“What’s the rush?” Teng Yu’yi said with her eyes closed. “First, have Butler Cheng inquire about renowned Daoist temples and priests in Chang’an. If that yields no results, we can prepare the calf cart early tomorrow.”

She yawned and added, “I’ll take a nap first. Remember to wake me when Butler Cheng returns.”

Chun Rong and Bi Luo acknowledged her request and quietly withdrew.

After days of continuous travel, Teng Yu’yi was exhausted. As soon as her eyelids drooped, she quickly fell asleep.

Perhaps because the Jade Sword had lost its spiritual power, the long-absent demons and spirits found their way back into her dreams.

When she opened her eyes again, she suddenly found herself back at the Teng Manor.

Through the jade-green windows, moonlight streamed in. A sheep horn lamp burned dimly in the room, and by the window, a letter lay unfurled on the writing desk.

Teng Yu’yi gazed around in bewilderment. Looking down, she saw herself dressed in mourning white – this must be from the time shortly after her aunt’s death.

So she was dreaming of her past life again, yet everything felt too vivid to be just a dream.

Teng Yu’yi touched her face, feeling tears not yet dried. Her chest ached with an indescribable pain – she had been crying recently.

The letter on the table had barely begun: “Honored Father, I have learned that the Eastern Palace is selecting consorts and that I am among those being considered. Is this true?”

Teng Yu’yi was shocked after just one glance – how could she not remember writing such a letter to her father in her previous life?

Since her mother’s death, her relationship with her father could be described as cold as ice. Let alone writing to him, she barely even opened the letters he sent.

After examining the letter three times, she finally recalled this was from the early winter of the 18th year of Long Yuan. At that time, she was only two months away from being murdered. There were rumors in the capital that she was a candidate for Crown Princess, and her father seemed to have tacitly approved of this matter.

She remembered being both shocked and furious then, each word in her letter cutting like a knife.

“Father forced his wife to death, and now he wants to destroy his daughter as well?”

After receiving the letter, Father didn’t write back but immediately rushed to Chang’an. He traveled so hastily, sleeping in the wild, that when he arrived his robes were covered in dust.

“This matter is still undecided. If you are unwilling, I will find a way to decline,” Teng Shao removed his cloak and handed it to Butler Cheng behind him, waving for the servants to withdraw.

Teng Yu’yi gave a cold laugh. “Why does Father never ask for his daughter’s wishes before deciding her marriage?”

Teng Shao fell silent for a moment, hanging his sword on the wall. “After what happened with Duan Ninyuan, I knew you were wronged. I had already been thinking of finding you a husband a hundred times better than him. When the Empress and Princess Consort of Cheng hosted the flower-viewing banquet, I thought it would be a good opportunity to select a worthy match, so I took the liberty of accepting on your behalf. To be honest, it was during that occasion that the Empress took a liking to you, which is why officials have included you in the selection for Crown Princess this time.”

Teng Yu’yi was stunned – so that time was Father arranging for her to meet potential suitors.

It was at that flower banquet that she saw the Crown Prince and the Heir of Prince Cheng.

The Crown Prince took after His Majesty, with thick brows and full lips, naturally bearing a kind countenance.

As for the Heir of Prince Cheng…

Hmph, he had looked at her portrait and said “I will not marry her.”

This was a lifelong humiliation. She glared at her father, “So Father has long planned to marry his daughter into the imperial family?”

“Not discussing it with you beforehand was indeed my fault,” Teng Shao sat down with a faint smile on the low couch by the window. “But I do know the Crown Prince’s character well. When he was training with the army years ago, I was his commanding general. The Cong Ridge was an extremely dangerous place – other nobles’ sons couldn’t last even a month or two, but the Crown Prince never complained about hardship. More precious was how he treated veteran soldiers and weak troops equally… This benevolence is exactly like His Majesty’s.”

“I advise Father to give up early,” Teng Yu’yi said icily. “Your daughter would rather die than marry into the imperial family.”

Father and daughter parted on bad terms. Teng Yu’yi thought the matter was completely settled, but unexpectedly, the Empress summoned her not long after.

Teng Yu’yi was nervous but dressed according to protocol and went to the Great Ming Palace to await orders at the steps.

Winter had arrived by then, bringing Chang’an’s first snow.

The north wind was rising, fine snow swirling under the corridors. She wore scarlet deer-hide boots, but after standing for just a short while, her toes felt frozen.

Fortunately, the Empress didn’t keep her waiting long before palace servants came to escort her inside.

The great hall had fires burning, with subtle warm fragrance wafting through the air. The warm chamber was filled with chirping voices as many young ladies kept the Empress company.

“So, Big Brother agreed to this marriage?”

“How could that be? Chengyou only agreed to meet Miss Xu, the Assistant Prefect’s daughter from Shangzhou. I heard Miss Xu often lived in Yangzhou as a child. Once when she came to Chang’an for a banquet, she accidentally saved Chengyou’s life. Her childhood name was ‘A’gu’ (Little Lonely One). Chengyou had been searching for that girl for many years, so naturally, he’s curious now that she’s been found.”

Something resonated in Teng Yu’yi’s mind like a plucked string.

How could there be such a coincidence? When her mother had just passed away, feeling lonely and desolate, she had also called herself “A’gu.”

Moreover, she had visited Chang’an with her father when she was young. Her mother had just died then, and she was depressed all day. Once when her father was away, the steward took her to a banquet. After returning, she caught a cold with a high fever that lasted two full months.

During her occasional moments of consciousness, she only remembered her father’s bloodshot eyes. By the time she had mostly recovered, her father had taken her back to Yangzhou. She couldn’t remember anything about their time in Chang’an.

However, she did have some impression of the Miss Xu they mentioned. She had seen Miss Xu once at the recent flower-viewing banquet at the Jade Truth Temple.

Though not particularly striking in appearance, Miss Xu possessed a naturally peaceful and gentle dignity due to her fair and delicate features. When Lin Chengyou had passed through the garden carrying his bow and arrows, Miss Xu had watched him for a long time. Afterward, Miss Xu had made casual inquiries about Lin Chengyou, and Teng Yu’yi, sitting nearby, had overheard some of it.

As Teng Yu’yi was lost in thought, a servant announced: “Your Majesty, Miss Teng has arrived.”

The hall fell silent as dozens of gazes fell upon her. Teng Yu’yi walked forward gracefully and prostrated herself: “Your humble subject Teng pays respects to the Empress.”

The Empress’s voice was gentle: “All of you withdraw. I wish to speak with Miss Teng alone.”

After dismissing everyone, the Empress called her forward: “Come closer, child, let me have a look at you.”

Teng Yu’yi rose and approached with careful steps.

The Empress smiled warmly, taking Teng Yu’yi’s hand: “I met your mother once. She was already a rare beauty, but I didn’t expect you would surpass her. I won’t beat around the bush – I summoned you today because I heard your father recently wanted to arrange your marriage, but you said you wanted to choose your husband. You even said ‘My husband shall have only me in his life, and put me first in everything’?”

A chill ran down Teng Yu’yi’s spine. She had said those words in anger, never expecting them to reach the Empress’s ears. It seemed the Crown Prince’s consort selection was imminent. She was determined to decline but wondered if this would anger the Empress.

However, the Empress’s directness was better than false courtesy. She could only answer truthfully: “I dare not deceive Your Majesty. I did indeed say those words. They were foolish and naive remarks – I hope Your Majesty won’t take offense.”

The Empress laughed: “Your father refused His Majesty the same way, answering righteously. It’s already spread throughout the court.”

Teng Yu’yi was startled – so Father had already made her position clear. Embarrassed, she said: “Those words were spoken casually with Father. I was young and shallow, speaking without filters. I hope Your Majesty won’t blame me.”

The Empress said: “When father and daughter chat at home, you speak from the heart. I only found it interesting – how could I punish you? I called you here today to ask you in person once more: you won’t allow your husband to take concubines – has this stance changed?”

The Empress raised her voice slightly while saying this. Teng Yu’yi found it strange – with only the two of them in the hall, speaking so loudly seemed like trying to let a third person hear.

Her gaze shifted slightly, catching sight of a black object beneath a black-lacquered gold-traced folding screen to the right – recognizing it as a man’s black leather six-seamed boot, she quickly looked away.

She wondered who it could be, able to freely enter and exit the Empress’s chambers. It must be either His Majesty or one of the princes.

When the Empress received no response from Teng Yu’yi after a while, thinking she was afraid, she comforted her: “You need not be reserved before me. Speak your mind freely.”

Blushing, Teng Yu’yi replied: “In response to Your Majesty, it has not changed.”

The Empress smiled meaningfully and said softly: “You must be cold after standing here talking all this time. Have a cup of warm wine to warm yourself, then you may go.”

She awarded Teng Yu’yi a fragrance pouch and had palace servants escort her out.

Back at her manor, the more Teng Yu’yi thought about it, the stranger it seemed. In the evening when her father returned home, he had Butler Cheng summon her to his study.

“Tell me in detail what happened at the palace today.”

Knowing the gravity of the matter, Teng Yu’yi recounted everything that had occurred.

Teng Shao listened quietly, his expression unreadable: “Let me ask you this – if His Majesty had already decreed that princes cannot take concubines, would you still refuse to marry into the imperial family?”

Teng Yu’yi asked in surprise: “How could princes not take concubines? For the sake of continuing the lineage, the dynasty established the rule of one primary and four secondary consorts from its founding.”

Teng Shao said: “Don’t forget, His Majesty himself is a living example. Because of his late mother’s tragic fate, he vowed never to expand his inner palace.”

Teng Yu’yi was stunned – no wonder the Empress’s smile had been so meaningful earlier. His Majesty had never taken any consorts. She had heard His Majesty was the former emperor’s eldest son, but because his mother, a concubine, was persecuted by rivals seeking favor, he had been forced to live among commoners. Later, he was raised by the Daoist master Qingxu, and after many tribulations, finally returned to his ancestral home.

His Majesty and the Empress had known each other in humble circumstances, sharing life’s hardships. Since ascending to the throne, His Majesty had indeed loved only the Empress all these years.

She thought of those boots behind the screen: “Could it have been the Crown Prince?”

Teng Shao pondered – if it was the Crown Prince, his presence behind the screen to hear Yu’yi’s answer – was it the Empress’s idea, or the Crown Prince’s own?

After consideration, he said: “Your name remains on the Crown Princess selection list. We must act carefully to avoid offending the palace, but you need not worry. The Crown Prince’s marriage concerns the foundation of the state – one change affects everything. You’re not the only one on the list, and nothing is certain until it’s finalized. I will do my best to negotiate. We should have news in a few days.”

Teng Yu’yi waited patiently for two days. On the winter solstice, the palace’s winter plum blossoms bloomed overnight. The Empress hosted a plum-viewing banquet in the palace and once again summoned Teng Yu’yi.

