Early morning, the sky was clear with a gentle breeze carrying the warmth of early summer. As the wind passed, it lifted sleeves and brought a waft of fragrance.
Meng Tinghui walked slowly along the vermilion-lacquered fences outside the palace city, clearly sensing the strange glances from passersby on both sides.
She pressed her lips together, her eyes darkening then brightening again.
Although she didn’t know the Crown Prince’s true intentions, his deliberate bestowing of such honor upon her anticipated the criticism she would face from court officials afterward.
Was he intentionally trying to embarrass her?
She took a deep breath and looked up toward the distant palace walls, only to see a woman in green standing by the vermilion wall of the Secretariat. From afar, the woman smiled at her.
Before she could look more carefully, the woman had already approached with a smile, raising her sleeve in a slight bow, saying, “Official Meng.”
Meng Tinghui recognized her face and suddenly became uncomfortable. After a moment, she nodded, “Has Official Shen been waiting for me?”
Shen Zhili smiled brightly, “Indeed.” After speaking, she turned and walked alongside Meng Tinghui toward the Hanlin Academy outside the northern corridor of the palace city.
Meng Tinghui stopped in her tracks. “If Official Shen has something to discuss with me, why not speak directly?”
Shen Zhili noticed her displeased expression and wondered what she was thinking, finding it rather strange. She simply said, “Recently, various departments in court have been criticizing Official Meng endlessly, particularly in the Hanlin Academy. Today is Official Meng’s first day at the Academy, and I happened to be passing by, so I thought to accompany you. What does Official Meng think of that?”
Meng Tinghui was momentarily stunned, then lowered her head, pressing her lips together. “I misunderstood. Thank you for your kindness, Official Shen.”
Initially, upon seeing Shen Zhili waiting for her, she had assumed Shen came to confront her about the swirling rumors—everyone in the capital was saying that Shen Zhili was the unrivaled candidate to become the Crown Prince’s consort. With her long-standing relationship with the Crown Prince, how could she not be troubled that instead of hearing wedding announcements, she heard that the Crown Prince’s reputation had been tarnished by Meng Tinghui?
But she had overthought it.
Shen Zhili glanced at her a few times, lowering her eyelashes, “What did Official Meng think I came for?”
Meng Tinghui was straightforward: “After hearing those criticisms from the court, doesn’t Official Shen resent me?”
Shen Zhili smiled lightly, “Official Meng is truly straightforward to ask such a question directly.” She paused for a good while before saying, “Why should I resent Official Meng?”
Meng Tinghui lowered her eyes, “Doesn’t Official Shen desire the position of Crown Princess?”
Shen Zhili’s eyes flickered, “If I didn’t, do you think you would have a chance?”
Meng Tinghui looked down at her feet. The palace bricks extended endlessly into the imperial city, carved with dragons, phoenixes, and flying clouds, in a dark gray color.
After a while, she suddenly laughed but said nothing.
Seeing her laugh, Shen Zhili couldn’t help but laugh as well, “When has our Crown Prince ever concerned himself with matters between men and women? Everyone says the Emperor is only waiting for the Crown Prince to select a consort before abdicating, but they don’t know what kind of person the Crown Prince is. If he doesn’t wish to select a consort, who can force him? And the Emperor’s abdication is likely already decided…”
Meng Tinghui glanced away toward the distance, “Why is Official Shen telling me these palace secrets?”
“Secrets?” Shen Zhili’s eyes turned lightly, her expression changing as she smiled, “Speaking of secrets, I recently had the privilege of learning about Official Meng’s childhood.”
Meng Tinghui said, “I grew up without parents; there’s nothing particularly noteworthy about me.”
“Why belittle yourself, Official Meng?” Shen Zhili continued, “The Crown Prince also knows all about your childhood affairs.”
Her words were rather suggestive, causing Meng Tinghui’s heart to tremble.
So he already knew she was that child from years ago?
She couldn’t help but recall that day in Baohe Hall when he held her chin and examined her. His cold gaze seemed to penetrate to her bones; he must have known even then.
