After the spring banquet at the palace, social gatherings in Yunjing seemed to rouse from hibernation. Banquets sprang up day after day following the imperial feast — one host scarcely stepped aside before another took the stage.

The number of invitations received by Lin Fei and Xie Yuzhang confirmed that both of them had indeed re-entered the upper social circles of Yunjing.

Yet for Xie Yuzhang, who had no need to find a husband and no need to attend social functions on behalf of a spouse, these banquets were truly nothing more than amusement and a way to pass the time.

She declined them all.

Xie Yuzhang was quite busy now — busy working for Li Gu. She wanted to press forward quickly and finish the task before Li Zhenzhen came out of confinement. Otherwise, having the Noble Consort still in residence while the revision of inner palace regulations was entrusted to an outsider of a different surname would inevitably be awkward.

Li Zhenzhen, unlike Consorts Cui and Deng, had neither a pregnancy nor a young child to attend to — she truly had no excuse.

News that someone had come to the Lin household to propose a match for Lin Fei was brought to Xie Yuzhang by the two Yang family cousins who arrived together.

“This gentleman from the Mao family just came out of mourning for his late wife — one legitimate son, two legitimate daughters, and several children by concubines. He really is a good match.”

“The gentleman from the Xue family is a bit unconventional, always thinking highly of himself, and hasn’t married to this day. But after meeting A’Fei, he changed his mind entirely and is resolved to seek her hand.”

Although Lin Fei had missed the prime years for marriage, she was certainly not without prospects. Women’s mortality from childbirth was quite high, and some men took three to five wives in a lifetime — this was not unusual.

A woman like Lin Fei, at her age, with her rich experience in life, who could take charge of a household immediately upon entering it and manage all domestic affairs, was more suitable for many families than taking in a younger bride.

Both Yang cousins were genuinely delighted for Lin Fei and chattered away, debating which gentleman would be the better choice.

Xie Yuzhang then asked about Yang Huaishen: “Second Elder Brother isn’t married yet — aren’t Uncle and Aunt anxious about it?”

The sisters’ faces fell at once, and they said with worry, “How could they not be? First Aunt has even said to simply find him a bride while he’s not in the capital and bring her home — once he returns, he won’t be able to send her back anyway. Only First Uncle won’t allow it.”

As expected, Yang Huaishen’s intentions were known to no one in the family.

Xie Yuzhang quickly said, “Please make absolutely sure First Aunt doesn’t do that. What if Second Elder Brother digs in his heels and asks His Majesty to post him permanently at the northern border and never come home again?”

The sisters were frightened. “That — surely that wouldn’t happen?”

Xie Yuzhang said, “Don’t treat Second Brother as the Second Brother he used to be. Look at how dark his complexion has become — you can see he’s a completely different person now. Go and talk some sense into First Aunt.”

The two sisters grew uneasy and couldn’t sit still. Taking advantage of the time remaining after today’s banquet, they rushed from the Princess’s residence straight to the Yang household.

Xie Yuzhang went to the Lin household, but Lin Fei was not there. Lin Fei had been attending quite a few social events these past few days — she was even busier than Xie Yuzhang.

When Lin Fei returned, Xie Yuzhang asked about her situation. Lin Fei said, “It’s true that both the Mao and Xue families have sent people to sound things out. Only I’ve been separated from my family for over ten years, and having only just been reunited, I’m in no mood for such things. I had my aunt decline both on my behalf. But how did the two families let it get out?”

Xie Yuzhang said, “The two gentlemen themselves couldn’t keep quiet and told their friends they were taken with you. That’s how it became known.”

Lin Fei shook her head. “They lack self-control.” She seemed not to think much of either of them.

Xie Yuzhang hid a smile behind her hand.

Lin Fei walked her out, and at the inner gate the two of them ran into Lin Zi just returning home.

This young gentleman was so elegant and handsome that Xie Yuzhang was always pleased to see him. She greeted him with a smile, warmth in her eyes: “Third Elder Brother Lin.”

Lin Zi also smiled: “Your Highness has come. Why not stay for dinner?”

Xie Yuzhang said, “My younger sister is still at home — I need to hurry back to dine with her.”

Lin Zi said, “Then I won’t keep Your Highness.”

The two parted in the glow of the setting sun.

That graceful, luminous young woman walked away alongside his own sister, whispering softly between them as they gradually grew distant. In the last light of the evening sun, they moved with fluid grace — dreamlike, as though veiled in mist.

Lin Zi smiled faintly, brushed the dust from his shoulders, and turned to walk unhurriedly inside.

The next day happened to be the twentieth of the third month, the last day of mid-month.

Xie Yuzhang had never felt such urgency going to the palace. She met Li Gu and said, “I have something to ask of Your Majesty.” Since she was asking a favor, naturally her manner was softer, her voice gentle and coaxing — her tone and attitude altogether different.

This was the first time she had come seeking something on her own initiative, and Li Gu was immediately alert. “What is it?”

