Chapter Nine, The Transformation of the Ming Hall

Li Chengqi exchanged a few pleasantries with several uncles before walking side by side with Wu Sansi: "The Empress Dowager wishes to stay at the Sanyang Palace on Mount Song for three months, and has sent this prince to discuss matters with the Prince of Liang in detail." Wu Sansi nodded and said: "This prince was just about to choose a date to meet with the county prince. How about we first draft the officials who will accompany us today? What does the county prince think?" Li Chengqi smiled slightly and replied: "That is exactly my intention."

She spoke all the way about the banquet at Qujiang, laughing uncontrollably, until she reached Lichun Terrace. Gazing at the entire Taichu Palace City, she finally stopped laughing and said: "This place is the best, as it allows one to view the entire Taichu Palace and also see the Luo River flowing through the divine capital." As she spoke, her eyes were filled with longing as she looked into the distance, "Sister is fortunate, able to walk both inside and outside the palace, unlike me, who can only see the true divine capital from this spot."

I was about to speak again when I felt a tight grip on my wrist, and unexpectedly, Li Longji pulled me forward, saying, "I will accompany you to the Lantern Festival." My heart felt as if it had been pierced; I hurriedly pushed his hand away and said, "How old are you now? Why are you still so casual?" He stopped in his tracks, looked at me and smiled, saying, "Yongan, I have already turned twelve. Just wait for me two more years, and I will marry you."

I stood beside her, watching the throngs of people in the marketplace outside the palace, as dense as ants. In the distance, faint clouds drifted across the vast sky, while nearby, palaces stood in opposition, and pavilions rose in abundance. At that moment, my state of mind was surprisingly good

After a while, I finally collected my thoughts, stood up, and walked to his side, saying: "Aren't we discussing the trip to Sanyang Palace? Why did you suddenly come out?" He turned his head to look at me and said gently: "If we are to discuss Sanyang Palace, why must it be done at this very moment? I wanted to see you, so I specifically sought this excuse." His words were so candid that I was at a loss for how to respond.

The Empress Dowager smiled at him and said, "You lack experience in becoming a person of substance, and you still need more guidance from you." Wu Sansi shook his head and replied with a smile, "Your Majesty, that is incorrect. Although the Prince of Yongping is still young, he conducts himself with great steadiness and is among the best of the imperial grandsons."

At the side of the palace gate, she was lowering her eyes to adjust my clothing. Seeing that there was no one beside me, I softly asked, "Has Wei Tuan'er not been on duty these past few days?" A few new faces have appeared in the Changsheng Palace, yet she, who is favored, is not among them, which inevitably raises suspicions.

I made an effort to suppress my feelings, nodding with a smile as I said, "Get up, we are merely passing by and have no intention of making things difficult for you." After saying this, I tightened my grip on Yongtai's hand and turned to walk in the opposite direction, but I felt her body was heavy, as if she was extremely reluctant. I turned my head and said in a stern voice, "Hurry and follow me." Yongtai held onto me tightly, unwillingly saying, "Sister, sister."

I was filled with trepidation, and Yongtai had already taken two steps back, murmuring: "The Empress Dowager is present"

My heart skipped a beat as I glanced at my uncle, who was beaming with a smile

After the King left the Hall of Eternal Life, everyone headed towards the palace gates. The several princesses beside me were chatting and laughing, but I, having not been in the Wu family for many years and then entering the palace, was not very familiar with them. However, my uncles occasionally asked me a few questions, which drew their continuous glances towards me

After my self-bestowed marriage, it seemed as if my father, the king, had foreseen the upheaval of last year, as he quickly found an excuse to take me out of the palace, thus avoiding the turmoil involving the Dou family of Fufeng. At the same time, the residence of the Prince of Heng'an also moved from Chang'an to Luoyang, fulfilling my aunt's longing for Luoyang. Two years passed in the blink of an eye, and the princes of the Eastern Palace were placed under house arrest; I had not seen them again within the Prince of Heng'an's residence.

I casually remarked: "Once you marry out of the palace, if you wish to return, you will have to wait until the first and fifteenth of each month, and by then, you will likely find the outside world dull again"

I was lost in thought when he suddenly looked at me, the contemplation in his brows gradually fading away, leaving only the tenderness in his eyes. Amidst the chaotic and noisy surroundings, he stood gracefully like a bright moon among the crowd, gazing at me with such calmness, reminiscent of our first encounter at the banquet when Di Renjie was appointed as a minister.

