Chapter 4, Jade Hairpin

The elder said, "May I ask if the young master would accompany me for a walk and share a few casual words?"

From the first year of the Tian Shou era, Luoyang was designated as the 'Divine Capital'

I absentmindedly rubbed my hands together, and eventually waited for the Emperor's words. I hurriedly took my leave along with the others and returned to the carriage. Yiping saw me come back and handed me a purple copper hand warmer, saying: "The Emperor is truly in good health; walking by the water in this bitter cold, I noticed that those princesses all had pale faces from the cold."

When everyone had dispersed, Li Chengqi finally looked at me and said: "The Chongwen Pavilion is just about to close at this hour, do you wish to take a look?"

Li Chengqi said: "Several years ago, while my grandson was casually wandering around the Guozijian, he once remarked, 'Chang'an, the place of long-lasting peace and stability in the world.' At that time, it was merely a spontaneous thought, yet it attracted the agreement of many scholars, which made him somewhat carried away. Today, revisiting the same place, I intend to share this casual conversation with my younger siblings. Unexpectedly, it sparked a competitive spirit in Longji. Therefore, the origin of this statement lies with my grandson, not with Longji."

I finally let out a sigh and said, "If Young Master Zhang continues to bow down, the old gentleman at the door will come up."

He lowered his head to look at me and said, "Wearing the attire of a palace maid and appearing at the Fengyang Gate, it would be somewhat far-fetched to claim it was an unintentional act."

I heard the last sentence, and my palms turned cold. Aside from the tone of voice, it was word for word! Since someone has reported this beforehand, if he were to deviate even slightly, it would be deceiving the emperor. Therefore, he reported truthfully; although his tone was gentle, it could not conceal the pride of being a member of the Li royal family that lay within the lines of his words.

He still held half of a jade hairpin in his hand, and his calm demeanor in leaving behind that broken piece of jade was indeed puzzling... Just as I was contemplating this, I noticed that the two of them suddenly stopped talking. Li Chengqi was quietly gazing at the pines and cypresses outside the window, while Zhang Jiuling turned around to glance at me, lightly chuckling and saying something. Due to the distance, I could not hear his words, but I saw Li Chengqi turn to look at me, smiling and nodding his head.

I am too lazy to bicker with him, so I said: "Why are you here so early? Is there something important?"

Seeing him like this, I couldn't help but feel a bit worried, saying: "The prince is still young; if he says something inappropriate that reaches the emperor's ears, wouldn't that be troublesome?" Li Chengqi shook his head and smiled, saying: "Let's see what he has to say; if there is anything inappropriate, we can stop it then."

Upon reflecting on this, I could not help but smile softly and retorted: "Yongan has often heard the uncles mention the Prince of Linzi, who, disguised as a woman, performed a song 'Changming Nü'. Although merely a young child, he has already outshone the grandeur of the Daming Palace."

The Li Dynasty established its capital in Chang'an, and by doing so, the Empress Dowager made Luoyang the capital of the Wu Dynasty

Li Chengqi stood by the tree, watching him, with a faint smile in his eyes

The Emperor silently observed him for a while before saying: "Several years ago, I should not have pursued the casual remarks made, but I issued an edict a few days ago, summoning scholars from across the realm to discuss the significance of Luoyang. Today, you, as a royal grandson, have made such statements in the Imperial Academy, which cannot go unpunished." She handed the teacup in her hand to Wan'er, sighed, and said, "Go kneel outside the Changsheng Palace for twelve hours, as a means of self-reflection."

Upon hearing this, my clothes were already drenched. Although the hall was filled with warmth, it felt even colder than the biting wind outside.

He fell silent for a moment, sighed softly, and said: "I know, it is a scheme set by King Liang."

Due to the large size of this robe, the shoes are not very visible; as long as one pays a little attention, naturally no one will take too much notice.

The Emperor's expression grew increasingly indifferent, yet everyone fell silent. Even my father, who was about to set down his teacup, dared not move, gripping the teacup tightly and staring at me. Thus, everyone understood the gravity of the situation, yet could not fathom how the Emperor would respond, including myself, Li Longji, who was kneeling, and Li Chengqi, who stood upright.

I do not understand: "What is the prince thanking for?"

Li Longji respectfully said, "I have passed by the door several times, but have yet to have the opportunity to enter."

In the afternoon, a message arrived from Yidu, stating that the Emperor was somewhat fatigued from the journey and had summoned the various princes and princesses to disembark and accompany him for a brief rest by the banks of the Jishui River

Then the young man emerged from behind the bookshelf, scratching his head and yawning, saying: "With so many books in this pavilion, one must certainly neglect sleep and food to read them thoroughly." After taking about three or four steps away, he finally stopped to scrutinize me closely, his gaze piercing as if it were tangible

Li Chengqi steadily took the teacup and placed it on the side table, saying: "Thank you."

He was not at all reserved and truly engaged in a discussion about literature with Li Chengqi.

