Traveling across the mountains during the daytime was much more convenient than at night. Their pace was quick, and they reached the Imperial Manor by midday. Everyone was exhausted. After hastily filling their stomachs, they immediately went to sleep, slumbering until the sun was high in the sky. The Seventh Prince woke up and stood beneath the corridor practicing martial arts. Straight lines for attack, curved lines for defense, he muttered, “Empty spirit crown, creating something from nothing,” as he practiced, eventually reaching the door of Xiao Shu’s quarters. The door was closed. He poked the window paper with a finger and peeked inside. The bed was empty, with the bedding neatly folded, and the person was nowhere to be found.

He looked around but didn’t see the birdcage. Had she gone outside the manor to walk the bird? Or while walking, had she somehow gotten entangled with the Twelfth Prince again? The Seventh Prince was displeased, annoyed by his conjectures. He might as well go check on Hong Ce. There was almost a feeling of catching someone in an affair – angry yet anxious. Today he would clarify things: Mu Xiao Shu was his. If the Twelfth Prince continued to interfere, he couldn’t hold back his temper any longer.

He stopped practicing and took a turn toward the Twelfth Prince’s quarters. Sha Tong and Ha Gang were standing outside the door, backs straight and stomachs tucked in, like the temple guardians Heng and Ha. He composed his face and walked over with measured steps, loudly clearing his throat. Sha Tong, being shrewd, immediately sprung into action upon seeing him, bouncing over in a few steps.

“The Seventh Prince has arrived?” He smiled and bowed. “Look at that spirited energy! You must have just finished your exercises. Are you looking for our master? This servant will brew you some tea. Would you like to sit inside?”

The Seventh Prince grunted, his gaze drifting forward. “Tong, have you seen our Xiao Shu?”

Sha Tong was the Twelfth Prince’s trusted aide, whose sharp eyes had earned him his position. He knew exactly what was going on with Mu Xiao Shu and the Seventh Prince, and the complex relationship they had with his master. The situation was clearly about two dragons fighting for one pearl. The Seventh Prince was experienced and worldly, while his master was still innocent. How should they handle this?

He shook his head. “Haven’t seen Guard Mu. She tends to your birds, and bird keepers rise early. She’s probably gone out for a walk with them. Though it’s cold, birds need to open their throats and sing. Otherwise, if they’re idle too long, they’ll forget how to make a sound.”

The Seventh Prince ignored his jokes. The more Sha Tong denied seeing her, the more he suspected Xiao Shu was in the Twelfth Prince’s room. Without further words, he lifted the hem of his robe and entered. Looking up, he saw a copper incense burner on the table, with thin wisps of sandalwood fragrance permeating the entire room. He didn’t like this scent and instinctively covered his nose.

The Twelfth Prince wasn’t in the main room. Just as he was about to look for him, the prince emerged from the inner chamber, hastily glancing up to call out “Seventh Brother,” while keeping his head down, examining the web between his thumb and index finger.

Sha Tong’s keen eyes noticed that the Twelfth Prince had a rather large cut on his hand, which was bleeding profusely. Alarmed, he quickly pulled out a handkerchief and wrapped the wound.

The Seventh Prince, puzzled, narrowed his eyes and asked, “Did you encounter an assassin? How did this happen?” As he spoke, he walked toward the inner chamber, lifted the curtain, and looked around the room. There were fine bamboo splints scattered on the floor, but no one else was present. He sighed in relief; knowing Xiao Shu wasn’t there put him at ease. Turning back with a smile, he said tenderly, “You should be more careful. In this cold weather, wounds don’t heal easily. What are you playing with? Look at these bamboo strips and knives.”

Hong Ce vaguely responded, “Nothing much, just tinkering.” He quickly poured tea and invited him to sit. “Why has Seventh Brother come so early? Is there something important?”

The Seventh Prince said it was nothing. “After finishing my martial arts practice, I was just wandering around and happened to drop by.” After speaking, he glanced at Hong Ce, who was holding his teacup and drinking with a composed demeanor. He pondered for a moment. Xiao Shu and the Twelfth Prince had been spending too much time together, and she was unwilling to accept his advances. If this continued, trouble would eventually arise. Though the Twelfth Prince seemed quiet, it was the silent dogs that bit. If he continued to pursue her one-sidedly, it would be difficult to separate them once they became involved.

He moistened his lips, planning to exaggerate his intimate interactions with Xiao Shu to inform Hong Ce. The promise he had made would have to be set aside; one must act quickly to claim someone. He cleared his throat and said, “Well… I had quite a lengthy conversation with Xiao Shu yesterday. She has always trusted you. Did she mention anything to you about it?”

