In Yan Bei, the land was frozen with heavy snow falling, while in Huai Song, wind and rain poured down, making the day as dark as dusk.

No lamps were lit in the hall; only candlelight flickered deeply. The spacious Moji Hall was filled with floating azure gauze. The long corridor was paved with white pear wood, appearing simple but worth its weight in gold. Each step on it produced a unique echo, ancient and resonant, as if penetrating through ancient times, singing an old sacrificial tune at the edge of the horizon.

The palace halls had hung pure white lanterns early. Today was the death anniversary of the late Emperor Nalan Lie. Palace attendants had all changed into plain white ceremonial clothes, and even the red chrysanthemums blooming in front of the palace gates were wrapped with white silk. The drizzle fell desolately, creating a bleak atmosphere.

The sound of jade pendants jingled as a woman in palace attire with a phoenix coronet and hair bun walked slowly across the great hall. She had fine eyebrows, thin lips, and bright starlike eyes. Her bearing was elegant and distinguished. Though not stunningly beautiful, she was as serene as an orchid, with a complexion like snow.

At the end of the hall was a small table on the floor. Around it, several palace servants were shouting loudly, their faces flushed with bulging veins. A young man in a deep robe embroidered with coiled dragons was also squeezed among them, gesticulating wildly. Though he was eighteen or nineteen years old, he looked like a mischievous child of six or seven.

The matron on the left frowned, stepped forward, and said: “The Princess Imperial has arrived. Why aren’t you paying your respects?”

Upon hearing this, those who had been playing immediately turned around. Seeing the woman standing in the center, everyone hurriedly came forward, knelt to the ground, and called out loudly: “Greetings to the Princess Imperial! May the Princess live for thousands of years!”

“You may all rise.”

…

…

The woman in plain clothes nodded quietly. Her voice was clear and faint, carrying an ethereal quality as thin as morning mist. She looked at the young man in the deep yellow robe among the crowd and gently beckoned: “Yu’er, come here.”

The young man scratched his head, somewhat reluctantly walking over. The servants beside the woman hurriedly bowed, saying: “We pay our respects to Your Majesty.”

The young Emperor didn’t even look at them, carelessly waving his hand. When he raised his head, saliva was dripping from the corner of his mouth. Like a child afraid of his teacher, he said to the woman in the middle: “Imperial Sister, I didn’t cause trouble.”

In the hall’s candlelight, the woman took out a handkerchief embroidered with orchids and gently wiped away the saliva from the young Emperor’s mouth, saying: “Imperial Sister knows.”

The Emperor lowered his head, muttering something, but others couldn’t hear clearly. The woman sighed and asked: “Today is Father Emperor’s death anniversary. Why doesn’t Yu’er want to go to the temple to offer incense? And why did you have someone beat Attendant Lu?”

The Emperor’s voice was very small as he lowered his head and said: “I… I don’t want to go…”

The woman bowed her head and asked with great patience: “Why? Can you tell Imperial Sister?”

“Because, because,” the Emperor raised his head, his fair and handsome face flushed red as he argued: “Because Prince Changlin and the others always mock me… I don’t like playing with them.”

The rain outside made crisp sounds. A breeze blew through the corridor, bringing in a damp smell. After a long while, the woman nodded and said: “If you don’t want to go, then don’t go.”

She told the group of servants kneeling on the ground: “Keep His Majesty company and play well.”

“Yes!”

A group of half-grown children, around twelve or thirteen years old, responded in unison. The woman turned and left with her attendants. Soon, the sounds of commotion rose again behind her, and the sound was surprisingly joyful.

Who could have imagined that the Emperor of Huai Song, which occupied the most fertile regions of the continent, was a veritable fool? His mental capacity would forever remain at that of a ten-year-old child, never growing up. This matter was the highest secret of the Huai Song royal family. The Princess Imperial of Huai Song had meticulously planned for many years, always concealing this fact from outsiders. But now, as Nalan Hong Yu gradually grew older, the time for him to come of age and take power was repeatedly delayed. Voices of opposition and questioning in the court grew stronger, and she finally began to feel that she could not support everything alone.

Years ago, Nalan Lie, who had campaigned all his life and opened up vast maritime territories in the east, looked at his young daughter and foolish son on his deathbed. He only heaved a long sigh, saying “Too much killing!” before sadly departing from the world, leaving the vast and magnificent empire entirely on the shoulders of the girl who was not yet fifteen at the time. In the blink of an eye, five years had passed.

Looking at the thin figure walking slowly ahead, Lady Cloud felt a moment of daze. Without realizing the passing years, the young girl with twin buns hanging by her shoulders had now passed her twentieth year. Her flowering youth had slowly passed in the deep palace walls. Although outside there were rumors about how astute and decisive the Princess Imperial was, how incredibly wise, and even in recent years, some secretly suspected that the Princess Imperial was usurping power and authority, even imprisoning the Emperor and monopolizing power, only she knew how much bitterness was in the heart of the woman before her.