The uncles seemed to have known for a long time, all listening from one side, while Li Longji's expression had gradually changed. I stole a glance at Li Chengqi, only to see that he still had a smile at the corner of his mouth, but there was no warmth left in his eyes

Although I am aware of the predicament of the Li royal heirs, it is only through these few words from him today that I have truly understood the feeling of being like fish and meat on the chopping block

He seemed extremely familiar with this place, leading me to the second floor, passing through three or four rows of ancient bookshelves, before taking a scroll from one side and handing it to me, saying: "This is a rubbing of Ouyang Xun's 'Lantingji', if the princess is interested, she may take it back to Taichu Palace for a closer look." I took the scroll, untied the red string, and unfolded it; indeed, it was 'Lantingji', and I couldn't help but feel delighted, saying: "Thank you, Your Highness."

A pair of black boots stopped in front of me, and Li Chengqi stood beside me, speaking in a calm tone: "Longji has said much, but only the pivotal phrase holds some insight. Regarding the terrain, Luoyang connects to Youyan in the north, links to Qinlong in the west, reaches Haidai in the east, and extends to Jianghuai in the south, making it indeed a central location to govern the world; in terms of military and politics, Luoyang can certainly be controlled by the three rivers and fortified by the four passes, which is why His Majesty values Luoyang so highly. However, Chang'an has been the capital since the Western Zhou, enduring through twelve dynasties, and has long been the focus of the people's hearts across the land. It is not merely a matter of surpassing a single region; only with Chang'an at the center can the hearts of the people truly be settled, and the four seas unite in their pilgrimage!"

Yiping smiled and said: "I have always heard Yidu speak of how the Taichu Palace is, and I finally have the opportunity to see it for myself"

The Emperor shook his head with a smile and said something; he slightly raised the corners of his mouth and nodded in response

Li Longji listened to the two of us and turned his head to say, "Have you also encountered a remarkable person?" I smiled and nodded, "Indeed, a remarkable person." He glanced at me and asked, "Who is it?" I looked at Li Chengqi and replied, "It is a friend of the Prince of Yong'an," and after a moment's thought, I added, "a descendant of Zhang Liuhou."

I recalled upon hearing what Grandmother Huanggu said that when Prince Luling, Li Xian, was the crown prince, he relied heavily on this individual, and many of the memorials from the Eastern Palace were drafted by this person. However, that is all in the past. Seeing the Emperor's expression remains unchanged, it is unlikely that he would vent his anger on such a person.

Upon entering the Daming Palace, the Empress Dowager spends more than half of the year handling state affairs at the Taichu Palace. According to Wan'er, after the incense offering at the Fengxian Temple, the Emperor will reside at the Taichu Palace year-round, and we, the younger generation, will naturally follow and move to Luoyang.

I also looked at him inexplicably, then at Li Chengqi. The name "Drunken Immortal Tower" alone suggests it is a place of indulgence, and with Li Longji displaying such an expression, could it be... Li Chengqi took a sip of tea, glanced at me with amusement, and then said to Li Longji, "A place of entertainment is also a gathering place for the talented. Throughout history, many literati and refined individuals have enjoyed the elegance of a red sleeve adding fragrance. That day he went there to steal a book, while I went in search of talent; it was merely a coincidence that we crossed paths, which can be considered fate."

As he walked to the side of a pavilion, he heard several scholars inside engaging in a lively discussion, all asserting that Luoyang had long surpassed Chang'an and should rightfully be at the center to govern the world. Li Chengqi paused to listen quietly, occasionally nodding in agreement, but Li Longji's expression gradually darkened; being hot-tempered, after listening for just a few sentences, he stepped forward to join the debate.

Last night, the new palace maids here were whispering among themselves, and according to the customary practice of previous years, it is certain that Luoyang will experience snowfall in the coming days. Judging by the current weather, it is likely that auspicious snow will arrive in the city tonight or early tomorrow morning

Li Longji shook his head and said: "Elder brother is worried that you might be sensitive to the cold, so he specially ordered someone to prepare this."

I was deliberately following behind the crowd, tightly wrapping my robe, when someone gently tugged at my sleeve. I quickly turned my head to look, and it was none other than Li Longji, who had just been walking ahead.

Li Chengqi said: "Longji is still young, and he only remembers what his grandson said back then. Today, upon entering the Guozijian and witnessing the students engaging in grand discussions, he felt a competitive spirit arise and spoke these words. Although it was he who said them, it was his grandson who initially taught him.

Li Longji raised his sleeve and said: "I apologize for making the old gentleman laugh; may I ask who the gentleman you mentioned is?" His formal bow resembled that of a favored student in a classroom.

The old gentleman said: "He is the Prince of Yong'an, back then he was merely of a similar age as a young master, and though he spoke little, his words were incisive." He paused for a moment, reminiscing about the past, and couldn't help but smile and sigh: "Chang'an, the 'long-term peace and stability' of the world."

