When Qi Ying entered the palace, it was exactly noon. Following the palace attendant to the door of the Imperial Study, he saw Chief Eunuch Su Ping by the Liang Emperor’s side approaching with a smile on his face, saying: “Young Master Qi, please come quickly. His Majesty has been waiting for you for quite some time.”

Su Ping was trusted by the Liang Emperor and was an old hand from two reigns, always respected by all the officials. Qi Ying was also quite courteous to him, responding: “Thank you, Chief Su, for leading the way.”

Upon entering the Imperial Study, the Liang Emperor was bent over his desk reading memorials. Seeing Qi Ying arrive, he smiled and said: “Jingchen has come? Have you had your noon meal? Today there’s venison from the northern regions, and the Imperial Kitchen has prepared Small Heaven Crisp. You shall dine with me.”

The Liang Emperor was already nearing seventy this year. His figure was corpulent, his hair graying, with dark circles under his eyes—not the appearance of good health. This had some connection to the Five Stone Powder that had become popular among the Great Liang royal family in recent years. Rumors said the Liang Emperor was fond of inhaling that substance, and a few years ago there had been the absurd affair of sharing it with his consorts for pleasure. However, because it had damaged his vitality at that time, he had gradually begun to restrain himself these past few years.

Qi Ying performed the kowtow ritual to His Majesty. The Liang Emperor personally walked down from the imperial steps to help him up, and the two went together to the side hall of the Imperial Study for their noon meal.

His Majesty preferred meat in his diet, and the dishes on the table were mainly meat-based. That Small Heaven Crisp was actually deer and chicken stir-fried together. The other dishes—Spring Chopstick Tips, Soft Beef Intestines with Flowers, and Water-Refined Calf—were all meat dishes as well. Qi Ying preferred light fare and actually couldn’t get used to eating this, but since he was dining with the Son of Heaven, he naturally couldn’t be picky, so he maintained a normal expression while eating.

The Liang Emperor had a good appetite and was in good spirits, asking whether everything had been going well for Qi Ying recently at the Privy Council. Qi Ying answered: “Your Majesty honors me by entrusting me with the position of Deputy Director. Recently I have been negotiating with various departments and familiarizing myself with the council’s past documents. Where I still lack understanding, I rely entirely on Director Zhang’s guidance.”

The Director Zhang that Qi Ying mentioned was the current Privy Council Director Zhang Heng, who had also served as Deputy Director before the great defeat at Stone City.

The Liang Emperor nodded and sighed, saying: “Zhang Heng is mediocre and cowardly, truly unworthy of this Director position. But I considered that you are too young—if I made you Director, I feared the hundred officials would not submit. That’s why I had you serve under Zhang Heng. However, precisely because he lacks talent, it’s convenient for you to control him. Though you bear the title of Deputy Director, you should understand that I am entrusting the entire Privy Council to you.”

When the Liang Emperor said this, Qi Ying had to put down his chopsticks and bow to express gratitude. Though he felt no real gratitude toward the Liang Emperor in his heart, he still had to show appreciation for His Majesty’s great kindness on his face. The Liang Emperor didn’t disappoint his courtesy either, not making him kneel but only telling Qi Ying not to be overly polite, and saying: “Jingchen, in this era of great struggle, heroes always emerge in their youth. Gao Wei has capable people—that Gu Juhan of the Gu family, at such a young age, has already killed countless of my officers and soldiers on the battlefield. Yet half the military officials in my Great Liang court cannot keep him outside the city gates. How can this not make one’s entire body grow cold with dread?”

The Liang Emperor sighed again, looking at Qi Ying with earnest words: “That Young General Gu is already showing his sharp edge. Given time, he will surely become a great threat to our dynasty—Jingchen, I know you are a heaven-sent talent, and I know that only you can contend with that Gu Juhan. In battlefield sword and spear techniques, perhaps no one in the world can surpass the Gu family of Gao Wei, but the struggle between two nations lies not only on the battlefield but also in the boundless court behind that battlefield. I am certain that in wisdom for achieving victory from a thousand li away, you are the pinnacle of this age, far superior to the likes of the Gu family of Gao Wei.”

