Chapter 2, where the falling blossoms cease, is not spring

I covered my mouth, but could no longer hold back and cried out loud

I cried out sharply: "How could it be enough? If he were still a good emperor, he could live happily with me, my mother, and my younger brother in the peaceful and prosperous era of Great Yan, until we grow old, until we die of old age"

"Brother Yi, what will Yuwen Zhao do to the Empress? Will he harm her?" I asked. When Yuwen Zhao entered my mother's chamber, he did not bring any weapons; he even specifically handed over his long sword to his attendant, then entered alone with a smile.

Yuwen Zhao was always with my mother; others could avoid him, but I could not escape the necessity of seeing him frequently. Following my mother's instructions, I obediently called him "uncle" and performed the rites of respect due to an elder. At my mother's encouraging smile, he treated me very kindly, even often bringing various strange toys from outside the palace for my enjoyment, which made me feel as if he was trying to win my favor.

His eyes were still clouded with sorrow, staring at us with such despondency, as if he could not understand why we dared to open the door, and yet seemed to resent his own helplessness

I pushed open the door to Xiao Caiyi's room and rushed towards my mother's chamber. In the intricately carved corridor, I hid behind the beam adorned with the pattern of the phoenix dancing in the nine heavens, waiting for my mother to appear. The design of the phoenix dancing in the nine heavens bears a striking resemblance to the purple phoenix in the jade pendant I hold, which symbolizes my birth.

Of course, more often than not, he would gaze at his mother, looking at her with sadness and melancholy, as if he were looking at a treasure he had guarded for a lifetime

It seems that overnight, the palace has become the domain of the Yuwen family. Besides Yuwen Zhao, his sons Yuwen Hong and Yuwen Xie, as well as his trusted aides, often appear in the Zhaoyang Hall to seek their father's guidance on state affairs. Aunt Xi clearly received instructions from my mother and carefully looked after me, even after I recovered from my illness, allowing me to leave my quarters only sparingly to avoid frequent encounters with unfamiliar men.

In fact, whether Junyu is the emperor, whether my mother is the empress dowager, or whether I am a princess, none of it matters. I weakly rested my head on Xiao Caiyi's shoulder, gazing at the starry sky, and murmured: I just want to live freely and happily like before

The snow-white sheets still bear remnants of disorder and filth

The palace gate slowly opened

The mother spoke, her eyes shimmering like autumn waters, gently gliding over the faces of the rebellious soldiers wielding spears, then passing over the fallen warriors. She lowered her eyelids, letting out a soft sigh filled with sorrow and compassion, silently turning away, leaving behind a faint and unadorned silhouette. She slowly drifted over the white marble steps, her long skirt trailing on the steps like the ripples of spring water.

Goodbye to the joy that cannot be exuberantly expressed, I will push the bright red quilt with all my might, letting it fall to the floor, like a pool of blood

The nine-year-old young emperor and the frail empress dowager are both mere decorations, with all political opinions emanating from the Grand General's residence. No, it should be said that it is the regent who holds sway.

That night, I fell asleep, resting on Xiao Caiyi's shoulder. I vaguely sensed that Xiao Caiyi carefully held me in her arms, sitting for a long, long time

Thus, in his eagle-like eyes, the smile grew even more pronounced. He tightened his black fur cloak, walked over, and gently patted my head, surprisingly speaking in a soft tone: "Little princess, do not worry. Although your father is no longer here, I am still here. I will protect you and your mother, as well as His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

I rubbed my eyes and finally saw my mother

Yet in my dreams and in my sleep, there remains an abundance of deep crimson, so vividly anchored, like vast expanses of a sea of blood, threatening to engulf me

Perhaps it is because I have always been embraced by my mother, her soft and fragile shoulders, like the wings of an old bird, carefully nurturing me in warmth

The once warm palace has gradually become terrifying, yet I have finally lost the desire to leave it as I once did.

Perhaps a mother sacrifices so much, only to reduce herself and her children to the playthings of others

"Lord Yan, dear Lord Yan, please do not let the Empress's heartfelt intentions go to waste!" Liu Sui tightly covered Yan Yuanfeng's mouth, lowering his voice to a hushed wail, his sparse long eyebrows trembling, old tears streaming down his pockmarked, wrinkled face, resembling the skin of an orange soaked in cold water.