Teng Shao had been frequently summoned to court recently due to the rebellion of the Huaixi military governor and was not at the manor when the palace messenger arrived with the imperial edict.

Unable to send word to her father, Teng Yu’yi hastily departed with Duan Fu, instructing him to wait outside while she followed the palace attendant inside.

The snow was extremely heavy, transforming the pearl-laden palace into what seemed like a crystal world overnight. The endless white appeared to stretch to the horizon, yet turning past the palace walls, an unexpected burst of red appeared in the vast whiteness. Upon closer look, it was the red plum forest outside the Great Ming Palace – thousands of red plum trees swaying their branches in unison, creating an otherworldly atmosphere like the legendary Penglai fairyland.

Following the attendant through the plum forest, as they passed a secluded pavilion, Teng Yu’yi suddenly saw a group of people gathered under a tree.

“Young Princess, Young Lady, please come down! If anything happens to you, we servants will have to pay with our lives!”

“When Big Brother was drinking in the tree earlier, why weren’t you all so noisy?”

“The Young Master can leap across rooftops – what’s a mere plum tree to him? We weren’t worried about him falling, so naturally there was no need to make a fuss.”

“Thwack!” Suddenly, a large plum dropped from the treetop, hitting that palace servant squarely.

The servant cried out in pain, clutching her forehead as she bent over.

“I may not know lightness skills, but I’m skilled with hidden weapons. If you keep nagging, I’ll raise ten or eight bumps on your head!”

The other girl said, “A’zhi, you’re so strong now. When Big Brother exposed Miss Xu’s deception, why didn’t you throw plums at her?”

The one called A’zhi replied, “With Brother there, how could it be my turn to act?”

“That’s true,” the other girl, who seemed slightly older, said. “I thought Big Brother was finally willing to consider marriage, but who knew this A’gu was an impostor.”

“Brother said that repaying kindness is repaying kindness, and marriage is marriage. He wouldn’t randomly marry someone just because of gratitude. But Brother didn’t expect someone would dare impersonate the original A’gu.”

“How did he know she wasn’t A’gu?”

“I want to know too,” A’zhi said sullenly, “but Brother won’t tell me.”

The palace servant coughed heavily and reluctantly stepped forward: “This servant pays respects to Princess Changyi and Lady Jingde.”

The branches rustled above as someone looked down: “Oh, Liu Gonggong, who is she? Is she here for the banquet too?”

The servant bowed and said: “This is General Teng’s daughter. She has been summoned by Her Majesty the Empress to the Great Ming Palace.”

Teng Yu’yi looked up. The plum branches were thick with leaves, obscuring the face above, but she could see the elaborate ribbons of an exquisite dress hanging down.

She curtsied beneath the tree: “This humble subject Teng Yu’yi pays respects to Your Highnesses.”

“Where do you come from? Why haven’t we seen you before?”

Teng Yu’yi looked up to answer: “I previously lived in Yangzhou and returned to Chang’an less than a year ago. I rarely visited the palace before, so it’s not strange that Your Highness hasn’t seen me.”

When A’zhi heard “Yangzhou,” her reaction seemed peculiar: “Oh my, why are there suddenly so many young ladies from Yangzhou? Don’t tell me your childhood name is also A’gu.”

Teng Yu’yi thought to herself that while she had indeed called herself A’gu for a time, that was self-appointed and she’d never mentioned it to others – only she knew about it.

“In response to Your Highness, my childhood name is A’yu. My parents have called me that since birth.”

Princess Changyi seemed relieved: “Well then, not A’gu – you’re clever and sensible. I want to get to know you better. Step aside a bit, I’m coming down.”

A’zhi quickly added: “Wait for me, I’m coming down too!”

Another round of rustling ensued as the palace servants rushed about changing positions, creating chaos.

Teng Yu’yi stepped far back. The servants exclaimed as one person jumped down first.

Looking over, Teng Yu’yi saw a girl of eleven or twelve, smiling kindly with large round eyes and striking features.

Moments later, the other one came down. This one seemed to have some martial arts training, stumbling only slightly before quickly finding her footing. She was younger and slightly plumper, with bright watery eyes full of innocent charm.

Both young ladies wore jade hairpins and emerald ornaments, their every movement speaking of nobility.

The older girl came closer to examine Teng Yu’yi: “Not bad, not bad. Though you’re also from Yangzhou, you’re much more pleasing to the eye than that fake A’gu, Miss Xu.”

From her words, Teng Yu’yi knew she was Princess Changyi.

The other must be Lin Chengyou’s full sister. Though young, her fair skin and jade-like features marked her as a future beauty. Her eyebrows and eyes somewhat resembled her brother Lin Chengyou, with a natural smile that made her quite endearing.

“Were Your Highnesses looking for magpie nests in the tree?”

Princess Changyi’s eyes widened slightly: “How did you know we were looking for magpie nests? These foolish servants thought we were just picking flowers. You’re the only one who guessed we were looking for bird nests.”

A’zhi, still young, tilted her head and asked: “Yes, yes, how did you know?”

Teng Yu’yi smiled inwardly. What fun was there in picking flowers? When she felt lonely as a child, she often climbed trees to find bird nests, throwing leftover biscuits in to make the baby birds chirp.

“The palace’s plum forest is famously beautiful. If Your Highnesses wanted to appreciate the plums, servants could cut some and bring them to your chambers. It’s not worth climbing trees in this cold. Besides the plum blossoms, only bird nests remain in the trees.”

Changyi thought for a moment: “Oh, that makes sense. You look so quiet and proper, yet you understand such things. Ah, I know – you must have raided plenty of bird nests before.”

Before Teng Yu’yi could answer, someone laughed: “Changyi, do you think everyone is as mischievous as you?”

Teng Yu’yi turned to see a young man striding over, wearing a gold crown and ceremonial robes, tall and imposing, with a jade fish pouch at his waist.

Recognizing him as the Crown Prince, Teng Yu’yi quickly stepped aside.

The servants were startled and fell to their knees en masse: “Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

The Crown Prince’s face was somewhat square, but his features were handsome. He said gently: “Everyone rises.”

A’zhi and Changyi couldn’t contain themselves and ran to the Crown Prince: “Brother Crown Prince!”

“It’s so cold – why aren’t you in your chambers? What are you doing in the forest?”

“A’zhi and I were looking for magpie nests in the tree when this A’yu came. I found her sensible and wanted to be friends.” Changyi turned and pointed at Teng Yu’yi.

Teng Yu’yi felt two gazes sweep over her and lowered her head further.

The Crown Prince quietly observed Teng Yu’yi before asking A’zhi and Changyi: “What did you talk about?”

A’zhi said: “A’yu said that although she’s from Yangzhou, she’s not called A’gu, and she guessed right away that we were looking for magpie nests.”

The Crown Prince turned to ask Teng Yu’yi: “You’re from Yangzhou?”

Teng Yu’yi looked around, realizing the Crown Prince was addressing her, and quickly replied: “In response to Your Highness, though I lived long in Yangzhou, my parents are from Guanlong.”

The Crown Prince smiled: “Is your father Teng Shao?”

Teng Yu’yi said: “Yes, he is.”

“When I accompanied the army on campaign, I trained under General Teng’s command. No wonder you looked familiar – you somewhat resemble your father.”

Changyi asked curiously: “Brother, do you want to chat with A’yu too?”

The Crown Prince coughed: “Your hands are so cold – how long were you perched in that tree? How are you serving them? The Princess doesn’t even have a hand warmer?”

The servants hurriedly brought forward warming braziers.

The Crown Prince said: “You two making mischief here, causing the servants such worry. Mother sent people to look for you, but you hid in the tree without a sound. Next time you’re so naughty, don’t expect me to cover for you. Come on, stay any longer and you’ll catch cold. I’m going to pay my respects to Mother anyway, I’ll escort you back to the palace.”

A’zhi asked: “Brother Crown Prince, have you seen my Big Brother?”

The Crown Prince replied patiently: “He’s outside amusing himself with archery. On days like this, he finds the inner palace too constraining – he wouldn’t come to the inner gardens.”

The three chatted as they walked, with a crowd of attendants following behind.

After a few steps, Changyi twisted free of the Crown Prince’s hand and ran to Teng Yu’yi: “How old are you?”

“In response to Your Highness, this subject is fifteen.”

Changyi counted on her fingers: “Four years older than me, five years older than A’zhi. Now that we know each other, I’ll call you A’yu from now on.”

Then she lowered her voice, eyes sparkling: “I know you’ve raided bird nests before – next time we’ll count on you.”

Teng Yu’yi blinked: “I haven’t done it in ages, my skills are rusty. Besides, the North is different from the South. You mustn’t blame me if we don’t find any.”

Changyi paused, then giggled: “Don’t call me Princess, just call me Changyi.”

A’zhi ran over excitedly: “What are you whispering about? A’yu, we’ll find you to play after the banquet – don’t wander off!”

The two returned to the Crown Prince’s side and the group continued.

The Crown Prince turned to glance at Teng Yu’yi, suddenly stopping to say in a gentle tone: “Since Changyi and A’zhi both like you so much, do visit the palace more often.”

Teng Yu’yi agreed, but as she lowered her head, she caught sight of the Crown Prince’s boots and her heart skipped a beat. She suddenly remembered the black six-seamed boots behind the screen in the Empress’s chambers that day.

Being the Winter Solstice Court Assembly, unlike her previous private audience, all the noble ladies of the court were present.

The Empress called Teng Yu’yi forward, asked her a few questions, and publicly awarded her two pieces of incense.

The incense was white as silk cocoons, with a subtle fragrance that penetrated the heart.

Everyone in the hall seemed surprised. Teng Yu’yi was also stunned. Yangzhou was a major city, and in her years there she had seen many foreign merchants bring exotic incense from distant lands, but the quality of these pieces was unparalleled in the world.

The Empress said: “This is Kapura incense, known as the ‘Crown of All Medicines.’ It was tribute from Bali country last year. The palace only has eight pieces. I heard you developed a cough after returning to Chang’an, likely from the change in climate. This incense can ward off cold and dampness – it might help with your condition.”

Teng Yu’yi said anxiously: “This incense is truly extraordinary – Your Majesty should use it to protect your precious health. This humble subject’s virtue is slight; I dare not accept it.”

The Empress smiled: “When I bestow something, you should accept it. All things follow their destiny – gift-giving is the same. None of the children in the palace like to use incense; giving it to them would be wasteful. Take it home, and if it suits you, let me know.”

Teng Yu’yi could only kowtow in thanks. The Empress then took out several pieces of fine silk, smiling as she awarded them to the other noble daughters who had come with Teng Yu’yi.

To Teng Yu’yi’s left sat the granddaughter of Secretariat Deng Zhiyao, and to her right was the second daughter of Chief Censor Wu Ruyun. Perhaps because the Empress had publicly awarded her the Kapura incense, during the meal she could constantly feel gazes from all directions.

