In the Yufang Palace, dragon-embroidered curtains danced and phoenix-patterned drapes fluttered. Braziers were set up inside the hall, burning lily incense. Combined with the perfumed scent of the noble ladies present, a fragrant aroma permeated the room.
The imperial relatives and noblewomen stood according to their ranks, paying respects to Imperial Noble Consort Gao. As the birth mother of Prince Zhuang, Noble Consort Gao was over forty, yet she maintained herself exceptionally well, appearing no more than thirty. She wore a bright yellow ceremonial robe with wide sleeves, exuding elegance and nobility.
With a gentle and dignified smile, her voice swept through the hall like a spring breeze: “On behalf of His Majesty, I receive your respects. Please rise.”
Smiling at the assembled ladies, she said warmly, “There’s no need for formalities. I’d like to have a casual chat with you all and alleviate some boredom.”
The noblewomen rose, with those familiar with Noble Consort Gao approaching to offer flattering words. The rest gathered in groups based on their relationships, sitting in circles around the hall. The air filled with lively chatter and laughter.
After a round of pleasantries, the imperial banquet commenced. By the time the feast ended, night had fallen, and the noblewomen bid farewell to Noble Consort Gao. As she watched Madam Rong Guo leave the hall, Noble Consort Gao hesitated but ultimately remained silent.
Madam Pei, supported gently by Shuxia, was about to step out of the Xihua Gate when a panting eunuch caught up with her. “Madam Rong Guo, please wait!”
Madam Pei turned around. The eunuch bowed and said, “Please follow me, Madam.”
Without questioning, Madam Pei glanced at Shuxia, who understood and remained behind. Madam Pei followed the eunuch through several palace halls, long corridors, and a garden, finally stopping before another palace building.
The eunuch turned and bowed, “Please wait here, Madam. I’ll go in and announce you.”
Madam Pei nodded slightly. As the eunuch entered, she gazed around, noting the colorful palace lanterns under the eaves and the luminous jade pillars. Even the jade steps beneath her feet seemed to reflect one’s shadow. She couldn’t help but smile faintly.
The sound of approaching footsteps drew her attention. Three young men, all handsome and refined, were being led by another eunuch who was quietly instructing them, “Have you remembered everything?”
The three responded timidly, “Yes, we have.”
As they passed, Madam Pei turned slightly to avoid them. The eunuch entered the hall and soon returned, waving the young men away.
A hint of mockery touched Madam Pei’s lips. The first eunuch emerged and softly said, “This way, Madam.”
As the doors closed behind her, Madam Pei stepped over the high threshold and turned towards the East Warm Chamber. Her graceful silhouette cast a long shadow in the candlelight, momentarily dazzling the Emperor. He turned with a smile, “Yu Die has arrived.”
As Madam Pei began to curtsy, the Emperor came forward and raised her, not letting go of her hand. “Yu Die, it’s rare for me to see you. There’s no need for such formality.”
Madam Pei lowered her head, “This humble servant doesn’t deserve such imperial favor. I fear it might compromise Your Majesty.”
The Emperor, somewhat embarrassed, released her hand and stepped back, chuckling self-deprecatingly. “I’ve made Yu Die uncomfortable.”
Madam Pei’s starry eyes lingered on the Emperor’s face. Her cherry lips parted, her tone a mix of resentment, coquetry, and melancholy: “Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven. Perhaps it’s best to address this servant by her official title from now on. Yu Die… died over twenty years ago.”
The Emperor’s gaze swept over the pair of jade butterflies at her waist, and he smiled slightly. “But in my heart, you’re still the same as before. When I saw you at the Xiang residence last time, there was so much left unsaid. Let’s talk properly today.”
Madam Pei seemed reluctant to look away, softly saying, “People change over twenty years, Elder Brother. Even you have changed, haven’t you?”
The Emperor, stirred by her addressing him as “Elder Brother,” sighed lightly. “Yu Die, I know you resent me. Zi Jing rendered great service to me, but his duel with Yi Han was fair. I was powerless to intervene.”
