The sandalwood table is beautifully adorned, with the fragrance of incense filling the air as the maid, Zijuan, gently sets a tray on the table, sneakily casting glances at the man standing at the head.
The man is adorned in a rich maroon silk robe embroidered with python patterns, his crown adorned with dazzling twin pearls, exuding an air of extraordinary grace. Presently, he stands with folded arms, his gaze fixed upon a silver bow hanging upon the wall. Seeing his entranced state, Zijuan hesitates, unsure whether to interrupt him. She recalls Vice Steward Li’s recent rush to inform the young master, his face fraught with anxiety, instructing her to serve cautiously, yet failing to disclose the identity of this man. Judging by his imposing attire, she discerns that he must be a distinguished guest indeed.
She waits a while longer, not daring to delay the honored guest, and then carefully offers him a cup of tea. However, just as she approaches, the man turns, his robe sleeve knocking the teacup from her hand, causing it to shatter on the floor. Zijuan is nearly brought to tears by fright, ready to kneel and beg for forgiveness, but a pair of hands steadies her. With tearful eyes, she looks up, meeting the gentle gaze of the man before her, who speaks in a warm tone, “Be mindful of the shards on the ground, lest you injure your leg.”
Zijuan gazes in awe at the visage before her, his features undeniably handsome and refined, yet possessing an innate nobility that commands respect. After a moment of stupefaction, she snaps out of it, hurriedly squatting to gather the shattered fragments, apologizing profusely. The man offers a faint smile, continuing in his gentle tone, “Take your time, be cautious not to harm your hand.”
Zijuan feels her cheeks flush with embarrassment, keeping her gaze lowered and avoiding further eye contact. After tidying up the debris, just as she prepares to pour him another cup, Xiao Du strides forward. Upon witnessing her distressed state, he inquires with a stern expression, “Why the rush?”
Zijuan’s complexion turns pallid with fear, stuttering as she attempts to explain, but Xiao Du impatiently gestures for her to leave, stating, “You may go, there is no need for your service here.”
Zijuan dares not utter another word, hastily retreating from the room, and as soon as she closes the door, Xiao Du kneels before the man within, addressing him respectfully, “Your humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty.”
However, Emperor Mu Wen, Zhao Yan, sitting in the nearby huanghuali armchair, furrows his brow ever so slightly, reclining casually as he jests, “This affair is becoming increasingly formal, with every aspect meticulously attended to.”
Xiao Du rises to his feet, chuckling nonchalantly, “Speaking of which, I must express gratitude to Your Majesty. Otherwise, as a man of rather infamous reputation, I would never have been able to wed the young lady of the Left Prime Minister’s Mansion.”
Zhao Yan also smiled and said, “Rest assured, I’ve checked for you. Although Xia Yuanxi is a commoner’s daughter, she has a gentle temperament and a pure heart. Moreover, I’ve bestowed upon her the title of Princess of a Prefecture, which should be sufficient to match your status as the Marquis of Xuan Yuan.”
Xiao Du picked up the cup of tea already poured on the table and handed it to Zhao Yan, saying, “Your Majesty’s visit today must not be just to praise my newlywed wife.”
Zhao Yan took the teacup and brought it to his lips, his smile deepening, “It’s been a while since I’ve had the Biluochun tea from your mansion. I must admit, I’ve missed it.” He paused, his expression turning serious, “A few days ago, according to reports from our spies in Wu Country, they dispatched a covert envoy to Mu Rong. Although we’re not sure what they discussed, I fear the border may soon see some unrest. If both nations attack together this time, I wonder if the Qingzhou City and the tens of thousands of soldiers of the Xiao Family Army can withstand it.”
“Oh?” Xiao Du furrowed his brow but immediately relaxed and laughed, “Such important military matters, Your Majesty should convene the Ministry of War and Ministry of Personnel to discuss countermeasures thoroughly. There’s no need for you to come to me, a long-idle and useless man.”
Zhao Yan’s face gradually darkened, a hint of anger in his voice, “I know you’ve never liked going to the palace, that’s why I came to you today, but I didn’t expect you to still have this attitude. With a major threat looming and the border in jeopardy, the Xiao Family Army is now leaderless. Do you truly not care at all?”
Xiao Du remained relaxed, “I am me, and the Xiao Family Army is the Xiao Family Army. I have nothing to do with them anymore.”
Zhao Yan stared at him for a long time, finally sighing, “Chong Jiang, you’ve changed.”
