Chapter 1, when the blooming of the Tuhua flower comes to an end

The blood seems to be flowing, drifting in a hazy and indistinct manner

Uncle Yan! I joyfully rushed over and grabbed his sleeve

Xiao Caiyi drew her sword with a clang and exclaimed, "Aunt, I am going to help Uncle Yan"

All the ministers say that the Prime Minister of Qin is old and confused, already muddled; in this bright and clear world, in this prosperous and peaceful era, where could such a monster possibly come from

Xiao Caiyi's black pupils suddenly shone with a dazzling brilliance that was almost rainbow-like, blindingly bright. He grasped my hand tightly and thrust a short dagger into my palm, declaring with unwavering determination: "Yes, we will be together, live together, and die together"

I grasped Xiao Caiyi's hand tightly, asking repeatedly: "Brother Yi, where is my father? Did he not go to the city tower to oversee the battle yesterday?"

Yang Shufei stepped forward and asked in a low voice: "Lord Yuwen, how many available troops are there in the capital at present?"

Yan Yuanfeng! The moment I saw him, I was so delighted that I forgot about the difficulties we are currently facing. He originally entered the palace with his mother, and when we were young, he often came to visit her, enjoying to hold my brother and me in his arms and tease us.

I chuckled softly, drawing in my neck, and couldn't help but feel ticklish, having completely forgotten about my earlier thoughts of leaving the palace

There are probably not many bad people, right

When the flowering of the thorny vine comes to an end, the once fragrant blossoms have borne witness to the romantic and tender moments of my father's life, as well as the sudden and devastating calamities that raged like fire, with rivers of blood flowing.

Then everyone together will perish in this grand palace of Yan, along with me, the young and beautiful Phoenix Princess, and Crown Prince Junyu Mother’s eyes flashed with a cold light, a fleeting hint of sorrow and mockery that was utterly incongruous with her elegant and extraordinary appearance and attire

Yan Yuanfeng fell silent for a moment, turning her head towards the window, gazing at the garden of jasmine flowers drifting like snowflakes, and sighed softly: "Your Majesty, the Emperor... is a good husband and a good father"

Although I found his words somewhat strange, at that moment my attention was focused on the conversation between my mother and Yan Yuanfeng, and I could not spare the time to argue with him.

Qiqing, today is your birthday. You said you plan to ask Father Emperor for what birthday gift? Father asked me, his face, no longer young, showing some looseness, and his gaze towards me was filled with boundless affection

I was born with a phoenix in my mouth, and the Imperial Astronomical Bureau consulted the heavens and divined, receiving this auspicious prophecy. My father, the Shun'an Emperor of the Great Yan, regarded me as a precious jewel and, while still in the cradle, conferred upon me the title of Princess Phoenix. After the former empress passed away, my mother, Xiao Wanyi, was elevated from consort to empress, enjoying enduring favor.

As I watched him greet his mother, he lowered his voice to converse with her, neglecting me, which left me feeling somewhat dejected. Just as I was lost in thought, someone patted me on the shoulder and called out loudly, "Sister Qiqing!"

I exclaimed in disbelief: "Isn't he suppressing that Cai Bingde?"

She never doubted the immense wealth that I would possess, just as she never doubted my father's supreme status as the Son of Heaven, nor the vast territory of the Great Yan Dynasty, which is boundless in its splendor

Yuwen Zhao buried his head in his knees and said in a low voice: "I am doomed. Cai Bingde, who is stationed in the capital region, has colluded with Marquis An Shiyuan of Jingyuan to plot rebellion. I was careless for a moment and allowed him to attack the city gates. Now, the four gates of the capital are surrounded by thirty thousand troops of the Cai family!"

"Ah? How are you handling this?" The father waved his sleeve and shouted, "Why haven't you quickly dispatched men to execute the Cai family at the city gates?"

"I would rather die on the battlefield than sit idly by and await my fate." Xiao Caiyi laughed boldly, showing no resemblance to a sixteen-year-old boy

The mother did not respond, and her lips, which had not yet been adorned with lip balm, appeared somewhat bluish-purple

Yuwen Zhao's gaze swiftly swept across Yang Shufei's face, and he replied on his knees, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, there are five thousand Imperial Forest troops and over two thousand palace guards in the city, totaling more than seven thousand men. Although they are fierce, the Cai family has also produced valiant generals over two dynasties, and they are skilled in military training. Although I know his temperament is proud and arrogant, out of a fondness for talent, I have never imposed strict training and discipline. I am guilty, I am guilty indeed!"

Xiao Caiyi unconsciously loosened her grip on the sword and murmured, "Then, what shall we do?"

