In the blink of an eye, it was the Winter Solstice.
“Spring rains startle spring, clear skies follow Grain Rain; summer brings fullness, awns, and heat in succession; autumn holds dew, cold, and frost; winter brings snow, minor and major cold.”
Since ancient times, among the twenty-four solar terms, the Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox, and Winter Solstice had always been grand occasions. Unless something unexpected occurred, the palace would usually host a banquet, inviting imperial relatives, court officials, and their families.
At the turning of the seasons, all would gather to pray for favorable weather, prosperous harvests, and long lives.
In the ten years since His Majesty ascended the throne, there had been no external conflicts nor internal strife. The nation was peaceful and prosperous, so this year’s winter banquet would proceed as usual.
Tang Mingzhi had not originally been on the list to attend, but Yi Xi kindly invited Pei Nai to accompany her. Wanting to see the current state of Gu Jinheng and Xiao Yi, Pei Nai agreed.
She had yet to uncover the truth behind the events before and after her rebirth. This time, she only intended to remain inconspicuous, blending among the families of officials—just to catch a distant glimpse of them.
That morning, Pei Nai rode in the same carriage as Madam Ju and Ju Liancheng into the palace.
The vermilion palace gates slowly opened. One carriage after another rolled inside, revealing in the distance the ornate rooftops adorned with mythical beasts—and most prominently, the towering Shenxiao Crimson Palace at the very center of the imperial complex.
They had arrived early, around noon. The banquet would not begin until evening. During the interval, aside from the main halls, the imperial kitchen, and certain restricted areas, guests were free to move about.
Court was suspended that morning. If high-ranking officials had urgent matters, they could use this time to report directly at the Golden Throne Hall.
After getting down from the carriage, palace attendants came to guide them.
Before they had gone far, Pei Nai spotted Yi Xi not far away, waving with a bright smile—she had clearly been waiting for quite some time.
Yi Xi hurried over. Despite the complexity of her attire, she moved with surprising agility. Given her personality, it was impressive she hadn’t broken into a run—clearly restrained by court etiquette.
“Greetings, Madam Ju. It has been a long time. Yi Xi pays her respects,” she said, bowing.
Though Madam Ju had a poor memory, she still recognized Yi Xi. Smiling warmly, she said, “So it’s the Princess of Guangping—truly elegant and intelligent. No wonder my Liancheng can’t stop thinking about you.”
Ju Liancheng looked helpless. “Mother…”
This time, Pei Nai had to suppress her laughter. She secretly gave a thumbs-up—Madam Ju might forget trivial matters, but she remembered her son’s preferences perfectly.
Yi Xi looked a little embarrassed. Pei Nai quickly stepped forward, taking her arm, and said to Madam Ju, “Aunt, Yi Xi and I have something to attend to. We’ll take our leave first—see you at the banquet tonight.”
Madam Ju smiled kindly and nodded. “Go on, but be careful. The palace is not as free as our residence. Be mindful and don’t wander recklessly.”
Pei Nai put on a well-behaved expression and replied with a smile, “Understood. Mingzhi will act cautiously and won’t cause trouble for Aunt.”
Ju Liancheng, still expressionless, added flatly, “Remember to go to Huifang Hall early later.”
Huifang Hall was a side hall near the main banquet hall, Fojiang Hall. Ever since the palace was built, it had been the place where the empress received noble ladies. Pei Nai had visited it often in the past and was familiar with it.
So far, His Majesty had not taken an empress. The position remained vacant, and Consort Yan held authority over the harem. His Majesty had lost his mother, Consort Shu, at a young age, and only after ascending the throne did he posthumously honor her as Empress Dowager Xinde. Thus, it would likely be Consort Yan who received the noblewomen this time.
After parting ways with Madam Ju and the others, Yi Xi didn’t dare speak immediately. Only when they were farther away did she excitedly say, “Mingzhi, come with me—I’ll take you somewhere fun.”