I glanced behind me, signaling Yixi and several palace maids and eunuchs to withdraw, and then continued, "There is no need to speak of this further, especially in front of your imperial grandmother." She leaned against the railing, turned her head to look at me, and smiled, "This is something my brother Chengqi also advised me about." After a moment's thought, she added, "It would be great if Fourth Uncle ascended the throne." I was taken aback upon hearing this and asked her, "Why do you say that?"

He and Wu Sansi must have reached a consensus after the great fire during the Lantern Festival, or perhaps they had an understanding even earlier. My uncle Wu Sansi has been favored ever since my cousin's defeat, which seems to be the result of long-term planning rather than a sudden scheme. And how long can he continue to walk hand in hand with the cat and mouse? I was lost in thought for a long time before I could gather my thoughts.

Among the uncles, Wu Chengsi and Wu Sansi are the most favored by the Empress Dowager. Since Wu Chengsi fell out of favor, Wu Sansi has been continuously constructing palaces in various locations over the past few years, increasingly winning the Empress Dowager's favor. The Sanyang Palace was built by the uncles for the Empress Dowager and has received much praise. At this moment, the uncles are enjoying a smooth and prosperous time, and it is inappropriate for them to be so harmonious with the Crown Prince's faction.

The Fufeng Dou clan, a prominent family that stood alongside the founding emperor of the Li Tang dynasty since its inception, has since withered and fallen into decline. In the matter of the crown prince, there is no longer any power to rely on. The imperial decree of marriage from the Wu family, the suppression of the Fufeng Dou clan, has been a gradual encroachment, step by step. Who now dares to openly speak on behalf of the Li family?

I was protected by Li Longji in front of me, leaning against the window. He murmured softly, saying, "This time, something really happened." I instinctively leaned forward to avoid him, almost sticking out half of my body, but he pulled me back with a firm grip: "You don't watch the excitement like this; be careful not to fall down. Even if you don't die from the fall, you'll be trampled half to death." After saying this, he pulled me behind him.

Wu Sansi suddenly looked at my father and said, "Why doesn't King Heng'an accompany us on the journey?" My father seemed to hesitate, but in the end, he nodded and said, "Alright"

He hurriedly descended the stone steps and exchanged a few words with a guard, who immediately let him through. After bowing in thanks, he unexpectedly walked straight towards us. When he got closer, he saluted and said: "Princess Yongtai, Princess Yong'an." I nodded and replied: "Please rise. What has happened at Yaoguang Hall?" His awareness of our presence here must have come from having seen us at the palace gate just moments ago, and he had specifically come to deliver the message.

This person is truly unreserved. I lowered my head, making an effort to avoid drawing his attention, lest he say something troublesome

I was momentarily taken aback, but then I understood instantly. It turned out to be Wei Tuan'er

How did you come out? I asked instinctively

As she lifted the lantern, the vendor suddenly said, "Miss, did you not come here yesterday?" I shook my head, and he continued, "Last night, a Buddha incense was hung on the Tianjin Bridge, nearly two hundred feet high, painted in blood, and it can be considered one of the remarkable sights of Luoyang in recent years." I smiled and replied, "I have heard about it; it is said to be painted with human blood." He snorted softly and said, "Do you really believe that, Miss? Even if Xue, the abbot of the White Horse Temple, bled out, he would not be able to create this entire painting."

Just as I was passing by, Li Longji suddenly pulled me back and said, "Why do you always avoid me?" He continued, "Since I saw you again, it feels like you have become a different person." I calmed myself, smiled at him, and replied, "You are still young, yet you seem to have quite a heavy suspicion. I was afraid that you would delay the time for greetings and be blamed by the Empress Grandmother." He furrowed his brows and stared at me for a moment before finally letting go of my hand

Just as Li Longji was about to bring me another bowl, a sudden uproar erupted from beneath the bridge, and chaos ensued on the Tianjin Bridge. In the direction of the Ming Hall, flames were soaring into the sky, casting a crimson glow that illuminated the entire night.

