Early in the morning, the Empress sent someone to invite Noble Consort Roujia to Kunhe Palace to discuss some matters.
Roujia pretended not to hear.
She lazily lounged on her couch all afternoon and only went to the Empress’s palace after the hour of the Rooster had passed.
“I am late. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”
The beautiful woman gave a lazy bow. The pearls and jewels covering her hair almost blinded anyone who looked at her.
Before she had even finished bending, the Empress smiled.
“We are sisters. There is no need to be so formal.”
“Then I won’t be formal.”
Roujia took the opportunity to sit down. Liuyun quickly served her tea.
The Empress smiled warmly.
“I invited you here to discuss His Majesty’s birthday celebration. This year is a milestone birthday for His Majesty, so we should make the celebration especially grand.”
“Just arrange it however you think best, Your Majesty.”
Roujia took a sip of tea and frowned slightly.
Although it was freshly brewed tea, it was not as clean and refreshing as the tea at Ganquan Palace.
She wondered whether the Empress was simply too stingy to use good tea, or whether Kunhe Palace really had nothing good.
While Roujia was complaining inwardly, the Empress suddenly looked pleased.
She glanced at Roujia and carefully said, “His Majesty has praised you for being clever and creative. He said that matters concerning the inner palace should be discussed with you…”
“Your Majesty.”
Noble Consort Roujia raised her delicate chin.
Her beautiful eyes were alluring, and her gaze moved lazily.
“I usually only care about eating, drinking, and having fun. When I have nothing to do, I come up with new games and interesting things to amuse myself. That is why His Majesty says I am clever.”
She put down her teacup.
“Other than those things, I never put my heart into anything else. Your Majesty knows that.”
The Empress got the answer she wanted and finally relaxed.
Her smile became much more sincere.
Seeing Roujia’s expression, she took the initiative and asked, “Does the tea here not suit your taste? Hanyan made several kinds of pastries today. I thought they were quite good. Quickly, bring some for the noble consort.”
The Empress’s personal senior maid personally carried over a plate of pastries.
“Please try them, Your Ladyship.”
Roujia lazily lowered her eyes.
They were ordinary pastries such as lotus-flower pastries and bean-flower pastries. Just looking at them made her feel tired of them.
She casually picked up a little piece of pastry, touched it to her lips, and yawned.
The Empress immediately understood.
“It is getting late. You should return early.”
“Then I shall take my leave first.”
Roujia lazily stood up, adjusted the hair beside her temple, and swayed out of Kunhe Palace with graceful elegance.
Only after she sat inside her sedan chair did she finally lose the faint smile she had been forcing onto her face.
She let out a long breath.
The beautiful consort held onto the side of the sedan chair, feeling her whole body tremble.
Lotus-flower pastries. Bean-flower pastries.
Yes.
There were so many ordinary pastries in the palace.
So why had Jiaoran Hall happened to send over water chestnut cakes and pine-nut pastries that day?
She had clearly…
not eaten those things for many years.
Even the person who was tall and strong but happened to love those sweet pastries should have been buried deep in her memories long ago.
There were some things that a person knew they should do.
But when it actually came time to do them, it was as painful as cutting out one’s own heart.
Night fell.
Lights were gradually lit throughout the palace.
The sedan chair swayed toward Ganquan Palace.
The beautiful shadows of the palace lanterns passed across the woman’s dazzling face, faintly revealing traces of tears.
The founding emperor of the current dynasty had conquered the realm on horseback, so the imperial family had always placed great importance on martial arts.
The princes had to study literature, but they were also required to practice horseback riding and archery.
Emperor Heng had established a martial training ground inside the palace and invited many martial arts instructors.
Apart from the princes, members of the imperial family and the sons of noble families could also study under the instructors there or spar with one another.
But things were different these days.
His Majesty’s birthday was approaching.
The Empress had announced that a small martial arts competition would be held during the birthday banquet, with all the princes participating.
The first purpose was to show that the royal family had not forgotten the foundation of the dynasty’s success—martial strength.
The second was to let everyone at the family banquet see what the princes were capable of.
Once the imperial relatives heard about it, they kept their sons at home and did not allow them to go to the martial training ground and disturb the princes’ practice.
Fourth Prince Gui Che had invited Gui De to practice together early that morning.
The two walked into the training ground while chatting and laughing.
The moment they entered, they saw Gui Heng.
He was holding a strong bow and aiming at a straw target in the distance.
He seemed to have practiced with almost every kind of weapon—swords, spears, blades, and halberds.
Several weapons were already piled at his feet.
The moment Gui De saw Gui Heng, anger immediately rose in his heart.
“Father isn’t coming to watch us practice today either. Who is he putting on this act for?”
Gui Che patted him on the shoulder.
“Fifth Brother is diligent. As his older brothers, we should learn from him.”
He had an exceptionally handsome pair of charming eyes.
While comforting his brother, he stared without blinking at the young man ahead, who had pulled his bow to its full length.
Gui De snorted unwillingly.
“He’s the only one who knows how to put on an act.”