“That’s not why I resent Your Majesty,” Madam Pei lowered her head, her voice dropping. “Your Majesty’s heart is filled with matters of state, and even if there’s a corner left, it’s occupied by those…” Her gaze drifted outside, and she bit her lip, leaving the sentence unfinished.
The Emperor laughed heartily, then shook his head. “Why would Yu Die be upset about those children? They’re just little amusements, something to pass the time.”
Madam Pei remained silent, her fingers lightly tracing the jade butterflies at her waist. The candlelight cast a soft yellow glow around her.
The Emperor, feeling a surge of emotion, was about to step forward but held back as he remembered something.
He sighed softly, “Yu Die, these years haven’t been easy for me either. Not just the court, but even the inner palace gives me no peace. Every woman vies for attention, competing to curry favor. Do you think they truly care for me? Who knows which faction sent them into the palace? If I favor them, I have to grant titles and bestow favors on their relatives, all while guarding against their backers turning the palace into chaos.
“These boys, on the other hand, are much simpler. When I’m troubled, they provide a distraction. There’s no need for titles or favors, no need to be wary of them, and no fear of them getting above themselves. At worst, I can just send them out of the palace. Those with exceptional talent, like San Lang, I can even teach some martial arts and put to use.”
Madam Pei remained silent for a long while before softly replying, “Yes, it seems I was mistaken.”
The Emperor smiled, “Let’s not dwell on this. I almost forgot why I called you here. I mainly wanted to ask about Shao Jun’s injuries. I worry about him as if he were my son.”
Madam Pei lowered her head slightly, her delicate neck alluring, causing the Emperor’s heart to flutter. He heard her soft reply, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. Yan’er’s injuries have compounded, and his internal energy is severely depleted. He’s still bedridden. We received word a few days ago that he might not recover until April.”
The Emperor frowned deeply, “How did he become so gravely injured? I was hoping to summon him back to court to assist me.”
Madam Pei spoke in a low voice, “It seems neither father nor son was destined for such a fate. This servant is ill-fated. When Zi Jing passed away years ago, I couldn’t even see him one last time. By the time I rushed back to Changfeng Mountain Villa, he had already…” Her voice trailed off into silence.
The Emperor also felt somber, sighing, “Indeed, Zi Jing’s passing was so sudden that even I couldn’t see him one last time.” He stepped closer to Madam Pei and spoke slowly, “I’m considering pardoning Zi Fang and allowing him to return to the capital. When Shao Jun recovers and returns, your Pei clan can be reunited.”
Madam Pei gave the Emperor a long look, “Your Majesty’s words put this servant in an awkward position. I am a widow, after all…”
The Emperor laughed heartily, “Look at me, still thinking it’s twenty years ago!”
Madam Pei smiled faintly, “But Your Majesty’s words do remind me of those times. If we’re comparing you and your two sworn brothers, Your Majesty still comes out ahead. Zi Fang was the least accomplished, always causing trouble for you. I haven’t bothered with him for years. I only hear from Yan’er that he spends his days in Youzhou playing chess and fishing, and has gained quite a bit of weight. I wonder if I’d even recognize him now.”
The Emperor smiled, “If that’s the case, I’ll issue a decree tomorrow pardoning Zi Fang and calling him back to the capital. I’ll assign him some minor post, so he doesn’t become too idle.”
Madam Pei curtsied gracefully, “I must also request that Your Majesty provide separate accommodation for Zi Fang, to avoid any gossip.”
“Of course,” the Emperor smiled, stepping closer and taking Madam Pei’s hands in his.
At Changfeng Mountain Villa, in the east wing, Pei Yan read a secret report, laughing with great satisfaction.
An Chen, puzzled, asked, “My Lord, is there good news?”
Pei Yan tossed down the report and stretched his arms, smiling, “An Chen, tell me, would someone who looks down upon the world feel lonely without a worthy opponent?”
An Chen shook his head, “That’s something only you could understand, my Lord. Ordinary people like us couldn’t reach such a level.”
Pei Yan laughed heartily, “When did you learn to flatter me!”