Xiao Du glanced at him, smiling, “Is that so? Perhaps it’s the environment of the capital, more nurturing than the borderlands. I have food and entertainment in the capital, and now I have a doting wife by my side. I’ve long ceased to care about those matters of violence and bloodshed.”
Zhao Yan was finally provoked, slamming the table suddenly and standing up, pointing to the silver bow on the wall, “Do you still remember what Father said when he bestowed this silver bow upon you? Do you still remember our oath that day!”
Xiao Du’s previously indifferent gaze finally showed some emotion. He closed his eyes, remembering that day when he returned triumphantly to the capital, celebrating Zhao Yan’s birthday. They rode horses together in the mountains outside the capital. They rode to the mountaintop, where he dismounted and ceremoniously performed the rituals of ruler and subject with Zhao Yan. He even remembered Zhao Yan trying to help him up, and then they laughed together. He still remembered pointing to the bustling streets below the mountain, filled with lofty ambitions, saying, “When the time comes for you to rule the world, I will help you guard this land.”
He slowly opened his eyes, looking at the young emperor before him, who had ascended the throne three years ago and had already won the hearts of the people. He realized that those youthful passions and fervent days seemed to have become distant and unreachable. So, he put on that indifferent smile again and said, “Wu Country is just a spent force. Even if they join forces with Mu Rong, they won’t stir up much trouble. I believe the soldiers of the Xiao Family Army, whether I’m there or not, can hold the border steady and protect our homeland. Your Majesty, why bother troubling me again?”
Zhao Yan’s expression changed several times, finally showing a tinge of guilt as he sighed, “I know you still harbor resentment over the incident at Pingdu Pass. At that time, Xia Zheng, who delayed the delivery of supplies, also faced pressure from my mother, insisting on executing him for the crime of delaying military matters. Isn’t that enough to repay it?”
Xiao Du heard the name and a flash of anger crossed his eyes. He said, “He owes nothing. It’s the nearly ten thousand soldiers who tragically died at Pingdu Pass who deserve justice, not me, Xiao Du. Your Majesty sentenced him to death also for the sake of those loyal souls who died for the country. What does that have to do with me, Xiao Du?”
“You!” Zhao Yan couldn’t find words to express his anger when he saw that Xiao Du remained unmoved.
But Xiao Du continued to smile, “Your Majesty, there’s no need to persuade me further. If you truly cherish our past friendship and want to play a few rounds of chess or go hunting in the suburbs, Xiao Du will certainly accompany you. But as for matters of military deployment, I’ve long forgotten about them. Even if I reluctantly step onto the battlefield, I’d be of no use. It’s better to allow those who have ambition and courage.”
Zhao Yan shook his head helplessly, saying, “Forget it, your insistence makes any further discussion futile. How is Aunt lately? Come to think of it, I haven’t visited her for a long time. Since I’m here today, I might as well go see her.”
Xiao Du’s smile faded slightly as he said, “Mother hasn’t been well. Your Majesty should go and see her.” With that, he led Zhao Yan out. Just as they arrived at the door of the princess’s room, they suddenly heard the sound of cups and dishes crashing to the ground, accompanied by the weak questioning voice of the princess. Xiao Du had never heard his mother get so angry before. He quickly went in and asked, “Mother, what’s wrong?”
The princess was sitting behind the table, her face somewhat pale. Her maid was comforting her, and several maidservants were nervously picking up the pieces on the floor. When they saw Xiao Du and Zhao Yan enter, they hurriedly bowed in this direction.
The princess, upon seeing Zhao Yan stepping into the room, stood up in surprise, her face turning pale as if she was about to bow. Zhao Yan quickly stepped forward to support her arm, saying, “Aunt, no need for formalities. How have you been lately? What’s the matter? Why are you so upset?”
The princess, lowering her head, was about to respond but covered her mouth, suddenly coughing a few times, appearing short of breath. Everyone in the room was startled, and Xiao Du also moved forward to assist, but the princess waved him off, saying, “It’s nothing serious, you don’t need to worry. I just need to sit for a moment.” The maid quickly approached to help the princess sit down, her eyes teary as she advised, “The doctor specifically instructed that the madam must not get angry. Today, it’s likely she’s exhausted her energy. She needs to rest properly.”
