The marketplace was full of impure air. Though all within the Four-Nine City, different places could be worlds apart.
Near dusk, the princes entered Changchun Garden. Today was Princess Gurun’s birthday, and they had all come to eat her longevity noodles. Princess Gurun and the Virtuous Prince Hong Xun were siblings from the same mother. Being the youngest in the family order, she was cherished by her parents and raised by their side from a young age, making her much more pampered than ordinary princesses. The Qi people had no coming-of-age ceremony; at seventeen, one was considered an adult, so the seventeenth birthday was particularly important. The Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager had returned from distant Yunnan. Naturally, the brothers also had to come and offer congratulations. In the imperial family, personal affection was thin, but on such occasions, they had to pretend to be close. The whole family gathered around the table to eat, listening to instructions and chatting about family matters. Even the Emperor could not be exempt on this day.
In the garden, pine winds rustled and green waters encircled. Walking along the lilac embankment, there was a slight tremor underfoot. Looking up, not far away, a large waterwheel turned steadily, splashing water in all directions, creating a thin layer of mist on the lake’s surface. In the haze, rosy light rippled, giving it a poetic ambiance.
The wind carried a strain of singing. Listening carefully, it was Kunqu opera, with its melodious tune of one phrase sung with three sighs. Hong Tao stopped and asked a nearby eunuch, “Is this the small performance that the Third Prince brought into the garden? The voice isn’t bad. Later, bring them to see me.”
The little eunuch bowed and acknowledged with a “Yes,” his face creasing into a smile. He led the way with a lantern, saying, “The Third Prince said the Empress Dowager loves opera, so he found these performers from the Zhaohui Opera House. All the actors—whether playing male or female roles, painted-face characters, or clowns—are beautiful young people in their teens, quite a splendid sight. These people are skilled at delicate tunes. When the drums start, they sing ‘The Peach Blossom Fan’ so beautifully it makes one’s bones go soft. Since the Seventh Prince has expressed interest, later I will inform Head Eunuch Hua, and he can arrange for them to give a private performance for you and the Twelfth Prince in a quiet place.”
Hong Tao turned and frowned, “Your mouth runs three or four miles ahead. If the old master found out, wouldn’t that be disastrous? They can’t stay in the garden. Tell Shaoyao Hua to find a way to bring them out to my residence where we can set up a gathering for us brothers.” As he spoke, he turned and patted the Twelfth Prince’s arm. “Hong Ce, the Emperor is here today. If he asks about the An Ling Ba Wu matter, I can’t answer, so it’s all up to you to handle.”
Earlier, he had been careless, but later he worried about the news reaching the palace. The An Ling Ba Wu case had widespread implications. The Emperor had made an example of him to the court officials, and he had nearly fallen on a knife’s edge. If not for the Twelfth Prince stopping him, the death of an executioner, if reported by those with ulterior motives, would not be resolved just by removing a few pearls from his head.
Uncertain of himself, he relied on this brother. The Twelfth Prince was reliable and could speak before the Emperor. Unlike himself—when their father had not yet abdicated, he and the Sixth Prince Hong Qi loved to entangle with the Eastern Hedge Crown Prince. Later, the Eastern Hedge Crown Prince was stripped of his royal status for plotting treason and was quietly sent to the Outer Eight Temples to become a monk. The Second Prince, now the current Emperor, had once cursed him as a lackey in the study. Although many years had passed and the brothers had grown up, he still couldn’t feel at ease when seeing the Emperor, maintaining a wariness that was a lingering illness from childhood. To say he was truly afraid would not be accurate; he just felt uncomfortable. He was born with a rebellious nature and couldn’t stand being reprimanded. They all came from the same vine—who was nobler than whom?
As for Hong Ce, he was the easiest to talk to among the brothers. The Emperor Emeritus had thirteen sons, and he was the second-to-last. At the time, the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager had been at odds for four years. During this period, the Khalkha Taiji sent his mother, who entered the palace and was made a Noble Consort. Though not enjoying boundless imperial favor, she was still a favorite at court. Later, when the imperial couple reconciled, the Khalkha Noble Consort fell from her high position and was relegated to the Langrun Garden along with several other consorts. Despite Khalkha’s repeated tributes during autumn hunts, they failed to win the Emperor’s heart. Gradually, even the Twelfth Prince lost favor and was sent far away, only returning to Beijing in recent years.
What a pity about his ears! It was said they were deafened by an accidental discharge of a red-clothed cannon on the training field. Such a fine prince was banished three thousand miles under the pretext of border duty. Hong Tao didn’t know the reason, but he felt it was unjust.
