On the fourteenth day of the first month, guests arrived at Feihong Garden one after another. The fifteenth was the main evening of the Feihong Banquet, but tonight there was a welcoming banquet — to warm up the occasion, let everyone get acquainted, and prepare for tomorrow’s grand celebration.

This time Princess Taiping had invited renowned personages from all quarters and spared no expense, with the full intention of making the Feihong Banquet surpass even the palace banquets. From today onward Feihong Garden would be lively without pause — talented young men and women could go and guess lantern riddles or attend poetry competitions; noble young lords who had no patience for such refined pursuits could go shooting or hunting; those who were neither literary nor martial could play backgammon, flick chess pieces, or toss arrows into a pot — there was always somewhere to find amusement.

The only exception was someone like Ming Huashang, who wanted neither to go out nor to socialize.

Ming Huashang moved into her guest room at noon. Zhao Cai and Ruyi were busy putting away her personal belongings, and Ming Huashang simply sat on the day bed watching them work. Had Zhao Cai not spoken up, Ming Huashang could very well have dozed off right there on the couch.

Zhao Cai had just heard the door of the neighboring room — evidently the young lady of Marquis Pingnan’s household had gone out. She looked over at her own mistress — drowsy and yawning endlessly — and felt thoroughly exasperated: “My lady, many noble young gentlemen are coming today — it is a perfect opportunity to find a suitable match. With such a wonderful occasion, how can you sleep?”

“Quite so.” Ruyi also chimed in to advise, “My lady, even if not for the sake of marriage, for the sake of Duke Zhenguo’s household you ought to cultivate more connections.”

Ming Huashang knew she had to go out, so she reluctantly stood up: “All right, all right. It is already the shen hour and I still haven’t eaten.”

Zhao Cai wanted to grab her mistress’s head and shake out all thoughts of eating and sleeping: “My lady, Princess Taiping is exceedingly well-provided — there will certainly be food at the banquet. Go and eat there.”

Ruyi saw that Ming Huashang was still wearing the traveling clothes she had set out in that morning and said quickly: “My lady, first impressions are everything when it comes to finding a match — how can you go out dressed like this? Zhao Cai, bring out the dresses we brought from Duke Zhenguo’s household and help my lady change.”

“No need.” Ming Huashang stopped her over-eager maids and looked at the layered skirt she was wearing: “Who in the capital knows Ming Huashang? Everyone only knows that Ming Huazhang has a twin sister. This dark-patterned dragon and phoenix brocade was made from cloth that grandmother gave me — it is festive and dignified, and clearly of a set with second elder brother’s outfit. It is perfectly suited to today’s occasion. Stop fussing. I think this looks very fine.”

What Ming Huashang said made sense, but Zhao Cai was not willing to give up and still re-dressed her mistress’s hair into a yuanbao style, carefully paired with twisted gold and silver hairpins.

Unlike Ming Huazhang with his cool and noble bearing, Ming Huashang had smooth and gentle cheeks, large round eyes, and full rosy lips — before she even spoke, she already wore three parts of a smile, refined and beautiful as a bodhisattva maiden in a painting. With the yuanbao hairdo, the fine lines of her head were unmistakable — round and full, utterly endearing at a glance.

Zhao Cai carefully adjusted the position of the hairpin, finally satisfied: “There. My lady looks this beautiful — she is sure to cause a sensation at the banquet and find an excellent match.”

Ming Huashang gave a perfunctory smile.

Winter days grow dark early, and by the time Ming Huashang finally headed out, the sky outside had already turned a hazy black. Ming Huashang wrapped herself in a cloak, picked up her gilded incense-holding hand warmer, and walked without a lantern through the deep, quiet corridors toward the welcoming banquet. When she arrived, the banquet hall was already abuzz, cups raised and passed all around, and packed with people.

Princess Taiping had been born the most honored princess there was, and was accustomed to lavish pleasures — she loved to amuse herself and knew how to do it. This banquet was not held inside a hall; instead it was half-open-air, with a garden pavilion connected to covered walkways and pavilions and terraces, with snowy ground and wooded hills not far beyond — at once refined and naturally wild.

Maids bearing golden trays filed in procession through the covered walkways; men and women in magnificent clothing gathered in clusters conversing; poets and painters wielded their brushes in spontaneous creation; snow-covered mountains and jade-like halls bobbed with floating lanterns; jeweled headdresses and flower clusters shimmered with tinkling pendants — an image of a prosperous age came rushing forward.

After entering, Ming Huashang easily found Ming Huazhang. It was simply because, even in a gathering of so many talented people, Ming Huazhang’s bearing and appearance were extravagantly outstanding — he stood beside a snow-laden pine grove, needing no ornamentation, while an entire hall of brocade robes and sable furs instantly became mere backdrop to him.

Bearing is a hard thing to put into words, but when a crowd stands together, though others are lavishly dressed and carefully adorned, none could draw the eye as easily as him with a simple jade hairpin gathering his hair.

Ming Huazhang was tall, and he sensed someone approaching; when he turned, he saw Ming Huashang. Xie Jichuan followed Ming Huazhang’s line of sight and said with a smile, “Oh — second little sister has arrived.”