Hong Ce showed little reaction, stroking his hand as he replied that she hadn’t. “What did Seventh Brother discuss with her?”

The Seventh Prince grinned and said, “I’ve seen and played with everything in my life. What others have, I must have; what others don’t have, I must also have. I’ve taken a liking to this child Xiao Shu and plan to take her as my concubine. How about that? Having a male concubine in the household – wouldn’t that be setting a precedent for our great Ying imperial family?” He was self-satisfied. “I know many people dare to think but not to act on this, but I’m not afraid. Once we return to the capital, I’ll arrange it. My servants – I can dispose of them however I want. It’s my family affair, and no one can interfere.”

The Twelfth Prince had, from a young age, cultivated the ability to hide his emotions. After the Seventh Prince finished speaking, he carefully observed him, but Hong Ce maintained his calm demeanor. His hand paused slightly, then resumed scraping tea leaves from the lid of his cup, saying mildly, “Seventh Brother should reconsider. After all, such matters aren’t honorable when spoken of. You may be the master, but since you like her, it wouldn’t hurt to hear her thoughts. What did she say? Does she know of your intentions?”

“Of course, she knows. I’ve already mentioned it to her long ago. The child is shy and doesn’t readily agree, but that bashful little face is truly endearing…” He smacked his lips and tilted his head, chuckling. “Let me tell you, yesterday I even stole a kiss. Her little mouth tastes quite good. This is the first time I’ve taken a liking to a man, and I know it’s inappropriate, but I can’t help it. When emotions run deep, what regrets can there be? You wouldn’t understand this.”

Hong Ce’s hands slowly clenched beneath his wide sleeves. What was the Seventh Prince’s intention in coming to tell him this? A warning? A boast? He understood Ding Yi’s difficult situation, but it was too late for regrets now. If he had kept her with him from the beginning, they wouldn’t have had to take such a circuitous route. It was his mistake; the fault was entirely his. The Seventh Prince was known for his unorthodox approaches, boldly interfering without understanding the situation. This courage was admirable. Brothers shouldn’t casually harm their harmonious relationship. Previous conflicts had merely involved power and interests; he could concede and suffer some losses without much concern. But this time it was different. Money and status could be earned again, but losing someone you care about means longing for a lifetime – this was something he couldn’t let go of.

He hadn’t been in a hurry before, understanding her grief over losing her family, and hadn’t required her to accept him immediately. But with the Seventh Prince’s sudden aggression, he couldn’t help but face this issue directly. Ding Yi had always been in a vulnerable position. When facing injustice, she would feel hurt, and after that hurt, she had to digest it because she had no power to resist. If Hong Tao did this and specifically came to tell him about it, without good self-control, he would have rolled up his sleeves and given him a sound thrashing. This spoiled and overbearing scoundrel never considered others’ feelings. Usually, in brotherly competitions for victory, everyone would give way to him, and as a result, he had become increasingly arrogant and intolerant. If he were faithful, it would be acceptable for Ding Yi to follow him, but unfortunately, this person couldn’t be relied upon. When he liked something, everything was wonderful, but once the novelty wore off, he would cast it aside. Ding Yi had experienced hardship since childhood; if her later years were spent waiting, it would be more bitter than Chinese goldthread.

“I don’t understand these things. Seventh Brother is a player, and I, your brother, have limited experience and no such capability. However, we are born into the imperial family, and our first duty is to live up to the responsibility on our shoulders. What you’re doing…” He smiled. “Forgive me, but I cannot agree.”

Pure jealousy! The Seventh Prince remained smug, believing he had struck a nerve with the Twelfth Prince. This youngster was fabricating accusations against him! He tugged at his chin and said, “I know I tend to step out of line, but this isn’t a new problem. Whether it’s our brothers or our father, who doesn’t know about it? Even if I’m outrageous, at worst I’ll be called reckless. Let them scold – I won’t lose any flesh over it.”

Hong Ce pressed his lips together and said nothing more, turning his gaze elsewhere. He just couldn’t understand why someone who had achieved nothing could make everyone accommodate him. He had worked a hundred times harder, yet couldn’t match even half of what the Seventh Prince had. Fate indeed plays favorites – Heaven is no different from a eunuch!

The Seventh Prince was triumphant. His goal was to make Hong Ce unhappy, and if Hong Ce was unhappy, he was pleased. Xiao Shu’s secrecy only allowed the Twelfth Prince to continue harboring thoughts of her. That kiss yesterday was like the Bannermen staking out territory – once in his hands, she was his, and Hong Ce could only watch helplessly! Speechless now, aren’t you? The competition between brothers would start from today. Everything else could be negotiated, but Xiao Shu was non-negotiable. Last time in Shengjing, he had tried both men and women, but none were compatible. He only recognized Xiao Shu. If he lost her, wouldn’t he be stifled for the rest of his life?