Regardless of friend or foe, in a moment of tranquility, I was merely entranced, gazing at my mother as she approached others with the most graceful steps and the most noble demeanor of the human world

His incessant chatter makes me feel annoyed, yet I am too lazy to interrupt him. Perhaps I am even more afraid that when I open my eyes, I will suddenly find myself all alone, with not a single family member in sight

Yet in that smile, I can sense a kind of greed and pride akin to that of a wolf encountering a feast

In the midst of the forest of swords and halberds, the Zhaoyang Palace remains safe and sound

So, is the father a bad emperor

My home, in comparison to an ordinary household, is perhaps too large

Although Xiao Caiyi is a relative of the Empress, when it comes to the closeness between men and women, she is not permitted to move about in the inner palace. However, it is evident that her mother has tacitly allowed her to reside in Zhaoyang Hall. I do not know what kind of discussions this will provoke in the outside world, nor do I care to speculate. The eunuchs around me appear to be overly weak and powerless, but having an older brother like Xiao Caiyi, who possesses such remarkable skills, by my side makes me feel very secure

In the air, there is a faint and elegant fragrance of my mother's gentle essence, and faintly, the scent of my father's ambergris lingers. That intertwined aroma is so familiar and comforting to me, but after the intrusion of a strange man, it has taken on a layer of bizarre atmosphere, rising in waves, making me feel increasingly powerless.

As for me? At the age of 15, and in two more years, I will also be considered an adult

To summon the wind, one must have the wind; to summon the rain, one must have the rain. Yet now, all I wish is to remove these detestable claws

Qiqing, you have finally recovered. However, you have lost quite a bit of weight. My mother caressed my hair like water, her autumn-like eyes filled with both relief and a hint of concern

Until I had nearly recovered from my illness, I went to the palace and saw that the tree of crabapples had almost shed all its blossoms. Suddenly, I heard someone greeting my mother: "Greetings, Empress Dowager!"

I tightly grasped Xiao Caiyi's sleeve and asked, "Do you understand? Do you understand? He must be a good emperor in order to be a good father and husband!"

Xiao Caiyi turned her face away somewhat uneasily, casting a disdainful glance at the tightly shut door of the inner chamber. Gritting her teeth, she said: "Aunt has long known what would happen; it was her own choice to take this path, to protect you, to protect the Crown Prince, to protect all of us. She must know how to protect herself. And you..." Xiao Caiyi caressed my face, her slightly prominent Adam's apple rolling as she slowly said: "You do not know; you are already very beautiful, very dangerous. " She must know how to protect herself. And you..." Xiao Caiyi caressed my face, her slightly prominent Adam's apple rolling as she slowly said: "You do not know; you are already very beautiful, very dangerous.

As I turned around, my mother was wearing a deep purple robe embroidered with golden threads depicting two phoenixes and clouds, adorned with a crown of five phoenixes. She held the hand of Ximeng, moving gracefully and elegantly towards me

The Zhaoyang Hall is filled with songs and dances.

Unfortunately, this general who upholds righteousness by overthrowing the monarch, the very next day forcibly took the king's most beloved woman

Xiao Caiyi has indeed been by my side, continuously reassuring me: "Do not be afraid, Yi Ge is here... Qi Qing, do not be afraid, Yi Ge is here..."

After a long time, Xiao Caiyi pulled me away and brought me to the window, allowing me to breathe in the fresh air outside. I took a couple of deep breaths, only to realize that I had cried to the point of exhaustion, and my chest felt painfully constricted.

I no longer wish to inquire further about how my father governed the country. I only want to retain the memory of that kind father, that wise emperor, who gently told me, "The relationship between a ruler and the people is like that between a boat and water. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it"

The red candle shines brightly, the lights are aglow, and the rosy shadows dance like silk curtains | The woman's dress reflects a gentle crimson, her flowing sleeves rise, gracefully gliding over the red silk carpet, golden pillars, entwined like spring | The water flows gently. Wine, luminous cups, the man's indulgence, the beauty's soft murmurs, delicate fragments spilling through the window

People say that is auspicious, that is wealthy, that is happiness

I turned my face towards him and said, "Since it is dangerous here, why do you say that my aunt will be fine?"

"Stop! Who dares to disturb Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!" In the moment of shock when both sides were taken aback by the sudden opening of the palace doors, Liu Sui's sharp voice rose above the pool of blood.

When Yuwen Zhao emerged, his face was full of smiles, his tall figure stood upright, exuding an indescribable sense of pride and satisfaction

Xiao Caiyi sat beside me, gazing at the deep blue sky, the light, floating clouds resembling torn cotton, quietly drifting under the moonlight, silent and unnoticeable

At the moment he fainted, a tear quietly slid down his pale cheek, which had turned white from excessive blood loss, and when it fell to the ground, it blossomed into a light red flower

Yuwen Zhao finally walked away. Xiao Caiyi's body emitted a warm, humid air, and his breath was heavy and hot. He was equally terrified, breaking out in a cold sweat.

