Chapter One, The Abandoned Crown Prince

After Di Renjie proposed a toast, the banquet was grandly set, and after three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became extremely lively. The cultural openness of the Tang Dynasty attracted many literati and scholars. This time, Di Renjie invited not only the imperial descendants and high-ranking officials but also some great literary figures.

I pondered and said: "But 'Qingqing zi jin, youyou wo xin'?"

I smiled awkwardly and said, "I am looking for Yiping, but I found that the medicinal soup in her room is still warm, yet she is nowhere to be seen. Considering that you and she have always been close, I came to ask what she has been up to these past few days, as it is not wise to run around without taking her medicine."

Yidu carefully closed the door, walked to the table, poured a cup of hot tea, and stepped back two paces to stand to one side

Li Dan ultimately abdicated two years ago, fulfilling his mother's wishes. A newly ascended emperor can only reign for a few years before being forced to revert to the status of crown prince. It can be said that the current ridicule from Wu Sansi is a humiliation brought about by the emperor himself, which is truly lamentable given such a mother.

I was too busy to dare to speak, and my father only patted my forehead before taking his seat with Wu Sansi. As he settled down, I casually glanced at the several tables nearby; Crown Prince Li Dan was savoring his tea, and beside him sat a few individuals who must be the imperial grandsons

His Majesty also said, "Why does this eleven-year-old girl spend her days either sighing or lamenting?" Wu Youzhi kindly glanced at me and said, "Though she is still young, she is not too young; having been raised in the palace since childhood, it won't be long before she is ready to be married off.

After dismissing the palace maid on duty, I went alone to the Yeting and discovered that Yiping was not there

I let out a sigh of relief, only to realize that between these few sentences, I had already approached the west gate of the Imperial Garden. Under the warm sunlight, the entrance was adorned with chrysanthemums, a golden expanse that seemed like a fairyland. However, by the gate, a familiar figure was pacing back and forth, seemingly waiting for someone. As I got closer, I recognized it was Yiping.

What an audacious remark, I stole a glance at him. As the Prime Minister, it is customary for Di Renjie to welcome you, and it is also appropriate not to welcome you; such questioning... Truly, he is more princely than the princes themselves

Wan'er has always treated me with generosity and often speaks some taboo words to remind me. Although there may be an intention to win me over, I can always discern right from wrong. For instance, the words spoken at this moment are indeed a blunt truth, how could I not be aware of it

Yiping also happened to see me, hurriedly walking over, bowing to Li Chengqi, and saying to me: "I finally found the princess."

I noticed his expression was calm and indifferent, and suddenly remembered that he was, after all, the former crown prince; thus, this conversation was indeed somewhat awkward

Wan'er set down the candle scissors and sat beside me: "Without discussing whether the royal family has genuine intentions, just considering your two identities and surnames, this matter must be approached with caution. Since last year when the Emperor ascended the throne, the Wu family has indeed reached the pinnacle of power, but what comes after the Emperor? Her legitimate son and grandson still bear the surname Li. Therefore, in the future, what will this world ultimately be surnamed? No one can be certain, so why must you entangle yourself with the Li family?"

Yiping moved a chair to the side of the table, assisted Wan'er in sitting down, and then served her a cup of hot tea. Only then did she dismiss all the palace maids, leaving the two of us alone in the room

"Since Di Renjie became the Prime Minister, it has been a month since I last saw the princess," Li Chengqi gently pushed the teacup to my side, smiling warmly, "Seeing you dressed so lightly, the autumn morning dew is still quite heavy; you should have some hot tea first."

Though youthful charm may be captured in a painting, it possesses a unique spirit that is difficult to depict with a brush

With a click, the door lock fell, and before Yidu could pull the door, a pair of jade-white hands pushed it open. Dressed in a light pink short shirt and a deep purple long skirt that wrapped around her delicate figure, she had not yet entered but her voice preceded her: "What on earth are you doing? Are you hiding a man?" Her voice abruptly stopped, and Wan'er stared at us with her slender eyes, motionless.

The bed is still unmade, and the medicinal soup on the table is still warm. I do not know where she has gone. I cannot settle down today without clarifying the whereabouts of Luo Binwang's handwritten scroll, so I simply decided to wander around the palace in search of her. Along the way, I encountered a few people, all of whom said they did not know her whereabouts. Suddenly, I remembered that Yidu has always been on good terms with her, so I asked someone and headed towards Yidu's residence.

He did not continue speaking, yet I felt a sense of alarm. The Emperor has long harbored intentions of independence; how much of this is merely a test? Although I know he is still safe and sound at this moment, I cannot help but ask: "What did the Prince say?"

The young man who was speaking to the Crown Prince also turned his head at that moment

"I am concerned that some people might see you, causing unnecessary trouble," Wan'er said with a faint hum. "What I just said was meant to persuade you, but now this is meant to warn you. Between Wei Tuan'er and you, whom do you think the Emperor trusts more?"

