Tie Ci smiled and suddenly lost interest in talking.
“Nothing. Don’t worry too much.”
Dan Shuang, who had just arrived, stood silently behind her.
She had heard the father-daughter conversation.
The Crown Princess’s thoughts had changed, for the sake of… that person.
She began to feel that their identities were obstacles for both parties. Now that person presumably could never inherit the Liaodong throne, and as long as the Crown Princess remained heir, and would ascend to the imperial throne in the future, it would be absolutely impossible for her to unite with such a Liaodong prince who had once tried to assassinate her.
Unless the Crown Princess was no longer the Crown Princess, and both abandoned everything to live in seclusion.
So the Crown Princess hoped His Majesty would have other heirs.
But… after all these years without heirs, in the future… there probably wouldn’t be any either.
Tie Ci walked before He Zi and Zhu Yi, performing a deep disciple’s bow without saying much—everything was understood without words.
He Zi looked at her with satisfaction, smiling, “You’re more outstanding than I imagined… but some things cannot be accomplished overnight. There’s no need to be too hasty.”
Tie Ci knew he had already guessed the content of those memorials and nodded to indicate understanding.
The group headed toward the rear palace. Upon reaching Ruixiang Hall, Tie Ci saw the already blackened walls but no collapsed buildings, and understood the situation.
On the brass nails of the deep red palace gates hung not those undergarments and towels anymore, but various prayer sachets and pouches.
The main gate had been broken open, the plaque had fallen to the ground. Groups of sooty-faced creatures wrapped in blankets crouched far to one side, and Tie Ci could hardly distinguish who was who.
Tie Ci didn’t approach closely, looking at Ruixiang Hall from afar and sighing, “I merely went out for training, and when I return, my house nearly collapsed.”
Assistant Minister Xiao said, “Naturally, we ministers must properly repair it for Your Highness. I’ll have the Ministry of Works Construction Bureau come listen to Your Highness’s instructions shortly. Your Highness’s Ruixiang Hall hasn’t been renovated for several years and has become somewhat small. Now is a good opportunity to expand it properly. The neighboring Yuxiu Palace has been empty for years—we can incorporate it as well.”
Tie Ci said, “There’s no need to waste state funds on grand construction. Just rebuild according to Crown Prince standards. My palace has only these few people—three meals by day, one night’s rest. As long as palace affairs are peaceful, Father Emperor and Mother Consort are well, ministers serve the court loyally, and the common people live decent lives, I’ll be completely satisfied.”
Assistant Minister Xiao’s eyes flashed, his voice becoming more respectful, “We ministers will certainly dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to Your Highness’s aspirations.”
“That’s settled then.” Tie Ci said, “I’ve been Crown Prince for eleven years, stable and secure until now. After going out for a year of training, I’ve gained many insights. The most important one is that governance should seek harmony, stability, and peace. When all court affairs are peaceful, there’s no reason for upheaval in the realm. I’m merely an Imperial Crown Princess—what thoughts could I have? Would I want the realm to burn clean like Ruixiang Hall? If I perform my duties well and everyone performs theirs well, with hearts focused on the court, all will be well.”
As she spoke, she seemed moved and stepped forward. Ruixiang Hall’s plaque had fallen down, one corner burned black, lying crookedly across the entrance. Tie Ci reached out and lifted it. The ministers’ hearts hissed, expecting her to scream from being burned. He Zi said, “You mustn’t…” but stopped halfway.
Tie Ci seemed to have no sensation, lifting the heavy, scalding plaque with two fingers.
Everyone looked at her fingers, then at the plaque, their expressions gradually becoming bewildered.
Tie Ci held the plaque and sighed, “My nameplate isn’t so easily destroyed.”
She lightly brushed her fingers across the plaque. Wherever they passed, burn marks disappeared and black ash vanished. The blue background with golden characters reading “Ruixiang Hall” gleamed like new in the sunlight.
Tie Ci casually tossed it lightly, and the plaque hung gleaming back in its original position.
This feat was nearly miraculous. Even these deep-scheming high officials couldn’t quite control their expressions.
Looking up at the gleaming new “Ruixiang Hall” characters on the burned, mottled palace gate, they seemed to understand something.
Assistant Minister Xiao immediately stepped back and bowed deeply, “Your Highness’s golden words are enlightening and deafening. We ministers are wholeheartedly convinced and will strictly follow Your Highness’s intentions.”
Prime Minister Rong also bowed deeply.
“In that case.” Tie Ci took the pile of memorials he had presented earlier and casually placed them back in the accompanying Ceremonial Directorate eunuch’s tray—meaning they would be withheld. “You may all go attend to your duties.”
The various ministers had no objections and withdrew efficiently.