Despite his external hardships, which couldn’t compare to the affluent and comfortable life in the capital, Hong Ce didn’t complain. With his mild speech and gentle smile, lacking sharp edges, he still couldn’t hide his inherent brilliance. It was as if in some invisible corner, a fire blazed fiercely. This was the spirit of the Yu Wen family, most authentically passed down to him.
He carefully watched Hong Tao’s lips and nodded, “Seventh Brother, don’t worry, I understand.”
Reassured, Hong Tao raised his hand to adjust his sideburns, regaining his energy. “Good, we were just talking about finding people for a performance gathering. When the time comes, I’ll have Jin Lai invite you, and we can have a good chat.”
Inviting him to an opera gathering was like asking a blind man to appreciate flowers. Hong Tao walked ahead with his hands behind his back, while Hong Ce smiled self-mockingly and strolled behind. Looking into the distance, dusk was gathering, and lanterns were being lit at pavilions and towers near and far. Changchun Garden was a good place to escape the summer heat. Built by the water, it had high humidity in summer. With more lake surface than land, it was well-suited for recuperation. Speaking of this, he thought of his mother. The dowager consorts of this generation were different from others; they couldn’t return to their sons’ residences and could only live separately in gardens. He had been busy at the Grand Council recently and hadn’t found time to visit her. Once his current affairs were dealt with, he would go to Langrun Garden to pay his respects, sparing her from constant worry.
Just as he was making plans, someone unexpectedly pounced on him from behind. Normally, he would have executed a shoulder throw to put them on the ground, but this was Changchun Garden. Only the little tyrant would be so bold.
He lifted the person off his back. “Today you’re allowed to break all rules? Be careful, if Father sees, he’ll scold you.” Then, smiling, he cupped his hands to her. “Birthday star, I offer my congratulations.”
Princess Gurun was seventeen but still childlike. Having followed the court from north to south early on, she had learned few palace rules and was much livelier than princesses raised within the strict framework. Also, because their age difference was smaller compared to other siblings, they had interacted frequently before he went to Khalkha, and they shared a deep friendship.
She bent her knees and curtsied to him, “Greetings to my brother.”
Hong Tao heard and turned back, “Sugar Ears, you call him ‘Brother,’ but you clearly distinguish by calling me ‘Seventh Brother’?”
The Princess rolled her eyes, “I even call my Thirteenth Brother ‘Hong Xun’! You should be content!” As she spoke, she came forward and affectionately took Hong Ce’s arm. Fearing the distant lanterns wouldn’t illuminate her face, she had the eunuch Kou Hai raise his lantern higher. She said to Hong Ce, “Did you bring me something fun today? Last time, that flute had a crack in the drill hole and doesn’t play well anymore. When you have time, get me another one, an ivory one will do.”
Before Hong Ce could agree, Hong Tao started to snicker, “An ivory-carved flute, what an idea! You’re posing a challenge for your good brother. Carving a suona horn would be more feasible.”
The Princess couldn’t stand him at all and ignored him, solely pestering Hong Ce for her birthday gift.
Everyone indulged this little sister, knowing her unique nature, and had prepared gifts in advance. Hong Ce said, “I commissioned a set of ‘Zhong Kui Marries His Sister,’ two bristle doll masters spent over a month on it. I don’t know if you’ll like it or not.”
The so-called bristle dolls were a folk art. The heads and bases were made of glue clay, with inch-long bristles glued around the bottom of the base. The bodies were made from sorghum stalks, with painted facial masks and costumes, all placed on a gong. When the gong was struck, the little figures would bounce and spin, with swords and spears moving—even more entertaining than stage opera.
The Princess didn’t value expensive things but cared more about these small trinkets. The eunuch presented the box, and when she opened it, inside was Zhong Kui wearing a soft-winged hat, dressed in a bright red robe, with a rhinoceros horn belt at his waist and crooked-headed boots on his feet, shoulders propped and bottom stuck out—it looked just right!
A complete set was indeed comprehensive. Everything from the opera was included, even the dowry and flower sedan chair were exquisitely crafted. The Princess clapped her hands in praise, “Twelfth Brother, you’re so good! This has touched my heart. Last time, I had someone put a glass frame around the monkey doll, which would have been buried in a box, but now it’s displayed on a table where I can see it often. This one must also be prominently displayed. When the Princess Mansion is built, I’ll take it there.”
Hong Tao laughed again, “Aren’t you embarrassed? What Princess Mansion? Eager to get married?”