It is Wan'er’s voice

Li Chengqi looked at me leisurely and said, "I have heard that the young princess has always been fond of reading, and it is indeed true."

Although it cannot be compared to the Lin De Hall, it does appear to be quite refined

I had nothing more to say, so I returned a smile and said: "Regardless of what the prince may say, I am ultimately a beneficiary, and I will surely repay this favor in the future." Having said this, I bowed in accordance with royal etiquette, and just as I was about to turn away, I heard him speak again

Wu Sansi raised his eyebrows and stepped into the garden first

For some unknown reason, after two encounters that hardly qualify as hardships, I found myself becoming less wary of him. It was only after I spoke that I realized I had intentionally been testing him, probing his reaction, or perhaps something else entirely

After this awkward moment, he did not attempt to speak again, and I could only sit there in silence. Just as I was pondering how to find an excuse to leave, I heard a knock at the door, causing my hand to tremble and spill some hot tea on my leg, which made me wince in pain

Li Chengqi lightly shook his head: "I did not say anything. One must 'speak without reservation' to the Empress Dowager, and naturally, if I do not know, I cannot speak."

"You should say this to the Emperor in person; she will surely praise you again," Wan'er said, sitting sideways in her chair. "Although you call me sister, I am actually over a decade older than you, after all, I am getting old." After she finished speaking, she scrutinized me closely, her eyes seemingly holding deeper meaning, yet she remained silent.

I bowed and saluted: "Prince Yongping."

I looked at Di Renjie in frustration, wondering how it ended up involving me. I certainly do not wish to spend my prime youth competing with concubines over children and jealousy.

I must admit that I am not skilled in the art of wine orders; however, I have a personal interest in this matter. I cannot bear to see the esteemed Di Renjie being bullied by a petty figure like Wu Sansi, and it is only right to ease the situation a bit.

I was indeed startled; he slightly tilted his head and smiled, causing a wave of unease to wash over me.

Wei Tuan'er is a favored individual in the emperor's eyes, comparable to Wan'er. Although she may not possess Wan'er's political insight, her status in the harem should not be underestimated. But what does Wan'er mean by this? I do not believe I would offend that woman over the matter of the Prince of Yongping.

I turned my head to look elsewhere: "I mentioned at the banquet that I would surely repay this favor in the future. The prince saved me first, and I owe my gratitude later; thus, the prince's word of thanks carries great weight."

Li Chengqi merely smiled without speaking

Wan'er scoffed and said: "To gather three thousand affections upon oneself? Then why are there still beautiful women in the harem who often attend to the emperor's bed? This is the infatuation within the imperial family. If Emperor Taizong were truly unwavering in his affections, how could there be the favor of Consort Xu, and how could there be the emperor's favor?"

"The Emperor is indeed unparalleled throughout the ages, and how could his divine intentions be fathomed by ordinary people?" The King smiled and said, "Today, Di Renjie is hosting a banquet for the officials, and all the princes and grandsons will attend. It is better for us to be more reserved, after all, they are the Emperor's own bloodline."

Not entirely, I awkwardly smiled and said, "I have read quite a bit of various things, but nothing serious compares to Sister Wan'er."

Di Renjie smiled at him, unintentionally disregarding his ostentation, and merely cupped his hands in the direction of the Daming Palace, saying: "Your Majesty's kind intentions, I shall not return home nor be intoxicated tonight." After speaking, his expression softened slightly as he looked at me and said, "The young princess has accompanied the Emperor for two years; it seems that since entering the palace, she has indeed come out, hasn't she?"

Due to my mother's early passing, I was raised in my aunt's home during my early years and was only brought into the palace two years ago to accompany Emperor Wu. My days are filled solely with reading, and I possess no other skills. I have read quite a number of historical texts, yet I am far from being as knowledgeable as Wan'er.

"Why is Heng'an Wang so cautious, even though we are brothers of the same surname?" Wu Sansi said with a smile, "The Emperor has been on the throne for two years. Although he has temporarily conferred the title of Crown Prince upon Li Dan, he remains indecisive in private. If our Wu family does not unite as one, I fear that the Emperor's life will be in jeopardy a hundred years from now."

The play has reached this point with some effect, and I instinctively wanted to withdraw my hand, but he gently tightened his grip, causing my ears to gradually feel warm.

Wu Sansi raised an eyebrow in silence, a trace of inscrutable amusement sweeping across his clear and refined face

I was taken aback for a moment, and it was not appropriate to refuse face to face, so I could only brace myself and enter the room

I merely spoke offhand just now; I have never been able to compete with her, so why should I seek my own suffering? Moreover, there are hidden circumstances in this matter. Engaging in a dispute is merely a ruse, allowing her to genuinely believe that I have such intentions. At this moment, laying down arms will also allow her to gain some advantage, and I am curious to hear what interesting things she might still say.