Li Longji clapped his hands and called over the shopkeeper, specifically instructing to add six different flavors. In just a moment, six bowls of similar-looking tangyuan were served, steaming hot, which warmed his heart considerably. The shopkeeper, noticing the extraordinary nature of these individuals, stood to the side and explained in detail, especially focusing on one bowl, saying: "This is a secret recipe from the south, slow-cooked with turbid wine."

That was what Xue Huaiyi said to the Empress Dowager in order to vie for favor, and today it has become a subject of ridicule among the uncles. They say that the Emperor currently favors Doctor Shen immensely, and no matter how much Xue Huaiyi stirs things up, it is difficult for him to gain such favor.

After a while, Li Chengqi finally spoke up, inquiring about Zhang Jiuling's imperial examination last year. Only then did Zhang Jiuling smile and say that he had stayed in Luoyang all along, waiting for the day the results would be announced. When he became excited, he took out a copper coin and tossed it onto the table, laughing as he said, "I bet I will definitely achieve a top rank on the list."

I am busy responding to it

I was just about to walk over when Li Longji turned around and grabbed my hand, saying, "Don't wander off."

He finished speaking, reached out to stroke my face, and said: "You are the princess of the Wu family; it is better to keep a distance from certain matters." My heart sank, and after a moment of hesitation, I asked: "If one day I were to seek your help for the Wu family, would you agree?"

I also looked back at him, and with this silence, the relaxation from just a moment ago completely faded away. Thinking of the inevitable outcome of extinction, my heart was already filled with sorrow. At the edge of life and death, I did not even utter a single word, merely watching everything unfold. But if in the future, when my father falls into a deadlock, will I also be left to watch, doing nothing?

She stayed with me until after lunch, when she became somewhat restless and pulled me out of the palace

He stood up and respectfully said: "Master Xue entered the palace today to meet the Emperor, yet afterwards secretly met with palace maids in the Yaoguang Hall, indulging in debauchery within the harem. Upon learning this, the Emperor was furious and ordered the Liang Wang to administer immediate corporal punishment as a warning to others." I stared at him and said: "Master Xue is a monk, how could he commit such acts? Who discovered this?" Among the Emperor's relatives, who in this palace would dare to meet in secret?

I approached him with a sense of trepidation, fixing my gaze on his eyes. He looked at me with a smile that was neither fully a smile nor a frown, and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?" As I met his gentle gaze, the unease in my heart began to dissipate, and I simply smiled and replied, "It's nothing, I just suddenly realized something." He chuckled and sighed, saying, "I would rather you not understand."

After a while, Li Longji lightly coughed and said, "I was wrong, please stop putting on a sulky face." I looked at him in silence and replied, "When did I ever show you a displeased expression?" He frowned, his brows and eyes carrying a hint of gloom, and said, "The Lantern Festival is supposed to be a joyful occasion, but seeing your face makes it hard for me to feel happy."

"The young one has taken their leave." He Fu hurriedly bowed and quickly turned back.

Yet this joke reveals the harshness of reality

After exchanging a few casual words, Li Longji finally pulled out the quiet young man who had been standing to the side, saying: "Thanks to my cousin, my aunt has finally persuaded the Empress Dowager to let us go out for a stroll." I recognized the young man, whose features bore some resemblance to Taiping and who exuded a strong scholarly aura, and understood: "Duke of Ying." I was surprised to find that Xue Chongjian, the son most favored by Princess Taiping, was so close to Li Longji.

I look downstairs, and the lights on the Tianjin Bridge are dazzling, truly a beautiful sight

I pondered for a moment, unable to suppress the doubts in my heart, so I decided to look at him earnestly and said, "There are some things I cannot understand." He nodded and replied, "Ask away." I whispered, "You are so close to my uncle, aren't you afraid of bringing trouble upon yourself?" He shook his head and said, "Some calamities, if they cannot be avoided, need not be evaded any longer."

I pondered for a moment and said: "Duke Zhou has now fallen out of favor, and I, as his uncle, am the most influential person in the Wu family. If he has any intentions—" I looked at him and did not continue.

They were discussing the visit to the San Yang Palace, and I found an excuse not to go in with them, instead sitting alone by the water beside the pavilion. Since it was an audience in the palace, I did not bring a personal maid, and those within the palace stood cautiously at a distance, neither daring to approach nor to move away, which made for a quiet scene.

