Shu Shenhui strode away.

Zhang Bao hurried after him, torn with indecision. Seeing him about to exit, he asked: “Your Highness, should this servant—”

“Stay and attend her!” Shu Shenhui barked lowly.

He had ridden back tonight. Soon, his attendants brought his horse. He mounted and rode over ten zhang away. Just as he was about to turn the street corner past the Prince’s mansion gate, he looked back slightly.

That door had already closed behind him.

Naturally, no one would chase after him to make him stay. Everyone in the Prince’s mansion, from top to bottom, was accustomed to his hurried returns and departures like tonight. He always had endless tasks and people to see. Being summoned to leave the mansion at any hour, even in the middle of the night, was commonplace.

His mood sank – a sense of being forgotten and abandoned, with nowhere to go. The triumphant feeling he’d had when facing her moments ago now vanished completely. Slightly dazed, his fingers unconsciously loosened the reins. His mount misunderstood and gradually slowed to a stop. He let his horse carry him, stopping at the street corner. Several guards quietly waited behind him.

Distant thunder suddenly rumbled across the horizon, as if enormous boulders were rolling overhead.

The neighboring residences were all wealthy mansions. After dark, this area had little traffic. In the distance, only a few servants from unknown households hurried past with lanterns, fearing the night rain, quickening their pace. Soon, the area was empty. From the pitch-black night sky came the sound of music and strings from some high-walled mansion, with singers’ melodious voices threading through like silk – laughter and joy, distant yet near, stirring the heart.

Another rumbling thunder rolled overhead, and the ground stirred with the night wind carrying moisture. Receiving no commands from its master, the horse restlessly pawed the ground.

A cold drop of Chang’an spring rain suddenly fell from above, striking his forehead. He seemed to hear the sound of the water drop shattering and splashing between his brows.

Shu Shenhui spurred his horse toward the only place he could go.

At this hour, the palace gates were locked. He entered through a side gate that he habitually used at night. By the time he reached Wenlin Pavilion, he was soaked through by this sudden spring night downpour. The old eunuch hurriedly helped him change clothes. Once settled, the fatigue he’d felt before returning home struck again. He didn’t want to work. He entered the inner hall, usually used for rest, and collapsed on the bed. He knew he desperately needed rest. But when he closed his eyes, sleep wouldn’t come. This made him deeply agitated. Finally, he rose, came out, lit lamps, and began reviewing memorials.

Since the last lecture at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, he sensed changes in Shu Jian. Inside and outside court sessions, the young Emperor was more attentive than before, with marked improvement in responses and handling of state affairs. This pleased him greatly.

Since that incident, Shu Shenhui had deliberately assigned more matters for the young Emperor to handle alone. After the young Emperor decided on solutions, he would review them, approving if suitable, explaining in detail if not. This way, his supervisory tasks hadn’t decreased but increased, essentially handling the same matter twice. However, this was only a temporary additional burden. Believing in Shu Jian’s intelligence, as long as he maintained this proper attitude, the day he could truly handle state affairs independently wasn’t far off.

Shu Shenhui worked energetically at his desk until late at night. Finally, when fatigue struck again and his head felt heavy, he went back to sleep.

This time, when he lay down, probably exhausted to the extreme, he indeed had no more trouble and quickly fell asleep. After sleeping for some unknown time, he saw dream visions – a youthful man galloping on horseback at the frontier. Heaven and earth were vast, dark clouds pressed down on the city, and solemn, heavy military horns echoed through the autumn sky. Fierce western winds unfurled banners, and warriors’ armor gleamed with sword-like cold light under the dark clouds.

It was at these ancient heroic passes of Yan and Zhao that Li Mu slaughtered a hundred thousand Xiongnu cavalry, Emperor Gaozu was besieged at Baideng, Wei Qing and Huo Qubing marched north to seal Wolf Mountain, and Lady Wang Zhaojun went beyond the passes in humiliation, while Ban Ji was welcomed back to Han…

Yet after the blood boiled, where were all those ancient heroes now? In the end, they were just mounds of yellow earth, lying lonely in green mountains, for later generations to toast with turbid wine in empty remembrance…