Xiao Caiyi held me tightly, as if trying to suppress both his own and my body's trembling. I closed my eyes, not daring to let a single tear fall.

I seem to understand yet not fully, I reach out to touch my face, it feels cool, having rolled down many tears, it must be very dirty

However, how is bullying defined

Fortunately, he did not have designs on you, " Xiao Caiyi murmured, still unwilling to let go of me.

My mother trembled slightly, and then her chest and abdomen began to convulse slowly. By the time I understood what was happening, her delicate face had already touched mine, and warm tears suddenly pooled together, gradually turning cold and dripping onto my collar.

Perhaps it will. Perhaps it will not

Xiao Caiyi gently said: "There are many affairs in the court, they are all busy."

In a daze, I surveyed the room where bright yellow and plain white intertwined, no longer seeing my father's loving smile, no longer feeling his warm embrace. In the haze, all that remained was my father's dazzling figure in bright yellow, struggling amidst the vivid red, growing ever more distant.

Xiao Caiyi held me tightly without saying a word, I struggled to break free from his embrace, stumbling as I ran away, rushing into my mother's room

My heart, which had been tightly wound, finally began to relax slightly. When I turned to look at my mother, she was slowly stepping down from the steps. Amidst the fluttering fallen petals, her garments billowed, her dark hair cascading like a veil, trailing on the ground, gracefully like an immortal.

However, at the moment he saw his mother's figure appear from within the palace gates, it seemed as though he lost all support; the treasured sword suddenly slipped from his hand, piercing the enemy's back, while he himself was swaying and on the verge of collapsing

My throat is so dry that I can hardly speak, struggling to utter a choked voice: "Brother Yi," he said, "Father is no longer here."

The soaring smoke of war, the fierce hand-to-hand combat, the mountains of corpses, the lakes of blood—each serves as a reminder to the citizens of the capital of the absurdity of the news regarding the sudden death of the emperor. Rumors abound in the streets, yet the position of regent held by Yuwen Zhao remains steadfast.

Tears have once again wet the cheeks

Xiao Caiyi closely followed me, gripping my shoulder, and gently said: "Aunt will be fine, Qiqing, you cannot stay here, it is too dangerous."

Why are the common people indifferent to the sudden death of my father, the Emperor? Is it that my father is so unpopular? I voiced the question that had been lingering in my heart since the coup.

He said he would protect me, so he stays by my side, yet he refuses to tell me anything that might make me unhappy

Resting emotions, resting emotions! Someone is gently calling me

So many events have transpired, the upheaval of heaven and earth, the alternation of power, the appointments and dismissals of officials, leaving one dazzled yet filled with trepidation

My father is gone, but my mother is still here. I can actually cry myself to sleep in my mother's embrace, no longer thinking that living on would be a difficult thing.

Where is Lord Yuwen? Please invite him to see me." My mother said casually, as if she were inviting some palace concubine or external official to the palace for tea and to enjoy the flowers.

In the realm of family, in the realm of family, it seems that in the hearts of both my father and us, there is only family, and no concern for the world beyond it

With a sharp sound, I pushed away the hand of Yu Wen Zhao that was wiping my tears from my face and rushed out of the room

I grasped his hand, opened it, and placed my small and slender fingers in his palm, gently saying: "I know that Brother Yi will definitely not let anyone bully me"

He said to his mother: "I remember that Qiqing used to laugh a lot, but after falling ill, she has become much quieter. Moreover, she is too thin; is it because the imperial chef is not attentive? Should we consider changing the chef to specially prepare some delicious dishes for her?"

Mother adjusted the jade flower in my hair and said with a hint of sadness, "Zhao, this child has not experienced the storms of life; there have been too many incidents lately that have frightened her."

Hearing my mother affectionately call out Yu Wen Zhao's name, I was reminded of my father, who was hastily buried during my illness. A sense of worthlessness and grievance surged within me, and tears streamed down my face

However, Yan Yuanfeng may be the most vehement opponent of this matter, yet my mother sent him far away from the palace to recuperate, forbidding him from entering the palace. After I fell ill, I never saw him again; what kept flashing in my mind were his desperate struggles and tears upon hearing that Yuwen Zhao had entered my mother's chamber.

She turned and walked into the hall, leaving behind a faint sigh: "Your father has died, and we are all lonely, without support."

