Su Run buried his head even lower, suppressing his fear: “What this subject says is all true. There is physical evidence to present, provided by former Lateral Courts Supervisor Pei Jianzuo.”

Shouxi stepped forward several paces to receive it, but Zheng Fu, the head eunuch beside Emperor Chenming, arrived first and took the letter from Su Run to deliver it to Emperor Chenming’s hands.

Emperor Chenming looked at it for a while, then abruptly threw the letter onto Li Xuan’s robe hem.

Li Xuan was Empress Yuan’s legitimate son. Emperor Chenming had always been loving toward this Crown Prince—when had he ever displayed such an angry expression? Li Xuan’s face changed dramatically as he knelt: “Father Emperor, please calm your anger.”

Qun Qing knelt along with everyone filling the hall. In her field of vision, that unfolded letter fell to the ground.

“I didn’t know that the palace caning had become your tool for eliminating dissidents.” After Emperor Chenming spoke, he pointed at Academician Lin. “Last year someone pointed out a candidate used a substitute, yet you all remained silent and watched helplessly as a colleague was dragged out to be beaten?”

Academician Lin and the others prostrated on the ground, not daring to speak. The poor candidates who’d come to take the examination, having just arrived in Chang’an, were subjected to such a fright—their spines trembled beneath their garments.

Emperor Chenming had held this spring examination wanting to improve his mood, yet who knew he would personally witness such discord? It even implicated Meng Guanlou’s substitute examination matter from a year ago—no wonder the sage’s anger wouldn’t subside.

If the palace examination substitute fraud was a scandal, then the letter revealing the Meng family ordering the Lateral Courts supervisor to dispose of Su Run involved criminal charges. This matter was related to the Crown Prince—arbitrarily controlling others’ life and death right under the sage’s nose further challenged Emperor Chenming’s authority.

Li Huan said, “Father Emperor, since Ninth Young Master Meng had no need to use a substitute, why provoke trouble? You should investigate those around him to see if he was influenced by people close to him.”

The more he spoke, the angrier Emperor Chenming became: “Strip Meng Guanlou of his official robes. Bring this person along with everyone around Meng Guanlou to the Court of Judicial Review for questioning, one by one.”

Li Xuan buried his head down and stopped speaking.

Yumei collapsed and was dragged away.

When officials from the Court of Judicial Review surrounded the Meng residence, the Meng residence had just lit its lamps.

Meng Guanlou sat in the room, numbly watching them enter the residence with the order, taking away the maidservants and young servants at his side. Two more people pressed him onto a chair. Ignoring his struggles, they stripped off his outer robe, leaving only his inner garment.

In the Purple Auspice Hall, Meng Guangshen had been waiting early outside Emperor Chenming’s curtain.

After waiting a long time, only Zheng Fu emerged: “The sage has a headache and feels unwell. Tonight I’m afraid he cannot see anyone. Why doesn’t the Minister return home first?”

It meant even pleading would be useless.

Zheng Fu couldn’t successfully stop him. Meng Guangshen lifted his robe hem and knelt: “Sage, failure to teach one’s son is the father’s fault. Whatever wrong Qilang committed, let it be handled as it should be. This subject has absolutely no intention to shield him.”

He continued: “However, this subject implores the sage to think thrice: On the surface this matter exposes Qilang, but in reality it’s probably aimed at the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince knew nothing of this matter. Soon it will be Empress Yuan’s memorial day. This subject hopes the sage, for Empress Yuan’s sake, will not become estranged from the Crown Prince.”

Inside the curtain, Emperor Chenming’s motion of turning through reports stopped.

Zheng Fu observed the emperor’s expression and couldn’t help but secretly admire—Minister Meng hadn’t mentioned Prince Yan in a single sentence, yet every word implied that Prince Yan had arranged this play to suppress the Crown Prince.

That Emperor Chenming disliked Prince Yan was fact. That Prince Yan had been gradually gaining momentum recently was also fact.

When not ill, Emperor Chenming was still broad-minded, but a gradually weakening body made one narrow-minded. The slightest conflict would trigger suspicion. The bit of favorable impression toward Prince Yan that had just emerged turned again into doubt.