At this moment, the water had just boiled, and I hurriedly turned to the side to brew tea to mask the awkwardness

His eyes gradually filled with interest as he said, "Hearing you speak of your elder brother's friend, I knew this person was extraordinary, and it turns out to be true." After he finished speaking, he turned his head to look at Li Chengqi and asked, "When did my elder brother come to know such a friend, and why didn't he mention it to me?"

After a while, he finally said: "Thank you very much"

"Your Majesty," said Cheng Qi, "what do you think of your brother's words?"

I stared blankly, my mind sketching the words of Li Longji, unable to divert my gaze for a moment. Just then, the Emperor suddenly stopped and looked in my direction, while Wan'er and Li Chengqi also raised their eyes to look at me. Our gazes met, and only then did I realize my indiscretion, hurriedly turning my head away.

Li Chengqi smiled at him and said, "I met him at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion in Chang'an." Li Longji's face instantly displayed a myriad of colors: "Elder brother, the Drunken Immortal Pavilion..." He cast a bewildered glance at me and did not continue speaking

The Emperor examined him closely and said: "Chang'an, a place of long-term peace and stability in the world, is indeed a good saying"

Today, everyone has arrived. Behind the Emperor are Wan'er and Wei Tuan'er, on his right side are several of my uncles, and on his left side are the Crown Prince and the younger generation of the royal family. Princess Taiping did not accompany them. As my gaze swept across, I met Wan'er's eyes for a moment, and seeing her frown and gently shake her head at me, my heart couldn't help but skip a beat.

After he finished speaking, he immediately raised his sleeve and respectfully performed a grand bow

It seems he was already aware of Li Chengqi's identity, yet he addressed him as "Brother Li" rather than "Duke," indicating a close and trusted friendship. I noticed him rise with a beaming smile, and I couldn't help but feel a greater fondness for this young man. He was neither servile nor obsequious, appearing casual yet possessing an inner sense of propriety. If this continues, he will surely be a valuable court official in the future

Duke Wu Chengzi of Zhou had just finished speaking when the Emperor glanced at him and suddenly said to Li Longji: "Did you encounter anything new at the Imperial Academy today? Share it with the Empress Dowager."

Li Chengqi spoke gently: "The grass and trees have their own intentions, why seek to have a beauty pluck them"

I was taken aback for a moment, unable to comprehend the meaning of her words. However, seeing that she was just a child of about one and a half years old, I assumed she wouldn't understand much either, so I refrained from asking further. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that this matter was far from simple.

As he was about to disembark, Li Longji took out a dark robe and a hat from his side.

The Emperor nodded and looked at me: "Have you heard of the Guozijian in Yong'an?" I nodded and replied: "In my youth, I often heard Mr. Xie say that most of the successful candidates for the imperial examination each year come from the two academies in Chang'an and Luoyang, which are the revered places that scholars across the land aspire to." The Emperor smiled and shook his head, saying: "Do not speak like that old scholar; what else have you heard?"

Since the earlier conversation, the Emperor has been discussing last year's imperial examination in Luoyang, seemingly in high spirits. The two of them talked about the six arts, poetry, and literary compositions, and from last year's first palace examination to the martial arts subjects. Li Chengqi responded with great discretion, greatly pleasing the Emperor. Wan'er listened from the side, occasionally adding a few remarks, and also exchanged glances with me, her eyes filled with an inscrutable smile

Li Longji suddenly smiled, gave us a knowing glance, and then pretended to say: "I have long heard of the name of the Prince of Yong'an, and indeed, your words are to the point, saving me quite a bit of effort compared to my lengthy discourse"

Due to the fatigue of the Empress Dowager Huanggu yesterday, everyone took the opportunity to rest, and the banquet was postponed to today. By the time we arrived outside the Changsheng Hall, the lights were already brightly lit, and the bustling palace maids were busy with preparations. The esteemed guests inside had already taken their seats, accompanying the Emperor in savoring tea

This kneel made those present realize that something was amiss, and Crown Prince Li Dan's smile faded, his eyes growing increasingly worried.

Your Majesty, you said: "The words did not come from your mouth, how can there be punishment?"

At this moment, Wan'er had lowered her head, while Wei Tuan'er coldly stared at Li Longji, seemingly in a posture of watching a good show. Seeing this situation, I suddenly recalled Wan'er's words: Wei Tuan'er wished to marry the Crown Prince but was firmly rejected, and she would surely seek revenge when the opportunity arose. Could it be that this leverage is precisely today's visit to the Imperial Academy?

I nodded and said, "I often hear people say that Chongwen Pavilion contains all the books in the world, and since I have the opportunity, I naturally must go."

When I was about to hand him the teacup, my fingertips lightly touched it, and unexpectedly, my hand trembled, splashing some water onto him

Zhang Jiuling let out a soft sigh and said, "Then did I not just call you by the wrong name?" Li Chengqi merely smiled without speaking. It was only then that he suddenly realized and looked at me more closely, respectfully bowing and saying, "Your Highness, I have been rude."