As she walked under the Tianjin Bridge, she fixed her gaze on a lamp. Seeing that she truly liked it, I approached to take a closer look

At this moment, nearly one hundred eunuchs had exited the palace, with several of them carrying two individuals, simply covered with white silk cloth. Wu Sansi called out to those people, reaching out to lift the white cloth one by one for a closer look. He exchanged a few words with Li Chengqi, who merely cast a faint glance and said nothing.

As they approached the Yaoguang Hall, which was still several dozen zhang away, they noticed that there were guards stationed outside, all with stern expressions. The dragon carriage in front of the hall was already empty. Waiting on the steps in front of the hall were only the palace maids and eunuchs from the Empress Dowager's palace, some with pale faces, others trembling all over. A few younger palace maids had retreated from the entrance of the hall, softly leaning against the jade stone steps, sobbing quietly.

She circled around me several times before saying, "Sister has finally returned." I smiled at her and replied, "Stop circling, haven't we seen each other a few times over the past two years?" Although I had left the Taichu Palace, I would still occasionally run into her during the first and fifteenth days of each month when I came to pay my respects.

The imperial aunt cast a faint glance at Uncle Wu Sansi and said, "Has Chengsi not been to the palace much this year? Is his health still not well?" Wu Sansi hurriedly replied, "Duke Zhou fell from his horse last September and has been bedridden ever since." The imperial aunt seemed rather indifferent, merely responding with a faint "mm" and did not inquire further.

The king did not allow me to leave first, so I could only walk along with those few. I focused on the carvings of the stone bricks beneath my feet, listening to their lively conversation, unable to fathom when he and Wu Sansi became so close, as if they shared a deep friendship despite their age difference. After walking for a while, we arrived at the Spring Pavilion, where already more than ten palace attendants and eunuchs were waiting, and upon seeing us, they hurriedly bowed in greeting.

I paused for a moment, then casually asked a few questions. The Empress Dowager had already emerged from the Yaoguang Hall, followed closely by my uncle Wu Sansi, Shen Nanliao, and Li Chengqi. Once the Empress Dowager boarded the dragon carriage, Shen Nanliao promptly departed, while Wu Sansi and Li Chengqi remained in front of the hall, engaged in quiet conversation, their expressions unperturbed

I heard this familiar voice, turned my head to look, and saw Li Longji with a pair of crescent-shaped eyes, sparkling with laughter.

Zhang Jiuling did not show any difference, smiling and nodding as he said, "This sentence is likely to follow Zhang for a lifetime." Li Longji nodded and said, "My little wife once praised you as a remarkable person, and I never expected to truly meet you today." Zhang Jiuling glanced at me and repeated, "Little wife?"

Is it really necessary to eliminate them completely

Li Longji, seeing that there was no available space, was just about to turn around and leave the building when he noticed someone on the second floor peering out, calling out loudly: "Brother Li." The person's eyes were squinted into a line, and it turned out to be Zhang Jiuling, whom he had met at the Imperial Academy.

Li Chengqi took two steps closer, stood beside me, and stared at the surface of the lake without saying anything further

Due to the large crowd on the street, we took the opportunity to enter a restaurant, which was extremely noisy inside and already filled to capacity

Li Longji listened patiently, and only at this point did he extend his hand, lifting the porcelain bowl and placing it in front of me, saying: "Such a rare delicacy should naturally be tasted by the lady first." I was taken aback for a moment, wanting to say something, but I found it difficult to refuse him face-to-face and put him in an awkward position.

He was only one step away from the position of Crown Prince that year, but due to his excessive pressure, he ultimately aroused the dissatisfaction and suspicion of the Empress Dowager. After being dismissed from his position as Prime Minister, he still relied on the fact that he was the Empress Dowager's close nephew, plotting against the Eastern Palace, which eventually infuriated the Empress Dowager after the treason case. Now he can only languish in his residence, avoiding even the usual audiences whenever possible.

I paused for a moment before hurriedly retracting my gaze and asked Li Longji, "What are you following me for?" Li Longji smiled without answering, took two steps back to look at me, and nodded repeatedly, saying, "The narrow-sleeved robe and soft cotton boots, this outfit in Hu clothing style suits you very well now." I held the lotus lantern, allowing her to scrutinize me, while Yixi beside me had already been rendered speechless.