She frowned slightly, suddenly seeming to understand something, then was startled again.
When he had bestowed that special honor upon her, it was clearly out of compassion for her years of hardship and to ensure that she, a woman without family or power, would not be bullied in the Hanlin Academy. Who would have thought she would misinterpret it as a mockery of her desire for fame, even saying he was neither her ruler nor she his subject, and in her defiance, she had been disrespectful to him… The honor remained, but its meaning had long changed.
Her heart suddenly sank, and she felt regret for her impulsive action that had ruined his good intentions.
In the distance, palace buildings with carved beams and painted rafters, high ridges, and tiered eaves, the glazed tile roofs of various halls shone brilliantly, with vermilion railings and colorful balustrades everywhere.
After passing two curved tower pavilions, the Hanlin Academy appeared ahead.
Shen Zhili led her forward, saying, “The senior officials of the Hanlin Academy pride themselves on their virtuous character and pure scholarship, yet they use their learning only to engage in gossip. Today I accompany you to the Academy; no one will dare treat you poorly. As long as you don’t misspeak in the future, no matter how much they dislike you, they’ll have no grounds to find fault.”
Meng Tinghui felt grateful and said, “I haven’t yet thanked Official Shen for recommending me before the Ministry of Rites examination, and now you treat me so well again. How can I ever repay you?”
Shen Zhili only smiled without speaking. As they reached the steps of the Hanlin Academy, she said softly, “I should be thanking you. If you hadn’t stirred up such a storm, those senior officials would have already submitted memorials requesting me to be named Crown Princess.”
Meng Tinghui suddenly turned her head to look at her: “So that means…”
Shen Zhili pressed her lips together and, without letting her finish, pushed her toward the entrance pavilion of the Hanlin Academy. The two entered one after another.
Inside, someone immediately rose to greet them, smiling upon seeing Shen Zhili: “What brings Official Shen here today…” His eyes darted over and saw Meng Tinghui, immediately freezing his expression.
Meng Tinghui recognized this man who had presented examination topics outside the hall during the palace examination. Assuming he was a Compiler, she lowered her head slightly and gave a formal bow.
An official in purple robes emerged from the waiting hall on the west side. Seeing Shen Zhili, he raised his eyebrows, “Why has Leyan come here?”
Shen Zhili smiled, “Academic Liu, how fortunate you’re here today. Official Meng and I are old acquaintances. I happened to meet her at the northern corridor of the palace city, knowing it was her first day at the Hanlin Academy, so I accompanied her here, just in time to pay my respects to you.”
Meng Tinghui followed with a bow, saying, “Academic Liu.” Recognizing him as the Hanlin Academic Liu Ren who had attended the Crown Prince during the palace examination, she kept her eyes lowered and spoke little.
Liu Ren did not return her greeting but smiled at Shen Zhili, “Grand Tutor Shen mentioned last time about writing a poem for my new painting, but I haven’t caught him when he’s free.”
“I’ll remind my father when I return. How could he forget to write a poem for Academic Liu?” Shen Zhili’s face was filled with smiles as she seemingly casually scanned the surroundings. “Is Minister Fang not here today? I wanted to recommend Official Meng to join the Editorial Office to learn from Minister Fang for a while.”
Liu Ren’s expression stiffened slightly, immediately refusing, “We already have enough Compilers and Editors to revise the history of the previous dynasty, and there are no vacancies in the waiting or recording offices. Official Meng is outstanding in talent and learning, but I’m not sure what position would be suitable for her in the Hanlin Academy. In a few days, after discussing with the other academics, I’ll inform Official Meng.”
Meng Tinghui smiled, “I’ll follow Academic Liu’s arrangements. These few days, I’ll just help the academics, secretaries, and compilers organize documents.”
Liu Ren had assumed she would be arrogant, especially given the turbulent rumors between her and the Crown Prince. He hadn’t expected her to be so humble and respectful. Left without further objections, he merely frowned and began to lead her to meet the Grand Academics and Academic Secretaries of the various halls.