We weep bitterly for our father, for our mother, and for the joyful life that we will ultimately lose

Yan Yuanfeng was severely injured, but upon hearing that Yuwen Zhao had entered the palace, a place where no man other than his father had ever dared to step into his mother's chamber, he struggled frantically to rush over

The dead lie in their blood, while the living still fight amidst the bloodshed

I always feel that he has some unspoken implications, but I am too lazy to think about it. I simply sit on the cool stone steps, watching the pure moonlight divide and envelop the trees and flowers as if they were shrouded in mist, casting a transparent, clear light. The layers of palaces in the imperial palace appear like three-dimensional silhouettes, overlapping in the moonlight and the chill.

I turned my head to look at the palace gate, the atmosphere was quiet and still, as if the triumphant laughter of a man was emanating from within, and for some reason, tears began to flow again.

"Brother Yi, have many things happened these days?" I asked Xiao Caiyi.

Yuwen Zhao's original goal was the yellow dragon throne beneath his father, but in the face of his mother's smile and tears, and perhaps considering that there were still many powerful generals nominally loyal to the court in Great Yan, as well as the Xiao clan's army behind his mother, he ultimately chose to establish Junyu as emperor and appointed himself as regent

Xiao Caiyi clenched her fists tightly and said fiercely, "I cannot allow anyone to bully you, absolutely not"

I asked Xiao Caiyi: "What is mother busy with? What about Uncle Yan? What about younger brother Junyu?"

The mother remained silent for a long time, her gaze drifting beyond the branches where the blossoms had fallen, letting out a silent sigh

Is the world outside the palace not more terrifying

My face suddenly flushed red, and I felt that holding like this was quite inappropriate. After all, I am no longer a little child of six or seven years old. Even Yan Yuanfeng no longer dares to hold my hand when he sees me, only willing to look at me from a distance with warm and gentle eyes, quietly observing me.

Her silhouette remains beautiful, yet desolate, akin to those verses from the later period of Li Qingzhao that have been sung countless times. Beautiful indeed, yet excessively sorrowful

When I lifted my bewildered eyes, I met the gaze of Xiao Caiyi, filled with shock and sorrow. He carefully wiped my tears with his large hand, and then suddenly embraced me tightly, making it difficult for me to catch my breath.

But I only wish to exchange all of those for the safety and peace of my father, my mother, and the entire life of my family

Yan Yuanfeng appeared oblivious to the surroundings, struggling with unwavering determination. The pure white robe, after shedding the battle armor, was now completely drenched in bright red. In the throes of anger and struggle, blood flowed profusely, pooling into a patch on the lotus-patterned golden bricks of the side hall. The once pristine golden bricks, which had been adorned with lotus flowers, had now transformed into blood-red lotuses, reflecting the terrified and fearful faces of everyone present

What relation do the affairs of the court have with my mother, who does not concern herself with political matters? And what relation do they have with my younger brother, Junyu?

I believe my mother is ultimately wise; when I was at the mercy of others, she successfully concealed all her emotions and aligned herself with the most powerful forces

I suddenly understood why my mother, such a quiet figure, was referred to as a妖孽 alongside Du Guiren by Qin Changqing. The innate beauty that seizes the essence of heaven and earth, combined with the careful nurturing and affection from my maternal grandfather and father, made her charm irresistible even to soldiers harboring murderous intent

Having been under the most stringent protection and meticulous care for many years, I admit that my reaction to danger is always a beat slower than that of the average person

"Mother, are you the Empress Dowager?" I felt somewhat bewildered

My mother held me in her arms, not allowing me to see her distress, and only said hoarsely: "Qing, we have nothing left. But you and Junyu must ultimately survive."

In the following days, I remained in a daze, my head throbbing with a heavy sensation, alternating between feeling cold and hot on my forehead. Listening to my wet nurse, Aunt Xi, and Xiao Caiyi conversing, I realized that I had a fever, and the imperial physician said that I had been frightened.

I caught sight of Yan Yuanfeng at a glance. His pure white battle robe was covered in wounds, stained all over with bright red, yet he seemed oblivious to the pain, swiftly spinning his sword-like light around the enemy's neck.

Mother, my empress, my mom, is being bullied by a stranger in the house. I am already aware of it

What a righteous and imposing general, yet he has become one who upholds justice by overthrowing his sovereign

The father emperor was announced to have passed away due to a sudden illness

"Yes, if he were not the emperor, he would surely be able to accompany you until old age, until death." A faint glimmer of tears welled up in Xiao Caiyi's eyes as she held my hand and gently said, "In fact, being an ordinary person and growing old alongside the one you love can be considered a lifetime of happiness."

