Although spring had arrived, the nights still carried a chill that required a charcoal fire.
Sister-in-law Ying added a few pieces of charcoal to the brazier. Fearing the fumes might become too heavy, she carefully cracked the paper window open just a sliver. Outside, the night sky was clear, a deep indigo expanse dotted with cold, shimmering stars, without a single cloud in sight.
I withdrew my gaze from the window, letting it fall upon the two men at the table, both slightly mellowed by wine. Ying Hui leaned back casually against a thick cushion, his hair still unbound. Ming Shao’s eyes held a faint, misty shimmer. I had never seen him look so relaxed, and I found that I liked this side of him—it was a comfortable sight.
Sister-in-law Ying gently picked up little Ying Xiong, who had fallen asleep against my lap, and carried him off to the bedroom. The little fellow had clung to me all evening, repeatedly making me promise to teach him how to use a saber. Even though I had agreed readily, he still seemed a bit worried I might go back on my word.
Ying Hui watched his son being carried away with a smile, then turned to me. "What are your actual plans? Will you continue to serve at court after you’re married?"
I glanced at Ming Shao. He held his wine cup, a lingering smile in his eyes, as if any answer I gave would be exactly what he expected. His expression robbed me of the urge to tease him, so I answered honestly, "Not after we have children. I have to provide your Ying Xiong with a beautiful bride, after all."
Ying Hui and Ming Shao looked at each other and burst into laughter. Sister-in-law Ying, having just re-entered the room, laughed as well, though she added with half-serious modesty, "With a family like yours, our Ying Xiong couldn't possibly dream of such a high match."
Ying Hui, however, looked entirely unconcerned. He shot a glance at Ming Shao and asked, "How are the wedding arrangements coming along? You’re leaving tomorrow morning with Marshal Chu to inspect the southwest coastal defenses. That trip will take at least two months." He then turned to me. "Can Xixia go with you?"
I shook my head dejectedly. Just mentioning it dampened my mood.
Upon our return to Qizhou from the State of Chu, we learned that the Emperor had issued a decree. Marshal Chu was to inspect the southwest coastal defenses in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of Yantian’s forces. Several young officers of royal blood who had distinguished themselves in the war against Chu were specifically ordered to accompany him—Ming Shao among them. According to Marshal Chu’s guess, the Emperor intended to promote more young talent within the military and wanted them to gain more experience.
There was another decree for me and the Master of Ceremonies, Lord Chen Long. We were ordered to return to Zhongjing immediately without delay. Lord Chen had been promoted to a third-rank Commandant and was soon to be posted elsewhere. As for me, I was to remain a member of the Imperial Guard and report to Shen Pei. I had previously told the Crown Prince—now Emperor Ming De—that I didn't want to be an inner court guard. Whether this arrangement was his idea or Shen Pei’s suggestion, I couldn't tell. I could only wait until I returned to find out.
Ming Shao refilled both their cups and said with a smile, "I’ve already sent word home. I asked my mother to visit the Ji manor to discuss the wedding with Xixia’s father. I want the family to start preparations so we can hold the ceremony as soon as I return." He stole a glance at me as he spoke, a boyish grin on his face—like a child who had hidden a treasure and finally found the perfect moment to reveal it, eager to see everyone's reaction.
Ying Hui’s mouth fell open in surprise. He recovered with a chuckle. "I should have known a fellow like you never needs anyone else to worry for him."
My heart soared with joy. If the Ying couple hadn't been there, I would have lunged at him and given him a good bite as a reward. He hadn't breathed a word of this to me. Seeing me so downcast about our impending separation, he had just watched the show with that playful grin—he must have done it on purpose to keep me on edge!
Ying Hui raised his cup with sudden fervor. "Come, let’s drink to your marriage! In my opinion, after you wed, you should just move here to Qizhou. It’s not as bustling as the capital, but the mountains are high and the Emperor is far away. It’s the place we know best. Staying here to guard the northeast gate of the country is far better than the daily schemes and power plays of the imperial court."