When he entered and saw that I had not yet put on makeup, he was surprisingly taken aback for a moment, then helplessly said: "If my two imperial sisters were like you, they would have been scolded by our mother long ago." I looked at him with a sense of helplessness and replied: "If the prince were not a child, I would have gone to my imperial grandmother to report this by now." He understood my meaning and, suppressing some of his amusement, said: "You are only three years older than me."

Li Longji's face flushed red, seemingly taken aback that I would bring up this matter: "How can a dignified prince of a county be spoken of as if he were a woman?" I gestured for him to lower his voice: "Your Highness is overthinking it; Yong'an is merely saying that Your Highness is exceptionally talented and has learned with great finesse. At that grand banquet, Your Highness was indeed the most outstanding."

He did not rush to respond, and as I pondered the enchanting legend in my mind, I felt increasingly embarrassed, only able to play with the red string I had just taken from the scroll.

However, the eight-year-old child spoke these words with remarkable vigor, resembling the crown prince even more than his father, the king

I wandered casually among the rows of bookshelves, skimming over the volumes, yet my mind was occupied with the conversation from just moments ago. Through the gaps between the books, I observed the two individuals standing by the window, and even the overcast sky seemed to carry a hint of warmth.

Li Chengqi nodded and said, "Get up."

The youth, brimming with vigor, shone like a bright ray of sunlight piercing through a gloomy day, dazzling the eyes of those who beheld him

After walking for a while, although wrapped in a cloak, both hands turned red from the cold and were faintly aching

Having been seen in an unflattering appearance by him on both sides, there is no fear of ridicule

Li Chengqi merely shook his head and said to me: "This person is a descendant of Zhang Liuhou from the Western Han Dynasty. The Imperial Academy only admits students over the age of fourteen, but he broke this rule with a single poem"

Li Longji and I were called forward, and naturally, we could only follow closely, not daring to engage in idle chatter

I found myself exposed by him, and my face turned slightly warm. After a moment of silence, I finally said: "Indeed, there have been deliberate hints regarding this matter; otherwise, I would not be so astute as to guess the time and place of the incident."

I got up and followed them onto the carriage, which was quite spacious inside. A red clay charcoal stove was burning brightly, and a kettle on the stove was bubbling with steam. Li Chengqi gestured for Li Longji to sit beside him and specially made room for me next to the charcoal stove. I casually remarked, "The prince has a good taste; even for such a short journey, he has prepared the tea set."

I handed her the hand warmer, and upon receiving the handkerchief, she opened it to reveal a delicate silver-gilt box. I stared at this silver box for a moment before opening it, and a refreshing fragrance of jade bamboo wafted towards me

This allusion may be taken lightly by some, yet the longing of the women in the palace for the emperor's favor is indeed genuine

He handed me the half that was connected to the emerald green hairpin and the golden sparrow: "I have accepted the other half of the jade. Since you are willing to risk your life to save Longji, in the future, if there is any way I can assist you, I will certainly do my utmost to help."

The Emperor paused for a moment before saying: "Yongan, you may speak the truth without reservation." I lowered my head, biting my lip tightly, as the powerful words of Li Longji echoed repeatedly in my mind. In retrospect, each sentence could provoke the Emperor's wrath, each could lead to great calamity.

The next day, I got up and, as I took the cleansing bean from Yiping to wash my face, a palace maid hurriedly entered, bowed, and said: "Your Highness, the Prince of Linzi is already in the outer hall." I was taken aback for a moment, quickly washed my face, took the towel handed to me by Yiping, and said: "Let him in."

It is fortunate that winter has arrived, otherwise it would truly be difficult to find shelter.

The Taichu Palace, also known as the Palace of Primordial Beginning, signifies the creation of the universe by the Wu family during the Great Zhou Dynasty, representing the inception of all things

The interior was permeated with the fragrance of pine and bamboo, the unlit candles, coupled with the overcast sky, made the light appear considerably dimmer

The Emperor nodded and said, "Scholars often possess a certain aloofness; did you inadvertently reveal your identity, drawing the attention of those two?" Li Longji shook his head and smiled, saying, "I have never revealed my identity from beginning to end; I was merely discussing literature with some students, which caught Du Shenyan's attention." The Emperor laughed and said, "As expected of my grandson, able to discuss literature with the students of the Imperial Academy at the age of eight. What did you talk about?"

Zhang Jiuling nodded and said, "Then I shall not adhere to conventional etiquette." As he spoke, he raised the half-opened scroll in his hand and took a couple of steps forward, saying, "I was just reading to this point before sleep, my heart stirred yet with no one to share it with. Who would have thought that heaven would send Brother Li, just right, just right."

