. Beside the Dowager Consort sat Empress Dowager Lan. After paying respects, the Dowager Consort quickly had someone set a seat for Jiang Hanyuan beside her.

Empress Dowager Lan still wore magnificent robes and formal makeup, sizing up Jiang Hanyuan. Her hair was piled high, combed into a round chignon, with several bone combs inserted at her temples to hold her hair, like the moon breaking through dark clouds. She wore azure upper garments and crimson lower garments, a spring jacket on her body. From head to toe, everything was simple.

The Empress Dowager turned to the Dowager Consort and smiled in praise: “Dowager Consort, look – the Princess Consort’s appearance and bearing, even with just a few bone combs, surpasses everyone. She probably doesn’t know that after Prince Xian’s Old Princess Consort’s birthday banquet last time, all the noble ladies in the city now style their hair in peony chignons, making the older people feel as if they’d returned to Emperor Shengwu’s reign. And those young beauties – which one doesn’t dot a cinnabar plum mark on her forehead? The more clever ones have made them into gold-inlaid flower ornaments, evenly dyed with purple rouge – truly beautiful. If I weren’t too old, I couldn’t help but want to dress like that, too. The only one completely oblivious to all this is our lady general!”

The Dowager Consort also smiled at Jiang Hanyuan, asking with concern how her previous injuries were. Hearing they had healed, she nodded: “It’s good that you’re well. When I heard you were injured last time, I was extremely worried. If not for the palace walls blocking the way, the Empress Dowager would have wanted to visit you personally then. In the future, if there’s nothing urgent, remember to visit the palace more often. Don’t let palace walls block the imperial family’s affection.”

Jiang Hanyuan expressed her thanks. After pleasantries, Empress Dowager Lan also dismissed attendants and looked toward the Dowager Consort. The Dowager Consort hesitated: “You must already know about last night’s events at Wanxiang Palace?”

Jiang Hanyuan said, “I know.”

The Dowager Consort sighed softly without speaking. Empress Dowager Lan said, “Does the Princess Consort know how the Regent Prince will decide?”

Jiang Hanyuan said, “I don’t know. His Highness hasn’t discussed it with me.”

Empress Dowager Lan’s face showed a trace of faint sympathy as she glanced at the Dowager Consort.

The Dowager Consort spoke: “I summoned you today precisely for this matter. First, I’ve heard King He is completely sincere, so this matter may be difficult to refuse. Second, if the marriage succeeds, it would greatly benefit our Great Wei. The Regent Prince is surely torn. But you must understand – if he agrees, it’s wholeheartedly for the country, with no disrespect toward you whatsoever. You must be understanding and not sadden yourself to the point of harming your health. You are the only Princess Consort he welcomed through the main gate of the Prince’s mansion. No matter who else comes or how many, how could they compete with your brilliance?”

The Dowager Consort’s words were earnest and heartfelt, truly from the heart.

Empress Dowager Lan also sighed: “The late Emperor died early, and His Majesty cannot shoulder great responsibilities. Great Wei’s realm now rests entirely on the Regent Prince. His many actions are surely beyond his control. However, his kindness to you is known by all. Take your accident in the imperial hunting grounds last time – to search for you, he abandoned court affairs and led people into the grounds himself. When has this younger brother-in-law of mine ever lost composure like that for anyone else? If this time he ultimately wrongs you because of this matter, it’s entirely due to Great Wei’s court strategy and because of His Majesty’s burden. I’m willing to apologize to you…” As she spoke, she rose from her seat, about to bow to Jiang Hanyuan.

Just as she made the gesture to bow, Jiang Hanyuan had already steadied her, saying: “I dare not.” Then she released her and bowed to the Dowager Consort: “Thank you for your elders’ care. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

The Dowager Consort invited her to stay for a meal. Jiang Hanyuan politely declined. Unable to detain her, the Dowager Consort had someone escort her out of the palace. After she left, Empress Dowager Lan said: “Dowager Consort, she speaks little and says not one extra word. I really can’t read her. Do you think she understood our meaning?”

This morning’s conversation was Empress Dowager Lan’s doing. She learned of last night’s events at Wanxiang Palace immediately. For the court’s sake, and also from certain hidden, unknowable, subtle thoughts, she secretly hoped for success. But after careful consideration, she worried the Regent Prince might be concerned about Jiang Hanyuan, and the matter might fail. So she sought out the Dowager Consort overnight, claiming the Regent Prince would surely be willing to accept, truly because if the marriage succeeded, it would benefit Great Wei with no harm. However, he was probably also considering his recently married Princess Consort.