Ming Shao’s gaze returned to me. He seemed to share Ying Hui’s sentiment, both of them waiting for my answer. I replied readily, "Then it’s settled. We won't leave. Why go through the trouble of going back only to return here later?"
Ying Hui laughed heartily.
Ming Shao choked on his wine, coughing twice before saying, "If we are to leave, we must do it cleanly. If I were to stay now in defiance of an imperial decree, people would look down on me."
I curled my lip. The sense of honor among these royal scions seemed stronger than anything else. I noticed Ying Hui wore the same expression as I did, and we shared a knowing smile. Suddenly, I felt that Ying Hui’s innate free-spiritedness was very much to my taste.
Sister-in-law Ying sighed softly. "When Ying Xiong wakes up tomorrow and sees you’re both gone, he’s going to throw a fit."
"We’ll be back," I comforted her. "I still have to teach him how to use a saber."
The couple looked at each other and shook their heads with helpless smiles.
I calculated the time in my head: Ming Shao would likely return from the southwest border in two months. If I could truly break free from my constraints after the wedding, returning here would only be a matter of three or four months.
At that moment, I had no idea that my next meeting with the Ying couple would come so soon, and under such circumstances.
In this world, truly, "anything is possible."
The next day, after seeing off Marshal Chu and his escort, I set out for Zhongjing with Lord Chen and over a hundred attendants sent from the palace. When we passed through Bingzhou, I didn't see Ming Rui; the servants said he was still at the mines. I felt like I wanted to see him, but hearing he wasn't there made me breathe a secret sigh of relief—and then feel immediately ashamed of my reaction.
It was already early April by the time we returned to Zhongjing.
The grass in the Imperial Garden was fine and lush, and the flowerbeds were a riot of rare and exotic blooms competing for brilliance. After months of seeing nothing but endless wilderness—dull yellows and deep browns with only hints of tender green—entering such a flourishing world was dizzying. It was hard to adjust.
Lord Chen and I followed the Head Eunuch of the Internal Affairs, Eunuch Wang, toward the Imperial Study. While Eunuch Wang went inside to announce us, I looked around. Not much had changed, though a few vats of water lilies had been added under the eaves, and many Pink Bell Trees had been planted around the study. Clusters of pink, bell-like flowers hung from the green shade, looking as though they would chime if shaken. These were my favorite trees; many were planted around my courtyard at the Ji manor and my father’s study, most of them planted by Minzhi and me.
As my mind wandered, Eunuch Wang’s authoritative voice rang out from the steps: "The Emperor summons Lord Chen and Officer Ji for an audience."
An invisible pressure immediately weighed on my heart.
Keeping my head down, I followed Chen Long into the study. As the curtain was lifted, a cool scent mixed with the fragrance of green tea washed over me, refreshing my spirit. Still, I didn't dare be reckless and followed Lord Chen’s lead, kneeling to pay my respects.
Before my eyes was nothing but Lord Chen’s plump back and the vast expanse of polished green oil-bricks on the floor, so smooth they held reflections. Even in summer, such a color would make one feel a chill in their heart.
Chen Long gave a detailed, vivid account of Princess Qing Rong’s grand wedding.
I had been on horseback for days, and my body was already aching. Kneeling there listening to his long-winded speech, drowsiness began to creep up on me. I had just started a yawn when I realized where I was. I quickly covered my mouth and stole a glance upward. Behind the desk, Ming De was watching me with a half-smile.
The shock sent my drowsiness flying to the ends of the earth. I lowered my hand and knelt properly with my head bowed. Then, I heard Ming De’s voice, tinged with amusement: "Very well, you can tell the rest to everyone at the morning assembly tomorrow. You have handled this mission well, and I am very pleased. Lord Chen, you have worked hard; go back and rest early."
Lord Chen, overwhelmed by the favor, kowtowed and withdrew.
I watched him from the corner of my eye, deeply envious that he could go back and sleep...