The two brothers were each lost in their thoughts, neither speaking. The Seventh Prince sat for a while longer before taking his leave. Hong Ce stood motionless in the earthen room, having made up his mind. He resolutely turned and entered the inner chamber, his mood foul. He forcefully pushed aside the curtain, which billowed high behind him.

The day passed uneventfully. After walking her bird, Ding Yi spent time in her room making tassels. The Seventh Prince had come looking for her, but she had feigned illness to avoid him. The Twelfth Prince had said he would make up for her birthday tonight. They were both born at the Double Ninth Festival. Since it was also his birthday, she should show some gesture. She couldn’t afford anything expensive, and she lacked the skill for embroidering purses or handkerchiefs. She had learned to make knots before, and while passing through Qingyuan, she had bought pearl thread and gold thread. She would make some tassels for him. The Twelfth Prince could hang them on his sword or purse. Though small, they represented her heartfelt intentions.

She waited eagerly until the hour of Xu, as darkness gradually descended. Looking beyond several rows of buildings, the prince’s quarters were far away and not clearly visible in the fine falling snow. Originally worlds apart, she felt as if she were dreaming now. She had created a story for herself, to be happy for a while and then it would be over. In this lifetime, she would only meet one-Twelfth Prince. Her drifting and cloudy thoughts would be left for later reminiscence!

As the first watch drum sounded, it was time. She wrapped the tassels in a handkerchief, and before leaving, she arranged her appearance in the mirror. Not being able to wear women’s clothing was a regret. Without rouge, she used readily available red paper, moistening it with her lips to improve her complexion.

Heading straight south from the Imperial Manor, she had explored the path while walking her bird in the morning. There was a large threshing ground there, a vast open space of about ten acres. In the depth of winter, it lay idle, covered with a layer of snow. Looking out, it was clean and soft, like the silk cotton filling in armor.

But after standing for a long time, she couldn’t see anyone near or far. She stood there feeling a bit confused. Had she remembered the time incorrectly? Why was there no movement? Or had the Twelfth Prince forgotten, leaving her foolishly excited for nothing?

Just as she was hesitating whether to advance or retreat, she faintly heard the sound of a deer whistle. She turned around to look. The ground became a slightly arched semicircle under the dim light, and from somewhere emerged several sky lanterns of various sizes, covered with colored oil paper, slowly rising, one after another, connecting to form a formation.

She exclaimed with joy and quickly followed. The lanterns flew higher and higher. Looking up, she could see the sheep oil candles burning inside, slowly drifting above her head. She squinted as she watched them, her heart soaring with them.

In the past, watching lanterns and scenery was merely joining in others’ festivities, having nothing to do with her. Now, with a turn of fortune, she felt like the lead actress on stage, knowing she was the star. The flavor was truly different.

Snow was flying everywhere, not in clumps, but in fine, dense flakes that swept across in sheets, weaving into a veil that obscured vision. Through the haziness, she glimpsed a tall figure holding a horn lantern, leisurely walking from afar. She took a couple of steps forward then stopped, smiling as she waited for him under the sea of lanterns.

The Twelfth Prince wore a dark blue patterned white fox-lined arrow-sleeved robe. Though it was cold, he hadn’t put on a heavy cloak, still appearing neat and spirited. The soft lantern light illuminated his face, his eyebrows relaxed and eyes clear, with an indescribable character. As he came closer, they stood face to face. His gaze gently flowed over her face, pausing briefly before he turned to look at the lanterns rising in the fine snow, asking if she liked them.

Ding Yi was deeply moved. How could she not like them? She said, “I’ve never had a birthday like this. In the past, when my birthday came around, my master would boil two eggs for me, which was already a joyous occasion. How could I expect to release lanterns? Oil and wax are so expensive, that lighting just one sky lantern would be enough for a household to use for half a month… Twelfth Prince, the Imperial Manor is quite remote. Where did you buy so many lanterns?”

Hong Ce smiled calmly and said, “All the materials were available. There was no need to buy them; I made them myself. Whatever style you like, that’s how I made them.”

She exclaimed in astonishment, “So many! How long did it take you?”

He said, “Since returning from Ahachuang, I spent a day and a night making one hundred and eight of them. You’re eighteen now, and this number is just right for the occasion.”