The dream scene shifted, and he seemed to be in a furnace, his whole body burning hot. He struggled for a while, gradually discovering it wasn’t a furnace – he was in a hot spring. The warm water enveloped and surged around him, rippling and swaying. He saw opposite him, from that misty water, a woman slowly emerging. Her face was obscured by light mist, blurry and unclear – he couldn’t see clearly or imagine who she might be. He only felt drawn to this dream woman, hoping to share intimate pleasures with her. He involuntarily walked toward her, but the water blocked his steps. Before he could get close, the woman continued rising, disappearing into the vast white water vapor…

Shu Shenhui was awakened by the sound of morning bells and drums from the palace, seemingly distant yet near. Upon waking, the dream vision seemed still unbroken as he struggled to think who the woman was, his heart holding some regret. But in the dream, his thoughts had been dull and sluggish, completely unable to turn. Awake, he only felt tired and sore, with a splitting headache and unusual bodily swelling, with vague, painful sensations that were extremely uncomfortable.

He opened his eyes to pale morning light flooding in.

At this time, he should have already been attending the government with the young Emperor! He suddenly fully awakened, breaking free from the remnant dream, abruptly sitting up and calling for Li Xiangchun: “Why didn’t you wake me?” His tone was reproachful.

The old eunuch hurried in. Seeing him looking for clothes, he quickly reminded: “Your Highness, there’s no court session this morning – only a meeting with several ministers at chen hour. The time hasn’t arrived yet. Your Highness retired late last night, so this old servant didn’t call.”

Shu Shenhui remembered. This morning, he had only summoned a few people to discuss arrangements for capital affairs during his upcoming southern tour.

He slowly sat back down, pulling the quilt to cover his shameful state, waving his hand. Li Xiangchun withdrew.

He sat alone in the quiet inner chamber for a while longer, dispelling the remnant dream. Seeing the time was about right and fearing people were already waiting, he gathered his spirits and rose to wash and dress.

This southern tour concerned major court plans and would take at least several months round trip – the affairs were complex. A morning passed with only deciding who would remain in the capital to accompany the Emperor and who would follow him.

He saw the young Emperor listening, eyes flashing, constantly looking toward him, several times seeming about to speak but stopping, very eager to accompany him. Shu Shenhui prepared for the young Emperor to speak up. He wouldn’t agree. However, to his slight surprise, the young Emperor finally restrained himself, never saying anything, only looking somewhat dejected afterward.

After the rough discussions concluded, it was near noon. The ministers withdrew from the Western Hall of Xuanzheng Palace. Shu Shenhui also emerged, escorting the young Emperor back to his palace. Seeing him walking with lowered head, listless, he explained: “Your Majesty, the court cannot have both Your Majesty and this minister away simultaneously. The southern tour isn’t for sightseeing but for considerations of the northern campaign plan.”

Besides these points, this was also an opportunity to test his independent governance. Of course, Shu Shenhui didn’t say this explicitly.

Shu Jian raised his head: “I know. Agriculture is the foundation of the realm – without continued grain supplies, how can we launch northern campaigns? I’ll guard the court well. This trip will trouble Third Imperial Uncle again. Please return to your mansion to rest – no need to escort me.”

Hearing this, Shu Shenhui was greatly comforted. After escorting him a few more steps and parting from the young Emperor, he returned to Wenlin Pavilion.

Unnoticed during morning business, now relaxed, he again felt a slight headache, with what seemed like a dark thread pulling at his temples. Thinking it was from last night’s chaotic dreams and excessive fatigue, he paid no attention. After hastily eating lunch and following daily habits, he worked at his desk, organizing notes. While busy, he was told Princess Yongtai had entered the palace requesting audience.

Shu Shenhui had Li Xiangchun bring her in. Because she was like a sister and their relationship was close, there wasn’t much formality. He continued sitting behind his desk. Hearing footsteps, he looked up to see her enter.

Just as he was about to put down his brush to greet her, Princess Yongtai had already hurried to his desk and immediately said: “San Lang! I was busy with mansion affairs yesterday and only heard the news in the evening! Everyone outside says you’re about to take that eight-tribes princess as a secondary consort? They also say the princess lingered at your home most of yesterday. What kind of affair is this? Are you trying to spite Chang Ning? If my husband hadn’t held me back, refusing to let me out, I would have come to find you last night! Are you taking a secondary consort? Last month, when Chang Ning was in danger, you insisted on personally diving to search for her. My husband couldn’t stop you – he was a bit slow letting go, and you turned on him, giving him a solid kick that left his chest bruised for days! I’ve never hit him that hard! I thought you truly cared for her somewhat. But now you turn around and want to take a secondary consort? I really can’t understand you.”