He looked at me with a smile that was not quite a smile, and I hurriedly turned away, saying: "Strategizing within the tent and achieving victory from a thousand miles away, I did not expect to see the descendants of Zhang Liuhou here." Zhang Zifang of the Western Han Dynasty assisted Liu Bang in unifying the world, leaving a legacy that has endured through the ages, and the demeanor and grace of this young man indeed set him apart from ordinary people

I held the tea to warm my hands, being baked by the red clay stove, feeling a slight drowsiness, and did not dare to look at him again

I instinctively followed his words and looked ahead. Li Chengqi was conversing with the Empress Dowager, dressed in a blue-green brocade robe, with a moon-white cloak draped over it, standing beside the bright yellow dragon robe, exuding seven parts charm and three parts elegance

I observed that everyone was bowing to him, and I could roughly guess that he must be a person of high moral standing and great reputation

Li Chengqi led the two of us inside, explaining as we walked, while Li Longji listened with great attentiveness

On the way back, I inquired about which verse could prompt the old gentleman of the Imperial Academy to make an exception.

He addressed me as "sister-in-law" repeatedly, which made me feel quite embarrassed. I hurriedly said, "Young Master Zhang may call me by my name, I—" Just as I was about to speak, I felt it was inappropriate. He referred to Li Chengqi as "Brother Li," yet did not bow. Could it be that Li Chengqi had not revealed his true identity to him?

I did not expect him to say this, and I stared at him blankly, inexplicably receiving this courtesy

Hearing this, I realized that he had known about this matter for quite some time, and I couldn't help but ask, "Since you knew, why did you allow this to happen?"

Upon hearing the name of the Prince of Yong'an, everyone engaged in hushed discussions, all expressing their admiration

Li Chengqi merely gestured for me to walk around freely, then walked with him to the bright spot by the window and began to converse in low tones. Zhang Jiuling was evidently a book enthusiast; when he spoke passionately, it was as if he had discovered a treasure, unable to contain his joy. Yet he maintained a slight smile throughout, occasionally adding a few words that were each a gem, piercingly insightful.

Regarding the geographical position, Luoyang is connected to Youyan in the north, to Qinlong in the west, reaches Haidai in the east, and extends to Jianghuai in the south, making it indeed a central location to govern the world; in terms of military and political affairs, Luoyang can effectively control the three rivers and is fortified by four passes. Li Longji respectfully stated, "This is why Your Majesty places such importance on Luoyang. However, Chang'an has been the capital since the Western Zhou Dynasty, enduring through twelve dynasties, and has long been the focus of the people's hearts across the realm. It is by no means merely superior to a single region or territory. Only with Chang'an at the center can the hearts of the people truly be secured, uniting the four seas in a common purpose to pay homage!"

The Emperor paused for a moment before saying, "That is very well said." She hesitated for a moment and continued, "Yongan, it is precisely so."

He cast a sidelong glance at me, then suddenly smiled and said, "If you had witnessed the grand feast of that night with your own eyes, you would not say such things." He lightly raised his chin, pointed ahead, and continued, "My elder brother stood tall that night, playing the jade flute, and to this day, he is still recited by scholars in the folk, having enchanted countless noble ladies in their secluded chambers."

Suddenly, someone lightly knocked on the door from outside. Yiping hurriedly opened the door, exchanged a couple of words, and then closed the car door. In her hand, she held an object wrapped in a white cloth, which she handed to me, saying: "It was sent by a little eunuch, who said it is a specially made hand cream that can protect the hands and prevent frostbite"

I sipped the hot tea, wrapped my robe tightly around me, and exchanged a few casual words about Luoyang with her

I was busy putting down the scroll when I reached up to remove my hood. Due to the tug of the hood's strap, the jade hairpin on my bun unexpectedly fell to the ground, breaking into two pieces with a crisp sound. My heart skipped a beat, and I silently scolded myself for being careless. However, he had already picked up the two pieces of the jade hairpin. After a moment of silence, he gently asked, "Have you heard the story behind this jade hairpin?"

I savor these words; their simplicity strikes directly at the heart, truly a fine sentence. I held my teacup and took a sip, saying: "It is a pity there is only this one line; if it could be completed in the future, it could be passed down through the ages." He nodded and replied: "A fine sentence can be found effortlessly, but a good poem requires careful consideration of each word. Perhaps in the future, if he is willing, he may be able to remedy this regret."

And that knife is actually one's own grandmother, while the cutting board is the dragon throne

He smiled broadly and said: "Thank you for helping Longji avoid a disaster that day"

Li Chengqi agreed, and the Emperor began to speak extensively about last year's palace examination

Li Longji also wore a joyful expression and hurriedly said, "The student is being disrespectful." He turned his head to Li Chengqi and said, "Elder brother, you all continue to stroll; I will come to find you later." After seeing Li Chengqi nod, he immediately stepped down from the pavilion and respectfully performed a student’s salute, following the old man.