Xiao Caiyi's pupils, in the moonlight, convey an indescribable depth. He gazed at me for a long time before saying: "Perhaps, it will be."

Indeed, my father was murdered on the very day he left the Zhaoyang Palace. Although he had many guards, they were no match for the sudden betrayal, and ultimately, he died at the hands of his most trusted confidant, Yuwen Zhao. It is said that as the white silk was placed upon him, my father declared, "Yuwen Zhao, I may betray the world, but I have never betrayed you." To which Yuwen Zhao replied, "I would rather betray the king alone than betray the entire world."

With the funeral now concluded, the queen's palace has become a venue for revelry under the regent Yu Wen Zhao.

"Brother Yi, Junyu is still young. Do you think that when he grows up, Yuwen Zhao will hand over the imperial power to him?" I asked gently, infused with a sense of uncertain hope.

I still believe that those simple garments are more suitable for my mother, even if she merely uses a plain silver hairpin to style a simple bun, it can make her appear tranquil and serene, with an ethereal beauty, resembling a figure from a painting. These grand and ornate robes only serve to accentuate her delicate and gentle demeanor, yet they cannot convey the majesty and power of an empress.

Yuwen Zhao looked at my tears in surprise, took a handkerchief to wipe them away, and tried his best to comfort me gently: "Qiqing, do not be afraid. From now on, Uncle Yuwen will take care of you, and you will still live very happily. Your brother will be the happiest emperor, and you will be the most noble princess, having whatever you desire, whether it be wind or rain"

Yes, my child, the Empress Dowager has become the Empress Dowager, and Junyu is already a young emperor. Unfortunately, the Great Yan Dynasty is already in turmoil, and our fate is like that of the Great Yan Dynasty..." She spoke slowly, suppressing the slight tremor in her voice: "In the future, when you see Lord Yuwen, address him as uncle.

My tears suddenly burst forth

Xiao Caiyi hurried forward, reaching out to strike Yan Yuanfeng on the back of the neck, finally bringing him to silence

"Qing, my dear, promise me that from now on, you will not leave my side for a moment. I... I can never allow anyone to harm you." His voice trembled, and his body shook as well, yet his embrace was broad and strong, making me vaguely recall that he was already sixteen, considered an adult.

When he turned around, he saw us. Xiao Caiyi held me in her arms, deliberately hiding behind the pillar and looking at him with a frightened and terrified expression.

Mother! I threw myself into my mother's embrace, feeling her warm body and familiar heartbeat, and finally burst into tears, followed by an uncontrollable wail: "Mother, do we no longer have Father?"

Mother, I feel very lonely, yet I no longer dare to see you smile like the spring flowers that are about to speak but hold back, your beauty now pale.

Xiao Caiyi lowered her eyelids and gently said: "The Emperor is a good husband, a good father, and also my good uncle by marriage. For us, this should be enough, right?"

Father, I am very afraid, but I can no longer find you, I will never find you again

"Yes, our Great Yan Dynasty has already been turned upside down," Xiao Caiyi said, with a suppressed anger and concern in his dark eyes. In just a few days, he seemed to have grown significantly, his facial features more defined, with lines that conveyed a resolute and stubborn character.

Next came my mother's gentle laughter, yet I could not hear what she was saying. Indeed, I am filled with hatred; how could I not hate? They killed my father, took my mother, seized my kingdom, and made my family captives. My hatred runs deep to the bone!

She was only wearing a plain inner garment with silk ruffled edges, curled up in a thick brocade quilt, her expression somewhat dazed. The quilt was embroidered with a bright red pattern of joyous sparrows playing among flowers, which was quite festive; even the sparrows' dark eyes appeared slightly flushed, their wings half spread as if they were about to take flight. Her mother sat quietly amidst the floral and brocade quilt, her figure appearing even more delicate, her face pale and weary.

Someone was about to take the opportunity to stab Yan Yuanfeng, but Xiao Caiyi rushed forward in a single step, drawing her sword and shielding Yan Yuanfeng behind her.

Yuwen Zhao's large contingent was stationed outside the Zhaoyang Palace, while Yuwen Zhao himself intruded into his mother's sleeping quarters that morning

I knelt down, cradled his head, and wiped his face, covered in blood and tears, with my silk sleeves, sobbing softly.

My mother occasionally comes to see me, but each time she comes and goes in a hurry

Yuwen Zhao's hands were somewhat stiff, and the voice left behind me was even colder: "Wanyi, it seems this child really hates me?"