Ming De’s voice was very gentle. "You, stand up. This journey must have been exhausting."
I quickly replied, "This subject is not tired."
Ming De rose and slowly walked over to stand before me. "Look up," he said with a smile. "Let me see you."
He used "I" (Wo) instead of the formal imperial "We" (Zhen). Was it because he was new to the throne and wasn't yet used to the strange self-reference?
Having not seen him for months, he seemed thinner. There were bloodshot streaks in his eyes, and he looked weary. He wore a pale yellow robe embroidered with an intricate Thunder Beast pattern. The collar and cuffs were decorated with complex, magnificent borders, and his hair was bound in a golden crown set with precious gems. Such solemn attire looked surprisingly harmonious on him; it was as if he were born to look this way—grave, majestic, standing high in the clouds for others to look up to.
He looked me up and down, a hint of gratification in his eyes.
He watched me silently for a moment before saying in a very kind tone, "While you were away from Zhongjing, I approved Shen Pei’s proposal to form a special squad of the most skilled soldiers from the Imperial Guard. Although Shen Pei has been the commander for years, his martial arts are not equal to yours. Therefore, I am appointing you to manage this squad. I want you to train these thirty men into the most elite unit of the Imperial Guard."
I hurriedly responded, "This subject will not fail Your Majesty’s high expectations."
Ming De gazed at me, a touch of helplessness appearing in his eyes. He seemed to want to say more but simply waved his hand. "I have already arranged your quarters. I’ll have them take you to rest now. Come see me here after dinner."
I had wanted to ask him when I could return to the Ministry of Justice, but seeing his exhausted face, I felt it was better to find another time.
Besides, I really was tired.
Perhaps it was the days of riding, or perhaps I had truly grown lazy. While I was being bathed and two palace maids were drying my hair with large towels, I fell asleep right there, slumped over the dressing table.
In my dreams, I vaguely felt people moving stealthily around me, but I was too lazy to open my eyes. Since I sensed no killing intent, I kept sleeping.
When I finally woke, more than ten thick candles had been lit on the bird-shaped stands in the corners of the bedroom. Light and shadow flickered, filling the room with a hazy, soft glow. It seemed the palace dinner hour had already passed.
I rubbed my aching arm and was about to stand up when a pair of gentle hands settled on my shoulders, beginning a light massage. I turned my head to see a woman in her forties with gentle features. Though I wasn't entirely clear on the ranks of palace maids, I was startled to see the four-colored silk embroidery on her collar. The four-colored border was the mark of a *Fengjun*—a Lady Attendant, a very high-ranking female official in the inner palace.
Seeing me try to rise, she pressed me down and said with a smile, "Officer Ji, there is no need for alarm. The Emperor specifically sent me to serve you." She looked at me with her bright, elegant eyes and gave a graceful smile. "You may call me Su-shi."
Since she wouldn't let me up, I didn't bother trying. Besides, her fingers on my shoulders felt wonderful. However, a deep sense of unease suddenly gripped my heart.
"Lady Attendant Su?" I looked up at her. "Your rank seems higher than mine. I am but a minor official of the fifth rank; how could I dare let you serve me?"
Lady Attendant Su smiled. "I served the Grand Empress Dowager in my younger years, and I have been in the Eastern Palace serving His Majesty since he was born. I am considered an old hand of the Eastern Palace. This time, the Emperor specifically chose me to serve Officer Ji, who apparently doesn't know how to take care of herself." She covered her mouth and laughed, as if she found the description very amusing.
My unease only deepened. What exactly did Ming De mean by this? Sending such a prestigious female official to serve me—with so many eyes watching inside and outside the palace, how was I supposed to live in peace?
I took hold of Lady Attendant Su’s hand and said sincerely, "I appreciate your kindness, Lady Attendant. However, my rank is low, and I truly cannot trouble you. Since you are a senior of the Eastern Palace, if word gets out that the Emperor sent you to serve a mere fifth-rank guard like me, I fear it might tarnish His Majesty’s reputation."