An Chen cautiously asked, “My Lord, are you referring to Wei San Lang?”
“Mm.” Pei Yan nodded, his expression slightly joyful. “Wang Lang failed to take Yueluo Mountain, and Wei San Lang even managed to return to Changle City. Wang Lang suffered heavy casualties. The Crown Prince has thoroughly lost face this time!”
“Wei San Lang’s severe blow to Wang Lang will save us a lot of trouble in the future.”
“Indeed. Now, the Emperor will have to divert some of Ji Bei Gao Cheng’s troops westward. By the time Gao Cheng’s forces arrive, it will be nearly spring.” Pei Yan pondered for a moment, then said, “Our next move must leave no trace or evidence, and we can no longer use secret documents for communication. I’ll speak, you record, then have these orders transmitted in code.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“Tell Jian Yu to start stirring up conflicts between Cheng County and the Huan Kingdom, then use this as an excuse to withdraw the main force of the Changfeng Cavalry there. Send word to Yu De to kill some martial artists, creating the illusion of feuds between various sects.
“Ask Hu Wennan if the granaries in various locations are secure. Send someone to Young Master Yue and tell him that my injury hasn’t healed. We had originally planned to go hunting in spring, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep that appointment. Say that the beasts east of the capital are too fierce, and for safety, suggest he relax at Xiangxing Mountain in the southwest instead.
“Tell Zi Ming to change the frequency of reports from once every three days to daily. I want to know every detail of the movements in the imperial court.
“Also, send word to Xiao Fei to investigate thoroughly the battle between the Star Moon Cult Leader and Wang Lang. Don’t miss any details.”
An Chen carefully noted everything down and nodded, “I’ll go give the orders.”
As he was about to leave, Pei Yan called him back, “Wait, there’s one more crucial point. Tell them to speed up the construction of the secret tunnel. Change the entrance to be in the Butterfly Garden.”
Wei Zhao knew that although the Luofeng Shoal battle had greatly boosted the morale and restored confidence among his clansmen, the Yueluo tribe had been scattered for many years, and the soldiers from various encampments hadn’t received rigorous training. So, he took advantage of this period when Huazhao hadn’t launched another attack to order the troops to gather in batches at Shanhai Valley for unified and strict training.
On this day, at the end of the Chen hour, he was standing at the side of the training ground, watching the soldiers perform formations under the command of signal flags. A familiar set of footsteps approached and stopped beside him. “Young Master.”
Wei Zhao turned and said, “Uncle Ping, you’ve returned faster than I expected. Thank you for your hard work.”
The two left the training ground and returned to the “Sword Fire Pavilion.” Wei Zhao sat down in a chair and removed his mask. Uncle Ping turned to close the door, then approached him and said softly, “I’ve made arrangements with Yi Han as planned. As long as the situation unfolds as we anticipate, he will act accordingly.”
Wei Zhao nodded slightly, “It seems we’re just waiting for movement from the east now.”
Uncle Ping hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, “Young Master, I’ve investigated the Ning Ping Prince’s mansion as you asked.”
Wei Zhao suddenly stood up, his piercing gaze fixed on Uncle Ping. Seeing him lower his head, Wei Zhao collapsed back into the chair, his voice seeming to float from the distant heavens, “Could it be, truly…”
“Yes.” Uncle Ping’s voice was choked with emotion. “Jin You Lang’s words were correct. The Madam entered the Ning Ping Prince’s mansion back then, failed in her assassination attempt, and was secretly executed by the Ning Ping Prince. I heard that her remains were thrown into a mass grave…”
Wei Zhao’s vision blurred. Although he had long suspected this outcome, he had still clung to a thread of hope. But Uncle Ping’s compassionate and sorrowful gaze shattered that last hope completely. He remained silent, staring blankly at Uncle Ping, his face turning ashen gray. Finally, he opened his mouth and spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.
Uncle Ping was alarmed. He rushed forward to support Wei Zhao and checked his pulse, then fell to his knees, “Young Master, you can’t continue taking that medicine.”