Zhao Yan frowned, “If it’s not good, should I send for a court physician from the palace?” The princess hurriedly shook her head, “It’s just some old ailments, there’s no need to bother others. It’s just that Your Majesty rarely comes, and I haven’t been able to properly receive you… ” She couldn’t help but shed tears, and Zhao Yan quickly said, “Aunt, there’s no need for such words. I won’t disturb your rest. I’ll visit again when you’ve recovered.”
The princess nodded and said to Xiao Du, “Du’er, you should go too. Don’t worry, I’m fine. It’s just some foolish servants who lack insight; I can handle it myself. See His Majesty off properly.” Xiao Du hesitated for a moment before saying, “Then, mother, rest well. Don’t get angry again. If anything happens, let the maid come find me.”
As the two of them walked away, the maid sent away the sobbing servants in the room and then brought a cup of hot tea to the princess. After drinking the tea, the princess seemed to catch her breath and said coldly, “Who is responsible for this matter? Bring her to me!”
Moments later, Xia Yuanxi was inexplicably summoned to the princess’s room. She didn’t know what had happened and stood nervously in the room for a while before hearing the princess say coldly, “Were those workers brought by you?”
Xia Yuanxi was taken aback for a moment before realizing that the princess was referring to the workers who were repairing the ancestral hall and the Buddha hall. After hesitating for a while, she nodded and said, “It was Aunt Wang who brought them. But I confirmed with her beforehand and only allowed them to start work after that.”
The princess’s face turned white with anger as she said, “Very well, just a few days after entering the door, you already know how to use your master to pressure others?”
Yuanxi was startled, but being naturally clumsy with words, she didn’t know how to defend herself and was sweating profusely. Seeing the situation turning sour, Rongqiao quickly intervened, saying, “Madam, it’s not like that. Miss Yuanxi…”
“Silence!” The old maid scolded angrily, “Where did this servant girl come from? You don’t know your place. When the madams are speaking, who gave you the right to interrupt?”
The princess shifted her gaze towards Yuanxi and said softly, “You look familiar. Which household did you serve in before?”
With a strong sense of fear in her eyes, Rongqiao trembled as she replied, “I-I served in Madam Wang’s household.”
The old maid snorted coldly, “Servants from the lower chambers don’t know their manners. If they’re not properly disciplined, how can they serve the young mistress well?”
Terrified, Rongqiao grabbed Yuanxi’s sleeve, silently pleading for help. Yuanxi hurriedly said, “If punishment is necessary, punish me instead. Rongqiao is still young and doesn’t understand much.”
The princess shook her head and said, “Nonsense. You are the young mistress, delicate and precious. How can you take the punishment for a servant girl? Old maid, take her away and give her a few slaps to teach her a lesson.”
With a pair of terrified eyes, Rongqiao was dragged away before she could even speak. Hearing the cries from the courtyard, Yuanxi felt a chill run down her spine, realizing for the first time how powerless she was. She could only hear the princess’s voice coldly saying, “Whatever you plan to do, do not touch the Buddha hall! If you offend the gods, will you take responsibility?”
Clutching the handkerchief tightly, Yuanxi finally gathered the courage to speak softly, “The refurbishment of the Buddha hall was ordered by Sir… and it’s also related to the Dragon Boat Festival ceremony. Yuanxi didn’t dare to make decisions on her own, so I hope the madam can understand.”
“You!” The princess stared at Yuanxi’s timid but unyielding eyes, gripping the pear wood table next to her, and sneered, “Very well, Du’er has indeed married a good wife.” The old maid quickly supported her and said, “Princess, be careful with your health.”
Seeing the princess trembling with anger, Yuanxi’s earlier confidence faded halfway. She knew she shouldn’t have defied the old maid, but it was too late now. She could only stand before the princess with a bitter face and bowed head, feeling as if time had frozen, making it unbearable.
Meanwhile, in the Tianxiang Courtyard, Madam Wang was carefully trimming a pot of peonies with a silver scissors. A young maid beside her asked curiously, “The new shoots on this branch are almost grown. Why haven’t you trimmed the remaining leaves? It won’t look good if they’re entangled together later.” Madam Wang smiled and said, “You don’t understand. It’s good for them to entangle and compete for nutrients. Without these remaining leaves, how can the new shoots grow better?”
The young maid listened with partial understanding. At this moment, the head maid, Siqin, rushed in. Madam Wang quickly sent the young maid away and, after hearing Siqin’s report, put down the silver scissors with a smug smile, saying, “Has she finally lost her patience? I can’t wait to see what secrets her Buddha hall holds!”