The young gentlemen nearby, seeing Ming Huashang and Ming Huazhang’s identical outfits, asked, “This is…”

Ming Huazhang was somewhat surprised that Ming Huashang had actually come out. He gestured for her to stand at his side and introduced her to the others: “This is my twin sister, Second Lady.”

Ming Huashang crossed her hands in greeting: “Greetings to all the gentlemen.”

The gentlemen had no impression of Duke Zhenguo’s Second Lady, but the moment she was mentioned as Ming Huazhang’s twin sister, they understood at once. Their expressions became knowing as their gazes passed over Ming Huashang, clearly astonished: “Second Lady is so mysterious — how is it that we have never seen her before?”

In front of Ming Huazhang they could hardly comment openly on Ming Huashang’s appearance, but it was obvious Ming Huashang far exceeded their imagination. This pair of twins from Duke Zhenguo’s household were well-known in the capital — but since they had previously only seen the dragon and not the phoenix, they had assumed Ming Huashang was plain-looking, hence too embarrassed to go out. They could not have imagined she was in fact quite lovely and beautiful.

Ming Huashang could not very well say she was simply too lazy and unambitious to bother going out, so she found a more respectable explanation: “I have a quiet nature and rarely go out — I hope the gentlemen will not laugh at me.”

Faced with such a sweet and charming young lady, who could bear to reproach her? The young men immediately declared that being quiet was a virtue. One of them, wanting to probe whether Ming Huashang was betrothed, said in jest: “Jingzhan, you are truly stingy — to have such an adorable sister and keep her hidden at home, never letting us know.”

Ming Huazhang’s brow did not so much as twitch. The surrounding noise and bustle filled the air, yet his eyes were cool and lacquer-black — his double eyelids fine as ink strokes tracing distant mountains, curved inward and outward with a faint, unhurried lift at the outer corners. When he did not speak, a cool and lofty chill seemed to descend from on high.

His complexion was pale, and wearing vermilion made him appear all the more like a cold moon with a clear grace. Ming Huazhang had no interest whatsoever in the teasing around him. He lowered his eyes to Ming Huashang and said: “You have just arrived and have not yet paid respects to our host, I expect? Let me accompany you to greet Her Highness Princess Taiping.”

Ming Huashang and Ming Huazhang were not particularly close, but she instinctively sensed that he was somewhat displeased and was leading her away from this place. She smiled at Xie Jichuan and the other young men, and answered brightly: “Very well — thank you, Second Elder Brother.”

The siblings turned and left together. Both wore the same color, one tall and one shorter, one in a simple cut and one in an elaborate trailing skirt — walking side by side they were perfectly matched. The other young men watched from behind and sighed: “It must be wonderful to have a twin brother or sister. Wherever you go, a single glance tells the world you come from the same place — you are closer to each other than anyone else by nature.”

“Though come to think of it, I had assumed Ming Huazhang’s sister would also be a cold beauty — but it turns out she is the complete opposite in both looks and temperament. Quite sweet.”

“Indeed, even though those siblings are twins, they look nothing alike.”

Xie Jichuan withdrew his gaze from the crowd and gave a shallow smile: “The poetry competition over there seems quite lively — shall we go and watch?”

The young men agreed, and the group set off together with high spirits toward the lantern stand. In the opposite direction entirely from Xie Jichuan’s group, Ming Huazhang led Ming Huashang along a covered walkway and asked: “Why did you come out?”

Ming Huashang said: “Since I have come all the way up the mountain, I cannot just stay in my room the whole time. I ought to come out and pay my respects to the host at least.”

Ming Huazhang said: “I will take you to see Princess Taiping first, then escort you to the warm pavilion over there. It is mostly unmarried young women there — you young ladies will have more to say to each other.”

Ming Huazhang and Ming Huashang were the same age, yet he constantly positioned himself as an elder — referring to “you young ladies” as though he were not among them. Ming Huashang nodded very obediently: “All right.”

Princess Taiping was resting in the inner hall. With her status, she had absolutely no need to socialize with anyone; whoever she wished to see was simply summoned. Ming Huazhang arrived quickly. He swept a glance over the tightly closed doors and windows, and said without changing expression to the attending maid, “I am Ming Huazhang of Duke Zhenguo’s household. I have brought my younger sister to pay respects to Her Highness Princess Taiping. Please convey our arrival.”

After a moment the maid returned and led the way: “Her Highness is within. Gentleman and young lady, please.”

Ming Huashang followed in her elder brother’s footsteps and entered the hall, nearly sneezing at the warm, fragrant air inside. She quietly wrinkled her nose and suppressed the urge. As she offered her bow of greeting, she swept a glance around with the corner of her eye and was surprised to find two young men present in addition to Princess Taiping.

Ming Huazhang acted as though he had noticed nothing, and calmly cupped his hands in greeting: “Your subject pays respects to Her Highness Princess Taiping, and to Prince Linzi and Prince Baling.”