This subtle reminder warmed my heart, and I bowed once more before turning away. Although I could not see the Prince of Yongping behind me, I felt as though his gaze was following me, making me increasingly uneasy. It was only after I had distanced myself from the Imperial Garden that I suddenly stopped and looked at Yiping seriously: "Speak, tell me the truth, who sent you to find me? How did you know I was in the Imperial Garden?"

As the carriage approached the palace gate, the distant sound of drums signaling the curfew echoed through the air. Lifting the curtain, I beheld the deserted streets and the brightly lit Daming Palace ahead, for the first time realizing that there were indeed delightful aspects within the palace, where music and dance would forever abound, and where the endless night was filled with intriguing tales and romantic conversations

I was hesitating when the door swung open. Yidu's expression was not one of surprise; she simply bowed and said, "Is the Princess of Yong'an looking for me?"

Wei Tuan'er has taken a liking to Li Chengqi's father, which is indeed quite strange to think about... I cannot help but laugh, as all the palace maids before Emperor Wu tried every means to please the one true man in the palace, and now that Emperor Wu has ascended the throne, the palace maids are all doing their utmost to marry the various princes and grandsons...

I sighed and propped my chin on my hand, looking at her: "So you specifically had Yiping take me away today?"

I suppressed my wandering thoughts and said: "Even if she has taken a liking to the Crown Prince, what does it have to do with me?" Although it is Li Chengqi's father she is interested in, it feels somewhat strange at most; what taboos could there possibly be?

He sighed with a smile and did not respond

Wu Sansi shook his head and said, "Duke Di has made a mistake. The two of us did not meet by chance, but rather we just came from the palace. The Emperor is feeling slightly unwell, so I am here to offer Duke Di three cups of wine on her behalf" He elongated the final syllable slightly, and the atmosphere in the room grew even quieter

Chang'an has a system of market districts, and every day at the end of the official hours, when the "daytime hour" is completed, it is necessary to beat the closing drum six hundred times to signal the start of the curfew. Except for the three days of the Lantern Festival, no one dares to defy this rule. Although this time it is a banquet hosted by Di Renjie, and no one dares to truly impose restrictions, given Di Xiang's character, he would never set a precedent for this. Therefore, before the appointed time, the banquet was concluded early.

I gently shook my head, and just as I was about to say something, I noticed someone approaching from a distance. It seemed they saw me but hesitated to move forward.

I hurriedly stood up: "I remembered there are still some urgent matters to attend to—" After a moment of silence, Li Chengqi gently said: "I will escort you back."

The Imperial Garden is a minor attraction, while the Hibiscus Garden is truly the place to be. Wan'er chuckled softly, saying, "I indeed envy the Prince of Yongping for his ability to enter and exit the palace at will. It is said that the Hibiscus Garden boasts several scenic spots, with Ziyun Tower, Caixia Pavilion, and Penglai Mountain being the most prominent. However, Wan'er has heard people privately say that none of those pavilions and towers can compare to the presence of the Prince of Yongping, who often appears in the courtyard, on the terrace, and inside the building.

I paused in silence for a moment before saying: "It is the poetry scroll of Luo Binwang. I was afraid it would fall and be seen by others, which is why I hurried to find Yiping and inquire."

When Xu Jingye was defeated, Luo Binwang also disappeared without a trace. Li Chengqi still had a smile on his lips, saying, "That year I was made the Crown Prince, my grandmother once mentioned this sentence and praised this person for having the talent of a chancellor. At that time, I did not fully understand the meaning of these words"

Just this one sentence has completely scattered all the words I had to say

Li Chengqi seemed to have thought of this as well, gently shaking his head to signal Yidu not to make a sound

It is a pity that when I frequently accompanied the Martial Emperor in the palace, it was also during the time he was deposed from the Great Ming Palace. In order to avoid suspicion, his father, the king, specifically relocated all his offspring away from the Great Ming Palace to live, distancing them from the center of the throne. Was this not also a good strategy to avert disaster?

He smiled faintly and nodded, saying: "There is no need for the princess to be overly courteous; in terms of our ranks and titles, we can sit equally."

In the Daming Palace, there is much charm; if Wan'er were to see me with him... she would surely show mercy where mercy is due

At this moment, Di Renjie was surrounded by a crowd. Upon seeing the three of us enter, he immediately strode over with a smile and said, "Have the two princes arrived a bit late?" As he spoke, he extended his hand to grasp Wu Sansi's hand and continued, "Did the Prince of Liang and the Prince of Heng'an encounter each other on the way?"

As summer draws to a close, the autumn chrysanthemums are in full bloom in the Imperial Garden, and the Emperor no longer lingers in the Fragrant Pavilion, allowing people like us to take advantage of the space

Does this person truly not avoid me at all

Even though I encountered Wan'er, I should not have let her know that I entered from the west gate... I noticed her expression was not good, so I refrained from asking further and could only bow to Li Chengqi to take my leave: "There happens to be a matter in the palace, so I will not keep the prince any longer"

Having calmed my mind, I raised my eyes to my father, who smiled but remained silent

It turns out that he is the legitimate grandson of the emperor

I paused for a moment, noticing him looking at me, and I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous

Yiping let out a soft sigh and murmured, "It seems I have been guessed by the princess."