The palace was a maze of halls and pavilions, arranged like a honeycomb, with winding paths.
Pei Nai followed Yi Xi through twists and turns, guessing where they were headed, until Yi Xi finally led her into the imperial garden.
“This ‘fun place’ you mentioned is just the imperial garden?” Pei Nai raised an eyebrow.
Yi Xi shot her a look and pouted. “Of course not. If I only brought you here, that would be so boring. We’re just passing through—the shortcut goes this way.”
“Alright, alright, whatever you say,” Pei Nai conceded.
After wandering for quite some time and turning several corners, Pei Nai suddenly froze.
This was a pavilion by the lake in the imperial garden. Maintained regularly, it still retained the appearance from fifteen years ago.
She knew this place well.
Because… this was where she had first met Gu Jinheng.
Still nestled among the trees—only back then, it had been the Summer Solstice. Now it was winter. The branches were barren, the air cold, the scene entirely changed.
The person from those memories was no longer here.
Only an empty pavilion remained.
After walking for a while longer, they finally left the imperial garden.
Passing through two corridors, a plaque came into view ahead, bold and flowing: “Yuanxiao Pavilion.”
Pei Nai did not recognize this building, but it stood tall, towering into the sky—living up to its name.
Earlier, she had noticed from afar that its height nearly rivaled that of the Golden Throne Hall. This must have been a structure built within the past ten years, which was why she was unfamiliar with it.
“How is it? This is the second tallest building in all of Chaoyang City. The tallest is, of course, the Golden Throne Hall—but that’s not somewhere you can enter freely. I’ve only been summoned there twice. The Golden Throne Hall is elevated by its foundation, but Yuanxiao Pavilion is built layer upon layer to reach this height,” Yi Xi explained.
Pei Nai nodded. “Indeed.”
Yi Xi linked arms with her. “Come on, let’s take a look around.”
Inside Yuanxiao Pavilion were mostly bookshelves, with a few areas for tea. The furnishings were elegant yet luxurious. Palace attendants stood on each floor, ready to serve guests. The shelves were nearly full, but nothing particularly important was stored—no wonder it was open to visitors.
There were two auxiliary buildings, slightly shorter, built alongside the main structure and connected by covered bridges.
Pei Nai and Yi Xi picked a few books and found a seat on the top floor of the eastern wing. Near the window, the view was excellent, and it was quieter than the main building, where people constantly came and went.
An attendant set up a brazier beside them, and the two began reading.
After about an hour, Pei Nai was deeply engrossed in a play script when Yi Xi suddenly tugged at her sleeve.
Pei Nai looked up.
Yi Xi pointed downstairs. Two young noblewomen were approaching Yuanxiao Pavilion, chatting and laughing.
“They’re my classmates from Qingyun Academy—Jiang Qingyue, the eldest daughter of the Prefect of Jingzhao, and Jin Ling’er, the second daughter of the Assistant Minister of Rites,” Yi Xi said, frowning.
Pei Nai could tell—they were not on good terms.
“Let’s hope they don’t come to the eastern wing. They talk too much—very troublesome,” Yi Xi muttered irritably.
But sometimes, trouble finds you even if you don’t seek it.
Just as Yi Xi whispered for the forty-eighth time, “Please don’t come,” the two stepped onto the bridge leading to the eastern wing.
Pei Nai secretly smiled—she found Yi Xi’s reaction rather amusing.
“Oh!” Jin Ling’er exclaimed as she climbed up three floors, feigning surprise. “Isn’t this Princess Chen Zhao?”
Yi Xi forced a stiff smile. “What a coincidence.”
Pei Nai noticed Yi Xi grinding her teeth slightly as she spoke, barely holding back laughter. She quickly raised her book to hide her expression.
“This spot has such a lovely view. Ling’er and I would like to sit here as well—surely Princess Chen Zhao doesn’t mind?” Jiang Qingyue said arrogantly, leaving no room for refusal.