Before leaving, He Zi cast an approving glance at Tie Ci.
The Imperial Crown Princess was swift and decisive, not dragging things out. After recognizing the situation, rather than being constrained in court, she had brought people before the burned Ruixiang Hall—this was another level of accusation, then conducted negotiations right there before the ruins.
The meaning was clear: she only wanted to peacefully serve as Imperial Crown Princess, with the Tie imperial family continuing stably.
Don’t cause her trouble, and she wouldn’t cause trouble.
Each side would step back, and all would be well.
Otherwise, everything would burn clean.
In a few words, she expressed her position, showed weakness, and made threats—settling everything decisively.
The assembled ministers who could reach the Six Ministries and Nine Courts were all intelligent people, especially Xiao Liheng, who also retreated quickly given how things stood.
The Xiao family dominated the court, while Tie Ci held strong popular support.
The Xiao family’s military power had been weakened, and Tie Ci had gained support from Di Yiwei and Qi Ling, but the Capital Guards and Three Great Camps still gave more voice to the Xiao family.
In the southeast, there was still Xiao Xueya, who controlled military power.
The Xiao family’s control had been weakened and popular voice had declined, while Tie Ci’s succession was secure, her status elevated, and supporters growing daily. From now on, she would no longer be a puppet and would inevitably have more voice in court affairs.
The training that the Xiao family had schemed to arrange had instead helped Tie Ci fight a beautiful comeback battle.
Now everyone stood steadily in a basically balanced position.
But everyone understood that matters would definitely not end here.
It would depend on who recovered fastest afterward and accumulated more strength, until completely overwhelming the other side.
But why rush?
An Imperial Crown Princess who could turn the tables under the worst circumstances—what would she fear under currently favorable conditions?
From a certain perspective, if the Xiao family, with the best resources, couldn’t win, they had already lost.
He Zi left smiling—he looked forward to the future.
Tie Ci went toward the roadside. Ruixiang Hall’s darlings were shivering in the wind, looking quite pitiful, but passing snacks under their blankets.
When these people looked up and saw Tie Ci, they immediately started wailing and crying. A large group of beauties rushed over, but one slightly taller figure immediately stopped.
Tie Ci rushed toward that group of beauties… perfectly brushed past them and grabbed the escaping Gu Xiaoxiao.
“You burned down my palace—where are you running?”
Gu Xiaoxiao struggled in her grip, “Hey hey, don’t touch me, don’t pull me, don’t hug me…”
By the time he finished protesting, Tie Ci had already pulled him close for a fierce hug, then disgustedly deposited him to one side, patting off the dust she’d acquired, saying, “I thought your problem was cured.”
“How could it be?” Gu Xiaoxiao said, “Besides, this isn’t a problem—it’s called being particular. Look at you, covered in sweat, smelling worse than me.”
After saying this, his eyes lit up as he reached to strip Tie Ci’s dust-and-sweat-covered clothes. Tie Ci returned to being dominated by Gu Xiaoxiao’s mysophobia and OCD, slapping away his paws and turning to spread her arms toward the beauties, “My darling precious sweethearts—”
The darling precious sweethearts who had been left in the palace for a year, sporting singed hair and cracking sunflower seeds, said in unison: “Ptui!”
Tie Yan stood to the side with folded arms, watching Tie Ci with a satisfied smile.
He had remained silent earlier, his whole being radiating the lazy contentment of a father whose children had grown up and who could slack off.
Only one person stood up tearfully from the crowd, saying pitifully, “Your Majesty, Your Highness—”
Tie Ci looked carefully for a long time before recognizing this was Consort Jing.
The delicate, refined consort was now covered in ash, her hair burned to various lengths, clutching a dirty little handkerchief and pulling on Tie Ci’s sleeve while crying, “Your Highness, I was terrified. They rescued me, but before we’d said much, they set the fire. My hair was almost completely burned…”
Xiao Chong said, “Your Highness, Consort Jing was previously kept in Ciren Palace by the Empress Dowager. We took advantage of the Empress Dowager going to the palace gate plaza for the grand court session to steal her back.”
Tie Ci was very gratified. She had originally wondered why the Empress Dowager, in such desperate straits, hadn’t thought to use Father Emperor and Mother Consort to constrain her. Father Emperor was better protected since Grand Tutor He would surely find ways to protect him, but Mother Consort would be more vulnerable. Indeed, she had been captured by the Empress Dowager, but fortunately her palace people were capable, finding the best opportunity to rescue her.
Even when the Empress Dowager wasn’t there, Ciren Palace’s defenses remained strict. Fortunately Xiaoxiao was there, and fortunately most of the women in Ruixiang Hall had some small skills. Xiaoxiao was familiar with everyone in Ruixiang Hall’s abilities and palace conditions, able to command in her place—he was her most capable male confidant.