“Shut up! Would it kill you not to speak?” Among her siblings, in the dark, she wasn’t restrained. She lifted her robe and kicked at him, “You’d better be careful! The court is planning to send someone to guard the northern border. Father asked who should be sent, and Second Brother said, ‘None other than Old Six and Old Seven.’ Among all these princes, only you two are idle. If not you, who else? The north is so cold now, with thick ice and accumulated snow, no longer a normal world. When you go, you can’t rub your nose—it would fall off!”
Hong Tao was greatly shocked, “They mentioned my name? Is it decided?”
Princess Gurun turned away and responded languidly, “It’s not decided yet, but it’s close.”
Hong Tao asked Hong Ce in horror, “Did you hear? The court is sending garrison troops to Ningguta!”
This matter had been discussed at the Grand Council earlier, so it wasn’t surprising to him. “The other day I received a confidential memorial saying the Deputy Commander-in-Chief was unlawful, causing widespread unrest. The armored men and banner troops were on the verge of rebellion. Someone needs to go there to manage the situation.”
This was no joke. The imperial clan members in the capital, living in luxury and honor—who had been to such a harsh, cold place? Those with good fortune might complete their mission and return with rewards; those less fortunate might freeze to death or be killed by rebels. Even if they could escape back, if the mission failed, the Emperor would not treat them kindly, and they would still live in disgrace.
With this in mind, feeling the matter was serious, Hong Tao composed himself and went forward to pull Hong Ce, “Let’s go see the Emperor right away. It’s crucial to find a way to decline.”
They walked quickly toward Yanhuang Tower. The Princess pouted high, “Is Hong Tao lacking sense? I still have matters to consult with Twelfth Brother!”
Kou Hai glanced at her, “Princess, the Twelfth Prince is not betrothed, nor is there any word of a sweetheart. He can’t decide on your matter with Guard Lou. Perhaps it’s better to find the Thirteenth Prince? If you share your thoughts with him and ask him to help, it would be the same.”
“Him?” The Princess scoffed, “Today he’s investigating a case. He got into a fight with a street money lender and is currently reflecting on his actions. We can’t count on him.” Saying this, she dejectedly went in another direction.
It was completely dark now, with palace lanterns hanging high on the water pavilion. Following the corridor into Yanhuang Tower, eunuchs, and palace maids came and went outside. Through the gauze on the windows, one could see the situation inside. Many people had gathered, in a room full of yellow waistbands. The Emperor Emeritus sat in the main seat, holding a milk-fed baby, presumably the Empress’s second son. The Qi people held their grandsons, not their sons. The Emperor Emeritus, once such a formidable figure, now showed signs of age, with graying temples.
They entered the door, respectfully sweeping their sleeves and bowing deeply, “Sons pay respects to Imperial Father.” Then, turning slightly to the Emperor in the side seat, they paid respect, “Subject brothers pay respects to Your Majesty.”
The Emperor Emeritus smiled, “All rise. There are no outsiders; don’t be restrained.” He looked at each son, “The eleventh son hasn’t arrived yet?”
The Emperor acknowledged with a “Yes,” saying, “He’s probably delayed by something.”
Hong Tao sat in a round chair and laughed loudly, “What could he possibly be doing? He’s naturally slow. Last time at Master Gao’s birthday, he arrived after the banquet had dispersed. The Master and his wife were bewildered, not knowing how to accommodate him. Seeing that most people had left, he was too embarrassed to sit down. He gave his gift money and went alone to Desheng Tower to order a table of food. After eating and returning to his residence, he even boasted, ‘Ah, I went too early today! People hadn’t gathered, and after waiting a long time, we couldn’t fill a table. I impatiently left first and met Lemin on the way, eating a meal outside.’ Just as we were speaking, Lemin came in through the door, exclaiming that he was reincarnated as an otter, arriving late to lick the bottom of the plates. Look at that, such a loss of face.”
Everyone shook their heads as they listened. Among the Emperor Emeritus’s sons, each had a different temperament, with all sorts of peculiarities.
While everyone was talking and laughing, one person seemed detached from the mundane world. The Emperor turned to look. Hong Ce was savoring tea in the seat to his right, with lowered eyes, his fingers repeatedly caressing the lotus leaf cup handle. The imperial kiln porcelain had a thin body, covered with a layer of light green glaze. Under the lamplight, it had a glassy luster. Hong Ce’s fingers were beautiful, slender, and pure white, harmonizing perfectly with the teacup. At first glance, they possessed a captivating power.