Having spoken to this point, no matter how much the Liang Emperor politely tried to stop him, Qi Ying inevitably had to kneel. He said: “Your Majesty praises me too highly. This subject will surely devote himself wholeheartedly and do his utmost.”

The Liang Emperor said “excellent” three times in succession, personally helped Qi Ying to his feet, put chopsticks in Qi Ying’s hands, and then took another piece of Single Cage Golden Milk Crisp for himself while also serving Qi Ying a piece of Consort Red. When Qi Ying was halfway through eating, he suddenly heard the Liang Emperor say again: “Jingchen, if you were me, between Zihuan and Ziheng, whom would you choose as heir apparent?”

Upon hearing this, Qi Ying immediately put down his chopsticks again.

Since ancient times, the matter of establishing an heir has been fundamental to a nation, never something that subjects could comment upon. All who violated this taboo were slaughtered by their rulers, without exception. Qi Ying said cautiously: “Both princes can bear Your Majesty’s great expectations. This is not something my foolish opinion can fathom.”

Qi Ying was by nature accustomed to being cautious in word and deed, rarely opening his heart to others. Though the Liang Emperor had said so much about relying on him, it hadn’t stirred any waves in Qi Ying’s heart. Especially at this moment when the imperial family’s attitude toward the great clans was extremely delicate, he was even less likely to lower his guard against His Majesty. At this moment, when the Liang Emperor asked which prince he favored, perhaps the intent was to test his attitude: did he support the Third Prince who was growing increasingly distant from the great clans, or the Fourth Prince who was dissolute and relied on the great clans? The Liang Emperor wanted to discern Qi Ying’s stance.

And Qi Ying could never let him see through it.

The Liang Emperor studied Qi Ying for a moment, seeing him humbly lower his head as if he truly had no interest in the choice of heir apparent. A flash of dark light passed through the Liang Emperor’s eyes, then he burst into loud laughter, patted Qi Ying’s shoulder and laughed: “The only fault with you, child, is that you’re too upright. It’s just casual conversation—how is it worth you being so serious? Enough, enough, let’s eat, let’s eat.”

Qi Ying still respectfully said “yes,” then picked up his chopsticks again.

The ruler and subject conversed and laughed for a while, when the Liang Emperor seemed to suddenly remember something and said to Qi Ying: “Since you’ve entered the palace today, why not go see Ziyu before leaving? She has mentioned you to me for a long time, saying that since you transferred to the Privy Council she hasn’t seen you again, and she keeps complaining that I’m making you work too hard—she is extremely fond of you.”

Xiao Ziyu.

A strange color flashed through Qi Ying’s lowered eyes.

The Liang Emperor’s mention of Xiao Ziyu at this moment couldn’t help but make Qi Ying think more. Xiao Ziyu was like a rope that His Majesty had placed around his neck—now that Great Liang needed capable people, he loosened this rope and let Qi Ying wield great power. But once there came a day when His Majesty wanted to reclaim power, he would immediately tighten this rope. If he became a prince consort, he would forever lose real power in the Great Liang court.

Qi Ying was very clear that he must treat this rope carefully. If he let His Majesty feel he was no longer under control, then the Privy Council’s power would not fall into his hands. He wasn’t greedy for power, but he worried that if he lost this authority, when the day finally came that His Majesty’s blade for slaughtering great clans fell upon the Qi family, he would be unable to save his clan from danger.

He couldn’t get too close to Xiao Ziyu, but at the same time, he couldn’t get too distant either.

Qi Ying lowered his eyes, his eyelids concealing the thoughts beneath, then very obediently said: “Yes.”

When Qi Ying was led by Su Ping into the Imperial Garden, Xiao Ziyu was playing backgammon with palace attendants.