Only Consort Jing continued chattering about their separation, about her fright on her behalf, about the cold treatment in Ciren Palace, about her joy at seeing Tie Ci. Tie Ci smiled and listened patiently, casually finding a stone to sit on.
Gu Xiaoxiao couldn’t bear to watch, but he had social anxiety, and his status and seniority were lower than Consort Jing’s, so he could only stand aside secretly looking at Tie Yan. Tie Yan frowned and stepped forward to pull Consort Jing away, “Enough, enough. Do you know how difficult it was for the Crown Princess to return? You don’t even ask how her injuries have healed or if she was tired on the journey—just talking about yourself.”
Consort Jing was startled, remembering Tie Ci’s injuries and immediately nervously examining her from head to toe. Fearing she’d start chattering and crying again, Tie Ci quickly said, “I’m fine. Rest will do. Father Emperor and Mother Consort should return to the palace first too.”
Consort Jing stood close to Tie Yan, gazing tenderly at Tie Ci. Tie Yan said, “I’ve already ordered people to clean up Yuxiu Palace for you to stay in temporarily. Ruixiang Hall will need major renovation. In a few days, the palace will hold a banquet for you, so the imperial clan and noble children can properly recognize their master again.”
“Rather than a banquet, why not hunting? We can also see if those young men who went out for training have improved.” Tie Ci said, “Father Emperor needn’t worry about these trivial matters. Since I’ve returned, I’ll naturally handle them. But with the spring examinations approaching, we must carefully consider the chief and deputy examiners. We mustn’t let the Xiao and Rong clans gain the advantage.”
This spring examination would have many Yueli Academy students participating. The examiners had become a three-way contest, inevitably requiring long negotiations.
Tie Ci also asked about Father Emperor and Mother Consort’s safety in the palace, whether more personnel were needed. Though she had arrangements, the people hadn’t arrived yet. Tie Yan said, “Don’t underestimate your father. After all these years, I can claim half the palace. Moreover, Grand Tutor He has requested experts to protect me.”
Tie Ci thought the experts were probably villagers from Lingquan Village, but wondered about the outcome if the black-robed figure faced them. Speaking of which, why had the Empress Dowager never had the black-robed figure act against Father Emperor and herself? Was it unwillingness or inability?
Recalling her earlier observations of the Empress Dowager and black-robed figure’s interaction, she vaguely felt that the black-robed figure’s identity wasn’t merely that of a guard or retainer, and the Empress Dowager couldn’t completely control him either.
Perhaps their agreement only covered protecting the Empress Dowager alone, nothing more.
Perhaps their relationship wasn’t as close as imagined.
As long as it wasn’t as close as imagined, there must be possibilities for driving wedges between them.
Was this black-robed figure the Night Emperor who had once defeated Chen Tuntian?
Chen Tuntian had said the person who could defeat him was in the southwest.
Perhaps when things were more stable, she should visit Yannan. She had recently received news that Yannan’s current ruler was the former Yannan King’s bastard brother, while the female heir and her brother hadn’t appeared for a long time.
That bastard brother appeared obedient to Great Qian on the surface but secretly imposed tariffs on Great Qian merchants, extorting and blackmailing them, and had increased troops in Yannan’s Chu Prefecture. Chu Prefecture was Yannan territory closest to Great Qian’s Yun Prefecture. This Yannan de facto ruler’s style was clearly different from the former Yannan King’s—trouble would surely arise sooner or later.
Additionally, regarding the impeachment memorials the Xiao clan had thrown out earlier, involving errors and vulnerabilities of their own ministers—what should be remedied must be remedied, what should be eliminated must be eliminated. They must minimize all vulnerabilities while obtaining as many vulnerabilities of the Xiao faction as possible.
Previously, Di Yiwei had suggested she establish an organization similar to Liaodong’s Embroidered Uniform Guards for monitoring officials and investigating the realm. Tie Ci hadn’t immediately agreed.
She had heard her master mention such organizations since childhood—Jinyiwei, Eastern and Western Factories, Blood Drop Guards. Her master said they left countless sinister legends in their history, were blades in emperors’ hands, instruments for spying on ministers. Officials trembled under bleeding blades, felt chilled under omnipresent surveillance. Everyone lived in fear, court and countryside were uneasy.
Emperors already wielded power over the realm. If they also held blades, might they become evil dragons?
And blades themselves had no sheaths. Once out of control, how many innocents would suffer?
Even heroes violated prohibitions with martial arts.
Useful didn’t mean it could be used casually.
Tie Ci sighed, thinking training abroad was better. Upon returning, countless affairs came crashing down.