"Not entirely," I said casually, "Empress Wende, Zhangsun Wugou, married Emperor Taizong at the age of twelve, and for more than twenty years, she gathered three thousand affections to herself. Even after her death, she remained the greatest love of Emperor Taizong's life"

Di Renjie did not wish to celebrate his appointment as Prime Minister in a grand manner, but unfortunately, as the Emperor's favored minister, everything was arranged according to the royal banquet customs in the imperial gardens. After repeatedly declining, the banquet was ultimately held in his own garden. Although it was a ministerial banquet, the royal banquet staff came personally to prepare for it, indicating that this Prime Minister was truly in a position of unparalleled favor.

How good is the Daming Palace? At least the women in the palace do not have to compete for the favor of a supreme man

The man smiled faintly, hesitated for a moment before saying: "The Crown Prince has just arrived, and the Minister is currently accompanying him"

The invitation from the Prince of Yongping is one that cannot be easily declined. Although his father ceded the throne to Emperor Wu, thus stepping down from the position of emperor to that of crown prince, Li Chengqi remains the eldest son, and his status among his royal peers is still the most esteemed.

The problem lies in the fact that she has taken a liking to the Crown Prince, yet the Crown Prince is a clever man and would not dare to provoke her. I understand Wei Tuan'er’s temperament; if she cannot have something, she will destroy it herself. Therefore, I suspect she is currently looking for an opportunity to punish the Crown Prince. If she finds out about your relationship with the royal grandson, it could very well become an opportunity for her to set a trap. " Wan'er put down her teacup and said, "The word 'love' brings countless tribulations; I too could not escape this trial back then, so I cannot help you. However, in this palace filled with intricate schemes, you should try to avoid as much as you can."

The emergence of Yidu is by no means a coincidence; it must be the result of this young man's arrangement of an informant within the palace. But what kind of identity allows one to insert an insider next to the Empress Dowager and still receive such favor? This doubt has finally been resolved; given the identity of the former Crown Prince of Yongping, it is not too difficult to carry out such actions.

Li Chengqi nodded slightly, indicating that I could leave. I hurriedly tugged at Yiping, and after taking two steps, I was called back by Li Chengqi. Looking back, I saw a lingering autumn scene in his eyes: "In this palace, it is better to read fewer idle books."

After he exited the Yeting, he chose a secluded path through the palace. I have traversed most of the Daming Palace, yet this route is one I have never taken before. After all, he has grown up in the palace since childhood, and is certainly more familiar with it than I, who have only been in the palace for two years.

In my heart, I have pondered countless times, yet I could not find anything amiss; I can only finish the tea in my cup and quietly await her guidance

Li Chengqi nodded to indicate that they should continue, and then added: "What poem scroll is worthy of the princess's such concern?"

Li Chengqi responded with a faint "Hmm": "All unmarried royal offspring will move back to Zhaoqing Palace, and the palace will become quite lively."

Wan'er stared at me and said: "You must have heard people privately discuss how many maneuvers are involved in this. Moreover, perhaps the extreme affection at the beginning was love, but what it became afterward, only Emperor Gaozong himself knows."

Wan'er pondered for a moment and said, "Wei Tuan'er has taken a liking to the Crown Prince"

Although he spoke softly, there was an undeniable aura of intimidation about him. I could only nod helplessly, but he suddenly fell silent and remained still. I had no choice but to face him in silence, yet my heart grew increasingly anxious.

The father king also jested: "Those who know the emperor are the Prime Minister Di. I shall borrow the auspicious words of Prime Minister Di."

Li Chengqi smiled at me and after a while said, "What have you heard about this prince, my lady?"

Di Renjie chuckled and said, "What a sharp tongue you have. Just now, when mentioning the important matter of marriage, you have once again revealed your true nature. You must have learned this bad habit from your sister Wan'er in the palace."

Such famous lines, who does not know them? ... Yet they are overly sentimental and do not suit the present day ... . ... However, one does not understand his true intention

"I have indeed read that line of poetry from the banquet just now," he paused for a moment, then gently continued, "The verdant child adorns, my thoughts linger on. Even if I do not go, will you not come? With a gentle touch, in the city walls. A day without seeing you feels like three months."

After two years in the palace, it is only thanks to the good fortune of Di Renjie being appointed as the prime minister today that I am able to come out for the first time

Yidu stepped aside and said: "Although Yiping is not here, there are indeed people inside who wish to see the princess"

But in this situation, it can only be this way

There were originally three or four hosts, and upon seeing us, they immediately rushed over, not because of the father king, but because it was none other than the Liang King, Wu Sansi, who was the apple of Emperor Wu's eye

I almost choked on the tea: "Really?"

Yiping stood up and said: "There is something important. A few princesses have arrived at the county lord's residence, stating that they have some urgent matters to discuss. The attendants, unable to find the county lord, were left without a plan and could only come to me."