Backgammon was a type of board game that had become popular since the previous dynasty. To set up the game, two players each used fifteen pieces—white and black—with two dice, moving pieces according to the dice results. White pieces moved from right to left, black pieces from left to right, with victory calculated by chips. The first to move all pieces off the board won. This game wasn’t as complicated and time-consuming as Go, was easy to learn, and was especially popular among women.

Xiao Ziyu sat with the palace attendants under an octagonal pavilion in the garden playing backgammon, wearing a thick white fox fur coat. She was very beautiful, resembling her brother Fourth Prince Xiao Ziheng, also born with peach blossom eyes. Though she was only sixteen this year, she already had a hint of allure and was the most favored among all the princes and princesses by the Liang Emperor. Laughter frequently came from the pavilion—Xiao Ziyu had won and was teasing the maid who lost to her for being too stupid.

The maid was embarrassed, her cheeks flushed red. When she looked up, she saw Young Master Qi walking this way with Chief Su, quickly stood up from the stone bench, and playfully said to Xiao Ziyu: “Of course it’s normal for the princess to beat us! It would only be impressive if you beat Young Master Qi!”

When Xiao Ziyu heard the maid’s words, she knew Qi Ying had come. Turning around, she indeed saw him walking toward her with Su Ping.

Qi Jingchen wore official robes today. She had seen many court officials dressed this way before and had always found it utterly dull and boring, but seeing it on him, she thought it extremely becoming. He already had a reserved temperament, and wearing official robes made him appear even more serious, but she particularly liked him this way—cool and aloof, proper and upright.

Xiao Ziyu stood up to greet him. The maids all tactfully withdrew outside the pavilion to serve, and Su Ping also stood outside the pavilion without entering, only smiling as he bowed to Xiao Ziyu and said: “This old servant won’t disturb Your Highness’s conversation with Young Master Qi. I’ll return to report back to His Majesty now.”

Xiao Ziyu stole a glance at Qi Ying, then turned to Su Ping with a smile: “Thank you, Eunuch Su, for dragging him here, and please give my good thanks to Father Emperor.”

This remark made the maids outside the pavilion cover their mouths and laugh. Su Ping also laughed, obediently agreed, then left.

Xiao Ziyu turned around and secretly looked at Qi Ying, seeing him standing with hands behind his back beside the backgammon board where she had just been playing with the maids, looking down at the board. For some reason this made her face suddenly flush crimson. She walked over and pushed him, saying petulantly: “What are you looking at?”

Qi Ying smiled slightly and answered: “Previously when Fourth Prince asked you to play proper chess you wouldn’t play, but you’re interested in these tricks.”

Xiao Ziyu’s brows and eyes were charming and innocent as she said: “I won’t play proper chess with you men—when would I ever beat you? This is different. If you don’t believe me, try it—you might very well lose to me.”

Qi Ying smiled and shook his head, sat down, and gestured toward the seat across from him, saying: “Why not give it a try?”

Xiao Ziyu looked at Qi Ying, seeing his graceful manner of sitting down, his elegant gesture inviting her to sit, and his inadvertent smile at the corner of his mouth was most beautiful of all, making her feel increasingly delighted.

She sat across from Qi Ying, watching him place the black and white pieces one by one in position, and hearing him ask while organizing: “Why did you think to sit outside on such a cold day? Aren’t you afraid of catching cold and getting sick?”

Xiao Ziyu gave him a sideways look and said: “Isn’t it all because of you? If we were inside, you’d start saying pedantic things about how sharing a room isn’t proper—I’m too lazy to listen to that.”

Qi Ying shook his head and said: “You’re a young lady—this is for your own good too.”

“Then I’d rather not have your kind of ‘good,'” Xiao Ziyu said, propping her chin and half-lying on the stone table. Her peach blossom eyes sparkled with brilliance, revealing an invisible allure and pitiful appearance. “Isn’t it just reputation? No matter how much you avoid suspicion, people still know about things between us.”

Qi Ying glanced at Xiao Ziyu and said nothing. Xiao Ziyu was provoked by his glance and said: “It’s true! In all of Jiankang City, who doesn’t know that I want to marry you?”