Yuwen Zhao immediately said: "His Majesty has always been wise and discerning, and I believe he must prioritize the well-being of the people in the capital. If the Empress Dowager is concerned, she may send the palace guards to ensure the safety of His Majesty"

As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Wen Zhao immediately said: "Quickly, escort the Emperor to the West City Tower"

I suddenly recalled that my mother was originally from a military family, being the daughter of Duke Jingyuan, Xiao Rong, and the sister of General Piaoqi, Xiao Kuang. For many years, she remained as serene as a beautiful flower reflected in water; even though she held the esteemed title of Empress, she never exhibited an imposing demeanor. Perhaps it was because our father always cherished us as if we were precious jewels

I pouted, shaking my father's bright yellow wide sleeves embroidered with dragon patterns, and shouted: "I am not afraid of bad people! If I have the bodyguard Yan with me, won't everything be fine?"

My mother summoned me, Prince Huangfu Junyu, and Xiao Caiyi to the hall, surrounded by a group of palace maids and eunuchs, listening intently to the chilling sounds of weapons clashing outside Zhaoyang Palace, as well as the cries and screams, and even the sound of blades scraping against flesh

I followed Yuwen Zhao, who was plotting a rebellion, to oversee the battle! I seemed to see a dark hole, like the gaping mouth of a monstrous beast, emitting a sinister laugh, gradually swallowing my father's bright yellow figure

Xiao Caiyi dismissed it casually, saying: "A great man should fight on the battlefield and laugh proudly in the world. What is the point of reading so many dead books? Are we, from such a family, also supposed to take the imperial examination and become top scholars? It is utterly boring. Those pedantic scholars are even more laughable; they do not even consider the current situation. What the emperor wants are heroes who will shed blood and sacrifice for our Great Yan, not useless scholars who cannot even tie up a chicken."

Yuwen Zhao immediately said: "I have dispatched capable personnel to break through from several routes, and I believe that news of the siege in the capital will soon be transmitted. However, the attack by the traitor Cai is urgent, so I boldly request Your Majesty to go to the city walls together to persuade the rebel army. It is likely that the rebels have wives and mothers, and they are being coerced by the Cai family. Once Your Majesty shows your countenance, even if they cannot turn against their leaders, their morale will surely decline. I will take this opportunity to send people to counterattack, and it is possible that the rebel army can be defeated in one swift blow."

At this moment, Liu rushed in from outside, his voice trembling in a way never heard before: "Your Majesty, our guards are unable to hold them off. Even Lord Yan has sustained several injuries."

"Do not worry, Qi Qing. Your Majesty, the Emperor will be fine." His palm was broad and warm, providing a sense of safety and warmth akin to that which Yan Yuanfeng had given me. In my childhood, Yan Yuanfeng often extended a sturdy finger for me to grasp as I took my first steps; or he would envelop my small hand, gazing at me gently and melancholically, his eyes hazy and contemplative.

The "monsters" he referred to are my mother, Empress Xiao, and Concubine Du. My father was so enraged that he nearly executed him

Mother said coldly: "Liu Sui, open the palace door, and inquire who has disturbed the phoenix carriage!"

However, at the moment we approached the gate of the palace, we were halted.

Yang Shufei may not possess the unparalleled elegance and beauty of her mother, yet she captivates the public with her virtue and talent. Her father often compared her to Ban Jieyu from the Han Dynasty, praising her for having the same virtuous qualities as the Ban family, excelling in both talent and grace. He considered himself a wise ruler of his time, and naturally held her in high esteem. The favor that Shufei received in the imperial harem was second only to that of her mother

At that moment, a sudden commotion erupted outside, as if someone was shouting something at the top of their lungs.

Yuwen Zhao remained silent, hesitating to speak

"Father, Father, Uncle Yan, Uncle Yan..." I felt as if I had just awakened from a grand dream of spring and autumn, as if two hands were gripping my throat. I tightly grasped Xiao Caiyi's sturdy hand and said, "Brother Yi, let us go out to help, shall we?"

Xi Meng is the trusted maid of the Empress. She trembled slightly, glanced at the palace gates that buzzed with the sounds of slaughter, and lowered her head to respond: "Yes"

I never knew that these naive words spoken in moments of fervor would one day be etched into the fabric of time, deepening with each passing instance, ultimately becoming a piercing thorn in the heart that wounds both others and oneself

The earth-shattering conspiracy unfolded with the arrival of dawn the next day

It is the cool voice of the mother

The father waved his hand and said: "Enough, the palace is mostly filled with women and children, and amidst the chaos of war, it is even more necessary to have people to protect them"

I held tightly onto Xiao Caiyi's hand, a surge of hot blood rushing to my heart and lungs, as if the sounds of battle outside had faded away. "Brother Yi, let us charge out together, live together, and die together!"