The Dowager Consort lived deep in the inner palace, didn’t meddle in affairs, and usually just dozed when free. Hearing this, she summoned the person this morning, both to comfort and with some intention of having her make the sacrifice.

The Dowager Consort frowned: “Perhaps it’s fate, but I quite like this daughter of the Jiang family. If not for the court, I wouldn’t have stepped forward to manage such things. If someone isn’t intelligent, relying only on martial force, do you think they could become a general? Especially a woman! Enough – words need only be hinted at. The rest is beyond you and me!”

Empress Dowager Lan quickly agreed. Then she said: “Last night’s matter made me think of His Majesty again. He’s already fourteen – we should decide on an Empress for him. This would benefit the state and help His Majesty understand he’s grown up and cannot act outside propriety. I’ll take this opportunity to consult the Dowager Consort – do you have anyone in mind?”

The Dowager Consort closed her eyes for a long moment: “What would I have in mind? You choose yourself. Prioritize birth and character. As for talent and beauty, it’s best if present, but don’t force it if not.”

Empress Dowager Lan smiled at the Dowager Consort: “The Dowager Consort’s words match my thoughts exactly. I’ll return to draft the list.”

She was taking advantage of Dowager Consort Dunyi’s non-interference in affairs and her age-related confusion, habitually using sweet words to manipulate her. Having achieved her purpose now, seeing the Dowager Consort looking tired, she stayed a bit longer than she withdrew to her palace.

When Jiang Hanyuan entered, she came through the usual western side gate. Leaving the palace, she naturally took the same route. Coming out of Dunyi Palace, then exiting the inner palace through Ziji Gate, following the guiding palace attendant along the inner palace wall to the right, she was walking when she suddenly saw ahead a figure in dragon robes.

It was the young Emperor, alone, standing in the middle of the corridor under the palace wall.

The palace attendant suddenly seeing the young Emperor appear here hurriedly retreated to the roadside, kneeling in obeisance. Shu Jian told everyone to withdraw, glanced at Jiang Hanyuan, hesitated, then finally stepped forward himself: “No need for ceremony.”

He glanced at her from head to toe: “How are the injuries from your last accident?”

Jiang Hanyuan still performed the proper greeting, then stood straight: “Already healed. Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern.”

The youth fell silent. Jiang Hanyuan waited a moment, about to take leave and continue exiting the palace, when she suddenly heard him speak again: “About the plum garden incident last time – I still owe you an apology. I promised Third Imperial Uncle. I’m sorry. It was my fault!”

He spoke quickly and urgently. After finishing, his eyes fixed on the stone pavement at his feet, motionless.

Jiang Hanyuan was slightly stunned. She had long forgotten that matter, not expecting he still remembered it.

At this time, morning court should have ended, but today, there are still necessary state discussions with King He. As Emperor, he shouldn’t be free now. From his appearance, it seemed he was deliberately waiting here. Could it be he learned of her palace visit and slipped away?

Jiang Hanyuan didn’t want to delay him too long. She also saw that though the young Emperor had come to apologize, he still couldn’t quite swallow his pride. She immediately said, “Your Majesty speaks too seriously. That matter is long past – no need to keep it in mind. If Your Majesty has business, please return. I must also leave the palace.”

Her tone was gentle. This was also her true feeling. Such ridiculous farce, once past was past – how could she hold grudges?

Shu Jian made a sound of agreement, still looking at the ground, stepping past her. Jiang Hanyuan also continued forward. After a few steps, she suddenly heard the youth’s voice behind her: “If Third Imperial Uncle takes a secondary consort, would you truly be willing?”

Jiang Hanyuan couldn’t help being stunned again.

Shu Jian seemed to finally make up his mind, suddenly hurrying back to her front, saying in a low voice: “Mother has planted people in my palace. I caught them out, scared them a bit, and now they obey me. Last night, they told me Mother went to find the Dowager Consort to summon you to the palace today. I just found a moment to slip out. I was outside the Dowager Consort’s hall – I heard everything you said…”

He looked at Jiang Hanyuan: “I don’t know what Third Imperial Uncle is thinking either. But he truly has his heart set on the court and my welfare – I know that. Since he could marry you before, if he can’t refuse now, perhaps he really will marry that so-called Pearl of the Snowlands. Consider it compensation for my previous disrespect to you. If you’re unwilling in your heart, you needn’t listen to the Dowager Consort and them. I can help you.”

