Liu Che stepped down from the carriage, supported by Yang Deyi. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry when he saw Chen Xuan fast asleep on a pile of quilts at the foot of the steps.
Yang Deyi whispered, "Your Majesty, I heard that Lord Zhaoping knelt here all through the night. Princess Longlü came twice to persuade him to leave, but he refused to rise. These quilts were sent by the noble lady of the Chen clan, who took pity on his plight."
Liu Che walked over and gave Chen Xuan a sharp kick. Chen Xuan jolted awake, his whole body trembling as he slowly opened his eyes.
The previous night, his sister, Princess Longlü, had rushed to Chuyuan Palace to seek an audience, but Liu Che had refused to see her and sent her home. Early this morning, she had returned, offering another five hundred catties of gold and a million coins to atone for her son’s crimes. Even Lady Yan had pleaded for him, claiming it would bring blessings upon her unborn child.
*Praying for the child’s blessings!* That was a fine excuse. After lunch, Liu Che had sent word to Princess Longlü that he accepted the blood money. Having received the payment, he had returned to the Hall of Jade Radiance to officially grant the pardon.
Chen Xuan dazed for a moment before recognizing the Emperor. He tried to scramble into a kneeling position, but his knees were agonizingly stiff, his legs feeling like dead wood. He wailed, "Uncle!"
Liu Che ascended the stairs, commanding, "Help him up." Two young eunuchs stepped forward, hoisted Chen Xuan by his arms, and carried him into the Hall of Jade Radiance.
Liu Che took his seat. Chen Xuan prostrated himself on the floor, weeping toward the Emperor. "Uncle, your nephew knows his wrongs! I do not ask for your forgiveness, only for a chance to reform myself."
Liu Che gave a cold snort. "Since your mother has pleaded for you repeatedly, and Lady Yan has interceded on behalf of the imperial heir in her womb—and seeing as you have knelt for so long—I shall spare your life for now. However, while you are exempt from the death penalty, you shall not escape punishment."
Chen Xuan hurriedly replied, "This subject accepts his punishment."
Liu Che nodded. "Go back and reflect on your sins. If you offend again, there will be no mercy. Now, get out."
Chen Xuan knocked his head against the floor in a final kowtow before being carried out by two attendants.
Liu Che stood up and said, "Let’s go see her." He had talked with Lady Yan for half the night and risen early this morning; he was feeling quite drowsy. It was the perfect time to join her for a short nap.
Yang Deyi led the way to the side hall, only to find the chambers deathly quiet. A maid came out to greet them.
"Where is your mistress?" Liu Che asked with a frown. Was she still throwing a tantrum, or was she intentionally giving him the cold shoulder?
Nanke replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the young lady went to bed late last night and has not yet risen."
It was already noon and he had finished his lunch—how could she still be asleep? Although he had broken his promise to return for breakfast, staying in bed this late was a gross breach of etiquette.
Nanke hurriedly added, "The young lady couldn't sleep last night and only lay down at the fourth watch. We thought it best to let her sleep a little longer today."
Liu Che waved her off and walked into the hall. A'jiao had half her head buried under the covers. Liu Che sat by the bedside and tucked the quilt under her chin.
*Still awake at the fourth watch...* Liu Che suddenly remembered the joke he’d made in the side hall of Xuanqu Palace. Surely she hadn't actually stayed up until the fourth watch waiting for him?
The Emperor gestured for the servants to leave the room. He lifted the quilt, nudged the woman over to make space, shed his outer robe, and lay down beside her. Soon, he too fell asleep.
***
Wei Zifu took a sip of honey water, her expression grim.
Beside her, Princess Weichang, Liu Qing, tugged at her sleeve and said aggrievedly, "Imperial Mother, I only told the Weaving House not to send her clothes because I wanted to vent your frustrations."