Five years in a woman’s life, how many five-year periods are there?

“Princess, it’s late. Please return to your palace to rest.”

Nalan Hong Ye gently shook her head: “There are still some official documents in Yuhao Hall that need to be reviewed.”

Lady Cloud hurriedly said, “Then let’s bring them back to your palace to review?”

Looking at the anxious face of the old matron who had taken care of her since she was small, Nalan Hong Ye smiled faintly and said: “Alright.”

Lady Cloud was delighted and immediately ordered someone to go to Yuhao Hall to fetch the documents. In a short while, bright palace lamps were lit in Roufu Hall, creating a dazzling gold and green splendor. Although Nalan Hong Ye was not a person who liked to flaunt her status, everyone in the palace knew who the actual master was, so they naturally served her with extreme care.

It was almost the third watch of the night. Lady Cloud had secretly come in to check several times, and finally saw that the stack of unreviewed documents on the table was gradually diminishing. But in the end, she noticed the Princess Imperial holding a border dispatch for a long time without writing anything. She finally couldn’t help but enter and ask with a frown: “Princess, what matter is so difficult to decide? It’s the third watch already, and you have court early tomorrow morning.”

“Hmm? It’s a commercial report from the border.”

Nalan Hong Ye was slightly stunned, and upon being interrupted, showed a trace of embarrassment. She brushed away the stray hair in front of her eyes, and did not conceal anything from this person closest to her, saying: “Great Xia has already sent troops to attack Yan Bei. Yan Bei urgently needs medicine and provisions, and wants to exchange minerals for our weapons.”

Lady Cloud was not an ordinary woman; she frowned slightly: “Didn’t we just send a batch a few days ago?”

“Mere trifles, a drop in the bucket. Marquis Changle and Prince Jinjiang strongly opposed it, using the excuse that naval wars in the East Sea are imminent. The supplies were greatly insufficient. Moreover, because of the northern war, prices have soared. The gold received from the Yan Heir has almost been spent.”

Nalan frowned slightly, then suddenly heard commotion from the direction of Qin’an Hall. She stood up and asked: “What’s happening outside?”

Lady Cloud hurriedly went out for a moment and returned with a smile: “It’s nothing. The young prince was crying at night. The Empress was worried that the young prince would catch a cold and fall ill, so she sent for the Imperial Physician.”

Nalan raised an eyebrow and asked: “What did the Imperial Physician say?”

“The Imperial Physician said it was nothing, just a child being hungry at night.”

Nalan smiled slightly, her smile plain, her eyes calm, with a trace of wise light: “This child is the hope of our Great Song. No wonder the Empress is so attentive. Auntie, you have experience; when you have free time, please look after him more.”

“Yes.”

Nalan slowly sat down and gently exhaled. It was fortunate that Yu’er had such a child. Since it was already impossible to help him take power, they could only place their hopes on this child.

But how many more years would that take?

She shook her head lightly, not willing to think about these matters anymore. She casually wrote “To be reviewed” on the document and then put it aside.

Lady Cloud frowned, wanting to say something but ultimately didn’t. Over the years, the Princess had always paid close attention to matters concerning Yan Bei. Especially after Yan Bei’s independence, Huai Song changed its usual style and took the great risk of getting involved. She thought that such a wise person as the Princess must have her profound meaning in this that she couldn’t understand.

Just as countless citizens of Great Song said, the Princess was a star descended from heaven, as clear and bright as a mirror.

Nalan came to the window and pushed open the gauze curtains. Rain was striking the banana leaves, making pattering sounds. In the distance, the lotus pond was serene, with oblique waters gleaming. Occasionally, a brocade carp would leap above the water surface, flipping its snow-white belly.

Nalan felt a chill in her heart and stood silently. The servants gradually withdrew, and Lady Cloud also prepared the bed and left the room. For a moment, the entire world seemed to quiet down, and only the sparse raindrops and the croaking of frogs at night could be heard.

She suddenly remembered many years ago, a rainy night under the banana trees when she was just over ten years old, a youth with eyes shining like stars, and their small white hands clapping together…

A sworn friendship, never to be abandoned.

In those years, when Father Emperor was alive and the royal family was prominent, she was showered with countless affections. Following Uncle Prince Anling on a diplomatic mission to Great Xia, she disguised herself and claimed to be Prince Anling’s young son, Xuan Mo. She accidentally met the Yan Bei Crown Prince, who was being held hostage in Zhenhuan. After one month together, they formed a deep friendship and swore brotherhood. From then on, they corresponded between north and south for many years without interruption.

Thinking of those days, she was mischievous and clever, and Yan Xun was bright and unrestrained. The children of the Mu He family, though mischievous and spoiled, had no malice. Zhuge Huai was mature beyond his years, Zhuge Yue was solitary and difficult to get along with, and although Zhao Che was arrogant, he was often teased by Yan Xun, Mu He Xi Feng, and others, becoming furious with bulging veins. Once, he chased Mu He Xi Feng through more than thirty palace gates with a sword, vowing to settle the matter with life and death. And as for the little Zhao Song, he was always dragging his snot, crying and pleading to join the group in their games, but everyone thought he was too young, and no one was willing to take him along.

