As Empress Shi’s attire stood out among the elegantly dressed ladies, some sycophants praised her red flower hairpin, claiming they would emulate the style. Such excessive flattery made noble ladies like Princess Jixuan frown and look away disdainfully.
Miantang, however, saw nothing laughable in Empress Shi’s appearance. Though unsuitable for the occasion, it reminded her of the fashion-loving but inexperienced girls from Lingquan Town’s North Street. Considering her humble origins, Miantang felt she had no right to mock others.
Unable to sincerely compliment the Empress’s attire, Miantang instead focused on the tea party’s theme, carefully tasting the pastries served. To her surprise, she discovered a unique flavor. The filling had a subtle milky taste, melting in her mouth. Miantang couldn’t help but praise its deliciousness.
Empress Shi, intrigued, asked Huisang Xianzhu what flavors she detected.
Miantang took another thoughtful bite. “The milk flavor is smooth, not gamey. It’s rich, like cheese made from fat-tailed sheep’s milk from the Northwest. There’s also a hint of mulberry, adding a sweet and sour note that prevents it from being cloying.”
While the Empress had seemed disinterested in compliments about her attire, she now beamed at Huisang Xianzhu’s insight into the recipe. “You’ve discerned so much! You clearly understand fine food!”
Miantang smiled and suggested, “Your Majesty could try making crispy milk skin using fat sheep’s milk. Coat it in starch, fry it, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. It becomes stringy when eaten and pairs beautifully with red tea.”
Empress Shi’s eyes lit up. She instructed her lady-in-waiting to note the recipe, planning to try it and, if successful, serve it to the Emperor.
Initially, the other ladies maintained decorum, merely sampling the pastries. However, Miantang and the Empress’s enthusiastic food discussion soon piqued their interest. While older women restrained themselves, younger ones, at the peak of their appetites, gradually indulged in the exquisite treats continuously brought out by Empress Shi’s attendants.
Though lacking in poetry recitals or displays of talent, this tea party, centered solely around eating, lasted from beginning to end—a first for palace tea gatherings in Da Yan. Huisang Xianzhu’s participation was crucial to its success. Having enjoyed various Southern-style pastries in Lingquan Town, often purchased by Cui Xingzhou, and with Li Mama’s attempts to recreate them, Miantang was quite knowledgeable about confections.
Miantang’s lively and witty explanations of Empress Shi’s carefully prepared delicacies, along with their cultural significance, elevated each dish to a new level of appreciation. Even Princess Jixuan, initially reserved, was eventually tempted to partake after Miantang’s vivid descriptions.
Older attendees, struggling with digestion, complained to Miantang, “Please stop! I’ve eaten more today than in an entire year.”
This comment elicited laughter, with many agreeing they might need to loosen their new clothes’ waistbands. Empress Shi, smiling, offered, “I was concerned about the Imperial Aunt’s digestion, so I had hawthorn tea prepared. Would you like some?”
Princess Jixuan gratefully accepted.
As a palace maid approached with the teapot to serve Princess Jixuan, she accidentally spilled hot tea on Miantang’s leg, staining her light-colored skirt. The maid immediately knelt, begging forgiveness. Miantang smiled, unconcerned, “It’s fine. It will dry soon.”
After reprimanding the maid, Empress Shi told Miantang, “I’ll have a lady-in-waiting escort you to change clothes. It wouldn’t be proper to remain in stained attire.”
For such palace tea parties, noblewomen typically brought three or four sets of clothes for emergencies. Miantang was no exception; Li Mama had prepared a small wardrobe box for her. Unable to refuse the Empress’s offer, Miantang followed the lady-in-waiting to a side hall to change.
Miantang changed quickly and prepared to ask the lady-in-waiting to guide her back. However, as she stepped out, she saw a tall, slender figure in the courtyard—Emperor Liu Yu himself.
He was gazing at a huaisang flower in the courtyard. When Miantang hesitated at the doorway, he said, “This is your favorite flower. I’ve had it planted in every palace courtyard so you’d see it wherever you go when you visit.”
Noticing the guards at the courtyard entrance, Miantang realized she couldn’t leave without the Emperor’s permission. She knelt and said, “Your Majesty, the Empress is waiting in the front hall. I shouldn’t linger here too long.”
Liu Yu approached to help her up, but Miantang shuffled back on her knees, avoiding his touch.