Meng Guangshen’s voice continued: “Princess Danyang never participated in political affairs before, but this time she seems to stand on Prince Yan’s side. Speaking of things that shouldn’t be said, the sage should also consider the princess’s marriage early, lest she follow the path of the previous dynasty’s Princess Changping.”

Mentioning Princess Changping, Emperor Chenming spoke: “Back then, fortunately Minister Meng pledged allegiance to the Li family. Otherwise, there would be no Great Chen today.”

“This subject dares not take credit,” Meng Guangshen said.

Emperor Chenming slapped the reports loudly: “I’ve been reading military reports. The new king of Nan Chu has ascended—this person is actually the former ‘Acting King,’ Princess Changping’s son Ling Yunnuo. There’s also unusual activity in the north. The people sent out still haven’t found Princess Changping’s corpse. Since even the Acting King could come back from the dead, I fear Princess Changping’s forces still exist, plotting restoration and usurpation in some corner. At such a time, the Crown Prince and Prince Yan still don’t understand…”

Meng Guangshen quickly said: “The sage need not worry. Even if Changping were alive, she couldn’t rally popular support. Restoring national strength is most important now. I’ve heard there are snow disasters in the north. This subject is willing to offer the treasury funds under his control for improving people’s livelihood.”

Emperor Chenming nodded with satisfaction: “I won’t blame Minister Meng for Ninth Son’s actions. But the substitute examination matter was witnessed by all—there must be an explanation. Let the Court of Judicial Review decide.”

Walking out of the palace hall, moonlight stretched Meng Guangshen’s shadow long. Both his shoulders were covered with snow. The respectful expression faded from his face, revealing a sinister quality through the indifference.

Now Meng Guanlou had entered the Court of Judicial Review. He could avoid the death penalty, but could hardly escape punishment for his crimes. However unworthy, he was still his own son.

Lu Huating…

—

This year’s inglorious palace examination made Emperor Chenming lose his mood to personally select the top scholar. He only selected Zhang Qiru and two others as first class, relegating the remaining candidates to third class. The parade through the streets on horseback was also cancelled. Only a banquet was held in the palace to host them, and before the candidates received their appointments, they were given four days’ leave to tour Chang’an on their own.

Having concluded things so perfunctorily, unable to see the grand spectacle of the top scholar parading through the streets, Princess Danyang felt deeply disappointed. She held her own banquet and summoned all the selected candidates to the Bright Moon Pavilion outside the palace to drink and make merry with them.

Qun Qing found Wang Xi alone at the Plum Blossom Envoy Pavilion. When she brought him to the Bright Moon Pavilion entrance, they happened to encounter Princess Danyang dressed in plain clothes coming out, reeking of alcohol: “How was one missed?”

Qun Qing said, “Your Highness, this person is Wang Xi who fell ill during the examination. He’s just recovered. This subject thought we should call him to join us.”

Princess Danyang: “Why not go in?”

In the lamplight’s reflection, Wang Xi lowered his head, his expression hesitant and dim: “This commoner… this commoner has been removed from the rolls due to the substitute examination matter. I truly have no face to share joy with those selected.”

“Examination Official Qun has already reported your situation to this palace. It’s fortunate your integrity is noble and you chose to fall ill—otherwise how would Yumei’s substitute examination have been exposed?” Princess Danyang said. “Rest assured, this palace has promised to recommend you next year. You’ll have another chance to take the examination.”

Qun Qing also said, “Go ahead, join them.”

Wang Xi looked at her gratefully and walked into the Bright Moon Pavilion. Seeing him enter, the seated candidates all looked toward him. Only Lu Huating and Su Run sat properly.

Wang Xi feared receiving cold looks, his face bashful, not knowing where to place his hands and feet. But Zhang Qiru raised his cup with both hands, saying generously: “We all know now—you didn’t actively use a substitute. You were forced by the Meng family.”

“That’s right. We’re all poor scholars—we understand each other’s difficulties. If patronized by great personages, who could be like Brother Wang, preferring to suffer illness rather than take the examination?” Another person also stood up. “When Brother Wang becomes an official next year and in the future, he’ll surely be a good official.”

Amid the crowd’s sincere toasts, Wang Xi’s face flushed red, tears in his eyes. He couldn’t help but look toward the window outside, but outside the window there were only falling snow particles—Qun Qing’s shadow was gone.