Liu Sui pointed at the palace door, his eyes somewhat clouded: "Your Highness, if we open the palace door now, we will all die"

Mother wore a light green everyday cloud-patterned robe, her long black hair held up with a golden-hued hibiscus hairpin. She furrowed her brows and gently said, "I have heard that General Yuwen Zhao has plotted a rebellion"

The mother's face, initially filled with panic, was gradually calmed and strengthened by the sword light of Xiao Caiyi

"What happened?" My younger brother Junyu, just like me, was astonished, his waist belt slightly twisted, clearly having arrived in a hurry

As I watched my father's bright yellow carriage disappear beyond the palace gates, surrounded by a group of guards, a wave of anxiety suddenly washed over me. I nervously rubbed my hands together and asked my mother, "Father will be alright, won't he?"

I still vividly remember the snow-like blossoms of the thorny vine fluttering in the autumn sky, dancing before the begonia flowers in the Zhaoyang Hall. The begonia blooms, tinged with red, resemble the delicate hue of rouge, as they sway through the thorny vine, showcasing their final splendor, much like the gathering of people within the hall, their faces flushed and intoxicated.

Yet I never imagined that I would no longer have the opportunity to see my father. The vivid silhouette of the bright yellow carriage that day became the final scenery of my father in my memories

The only instance of disharmony I witnessed came from the former Prime Minister, Qin Changqing. On that day, the consort Du Guipin, who bore a striking resemblance to the late Empress, had just entered the palace. My father favored her greatly, and I also appreciated Du Guipin's charming and mischievous nature. Occasionally, I would visit her residence, the Water Moon Palace, but I encountered Qin Changqing, who risked his life to knock on the palace gates. He claimed that my father neglected state affairs and was a tyrannical ruler, asserting that the nation was on the brink of collapse and that calamities would surely arise.

I completely cannot understand my father's words. All the ministers who meet my father say that he is wise and sagacious, comparable to the ancient emperors Yao and Shun. Yet, was not the era of Yao and Shun supposed to be a time of peace and prosperity, filled with songs and dances?

A good husband, a good father, is he not also a good emperor? I am filled with doubt and feel a sense of loss. Perhaps I should truly leave the palace and see the real world beneath the splendor. The subjects of Great Yan are all subjects of the Emperor, and they are the people whom the royal family of Great Yan should regard as their own children, are they not

Yang Shufei smiled gently: "The Phoenix Princess is still quite young, but judging by her appearance, she will surely surpass my Xueqing in the future"

My father once taught me that the relationship between a ruler and the people is akin to that of a boat and water. Water can support the boat, but it can also capsize it. My father is intelligent, wise, and even in his youth, he was as handsome and upright as Uncle Yan.

The father held the silver goblet, his hand tracing an arc in the air before coming to a halt. He spoke slowly: "Well, this matter, let us discuss it when you are older. There are many bad people outside, my little princess, it is better for you to stay in the palace."

I heard the hissing sound of myself and Xiao Caiyi taking a sharp breath, and even Junyu looked up in shock, gazing at his mother.

As I looked up, a spirited young man with thick eyebrows and big eyes was gazing at me, his youthful face brimming with vitality. He was my second cousin, Xiao Caiyi, the son of my mother's brother. He is three years older than me and, after accompanying my maternal uncle to the capital in the spring to pay his respects, he insisted on staying in the city, claiming he wanted to broaden his horizons in the bustling capital. My maternal grandfather, Duke Jingyuan Xiao Rong, has been stationed with his troops in Suzhou for many years, and my mother hoped to have a relative from her family stay in the capital, so she arranged for him to accompany the Crown Prince in his studies.

Duke Guipin chuckled and said: "Our Princess Xianfeng has become sensible, doesn't she want to leave the palace to find a talented and accomplished husband?" Her unrestrained words momentarily drew smiles from everyone present

Father's face was somewhat solemn, while Mother had already taken my hand and smiled, saying: "Qiqing, don't be willful. Father Emperor has said that you should wait until you grow up a bit more before leaving the palace, so just think about leaving the palace to play once you have grown up a bit more."

He spoke as he went to bow to his mother. His facial features were handsome yet gentle, with a subtle melancholy lingering between his brows that tugged at one's heart. But I knew he was by no means fragile. It is said that his swordsmanship is among the best in the capital, and he has received great favor from the Xiao family, which is why his mother felt assured to entrust the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace to him

I saw Xiao Caiyi with an expression full of enthusiasm, glanced at him, and said: "Brother Yi, I heard that someone was punished by the teacher to stand in the sun for half an hour the day before yesterday because they couldn't recite the 'Chuci'. It wasn't you, was it, Brother Yi?"