Ten years had passed in the blink of an eye. Now, things had changed, and the faces from those days had undergone countless transformations. Some wielded great power, some suffered countless hardships, some were ambitious, some were full of sorrow, and others had already turned to white bones and dust, scattered away.

From her bosom, she took out the letter that had just been delivered to the palace this morning. But in just one day, the corners of the letter had already become slightly wrinkled. The paper was warm and carried a faint fragrance of the woman’s body. Upon opening it, upright and thin handwriting immediately came into view:

“Worthy Brother Xuan Mo, a great battle is about to begin in Yan Bei. Your elder brother will soon head to the battlefield. Before leaving, after much consideration, I still need to ask for your help in managing military supplies and provisions. Half a month ago, I went to Song to meet the Princess Imperial of that country. Princess Nalan is noble and promised to support Yan Bei with provisions. However, as your country’s eastern coast is about to face war, I deeply fear that there will be opposing voices in the court and society. If the Princess Imperial’s intentions change, I ask that you mediate and appease the court officials. This matter concerns the life and death of Yan Bei. I have no choice but to shamelessly ask for your help. I hope that, considering our friendship of many years, you will lend a hand. I, your brother, am far away in distant mountains and will certainly be grateful for your kindness.

I heard that you got married a month ago to a good woman from Huai’an. Your brother has no great congratulatory gift, only a jade hairpin to give to your wife, wishing you a harmonious marriage and to grow old together.

P.S.: I finally met the extraordinarily beautiful and unparalleled Princess Imperial of your country, whom you’ve spoken of. However, her face veil was half a finger thick, and her speech was as dull as an old woman’s. She was abundantly dignified but lacking in vitality. I feel that your aesthetic taste is quite unusual. If I have the chance to see her again, I will certainly toast a large cup of wine to your taste.”

Nalan’s brow furrowed slightly as she read the phrases “face veil half a finger thick,” “speech as dull as an old woman’s,” “abundantly dignified but lacking in vitality” several times. The young woman was slightly angry, and her usually calm face showed some annoyance.

The night wind blew in, lifting the hem of her garment, carrying a faint fragrance of orchids.

Taking a sheet of white paper from the desk, she ground the ink, picked up a brush, thought silently for a long time, and then wrote:

“Having received your letter, I know that you will soon leave for the front lines. I am very concerned for you. The battlefield is dangerous, and swords and knives have no eyes. I hope you take great care. I am still waiting for our appointment fifteen years from now, to get drunk with you at Pengrui Tower, appreciate the autumn lake water together, play the white silk zither, and half-sing the Western River Moon. You must not break your promise and grow fat, abandoning me.

The Princess Imperial of my humble country is dignified and elegant, virtuous and good, a model of womanhood and a rare treasure of Huai Song. How could an ordinary person easily see her? You have long been on the battlefield, and your aesthetic sense has been greatly damaged. Hearing your words, I am deeply grieved and extremely worried about your future.

Regarding provisions and military supplies, please do not worry. Since the Princess Imperial has already promised, she will certainly comply. If there are changes, I will do my utmost to mediate and plan for you. With the great battle in Yan Bei imminent, I sit alone on the tower every night, looking northwest, waiting for news of your victory.”

After finishing writing, the light rain outside had stopped. Nalan sat quietly alone, holding the jade hairpin, which felt extremely warm to the touch. It was completely white, with a cold plum blossom carved at the top. The petals and stamens were visible, elegant, and pure. Though not gorgeous, it was exquisitely crafted.

Give it to your brother’s wife? Did she need to send it to Xuan Mo’s new bride?

The Princess Imperial of Nalan rarely revealed a warm smile. She casually took the document marked “To be reviewed” from the desk and wrote: “Approved.”

Outside the window, the sky was turning white. The long night was about to pass. Nalan stood up, walked to the window, and silently looked to the northwest. Clouds and rosy light gradually appeared on the horizon. The air was fresh after the rain. The morning bell rang leisurely, and the sound of the morning court announcement spread from the rear hall in the distance.

Nalan took a deep breath, closed her eyes to rest, and when she opened them again, there was a clear light in them.

She still needed to find a way to persuade those old ministers who opposed interfering in the war between Great Xia and Yan Bei. She rubbed her eyes, thinking that she would have to use the pretense that the Princess Imperial’s maneuvering and far-sighted planning all had deep meaning behind them.

She smiled lightly, suddenly showing a touch of girlish playfulness. People always have moments of willfulness.

Some people, some things, were never possible in a lifetime. She simply wouldn’t hold out hope. She knew that she needed to protect Huai Song, protect the Emperor, protect her brother’s child, protect the Nalan lineage.

The sky was clear. Princess Imperial Nalan’s expression was calm as she slowly lifted the curtain and said softly: “Prepare for my toilette. I must get ready for court.”