"Vent my frustrations? What frustrations do I need you to vent?" Disapproval flickered in Wei Zifu’s eyes. "Chen Wan is the person your paternal aunt recommended. It was one thing for her to fall ill and miss her entrance to the palace half a month ago, but now that she is in Shanglin Park, why are you picking a fight with her? She is a relative of the Wei family by marriage; she should have been here to assist me. Now, you’ve created a rift for no reason."
"I just thought... the Chen family didn't consult us at all. They secretly arranged for Chen Wan to meet Imperial Father. I was angry and wanted to teach her a lesson."
Wei Zifu felt a pang of disappointment. "Are you truly angry because of that, or are you making things difficult for Chen Wan because of Chen Chuo?"
Liu Qing looked at Wei Zifu, and tears suddenly spilled over. Her lips trembled as she asked, "Mother, what do you mean by that?"
She lunged forward a few steps on her knees and grabbed Wei Zifu’s hand. "Does Imperial Mother think I am not allowed to have someone I love in my heart?"
Wei Zifu’s wrist was gripped so hard it hurt. She took her daughter’s hand in hers and sighed. "I would find a way to help you with anyone you desired, except for Chen Chuo. He is Wei Yuan’s husband and your uncle’s son-in-law. You must realize that your uncle has only this one daughter, and he dotes on her above all else..."
"But I am the Princess Royal!"
"But did you see the way your uncle looked at you yesterday?" Wei Zifu pinched Liu Qing’s face. "Your uncle has always adored you, but has he looked you in the eye even once this year?"
"I am still the Princess Royal!"
Wei Zifu shook her head helplessly. "You are the Princess Royal, but your honor is granted by His Majesty and guaranteed by your uncle’s illustrious military achievements. In His Majesty’s heart, you do not weigh as much as your uncle." Seeing Liu Qing weeping blankly, she felt a pang of maternal pity and comforted her. "Be a good girl and listen to me. Sever your feelings for Chen Chuo, then go apologize to your uncle and your cousin. Tell them you were just momentarily confused. After that, I will find a way to arrange a good marriage for you. Think of your aunt; even at her age, she could marry your uncle. That is true fortune."
She pulled Liu Qing into her arms and patted her back. Liu Qing was her first child and the great turning point of her life. It was while she was pregnant with this child that she first made the Emperor choose her over Empress Chen. She loved Qing’er dearly, more than her two younger daughters—but Wei Qing could not have a rift with the Crown Prince or the Empress. For the sake of Liu Ju, Qing’er had to be the one to suffer.
Liu Qing suddenly shoved Wei Zifu away and cried out, "Why? Wei Yuan is just a stupid girl, and Junzhuo doesn't even like her! Why should I apologize? Mother, Junzhuo told me himself that he doesn't like a fool like Wei Yuan."
Wei Zifu trembled with rage. "Shut your mouth! How can you speak of your own cousin like that?"
Liu Qing stiffened her neck. "Am I wrong? Since she was a child, she’s been tactless and petty. If she weren't Uncle’s daughter, I, the Princess Royal, wouldn't even associate with her. Mother, you must help me. The only reason Junzhuo hasn't been able to make a commitment to me is because of Wei Yuan!"
Wei Zifu’s raised hand curled into a fist and dropped to her side. "Get a hold of yourself. I will..."
Liu Qing suddenly lunged forward and hugged Wei Zifu tightly. "But Mother, I can't wait anymore! My belly is growing; I won't be able to hide it much longer!"
Wei Zifu was struck with horror. "What did you say?"
Liu Qing wiped away her tears and began to laugh. "Mother, it’s been over two months." She took Wei Zifu’s hand and pressed it against her stomach. "Before long, it will start to show."
"Is... is it that Chen Chuo’s?" Wei Zifu’s eyes went wide as she gripped Liu Qing.
Liu Qing continued to smile. "If Mother won't help me find a way, I’ll go to Uncle. I’ll go to Imperial Father."