I was saddened by what he said, and after glancing at Li Chengqi's unchanging faint smile, I said: "Let go first"

I nodded slightly, lowering my head to stare at the lantern in my hand, momentarily at a loss for words

I was so taken aback by him that I momentarily lost my senses, only to realize in the end that he was joking

I dared not say anything further, only taking two quick steps, I addressed Li Chengqi: "Your Highness." Li Chengqi looked at me gently and replied: "Princess." With those simple two words, he did not say anything more. I then turned to Li Chengyi and asked: "Is Yiping doing well with you?" Li Chengyi raised an eyebrow and said: "I promised you back then that I would take good care of her. Why does the princess not trust me?"

The exquisite flowers in the Daming Palace remain as they were, yet the one who offered them is no longer destined for the throne.

Upon seeing us, the vendor immediately broke into a cheerful smile and asked, "Miss, are you looking to buy a lantern?" I nodded and said to Yixi, "Hurry up and take it; look, the vendor is too shy to conduct business now." Yixi was also quite straightforward, winking as she said, "Thank you, Miss." She truly is a clever girl, knowing to use a different form of address when outside.

The restaurant was also in a state of chaos, as everyone had risen to crowd around the windows, discussing animatedly in the direction of the Ming Hall

However, the Empress Dowager smiled without speaking, as if his words had further improved her mood

Li Longji turned to Li Chengqi and said, "Elder brother, my little wife is becoming more and more beautiful." Li Chengqi did not respond, but Li Chengyi stepped forward a couple of paces and patted his shoulder, saying, "My second brother has taken a concubine, and you have found a match, yet elder brother remains all alone. How can you dare to say such a thing?"

In January, my hand stiffened for a moment, and I took note of my surroundings before whispering, "Wei Tuan'er has been executed by the staff."

He did not respond, but simply looked at me gently

Due to the distance, I could not see clearly, but it was evident that there were quite a number of people gathered there, a dark mass, yet surprisingly quiet. As I was intently observing, Yongtai suddenly said, "Is there something wrong at the Yaoguang Hall?" She tugged at my sleeve and whispered, "Ever since the Ming Hall was burned down half a month ago, everyone in the palace has been on edge, fearing trouble might come their way. Today, it is likely because of that incident."

I listened quietly, unable to help but sigh at the uncle who had fallen from grace after reaching the pinnacle of success

She fell silent for a moment and said, "I wonder when Father and Mother will be able to see the capital again." I was taken aback for a moment before softly replying, "They will return eventually." She had been brought back to the palace right after her birth and had never seen her biological parents. I had thought she was unaware of sorrow, but at this moment, I realized that even this little princess had grown up.

At his call, the expressions of the crowd varied, but my heart raced as I glanced at Li Chengqi. He merely smiled and nodded at Zhang Jiuling, saying, "Is your place available?" Zhang Jiuling played with his teacup and replied, "Of course, I specifically requested a seat by the window to see if there are any encore performances today"

At this moment, Zhang Jiuling was holding a cup of tea, smiling at Li Chengqi and said, "It seems I have unfortunately spoken the truth; tonight will be a grand spectacle, far more interesting than any blood Buddha from last night" Li Chengqi shook his head and smiled, not responding.

As I was reflecting on the conversation that had just taken place in the hall, my uncle Wu Sansi suddenly let out a hearty laugh and called out to the distance: "Prince Yongping."

He blushed slightly, nodded tightly, and said: "Third sister-in-law." I was taken aback for a moment and did not respond.

As soon as everyone heard this, the atmosphere became lively. They all took out a few copper coins and tossed them onto the table, surprisingly betting on the same side. Zhang Jiuling looked at the pile of copper coins on the table, raised his cup, and said: "There is no way to block this; everyone is betting in one place. It seems that the lords truly favor me." Li Longji, upon hearing this, also smiled and said: "Since the money has been taken out, it would not be good to take it back, would it?" After saying this, he glanced at his elder brother.

Am I not afraid? It is just that this situation in the palace is still a first encounter. There must be significant matters occurring within the hall. If Yongtai insists on investigating, it may lead to considerable trouble. I scanned the guards and palace maids in front of the hall; besides those from the Emperor's hall, there were some unfamiliar faces, and I did not know which palace they belonged to. Suddenly, a familiar figure emerged; it was He Fu, the eunuch of Li Chengqi.