After the banquet, Teng Yu’yi left the palace the same way she had come, never seeing Lady A’zhi or Princess Changyi come to find her. They were still children at heart, it seemed, forgetting their words as soon as they spoke them.

Back at the manor, Teng Yu’yi placed the incense on the table, insisting on waiting for her father’s return.

Teng Shao didn’t appear until late in the night, immediately having Butler Cheng summon Teng Yu’yi to the front courtyard.

When Teng Yu’yi arrived at the study, Teng Shao was dressed casually, sitting cross-legged on the couch polishing his sword.

She entered carrying the incense. Her father always polished his armor and precious sword before going to battle – it seemed he would be leading troops away from Chang’an again.

“The Empress awarded me two pieces of Kapura incense today,” Teng Yu’yi said flatly, placing the tray on the side table.

Teng Shao sheathed his sword: “The Empress also summoned Deng Zhiyao’s granddaughter and Wu Ruyun’s daughter to the palace today. What did she award them?”

“Eight pieces of silk each.”

Teng Shao fell silent for a moment: “Those two are also on the Crown Princess selection list. The Empress summoned all three of you to the palace but only gave you Kapura incense. A’yu, do you understand what this means?”

Teng Yu’yi gave a cold laugh: “Father promised me I could decide my marriage.”

Teng Shao’s mind was in turmoil. He stood up and paced: “A’yu, this matter has far-reaching implications. Let me explain in detail, and you’ll understand why the Empress did this.”

He frowned deeply and spoke slowly: “You must know that the regional military governors have been rebellious for long. Since ascending the throne, His Majesty has worked tirelessly to reduce their power and strengthen the court. He first eliminated Liu Cheng of Jiannan Circuit, then suppressed Wei Wenmao’s rebellion in Qianzhong Circuit. However, the Huaixi and Shandong Circuits refuse to return their military power to the court. In recent years, they’ve been secretly amassing troops, becoming a serious internal threat.”

Teng Yu’yi said: “I’ve heard of this, but what does it have to do with today’s events?”

Teng Shao heaved a long sigh: “Last month, Peng Zhen, the Military Commissioner of Huaixi Circuit, sent troops to harass neighboring territories. Someone secretly reported this to the court. His Majesty was furious upon hearing this and immediately decreed military action against Huaixi Circuit. But some court officials opposed this, saying that after years of campaigns east and west, our troops are exhausted. They argued that reducing military governors’ power shouldn’t be rushed, advocating for pacification instead.

“Another faction advocates continuing to reduce their power.”

Teng Yu’yi said: “Father surely supports continuing to reduce their power.”

Teng Shao nodded: “Peng Zhen harbors wild ambitions, showing signs of wanting to dominate the Central Plains. Huaixi Circuit is connected with both Hebei and Shandong Circuits – they will eventually rebel. Military action must be taken early, or we’ll nurture a disease that will bring disaster.

“Now the two court factions argue endlessly. His Majesty urgently summoned me back to Chang’an. I replied: If we can defeat Peng Zhen’s rebel army in one strike, the Hebei and Shandong Circuits will submit out of fear. This action has all benefits and no drawbacks – I urged His Majesty to deploy troops soon.

“His Majesty was greatly pleased and ordered me to lead the campaign against Huaixi Circuit. However, several elder ministers in court obstructed this, most fiercely among them being Secretariat Deng Zhiyao and Chief Censor Wu Ruyun.”

Teng Yu’yi suddenly understood: “Deng Zhiyao’s granddaughter and Wu Ruyun’s daughter are also on the Crown Princess selection list. The Empress awarding me Kapura incense in front of them must carry His Majesty’s intentions.”

Teng Shao said: “His Majesty’s move aims to intimidate these two elder ministers through the Empress’s actions: firstly, to show his resolve that reducing military governors’ power must proceed; secondly, to warn them that if they continue to obstruct, he might choose another official’s daughter as Crown Princess.”

Teng Yu’yi’s face darkened: “If these two elder ministers still won’t change their minds, won’t His Majesty then definitely name me as Crown Princess?”

Teng Shao gave a sardonic smile: “Perhaps they’ve already changed their minds. When I returned to the manor just now, Deng Zhiyao and Wu Ruyun were trying to submit documents to the palace, but His Majesty claimed he needed rest and didn’t admit them. I expect that at tomorrow morning’s court session, both men will subtly change their stance. His Majesty fears letting this drag on – as soon as these elder ministers yield, he’ll immediately send me to lead the campaign.”

Teng Yu’yi glanced at her father’s precious sword on the side table – was he polishing his weapons early because he knew he would soon go to war?

Teng Shao looked at his daughter: “A’yu, if tomorrow these ministers no longer oppose military action, His Majesty will keep Deng and Wu’s daughters on the list to appease his officials.”

Teng Yu’yi slowly nodded: “Father has said so much to persuade me not to worry excessively because while the ruler and ministers engage in this subtle power struggle, His Majesty won’t rashly name anyone as Crown Princess right now?”

Teng Shao’s eyes showed approval: “Exactly so. Ever since you told me you didn’t want to marry into the imperial family, I submitted a memorial declining this matter. But I’ve always been among the strongest supporters of reducing military governors’ power at court. If His Majesty were to remove you from the list now, it would surely invite suspicion from both factions.

“Therefore, His Majesty not only didn’t agree with me but ordered the Empress to deliberately favor you, while privately telling me that the children’s marriages should be their own choice. After the Huaixi campaign is settled, if you still won’t marry the Crown Prince, he’ll find a dignified reason to withdraw you from the selection.”

Teng Yu’yi pondered silently – His Majesty’s arrangement was far more wise and enlightened than she had imagined. But this meant everything had to wait until after the Huaixi campaign.

Teng Shao continued: “There’s one more thing you should know – the Crown Prince also strongly advocates reducing military governors’ power. Though the Empress awarding you Kapura incense was His Majesty’s idea, the Crown Prince at least knew and approved of it.”

Teng Yu’yi’s expression changed slightly.

Teng Shao gestured downward: “Deng and Wu’s daughters were already on the list – adding you later must have involved the Crown Prince himself. At the recent flower-viewing banquet at Jade Truth Temple, it was probably his first time seeing you. But he’s always been steady and careful – even if he currently has some good feelings toward you, he’ll consider thoroughly before deciding. Don’t worry, the Crown Prince is a rare gentleman – he won’t force anything or use underhanded means. You just need to pretend you know nothing, and we’ll address everything after I return from Huaixi.”

Teng Yu’yi couldn’t help asking: “How long until Father returns to Chang’an from this campaign?”

“Minimum three months, maximum half a year. Stay home peacefully and tend to your health. Once Huaixi is pacified and all military power returns to the court, I’ll claim illness to stay home and focus on arranging your marriage.”

Teng Yu’yi’s heart suddenly jumped. She deeply resented her father for her mother’s wrongful death – she had spoken fewer words to him in all these years than tonight alone. She had thought he would spend his whole life in military affairs, yet tonight he voluntarily spoke of claiming illness to return home.

Teng Shao turned and took something from the shelf, deep exhaustion in his brow. The lamplight illuminated the white hair at his temples, suddenly making him appear old.

“The rebel leader Peng Zhen’s father, Peng Sishun, was once a pillar of the court. After Peng Sishun’s death, many of the Peng family’s old subordinates remained in the capital region’s two circuits. Many court officials opposing the Huaixi campaign likely relate to the numerous Peng family partisans hidden in Chang’an. Unfortunately, military urgency leaves no time to thoroughly investigate these traitors.”

As he spoke, Teng Shao slowly lifted the flowered brocade covering the object. When it was fully revealed in the lamplight, Teng Yu’yi felt a stab in her heart.

It was a zither, its lacquer glossy and smooth, with mother-of-pearl inlaid at the head, exquisitely beautiful everywhere, impossible not to cherish.

This was part of her mother’s dowry. Her mother, born to the Wang family of Taiyuan, had mastered this art in her youth. With her father often away at war, her mother would often ease her longing by playing the zither.

Teng Shao lightly pressed the strings: “Since your mother left us, I haven’t heard anyone play the zither for a long time. I’m rather tired tonight – would you play a piece for me?”

Teng Yu’yi said coldly: “I don’t play the zither.”

Teng Shao smiled bitterly: “I heard from Butler Cheng that you’ve practiced hard these years, with technique reminiscent of your mother’s. Your mother was highly skilled – to reach this level, you must have put in considerable effort.”

Teng Yu’yi laughed coldly inside. She didn’t particularly like this art – she only feared that no trace of her mother would remain in this world, so she desperately preserved anything related to her mother.

Only this zither was an exception.

This zither had once fallen into the hands of her father’s cousin Wu Yingying. If young Teng Yu’yi hadn’t fought desperately to keep it, she would never have gotten it back.

And after recovering it, she refused to touch it because it had been handled by Wu Yingying. She hadn’t expected her father to keep it in his study.

Teng Shao absently plucked the strings, a lonely melody flowing from his fingertips. Though not skillful, it was recognizable as the foreign tune “Su Mu Zhe.”

Teng Yu’yi’s expression grew increasingly dark as she listened. Just before her mother’s death, she had accidentally stumbled upon Wu Yingying meeting privately with her father in the study. At that time, Tibet had invaded again, the Hexi and Longyou regions were in crisis, and her father was about to lead troops to battle.

Wu Yingying had offered this song as a farewell gift, full of reluctance to part.

Teng Yu’yi remembered when she burst in, Wu Yingying’s face was covered in tears.

And her dear father was standing silently by the desk, watching Wu Yingying play the zither.

The melody was mournful and touching, and both seemed somewhat entranced. After who knows how long, Teng Shao turned and saw Teng Yu’yi, a flash of panic crossing his face.

Teng Yu’yi was only five then, but she could tell something was wrong. This Wu Yingying was her father’s cousin, whom he had brought home half a year earlier. Father had told Mother that his cousin’s parents had died, leaving her alone. The cousin was already betrothed, but with half a year until her wedding, she needed to stay with them.

Mother always put Father first and naturally agreed readily, immediately ordering people to prepare a quiet courtyard to properly accommodate Wu Yingying.

At first, Mother often spent time with Wu Yingying. Wu Yingying was lively and clever, creating many small amusements to entertain young Teng Yu’yi. Being skilled at winning people over, even the servants were quite fond of her.

Not long after, Mother began distancing herself from Wu Yingying for unknown reasons. Sometimes when Teng Yu’yi wanted to play with Wu Yingying, Mother would stop her.

It was from that time that Mother’s health began to fail.

Then came the scene Teng Yu’yi witnessed in the study. She hadn’t told Mother about it, but Mother found out anyway. Mother was pregnant at the time – the shock caused her to lose the baby, and her health completely collapsed.

Reaching this point in her memories, she suddenly raised her head. The zither music continued as her father remained lost in remembrance. Unable to bear it any longer, she strode across the room and forcefully pushed open the door.