The princess spoke like a firecracker going off, rattling away.

Shu Shenhui found her chatter made his headache worse. He smiled bitterly and said casually: “Elder sister, do I look like I could handle another woman?”

Only then did the princess look at him carefully. She noticed his complexion was pale with a greenish tinge, indeed seeming lacking in vital energy and different from usual. Immediately concerned: “San Lang, what’s wrong? Are you unwell somewhere?”

Shu Shenhui came to his senses, immediately smiling and saying it was nothing: “Just didn’t sleep enough last night.” Afterward, his expression became serious.

The princess knew he always finished today’s work today. She sympathetically advised him a few words, then returned to the earlier matter: “When you married Chang Ning before, I knew it was for the court’s sake. This time don’t tell me it’s also for the court?”

Shu Shenhui said seriously, “Elder sister, you misunderstand. There’s no such thing. I didn’t refuse outright the other night because the occasion wasn’t suitable. King He came to ally with Great Wei – we certainly must give some face, but not to the extent requiring a marriage alliance with him. Today, Prince Xian is leading King He on tours. When he finds a suitable opportunity, he’ll decline for me.”

Only then did Princess Yongtai breathe easier, showing a smile: “That’s good! I was startled at first – I didn’t sleep well last night. This morning, I wanted to visit Chang Ning first, but feared she’d be upset, so I came to you. San Lang, let me tell you – few women in the world would be truly magnanimous enough to ignore their own man sharing bed and pillow with other women. Think about yourself and you’ll know. Would you tolerate Chang Ning having private relations with other men? Though she’s a general, spirited, and different from ordinary people, she’s still a woman. If you took a secondary consort, I don’t believe she’d be completely indifferent-unless she never planned to live a long life with you. If she cares even a little, she wouldn’t be happy having another person enter the household!”

The princess’s words made Shu Shenhui think of her oblivious appearance. Not only that, but yesterday she had called that princess “sister,” and finally, because of his poor attitude, she had blamed him for frightening the girl?

When he originally married her, though he had other motives, he had truly prepared to spend his life with her.

But for her part, now he saw clearly – she had no plans for long-term marriage.

He suddenly felt as if he were the one being used by her.

His heart seemed to grow a hidden thorn, gradually becoming distracted.

“By the way, have you told her you have no intention of taking a secondary consort?”

The princess’s concerned question reached his ears again.

He made a casual sound of acknowledgment.

What did it matter if he told her or not? Would she care?

Probably she was just waiting for the future northern campaign’s success, when he would no longer be useful to her. Then she would turn her back on him, abandon him, and go enjoy herself with others.

No wonder – first Wen Wan, now this princess – she acted as if she couldn’t wait for him to take them in.

Should he fulfill this Jiang family daughter who was originally a stranger to him, or would it be better not to let her have her way?

His heart grew more stifled, his headache worse. What had been like a thread pulling in his forehead now felt like a hammer pounding, his temple throbbing.

San Lang! What’s wrong with you? Are you truly unwell somewhere? Shall I call an imperial physician to examine you?”

The princess finally noticed his distracted state. Worried, she approached and reached to feel his forehead.

Shu Shenhui leaned away from the princess’s hand, again showing a smile: “Truly nothing serious. With the southern tour approaching, many matters are piled on my desk requiring urgent attention. I was just thinking about work.”

The princess glanced at the various memorials and documents stacked on his desk: “Fine, fine – as long as you two are well. Just don’t focus only on court affairs while completely neglecting her. Chang Ning doesn’t like to talk, but I see she’s a soft-hearted person. If you’re good to her, she’ll remember your kindness. If you’re truly too busy, then remember to say more kind words to make her happy. No woman doesn’t like hearing sweet words.”

Shu Shenhui made agreeable sounds absentmindedly. Seeing his distracted appearance and knowing he was busy, since this was just empty worry, the princess took her leave.

Shu Shenhui rose to escort her out of Wenlin Pavilion, standing on the steps until her figure disappeared, then turned back inside.

Two days passed in a blink. Tomorrow will be the spring competition. The Regent Prince was truly busy, entangled in affairs and not returning to the Prince’s mansion for two consecutive days.

Another evening fell dark. Wenlin Pavilion was brightly lit, with the aroma of brewing medicine drifting out.