In a moment of daze, those clear and refreshing eyes pierced through the bustling crowd of guests, gazing steadily at me... unexpectedly... it was the youth who had covered my mouth last night

Later, as I grew older, I came to understand that this sentence was anti-Wu family, and I am indeed a member of the Wu family

I rose and said: "This bow is in gratitude for the prince's rescue last night"

I casually picked a chrysanthemum from the flowerbed by the roadside and pondered for a moment. Wan'er must be protective of me; that is certainly true. However, even if I strolled through the Imperial Garden with Li Chengqi, it is not a significant matter. Why then is she so anxious? I looked at her and smiled, saying: "So there are no princesses in my palace; they are all taught to you by Sister Wan'er?"

I wondered: "Is there something?"

He suddenly stood up and said softly, "Would you like to take a walk in the Imperial Garden?"

Wu Sansi also forced a smile, yet his eyes were fixed on me

There is no escaping it. Li Chengqi gently placed the teacup down and gestured for Yidu to open the door. Yidu hesitated for a moment, seemingly a bit reluctant. After all, given their statuses, if Wan'er were to notice something amiss between Li Chengqi and her, it would certainly be Yidu who would face dire consequences, not the Emperor's legitimate grandson.

His fingers were slightly cool as he slowly turned his hand to gently grasp mine. Just this one action unexpectedly made me feel remarkably calm, yet in an instant, it shattered seven parts of my composure.

The maid stood beside me, occasionally using a pink cloth to wipe away the crumbs that had fallen on me. Meanwhile, I was lost in my own thoughts, nibbling on the sweet and sour snacks in a distracted manner, and I found myself feeling increasingly drowsy

I subconsciously looked at Li Chengqi and saw that there was indeed a ripple in his gaze. This place is the Yeting, and logically, as a prince, he should not be here, let alone in the emperor's maidservants' quarters. The maidservants' quarters do not have inner and outer rooms, making it impossible to hide a young man.

"Your Majesty's favor is indeed a blessing in marriage." Wu Sansi raised an eyebrow at me, seemingly deep in thought

Wan'er also picked up the tea and took small sips, saying, "It is indeed true"

The corridor is perfectly situated next to the giant rocks of the artificial hill, offering an exquisite view. Before me stands a young man in a green robe with a jade belt; his narrow eyes carry a hint of the cold moonlight. Although his expression is calm, there is an unmistakable charm about him, befitting that of a royal grandson.

I had anticipated her question and simply smiled, saying: "It was at the banquet when Di Renjie was appointed as the prime minister." Naturally, Wan'er did not attend that evening and would not know that this statement was false

"Sister is becoming more and more beautiful," I put down my pen and sat down in the chair, letting out a long sigh, "Just like the Emperor, not a trace of time is left behind."

I smiled and said nothing further

I scoffed and said, "I am waiting for my sister's explanation"

Just after passing through the Yingcui Gate, I saw him standing tall in the corridor

I dismounted the carriage with my father, and the garden gate was adorned with lanterns and decorations, exuding an atmosphere of joy. At the entrance, palanquins and carriages came and went in a continuous stream, and the unending sounds of congratulations filled the air, conveying the host's wealth and auspiciousness.

Yiping lightly furrowed her brows and said, "Miss Wan'er specifically sought me out, asking me to wait for the princess at the west gate of the Imperial Garden without fail." I looked at her in confusion, signaling her to continue. After a moment of thought, Yiping added, "Miss Wan'er also mentioned that if you have any questions, she will come to explain them to you this evening."

I pretended not to see, simply breaking a pastry in half and leisurely stuffing it into my mouth, curling my lips in a self-satisfied manner. In that seemingly peaceful era, yet rife with undercurrents in the Great Ming Palace, who would not grow up?

I walked over quickly, bowed down, and said: "Prince Yongping." Although it was a guess, given that he was seated right next to my father, there was a 90% chance that he was Li Dan's eldest son, the deposed Crown Prince Li Chengqi, whose single character was Xian

However, I came here solely to express my gratitude, without any ulterior motives

After Di Renjie was appointed as the prime minister, Wan'er naturally became quite busy, and the Emperor was even busier.

I rose and smiled, saying, "I did not expect the prince to be here; it is indeed a disturbance from Yong'an." When I first spoke these words, I had this thought in my heart, yet it felt absurd; who would have thought it was truly him

The queen had only been on the throne for two years, and at this time, it was still too early to discuss the succession of the throne, yet this was a fact that everyone was eager to explore. This sentence made me pause in my chewing, glancing at him with half a mouthful of pastry. It was also a deep gaze; he actually noticed my reaction, but merely set down his teacup and continued to stare at my father.

Having heard much about it, I had long envisioned in my heart the Crown Prince, who was said to play a jade flute with endless charm before entering the palace. He was a person of exceptional talent since childhood, well-versed in musical rhythms.