My heart skipped a beat, and Li Longji was also taken aback, suddenly realizing that what was said today was extremely inappropriate

The crowd was once again in an uproar. Although I did not know the identity of this old man, I could see that the reactions of the people had already brought joy to Li Longji. ... However, this was just an eight-year-old child who had already outshone numerous Confucian scholars in debate, and had also gained the admiration of the professors at the Imperial Academy while concealing his identity.

At this moment, the crowd surrounding the pavilion suddenly parted to make way, bowing respectfully. An elderly man approached the edge of the pavilion, stroking his beard with a faint smile, and said: "The words of this young master are remarkably similar to those of a certain individual from several years ago, who was equally youthful and unruly, and possessed equally unique insights"

When I was about to serve tea to Li Longji, he suddenly remarked, "Has the princess changed her fragrance today?" I paused for a moment before realizing what Li Longji was referring to, and awkwardly smiled at him, saying, "The prince has a good memory." He replied, "This scent is unique, so it is naturally noticeable." I perfunctorily thanked him, lifted the cup to take a sip of tea, but forgot that it was brewed with boiling water, and my tongue was scalded to the point of numbness. I awkwardly smiled at him, saying, "The prince has a good memory." He replied, "This scent is unique, so it is naturally noticeable." I perfunctorily thanked him, lifted the cup to take a sip of tea, but forgot that it was brewed with boiling water, and my tongue was scalded to the point of numbness.

Li Longji respectfully stood up and replied, "Today, I went to the Guozijian and fortuitously met the scholar Du Shenyan from the Chongwen Pavilion. Later, I followed him to meet Cui Rong, and I had an extensive discussion with both of them for over an hour, which was greatly beneficial to me." The Emperor nodded and said, "In the common folk, you have had the fortune to meet two of the 'Cui, Li, Su, and Du.' Cui Rong was once the reader for your third uncle, King Luling, and he is known for his literary elegance; I remember him well."

The Emperor asked once more, but Longji's face turned pale, and he slowly knelt down without responding

As I stepped forward to pay my respects, the Empress Dowager was discussing the matter of Ouyang Tong. She merely nodded to indicate that I should rise and then continued speaking to Wan'er, saying: "Since Lai Junchen has already provided his testimony, let us grant Ouyang Tong a death sentence. Considering that his father, Ouyang Xun, once received high praise from Emperor Taizong, let us punish only him and avoid bringing disaster upon his entire clan." Wan'er agreed and spoke some words of praise.

I greeted the two of them and then walked over to sit down at the low table. Yongtai winked at me and whispered, "Did you enjoy your outing today, sister?" I smiled at her and said, "I would have forgotten if you hadn't mentioned it. Why didn't you go along?" Yongtai pouted at me and replied, "Brother Longji came to look for me, but I caught a chill by the water yesterday, and I still have a headache now."

The students stared at him in silence, momentarily rendered speechless.

He stared at me intently, his beautiful almond-shaped eyes filled with confusion and contemplation, which soon turned to understanding. I winked at him and said, "Yongan has met the Prince of Linzi." He replied softly, "That day, she was an ugly palace maid with a face covered in red spots and no makeup; today, she seems like a princess."

Li Chengqi nodded and said, "You are hiding here reading again"

Hearing her words, I felt even more certain that I had guessed correctly. This ointment was delivered at just the right moment, and the visitor refused to reveal their identity; who else could it be but him

I lowered my head and pondered for a moment, saying: "I have heard that there are pilgrims from various countries in the Imperial Academy." I glanced at Wan'er and continued, "Sister Wan'er once mentioned that inside, one can see people from Silla, the Arab lands, and other countries, all studying the characters of our Great Zhou and reading our Great Zhou's books."

In a moment of distraction, I suddenly heard the sound of a book falling to the floor from deep within the attic. I couldn't help but freeze and look at him. He gestured for me to remain silent. Just as I was about to turn around to see, footsteps came from the source of the sound. A boy's face quickly appeared from the side of the bookshelf, examining the two of us for a moment before suddenly breaking into a smile and saying, "Brother Li!"

Li Chengqi seemed to sense my hesitation and introduced, "This is Princess Yong'an."

I took that half, holding it in my hand but not knowing how to respond

I bit my lip tightly and looked up to reply: "To the Empress Dowager, not a word less."

He nodded and said, "I have already made an appointment with my elder brother, and we will go to the Imperial Academy today." I looked at him closely and said, "The Emperor merely spoke casually; why must the prince take it so seriously?" He smiled slightly and replied, "Do you not know that a ruler's words are not to be taken lightly? What the Son of Heaven says is an imperial decree, and what he writes is a sacred order"

He smiled slightly at me and said, "You may temporarily remove your hood here."

Zhang Jiuling smiled awkwardly: "Brother Li always brings up my ancestor from a thousand years ago, making me too embarrassed to face others. Sister-in-law, please don't rush to praise me; the verses I used to persuade the old gentleman were truly unremarkable, merely a product of my unintentional efforts."

As we approached the palace gate, the sky had gradually darkened.