Lady Attendant Su laughed again, her gaze becoming a bit more intrigued as she looked me over. "Officer Ji is indeed different from the rest. However, His Majesty means well..."
I shook my head. It seemed I would have to speak to the Emperor myself. "I will go see the Emperor now."
Lady Attendant Su pressed my shoulders again. "You really don't know how to take care of yourself. Dinner is already prepared. The Emperor ordered that you should eat before going to see him."
The warm night breeze carried the fresh scent of the Pink Bell flowers.
When I was at home, I would often sit on the rockery until late at night during this season. I always felt that this air, mixed with floral fragrance and brushing against my face, was the ultimate enjoyment.
But the Forbidden Palace was different. Even if I wanted to let loose, I didn't dare make a mistake in my conduct. There were too many eyes here. Before he left, Ming Shao had specifically told me to be restrained, to keep a low profile, and to wait quietly for him to return from the southwest.
I took a deep breath, then another. The fragrant air swirled into my lungs but turned into a sigh—lingering and full of melancholy. This quiet night made even someone as usually carefree as me feel involuntarily sentimental.
I pinched both my cheeks hard, pulling them up into a smile, and kept reminding myself: *Be humble in attitude and tactful in speech. But be firm. Having Lady Attendant Su around is comfortable, but for the sake of keeping my little life safe until Ming Shao returns, I absolutely cannot keep her. This is the inner palace. The women living here have no reason...*
Thinking of this, I also worried about Wuxiu. I heard she had been titled Noble Consort Chen, and by my count, she was about five months pregnant. She seemed to still be living in Consort Dowager Tong’s palace...
My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about the people around me as I reached the Imperial Study. Because it was brightly lit inside, I could clearly see the pale yellow figure behind the desk through the bamboo curtain, buried under a thick pile of memorials. I couldn't help but feel a bit moved; working this late, he must be a diligent emperor.
Suddenly, I hesitated. The man inside was dealing with affairs of state. Would it be making a mountain out of a molehill to go in now and report about Lady Attendant Su?
While I was wavering, Eunuch Wang spotted me from outside the study. He immediately trotted down the steps to greet me, saying with a grin, "Officer Ji, you’ve finally come! The Emperor has asked for you two or three times already. His Majesty ordered that you should go straight in to report; there’s no need to announce you."
Standing outside the bamboo curtain, I could already smell the cool fragrance of green tea. That scent always helped me calm down quickly.
Ming De seemed to have heard Eunuch Wang. When I entered, he looked up and said, "You may rise."
He handed a memorial to a nearby eunuch, stood up, rubbed his shoulders, and walked over slowly. "I saw Shen Pei just now. From now on, you will go to the training grounds every morning, and report here for duty after lunch."
I quickly complied. Then I heard him say, "I’ve been tired all day. Come, walk with me."
***
**Glossary**
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 歧州 | Qizhou | A border city/region. |
| 兵马都统 | Commander-in-Chief | A high military rank. |
| 中京 | Zhongjing | The capital city. |
| 陈龙 | Chen Long | Master of Ceremonies/Lord Chen. |
| 沈沛 | Shen Pei | Commander of the Imperial Guard. |
| 明德 | Ming De | The regnal name of the new Emperor (formerly the Crown Prince). |
| 记府 | Ji Manor | The protagonist's family home. |
| 敏之 | Minzhi | Xixia's brother. |
| 粉钟树 | Pink Bell Tree | A type of flowering tree mentioned in the text. |
| 雷兽 | Thunder Beast | A mythical creature pattern on the Emperor's robe. |
| 奉君 | Lady Attendant / Lady Official | A high-ranking female official title in the palace. |
| 苏氏 / 苏奉君 | Su-shi / Lady Attendant Su | A senior female official serving the Emperor. |
| 宸贵妃 | Noble Consort Chen | Wuxiu's new title. |
| 佟太妃 | Consort Dowager Tong | A high-ranking consort of the previous Emperor. |