I ignored him and turned my head to Yixi, saying: "These few are the princes of the Crown Prince." After she left the palace with me, she had not had the opportunity to meet them, and upon hearing this, she was taken aback, nearly dropping the lantern. After a while, she said: "No wonder they stand there, they are indeed different from the people beside them"

The wind blew against her face as she murmured, "Uncle Si has a gentle temperament; only with him ascending the throne do the Li family members have a chance of survival, right?" Her words seemed to be both a question and a statement. I turned my head to look in the direction of Yaoguang Hall and did not respond

On the first day of February, I followed my father, the king, into the palace to pay my respects.

After a while, Wu Sansi suddenly said, "I wonder if His Majesty has made any decision regarding the matter my nephew petitioned a few days ago?" The imperial aunt smiled slightly and looked at him, saying, "Your San Yang Palace has been vacant since its completion; are you now in such a hurry?"

Li Chengqi smiled gently and said, "How about this, each person adds a bowl of tangyuan, and that counts as celebrating the festival together." After he finished speaking, he cast a faint glance at the crowd

Hearing this sound, I finally came to my senses and saw him walking towards me in the sunlight, nodding to Wu Sansi and saying, "Prince Liang." I hurriedly bowed in greeting along with several princesses.

She bit her lip and stared at me, saying, "Sister, I am afraid inside..." I gently shook my head, interrupting her words. She understood my meaning and could only stand beside me, fixated on the distant Yaoguang Hall, her eyes filled with even greater fear

On the day of returning to the Taichu Palace, Yongtai arrived early, and after two years of absence, the youthful innocence had faded, replaced by a hint of confidence in his demeanor.

On that day, after greeting the morning, I stepped out of the Changsheng Palace and noticed that the one on duty was that little palace maid

I kicked a piece of rubble with my toes, and the thin ice was punctured, making a splash as the stone sank down. As that stone submerged, the chill in my heart grew ever more intense

I raised my head and saw several princes, including Li Chengqi, already present. Li Longji was sizing me up and said, "You are not very old, yet you have quite a few concerns." As he spoke, he allowed the eunuch behind him to remove his robe. I glanced at him helplessly, bowed, and said, "Your Highnesses, please go in quickly."

Due to the treachery of my uncle, I first lost my mother, and then nearly lost my life. The relationship between my family and the Wu family has long been one of irreconcilable conflict. Even if I could set aside past grievances, what about the future? As long as my imperial grandmother is alive, things will only worsen, and there will never be a day of improvement. I can no longer bear to imagine the outcome of this struggle. If the Wu family gains the world, then the Li royal family will surely be exterminated. Conversely, if the Li family comes to power, how could the Wu princes possibly survive.

This matter has lingered in my mind for several days, yet it remains inescapable

He turned around, took a step forward, coming extremely close to me, and said seriously: "Yongan, are you worried that my maternal line is dwindling and that I might have no support in the future?" I was taken aback, stepped back half a pace, and was just about to say something when he suddenly smiled, dazzlingly bright: "Just kidding, when I was on the verge of death, didn't you come to see me? I wouldn't think of you like that."

Wu Sansi smiled and said: "Indeed, my nephew is quite anxious. Initially, I was concerned that the Emperor might find the Taichu Palace too dull, so I hastily urged the workers to expedite the construction. Now, it has been completed for half a year, yet the Emperor has still not visited. My nephew thinks about this daily, and it has caused me great distress, fearing that the Emperor may be dissatisfied."

After a considerable amount of time, I finally softened my heart and no longer wished to continue this awkward topic

He smiled at me and said: "If he has any intentions, he cannot do anything to me. Duke Zhou is of the Wu clan, with support from people like Lai Junchen within, and holds great power in the court outside, yet he still aroused the suspicion of the Empress Dowager. Prince Liang is well aware of this balance, which is why he has been consistently trying to curry favor with the Li family to alleviate the Empress Dowager's apprehensions."

Yongtai seemed eager to get to the bottom of things. After watching for a moment, she suddenly grabbed my arm and said, "Let's go take a look." I hesitated for a moment, feeling uneasy in my heart, but I took her down from Lichuntai, dismissed the palace maids and eunuchs, and we headed towards Yaoguang Hall.