Xie Yuzhang said, “There’s an urgent letter I want sent to my Second Elder Brother.”

Li Gu said with surprise, “Has something happened in Grand Mentor Yang’s household?”

Xie Yuzhang said, “It’s not anything to do with the Yang family. I need to reach Second Elder Brother on my own matter.”

Li Gu fixed his gaze on her without speaking.

She had no choice but to lay it all out: “A number of families are looking to propose a match with Lin Secretariat Official’s younger sister, Lin Shi. I have to let Second Elder Brother know quickly.”

She had long said she hoped for Lin Fei’s happiness and wished her well. She would certainly not use her relationship with Yang Huaishen to exert influence on Lin Fei. But with Yang Huaishen still up in Mobei fighting, and suitors pressing their case with Lin Fei back here, she couldn’t simply watch Yang Huaishen lose out like this — naturally she had to find a way to get word to him.

Li Gu’s expression softened, and he even allowed a faint smile. “Jingshan has it rough.”

This man, since that last incident, had apparently given up all pretense. He was no longer willing to hold back even a fraction.

Xie Yuzhang dearly missed the stone-faced composure he used to wear. In those days, he would suppress everything and maintain his dignity, and she could tease him to her heart’s content while he had no choice but to go on suppressing and maintaining. How easy that had been.

Those easy days were gone and would not return. From now on she would have to be on full alert.

Li Gu said, “Give me the letter. I’ll have it sent along with the Ministry of War’s express riders.”

The Ministry of War’s military dispatch riders traveled at eight hundred li a day urgent relay, once every ten days — the fastest route for sending letters north. That was precisely what Xie Yuzhang was asking for, and she immediately handed him the letter.

Li Gu then asked, “How is the palace regulations work coming along?”

Xie Yuzhang also perked up and declared her devotion: “Your Majesty need not worry. I’m working at full speed. In fact, I’ve declined all the banquet invitations I received these past few days because of this.” Unfortunately, Li Gu had ordered her to speak plainly, which meant all those carefully crafted expressions of loyalty and dedication were out of the question — truly regrettable.

Li Gu’s mouth curved slightly. “There’s no need for that, actually. This matter isn’t urgent — take your time. Go out and enjoy yourself when you should. Now that you’re back in the Central Plains, live well.”

Xie Yuzhang said, “I had hoped to finish before the Noble Consort recovered from her illness. But since Your Majesty says so, there’s no rush. If I haven’t finished by the time she recovers, I’ll simply hand it over to her.”

The curve of Li Gu’s mouth flattened. “Since you began it, why hand it off halfway?”

Xie Yuzhang said, “It was only because the Noble Consort was unwell that it was appropriate for me to involve myself in inner palace matters at all. If she recovers, naturally it should be returned to her.”

Xie Yuzhang had given this thought. Li Zhenzhen was, after all, a special case. With no Empress in place, she would likely stand as the foremost figure in Li Gu’s inner palace for many years to come — it was better not to get on her bad side. Besides, she didn’t care at all about the credit or the effort involved in doing this work for Li Gu; those were trivial details. What mattered was making Li Gu feel warmly disposed toward her — that was the essence of it all.

Since she had already gone this far, she might as well do the kindness thoroughly and give Li Gu something to be grateful for. She said, “Your Majesty, I was angry for a few days, but now I’m no longer angry. The Noble Consort is getting on in years — it’s not good for her to be ill for so long. It harms both body and spirit. Better for her to recover soon.”

Li Gu couldn’t quite determine whether what Xie Yuzhang was saying was, in fact, “plain speech” or not.

He was also still angry about the matter. But Li Zhenzhen had acted outrageously, and if Xie Yuzhang were to have a falling-out with Li Zhenzhen over it, that was equally not what he wished to see. Whether or not it was plain speech, Xie Yuzhang had expressed this sentiment, and in Li Gu’s heart — he was glad.

As for Li Zhenzhen, while keeping her confined for a month was not a particularly severe punishment, he had no intention of lifting it early and letting Li Zhenzhen feel that “it was nothing after all,” which would only make her more brazen in the future.

He said, “You are magnanimous — good. But Eldest Sister truly has been working hard and ought to rest properly. You need not concern yourself.”

Xie Yuzhang had no intention of concerning herself with Li Zhenzhen — if anything, she felt the punishment was too light. All that mattered was that Li Gu accepted her goodwill.

But with this remark of Li Gu’s, Xie Yuzhang had fully taken the measure of his feelings and his attitude toward both Li Zhenzhen and herself.

Men of the world shared a common trait — they hoped that all the women around them could live in harmony and affection with one another. These “women around them” included wives, concubines, mothers, elder sisters, and younger sisters alike.

And the favor and kindness that men of high position showed to women also shared another common trait — all of it was predicated on remaining within the man’s control.

Just as Dielitele had once adored her, had once gazed at her with longing from across a crowd — yet the moment he realized she was a woman he could not control, his hand reached without hesitation for the hilt of his blade.

Xie Yuzhang became all the more gentle and accommodating, and said, “Then shall I go and see the Noble Consort?”