Qi Ying didn’t respond, swept a glance at the board, and said lightly: “You go first.”

Xiao Ziyu secretly peeked at him, seeing his expression was hard to read for joy or anger, and felt somewhat dejected.

He was always like this. Keeping his distance, neither cold nor warm. When you acted coquettishly or got angry with him, he accepted it all. When you hinted or made advances, he ignored them all, always making your heart ache and itch, while he maintained an air of unknowing and otherworldly detachment—so hateful! Feeling somewhat sullen, she casually moved a piece, clearly making a random move in a fit of pique.

Qi Ying looked at her and shook his head with a smile, saying: “Didn’t you want to beat me? How can you win playing like this?”

Xiao Ziyu listlessly lowered her head to fiddle with the pieces, saying: “I can’t win anyway, and even if I did win, you’d have let me—it’s boring.”

Qi Ying said: “You still have such a childish temper…”

Xiao Ziyu’s eyes widened, anger appearing in them. She slammed the table and said: “Can’t I have a childish temper? Then who can? That little girl you’re hiding in Fenghe Garden?”

Qi Ying raised an eyebrow, knowing that Xiao Ziheng had still told Xiao Ziyu about this matter.

Qi Ying didn’t want this matter to be known by more people. Though he had created a false identity for Shen Xiling, it wasn’t completely secure after all. Xiao Ziyu had a somewhat wayward temperament—if this matter left her feeling aggrieved, she might keep pursuing it relentlessly. Qi Ying set down the piece in his hand and said: “Just a little girl who hasn’t yet had her coming-of-age ceremony—is she really worth this from you?”

Not only did Xiao Ziyu’s anger not subside upon hearing this, she became even angrier, throwing the piece in her hand and saying: “So what if she hasn’t had her ceremony! Didn’t I like you before my own ceremony!”

She was truly angry, her eyes reddening, looking straight at Qi Ying with tears gathering in her eyes. Qi Ying felt weary in his heart. He stood up, bent down to pick up the piece Xiao Ziyu had thrown, walked to her side and placed the piece on the stone table beside her hand, saying calmly: “Do you still remember Master Fang Yukai, who was transferred from Ba Prefecture to the Privy Council?”

Xiao Ziyu’s eyes were still red, but she had been drawn into his topic and unconsciously followed his lead, looking up at him and thinking before saying: “The one who blocked a sword for you?”

Qi Ying nodded and said: “The little girl Fourth Prince saw is the orphaned daughter Master Fang left behind. Both emotionally and rationally, I must care for her.”

Xiao Ziyu showed surprise, as if she hadn’t expected that little girl to have such an identity. She felt somewhat guilty, stood up and took two steps closer to Qi Ying, reached out to grab his sleeve, pressed her lips together, still looking aggrieved and pitiful, and said: “I didn’t know she was Master Fang’s daughter…”

“It’s fine,” Qi Ying’s expression was calm but without much smile, looking very serious. “However, I hope you won’t mention this matter to others again. It’s not good to keep reminding that little girl of her father’s tragic death.”

Xiao Ziyu nodded repeatedly in agreement, looked at his expression—still serious and distant—bit her lip, tears gathering again in her peach blossom eyes, and said: “I’m not really concerned about other people. It’s just that since you transferred to the Privy Council I haven’t seen you anymore. If I hadn’t begged Father Emperor today, you definitely still wouldn’t have come to see me… Brother Jingchen, I missed you.”

Xiao Ziyu looked quite sorrowful and continued: “Father Emperor told me to be sensible, not to let personal feelings interfere with state affairs. I understand the principle, but I just feel bad… You know, I only want—”

Qi Ying imperceptibly withdrew his sleeve from Xiao Ziyu’s hand, his demeanor suddenly turning cold as he bowed to her in a subject’s salute, saying: “Princess, please conduct yourself with dignity and speak carefully.”