But Shen Zhili wouldn’t let it go. Before the two could turn away, she called out with a smile, “Since there are no vacancies in the waiting, recording, or editorial offices, perhaps Official Meng could try serving in the Eastern Palace?”
Before Liu Ren could react, she quickly added, “The Crown Prince has increasingly more administrative duties. Half of the memorials submitted by the Secretariat and Chancellery are handled by the Crown Prince on behalf of the Emperor. At night, he often lacks someone to draft imperial edicts for him.”
“This… this…” Liu Ren was increasingly astonished, clearly not understanding why Shen Zhili would be willing to let Meng Tinghui enter the Eastern Palace. He was utterly speechless.
Many people around were listening intently. Hearing this, they were all so shocked their jaws nearly hit the ground—everyone knew Shen Zhili and the Crown Prince were childhood friends, and if a Crown Princess were to be appointed, she would be the undisputed choice. Yet not only did the rumors about Meng Tinghui and the Crown Prince not anger her, but she was personally sending Meng Tinghui to the Crown Prince’s side! Had she gone mad?
Shen Zhili had already pulled Meng Tinghui toward the exit. With her back to everyone, she smiled, her eyes bright, “If Academic Liu doesn’t object, I’ll take Official Meng to the Eastern Palace right away.”
Liu Ren finally recovered from his shock but couldn’t think of any reason to object. He simply turned back to take a red-character wooden pass for the Hanlin Academy’s right gate and handed it to Meng Tinghui: “Since you’re going to the Eastern Palace, be careful with your writing. Don’t tarnish the Hanlin Academy’s reputation for scholarly excellence!”
Meng Tinghui was also in a daze and numbly accepted the wooden pass, following Shen Zhili out.
Outside, the sunlight was perfect. Tall trees with long branches and broad leaves swayed like fans. The azure sky, emerald leaves, colorful glazed tiles, and vermilion doors with golden studs drew nearer with each step, becoming more and more surreal.
She finally came to her senses and turned to ask Shen Zhili, “Why didn’t you tell me before we entered the Hanlin Academy…”
Shen Zhili blinked, “It just occurred to me. I didn’t expect Liu Ren to be so rigid, but since he’s acting this way, he can’t blame me for taking advantage of the situation!”
Meng Tinghui frowned, “You can’t block something forever. I can’t stay in the Eastern Palace indefinitely; eventually, I’ll have to return to the Hanlin Academy.”
“When you meet the Crown Prince shortly,” Shen Zhili smiled mischievously, “just tell him the senior officials of the Hanlin Academy refuse to work with a woman. Let the Crown Prince speak up for you and find you a position in the history department of the Hanlin Academy.”
Meng Tinghui’s eyes suddenly dimmed, “The Crown Prince is probably annoyed with me already. How would he speak up for me?”
Shen Zhili raised her eyebrows, merely smiling without saying more.
After passing through the right gate, they reached Tianzhang Pavilion. Heading east, they passed the Military Affairs Commission, the Court of State Affairs, and the Secretariat and Chancellery. Passing through the wide corridor beside Wende Hall, and walking two hundred steps north, they could see the East Hua Gate, with the Crown Prince’s Palace within.
Meng Tinghui followed Shen Zhili all the way to the front of the Crown Prince’s Palace, her heart pounding.
In the distance, the palace roofs majestically touched the sky. Before her, blue brick steps with colorful patterns stretched across the ground. Just thinking about the person inside made her fingertips tremble uncontrollably.
Shen Zhili presented the Hanlin Academy pass for her. The guards recognized Shen Zhili, took the pass, and smiled, “The Crown Prince returned from court today and went to the Executive Bureau to handle affairs but hasn’t returned yet. We heard that after leaving the Bureau, he went to the training grounds to observe the palace guards’ archery. We don’t know when he’ll be back. Perhaps Official Meng could wait here?”
Meng Tinghui thanked them, saying she dared not disturb the Eastern Palace and would return later. She took back the pass and walked back with Shen Zhili the way they had come.
She couldn’t help feeling disappointed.
It was as if a tightly strung cord had been unexpectedly cut, all her anticipation wasted.