Li Gu considered it. Several days had already passed since the incident; it was time for the two of them to face each other. Besides, Xie Yuzhang had already made her position clear. He agreed.

Li Zhenzhen had not expected the first woman to come and see her to be Xie Yuzhang.

Because she was confined under the guise of “recuperating from illness,” Li Gu had explicitly ordered Cui Shi and Deng Shi not to visit — one was pregnant, after all, and the other was caring for a young child. Both Cui Shi and Deng Shi had sent their most trusted attendants to inquire after her health and to convey the Emperor’s command in tactful terms.

When she saw Xie Yuzhang, Li Zhenzhen let out a sigh. “If you want to scold me, go ahead and scold me.”

Xie Yuzhang said, “I’ve been scolding you in my heart for days. Now I don’t want to anymore.”

Her tears fell as she spoke: “I already said so much to you before — how could you still not understand?”

Li Zhenzhen said, “Don’t cry. I truly feel for Eleventh. He is the Emperor, and yet for the woman he loves, all he can do is stand by and watch. How is that any way to live?”

Xie Yuzhang said, “I gave you my whole heart, and yet you have no thought to spare for me?”

Li Zhenzhen was awkward for a long moment, then said, “I truly do think Eleventh is worthy of you.”

Xie Yuzhang said, “This isn’t a question of worthiness.”

Li Zhenzhen shook her head wearily. “I give up. I really can’t make sense of the two of you anymore.”

Xie Yuzhang said, “There’s nothing at all between His Majesty and me. It’s your situation that has had me worried sick these past few days!”

Li Zhenzhen asked, “What’s there to worry about concerning me? I’m only confined for a few days — once Eleventh’s anger passes, it’ll be fine.”

Xie Yuzhang sighed. “Noble Consort, your nerves are truly remarkable…”

Xie Yuzhang recounted for Li Zhenzhen the story of Emperor Wu having a consort strangled on the spot for glimpsing the imperial presence uninvited.

Li Zhenzhen was stunned for a long time.

Xie Yuzhang went on: “And there’s the thing that frightened me out of my wits — you actually used that incense on His Majesty. Do you think His Majesty couldn’t detect it? He was furious right then and there. I had to plead with him again and again.”

What had happened in that chamber that day was something she herself had never even told Lin Fei, and she was certain Li Gu would never tell anyone either. So whatever had occurred, only her version of events existed.

“Noble Consort, if someone can use an arousal incense on His Majesty today, does that mean they could administer a lethal poison to His Majesty tomorrow? Noble Consort!” Xie Yuzhang said. “Surely now you understand why His Majesty is so furious!”

Li Zhenzhen’s face went pale.

Xie Yuzhang said, “Noble Consort, I know that you and His Majesty share a deep bond between siblings, and you don’t take it seriously. But Yongning cannot stand by and say nothing — Noble Consort, wake up. Your Eleventh — your little brother — he is the Emperor now.”

When Li Gu first ascended the throne, Li Zhenzhen had also thought to herself, “things will be different from now on.”

In their previous life, Zhang Fen had quickly taken her place as Empress in the Central Palace, and Li Zhenzhen had retained that clarity of mind throughout. But in this lifetime, Zhang Fen had been defeated, the Empress’s throne sat empty, and for three years Li Zhenzhen had held the foremost position in the inner palace. Li Gu’s indulgence toward her was altogether unlike his treatment of Consorts Cui and Deng. Gradually, her sense of vigilance had been worn away within the palace walls.

Somewhere deep inside, she had always half-felt that Li Gu’s rise to power had its origins in Hexi — Hexi, which had always been her Li family’s territory. This “Li” had become that “Li” — Li Gu owed her a debt. And it was plain to see that Li Gu himself felt this debt and carried guilt over it, which was why he was so extraordinarily generous to her.

Li Zhenzhen had therefore come to feel that no matter what she did, there was always the bond of Hexi underneath it all to catch her, and that Li Gu would never truly do anything to her.

“Now do you understand why His Majesty moved to restructure the palace regulations the very next day?” Xie Yuzhang shifted the weight of responsibility onto Li Gu. “It was originally meant to be Honored Consort Cui’s task. With her pregnancy, His Majesty refused to delay and simply seized me and assigned it to me. Noble Consort, I believe His Majesty has made up his mind this time — he intends to transform this ‘household’ into a true inner palace.”

“Noble Consort, that’s all Yongning can say. The words may not be pleasant to hear, but Yongning has said them with a sincere heart. Whether the Noble Consort heeds them — Yongning will not pursue it further.”

“Before I left Hexi, the late commander said that Hexi was under his watch, and that while I was in Mobei, I need not fear anything. Today Yongning has spoken to the Noble Consort with complete sincerity, and her conscience is clear.”

At the mention of Li Ming, Li Zhenzhen’s tears began to fall.

“Yongning,” she choked out. “You still remember Father’s kindness!”

“There is no one left who does.”

“They have all — forgotten him!”