Teng Shao pressed the strings silent and called sharply: “A’yu!”

Teng Yu’yi stopped, saying fiercely: “Father speaks constantly of missing Mother, yet doesn’t even know she never played foreign tunes in her lifetime! Only one person ever played this ‘Su Mu Zhe’ – who exactly are you insulting by playing it on Mother’s heirloom?”

Teng Shao seemed choked.

Teng Yu’yi’s eyes were red: “Father needn’t remind me this way – I will never touch this zither and every time I hear this tune I want to vomit! I will never forget how Mother died. That woman lives well now in Nanzhao, while Mother is nothing but white bones – all thanks to Father!”

Teng Shao’s face turned iron grey as he shouted: “Enough!”

Tears welled in Teng Yu’yi’s eyes. The night Mother died, while servants busied themselves with the funeral preparations, she was too young to understand what had happened. She had climbed into the coffin of her own accord, spreading her arms to say: “Mother, A’yu is good, please get up and hold me.”

But no matter how she cried and fussed, Mother wouldn’t respond. Lost and helpless, she hugged Mother and cried in the coffin.

From that day on, no one sang lullabies to her at night, no one held her beneath the flowers. No one smiled while combing her hair, no one guided her hand in writing characters.

After Mother was buried, through countless nights, all around her was cold silence, with only the doll Mother had left as a company.

Remembering her mother’s smiling eyes, her hatred for her father couldn’t be suppressed.

Teng Shao supported himself on the table to stand but stumbled with his first step.

“I’m a rough man. I don’t understand music theory or parallel prose. I never once painted your mother’s eyebrows or picked flowers with her. Back then, Tibet and Nanzhao were invading Jiannan Circuit at its most dangerous moment. Every time I returned from the campaign, I couldn’t stay long with your mother before having to leave again, so I don’t even know what tunes she loved to play.”

He hung his head, gently stroking the zither’s body, his gaze extraordinarily gentle: “But I do know your mother loved playing the zither and writing poetry. When the tea ceremony first became popular, she was the first in both capitals to master it. Whenever new poems appeared in Chang’an, she could memorize them at a glance. She could solve the National Academy’s trickiest mathematics problems faster than anyone. There was nothing in this world she couldn’t learn.”

His lips began to tremble: “She had many interests that I barely understood, but I must say – the time your mother was here was the happiest period of my life. My greatest fortune was marrying your mother.”

Teng Yu’yi looked at Teng Shao through tears: “If so, why was there Wu Yingying?”

Teng Shao gritted his teeth: “I told you before – I was entrusted to look after Wu Yingying. I have failed your mother greatly in this life, but I never betrayed her!”

Teng Yu’yi stared hard at her father, finding it bitterly ironic. Father couldn’t remember Mother’s tunes, yet when he casually played just now, it was Wu Yingying’s “Su Mu Zhe.”

Perhaps Father himself didn’t know that he had feelings for Wu Yingying at one point, and for Mother who deeply loved Father, this was undoubtedly more painful than death.

She said hatefully: “Can Father dare say Mother’s illness had nothing to do with Wu Yingying? When you brought her home, did you consider you were letting a wolf into the house? When Mother’s life hung by a thread, you left a doctor to tend her while personally escorting Wu Yingying to the dock. Do you know you drove Mother to despair with your own hands?”

Teng Shao’s gaze became extremely severe for an instant as he stared at Teng Yu’yi, then collapsed back again. His eyes held endless sorrow and pain as he said hoarsely:

“A’yu, your mother’s death is like a thorn in my heart. Since she left, I haven’t lived a day without torment. I acknowledge my debt to your mother and am willing to bear it all, but you’re different. Mother has been gone so many years – when will you finally let go of all these things weighing on your heart?”

Teng Yu’yi was utterly disappointed and choked out: “Fine, just give Mother back to me!”

She stepped over the threshold without looking back. The whirling snow swept over her head, instantly blinding her eyes. Her face was wet and cool – she couldn’t tell if it was tears or snow. She pushed away the hand warmers and cloaks the servants offered, walking out into the snow.

***

When Teng Yu’yi rose the next day, Teng Shao was no longer at the manor.

Butler Cheng came to relay that at morning court, His Majesty had appointed Teng Shao as Grand Marshal, to lead troops against Huaixi Circuit in the coming days.

“The Master should be at the military camp now. He’ll leave Chang’an within two days at the latest.”

Teng Yu’yi was copying the Zhuangzi at her desk and said flatly: “I understand.”

Butler Cheng continued: “Before leaving, Master instructed that when Miss goes out during this time, she must take Duan Fu along. If leaving the city, she must inform this old servant in advance so arrangements can be made.”

Teng Yu’yi’s brush paused. Last night Father had mentioned that the court’s suppression of the rebellion was proceeding with difficulty, perhaps related to many rebel partisans hiding in the capital region.

There had been previous cases of court officials being ambushed while out enjoying themselves at night. Was Father worried these villains might target family members? If they dared do so, wouldn’t that be too brazen?

But this campaign was crucial – each day’s delay in sending the punitive expedition gave the Huaixi rebels more time to strategize. Father’s concerns weren’t entirely unreasonable.

She turned to look outside the window, where the sky was pale after the snow.

“The Laba Festival is approaching. I need to send some festival gifts to Uncle Du’s manor today. Have people make preparations early.”

Butler Cheng agreed and went to make arrangements. Shortly after, he hurriedly returned, “Miss, someone has come from the palace. The Empress has sent an edict.”

Teng Yu’yi quickly changed clothes and went to the main hall, where indeed a eunuch was waiting.

The eunuch said: “Recently the weather has been severe, blocking grain transport to Suiyang and other areas. His Majesty, hearing from those below, has dispatched envoys overnight to Suiyang for disaster relief. The Empress, in her benevolence, has volunteered to fast for a month to pray for the people’s fortune. This servant comes today with the Empress’s verbal command inviting Miss Teng to worship Buddha at the Great Seclusion Temple. Tomorrow at chen hour (7-9 AM), Her Majesty will leave the palace. Miss Teng should prepare early.”

Teng Yu’yi bowed: “I obey.”

The eunuch cleared his throat and smiled: “Additionally, Princess Changyi has a message for Miss Teng: ‘When we met in the plum forest that day, A’zhi and I found you interesting. For this visit to Great Seclusion Temple for fasting and worship, you must come early too.'”

The eunuch’s high-pitched voice, smiling as he repeated Princess Changyi’s words, perfectly mimicked her manner and tone. Teng Yu’yi listened with a lowered head, almost feeling as if Princess Changyi were standing right there.

Teng Yu’yi smiled: “This subject obeys.”

After the eunuch left, Butler Cheng rushed to deliver a message to Teng Shao. Teng Yu’yi stayed at the manor packing her belongings and sent others to deliver the festival gifts to the Du manor.

Great Seclusion Temple was located in Fuxing Ward, built over a hundred years ago as an imperial temple. It was said that before His Majesty had returned to his ancestral home, he had received great kindness from Abbot Yuanjue. After the current emperor ascended the throne, Great Seclusion Temple became even more prosperous.

The next day, Teng Yu’yi accompanied the imperial procession to Great Seclusion Temple. Besides the families of several important court officials, the Empress had also invited wives and daughters of key regional officials who strongly supported suppressing the rebellion and reducing military governors’ power.

Teng Yu’yi was housed in the Xuanpu Pavilion in the east wing, sharing quarters with several daughters of princes and high officials.

As they needed to focus on Buddhist worship, servants from the various households were not allowed to enter the temple. Naturally, Duan Fu was kept outside.

Teng Yu’yi brought only her most steady maids, Chun Rong, and Bi Luo, into the temple. Fortunately, they didn’t have much luggage, making it easy to arrange.

As the mistress and maids were busy unpacking, voices came from the corridor outside: “The temple has so many fine trees, there must be many birds too. I bet there are nests in any tree – why go to such trouble? You specially sent people to help you find bird nests – be careful not to alarm Aunt.”

The voice was still childish – it was Princess Changyi.

A’zhi said: “But the trees are so tall and the snow is so deep – how can just the two of us climb up? Sister, please think of something. It’s so cold, that the birds might freeze to death in their nests soon. We need to bring them inside quickly.”

Hearing this commotion, several noble ladies had already come out of their rooms: “Greetings to Princess Changyi and Lady Jingde.”

A’zhi said excitedly: “Do you want to join us in looking for—”

Princess Changyi quickly covered her mouth and nodded to the others: “We’re looking for Miss Teng about something. Do you know where she’s staying?”

Before she finished speaking, the door inside opened and Teng Yu’yi came out with Chun Rong and Bi Luo.

A’zhi and Changyi’s eyes lit up: “Ah, you’ve finally appeared! We were just looking for you.”

Teng Yu’yi smiled and bowed: “What do Your Highnesses need from this humble subject?”

Changyi pulled A’zhi’s hand and entered the room: “Let’s talk inside.”

The room was only half unpacked, with clothes scattered across the couch and bed, but though cluttered it wasn’t chaotic – it didn’t look too untidy.

Changyi and A’zhi walked around the room, then turned to look at Teng Yu’yi: “You haven’t forgotten what you promised us last time, have you?”

Teng Yu’yi said: “If Your Highnesses mean finding magpie nests, I’m afraid that won’t work this time.”

A’zhi grew anxious: “Why not?”

Teng Yu’yi pointed outside: “It started snowing again at noon. Outside the wind and snow are so fierce we can’t even see the treetops. If we go out now, not only won’t we find bird nests, we might fall and hurt ourselves badly. Better to wait for clear weather.”

Changyi said: “But by then, those birds will have frozen to death.”

Teng Yu’yi asked curiously: “Princess Changyi, who told you birds would freeze to death?”

Changyi said: “Big Brother said so.”

Big Brother naturally referred to Lin Chengyou.

Teng Yu’yi asked: “What did His Highness the Heir say?”

A’zhi’s round face grew red with anxiety as she stamped her feet and sighed: “See, Sister? I told you they didn’t know.”

Teng Yu’yi said: “Oh? What’s this about? This subject would like to hear the details.”

Changyi said: “Once when A’zhi and I were visiting Minister Zheng’s home, we passed a big tree and saw Big Brother looking for something in it. We thought he’d lost something, but he said he was looking for bird nests. When we asked why, he said birds would freeze to death in their nests during winter, so he was helping them move – doing a good deed. These past few days it’s been snowing in Chang’an and getting colder, so A’zhi and I started worrying about the birds in the palace.”

Teng Yu’yi looked at the two speechlessly. This Heir of Prince Cheng was quite skilled – a few casual lies had his sisters completely convinced.

She smiled: “The birds won’t freeze to death.”

A’zhi shook her head: “I don’t believe you. Brother never lies to me. A’yu, don’t try to fool us just because you’re lazy.”