Qi Jingchen was like this—when he was gentle, he could make people feel like they were bathed in spring breeze, but when he was cold, he made people not dare cross the line by even a step. Spoiled as Xiao Ziyu was, seeing Qi Ying’s cold appearance at this moment, she didn’t dare continue speaking. The two stood silently in the pavilion for a long time before Xiao Ziyu heard Qi Ying say: “I was once Fourth Prince’s study companion, so it’s natural that you and I have known each other since childhood and are quite familiar. I won’t discuss what kind of affection exists between us, but with the nation facing difficulties, how can there be room for personal romantic feelings? His Majesty has entrusted me with great responsibility, and I certainly cannot disappoint him—Your Highness, do you understand clearly?”

Xiao Ziyu’s eyes were wet and red as she nodded.

Qi Ying glanced at her, looked up at the sky, and said to Xiao Ziyu: “It’s getting late. I still have official business to handle at the office, so I’ll take my leave first…”

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Ziyu grabbed his arm. Her expression was very urgent as she said rapid-fire: “I understand everything you’ve said, but I haven’t seen you for over a month, and now that you’ve finally come once you want to leave right away? No matter what, you absolutely can’t—at the very least you must stay for dinner with me!”

Qi Ying frowned. Before he could speak, Xiao Ziyu cut him off again: “Don’t lecture me anymore. I’ll just say one thing—if you don’t eat dinner with me today, I won’t let you leave. Even if Father Emperor comes here demanding you, it won’t work!”

Then her tone softened as she pleaded quietly: “Just have one dinner with me. I’ll call Fourth Brother too, so we can avoid suspicion, right? Just this one meal, and I won’t bother you for the next month. Is that good or not?”

Qi Ying frowned, speechless.

In the end, Qi Ying was still kept by Xiao Ziyu to have dinner in the palace. Fourth Prince Xiao Ziheng also came along. Setting aside their identities, the three of them could truly be called childhood friends, and the meal was quite pleasant.

Xiao Ziheng was dissolute in behavior and loved drinking, and like the Liang Emperor, he enjoyed meat dishes. Truth be told, this prince really did carry the hereditary romantic air of a Jiangzuo scholar—when encountering fine wine he could feast without end, and when drunk he would lie down carelessly. Though it inevitably gave him a reputation for dissolute behavior, it was also a rare display of genuine character.

However, Xiao Ziheng not only loved his cups but also disliked drinking alone, insisting on pulling along the man he considered his certain brother-in-law to drink with him. Qi Ying wasn’t incapable of drinking, but he had been too busy lately and hadn’t had a proper meal in a long time. The noon meal he had shared with the Liang Emperor had also been uncomfortable to eat, and his body was already somewhat unwell—he shouldn’t drink alcohol. But as long as Xiao Ziheng wasn’t drunk, he couldn’t leave the palace tonight, so after brief consideration he still drank with him.

Only when Xiao Ziheng was finally satisfied with drinking could Qi Ying escape. Xiao Ziheng personally escorted him out of the palace. The night wind in winter was extremely cold, but it did blow away some of the intoxication.

He said to Qi Ying: “I noticed Ziyu seemed rather dejected tonight. Did you say something to her during the day?”

Qi Ying didn’t answer. Xiao Ziheng smiled, probably able to guess something.

His sister had been infatuated with Qi Jingchen since childhood, determined to marry him. If this Brother Jingchen of hers were an ordinary son of a great family, that would be one thing, but he happened to have earned Father Emperor’s trust, which meant Xiao Ziyu couldn’t act willfully. Actually, even without this layer of state affairs in the way, Xiao Ziheng felt the two weren’t suitable. Qi Ying’s thoughts were too deep and heavy. With Xiao Ziyu’s spoiled temperament, if she had won Qi Ying’s affection that would be fine, but he clearly had no such feelings. If Xiao Ziyu stubbornly persisted, she definitely wouldn’t have a good outcome.

Xiao Ziheng patted Qi Ying’s shoulder and said: “I won’t interfere in matters between you two, but no matter what… don’t hurt her.”

“How could I?” Qi Ying sighed. “I also consider her a sister.”

Xiao Ziheng smiled until he saw Qi Ying board the carriage, then turned back to the palace.