The candidates also raised their cups in thanks to Lu Huating: “If not for the chancellor’s assistance, we couldn’t have rushed to Chang’an in time for the examination, nor would we have today’s selection.”

Lu Huating’s dark eyes reflected candlelight as he smiled slightly: “You all should thank another person as well.”

Everyone looked at each other in confusion. Wang Xi was about to speak when Lu Huating glanced at him, stopping him. His hand with distinct knuckles pressed the wine cup forward, then smiled again: “If your thanks are merely drinking, I’ll accept it on her behalf.”

The candidates all stood up and, amid laughter, filled his cup to the brim. Lu Huating drank the full cup and instructed Zhu Su: “Go buy some small firecrackers. You all can set them off by the window—consider it thanks to this person. How’s that?”

The candidates all said, “Excellent idea!”

Wang Xi also smiled. Great Chen’s small firecrackers involved filling cut bamboo segments with saltpeter and fire. When ignited, sparks burst forth—they had the effect of dispelling misfortune and evil spirits while praying for peace. Even if Qun Qing wasn’t present, they could still express their sentiments from afar.

—

Near year’s end, many more red lanterns had been added throughout the city.

Walking on the street, Qun Qing asked Princess Danyang, “Why doesn’t Your Highness drink with the candidates?”

Danyang said, “They want to drink together and compose poetry. This palace doesn’t like composing poetry, nor does this palace like drinking.”

That Princess Danyang personally said she disliked drinking greatly surprised Qun Qing.

Qun Qing and Princess Danyang had already walked to the lantern-selling area. There were even children carrying bright red carp lanterns, happily running and chasing through the snow.

Qun Qing saw Princess Danyang kept staring at those children, seeming to envy them, so she went to buy a carp lantern and handed it to Danyang.

This was the first time Danyang had received a lantern from a young lady. She stared blankly at Qun Qing’s face illuminated by the lantern: “Examination Official Qun, are you married?”

Qun Qing shook her head.

“No wonder.” Danyang burst out laughing. “Do you know that according to folk custom, lanterns should be given by young men to young ladies they like?”

How could Qun Qing not know? But she’d never believed in such folk customs. Many people didn’t believe in such things—hadn’t Lu Huating given her a lantern before?

“Who says only young men can give lanterns? This subject thinks if one likes someone, one can buy with one’s own monthly salary. I can also buy lanterns for Your Highness.” Qun Qing handed her the lantern. “I heard that in the past when Your Highness commanded troops, you once withdrew forces to save the city’s common people. This matter left a deep impression on me. Consider this thanks to the princess on behalf of the common people.”

Danyang took the lantern, smiling like a child. However, hearing of past events, her smile dimmed: “Do you know that the sage dislikes this palace commanding troops? What you speak of are matters from a previous life.”

“Since women are permitted to pursue official careers, why doesn’t he like the princess commanding troops?” Qun Qing asked.

“Because of the previous dynasty’s Princess Changping.” Danyang said with melancholy. “Have you heard that rumor? When the Chu nation fell, it was originally because Princess Changping plotted to usurp the throne. She deliberately had the Desolate Emperor go supervise the battle, intending rebellion, but failed at the last moment because her consort betrayed her. Although the sage seized the imperial throne from Changping’s hands, he dislikes strong-willed princesses, fearing a repeat of those events. This palace depends on Imperial Uncle for survival, so naturally must put him at ease. Under imperial authority, drinking and keeping male favorites, living a wealthy life—there’s nothing wrong with that either.”

Danyang looked back. Qun Qing followed her gaze and saw two Princess residence guards following Danyang from afar—they were probably monitoring her movements.

As she’d expected, Princess Danyang wasn’t without ambition—she just had her own difficulties.

“We can’t walk together anymore. Examination Official Qun, thank you for the lantern.” After Danyang spoke with a smile, she quickly walked back to the Bright Moon Pavilion.

Qun Qing wandered the streets alone, recalling Danyang’s words just now.

As someone from the old Chu, this was the first time she’d heard that Princess Changping had attempted rebellion. If this matter were true, then as Princess Changping’s subordinate, the Zen Master hating the Li family and continuously directing agents to kill Li family members made sense.