Li Longji's face had turned pale, and he wanted to rise, but he was firmly held down by his second brother, Li Chengyi, beside him

Outside the palace gate, carriages have already been parked, and more than ten guards with swords are waiting by the horses. Among the guards, the two standing in front are Li Chengqi and Li Longji. I took a deep breath, quickened my pace, and walked up to them to pay my respects, saying: "Prince Yongping, Prince Linzi"

Having just taken a step, I suddenly recalled that hand cream, and inexplicably found myself returning to the dressing table. Upon opening the box, I hesitated for a moment before using a jade hairpin to scoop out a dab, applying it to my hand, where my fingertips felt smooth and a delicate fragrance wafted up.

The young prince is dressed today in a purple brocade robe, covered with a black cloak, looking as beautiful as a lovely maiden. A flash of inspiration struck me, and I suddenly recalled what my father had mentioned. When my imperial aunt ascended the throne, he had disguised himself in female attire and performed a song "Changming Nu" at the celebration, his expressive demeanor astonishing all the civil and military officials present.

He spoke candidly, and Li Longji felt a bit embarrassed, clearing his throat and saying, "Younger brother is mistaken; elder brother has always maintained his integrity." He gently interrupted, saying, "This person is indeed extraordinary; he will surely have a place in the court in the future." Li Longji nodded, his dark eyes becoming quiet, showing no signs of being a child.

Although I had a plan to deal with the situation, I did not expect you to appear that day," he said, looking at me quietly. "Since King Liang could inform you of this matter, he must already be aware of your relationship with me." I softly replied with an "mm," and the anxiety I had just suppressed surged back up due to his words. In truth, I had only met him a few times, and our so-called relationship was merely for the sake of Wan'er that day.

I looked at her gloomily and said, "They can keep their hands tucked in their sleeves to avoid the cold, while I, following the Empress Dowager, can only stand there properly and let the cold wind blow on me." I complained a couple more times, only to feel a sharp pain in my hands that were holding the warm stove.

Having just changed, the carriage had already arrived at the entrance of the Guozijian. The accompanying attendants presented the token and remained outside with the carriage.

I too savor the brevity of words, for by dissecting the two characters, one can discern victory without defeat. As Li Longji stated, the so-called capital has long transcended the significance of a single territory; in the hearts of billions of people, the phrase 'long-term stability and peace' alone is sufficient

I glanced at him and let out a humph

Li Chengqi picked up the scroll and began to browse through it, remaining silent thereafter

Li Chengqi suddenly stood up and bowed, interrupting, "The Princess of Yong'an is still quite young and may not remember clearly. May I, as her grandson, present the matter?" My heart raced, but I did not dare to look up. I only heard the Emperor pause for a moment before saying, "Very well, let Chengqi speak."

When I was about to leave, Yiping helped me put on a red silk robe with gold embroidery, tying the belt while asking, "When will the princess return to the palace? If someone comes looking for her, I need to have an explanation ready." After thinking for a moment, I replied, "This matter has been approved by the Emperor, so you can just say that." She nodded in agreement.

Li Chengqi did not respond immediately; instead, he lifted his garment and knelt down straight, saying: "Grandson respectfully requests the Empress Dowager to impose punishment."

If Your Majesty does not inquire further, after slowly surveying the crowd, he unexpectedly fixed his gaze upon me: "Yongan, what did Longji say today? Do you still remember?"

I felt extremely uncomfortable under his gaze, not knowing what to do when he suddenly spoke: "Is this the lady of the house? To dare to discuss romance in the Chongming Pavilion of the Imperial Academy is truly unconventional. I am Zhang Jiuling, pleased to meet you, madam."

The Emperor gazed at him deeply and said, "What were the words from that year?"

Li Longji clearly remembered the Emperor's command

I could only comply with him, sending him away first. However, as I sat in front of the bronze mirror, I felt a bit nervous. My encounters with the Prince of Yongping were always unexpected, yet today I had received news in advance. After a moment of silence, I instructed Yiping to select a few simple pieces of jewelry, the only standout being a gold sparrow and jade hairpin. After applying a simple makeup, I finally stood up.

I let out a sound of acknowledgment, and upon closer inspection of her complexion, I noticed a slight flush of warmth. I then said, "Why did you still come to the banquet? Just have a palace maid convey the message; it is not an important feast."

In Luoyang, I once accompanied my father, the king, during my childhood. Due to my young age, my impression was not very deep. However, in the past two years since entering the palace, I have frequently heard Wan'er mention it, which has sparked some thoughts in me. When my imperial aunt ascended the throne, she established the Seven Temples of the Wu Clan, and last year, she relocated one hundred thousand households from various places to settle in Luoyang. Everything seems to be preparing for a de facto relocation of the capital.

He laughed and said: "If you wish to enter with great fanfare, receiving the salutes and worship of the crowd, then don your grand red robe. Otherwise, put on this instead, covering your face with a hat, and let us enjoy a stroll together."