Shortly after the marriage was granted, the Empress Dowager ordered the exile of the family of Li Longji's maternal grandfather

The Lantern Festival, adorned with lights and decorations, is celebrated with three days of revelry

I was enlightened by a few of his words, and the fog in my heart suddenly cleared. My uncle, Wu Sansi, has witnessed him fall from greatness to ruin; how could he possibly repeat the same mistakes? However, compared to Wu Chengsi's ostentation, my uncle's frequent overtures make one feel even more uneasy

In the third year of Changshou, my uncle Wu Chengsi requested the honorific title of "Yuegu Jinlun Shengshen Huangdi". The imperial grandmother granted amnesty to the world and changed the era name to Yanzai.

"Let's go in after sitting for a while; the chill by the lake is too intense." I was startled by this voice and did not dare to turn back.

I did not respond to her calls until I reached the stone pillar in the distance, where I finally stopped

The following year, Empress Dowager Huanggu was bestowed the title "Compassionate and Ancient Golden Wheel Holy Divine Emperor," granting amnesty to the world and changing the era to Certainty of the Holy.

On the day before, the Empress Dowager went to the Ming Hall, accompanied by numerous princes and court officials. On the sixteenth day of the first month, Yixi could no longer contain her excitement and insisted on going out to enjoy the lanterns. Unable to withstand her persistence, I left the royal palace with her after dinner. She laughed incessantly along the way, and her enthusiasm was infectious, leading me to feel excited as well. We walked through the bustling market, heading straight towards the Tianjin Bridge.

Li Longji squinted his eyes at me and said softly, "I thought you would say, 'Husband, what a coincidence.'" My heart sank suddenly, but I could only smile at him and reply, "Stop joking, I don't believe it's that coincidental." Li Longji took the lantern, handed it to me, and said, "Indeed, it is not a coincidence; I have been following you all the way with my elder brother and second brother."

He Fu remained calm and said, "It is the palace maid Yidu from His Majesty's palace." I nodded and replied, "Since it is someone from His Majesty's palace who discovered this, and the Prince of Liang is executing the punishment, why would someone from the Eastern Palace be here?" He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Not only is there someone from the Eastern Palace, but Doctor Shen is also present. At the time of the incident, the doctor was in the Changsheng Palace taking the Emperor's pulse, and the prince was accompanying him, so he came along with the Emperor."

Following his words, I looked up and saw Li Chengqi and Li Chengyi standing not far behind him. Li Chengqi was merely smiling at us, while Li Chengyi was staring at me with some displeasure

When I was by the side of my imperial aunt, he was summoned to the palace daily to accompany the emperor. Even when he occasionally suffered from typhoid, my imperial aunt would send the imperial physician to personally treat him. Yet now, after falling from a horse and sustaining injuries, he has been recuperating for over half a year without any improvement, and my imperial aunt merely responded lightly, without further comment.

The guards did not recognize us, but from our attire, they could tell we must hold a higher status. A young guard stepped forward to pay his respects and said: "Please return, Your Excellencies, the Emperor has decreed that no one is allowed to approach the Yaoguang Hall"

The Empress Dowager leaned against the couch, appearing extremely fatigued. Beside her, Wan'er was speaking softly about the renovation of the Ming Hall. After listening attentively for a while, she finally raised her head and said to me: "In the past two years, several princesses have married out of the palace, and the Changsheng Hall has become rather quiet. If your father’s health improves, he should return to the palace to accompany me."

I gazed from a distance at the monk's robe revealed beneath the white cloth, stained with bright red blood, intense and blinding. A wave of suffocation suddenly washed over me, and after a moment of suppression, I said to Yongtai, "Let's go." Yongtai's face had long turned pale; he nodded and quickly left with me.

Her almond-shaped eyes flickered as she smiled and said, "That was beside the Empress Dowager, where one must sit upright, speak with a proper tone, not dare to glance sideways, and not utter more words than necessary; whether one has seen or not makes no difference." I focused my gaze on her and said, "Indeed, it is truly different."