The night was cold as water, wheels rolling.

In the carriage, Qi Ying’s face was somewhat pale with stomach pain. Qing Zhu was anxious and sweating, quickly serving Qi Ying sobering soup. His usually mature face also showed worry as he said: “When Fourth Prince urged you to drink, couldn’t you have refused? If something happens to your health, what would we do?”

Qi Ying drank the sobering soup. In winter, soup cooled quickly—it was already somewhat cold when he drank it, making his stomach feel even worse. Qi Ying frowned and waved his hand at Qing Zhu to indicate it was fine. Bai Song, driving outside the carriage, heard the commotion inside and knew his master was unwell today, so he asked from outside: “Master, shall we not go to the office tonight? Let’s return to the main residence.”

Bai Song knew Qi Ying well—on ordinary days, unless something unexpected happened, he would be busy at the Privy Council until late at night, and at this hour he usually hadn’t rested yet. But tonight he was unwell and shouldn’t overwork himself anymore—better to return to the main residence for proper rest.

But he heard Qi Ying in the carriage remain silent for a while, then say: “Go to Fenghe Garden.”

Fenghe Garden? Bai Song raised an eyebrow.

At this hour, what business was there at Fenghe Garden? Qingji Mountain was very far from the imperial palace—the carriage would take more than half an hour to get there. With his master feeling so unwell, why not just return to the main residence nearby?

Bai Song was puzzled but didn’t dare to disagree, only answering: “Yes.”

On the other side, Shen Xiling had been waiting for Qi Ying for nearly four hours.

Shen Xiling had initially stood at the door waiting. Even when her legs became sore and weak from standing, she didn’t dare leave, deeply afraid that if she left and Qi Ying returned, he would think her careless. The servants coming and going were seeing someone standing at the door of Wangshi room for the first time, inevitably whispering and pointing. Shen Xiling was very embarrassed and at a loss at first, but gradually got used to it and pretended nothing was happening.

By the hai hour, because it was so late, few people passed by the door of Wangshi room. A maid named Zijun saw she had been standing there for half the day and kindly came over to chat with her. Learning she was waiting for the Second Young Master to return, she said: “Sigh, it’s so late and the young master still hasn’t returned. He must have forgotten his appointment with you, or been delayed by something else. You shouldn’t wait anymore—go back quickly.”

She looked at Shen Xiling’s small frame, seeing her clothes already covered with a layer of night dew, not knowing how long she had been standing at the door waiting. Feeling sorry for her, she added: “Aren’t you just recovering from serious illness? With this recent cold weather, hurry back before you get sick again.”

After speaking, Zijun also couldn’t stand the cold and ran back to her own room.

Shen Xiling was very grateful to her. All afternoon with people coming and going, only Zijun had spoken a few kind words to her, which made her heart somewhat happy. She knew Zijun was right—Second Young Master Qi might have forgotten, or might have business that prevented him from returning. She should go back now.

She hesitated for a moment, even stepping down from the doorstep of Wangshi room, but after thinking it over, turned back.

Shen Xiling didn’t know why, but she actually trusted Qi Ying so much, always feeling that what he promised he would definitely do. For example, his note said he would come find her tonight, so no matter how late, he would definitely return.

This trust was completely without basis, but at that time it was deeply rooted in Shen Xiling’s heart. She walked back to the doorway, leaned in a corner against the railing to avoid the wind. After a while, when she really couldn’t stand anymore, she crouched down in the corner and sat on the ground, continuing to wait. She was quite philosophical about it, thinking that since she had already waited until this time, she didn’t mind waiting a bit longer. Even if Qi Ying really didn’t come back tonight, it didn’t matter—she would just wait again tomorrow.

She leaned against the railing waiting, her hands extremely cold. She rubbed her hands together and breathed on them for warmth, looking up at the sky full of stars, just as beautiful as when her parents were still alive. As she watched, she grew drowsy and actually fell asleep leaning against the railing.

When Qi Ying returned in the deep of night, this was the scene he saw.