After the youth finished, he puffed out his chest slightly: “No matter what, I am still the Emperor!”

He was probably in the voice-changing period. Suddenly raising his voice brought out some cracking, sounding rather comical. But his expression was serious, face slightly upturned, brow showing some pride.

Jiang Hanyuan was extremely surprised, never expecting the young Emperor would say such things to her. She recovered: “Thank you, Your Majesty. However—”

“I’m truly fine! This matter needs no imperial intervention. The Regent Prince acts with his considerations. I’m unharmed!” She spoke with certainty.

After hearing her words, Shu Jian’s gaze fell on her face, staring at her. Jiang Hanyuan felt he seemed to be studying her and stepped back.

“Your Majesty, please attend to your business. I’ll also take my leave.”

She bowed to the youth before her, then stepped forward again, but heard him say: “I know you’re pretending to be magnanimous! From childhood, I’ve seen many women – the palace is full of them. Which one doesn’t want to compete for favor? Those who don’t compete simply can’t compete. Though you’re vastly different from other women, if you want to capture Third Imperial Uncle’s heart, always being like this won’t work! You must make some changes.”

“I’ll speak plainly – all men in the world like gentle, understanding women. No one would like someone like you!”

Jiang Hanyuan recovered from her shock. Seeing the young Emperor before her with a serious expression, finally even adopting an old-fashioned, earnestly instructive manner, she really couldn’t help it and burst out laughing with a “pfft.”

Shu Jian saw her laugh for the first time – her eyes bright and clear as spring water. He stared, then his ears heated up, his face flushing red. Forcing himself to remain calm, he used his most serious tone: “This is my advice! Whether you listen is up to you! Consider it some compensation for my previous offense!”

“I have business to attend to – I’m leaving first!”

Having said this, he left Jiang Hanyuan behind and strode away.

Last time he had promised to apologize, but later Third Imperial Uncle said it wasn’t necessary. Having spoken, if he didn’t follow through, wouldn’t he be a coward? But he had struggled to find an opportunity. With the recent accident in the imperial hunting grounds, he naturally knew the truth and was greatly shaken. Learning last night she would enter the palace this morning, taking advantage of this morning’s break and claiming he needed to relieve himself, he finally managed to corner her for an apology, completing this worry.

Jiang Hanyuan watched the young Emperor’s figure hurriedly depart, disappearing at the end of the palace corridor. She shook her head, turned, and left the palace. Returning to the Prince’s mansion, she had just entered when she learned extremely surprising news.

A maid said King He’s daughter, Princess Lin Hua, had come calling. She was currently in the guest hall with Lady Zhuang attending her.

Jiang Hanyuan was startled: “She came seeking the Regent Prince? Didn’t you say he wasn’t here?”

The eight tribes of Great He belonged to the northeastern frontier, with few ceremonial constraints. Women being bold was common, plus she was a princess. Since King He could bring her to Chang’an, she was probably much beloved. If she had feelings for Shu Shenhui and learned of last night’s events, running to find him this morning wouldn’t be shocking.

The maid nodded, then shook her head: “We did! We also thought she came to visit His Highness, but unexpectedly, she said she came for you, Princess Consort. She said she’d long admired your reputation and only followed because she heard you married into Chang’an! Nanny Zhuang couldn’t persuade her to leave and could only accompany her, waiting for your return!”

Today truly brought one strange event after another. Jiang Hanyuan hurried to Qingyun Hall. Upon arrival, a maid had just announced “The Princess Consort has returned” when running footsteps sounded, and a young girl rushed out of the guest hall, making everything seem to brighten.

This girl was about fifteen or sixteen, with snow-white skin and a tall, slender figure. She wore a colorful pearl crown, a bright red dress and skirt, and embroidered boots. Her eyes were bright and clear, her nose petite and straight, her red lips round and pouty – extremely sweet-looking. Upon emerging and encountering Jiang Hanyuan, her eyes fixed on her, glowing with light.