Open the palace gate! Mother called out again. Beneath the light layer of powder, it was hard to discern whether her complexion was pale and haggard, but her demeanor was calm. The sparkles dancing in her bright eyes reflected a determination and persistence that arose from a situation of life and death.

I was jolted awake from a hazy slumber, and before I could properly dress, I heard the deafening sounds of battle outside the palace.

Father paced restlessly for a few steps and said: "The urgent task at hand is to mobilize the troops to rescue the capital and break the siege!"

Xiao Caiyi suddenly burst into wild laughter and said: "Indeed, if we open the door, we will die, but what if we do not open it? We will only die a moment later than they do! Moreover, both the queen and the princess are invaluable lives; I fear that when the time comes, they will be bullied to the point of wishing for death, and that would be the most tragic thing in the world!"

The mother's face turned pale in an instant, resembling a white lotus suddenly placed in a raging storm, trembling uncontrollably

My mother patted my head, and before I could respond, Yang Shufei, already somewhat anxious, said: "Your Majesty, I feel that this matter has come too suddenly and may have some hidden motives. It would be better to first send all the palace guards to protect the Emperor."

The chief eunuch Liu Sui of Zhaoyang Hall silently and swiftly moved towards the palace exit, and then we heard his panicked shout in a high-pitched voice: "Beacon smoke, beacon smoke"

Xiao Caiyi touched my cold hand, suddenly turned to look at me, and immediately wrapped my hand tightly.

Mother slightly furrowed her brow and lifted her gaze

Xiao Caiyi still did not let go of my hand, nervously staring at my mother, and asked: "Aunt, I want to go out to help Uncle Yan and the others"

At this moment, Yan Yuanfeng is engaged in a fierce battle outside the hall, where the shouts and cries merge into a roaring river, making it impossible to discern who is howling and who is screaming in agony. Only the increasingly heavy scent of blood surges from all around, even the pink begonias seem to be tainted by the aura of violence, their once delicate fragrance suddenly transforming into a chilling and astringent atmosphere.

On that day, it is said that eight or nine out of ten of the palace guards were reassigned. However, I remained in my mother's Zhaoyang Palace and did not feel a reduction in the nearby guards. On the contrary, when my nine-year-old brother, Huangfu Junyu, was brought over by my mother from the Eastern Palace, he was accompanied by a new group of guards, including Yan Yuanfeng, the commander of the Eastern Palace guards.

My cousin comes from a family of military generals. Since childhood, he has been arrogant and willful, showing no interest in studying. However, with Yan Yuanfeng by his side to teach him, it is said that his martial arts skills are quite remarkable.

In the crisp and astringent fragrance of the white chrysanthemum, the father sat high in the main seat, contentedly indulging in revelry with his most beloved sons and daughters-in-law.

Xiao Caiyi put her arm around my shoulder and exclaimed, "Alright, alright, Qi Qing, you wait here. I will go out to rescue the Emperor and Uncle Yan right away!"

I have long known that my mother is the most beautiful woman in Dayan, even though she is already in her thirties, she still possesses a complexion as fair as snow and a beauty as radiant as the moon, unmatched in the realm. Yet, I do not know for whom this seemingly casual yet clearly intentional captivating beauty is displayed.

Yan Yuanfeng gently pulled out his sleeve, took a step back, and said with a faint smile: "The little princess has grown taller and is clearly blossoming into a light beauty."

Her voice suddenly quieted: "Ximeng, prepare my attire."

The father also smiled and said: "The ideal husband that Qi Qing should seek must naturally be well-versed in both literature and martial arts. However, Qi Qing is still young, and it is too early to discuss this now"

"You are not allowed to go out," the mother said in a firm voice that brooked no argument. Her eyes, illuminated by the rising sun, were exceptionally bright, sparkling like stars, yet they reflected the crimson glow of the dawn in the sky.

The phoenix that is held is merely a round piece of jade the size of a thumb, entirely translucent white, within which a purple phoenix can be faintly seen spreading its wings, its tail feathers fluttering, resembling a soaring flight. My mother had it inlaid with gold and jade, personally crafted exquisite tassels, threaded it with red string, and hung it around my neck, saying: "Qiqing, this jade was brought out with you at birth, it must possess spiritual essence, and can ensure your safety throughout your life"

The arrival of auspicious phoenixes can bring prosperity to the nation

Liu Sui was muttering to himself: "Just now, when I was inquiring outside, I vaguely heard some scolding, and it was directed at Yu Wen Zhao for committing regicide."