I said: "Even if it is a falsehood, it is still the loyal heart of Xue Zhuchi." The stall owner scratched his head, seemingly eager to share some local gossip about favored courtesans. Just as I was looking for an excuse to quickly escape, a hand gently pressed down on my shoulder: "Indeed, loyalty is evident, and sincerity is pure." Before the words had finished, the person behind me tossed a few copper coins onto the wooden board and said, "I will take that lotus lantern as well."

At this moment, in front of the stone steps, Yuan Yue bowed and said: "Your Highness."

Only after listening to these few sentences did I understand what they were saying. Last night, Xue Huaiyi made a grand display to celebrate the festival for the Emperor, but it was met with a dismissive laugh. Could it be that he is truly vying for favor to such an extent? Is he willing to set the Ming Hall on fire to attract attention? I glanced at Li Chengqi, who was smiling slightly, lost in thought as he looked towards the Ming Hall, and did not notice me.

After they entered the hall, I turned back to take another look, and he had already disappeared into the Hall of Eternal Life

Li Longji cast a sidelong glance at me and said, "I have seen Young Master Zhang here; apart from the princess, there should be no one else." Zhang Jiuling remained silent for a moment and then smiled, "Indeed"

It is best that this matter does not involve those brothers. The events that occurred two years ago still evoke a sense of lingering fear; it seems that anything happening in the Tai Chu Palace or in the city of Luoyang could somehow be connected to them. A slight misstep could lead to matters of life and death

Just as I was hesitating, Li Chengqi cast a faint glance at me and said, "Young lady, it is not appropriate to drink casually." Li Longji paused for a moment before nodding and saying, "Elder brother is right." After saying this, he turned and pushed the bowl back in front of himself.

As he spoke, the sound of his uncle's laughter occasionally came from the hall, suggesting that he was having a very pleasant conversation with the king.

It was not until they sat down after going upstairs that Zhang Jiuling cast a glance at me and remarked, "The princess has also come." I smiled slightly and replied, "It has been three years since we last met at the Guozijian." Li Longji looked at me, then at him, and suddenly realized, slowly reciting, "The grass and trees have their own intentions, why seek the beauty's favor."

Aunt Huang Gu laughed a few times at his teasing and said, "There is no need to be anxious; I have instructed Cheng Qi to handle this matter. If you have any concerns, feel free to discuss them with him. After the banquet at Qujiang in February, you can stay at Sanyang Palace for a month, which will also help you settle your thoughts." Wu Sansi quickly interjected, "If the prince of the county is handling this matter, then I can rest assured." His words were filled with praise, as if he greatly admired Prince Yongping.

I held the teacup and smiled at him. It turns out, he remembered

At the beginning of February, there were still some thin ice floating on the water's surface, exuding a hint of chill.

In the palace, it was as if this matter had never occurred, and no one dared to mention it. I originally intended to ask Wan'er, but she returned to the Taichu Palace, where she accompanied the Empress Dowager every day, leaving us with no opportunity to be alone. We could only see each other during the daily greetings, and she always seemed to have something to say, yet constrained by the Empress Dowager, she would occasionally cast a glance at me, her expression complex and inscrutable.

I fixed my gaze on the Yaoguang Hall, my heart increasingly uneasy. Since the night of the great fire, the Empress Dowager had not held anyone accountable; instead, she ordered Xue Huaiyi to rebuild the Ming Hall, ostensibly to protect him, but in reality, it was out of fear of being ridiculed by the world. However, the favored consort I raised had set fire to the very seat of the Emperor's authority in a bid for favor, and this matter would not end so easily. How it would be resolved and who else would be involved were the true sources of anxiety for everyone.

I was amused by him and couldn't help but laugh, still a big child, unchanged.

Xue Huaiyi had long harbored resentment, and this time he set fire to the Ming Hall. Wei Tuan'er is a trusted confidant of Wu Chengsi and has repeatedly framed the Eastern Palace. Regardless of whether this scandal is true or false, it is advantageous for all those present that day. Wu Sansi aims to eliminate Wu Chengsi's confidants, Li Chengqi seeks to remove a long-standing threat, and although the Empress Dowager is in a fit of rage, does she not also harbor the intention to eliminate Xue Huaiyi?

For some unknown reason, the atmosphere became somewhat quiet. Everyone held their teacups, and no one spoke anymore

He suddenly sighed and said softly, "I will."