Irritated by her evasion, Liu Yu exclaimed, “Liu Miantang, is your heart made of stone? You cut ties with me over a misunderstanding and married another man as soon as you left the mountain. I thought you were just disheartened and wanted a simple life. Given my uncertain future then, I didn’t want to drag you into a dangerous situation. But you ended up engaged to the Prince of Huaiyang! What were you thinking? Did you choose him for his wealth and status over me?”
If Liu Yu were still the former Zi Yu from Yangshan, Miantang would have simply walked away without engaging. But now, as the Emperor of Da Yan, angering him could prevent her from leaving the palace, even with Princess Jixuan’s presence.
So Miantang replied honestly, “Your Majesty, I truly don’t know about these things you mention. I only learned from my uncle later that I had once lived in Yangshan. I lost my memory after falling into the water, and I can’t recall much clearly…”
Liu Yu, initially red-eyed with anger, was stunned by this revelation. After a long pause, he asked, “What… you lost your memory?”
Miantang nodded, “I only remember my wedding in the capital. I can’t recall anything before that and still suffer from headaches. Please, Your Majesty, don’t dwell on the past. You’re now the Emperor, blessed with good fortune, a virtuous Empress, and a brilliant Prince. It’s truly enviable…”
Liu Yu, ignoring her flattery, pressed on, “So when you saw me in Qingzhou, you didn’t know who I was? Then… how did you end up with Cui Xingzhou?”
Unwilling to reveal Cui Xingzhou’s deception, Miantang explained, “After I came down from Yangshan, someone had severed the tendons in my hands and feet. He saved and healed me. Without him, I would have died in the river. So, offering myself in marriage seemed right.”
Confronted with these previously unknown truths, Liu Yu felt his head spinning. “You were severely injured? Who hurt you?” he asked, dazed.
Observing Liu Yu’s reaction, Miantang realized he genuinely seemed unaware. She surmised it must have been his subordinates or someone else who had acted without his knowledge.
Even if Miantang knew, she wouldn’t tell Liu Yu. His former Yangshan comrades were now founding ministers of the new dynasty. Why would he punish them based solely on her word? She preferred to exact her revenge rather than rely on the new Emperor’s misplaced justice.
So she repeated, “I… I truly don’t remember. But isn’t this for the best? You’re now the Emperor, and the Prince of Huaiyang is your loyal minister, helping to secure your reign. Please, Your Majesty, don’t dwell on the past… I really must return now.”
But Liu Yu sank to his knees before her, tears streaming from his handsome eyes. “I… I truly believed you were angry and didn’t want to see me… If I had known you had lost your memory and were alone and helpless, I… I would never have left you with him. What savior? He must have deceived you then, using you to lure Yangshan’s disciples, right?”
Feigning ignorance of Liu Yu’s words, Miantang lowered her head and said, “I’ve signed a marriage contract with the Prince of Huaiyang. I’m now part of the Cui family. If Your Majesty cherishes old feelings, please don’t make things difficult. If I stay in this courtyard too long, it might lead to misunderstandings and tarnish Your Majesty’s reputation.”
Previously, Liu Yu hadn’t understood the situation, thinking Miantang had deliberately forgotten him. Now that Miantang had explained, he suddenly understood. Miantang, being proud, would never have lived unmarried with Cui Xingzhou. Coincidentally, Cui Xingzhou shared the same surname and was the ninth son in his family, similar to Miantang’s former fiancé in the capital.
At that time, Miantang had been fully committed to being a merchant’s wife. How could she have casually referred to Cui Xingzhou as her husband if he hadn’t deceived her?
Now, Liu Yu was overwhelmed with regret. If he had known Miantang had been tricked, he would never have allowed her to remain with Cui Xingzhou.
Moreover, who had injured her? Imagining Miantang with her limbs disabled, and thrown into the river, Liu Yu’s heart churned. The feeling of helplessness he had experienced in the study at Yangshan, not knowing what the future held, washed over him again.
He had naively believed that once he ascended to the throne and reclaimed his true identity, he could secure a future with Miantang. Little did he know that one misstep would lead to a cascade of errors. He had made such a grave mistake regarding Miantang.
Even if Miantang regained her memories now, she probably wouldn’t forgive him or return to his side…
Realizing this, he wanted to embrace Miantang tightly and cry, as he had done in the past. But Miantang’s evasive posture and wary gaze deeply wounded his heart.