Teng Yu’yi said: “How dare this subject deceive Your Highness? Think about it – birds either fly south in autumn or build nests early to cope with the cold. They’ve reproduced this way for generations. If they froze to death every winter, wouldn’t birds have gone extinct long ago?”

Changyi grew doubtful: “That’s true. A’zhi, no one’s ever especially moved birds indoors before, but every spring they still come out chirping.”

A’zhi pondered this, then puffed out her lips: “How awful! Why did he lie to us?”

Changyi thought for a moment: “Big Brother has been at the Court of Justice lately, mingling with common people daily. That day he claimed to be drunk and leaving, but then climbed the tree – could Big Brother be investigating some case?”

She grew excited, her eyes bright as morning stars.

Teng Yu’yi coughed once. Investigating a case at Minister Zheng’s home? Such behavior would be too conspicuous. But if not investigating, why use words to draw away his two sisters?

A’zhi was still angry: “Anyway, the Crown Prince and Brother will come to the temple later. When Brother comes, I’ll make him tell us more stories as punishment, or he has to play with us.”

Changyi sighed like an adult: “Two years ago when Big Brother served in the army for a year, he came back with so many stories. He used to tell us interesting tales about catching demons and evil spirits, but since joining the Court of Justice, he won’t tell us anything anymore. He’s so busy lately, he might not even pay attention to us.”

A’zhi’s shoulders drooped: “Sister, now that we can’t look for bird nests, what should we play?”

Changyi asked Teng Yu’yi for suggestions, but as she turned, her gaze fell on the couch: “What’s that?”

Teng Yu’yi looked where she pointed. The object lay quietly among her personal belongings – it was the doll her mother had left her.

A’zhi also found it strange. While all of Teng Yu’yi’s clothes and ornaments were precious and neat, the doll was dim and faded, as if someone had repeatedly touched and washed it, worn beyond recognition.

The two went over for a closer look. Unlike common dolls from the marketplace, this one depicted a woman holding a little girl, their arms sewn together in an embrace. From their expressions, they appeared to be mother and daughter.

A’zhi asked curiously: “A’yu, you’re so grown up now – even for a short stay, you still bring a doll?”

Changyi gently stroked the doll’s head: “This doll is so old – why not get a new one?”

Teng Yu’yi calmly moved the doll away and smiled: “I’ve had it since childhood and can’t bear to throw it away after so many years. I have a set of wooden dolls made by Yangzhou craftsmen – they have movable joints and can change clothes. Though not as fine as palace toys, they’re charmingly clumsy. Would Your Highnesses like to see?”

The two looked at each other: “Yes, bring them out.”

Teng Yu’yi carefully put away the doll and took out the set of wooden dolls to play with them.

The three sat cross-legged. Teng Yu’yi arranged more than ten dolls, took up a feather fan, and gestured dramatically: “I’ll be Zhuge Liang, you be Cao Cao – put the boats out, I’m coming to borrow grain.”

Changyi grabbed a green-clothed doll: “I don’t want to be the bearded villain – I want to be the beautiful Diaochan! A’zhi, you be Lu Bu.”

A’zhi shook her head: “I don’t want to be Lu Bu, and I don’t want to be Zhuge Liang or Cao Cao – they’re all so boring. I want to be Zhou Yu of Courtly Music.”

As they were playing enthusiastically, a young man’s voice suddenly came from outside: “Who are you? What are you doing here?”

A’zhi and Changyi started, then cheered: “Big Brother is here!”

The two rushed out like the wind, with palace servants hurriedly following.

Teng Yu’yi pushed open a crack in the window screen and saw two men surrounded by eunuchs in the courtyard. The one on the left was very familiar – the Crown Prince she had met recently.

The other was tall and strikingly handsome, but strangely, though he wore only the green robes of a seventh-rank official, he was attended by many palace servants.

A’zhi and Changyi ran toward them: “Brother Crown Prince! Big Brother, did you just come from the Court of Justice?”

Teng Yu’yi was somewhat surprised – she had almost not recognized Lin Chengyou.

Lin Chengyou patted A’zhi and Changyi’s heads, then turned to question the maid before him: “Are you mute? What are you sneaking around for?”

The maid lowered her head: “In response to Your Highness, this servant was sent by my mistress to find General Teng’s young lady. Hearing that Princess Changyi and Lady Jingde were in Miss Teng’s room, this servant dared not intrude and could only linger here. I accidentally disturbed the Crown Prince and Your Highness – I beg for a light punishment.”

The Crown Prince maintained his usual gentle calmness: “Who is your mistress?”

“The daughter of Li Changmao, Prefecture Chief of Suzhou. When my mistress lived in Yangzhou before, she was close friends with Miss Teng. Learning Miss Teng was in the neighboring courtyard, my mistress sent me to bring her some vegetarian snacks.”

This wasn’t false – the maid indeed held a silver-lacquered tray with mother-of-pearl inlay.

Teng Yu’yi frowned slightly, never having seen this person before.

However, she did have some impression of Li Changmao’s daughter. Li Changmao had been one of her father’s deputy commanders in earlier years. While still in Yangzhou, Li Changmao’s wife had once brought her daughter to visit their manor.

Li’s daughter’s given name was Li Huaigu, meaning “Huai and Yang eternally secure.” She had played with Li Huaigu once or twice, but they could hardly be called close friends.

A carefree smile escaped Lin Chengyou’s lips: “From Yangzhou?”

The maid’s face showed a hint of blush, but she answered steadily: “Our registered home is indeed Yangzhou, but my mistress only lived there for three years while master served his post.”

A’zhi gave a heavy snort. Lin Chengyou turned to look at her, his tone teasing: “What are you laughing at?”

A’zhi held up two fingers: “That’s two.”

Lin Chengyou didn’t ask what “two” meant, but said mockingly: “Why don’t you ask for your brother – what’s her mistress’s childhood name?”

When speaking to A’zhi, his voice was softer, losing its sharpness and gaining warmth and patience.

The maid’s face grew even redder.

A’zhi pouted: “Since my brother asked, you might as well tell us.”

The maid said: “Master never gave my mistress a special childhood name. Being third in the family, she was simply called Third Lady.”

Lin Chengyou gave a derisive laugh and ignored the maid: “The Crown Prince came looking for you – I wondered where you’d gone. Had enough play? Go pay your respects to Aunt first.”

The Crown Prince looked at Changyi: “Elder Brother brought A’da here for you. You’ve been pestering him for stories – today you can get your fill.”

Changyi said angrily: “I’m still upset! Big Brother, why did you lie to us!”

Lin Chengyou smiled: “Unjust accusation – when have I ever lied?”

“You say you haven’t? That time with the bird nests, you fooled us terribly.”

“What bird nests? What are you talking about?”

A’zhi’s lips puckered high: “Brother, you’re still trying to deny it!”

The Crown Prince peered into the room, seeming hesitant, but Teng Yu’yi’s room remained quiet with no one emerging. He could only say to the maid: “No need to kneel anymore, you may rise.”

As the group was about to leave, the maid’s legs were numb from kneeling. As she rose, she stumbled and something fell from her waist. The round, silvery object rolled straight to A’zhi’s feet.

The maid looked frightened and hurried to retrieve it, but Changyi had already ordered a servant to pick it up – it was a silver thread sachet.

“A’gu,” Changyi tilted her head to read the characters on it.

Lin Chengyou’s steps faltered as he turned to look.

“What’s this?” A’zhi curiously moved to Changyi’s side. “Strange, who would be called A’gu?”

The maid hurriedly knelt: “In response to Your Highness, this belongs to our Third Lady. Because my mistress’s formal name contains the character ‘gu,’ all her items are engraved with the character ‘A’gu.'”

A’zhi was about to hand the ball to Lin Chengyou, but he wouldn’t take it: “Didn’t you say your mistress’s childhood name was Third Lady? How is she now called A’gu?”

The maid quickly said: “Third Lady is mistress’s childhood name, Huaigu is her formal name. When Mistress was born, master was under imperial orders to protect grain transport in Huai and Yang regions. For good fortune, he named her Li Huaigu.”

“Huaigu, Huai, and Yang eternally secure… A’gu.” Lin Chengyou’s expression grew strange. “Did your mistress ever come to Chang’an as a child?”

The maid lowered her head: “Indeed, she came to Chang’an several times.”

“Were you here in the 8th year of Long Yuan?”

Teng Yu’yi pondered – could Li Huaigu be the little girl who had saved Lin Chengyou as a child?

The 8th year of Long Yuan was when her mother died. She and her father had brought the coffin back to Chang’an. Exhausted from travel and grieving for her mother, she had cried incessantly and soon fell strangely ill.

According to her aunt, once her fever had led to convulsions. If not for the imperial physician’s acupuncture and medicine, she might not have survived.

“This…” the maid shook her head, “This servant doesn’t remember clearly. We’d have to ask mistress and madam.”

Lin Chengyou looked at the maid. The Crown Prince was about to speak when a palace servant came to the courtyard gate: “Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Heir, the Empress requests your presence.”

Not long after they left, the Empress summoned all the ladies to Cloud Assembly Hall for fasting and sutra copying.

From the Empress down, each person had to copy ten sutras, and for three days in the temple, all were to abstain from meat.

In the evening after the vegetarian meal, Teng Yu’yi carried the sutras bestowed by the Empress as she left. Palace servants were everywhere. As she rounded the winding corridor, the surroundings suddenly grew quiet.

Teng Yu’yi knew that guards stood watch inside and outside of the Great Seclusion Temple like an impregnable fortress, but the temple’s darkness still made one uneasy. She hurried through the corridor when suddenly someone appeared at the corner.

Teng Yu’yi nearly dropped her sutras. The person steadied them with a light touch, then immediately released his hand: “Miss Teng.”

Teng Yu’yi collected herself and curtsied: “Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

The Crown Prince spoke frankly: “General Teng asked me to relay some words to you. I guessed you would pass this way, so I specially waited here a while. I forgot to inform you beforehand – I hope I didn’t frighten you?”

Teng Yu’yi said: “In response to Your Highness, I wasn’t frightened – but I wonder what Father said.”

Inside, she wondered why Father would actively ask the Crown Prince to relay messages.

The Crown Prince said: “General Teng is currently organizing military affairs at the Western Camp. When I went there, he was about to send someone back to the city with a message for you, but military matters were urgent and all forces were waiting for his orders. Seeing he couldn’t spare anyone, I mentioned I was coming to the Great Seclusion Temple today and offered to convey his message.

“Your father asked me to tell you that he won’t leave the capital for a couple of days, but by the time you leave the temple, he’ll likely be gone. Recently rebel partisans have been frequently causing trouble – this morning another messenger was attacked. During the months he’s away from Chang’an, you must be careful in your comings and goings.”

Teng Yu’yi listened quietly to these words and nodded: “I will remember carefully. Thank you, Your Highness, for conveying the message.”