The person dressed in a moon-white garment stood by the window, flipping through a book. Sunlight streamed through the window, enveloping that faint silhouette, and on their face, there seemed to be a smile, yet it also appeared absent, difficult to discern clearly

"I was actually waiting for your explanation," she said, her slender eyes reflecting the flickering flames. "Go ahead, tell me how you came to know Prince Yongping."

Wan'er rose, adjusted her embroidered shawl adorned with golden threads, and suddenly recalled something, casually asking: "There is one matter that I cannot comprehend, why were you and Prince Yongping in the room in Yidu?"

Wan'er smiled softly and said, "Your Highness, such words are an exaggeration." She cast a fleeting glance at Yidu, as if she had not seen me at all, "The Emperor is eager to summon Yidu, so Wan'er will not disturb Your Highness's tranquility. However, the Yeting is ultimately a residence for palace maids; if Your Highness wishes to enjoy the scenery, it would be better to go to the Chenxiang Pavilion to view the chrysanthemum garden, or to the Jiuxiao Bridge, where I have heard that many precious Japanese koi have recently been released."

Walking along the path with lanterns in hand, numerous attendants bowed and stepped back, carrying plates of various sizes and colors. Upon reaching a garden, the guide finally raised his sleeve and said: "The two princes and the princess are invited, the banquet is about to commence"

He calmly took a sip of tea, seemingly unconcerned. The person outside appeared to wait for a moment, then lightly knocked on the door: "Yidu?"

Li Dan? "Wu Sansi asked my father and me a question, yet it seemed he did not require our answer: 'Look at my memory, Your Majesty granted me the surname Li Dan two years ago, and I still have not gotten used to it. Now, there is no longer a Li Dan.' He laughed heartily, took a step inward, 'Since His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is present, it is only proper for the Prime Minister to accompany him, no need for concern.'

In the palace path, the willow tree has only branches and vines left. Several eunuchs are moving a ladder to lean against the branches of the tree, while a young eunuch stands at the top of the ladder trimming the branches and vines. Below, there are people occasionally directing from side to side, and upon seeing Li Chengqi, they hurriedly bow and pay their respects.

Di Renfen once again cupped his hands in salute and smiled, saying, "I must thank His Majesty for the generous gift." His gaze softened, and he continued, "I have heard that the young princess particularly enjoys ancient verses and Han music. The 'Short Song' I just mentioned contains a timeless couplet taken from the Book of Songs. Do you know what it is?" After he finished speaking, he did not rush for an answer, but instead looked at me playfully.

"It must be said that I have truly benefited from the favor of the Prime Minister," I expressed with utmost courtesy, bowing deeply and smiling as I spoke. "The Emperor has remarked that this girl Yong'an is usually unlearned and lacks skills, yet she particularly enjoys the tricks of shooting and drinking games, which just happen to enliven the Prime Minister's banquet. With wine in hand and songs on our lips, how fleeting is life! Yong'an aids the Prince in his career, becoming the 'troubleshooter for Duke Du Kang' for Emperor Wu, and contributes to the grand era of the Great Zhou!"

Since returning to the palace from Taiye Pool, I have been tossing and turning in bed all night, unable to sleep soundly

Yi is the emperor's favored maid, and these romantic affairs have never been concealed from her. Therefore, the emperor only reprimanded her a couple of times before letting the matter rest. The existence of male favorites is well-known within the palace, but the emperor has only been on the throne for two years and still exercises some discretion. If it were to be discovered that it was me, it is uncertain how he would choose to handle the situation.

I turned my head to look at him, and he still wore a calm expression, as if he were reciting an ordinary verse. This is a line from the petition against the emperor, which, although the emperor had once praised greatly, is the most taboo in the palace. When Luo Bingwang rose against the emperor alongside Xu Jingye, I was merely three years old, yet I had already heard the family teacher privately recite this line. Not understanding its meaning, he had already been driven away by my mother

Under the moonlight, his eyes were as clear as water, which startled me, and I dared not guess the deeper meaning of his words. I could only vaguely say: "The 'Book of Songs' can be said to be a work worth a thousand gold pieces. Yong'an has heard of the county prince's talent and is afraid that he has been well-versed in it since childhood. Yong'an was merely seizing the opportunity to show off and would never dare to discuss poetry and lyrics with the county prince."

Upon arriving outside the door of Yidu, I heard voices coming from inside. I was about to reach out and knock on the door, only to realize it was a man's voice.

Yiping smiled gently and quietly departed

His few sarcastic remarks left the king unfazed, but the several servants could hardly bear it, awkwardly forcing smiles as they let us pass.

Luo Binwang has long been a name forbidden to be mentioned in the Daming Palace. If it were not for Wan'er secretly slipping this banned book to me, I would not dare to take it. The Li Tang dynasty has long since passed, yet Luo Binwang's memorial denouncing the Wu family still lingers in my ears. If discovered by those within the palace, Wan'er would certainly not admit to it, and I would be left with no choice but to face death as my only atonement.