Without another word, he turned dejectedly and slowly walked towards the courtyard gate, disappearing beyond the vermilion doors.
Miantang breathed a sigh of relief as he left. She slowly exited the courtyard with her maid Fangxie. Soon, they heard the approaching laughter of noblewomen.
Turning a corner, they saw Empress Shi leading the group. Miantang quickly paid her respects. One noblewoman teased, “Without you, even the pastries lost their appeal. Fortunately, the Empress showed us her newly bloomed green chrysanthemums. Join us, don’t fall behind.”
Miantang smiled and agreed, following them to admire the palace’s exquisite imperial flowers.
After viewing the flowers, the ladies bid farewell to the Empress and prepared to leave. Miantang departed with Princess Jixuan.
At the inner palace gates, they saw a striking figure in golden crowns and fine robes – the Prince of Huaiyang.
Princess Jixuan remarked, “Your fiancé is quite attentive, waiting here for you!”
Miantang said goodbye to the princess and approached Cui Xingzhou. Noticing his slightly sunburned face, she bowed and asked, “Did Your Highness come to the palace on business?”
Cui Xingzhou nodded solemnly, “I came to escort my fiancée home.”
Miantang knew he had waited out of concern for her. Though it seemed improper, she couldn’t help feeling touched. She smiled and joined him in the carriage.
Back at the prince’s residence, Miantang naturally recounted her “chance encounter” with the Emperor and their conversation.
Cui Xingzhou listened silently. Though unaware of Miantang and Liu Ziyu’s past, he knew the Emperor still harbored feelings for her.
Men often neglect true love when lacking status, using ambition as an excuse. Once successful, they regretted past mistakes and tried to make amends.
If Miantang hadn’t been engaged to him and remained in Xizhou, she might have been forced into the palace, perhaps swayed by Liu Yu’s persuasion…
Though just his imagination, the thought of Miantang reconciling with Liu Yu deeply unsettled Cui Xingzhou.
Seeing his sour expression, Miantang knew he was jealous. She tried changing the subject, but Cui Xingzhou wasn’t distracted. He said, “I think that Empress is a matchmaker. In the future, don’t accept her invitations!”
However, Miantang didn’t believe Empress Shi was facilitating the Emperor’s intentions. If Liu Yu had persisted, the noblewomen would have passed by that courtyard while admiring flowers, disrupting any private meeting.
Though Empress Shi seemed simple-minded and focused on food and drink, her ability to secure her position, bear a son, and earn the Emperor’s respect was remarkable.
Agreeing with Cui Xingzhou’s advice, Miantang began feigning illness the day after leaving the palace, reducing her social engagements to avoid further summons.
Soon, Cui Xingzhou reported that the Emperor’s former Yangshan comrades were arranging to fill his harem, while the Empress Dowager had selected several candidates.
These arrangements were political obligations, unrelated to the new Emperor’s personal preferences. He had to accept them regardless of appearance. The Emperor’s harem expanded rapidly, filled with numerous beauties.
Visiting ladies told Miantang that the new consorts entered the palace as mere concubines. However, one stood out – the daughter of General Sun, the Emperor’s savior. She had vowed to remain unmarried, staying by the Emperor’s side. Now that he had ascended the throne, he honored her devotion by selecting her for the palace and bestowing the title of Consort Yun.
Reportedly close to Empress Shi, they referred to each other as sisters, continuing their friendship in the palace.
Miantang suspected this favored consort was Sun Yunniang. She wondered if Empress Shi truly considered Sun Yunniang a sister. Given Yunniang’s nature, her entry into the palace would likely stir up trouble.
Meanwhile, Cui Xingzhou felt Miantang was causing enough trouble in his residence.
Miantang believed sharing a bed before marriage was improper. With Cui Xingzhou’s insatiable desires, she feared becoming pregnant and facing his mother with shame.
After a serious discussion with Cui Xingzhou, Miantang began locking her doors and windows each night, having her maids Fangxie and Bicao take turns sleeping under her bed to prevent the prince from sneaking in.
Accustomed to her company, Cui Xingzhou was displeased by this sudden deprivation.
The Prince of Huaiyang’s mood soured. He constantly tried to touch Miantang while hastening preparations to return to Zhenzhou.