The Crown Prince smiled: “When I campaigned west years ago, General Teng once saved my life. In over half a year of warfare, I learned much from his oral teachings. In my heart, I’ve long considered General Teng my tutor – conveying a teacher’s message is simply a student’s duty. I’ve delivered the message – Miss Teng may return to her quarters.”

These words were humble and frank, both explaining the circumstances and dispelling Teng Yu’yi’s doubts. She said: “I’m deeply grateful for Your Highness’s trouble. If there’s nothing else, this subject will take her leave.”

The Crown Prince nodded and took the first step to leave. After a few steps, he suddenly turned back: “You now have documentation for palace entry – it’s convenient. If you encounter any difficult matters, you can have someone bring the documents to find me.”

Teng Yu’yi paused, about to make an excuse to decline, when long lamp shadows appeared on the wall – someone was coming.

Teng Yu’yi and the Crown Prince stood in the quiet corner without even a palace servant nearby. If someone came upon them, they would surely think this was a secret meeting.

Teng Yu’yi had no wish to be associated with the Crown Prince. She looked around, thinking how to quickly slip away, but corridors flanked both sides – unless she jumped over the railings, there was nowhere to hide.

As the lamp shadows drew closer, the Crown Prince gestured for Teng Yu’yi to be silent and pushed her into the room behind, though he didn’t enter himself, instead closing the door for her from outside.

Teng Yu’yi’s heart pounded. This wasn’t a good solution, but to leave no trace, it was the only way.

The footsteps drew near, and voices grew louder.

“Aunt heard they’d found the A’gu from back then and even prepared rewards, but who knew it was another impostor? Brother, how did you know something was wrong with that Li Huaigu?”

Lin Chengyou said: “I was investigating in the East Market – one casual inquiry revealed all. A few days ago, someone had a batch of personal items made there, from combs to scent balls, all requiring the characters ‘A’gu’ to be engraved. But the original mold brought in had ‘Third Lady’ engraved. This person’s childhood name was originally Third Lady – suddenly changing to ‘A’gu’ was clearly for today’s performance.”

A’zhi said blankly: “Oh, this Li Huaigu is too wicked! But Brother, Aunt has already punished her – why did you have to force her to change her name?”

Lin Chengyou said: “How dare she call herself A’gu? I was in a bad mood today, and this Li person threw herself in my path. While Aunt worships Buddha and fasts, I’ll do a good deed too – kindly changing her name to Li Huaisan. Isn’t that name perfect for someone like her? If she’s not satisfied, she can be called Cat or Dog for all I care – just don’t let me hear her call herself A’gu again.”

A’zhi laughed innocently for a moment, then asked: “Brother, how do you know they’re not the A’gu from back then?”

Lin Chengyou said: “You just said you wanted to find bird nests – want brother to take you for a flight in the trees?”

A’zhi cheered: “Yes!”

Then immediately: “No, no.”

Lin Chengyou seemed to be suppressing laughter: “Why not?”

A’zhi said angrily: “I get it now! I understand! Whenever I want to ask something and brother doesn’t want to answer, you always deliberately change the subject.”

Lin Chengyou said softly: “A’zhi, listen – isn’t that a bird calling above?”

“Brother, you’re doing it again!” A’zhi stamped her foot. “Brother, just tell me! If you teach me this time, next time you won’t have to expose them yourself.”

“What’s in that little head of yours – why must you get to the bottom of everything? You said earlier there’s nothing good to eat in the temple. While no one’s around, let brother buy you some snacks outside. Did you like those jade-tipped noodles last time?”

A’zhi was petulant: “No, no, I won’t eat anything!”

“Fine, then I’m leaving.”

A’zhi called urgently: “Brother!”

The Crown Prince reluctantly went to meet them: “A’zhi, don’t you know your brother’s temperament? If he doesn’t want to tell, no one can get it out of him.”

A’zhi said in surprise: “Why is Brother Crown Prince here?”

The Crown Prince coughed: “Just left the abbot’s quarters, heading back to the palace.”

A’zhi said: “Brother Crown Prince, you’re so clever – can you figure out what’s going on?”

The Crown Prince was distracted: “So many years have passed – what could let your brother recognize someone at a glance? Hairpins? Bracelets?”

A’zhi said: “No, no, I think it must be something fun, and only A’gu had one.”

The Crown Prince laughed: “A’da, listen – A’zhi’s way of speaking is becoming more and more like yours.”

Lin Chengyou laughed: “I wouldn’t dare compare – she’s much more persistent than me.”

“A’zhi, it’s too windy here. If you want to know something, ask elsewhere.”

A’zhi said: “If Brother won’t tell me, I’ll think about it here all night.”

Lin Chengyou laughed: “Fine, I’m heading back to the office – you stay here and consider it your wall-facing penance!”

A’zhi burst into tears. Lin Chengyou’s steps faltered, as if he had picked up his sister: “Alright, alright, stop crying – if you cry more, brother really will leave.”

The Crown Prince hurried to mediate: “I’ll interrogate your brother for you. Don’t linger here – you’ll catch cold.”

Then A’zhi was heard saying: “Aunt said it had something to do with a doll, but dolls all look the same – how can you recognize someone by that? Brother, please tell me?”

Lin Chengyou said: “Look how ugly you are from crying. Go back to your quarters first, and brother will tell you.”

A’zhi was overjoyed: “Today I saw a strange doll. That person also lived in Yangzhou, but she’s not called A’gu.”

Lin Chengyou gave a long “Oh.” “That person knows you’re my full sister, and coincidentally lets you see a doll, even knows about A’gu and voluntarily says she’s not called that name. I’ve seen this routine many times – it’s giving me a headache lately.”

Teng Yu’yi grew angry listening behind the door – what did this have to do with her?

The Crown Prince patiently said to A’zhi: “No wonder your brother is annoyed. With recent court official rotations, many regional officials come to the capital for duty. Father and Mother’s love for your brother is known throughout court. If Father learned that some official’s daughter had saved your brother, he would surely favor that person. This would provide support during the election period, so lately many claim to be A’gu and even have court officials relay messages to the palace…”

Their voices grew fainter and fainter.

Teng Yu’yi waited a while longer in the room, only slipping out after silence returned outside.

Leaving Xuanpu Pavilion, she found Chun Rong and Bi Luo still waiting outside, their noses red from the cold. The three returned to their quarters to rest, with nothing more to say that night.

Over the next two days, Teng Yu’yi continued attending Buddhist services with the Empress as before. Only Changyi and A’zhi seemed to be under stricter supervision, no longer wandering about.

Three days passed this way. On the fourth day, they were to leave the temple. At dawn, while Teng Yu’yi was still in deep sleep, someone suddenly shook her in her dreams.

She opened her eyes groggily to see Chun Rong and Bi Luo’s frightened faces.

“Miss, wake up quickly!”

Teng Yu’yi’s drowsiness instantly vanished. These two maids had served her for many years and were always calm and steady – something must be wrong for them to be so distraught. She shot up: “What’s happened?”

The two could barely speak through their tears: “Something’s happened to Master.”

Teng Yu’yi froze.

Bi Luo said fearfully: “Master was ambushed by a group of rebels at Jiafu Gate while going to morning court. Butler Cheng just rushed here with the news – even the Empress has been alarmed.”

Teng Yu’yi’s heart raced wildly. In her daze, someone helped her up – she found her limbs as numb as wood.

She pushed the two away and carelessly put on her shoes: “You must have heard wrong. I need to ask Butler Cheng directly. No, Father is still at the Western Camp – I’ll go there to find him directly.”

Chun Rong and Bi Luo helped Teng Yu’yi dress with trembling hands. When mistress and maids finished preparing and went out, dawn was breaking, snow falling softly, giving the world a sense of desolate emptiness.

Only when the cold wind choked her did Teng Yu’yi realize she’d forgotten to wear her cloak, but there was no time to waste. As she rushed to the courtyard gate, she ran straight into a group of people.

The person in front wore ceremonial robes with jeweled hairpins – it was the Empress, followed by a group of silent palace servants who showed signs of unease.

The Empress saw Teng Yu’yi and quickly came forward: “Miss Teng.”

Teng Yu’yi felt a strong sense of foreboding behind her but managed to maintain protocol: “Greetings to Your Majesty…”

The Empress took Teng Yu’yi’s arm: “No need, quickly rise.”

The Empress’s hands were even colder than Teng Yu’yi’s. She said gravely: “The calf cart is ready. Your father is at the Left Guard Command. His Majesty has sent all the palace physicians – they’re doing everything to save him. Child, don’t be afraid. Your father served the country with utmost loyalty – he will surely overcome this misfortune.”

Teng Yu’yi asked tremulously: “What exactly happened to Father?”

The Empress fell silent for a moment, then unfastened her snow-white fox fur cloak and wrapped it around Teng Yu’yi: “Those villains failed to assassinate several officials last time, so they targeted General Teng. They must have planned this for a long time – even with the General’s martial skills…”

The Empress had weathered many storms, yet her manner and tone were far less steady than usual – clearly, this assassination attempt against court officials had shaken the entire government.

Teng Yu’yi couldn’t stop trembling as she walked out with her heart in suspense. The Empress, full of worry and anger, personally escorted Teng Yu’yi out of the inner gardens before stopping.

Butler Cheng was covered in blood. Seeing Teng Yu’yi emerge, he immediately fell to his knees. With his prostration, all of Teng Manor’s guards, including Duan Fu, knelt and wouldn’t rise.

“This worthless one deserves death. By the time I arrived, Master was already gravely wounded.” Butler Cheng wept openly.

Teng Yu’yi numbly went forward to help him up: “Tell me everything that happened today on the way.”

Teng Yu’yi got into the calf cart, with Butler Cheng and others following on horseback: “These past days, military matters at the front became urgent, and Chang’an was unsettled. Master added a squad of personal guards when coming and going. After organizing military affairs at the Western Camp, he was to depart for battle tomorrow. This morning, Master was passing Jiafu Gate with his guards when a thick fog suddenly arose. The fog was strange – breathing it too long made one dizzy. Master said in the fog: ‘Beware of ambush.’ Just as he finished speaking, assassins emerged from all directions.

“When the street patrol arrived at the commotion, most personal guards were already dead. Only one barely survived, and even he had just a breath left. Before dying, he said some assassins knew evil arts – though they could hear sword clashes in the fog, there was nowhere to dodge. Master’s martial prowess was great – he killed most of the assassins but still couldn’t avoid grave injury. Now the wounds on his chest and abdomen won’t stop bleeding – the physicians are trying to stanch it.”

Teng Yu’yi gripped the handrail tightly. Still under treatment meant there was hope. Father was strong – surely things weren’t as bad as she feared.

Clinging to this hope, she rushed to the Left Guard Command. A soldier said General Teng was in the main hall. Teng Yu’yi walked in anxiously, seeing only forests of spears and sword racks along the way, but no officials.

In the main hall, crowds of people either sighed and shook their heads or paced anxiously.