The father pointed at the beacon smoke and exclaimed, "What is going on?"

Jun Yu, at merely nine years of age, enjoys the same luxurious life as I do, having never experienced the trials of life. He is already filled with fear and speechless, merely murmuring: "Second cousin, you may handle it as you see fit."

I swayed the long hem of my emerald palace gown, leaning against my father, and said in a spoiled tone: "I want to go out of the palace to have some fun and broaden my horizons! I have heard that the outside world is vast and certainly very entertaining."

In the midst of the adoration of the stars, I had never doubted my own happiness, until the day of my thirteenth birthday, when all the extravagant splendor and dazzling world suddenly collapsed in a coup that took me by surprise.

The mother glanced at her and said, "Alright"

Mother, deeply worried, asked: "Yuanfeng, during the last visit of the old Marquis to the palace, he vaguely mentioned that the current situation in Dayan is quite unstable. I thought to myself, with Dayan's foundation of over 400 years and numerous civil and military officials supporting it, we should be able to turn danger into safety. Moreover, during my casual conversations with the Emperor, he has never brought up these matters, so I assumed the situation was not serious and that ultimately, the country would be peaceful and the people safe. Who would have thought that today there would be such an incident? Has foreign affairs truly become so dire?"

Where is father now? Where is father? How could he bear to leave us here in fear and anxiety, and how could he bear to see mother lose her gentle smile, facing the imminent threat of icy blades and snow swords outside the palace with such a fierce or resplendent red makeup?

I dashed outside and saw a wisp of black smoke rising from the northwest, shaped into an eerie form by the autumn wind, and then it slowly dispersed

My mother gave me the nickname Qiqing, saying that for a royal girl like me, having a place to settle my feelings would mean a life without regrets

I recognize him as the current Grand General, Marquis of Wuwei, Yuwen Zhao, who holds the authority to command the three armies. He is a trusted general of my father and frequently visits the palace, having had several encounters with both my mother and me.

I exclaimed: "Father is outside! Uncle Yan is outside! They will die, they will die!"

In the place where the morning sun scatters, the mother stands on the stone steps in front of the hall, adorned in a brocade gown embroidered with double swans and auspicious grass, featuring intricate and splendid patterns, yet set against a moon-white background. She is extraordinarily graceful, exuding an ethereal charm. Her hair is elegantly styled in a high bun, embellished with dragon and phoenix hairpins adorned with pearls and emeralds. A golden step shake dances like butterflies among the peonies, while a string of light blue crystal tassels gently hangs down, resting upon her forehead. Additionally, one or two branches of seasonal begonia are inserted at an angle, exuding an indescribable delicate beauty.

Father hurriedly stepped out and shouted sternly, "Who is making noise outside?"

Minister Yu Wen Zhao pays his respects! A middle-aged official, dressed in a purple official robe and of robust stature, rushed in and prostrated himself on the ground.

The red sun reflects on the clouds, infinitely beautiful. It can be cast upon the Zhaoyang Palace, yet it is filled with a surge of blood and passion. How much of Yan Yuanfeng's and even the Emperor's own blood is intertwined within that drifting bloodlust?

The father hesitated somewhat, while Yang Shufei brushed aside the loose hair blown by the wind from her forehead and frowned, saying: "Lord Yuwen, the troops led by the Cai family are mostly personal guards of the young nobles, and they have likely anticipated the strategy of psychological warfare. Therefore, is it not extremely dangerous for His Majesty to go there?"

"No one is allowed to go out, and no one is permitted to make unnecessary sacrifices, do you hear me?" The mother's footsteps towards the inner room were extremely steady, entirely unlike her usual delicate and graceful demeanor, fragile and vulnerable.

Xiao Caiyi was about to charge out with her sword when Liu Sui intercepted her at an angle, exclaiming: "Young Master, have you forgotten the Empress's instructions just now?"

He turned to Junyu and said, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince, do you think we are here to wait for death, or shall we use our swords to take the blood of the rebels?"

Her daughter, who is also my second sister, Princess Xueqing, is equally favored by our father. At this moment, she is dressed in a flowing smoke-colored silk gown, exuding a grace and fragrance akin to that of the noble Consort. She is radiant and captivating. She gently caresses my satin-like black hair and softly says: "My third royal sister, when you grow up, you will surely be a person who captivates the world."

Xiao Caiyi snorted and said, "We have been deceived. It is uncertain whether Cai Bingde is plotting rebellion or if Yu Wen Zhao is. It is possible that both are in rebellion, merely putting on a good show in front of the Emperor! These treacherous ministers and traitors all deserve to die!"