After spitting blood, Wei Zhao gradually calmed down. His expression turned cold as he looked down at the bloodstain on his white robe. “Not take it?! I’ve been taking it for years. Do you think that old scoundrel had good intentions when he made me take the ‘Ice Soul Pill’? He was just using me as a test subject.”
He stood up and looked out the window, suddenly laughing loudly, “Very well. As long as I pretend that taking the ‘Ice Soul Pill’ does not affect me, he will take it too. He likes to take the ‘Fire Pill’. I want to see if mixing the ‘Fire Pill’ with the ‘Ice Soul Pill’ will grant him eternal life!”
He put on his mask and left the room like a silent ghost. Uncle Ping reached out his hand but couldn’t bring himself to call out.
Jiang Ci was embroidering and chatting happily with Danxue in the corridor. Seeing that the chrysanthemum on her embroidery frame was almost complete, she said joyfully, “If I ever go back, I’ll open an embroidery shop specializing in ‘Moon Embroidery’. I guarantee it will be a booming business. I’ll give half to Danxue.”
Danxue smiled, “Even if you could embroider it, no one would dare to buy it. ‘Moon Embroidery’ is a tribute item. It’s not allowed to be sold privately in your Huazhao.”
Jiang Ci was indignant, “Why should only those nobles be able to use ‘Moon Embroidery’? Why can’t we commoners use it?”
Danxue thought of her blind mother, her expression darkening as she said softly, “I just hope the Holy Cult Leader can lead us to establish our own country. Then we won’t have to pay tribute to your Huazhao with ‘Moon Embroidery’ anymore, and your grand plan of opening an embroidery shop and selling ‘Moon Embroidery’ could…”
The courtyard gate opened quietly, and Wei Zhao entered. Danxue quickly bowed and retreated.
Jiang Ci didn’t stand up. She finished embroidering the last petal of the chrysanthemum, then carefully cut the thread with copper scissors. Looking at the “Moon Embroidery” she had created with her own hands, she smiled proudly.
Wei Zhao snatched it for a closer look, shook his head, and said, “You haven’t embroidered the crab yet.”
Jiang Ci put down the scissors, “I’m not embroidering anymore. My eyes are tired.”
Wei Zhao sat down beside her, looking at the gradually melting snow in the courtyard. Suddenly he asked, “Who taught you that ‘Bright Moon Song’ from that day?”
“Danxue. I heard her humming it and thought it was beautiful, so I learned it. At that moment, I couldn’t think of any other song with hidden meanings, and I was afraid you wouldn’t understand, so in a panic, I just sang it.” Jiang Ci looked a bit embarrassed, “Was it not sung well? When Danxue sings it, it sounds very good.”
Wei Zhao said flatly, “Sing it for me again. That day, I was too focused on pulling you across the rope bridge and tying you up tightly. I didn’t listen carefully.”
Jiang Ci suddenly realized something and asked, “You didn’t trust me then, so you deliberately looked at the other side of the river, almost getting me shot by an arrow, didn’t you?”
Wei Zhao smiled, “Didn’t I embrace you? That counts as saving your life.”
Jiang Ci felt a bit annoyed and stood up, “Third Young Master, make yourself at home. I’m going to rest!”
Wei Zhao grabbed her, his voice so low it was almost frightening, “Sing. I want to hear it.”
Jiang Ci’s heart stirred. His voice seemed like a sigh floating in the empty air, filling her heart with a faint sadness. She looked at the long, supple hand holding her clothes, slowly sat down, and began to sing:
“The sun sets in the west, the moon rises in the east,
The long wind blows fiercely, the moon is like a hook;
The Phoenix is drawn to the parasol tree, the moon half-bright,
Dark clouds cover the sky, the moon half-hidden;
In jade halls and jasper towers, the heavenly moon is full,
On rippling clear waves, the earthly moon is crescent;
The bright moon shines, illuminating my shadow,
I sigh at my lone shadow, melancholy rising;
The round bright moon reflects in my heart,
Drifting with white clouds, hard to return;
The crescent moon shines for thousands of miles,
Countless people weep, longing for their homeland.”