“You must be the famous General Chang Ning! I’m surnamed Xiao, named Lin Hua! I’ve long known your great reputation! You once led troops and seized Qingmu Plain from the Di people! I’ve also wanted to practice martial arts and fight like men since childhood, but Father forbids it. No matter how I fuss, he won’t allow it. That year, when I heard the news, I thought how wonderful it would be if I could meet you someday! This time, I heard the General became Great Wei’s Regent Princess Consort, and Father happened to come to Chang’an too, so I begged him to bring me. Today, seeing the General’s face, I’m so happy!”

Xiao Lin Hua rushed to Jiang Hanyuan’s side, reaching out as if to embrace her. Just before touching, probably not daring to, she stopped, bit her lip, and continued: “Last night I heard Father promised me to The Regent Prince as a secondary consort. I was so happy I couldn’t sleep all night. Father says after finishing business, he’ll discuss the wedding date with the Regent Prince. I wish it could be immediately! Then I could be with the General every day – wherever you go, I’ll go too! Though I can’t help you fight, I can sing and dance! If the General keeps me by her side, when you’re tired from fighting, I’ll sing for you and dance for you, and you won’t be tired anymore!”

Jiang Hanyuan finally recovered from her bewilderment. Seeing this girl standing before her, eyes wide, looking at her with complete anticipation, she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, unsure how to respond.

Just then, Lady Zhuang hurried out, had maids watch the girl, and drew Jiang Hanyuan aside, repeatedly apologizing – she couldn’t persuade her to leave and couldn’t drive her away, offending the Princess Consort.

Jiang Hanyuan turned to look at Princess Lin Hua, who kept glancing their way: “No harm done. She means no ill and is quite innocent and charming. I like her very much.”

Lady Zhuang was stunned and looked back as well.

Last night, she had learned from Zhang Bao about the events at Wanxiang Hall. This morning, she felt the Regent Prince seemed off when leaving, but couldn’t say how, worrying secretly about where this matter would lead. Unexpectedly, today, the principal herself had come calling.

She wondered what the Princess Consort was thinking – from her appearance, she seemed quite fond of this eight-tribes princess who observed no proprieties whatsoever.

The day’s business ended. King He also left the palace. Tonight Prince Xian and others would host the banquet – no need for The Regent Prince to personally entertain guests again.

Shu Shenhui sat alone in Wenlin Pavilion.

During the day, matters had progressed smoothly. King He swore absolute loyalty, promising never to betray Great Wei in future conflicts with Beidi. Great Wei also promised that if the eight tribes faced difficulties, Great Wei would certainly send troops for protection.

Though King He’s attitude was positive, Shu Shenhui had prior intelligence that the eight tribes had internal disagreements about allying with Great Wei. Only King He’s prestige and forceful suppression had enabled this Chang’an journey.

This was inevitable. The Great Wei court could intimidate all directions and command universal submission by severely defeating Beidi in the coming war, displaying military might.

Without a great battlefield victory, everything else was empty talk.

As dusk fell and lamp-lighting time approached, Shu Shenhui could leave the palace and return to the Prince’s mansion.

He felt he needed proper rest.

After several nights of poor sleep, now alone, he felt fatigued.

But he simply didn’t want to return.

He rubbed his face, stiff from the day’s affairs, swept aside the stacked documents before him, rose from his seat, and decided to sleep first.

Enough – sleep first. Other matters could wait until tomorrow.

The old eunuch entered with Zhang Bao following. Shu Shenhui stopped, frowning slightly: “Why are you here? Didn’t I tell you to stay home and attend her?”

He was truly tired now. Physically tired, and his heart seemed tired too – he didn’t even want to say “Princess Consort.”

Zhang Bao bowed and quickly approached, saying quietly: “Nanny Zhuang sent me to the palace to inform Your Highness—”

“Something happened at home!”

“What matter?” he asked coldly.

Could it be that, hearing he would take a secondary consort, she had been insincere this morning and was now packing to return to Yanmen?

“King He’s daughter Xiao Lin Hua came! The Princess Consort gets along extremely well with her! When this servant left, the Princess Consort was leading her to the training ground, teaching her archery!”

“Nanny Zhuang says Princess Lin Hua sent word back that she won’t return to the guesthouse tonight – she wants to share a bed with the Princess Consort!”