But now dust returned to dust, earth to earth. Princess Changping was dead. Relying solely on Fang Xie and the Zen Master, it would be very difficult to stir up any trouble…

A loud boom by her ear called Qun Qing’s consciousness back. She quickly retreated several steps. She saw several small firecrackers extending diagonally out from the first-floor window of the Bright Moon Pavilion. Brilliant fireworks sprayed into the night sky. The dazzling firelight illuminated her cheeks.

She hadn’t expected these candidates to have such leisurely elegance. It made her recall scenes from childhood New Year’s celebrations. She most loved watching Father set off fireworks—thinking of it felt like another lifetime.

Common people came and went beside her. Qun Qing stood in a dark spot, looking up at this tree of fire and silver flowers. She found it beautiful, but didn’t know for whom these fireworks burned.

After the small firecrackers hissed into silence, Qun Qing’s hearing was extremely keen—she could hear the noisy sounds of drinking toasts inside the window. Princess Danyang had returned to the gathering, sitting among the young men drinking, her behavior frivolous. She’d written several colored paper slips and stood a porcelain spoon on the table, spinning the handle.

This was a type of drinking game in Great Chen. The porcelain spoon spun on the table—whoever the handle pointed to had to drink a cup of wine, then draw lots to compose poetry. Failure to compose meant an additional cup as penalty.

Currently the spoon handle had apparently stopped between Lu Huating and Su Run. All the candidates stood up, watching the two compose poetry on paper. Both drew lots simultaneously, both their brushes moved like dragons and snakes. The crowd held their breath watching—it was difficult to determine victory, and they loudly praised the excellence.

Zhang Qiru said, “Scholar Su was last year’s second-place graduate—having literary talent is expected. But unexpectedly Chancellor Lu also writes so well!”

Princess Danyang tilted her head to look, but showed favoritism toward Su Run: “In this palace’s view, Yujie’s poem is better in this round. Yunming, draw again and compose again.”

Lu Huating had already drunk who knows how many cups. His eyes glistened as he smiled at these words, then drew another colored slip. But after seeing its content clearly, he crumpled it and threw it on the ground: “Can’t compose this. Change to another.”

“What is it?” Danyang insisted on picking up the paper ball and unfolding it. After one glance, she found it hilarious. “‘Sworn enemy’—what, encountering a sworn enemy you can’t write? Feel it’s inauspicious? This palace insists you write it.”

Lu Huating’s brush tip paused on the paper, but he set down the brush and called over a waiter: “Can one inscribe on your walls?”

Literary scholars and wild talents often felt confident in their literary talent. After drinking, they would leave poetry on walls—this was called wall inscription. Hearing Lu Huating wanted to inscribe on the wall, the candidates applauded and made noise. Danyang also became interested.

The waiter was in a difficult position: “That depends on whether you write well or not. If written beautifully, it’s naturally elegant. But if not beautiful, we’re a wine house—I’m afraid we’ll have to chase you out as a customer!”

Just as Danyang was about to speak, Lu Huating had already said “No matter”: “This person’s wall inscription will disappear on its own in half an hour.”

After speaking, he rinsed the writing brush in a teacup, only moistening the brush tip with wine liquid, and inscribed on the wall from top to bottom.

Qun Qing across the window couldn’t see clearly what he wrote at all. She only heard that halfway through writing, the candidates burst into laughter, then made noise saying he was cheating.

She couldn’t help but feel restless, wanting to know what he’d actually written.

Princess Danyang’s two guards stood at the Bright Moon Pavilion entrance. As the Crown Prince’s person, she naturally couldn’t go in and laugh with these candidates.

Qun Qing walked past the Bright Moon Pavilion. Because she was truly curious inside, after waiting a long time, she circled back from the dark alley. Taking the risk of being seen, she slipped into the Bright Moon Pavilion.

The candidates had already left. On the table remained only leftovers and cold dishes.

Qun Qing walked before that wall. The water marks on the wall had already half-dried. Of those flowing, spirited characters, only a bit remained, barely discernible:

“When the golden wind and jade dew meet once.”

Having finished reading, Qun Qing turned and left, concealing herself in the dark wind and snow.

No wonder the candidates said he cheated. Drawing “sworn enemy,” Lu Huating hadn’t composed poetry at all—he’d directly copied one.

It was: When the golden wind and jade dew meet once, it surpasses countless encounters in the mortal world.