But perhaps being busy was good—being busy meant some things needn’t be considered.
Father Emperor and Mother Consort left together. Tie Ci’s gaze lingered on Consort Jing’s hand tightly gripping Father Emperor’s sleeve. Father Emperor generally disliked people getting close, yet after being pulled for so long, he hadn’t shaken her off or even noticed.
She turned to look at Gu Xiaoxiao. Her male confidant always understood her perfectly and immediately comprehended, saying, “His Majesty and Consort Jing have been getting along well recently. Probably because you weren’t here, His Majesty missed you, and Consort Jing often spoke of you to him. Speaking of you so much, they naturally grew closer.”
Tie Ci thought this was good. She hoped for a little brother. Though she wouldn’t mind a half-brother, naturally a full brother would be better.
Gu Xiaoxiao watched her expression, wanting to speak but hesitating.
He always felt that in this matter, Consort Jing was intentional but His Majesty seemed unintentional. His tolerance and acceptance of the consort was probably all due to his love for his daughter.
As a man, Gu Xiaoxiao had an intuition that His Majesty wouldn’t have more heirs and didn’t want more heirs. With the Crown Princess now so brilliant and mighty, His Majesty would even less likely create complications.
The Crown Princess, being in the midst of it, naturally hoped her parents would get along, but Gu Xiaoxiao felt Consort Jing would probably be disappointed.
But this wasn’t something to tell Tie Ci.
It was already late. As a male confidant, it wouldn’t be proper to remain in the palace longer, so he left. Yuxiu Palace hadn’t been cleaned yet, and Dianfang Hall sent someone to invite Tie Ci for dinner, saying His Majesty was also at Dianfang Hall.
Returning from a long journey to dine with parents was basic filial duty. Tie Ci arranged for Ruixiang Hall people to guard and clean Yuxiu Palace, then went to Dianfang Hall. Upon entering, she saw Nanny Qin leading people to greet her. The assembled palace servants were all proper and orderly. She nodded with satisfaction.
Entering the hall, she saw Father Emperor sitting alone, drinking lightly. A palace maid said Consort Jing was so happy she was personally cooking.
Before she finished speaking, a scream came from Dianfang Hall’s attached small kitchen. Tie Ci went to look and indeed, the delicate consort had burned her hand.
Tie Ci sighed.
Clearly born to a small family yet raised more delicately than a great family’s daughter.
She rolled up her sleeves, pushed Consort Jing out, saying, “Let me show you my skills instead.”
Consort Jing went to seek comfort from the Emperor with her injured finger. Tie Ci surveyed her surroundings and asked, “Is there goose?”
The kitchen staff quickly brought over a cleaned goose.
Tie Ci asked, “Why no swan?”
Kitchen staff: “…”
Your Imperial Highness, are you serious?
There were swans in Yuyechi pond outside—pairs of them, white feathers on green water, a palace scenic spot.
But how did they offend you? Or how hungry did you get out there that you’d even eat swans?
Tie Ci, having asked, was also startled.
During her time with Feiyu, oh no, Murong Yi, she had eaten many delicacies and learned several dishes.
But whenever she thought of his cuisine, her first reaction was still iron pot stewed swan.
Just as thinking of him always brought the academy to mind first.
Perhaps the initial encounter at Ziyang was too strange, the reunion at Dongming too dangerous. Only at the academy—faint book fragrance, pure students, all stories in that human ivory tower seemed infused with the fresh, fragrant aura of youthful passion. Perhaps that period was the initial hazy stage of emotion—light joy, faint melancholy, all glances and smiles hiding anticipation, all eye contact and sparring tacitly understood.
She would always remember candlelight and shadows in the library, iron pot steam, and that person amid light and steam.
Acacia flowers falling on hair by Liuxiang Lake, white fingers through which water and black hair flowed together.
A hammock gently swaying in the woods, a cloud drifting to the moon.
Rong Rong, Yi Yi, and Rong Yi’s big round black eyes reflecting delicate serial pictures on white walls.
…
Palace maids looked strangely at the Imperial Crown Princess standing dazed in the kitchen with outstretched hands, freshly washed water dripping to the floor.
They all thought the Crown Princess was supposedly very capable but probably couldn’t cook, just being competitive and unwilling to show weakness.
Smart servants should understand to give their master a graceful exit.
“Your Highness, perhaps we should…”
Tie Ci suddenly awoke, forcing a smile and taking the goose.
“Let me make you the world’s second most delicious goose.”
A bolder palace maid asked with a smile, “Why the second most delicious goose?”
Tie Ci skillfully prepared the goose under everyone’s surprised gazes. After a long while, she smiled as if casually.
“Because the world’s most delicious goose has already been eaten by me.”