Someone said: “General Teng’s daughter is here.”

Many gazes swept toward Teng Yu’yi as she walked forward, officials automatically parting to both sides.

Teng Yu’yi first saw her father’s boots, then what seemed a dark brown robe.

But when she got closer, she realized Father wore a sapphire blue cross-collar robe – she had mistaken it for dark brown because his entire chest, abdomen, and lower legs were soaked in blood.

Teng Yu’yi’s legs gave way. Several people rushed from behind to support her.

She stumbled forward and suddenly saw her father’s face. She had never seen such a deathly pale complexion, whiter than paper, yet his eyebrows and eyes were unusually black, black as ink. If not for that unnatural pallor, he would have looked like a painting.

She moved closer and carefully held his ice-cold hand.

Teng Shao’s eyes were open, but he had no breath.

Teng Yu’yi said softly: “Father.”

The soldiers began to weep quietly.

Teng Yu’yi looked around in confusion: “What does this mean? Why aren’t you giving Father medicine?”

Several elderly men who appeared to be palace physicians had tears in their eyes as they bowed: “General Teng’s wounds were too severe. We were powerless – forgive us for having no ability to reverse heaven’s will.”

Butler Cheng’s tears suddenly flowed as his shoulders slumped, and he began kowtowing desperately.

Duan Fu and others opened their mouths but said nothing, lowering their heads to kneel.

A young soldier cried: “These villains! To openly harm such a loyal minister and great general – dying a hundred deaths wouldn’t be enough! From today I’ll hunt the criminals day and night. When we catch them, we’ll surely take their heads!”

“General Teng led armies for decades, defeating countless enemies, knowing and using people well – who didn’t admire him! Now that General Teng has been murdered by traitors, how can we live with ourselves? Until we avenge this, we’re not worthy to be called men!”

“Until we avenge this, we’re not worthy to be called men!”

Teng Yu’yi gently shook her father, but he gave no response. At the depths of despair, she became wooden.

The scene of Father speaking that night was still vivid in her mind. In just a few short days, how had Father become this cold shell?

She said softly: “Father, I’m here.”

“Please get up, get up, and look at your daughter.”

Seeing something wrong with Teng Yu’yi, people nearby tried to pull her away with tears in their eyes, but Teng Yu’yi stood motionless. Father and daughter were equally stubborn – Teng Shao’s eyes remained defiantly open, clearly with many words still unsaid.

The Guard Command was filled with endless weeping. Some went to report the death to the palace, others wanted to move Teng Shao into a coffin.

“General Teng’s eyes won’t close.”

That person wept: “He has unfinished aspirations! General Teng, go in peace. In your life you campaigned thousands of miles, achieving countless military merits. Now dying for your country, you will surely be recorded in history.”

From outside came: “Someone from the palace is here.”

The eunuch was travel-worn: “Upon suddenly hearing of General Teng’s tragic news, His Majesty wept bitterly in court and decrees: General Teng, undaunted by powerful enemies, died loyally and righteously. Glorious in life and mourned in death, the whole country grieves. He is granted the title Duke of Jin, and posthumously appointed Grand Tutor, with a memorial stele and biography to be recorded in history. General Teng’s daughter is chaste, quiet, benevolent, and filial. Suddenly losing her father, she deeply moves Our hearts. She is hereby enfeoffed as Princess Zhen’an with a fief of three thousand households. So ordered.”

After announcing the imperial edict, the eunuch looked at Teng Shao’s remains and said sorrowfully: “General Teng, to comfort your loyal spirit, His Majesty has vowed to eliminate the traitors hiding in the capital. The campaign against Huaixi will not be hindered by this. When all under heaven returns to the fold, General Teng’s name will surely be listed in the book of merits and rewards. With such honor in death, General Teng should close his eyes.”

The soldiers gently covered Teng Shao’s face with their palms, but when they removed them, his eyes remained open.

“What- what can we do?”

“General Teng has some unfulfilled wish.”

Butler Cheng looked at Teng Yu’yi, understanding in his heart, and wept: “Master can’t bear to leave because he sees Miss so alone and suffering. Master, this old servant will protect Miss with his life – please go in peace.”

Duan Fu hadn’t spoken a word since the incident. Now he drew his sword across his palm, both hands streaming blood as he raised the blade high: “Master, while Duan Fu lives, Miss will be safe!”

All the Teng Manor guards swore blood oaths together: “While we live, Miss will be safe!”

Teng Yu’yi gently stroked her father’s face. Those eyes remained open as if waiting for an answer.

Her throat caught as tears slowly flowed: “Father.”

Teng Shao gazed silently at the ceiling beams.

Teng Yu’yi’s tears fell onto her father’s cheeks: “Father, I know you can hear me. I’ll listen to your words. I’ll take good care of myself. Though I’ll be alone from now on, I’ll live well. Father, go in peace.”

She wept uncontrollably, trembling as she stroked those eyes. This time, they finally closed.

Teng Yu’yi collapsed weeping onto her father’s body, her cheek touching the cold, hardened bloodstains. Her grief expanded infinitely, pressing heavily on her heart. Father and daughter had been at odds for too many years – there were still so many words unsaid to Father before he left like this. How could she accept it, how could she bear it?

Fearing Father would linger reluctantly, she dared not cry too loudly. But grief and despair pressed like a boulder, leaving her breathless.

Someone helped Teng Yu’yi up. Her later memories were blurred – she was like a walking corpse, numbly holding a vigil and mourning each day.

Teng Shao’s funeral followed the protocol for a first-rank noble. His spirit tablet would not be moved to the ancestral temple – a new ancestral temple would be established.

The new temple was set up in the south of the city. Officials and common people came endlessly to pay respects. The Crown Prince visited during this time – Teng Yu’yi kowtowed in return.

The Crown Prince stood silently before her for a long while, finally removing his jade pendant and handing it to Butler Cheng: “Such a heroic spirit is hard to find, and the orphan deserves pity. The Duke of Jin was my honored teacher in life and was posthumously appointed Grand Tutor. Henceforth if Miss Teng encounters any difficulties, have no hesitation in sending someone to find me immediately.”

Butler Cheng acknowledged through tears.

After Teng Shao’s burial, the soldiers escorted Teng Yu’yi back to Teng Manor.

His Majesty, concerned rebels might come trouble Teng Yu’yi, specially assigned a squad of imperial guards to protect Teng Manor.

The weather grew increasingly cold. The battle in Huaixi was fierce, and the Western Camp urgently needed troops. Soon after, all the rebels hiding in the capital were captured, and His Majesty ordered their execution.

The soldiers brought a hundred rebels to the south of the city and beheaded them before Teng Shao’s memorial tablet.

With the rebels eliminated, heaven and earth were cleansed. The people of Chang’an all rejoiced, and the imperial guards outside Teng Manor could finally withdraw with peace of mind.

That evening, as Teng Yu’yi was organizing her father’s belongings in the study, Butler Cheng reported from outside: “Lady Jingde has sent someone with an invitation for you to visit Prince Cheng’s manor tomorrow.”

Teng Yu’yi paused, realizing it was A’zhi. In the month since Father’s death, hearing the name Lady Jingde again felt like a different lifetime.

“Tell them I’m unwell and decline.”

Butler Cheng sighed: “Lady Jingde seems to have some urgent matter. She said if you won’t go, she’ll come here. Miss, forgive this old servant for saying so, but since Master’s passing, you’ve stayed shut inside daily, barely eating properly. Staying dejected for so long isn’t good for your health. Since Lady Jingde invites you, perhaps you should go out for a change of scenery.”

Teng Yu’yi put her father’s letters in a drawer: “Though Father is buried, many matters still need attention. Moreover, during the deep mourning period, I should abstain from music and entertainment. Tell the Lady that I shouldn’t go out now, but if she has urgent business, she’s welcome to visit here.”

Butler Cheng acknowledged and soon returned: “The palace servant said he understood. The Lady was very happy because ‘she found that person for her brother.’ She’ll come tomorrow with another person, saying there are some things they need to verify with you in person.”

Teng Yu’yi frowned – what did this mean? Such a cryptic statement.

“Did the Lady say who the other person would be?”

“The servant didn’t say.”

Teng Yu’yi said: “We’ll know tomorrow anyway. Have people prepare tea and refreshments in advance.”

Butler Cheng agreed and added: “Miss, the festival gifts for Master’s old subordinates at the Western Camp have been delivered. General Bai and others were extremely grateful, saying they deeply appreciated Miss’s care for their families. When they return victorious, they will surely come to thank you in person.”

Teng Yu’yi returned books from the desk to the shelves: “These soldiers served beside Father for many years and aren’t young anymore. The high-ranking officers are fine, but lower-ranking soldiers receive meager pay. When they go to battle, they don’t worry about themselves but about their families left in Chang’an. Sending some winter clothes and food to these soldiers’ families will give them peace of mind.”

Butler Cheng’s eyes glistened with tears: “If Master knew how well Miss understands such matters, how happy he would be.”

Teng Yu’yi turned to look at him: “Tonight those Western Camp guards left. When those remaining rebels hear the news, they might cause trouble. How are the manor’s defenses arranged inside and out?”

Butler Cheng said: “Three shifts inside and out, sixty men total, all elite warriors. One shift changes at midnight, another at 3-5 AM. Duan Fu and this old servant guard outside the inner courtyard, never daring to slack for a moment.”

Teng Yu’yi nodded: “Butler Cheng, you’ve been tired these days. There’s nothing urgent now – go rest first.”

“This old servant will arrange tomorrow’s festival gifts for the various manors. Call if Miss needs anything.”

He closed the door for Teng Yu’yi and withdrew with a lowered head.

Teng Yu’yi tidied away the letters one by one, then turned to look at the bookshelf. Father didn’t care for literary pursuits – most books were military texts.

She reorganized the disordered sections, then stood looking around the room. In this huge study, apart from shelves full of military classics, the only item that could be called recreational was the zither Mother had left behind.

The zither was again covered with flowered brocade, lying quietly in the middle shelf of the treasure cabinet.

Teng Yu’yi glanced at the zither and finally couldn’t resist walking forward to take it down.

The zither’s lacquer was like new, its strings still supple – clearly though Father had kept it in his study, he rarely took it down to play.

Teng Yu’yi’s fingers lightly plucked the strings. A clear note flowed from her fingertips, but as she listened, her brows gradually furrowed. Still feeling disturbed, she returned it to its place, accidentally touching the side of the zither, which made a slight clicking sound.

Teng Yu’yi paused – could the shelf’s wooden board be uneven? Comparing both sides, the zither indeed sat higher on the right than the left. Feeling the shelf layer, she noticed it could slide slightly.

She put the zither on the side table and carefully explored the shelf with her hand, finding a wooden panel that could move from side to side. Unable to find the mechanism, she took a dagger from the drawer and carefully pried along the wood grain.