While waiting for the medicine to finish, the old eunuch instructed a young servant to watch the stove carefully while he quietly entered the inner chamber.

The Regent Prince wore casual clothes, sitting behind his desk, holding memoranda and reading rapidly.

“Your Highness, Zhang Bao came asking if Your Highness will return tonight?” the old eunuch said softly.

He didn’t answer at first. After a moment, he asked: “Who sent him?”

“He said Nanny Zhuang.”

“Tell him I’m busy with affairs and won’t return. Have him come escort her to the palace tomorrow morning.” He spoke indifferently.

The old eunuch acknowledged and was about to leave when, glancing at the figure before him and hesitating, he added: “Your Highness, perhaps this old servant should also tell Zhang Bao to inform Nanny Zhuang that Your Highness was caught in rain the other night and feel somewhat unwell, preferring not to move about, which is why you haven’t returned? This would spare Nanny Zhuang needless worry.”

The Regent Prince seemed not to hear, saying nothing and continuing to look down at the memorials in his hands.

The old eunuch waited a moment longer, bowed, and withdrew.

“Father, is His Highness returning tonight?” Zhang Bao asked.

“Tell Nanny Zhuang that His Highness was caught in rain the other night and has developed a fever, so won’t return tonight to avoid more wind exposure. He’ll return tomorrow morning to escort the Princess Consort.”

Zhang Bao exclaimed and hurried out of the palace, rushing back to the Prince’s mansion. Running inside and finding Nanny Zhuang waiting for him, he gasped: “Nanny Zhuang! Something’s wrong! His Highness was soaked in heavy rain and had a high fever! When I went there, I smelled strong, bitter medicine! I don’t know how he is – he might even be delirious, yet still says he’ll personally return tomorrow morning to escort the Princess Consort!”

The other night, strange sounds came from the Regent Prince couple’s room, as if something large had been knocked over with force. Nanny Zhuang heard, then the Princess Consort said nothing was wrong, then the Regent Prince left, seeming somewhat displeased. He hadn’t returned these past two days. Nanny Zhuang was truly worried but didn’t want to mention it to the Princess Consort, so tonight she quietly had Zhang Bao inquire. Hearing this, she was shocked and even more worried, hurrying to Fanzhi Court’s bedchamber.

Jiang Hanyuan was packing with several maids.

After tomorrow’s Six Armies Spring Competition ended, King He’s party would also leave Chang’an to return to the eight tribes. Soon after would come the southern tour Shu Shenhui had mentioned.

The little girl had been frightened by him that day and hadn’t come seeking her these past two days. With nothing to do, she packed early in the evenings.

She didn’t have much that belonged to her to take away.

The original wedding had been sudden with tight timing. Jiang Zuwang was unprepared and could provide limited dowry for his daughter – the palace had provided most of it. Since it wasn’t originally hers, it was like returning things to their owners. What she needed to take were mainly things entrusted by soldiers’ families, and also…

At the bottom of a chest, she found a short sword. The scabbard inlaid with ancient gems glowed brilliantly in the bright light.

She gazed at it for a moment, then tentatively reached out and picked up the precious sword given as a betrothal gift. It felt heavy in her hand. Holding the scabbard with one hand and grasping the hilt with the other, she slowly, inch by inch, drew the blade from its sheath. The sword’s edge gleamed with cold white light. Halfway drawn, she heard someone calling her from behind – Nanny Zhuang had entered.

With a swift motion, she sheathed the sword and placed it back at the bottom of the chest.

This item also didn’t belong to her. She couldn’t take it.

She turned around to see Nanny Zhuang hurrying over with an anxious expression: “Princess Consort, Zhang Bao just went to Wenlin Pavilion and learned His Highness was caught in rain the other night and has developed a high fever and delirium. You know his personality – I fear he’s still only thinking about work! It’s inconvenient for me to enter the palace. I beg the Princess Consort to go see him right away, telling him he must recover first, no matter what – he absolutely cannot push himself!”

“It’s all my fault! The other night, not long after His Highness left, it thundered and rained. I thought about His Highness not carrying rain gear, but I didn’t chase after him to deliver any. This late spring cold rain easily causes illness – it was my oversight…”

Jiang Hanyuan was also startled.

Truthfully, getting caught in cold rain was like a daily routine for her – it would never cause illness.