She is favored by the Emperor, so naturally her manner of speaking is more casual than that of ordinary palace maids. I merely smiled; since Yiping is not here, I have nothing to stay for. Just as I was about to turn and leave, she called out to me lightly.

King Liang and King Heng'an, one of the men in his thirties bowed respectfully and said, "This garden has just opened today, and esteemed guests have been arriving one after another. Now that King Liang is here, it is even more auspicious." As he spoke, he leaned to the side, his waist still bent, as if he could not straighten up.

Li Chengqi then released his hand, gently lifted the teacup to take a sip, and after placing the teacup on the table, he slowly smiled and said: "There is no need for such formality. In the future, when I return to the Zhaoqing Palace, I will still need your guidance, Wan'er."

It was only when I was about to leave Yidu that I realized my back was completely wet and my hands and feet were still weak

Only then did I suddenly remember that I had only put on a thin dress, and my hands had already turned icy cold

Wan'er stood up, walked to the candlelight, reached out to pick up the red copper candle snuffer, and trimmed the remaining wick in the flame. The flame instantly brightened significantly, swaying with the breeze that blew in through the window

I felt a tightening in my heart and said, "If it were a trivial matter, the Emperor might trust me more. If it concerns the imperial throne and the Emperor, perhaps he would trust her more." After I finished speaking, I picked up the tea beside me and took a sip, yet I did not quite understand Wan'er’s intentions

I picked up the cup and held it in my hand, yet I could not discern his thoughts, so I could only force a smile and say: "I heard from Sister Wan'er that the Emperor has instructed that all the princes and grandsons move back to Zhaoqing Palace to be by his side and share familial bliss. Congratulations to the Prince on your eternal peace."

"It has only been a month..." Wan'er played with the candle scissors in her hand and said, "Are you truly willing to be his confidant, the one who 'holds the lamp and trims the wick'? Yong'an, the Daming Palace cannot accommodate genuine feelings."

A chill ran through my heart, for the trouble caused by a woman's affection has truly wronged His Highness the Crown Prince

For example, the person before him—Wu Sansi, who can turn the tide at will

I naturally understand the gravity of this matter, and I hurriedly said: "There are rules in the Daming Palace, and Yong'an does not dare to casually inquire about the affairs of the imperial heirs and grandchildren, so I will take my leave." After speaking, I turned around, and upon hearing someone approach from behind, I quickened my pace and returned to the banquet.

Li Chengqi nodded and said: "I did not expect that His Highness and the princess would be so fated. Just now, I happened to see the princess at the window, which prompted me to invite her into the room without hesitation. I hope the princess will not think me too abrupt."

Wan'er subtly gave me a glance, then took her leave with Yidu.

Li Chengqi's smile deepened: "I did not save you; I saved myself. The princess need not worry so much."

Wu Sansi smiled and nodded, saying: "Since the Prime Minister Di has set up a banquet, why is there no one to personally welcome the guests?" He gestured for the attendant to present the guest list, while he intentionally glanced around, saying, "Could it be that a distinguished guest has arrived, and they have forgotten about us?"

Wan'er was momentarily taken aback, but quickly composed herself and bowed, saying: "Your Highness, the Prince."

From Wan'er's tone, it is clear that she will not be easily dismissed without opening the door. The door is locked from the inside, and there must certainly be someone inside the room

Have I stumbled upon all the hidden secrets of this palace?

How many princesses are there? I am even more confused listening to this: "How did you know I was coming to the imperial garden?"

Wan'er let out a soft sigh and fell silent for a while

I just heard you say that you came to the Yeting to find a palace maid, is there something important going on

Li Chengqi walked to the edge of the table and sat down, quietly watching me, and I could only sit down as well. Although I did not know why he wanted me to come in, at least his relationship with the master and servant in Yidu no longer required him to conceal anything from me

In the evening, when the lights were turned on, I picked up my pen to practice calligraphy using the copybook that Wan'er had given me. My wrist had begun to feel a bit sore when I realized that someone had already been behind me. Turning around, I saw her looking at me with a gentle smile, and in the dim light, she appeared remarkably radiant.

Li Chengqi seemed to have little reaction, only pondering for a moment: "The soil of a handful has not yet dried, where is the solitude of six feet?"

In this moment, the previous clamor of congratulations faded away, leaving me in silence where I could only hear my own heartbeat and breath. Had it not been for him, last night would have been fraught with peril... And he...

As I took a bite of the crystal dragon and phoenix cake, I suddenly saw the young man rise and head outside the banquet. My heart stirred involuntarily, so I set down my chopsticks and told my father that I felt a bit suffocated and wanted to go out for a walk. My father nodded and, after giving me a few words of advice, allowed me to leave.

Emperor Gaozong also held deep feelings for the current Emperor. Seeing her seriousness, I couldn't help but feel a bit playful; otherwise, the events of the 'Two Saints' presiding over the court back then would not have occurred.