Gui Che shook his head with a smile and called out,
“Fifth Brother, you’re here early!”
Gui Heng’s long fingers moved.
The moment the words fell, the arrow flew from the bowstring.
Gui Che watched without blinking.
A sharp sound tore through the air.
The arrow pierced straight through the straw target with tremendous force.
Unfortunately, the aim was slightly off.
It missed the center by about two inches.
Gui De burst out laughing.
Gui Heng lowered his bow and glanced coldly at the two of them.
He gave them a distant nod in greeting, handed the bow and arrows to an attendant, and walked toward the weapons rack.
It seemed he intended to choose another weapon.
“Fifth Brother.”
Gui Che walked over and casually picked up a long sword.
His fingertips slowly traced the jade cicada carved onto the hilt.
He asked as if he were simply making conversation, “What do you plan to use in the birthday competition?”
Gui Heng looked up and down the weapons rack.
“I haven’t decided yet.”
Gui De became irritated by his dismissive tone and moved as though he were about to attack.
Gui Che reached out and stopped him.
“Fourth Brother means no harm. But I think that although it is called a martial competition, it would not be appropriate to actually fight seriously during such a joyous occasion as Father’s birthday.”
“It is only an opportunity to practice and entertain Father.”
“If it is only practice, then naturally, the more variety, the better. If everyone uses the same weapon, wouldn’t that be boring?”
Gui Heng had just picked up a short saber.
Hearing this, he turned to look at Gui Che.
Gui Che smiled warmly, his expression as pleasant as spring.
The two looked at each other for a long time.
Slowly, Gui Heng curved his lips.
“Who said it would only be practice?”
Gui Che cautiously asked, “What do you mean, Fifth Brother? Everyone participating is our own brothers. Of course it is only practice. Surely you don’t mean we should actually fight to the death?”
Gui Heng spoke slowly.
“You enjoy reading history, Fourth Imperial Brother. Surely the history books have recorded how brothers of the imperial family have ‘practiced’ with one another.”
The smile disappeared from Gui Che’s face.
He stared intently at Gui Heng and slowly tightened his grip around the sword sheath.
Gui Heng noticed the flash of coldness in those charming eyes.
Suddenly, he put away his own smile and spoke calmly.
“Fourth Imperial Brother is right. I really haven’t decided which weapon to use.”
“Why don’t you choose yours first? Once you’ve decided, tell me. I’ll avoid using the same one.”
After saying that, he no longer cared what Gui Che thought.
He simply carried the short saber and walked away.
Gui De did not understand what the two of them had been talking about, but he could sense the change in the atmosphere.
“What was that fellow talking about? Why does everything he says sound so sarcastic?”
“A-Cheng, bring me my meteor hammer. I’ll teach him a proper lesson today!”
He had expected Gui Che to stop him.
But Gui Che did not even look at him.
He continued staring deeply at the tall figure walking away.
Gui De’s attempt to act tough went nowhere.
He was confused.
“Fourth Brother, what’s wrong?”
Gui Che seemed to come back to himself.
He smiled slightly and raised his voice.
“You can use the meteor hammer if you want, or the crescent-bladed saber. We’re brothers, so sparring isn’t a problem as long as you know your limits.”
“But Fifth Brother has Jiaojiao protecting him now. You really shouldn’t be so reckless…”
At the mention of the name that could practically make anyone ignore the palace rules, Gui De instinctively shrank back a little.
Gui Che teased him warmly.
“I think Father hasn’t scolded you enough yet.”
Gui De muttered something angrily under his breath, but Gui Che was no longer paying attention.
It had not been his imagination.
When he mentioned that name, he had clearly seen the figure ahead pause for a moment.
Then Gui Heng continued walking as though nothing had happened.
…
In the end, Gui Che used the long sword he had chosen at first.
Gui De naturally did not really use the meteor hammer. Instead, he chose the horse saber he usually used.
The two paired up and sparred for a while.
Gui Heng remained beside them and treated the two as if they were invisible.
He only focused on the straw targets and bundles of straw, putting all his strength into his attacks.
Gui Che watched coldly from the side.
Gui Heng clearly had solid basic skills.
His only problem was his accuracy.
In a real fight, even if someone managed to hit him several times, they probably would not be able to kill him.
Only then did Gui Che slowly relax.
Time passed quickly during training.
Before they knew it, dusk had fallen and the palace lanterns had begun to glow.
Gui Heng slowly finished his movements and returned the short saber to the weapons rack.
“Please, let me go in. I really… I really have something urgent to report…”
Faint shouting came from outside the courtyard.
A woman’s pleading voice mixed with the guards’ merciless scolding.
The voice sounded familiar.
Gui Heng frowned and walked over.
“…She is truly very sick. Please, Brother Guard, make an exception!”
“Go away! If she’s sick, she should find a physician! Why did she come to the martial training ground? The princes have been practicing these days. Ordinary nobles aren’t even allowed inside. Who do you think you are?”
“If the imperial physicians were willing to come, would I need to come here?”