Soon she opened it, revealing a shallow compartment beneath containing a stack of letters.

Teng Yu’yi’s heart pounded – where had these letters come from, hidden by Father in such a concealed place?

Moving to the lamp, she examined them closely. The letters had yellowed, clearly quite old.

At the bottom of the first letter was a line:

“Wu humbly presents.”

Fire blazed in Teng Yu’yi’s eyes – could it be from Wu Yingying?

But the handwriting was firm, unlike a woman’s. Moreover, if it was Wu Yingying, why sign as just “Wu”?

She hastily opened the letter, which began: “Since parting in Nanzhao…”

Deep in the night, the study was especially quiet. She had barely read one line when suddenly a scream came from outside.

Teng Yu’yi’s hair stood on end. She returned the letters to their place and quickly went to the door, pressing against it to call softly: “Butler Cheng?”

No response.

Teng Yu’yi was extremely surprised. She tied the fox fur cloak at her neck and carefully pushed open the door.

The wind and snow had stopped tonight, leaving the world desolate. A lonely moon hung in the sky, its dim light spilling into the courtyard.

Standing in the corridor, Teng Yu’yi listened intently. She could faintly hear the clash of swords against armor. Her heart began to race – it seemed thieves had come to intrude. Where was Duan Fu?

She called softly: “Duan Fu.”

Still no response. Teng Yu’yi felt inexplicably anxious. Duan Fu never strayed far from her – when she was in the study, he would always guard the courtyard.

Finding no one in the courtyard, she hurried along the corridor toward the outside. Whatever was happening, getting back to the inner courtyard quickly was the best strategy.

As she rushed out the garden gate, ten or more figures suddenly appeared silently on the ground ahead. Teng Yu’yi was shocked. Looking back, she discovered a group of strangely dressed masked figures had appeared on the roof.

Each held a sword, their blades dazzling like snow waves in the moonlight. They raised their arms in unison and leaped down from the beams in pursuit.

Teng Yu’yi ran, crying out as she fled: “Duan Fu! Butler Cheng!”

Weapons clashed, ringing through the night sky. Butler Cheng’s voice came from far away: “Miss! Quick, back to the inner courtyard!”

Teng Yu’yi’s scalp tingled – so Butler Cheng had been outside the study all along, but why hadn’t she seen him when she came out?

She looked back toward his voice, just in time to see Butler Cheng fall from the wall.

His limbs looked twisted, his movements far less agile than usual. In those few short sentences, he sounded like someone was choking him.

Teng Yu’yi ran a few steps before realizing something was wrong. She whirled around, and a chill ran up her spine – the masked men had vanished into thin air. Butler Cheng and ten or so guards were fighting furiously in an empty courtyard.

“Butler Cheng! There’s no one in front of you!” Teng Yu’yi called out in terror as she ran.

Butler Cheng staggered a few steps, unable to turn around before the strange men suddenly burst out from an angle. He couldn’t even change his stance before being stabbed in the right ribs.

Gritting his teeth, he twirled his sword in a flower pattern and painfully stabbed the strange man before him. When he withdrew his blade, a thin mist of blood sprayed out.

“Run!”

Teng Yu’yi’s eyes burned with tears as she ran for her life. Who were these people, and how could they use such evil arts?

Butler Cheng still fought desperately behind her. Ahead came the sound of fists striking flesh, accompanied by a bestial roar, as two masked men were thrown from around the corner to land at Teng Yu’yi’s feet.

Duan Fu, covered in blood, ran madly toward Teng Yu’yi: “Miss!”

Teng Yu’yi kicked away the masked man at her feet: “These people came prepared. Butler Cheng is gravely wounded. Has anyone gone for help? If we can’t fight our way out soon, no one in the manor will escape!”

“Butler Cheng sent two men out at the cost of his life – help should come quickly.” As he spoke, another group of masked men pursued them. Without another word, Duan Fu tucked Teng Yu’yi under his arm and fled swiftly.

“They know strange arts. Most guards inside and outside the manor have been attacked. They seem very familiar with those around Miss – they especially found a woman similar to your build to lure this old servant from the manor. I almost fell for it.”

That explained why she hadn’t seen Duan Fu and Butler Cheng when she came out. Teng Yu’yi’s heart felt like it would leap from her throat: “You killed several – did you learn who sent them, why do they want me dead?”

Duan Fu seemed to be suppressing a cough, blood flowing from his lips: “Couldn’t find out, but they seem to be looking for something – they targeted Master’s study immediately.”

With each sentence, his breath grew weaker. Teng Yu’yi’s heart sank rapidly: “Duan Fu, where are you wounded?”

Duan Fu’s graying temples were covered in sweat: “This old servant is fine.”

Teng Yu’yi bit her lip hard. Father had said Duan Fu’s internal strength was extraordinary, rarely matched among martial artists. But even Duan Fu was gravely wounded – these people had planned how to deal with him in advance.

Duan Fu made several leaps, quickly crossing the inner courtyard wall. If they could cross the pond before the garden, they could escape the manor.

The pond had frozen over, its ice surface shimming with shadow-play, reflecting the crescent moon in the night sky. A weeping willow by the pond swayed its branches over the ice.

Duan Fu was wounded, his movements less nimble than usual. Carrying Teng Yu’yi, he climbed the willow tree, about to jump to the outer wall when a figure appeared silently in the night. The person wore a pitch-black cloak and stood wordlessly on the outer wall.

Duan Fu was startled, nearly falling to the ground.

Teng Yu’yi examined the figure, a strong sense of unease rising within her. The person was completely covered from head to toe, standing in the moonlight with a sense of lonely desolation.

This person’s internal strength was extremely high – even Duan Fu hadn’t detected them in advance.

Duan Fu transformed his palm strike into a fist, floating lightly toward the person’s chest. Teng Yu’yi knew this was Duan Fu’s usual technique – deliberately showing a weakness to lure the opponent to attack. Once they responded, they would surely be gravely wounded.

Duan Fu had used it many times, never failing.

The person stood motionless against the fist wind, but from within the cloak emerged a hand with long fingers, launching something with lightning speed.

A flash of silver in the moonlight as something deadly flew toward them.

Duan Fu carried Teng Yu’yi backward in a dodge, but the hidden weapon seemed enchanted, dividing into two paths like wind through silk. Duan Fu barely avoided one, but couldn’t escape the other as it buried itself in the right side of his neck.

Having landed the strike, the person gently pulled – Duan Fu gave a heavy grunt as his head was yanked to the right.

Teng Yu’yi couldn’t help screaming. The person held a silver thread that had buried itself in Duan Fu’s neck flesh – one pull would burst his blood vessels and kill him instantly.

Her blood rushed upward: “Who are you? Spare my servants, and I can give you what you want!”

The person standing high on the wall seemed to laugh silently.

Teng Yu’yi’s teeth chattered uncontrollably: “I know what you want – I found it while arranging Father’s funeral. The thing is hidden at an estate south of the city. If you want it, just spare me and my servants, and I’ll take you to it immediately. But if you dare harm another of my people, you’ll never find it.”

The person slowly raised their hand. Teng Yu’yi’s heart turned to ice – this person hadn’t come for any object. They had come to take her life.

The person gathered the silver thread, apparently planning to finish Duan Fu first, then deal with her.

Teng Yu’yi had never felt such despair. The surroundings were terrifyingly quiet. She didn’t know if Butler Cheng and the others were still alive – even if they were, they probably couldn’t save themselves.

In that crucial moment, Duan Fu roared and forcefully crashed to the right with the thread still embedded. The sound of flesh tearing exploded with wet pops as hot blood sprayed onto Teng Yu’yi’s face.

Her mind went blank. Even the cloaked person seemed shocked.

Blood still spurted from Duan Fu’s neck, his face instantly masked in gore.

He could no longer speak but used his last breath to help Teng Yu’yi climb the wall. The street wasn’t far – even if there were barriers outside the manor, running out would surely lead to the street patrol.

Teng Yu’yi lay on Duan Fu’s broad back, tears pouring down. This old servant clearly wouldn’t survive. After ten years of service, to meet such an end.

He had no other choice. The strange person’s evil arts and ferocity were beyond normal. If he hadn’t done this, both would have died at the person’s hands.

The person quickly recovered, slowly walking over, finger raising to target the other side of Duan Fu’s neck.

“Miss… go…” Duan Fu mumbled, throwing Teng Yu’yi onto the wall crenellation, using his last bit of strength to crash into the person’s legs.

Teng Yu’yi took one last grief-stricken look at Duan Fu before leaping down the wall with tears in her eyes. But before she could reach the ground, a great force came from behind as the person pulled her back.

Teng Yu’yi reached out to grab them, trying to pull them down too, but while one hand strangled Duan Fu, the other hand lightly tossed her toward the frozen pond.

She clutched at empty air, crying out: “Who are you?!”

With a splash, Teng Yu’yi plunged into the pond. Ice-cold water choked her lungs, shocking her entire body. Her heart felt squeezed tight, frozen in her chest.

Each time she tried to grab something, she would lose balance and slide back to the center. The snow-white fox fur cloak that should have kept her warm became a burden in the water.

She struggled desperately. The two people Butler Cheng sent should have delivered the message – perhaps help would come soon. If she could hold on a while longer, there was hope of rescue. She had promised Father she would live well.

She bobbed in the water, trying to maintain consciousness. Her body grew colder, strength seemingly drained away, her struggles gradually slowing. The fox fur seemed to absorb water, like great white wings supporting her as she floated.

The ice water was so cold. Teng Yu’yi’s consciousness grew fuzzy. In her daze, she returned to childhood, nestled in Mother’s embrace.

She grabbed it happily, but her palm held only endless ice water. Where was the doll? Even if it wasn’t with her.

She felt utterly alone, wanting to sink into sleep. It was so cold – every pore seemed to leak cold air. Even her heart seemed tired, the sound of blood flowing in her ears growing slower.

Suddenly strange sounds came, like people fighting on the courtyard wall. The newcomer seemed very capable, not only avoiding ambush but knowing how to break the strange person’s evil arts.

A weak hope kindled in Teng Yu’yi’s heart. To draw their attention, she tried to raise her arm, but after just one movement, the fox fur seemed tangled in pond weeds, pulling her down.

Ice water choked her airways again as her heart began to convulse. This time she truly had no strength left as she breathed weakly.

Someone ran to the pond and leaped in. From their nimble movements, it seemed to be a young nobleman.

Must be a kind-hearted person – jumping into such cold water without hesitation. The youth swam quickly, about to reach her.

Snow began falling again, drifting down. Teng Yu’yi’s vision grew darker as she remembered that year when her parents held her in the warm pavilion watching the snow. Melancholy spread in her chest – how many years had it been since she watched snow with her parents?

She wept silently, large tears freezing at the corners of her eyes.

The water surged around her as the youth drew closer. Just as he grabbed her, she exhaled the last breath from her chest, her eyes fixed and glazed.