One hundred and eight lanterns, starting from splitting bamboo strips, building frames, covering with paper, and attaching oil candles – it required significant effort. He hadn’t slept for a day and a night, no wonder there were shadows under his eyes. Ding Yi felt a mixture of emotions. He was a prince; why was he going to such lengths? She stammered, embarrassed, “This servant doesn’t deserve such kind treatment from the Twelfth Prince. I am a person in distress, and I’m already extremely grateful that you haven’t punished me.”

His eyes sparkled with flowing light, slowly revealing a smile. “I don’t judge you for your background; you shouldn’t mind my ear affliction. Life isn’t easy. We each have our misfortunes. Don’t think that because my status is noble, that iron hat, though I earned it through my efforts, wasn’t also due to having a father who is the Grand Emperor and a brother who is the Emperor.” He lowered his head to examine her closely. The light from the horn lantern spilled over her face – fair and gentle. He tentatively placed his hand over her fingertips. “Ding Yi…”

She trembled violently. This name had been sealed away for so long. Hearing it from his lips reminded her of her departed parents and brother. Unable to control herself, tears flowed freely down her face.

He quietly watched her cry, offering no admonition, feeling only a sharp pain in his heart. Holding her hand, his thumb caressed her hand back tenderly. The lantern fell to his feet as he raised his hand to wipe away her tears. Her skin was so delicate it made his heart tremble. He sighed deeply, “If properly nurtured, I don’t know what kind of beauty would captivate nations… I’m not good with flattering words. When you cry, it feels like needles pricking my heart. Do you understand this feeling? You’ve suffered too much in the past. I wasn’t part of your first eighteen years, but for the next thirty-eight years, forty-eight years, I want to spend them with you.”

Usually, when handling official duties and presiding over court, he sat high on the bench, serious and unsmiling – that dignity was forced by the environment. As for setting aside official duties, in private, he was still a shy person, not easily chatting with girls, let alone making lengthy declarations of love. Ding Yi was different. Though young ladies raised in protected courtyards were lovely, she had endured hardships yet remained strong, which was even more admirable.

She looked up in confusion. His face was red, but his eyes were clear and determined. She felt dizzy, suspecting she might be confused. The relationship between them had always been unclear, separated by a thin paper window – seemingly fragile and precarious, yet also seemingly as strong as copper walls. She thought it would continue this way, but he suddenly revealed the truth, and she could hardly believe it was real.

“Twelfth Prince…”

His finger traced her lips, stopping the words at her mouth. “I have a name. Originally, we were of the ‘Dong’ generation – Donglu, Dongqi, Dongshen, arranged in that order. Later, when my second brother ascended the throne, we brothers had to avoid using the taboo character, so ‘Dong’ was changed to ‘Hong.’ Thus, I am called Hong Ce.” He smiled slightly at her. “From now on, just call me by my name, not ‘Twelfth Prince.’ That’s too distant, lacking human warmth.”

Ding Yi’s heart was beating uncontrollably, and she stared at him in astonishment, unable to speak. He pressed his lips into a smile. “Such a clever person, have you become confused? Or have I frightened you?” He whispered, “I don’t have the Seventh Prince’s smooth talk, nor do I know how to please people. The palace has tried to arrange marriages for me several times, but I’ve always found ways to decline, so I haven’t yet taken a consort. I have my disability, and being candid with you has taken great courage. I truly fear troubling you, disgracing you. Though I am inadequate, my feelings for you are genuine. Now I have nothing else to say except to promise you that in this lifetime, I will not fail you… I know I’m being very abrupt, and I don’t expect an immediate answer. This concerns a lifetime, so think it over carefully. Don’t conclude lightly.”

She moved her lips slightly, gently squeezing his fingertips. How could she refuse? In fact, from the first moment she saw him, he had deeply imprinted on her heart. She just couldn’t believe this happiness had descended upon her. She no longer knew what moment this was, but she understood clearly that he could make decisions for himself, but not for the entire imperial clan. But even without approval, with his words, she would be willing to die.

She looked into his eyes, through the watery shell, his face had never been so clear. She said, “I am the descendant of a criminal official. My father’s and brother’s crimes cannot be cleared, and I will never be able to step into the light. Originally, I had hoped the Wen family could be rehabilitated, but now that Ru Liang and the others are dead, whether the case can be overturned doesn’t matter anymore… If I follow you, I’m afraid I won’t be worthy of you. I know my thoughts. I… want to be with you. I have always liked you.” Her face turned red, but her gaze didn’t waver. She felt like a Batulu on the grasslands – once timid, now unprecedentedly brave. She heard her trembling voice, “My identity cannot honorably be seen in public, and I don’t want to trouble you. Find an alley to settle me in, and I’ll… be your outside concubine.”