Ming Huashang was secretly startled — so these were the sons of the heir apparent, Prince Linzi and Prince Baling? She dared not let it show on her face, and quickly followed her elder brother’s bow: “Your subject’s daughter pays respects to Her Highness the Princess, Prince Linzi, and Prince Baling.”

Princess Taiping was in middle age, and had grown all the more dignified and magnificent with the years. Her hair was piled high, adorned with large crimson peonies made of silk; her complexion was fair and luminous — everything about her bespoke a life of pampered privilege.

Her gaze passed over the pair of young people in identical clothing standing below, paused, and she asked: “This palace has heard that Duke Zhenguo’s household produced a pair of dragon-phoenix twins — could that be the two of you?”

Ming Huazhang lowered his lashes, his shoulders perfectly straight, and replied with neither servility nor arrogance: “Indeed — your subject and his younger sister.”

A pair of twins was an auspicious omen, and at this moment a beautifully matched young man and young woman in vermilion stood before her — it was truly festive. Princess Taiping gradually broke into a smile: “The elder brother I have seen before, but the younger sister is someone this palace sees for the first time. Come closer — let this palace have a good look.”

Ming Huashang instinctively glanced at Ming Huazhang, who gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod. Only then did Ming Huashang walk up to the dais, her heart beating anxiously the whole way. When she met the princess’s eyes, she still managed to break into a radiant smile: “Your subject’s daughter greets Your Highness the Princess and wishes Your Highness health and happiness this Lantern Festival.”

Ming Huashang’s features were sweet, and when she curved her eyes in a smile, it nearly melted anyone who saw it. Princess Taiping took Ming Huashang’s hand and looked her over from every angle, growing fonder with each look: “A matched pair of children is such a joy — however you dress them, they are delightful. Duke Zhenguo is truly blessed to have such a fine son and daughter.”

Prince Linzi, seeing this, remarked: “How can Duke Zhenguo’s good fortune compare to Aunt’s? Aunt is exalted in status, blessed with children, and presides over a harmonious household — you are surely the most fortunate person in the world.”

Ming Huashang thought: is the competition starting already? She smiled so hard her face was going stiff, and chimed in: “Indeed — seeing Your Highness today, your subject’s daughter realizes that there exists in this world someone as exalted, beautiful, and immensely talented as Your Highness — perfect in every way.”

Princess Taiping had long grown accustomed to flattery, but pleasant words are something nobody tires of; the smile on her face deepened further. She said: “You are both so good at making me happy. I have only heard about you before — today I have finally seen the twin pair complete. This palace has prepared nothing in advance, but this pair of gold-and-jade arm rings have been consecrated at Yongning Temple. Accept them today as a gift upon meeting.”

Ming Huashang was startled and quickly demurred: “This is far too precious — your subject’s daughter cannot accept in good conscience.”

But Princess Taiping had already slipped the arm rings from her jade-smooth wrists and placed them on Ming Huashang’s: “This palace bestows gifts on whomever this palace is fond of — what is appropriate and what is not? They fit you perfectly — just keep them.”

Princess Taiping’s smile remained warm and her speech was agreeable, but it was the agreeableness of the most favored princess — it permitted no refusal. Ming Huashang could only accept, and offered a proper bow: “Your subject’s daughter is grateful for Your Highness’s graciousness.”

Ming Huashang had scarcely stood up when Princess Taiping was about to ask her something — but a maid wearing a blue half-sleeved jacket hurried in from outside the hall and leaned close to the princess to say: “Your Highness, Prince Ding and Prince Wei have arrived.”

Ming Huashang saw with her own eyes the laughter in Princess Taiping’s eyes freeze solid in an instant, before the princess smiled again as warmly as a spring breeze: “Third nephew, fourth nephew — the two of you go out first. This palace will speak with you another day.”

Prince Linzi and Prince Baling rose from their seats: “A’yi, all is well with you — your nephews take their leave.”

Ming Huashang was not so lacking in awareness as to miss this signal; she withdrew to the foot of the steps and went out with Ming Huazhang. They followed the two princes out, and at the door they happened to come face to face with another party.

The man at the front was distinguished and imposing, with a particularly formidable air; the man beside him was not quite so aggressive, but his bearing and demeanor were supremely fine. Three groups had all collided in the doorway. Prince Linzi and Prince Baling visibly suppressed their expressions and raised their hands in salute: “Paying respects to Prince Wei and Prince Ding.”

Ming Huashang and Ming Huazhang also bowed along with them. Ming Huazhang’s manner was composed, his voice clear as jade, no different from how he had just greeted Princess Taiping — he appeared far more at ease than either of the two princes. Sheltered behind her elder brother, Ming Huashang quietly looked at the figures in front of her.

So this was Wu Chengsi — Prince Wei, the Empress’s nephew — and Wu Youji — Prince Ding, Princess Taiping’s consort.

Prince Wei was the leader of the Wu clan, the man whose name was most loudly called to be made crown prince; he had long been scheming to depose the heir apparent and persuade the Empress to designate himself instead. Now Prince Wei and the sons of the heir apparent had collided in the same doorway — “awkward” was hardly a word sufficient to describe the scene.