But for him…

These wealthy people raised in silks and jade – that was harder to say. Seeing Nanny Zhuang was extremely self-reproachful with reddened eyes, she comforted her: “Nanny needn’t blame yourself. I’ll go to the palace to check on him right away. I’ll make sure His Highness rests properly – he has business tomorrow.”

Nanny Zhuang thanked her repeatedly, wiping her eyes, then said, “I’ll quickly prepare a food box for the Princess Consort to take along. Let His Highness eat what he can.” She turned and hurried away.

Jiang Hanyuan changed into going-out clothes. After a moment, Nanny Zhuang returned with a food box, saying the preparation was hasty – besides some small pastries and side dishes, there was only a bowl of mandarin duck porridge, with two spoonfuls of honey added according to his preference for sweets.

Jiang Hanyuan took it and followed Zhang Bao, escorted by mansion guards, to the palace. Entering through the side gate, they reached Wenlin Pavilion.

This was her first time coming to the place where he spent most of his time. Located within a palace wall, near the East and West Court Halls, plus the Secretariat, Imperial Chancellery, Academy of Scholarly Worthies, and Historiography Institute, where officials conducted daily business. A young servant went in to announce her. Soon, Jiang Hanyuan saw Li Xiangchun hurrying out, bowing to greet her, and leading her inside to the inner chamber.

“His Highness is inside.” The old eunuch opened a partition door for her.

Inside was a square room with a bed and a couch, apparently for sleeping, so the space wasn’t large. Bright with candles, she saw him in casual clothes, leaning against the couch, reading memorials in his hands. On a low table beside the couch were more documents, with writing materials ready – he was working from bed.

“Your Highness, the Princess Consort has arrived,” the old eunuch said.

His expression was normal as he glanced at her, then looked away, saying: “Didn’t I say I’d return tomorrow morning to escort you? What brings you here?” His voice was somewhat hoarse. After speaking, he continued reading the memorial in his hands.

Jiang Hanyuan set down the food box and turned to ask Li Xiangchun: “Eunuch Li, how many days has His Highness been like this?”

“He was soaked through the night before last. Yesterday, he developed a fever. His Highness wouldn’t let anyone know. Only today did he summon an imperial physician, and he just took medicine.”

“If the Regent Prince set aside his documents for a day or two, would the court fall into chaos?”

Li Xiangchun was startled, glancing at The Regent Prince’s expression and hesitating: “This old servant doesn’t know… but presumably it should…” The old eunuch stopped.

Jiang Hanyuan nodded: “Then it won’t.” She walked over and pulled the memorial from Shu Shenhui’s hands, collecting all the documents from the couch, pointing: “Eunuch Li, take them all out.”

The old eunuch glanced again at the Regent Prince. He didn’t voice opposition, only leaned slowly back against the headboard, his expression slightly darkening. Li Xiangchun quickly agreed, calling Zhang Bao to carry everything out as the Princess Consort ordered.

After all memorials were removed, Jiang Hanyuan asked the old eunuch again: “Has His Highness eaten tonight?”

“After taking medicine, he couldn’t eat – only had a few bites.”

“Actually, since yesterday, his appetite has been poor – he hasn’t eaten much overall,” the old eunuch added.

Jiang Hanyuan opened the food box, taking out the food items one by one and arranging them on the now-empty table. She removed the warming cover and finally picked up chopsticks, offering them with both hands: “Your Highness, please eat. Nanny Zhuang prepared this specifically for you, following your taste preferences – it’s still warm. Even without appetite, please have a few bites.”

He said nothing, still wearing a dark expression, not taking them.

Jiang Hanyuan waited a moment, her patience exhausted, frowning slightly: “So His Highness urgently summoned me tonight just to watch you work while ill?”

“What’s this? Do you think that with departure imminent, you can become increasingly presumptuous?”

He seemed to choke, then coldly and lightly scolded.

Strangely, though, his tone didn’t sound truly angry.

Zhang Bao had never witnessed such a scene. Earlier he’d been shocked by the Princess Consort forcibly removing the memorials, and now stood behind Li Xiangchun with mouth slightly agape.

Li Xiangchun silently withdrew, giving him a meaningful look. Zhang Bao recovered and hurriedly followed. The old eunuch quietly lowered the curtains, closed the door, and told those waiting outside to disperse. The Regent Prince’s work for tonight was finished.