He remained silent, sitting quietly beside me. I stared at the patterns on the stone table, momentarily at a loss, listening to the increasingly pronounced sound of my own heartbeat, unsure whether to stay or leave. The courage I had just moments ago seemed to have vanished; if it were now, even with a thousand times the courage, I would not dare to act as I did then.

This is the year following the ascension of Emperor Wu, marking the era of the Wu family in power

After a while, he smiled a little deeper and said, "Thank you."

Everyone around also began to laugh at this remark, which somewhat diminished the impact of Wu Sansi's words.

On this day, upon waking in the morning, I casually searched through the handwritten scroll given to me by Wan'er from the bookshelf, but I could not find the volume by Luo Binwang no matter how I looked. ... Could it be ... . ... In that fleeting thought, a layer of cold sweat had already formed on my body

I saw them laughing heartily and hurriedly said: "The Prime Minister is joking... The Emperor has asked me to learn from the Prime Minister the art of navigating the world... Just a few days ago, I mentioned to the Emperor that the jade dew balls in the palace had lost their flavor, and the Emperor took note of it. Today, before leaving the palace, he specifically instructed me to learn from the Prime Minister's way of dealing with people, advising me not to be arrogant or overly calculating, sigh..." I blinked and said, "I was merely complaining casually, yet the Emperor has used the Prime Minister to lecture me. Who would dare to take on the label of arrogance?"

Because of this sigh, neither too loud nor too soft, one of the two people discussing matters in the car burst into laughter: "I say, Lord Heng'an, your big girl still thinks that being young means having a big temperament. How can such a little girl let out a sigh that even I can hear and feel a pang in my heart?"

After receiving the exquisite confectionery handed to me by the maid Yiping, I lifted a corner of the carriage curtain. The pedestrians flowed like fish crossing a river, while the carriages and horses moved swiftly. Although the carriage was not traveling fast, even those who were far apart managed to avoid it, prompting me to sigh once more

Just as I hesitated, Di Renjie suddenly laughed heartily and said, "The young princess is indeed clever." He looked at my father, "Based on my observations and deductions, the Emperor this time is not only here to assist me but also intends to let the young princess see the various talented young men, in order to select a worthy husband for Prince Heng'an"

Although we were silenced last night, we ultimately startled the two people inside the room. The Emperor immediately rose and angrily questioned who it was. At that moment, I was tightly held in his embrace, thinking that we were doomed. However, in the next moment, the palace maid Yidu suddenly pushed the door open and knelt down, saying that she could not see the Emperor and had been searching everywhere, which startled His Majesty.

At the door, Wan'er seemed even more anxious, knocking and saying: "The Emperor urgently needs something, but today the ones on duty are all newcomers, and they have been searching for a long time without success. If you do not go soon, I fear we will all be punished together. Are you there? Make a sound."

I find it amusing when she says: "This trick of yours can only deceive those who are not familiar with you. I've known you for two years, and I still don't know?"

I am tired and, feeling anxious, I sat down to think carefully. Suddenly, I remembered that Yiping had organized the cabinet that day. She has been recovering from a fever these past few days, and it seems that to get a clear answer, I can only make a trip to Yeting.

At that moment of distraction, my sleeve was gently tugged a few times. The maid Yiping was just pouring me another cup of tea and pointed outside the garden, indicating that she wanted to take her leave. I quickly composed myself, smiled and nodded, and softly said, "Don't be afraid, just eat more if you can." She had entered the palace at a young age, and this was truly her first time leaving it. With her gentle disposition, she was likely to be intimidated by those sharp-tongued servants.

Yesterday, I watched a live performance, and I was with someone, which kept me awake all night

The maid also did not know where Yiping had gone," Yidu said with a slight smile, "It is said in the palace that those who follow Princess Yong'an are all fortunate people. Today, I truly feel that this statement is correct

He is a person with little political achievement and no desire for power struggles, appearing much more amiable than the likes of Wu Sansi. However, despite having only met a few times since childhood, I am aware that my father is certainly not an ordinary man, and in this chaotic world, how many ordinary individuals can survive to this point

I have thought it over, and there is nothing to hide: "I am missing a handwritten volume of poetry from my room, so I wanted to ask if Yiping has seen it. She has been with me the longest, so naturally, she is more familiar than those who are on duty."

Yidu bit her lip and walked to the door. Suddenly, a thought flashed through my mind, and before I could stop her, I immediately set down my teacup and sat beside Li Chengqi, gently placing my hand on the back of his hand. Li Chengqi's hand moved slightly, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. He did not look at me, yet it seemed he already understood my intentions

At this moment, Li Chengqi was looking elsewhere and did not notice the two of us. Yiping seized this opportunity and quickly gave me a knowing glance: "I originally had no idea, but I happened to run into Miss Wan'er on the way, who said that the princess might come to the Imperial Garden."

Li Chengqi nodded and said, "It has been a long time since I entered the palace, and I have almost forgotten the scenery of the Imperial Garden"