Shen Zhili folded her arms, squinting at the sunlight, praising, “What beautiful weather.” Then she turned to Meng Tinghui, “I slipped away from the Bureau of Operations and need to return soon. You know the way out of the palace now, right?”
Meng Tinghui nodded, hurriedly saying, “Please go attend to your duties, Official Shen. Don’t worry about me.”
After Shen Zhili left through the East Hua Gate, she looked down at the wooden pass in her hand, her lips twitching slightly.
The court officialdom was more difficult than she had imagined.
Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves striking brick came from the west cross street, crisp and clear, carried by the wind.
Within the forbidden area, who could ride a horse without dismounting…
Just as the question formed in her mind, she suddenly realized—inside the East Hua Gate, before the Eastern Palace, of course, he didn’t need to dismount!
As she thought this, she saw a horse’s long mane fluttering against the wind, a rider approaching slowly.
He wore light armor with a longbow on his back and a quiver full of white-feathered arrows on his left shoulder. He lowered his head to hold the reins, the light wheat-colored skin at his wrists glistening with sweat in the sunlight.
She stood motionless before the East Hua Gate, watching him approach step by step. Her palms grew sweaty as she finally moved forward a few steps to speak—
But before she could say anything, he raised his head and immediately spotted her in her crimson official robes. His body visibly tilted on the horse as he raised his whip, asking, “What are you doing here?”
His voice was cold with a hint of hoarseness as if he were tired.
She didn’t speak, only looking at him.
His eyebrows raised slightly as he noticed the wooden pass in her hand. His expression showed a hint of understanding, though he said nothing. He simply dismounted from his horse with agility.
The guards at the front of the hall saw this and hurried over to take the horse, removing his longbow and quiver, respectfully saying, “Your Highness.”
He strode up the steps toward the hall.
She followed him inside.
The hall doors were heavily closed from the outside, and the room suddenly darkened.
He spoke: “They sent you to serve in the Eastern Palace?”
She neither confirmed nor denied, placing the wooden pass gently on the tall table by the door and bowing, “Your Highness.”
Something like fire flashed in his eyes, though his expression remained calm. He showed no interest in pursuing why she had been assigned this duty, merely walking a few steps inside before stopping and raising his hand to remove his light armor.
Shoulder armor fell to the ground, knee armor fell to the ground, chest armor fell to the ground…
She stood behind him, watching as he slowly removed his armor. Although she knew he had just returned from observing archery at the training grounds, she hadn’t expected him to do this in front of her.
Under the armor, he wore only a single robe, the back already soaked with sweat.
She could see the contours of the muscles on his back, and her cheeks suddenly grew warm. Just as she was about to turn her head away, she saw him turn around, loosening his waist sash while looking at her.
The wide, long dark blue sash slid down, the collar of his brocade robe opening wide to reveal his bare, strong chest.
She couldn’t look away, but felt compelled to speak: “Why doesn’t Your Highness return to the inner hall to…”
He walked toward her, his gaze slightly cold, interrupting, “You weren’t afraid that day in Baohe Hall, so why are you as timid as a mouse today? Since you dared to come to serve in the Eastern Palace, you should have anticipated such things.”
She was so close to him that she could see the beads of sweat on his neck and chest. Her ears had turned completely red, though her face remained impassive. Knowing he was mocking her previous bold behavior, she stepped forward and said softly, “I am not afraid. If Your Highness wishes me to help remove your clothes, I dare not disobey.”
Saying this, she raised her hand to touch his chest, gently pushing the brocade robe aside.
He stiffened slightly, narrowing his eyes to examine her. Seeing her pink neck slightly bent, seemingly focused on helping him undress, doubt flickered in his eyes.
She had ulterior motives toward him, otherwise she wouldn’t have found a way to be sent to the Eastern Palace on her first day in the Hanlin Academy. But her respectful and proper demeanor today was too different from before.
Her expression remained normal as she removed his robe. Her right hand, while gathering the robe, slid down, seemingly unintentionally brushing three inches below his waist.
His whole body jolted, the ice in his eyes instantly melting into fire—this woman!