When reorganizing his troops, he had kept some in reserve. The Zhenzhou militia was counted as civilian forces. Now that the war had ended, the prince dismissed these “demobilized” soldiers with a stroke of his brush.
This method significantly reduced the number of troops he needed to hand over.
The Ministry of War refused to accept this, continuously disputing the matter with the Prince of Huaiyang. However, fortune favored him. Floods in Dongzhou led to peasant uprisings. Homeless and starving farmers attacked government offices, killed officials, and looted granaries, causing escalating unrest.
As Dongzhou was close to Zhenzhou, sending others to suppress the rebellion seemed inefficient. Cui Xingzhou volunteered to quell the uprising for the Emperor.
The Dongzhou turmoil worsened, threatening Da Yan’s granary. Combat would inevitably deplete the Prince of Huaiyang’s forces, which suited the court’s purposes.
Emperor Kaixin issued an edict appointing the Prince of Huaiyang as Commander-in-Chief to pacify Dongzhou. He also decreed a special favor, granting Huisang Xianzhu a new residence in the capital, allowing her to stay in Capital.
This was a common tactic used by emperors throughout history – keeping the families of generals sent to war as hostages in the capital.
However, as the Prince of Huaiyang held a hereditary title with his domain, summoning his family was complicated. When he was initially sent to war, no one expected him to return alive, so the previous emperor hadn’t summoned the Dowager Princess to Capital.
Now, as Huisang Xianzhu was the Prince of Huaiyang’s fiancée, keeping her as a hostage seemed reasonable.
But when the Emperor issued the edict, he discovered Huisang Xianzhu had already left Capital. According to the Prince of Huaiyang, she couldn’t tolerate the capital’s climate and had frequently been ill, so she had returned to Zhenzhou earlier. As for when she might return, it depended on her health, and he requested the Emperor’s understanding.
Liu Miantang wasn’t a court official, so her movements didn’t require reporting to the court. Even if the Prince of Huaiyang had secretly sent her away, Emperor Kaixin couldn’t find fault with it.
Moreover, news arrived that rebels had captured Qingzhou, west of Dongzhou. The suppression of the rebellion couldn’t be delayed.
Having just ascended the throne with an unstable foundation, Emperor Kaixin could only let Cui Xingzhou depart to suppress the rebellion first, leaving other matters for later consideration.
Despite the urgency of the campaign, Cui Xingzhou first returned to Zhenzhou. He hadn’t been home for a long time and heard that the Dowager Princess had grown more white hair missing her son.
Passing by his home on the way to Dongzhou, he naturally wanted to visit. Moreover, he had brought back a delicate fiancée and needed to explain things properly to his mother before leaving for battle with peace of mind.
Although his fiancée had returned to Zhenzhou earlier, she had gone to the residence on North Street, reportedly to manage her shop business, and hadn’t presumed to enter the Prince of Huaiyang’s mansion.
So after rushing day and night, Cui Xingzhou naturally headed straight to Lingquan Town to see if Liu Miantang was obediently waiting for him.
Miantang found it absurd that he came to see her before visiting his mother at the mansion, warning that the Dowager Princess would take offense if she knew.
But Cui Xingzhou, like a starved tiger catching the scent of Miantang’s fragrance, and familiar with the North Street residence, was overcome with a unique passion that no one could restrain. He needed to quench his thirst before returning home peacefully.
How could Miantang resist him? Their vow to live separately before marriage was once again torn apart. The walls of the small North Street residence seemed barely able to muffle the sounds of their passion.
Meanwhile, the Zhenzhou mansion could finally welcome the prince home, a joyous occasion. Steward Gao had received orders from the Dowager Princess to decorate lavishly in preparation for the prince’s return.
However, despite reports that the prince had entered Zhenzhou territory, he was nowhere to be seen. Unable to wait any longer, the Dowager Princess sent people to inquire about his whereabouts.
Half a day later, someone reported that the prince had stopped in Lingquan Town and seemed to have spent the night there. He would cross the river and return to the mansion after breakfast.
Madam Chu Lian, who had brought her daughter to the mansion to welcome the prince, frowned upon hearing this news. “Dowager Princess, didn’t I tell you? I said Xingzhou has been secretly keeping a mistress on North Street! You didn’t believe me before! I heard that when he went to war, that mistress went with him, leaving the North Street residence empty… Whose daughter is she, clinging to him so tightly that she won’t even let him come see his mother? It’s outrageous!”