Qiu Mama twisted her hands anxiously, almost unable to stand.
She shut her eyes and was about to kneel before the guards.
She had served Noble Consort Yan ever since the consort first entered the palace.
Even if it cost her life, she could not stand by and watch her mistress die from illness.
At that moment, a pair of strong hands caught her.
“What did you say? Mother is sick?”
“Your Highness!”
Qiu Mama’s hoarse voice broke.
Tears immediately filled her eyes.
“What did you say? Noble Consort Yan is sick?”
Although she did not know what had happened, Aunt Du had understood her mistress’s intentions ever since Jiaojiao sent those gifts.
She had already instructed people to keep an eye on Xuanyan Hall.
The moment they saw everyone there running around in panic, she immediately came back to report.
Jiaojiao was extremely anxious.
She did not even change out of her home clothes before hurriedly preparing to leave.
Aunt Du tried everything she could to stop her.
“Your Highness, whether you go or not is actually not the most important thing. Right now, the most important thing is to quickly find a capable imperial physician.”
A layer of tears appeared in Jiaojiao’s eyes.
She looked at Aunt Du with complete dependence.
Aunt Du patted her arm reassuringly.
Then she called out, “Yuqiu, go and find the imperial physician who is on duty today. Tell him to hurry to Xuanyan Hall.”
“You go with him as well, so they don’t try to brush you off.”
Yuqiu immediately agreed and hurried away.
“Cuixue, come help me change clothes.”
Jiaojiao also stood up.
Cuixue quickly brought her clothes and helped her change.
Aunt Du quietly advised her,
“Your Highness, the consort at Xuanyan Hall has always been in poor health. You are a precious princess, so you shouldn’t get too close to someone who is ill.”
“If you catch the illness…”
“Auntie.”
Jiaojiao pressed her lips together.
Her eyes were misty with tears.
“I have to go.”
…
Gui Heng and A-Li ran all the way toward Xuanyan Hall.
Before they even reached the main hall, they could already see the bright lights inside the courtyard and the shadows of people moving around.
A-Li was surprised.
“When did Xuanyan Hall have so many people?”
Gui Heng had a vague feeling about what had happened.
But it was not until he came closer and saw the petite girl standing at the courtyard entrance that his brows unconsciously relaxed.
Jiaojiao was standing beneath the bright lanterns wearing a honey-yellow cloak.
She looked like an orange blossom that had not yet fully opened.
Anxious light filled her round eyes.
The moment she saw him, she grabbed his arm without hesitation.
“The imperial physician said it is an illness caused by exposure to wind and cold. It is very serious. Come inside with me and take a look!”
The guards who should have stopped them at the entrance of Xuanyan Hall seemed to see nothing.
They simply lowered their heads and remained silent.
This was not the time to think too deeply about anything.
Gui Heng gave Jiaojiao a deep look.
Then he followed her into the courtyard in large strides.
The moment Gui Heng stepped into Xuanyan Hall, he felt as though he had been transported back through time.
When he was young, this had been the place he came to most often and loved the most.
In the enormous imperial palace, it seemed that only Xuanyan Hall, where his mother lived, could truly be called home.
Memories from many years ago surged toward him like a tide.
Gui Heng began walking faster and faster.
Jiaojiao had short legs, and she hurried forward while holding onto his arm.
After a few quick steps, she could barely keep up.
Only then did she realize what she was doing.
Her face turned red as she quickly let go.
Goodness, why had she grabbed him like that in her panic?
She hoped the future tyrant was not angry.
Jiaojiao nervously followed behind him.
As they gradually approached the inner hall, they heard a violent cough.
It sounded as though the woman were trying to cough up her very lungs.
Gui Heng’s brows tightened.
He immediately reached for the door.
“Cough, cough! No! I won’t see him!”
A woman’s hoarse voice came from inside.
It was painfully harsh.
Jiaojiao froze in shock.
She instinctively stopped at the steps and did not dare move closer.
After a moment, she realized whose voice it was.
Her heart jumped.
She cautiously looked up.
The tall young man stood in front of the hall.
One hand was already resting on the door.
But at that moment, every movement of his had stopped.
Even his back was unnaturally stiff.
It was as though those broken words had dried him into a stone statue.
For some reason, simply looking at his back made Jiaojiao feel sad.
Her vision slowly blurred.
She suddenly felt like crying.
“Fifth Brother…”
She called him softly.
The stone statue moved slightly, as though her voice had awakened him.
Gui Heng withdrew his hand.
His face turned cold.
He turned around and walked away quickly.
His dark blue-gray sleeves brushed past Jiaojiao like a cold, biting wind.
Jiaojiao bit her lip.
Then she quickly climbed the steps.
Ignoring Cuixue’s attempt to stop her, she pushed the door open.
Inside, the candlelight flickered.
The petite girl’s figure entered the hall and was instantly surrounded by the brilliant golden light.
…
Hearing the sound behind him, Gui Heng stopped.
After a long moment, he turned around and looked toward the hall entrance.
His expression was impossible to describe.