*Slap!*
Liu Qing clutched her face, laughing through her tears. "Mother, you have to help me. Wei Yuan hasn't been able to conceive in five years. As long as you speak the word, the Chen family won't dare refuse this child."
Wei Zifu clutched her chest, gasping for air several times before hissing through gritted teeth, "Have you gone mad?"
Liu Qing sat back on the floor. "I’m not mad. But if I can't marry Junzhuo, I truly will go mad."
Two years ago, she had thought she was acting like a goddess of mercy by visiting Wei Yuan. Only then did she realize that the handsome man she couldn't forget was actually Wei Yuan’s husband—the man she had assumed was ugly and uncouth.
She couldn't stand it. How could Wei Yuan, that idiot who had followed her around like a lapdog since childhood, have such a wonderful husband? To make matters worse, Chen Chuo was gaining more and more favor with her father.
She had cast aside her status to actively pursue Chen Chuo, but he had remained exceptionally distant. It wasn't until she accidentally overheard him arguing with Wei Yuan at the Marquis of Changping’s estate that she realized he didn't love her.
She had put so much effort into catering to his interests before Junzhuo finally grew close to her. Besides, she was the Princess Royal, her father’s firstborn, and the Crown Prince’s elder sister. Marrying her meant a limitless future! If that fool Wei Yuan hadn't burst into the side room on the second day of the New Year, perhaps her belly would have been showing even sooner.
Wei Zifu looked at Liu Qing’s manic smile and felt as if her heart were being scorched by fire, filled with a profound sense of dread.
"When did you... commit such a deed?" Wei Zifu squeezed the words out, her heart wishing she could tear Chen Chuo into a thousand pieces.
Liu Qing’s eyes flickered. "The tenth day of the sixth month, at Zhongjing Garden."
Zhongjing Garden was a private estate belonging to the Marquis of Pingyang outside the city. Liu Qing loved staying there for a few days at a time, and she even kept a troupe of musicians there for entertaining guests.
Wei Zifu closed her eyes and looked at Liu Qing. "I will find a way. Do not do anything rash."
Only then did Liu Qing break into a smile. "Mother, I already told Wei Yuan this morning!"
***
Chen Chuo walked into the room to find Wei Yuan still lying in bed with the covers pulled over her head. The Emperor, sympathetic to the injury he sustained while hunting the bear, had granted him special permission to skip his daily duties at Shanglin Park. He had thought this was the perfect chance to spend time with Wei Yuan.
Chen Chuo walked over and pulled back the quilt, only to find her eyes vacant and surrounded by dark circles.
He reached out to touch her forehead. She wasn't feverish. "What’s wrong? Are you unwell? Or did you just not sleep? I only heard from Caiyun and Caiyue when I got back that you hadn't gotten up or eaten anything all day. Are you hurting somewhere?"
Wei Yuan turned her head and stared directly at her husband. Her mouth opened slightly as she asked, "Husband, do you want a child?"
Chen Chuo didn't know why she was bringing up this unpleasant topic again, but he answered gently, "Did someone pressure you again? We can take our time, there's no rush. Since the Emperor has granted me leave, we can..."
Wei Yuan sat up abruptly. "Are you truly in no rush?" Her breathing became rapid.
Chen Chuo nodded. "No rush!" He felt something was off with her today. Thinking back, she had seemed strange last night too, but he had been so preoccupied with his injury that he hadn't paid much attention.
Wei Yuan’s face turned a deep crimson. Suddenly, she pulled a dagger from beneath the quilt and swung it at Chen Chuo. "You liar!"
Chen Chuo grabbed her wrist, shocked. "What are you doing?"
Her wrist stinging from his grip, Wei Yuan dropped the dagger and covered her face, sobbing.
Chen Chuo frowned. "Yuan’er, speak plainly. What has happened? How am I a liar?" Wei Yuan only wept and refused to speak. Chen Chuo’s own temper began to flare. He shouted toward the door, "You lot! Tell me, what is wrong with the Young Mistress?" He moved the dagger aside so she wouldn't hurt herself.