I naturally understood his meaning; after all, the Imperial Academy is exclusively for men. Although it is permissible to visit by virtue of the Emperor's decree, one would merely be surrounded by others, making it difficult to fully enjoy oneself. Having understood this, I did not hesitate any longer, quickly removing the robe I was wearing and changing into the one in his hand, pulling down the hood to cover most of my face.

I responded with a sound, made a slight adjustment, and then dismounted from the carriage. In the distance, by the banks of the Jishui River, my imperial grandmother, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, was laughing and chatting with Wan'er. By her side were several princes and princesses, while palace maids and eunuchs carried incense burners and held pheasant feather fans, following at a respectful distance.

It was only then that I realized what he was saying, and I spoke softly: "That day, I happened to pass by and saw the young prince confronting someone at the palace gate, so I felt a bit of a desire to offer some comfort, but it was merely an unintentional and spontaneous act."

The Emperor nodded and said, "Wan'er is right." She smiled at Li Chengqi and continued, "If there is an opportunity, I will take a few younger brothers and sisters who haven't been to see the Guozijian in Luoyang. Last year's palace examination had many candidates from Luoyang, and in recent years, it has been quite effective.

Li Longji replied: "In my youth, I also heard the names of these four individuals; today, it can be considered a fateful encounter"

Grandmother

His words were quite obscure, yet the meaning was very clear. Their fate depended on whether the Emperor truly cared for them and protected these descendants. If the Emperor still cherished them, even the gravest offenses would go unpunished; if the Emperor regarded them as thorns in his side, even the smallest transgressions could lead to beheading

The Chongwen Pavilion is hidden within an ancient pine forest, standing alone as a building, more tranquil than the other schools. The old gentleman at the gate, seeing that we were about to be stopped, hurriedly bowed upon seeing Li Chengqi's jade token, allowing us to enter.

"Yiping," I said as I sat in the carriage and took the tea she handed me, "Starting next year, you and I will be living in the Taichu Palace."

The hall fell silent in an instant

I nodded slightly, attentively listening to the debate in the pavilion. Since the three of us were all dressed in casual attire, the students did not recognize Li Longji's identity. When a half-grown child suddenly spoke up, they were all taken aback, yet they looked at him with interest. After listening to him speak a few sentences, they became serious and discussed everything with him, from military affairs and politics to commerce and agriculture.

He glanced back at me lightly and said, "I have long been aware of this matter. Even if it is a trap, I already have a countermeasure. Since he wishes to do this, let him be. It is he who wants to put us in danger, but the one who can truly decide our fate is only the Emperor"

Since the Emperor designated Luoyang as the divine capital, every action he has taken has elevated the status of Luoyang. Since his ascension to the throne, he has built the Seven Temples of the Wu Clan in Luoyang, relocated one hundred thousand households, and moved the imperial examination from Chang'an to Luoyang, thereby enhancing the status of the National Academy in Luoyang. Now, he is widely recruiting scholars from across the country to discuss the significance of Luoyang. At this moment, when Li Longji made such remarks at the National Academy, how could the Empress Dowager not be aware of it?

Although the words are well-intentioned, they disregard the sacred will of the Empress Dowager. As members of the royal family, we ought to speak and act with caution, serving as a model for the court officials. The stability of the royal family is the foundation of peace in the realm, and the position of the capital must not be easily shaken. Li Chengqi slowly bowed his head and said, "I implore the Empress Dowager to impose punishment, to serve as a warning to others"

In an instant, my heart was filled with indescribable joy, and I found myself laughing. Yiping, seeing me like this, was momentarily stunned and asked, "Does the princess know who sent it?" I closed the silver box and smiled at her, saying, "Did the sender not mention it?" She shook her head in confusion and replied, "I asked him twice, but that little eunuch refused to say anything and hurriedly ran away"

Princess Yong'an, Prince of Linzi," Wan'er spoke, saying, "The Emperor commands you both to step forward." I hurriedly walked forward with Li Longji to pay our respects, and when we stood up, the Emperor then said: "Longji was born in Luoyang; have you been to the Imperial Academy?"

I let out a low hum. Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty favored Lady Li in the palace, and he gently scratched her with a jade hairpin he had pulled from her hair. As Lady Li's hair fell loose after the hairpin was removed, her dark tresses appeared even more languid, which inevitably drew even greater affection from the emperor. From that moment on, the women in the palace began to imitate her, and the term "jade scratching the head" has been passed down to this day

I was so startled that I stood up, nearly knocking over the table, but I froze for a moment before stepping forward to kneel down. If I did not speak, it would seem as if I was intentionally showing favoritism, which would further imply that he acted with intention. If I did speak, it would not improve the situation much either. I clenched my fists tightly, and in my hesitation, I could not utter a single word.

Yongtai Ai looked at me and said softly, "This is what I think, but the Empress Dowager specifically instructed someone to go to each palace before the banquet, stating that no one is allowed to be absent from tonight's banquet."