The four maids, whose names all began with 'Cai', knelt down but remained silent.
Utterly bewildered, Chen Chuo said, "Who has been filling your head with nonsense? Don't listen to their lies."
Wei Yuan looked up and pulled a jade pendant from the bedding—a carving of two mandarin ducks with their necks entwined. She threw it on the floor, where it instantly shattered into two pieces.
Chen Chuo picked it up and realized it was the gift Wei Yuan had given him on their wedding day. He had always carried it with him. Seeing her smash it like that, he couldn't help but snap, "What is this tantrum about?"
Wei Yuan gave a cold laugh. "Why don't you guess how that pendant ended up in my hands?"
"I simply took it off a couple of days ago. I was worried it would get damaged while I was riding, so I set it aside. I’ve been wearing it just as you asked." Chen Chuo felt a pang of grief for the pendant, but he suppressed his anger.
"Took it off a couple of days ago? If you took it off, how did it end up with Liu Qing? Did you take it off when you were taking off your trousers?"
Chen Chuo was incensed. "What rubbish are you talking about?"
Wei Yuan sneered. "On the second day of the New Year, when you and Liu Qing were embracing, you said she was the one who threw herself at you, and I believed you. But now? How did the pendant I gave you end up with her?"
"Impossible. I kept it safely in the box beneath your dressing table." Chen Chuo stood up, went to the dressing table, and pulled out the box. He opened it. It was empty.
He swallowed hard. "Perhaps one of the maids took it out while cleaning?"
Wei Yuan closed her eyes and collapsed backward. Chen Chuo rushed to support her, but she shoved him away. She wailed, "Took it out by accident and it just happened to find its way to the Princess Royal? Ha! Chen Chuo, you truly take me for a fool!" She screamed with such force that the last few words were barely intelligible.
"I did not," Chen Chuo said, looking her straight in the eye.
"You did not? Then let me ask you: were you at Zhongjing Garden on the tenth day of the sixth month?" Wei Yuan propped herself up on the bed, staring at him intently.
Chen Chuo froze. The memory hit him, and he found himself momentarily speechless. Steeling himself, he said, "I was not."
Wei Yuan covered her mouth to stifle her sobs. "Liar... you're still lying to me. This morning... I asked Luo Ming..."
Chen Chuo felt his heart plummet into an abyss. He stammered, "I... I did go, but it was because I was worried about you... I came back almost immediately! You must believe me, the Princess Royal said you were at Zhongjing Garden, so I really... I just went and came right back!"
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
昭平君 | Lord Zhaoping | Chen Xuan, son of Princess Longlü.
隆虑长公主 | Princess Longlü | Liu Che's sister.
颜美人 | Lady Yan / Consort Yan | A concubine of Liu Che, currently pregnant.
储元宫 | Chuyuan Palace | A palace within the imperial complex.
玉堂 | Hall of Jade Radiance | (Yutang) A hall where the Emperor resides or conducts business.
宣曲宫 | Xuanqu Palace | A palace within the Shanglin Park.
织室 | Weaving House | The imperial atelier responsible for textiles and clothing.
卫长公主 | Princess Weichang | Also known as Liu Qing, the eldest daughter of Liu Che and Wei Zifu.
陈绰 | Chen Chuo | Son of Chen Jia (Longfang branch), husband of Wei Yuan.
君卓 | Junzhuo | Chen Chuo's style name.
据儿 | Ju'er | Referring to Liu Ju, the Crown Prince.
重景园 | Zhongjing Garden | A private estate belonging to the Marquis of Pingyang.
彩云、彩月 | Caiyun, Caiyue | Wei Yuan's maids.
洛明 | Luo Ming | Chen Chuo's personal attendant/groom.
鸳鸯交颈 | Mandarin ducks with entwined necks | A traditional symbol of marital love and fidelity.
