Chapter 05: Sudden Change

This year, I wonder which young lady my brother will paint the beautiful kite for again

I bribed the imperial physician with a large sum of money, forcing my brother to persuade our parents, and thus we relocated to the Huizhou residence for recuperation

In previous years at home, my elder brother was always able to find the most skilled craftsmen to make kites for me, and then he would personally paint his finest meticulous portraits of beautiful women on them, inscribing the poems I had composed. We would release our kites into the sky, letting them sway freely, without a care. Occasionally, outsiders would find them and treat them as treasures, offering a price of one hundred taels of silver, which led to a rush of purchases in the marketplace. People of the time referred to them as "Beautiful Kites".

I still don my splendid attire, entering and exiting in grandeur, within my specially constructed Yuzhang Wangfu, where every night is filled with music and revelry, and the banquets are arranged to the utmost extravagance

Only escape

As for being a wife, I have not known the face of my husband for three years

I feel somewhat dazed, leaning against the railing, my thoughts drifting, faintly returning to the orchid courtyard of my home

A certain part of the heart begins to gradually grow cold and harden

The young lady's skills are lacking, which has caused the princess to laugh. Madam Wu slightly bowed, expressing modesty with her words, while her expression revealed a sense of satisfaction.

Rising barefoot and stepping on the silk shoes, I lazily walked through the corridor, inadvertently catching a glimpse of the magnolia tree in the courtyard, which had bloomed overnight, surpassing the frost and snow in its beauty

It is I, who casually donned a long robe with wide sleeves in a water-colored cloud pattern, with a flowing belt and draping fabric. My hair is styled in a low bun, adorned only with a single pearl hairpin, and there is not a single gem or ornament adorning my entire attire.

You may respond on my behalf. I am too lazy to turn back, so I turned and left. Suddenly, I remembered something and said, By the way, take a look at what he has sent this time, keep some interesting items, and prepare the rest for the medical officers.

This young lady is becoming increasingly adept at cheering people up. Seeing me smile with my lips pressed together and not responding, she gently sat down beside me and softly said, "If you are tired of staying in Huizhou, why don't we return to the capital for a visit? It has been three years since we left, and I suppose the princess is feeling homesick, isn't she?"

Having said that, I rose to my feet and brushed away the fallen flowers from my sleeve, "What a splendid spring day, let us go out for a stroll"

Meanwhile, the paper kite, accompanied by a vast shadow, swept in with the strong wind

Huizhou is located at a strategic junction between the north and south, with convenient transportation and accessible waterways, making it historically a prosperous place where merchants gather.

I am well aware that their hospitality is motivated by a reason, yet how can I bear to refuse

Perhaps Jin'er is right; I truly do miss home a bit

The vastness of Huizhou, the grandeur of heaven and earth, taking a step back, one can unexpectedly feel a sense of rebirth and transformation, as if being born anew.

For the past three years, I have been living in seclusion in Huizhou, recuperating and enjoying a carefree life akin to that of an immortal, all thanks to my dear husband.

Reclining under the window, the warm breeze of April makes one feel soft and drowsy. A petal is blown onto my face by the wind, causing a slight itch

I regained my thoughts, gave a self-deprecating smile, and lazily stretched my waist, "Indeed, I do miss the green plum wine at home a bit, but compared to the heavenly days here, I am still reluctant to go back"

They yearn so much to have their destinies changed by the nobility, while I deeply regret that fate is controlled by others

Upon my arrival, it was still the autumn season. I witnessed the yellow leaves falling, then the snow falling on winter nights, the snow melting as spring arrives, and the summer shade gradually thickening. Time passes swiftly, and the years flow like water. My state of mind gradually becomes tranquil, from indifference to coolness, ultimately achieving a calm and composed demeanor

Not only did the father not blame this fine son-in-law for leaving without notice, but he also submitted a memorial to the court, praising him greatly

In previous years, every spring in March and April, the ladies of Beijing would always seek out skilled artisans to create exquisite kites, inviting relatives and close friends to the countryside for outings, feasting, kite flying, and enjoying poetry and songs. Originally, this custom did not exist in Huizhou, but since my arrival, it has been personally hosted by Madam Wu every year, gathering the prominent and wealthy ladies of the city. On the ninth day of the fourth month, the "Thousand Kites Festival" is held at Qionghua Garden.

In the past two days, the most lively event in the city has been the "Qian Yuan Hui".

I entered the garden accompanied by Lady Wu and a group of noblewomen

Apart from this, it is difficult to find any fault with my beloved. The illustrious Prince of Yuzhang not only holds a high position among the ministers but also wields great power in the court. He is generous and considerate towards his family, and even while far away on the battlefield, he does not forget to send letters every month. The rare and precious treasures bestowed upon him by the Emperor are continuously sent to Huizhou.

A yellow shadow flickered before my eyes, and unexpectedly, the daughter of the Wu family launched an attack, reaching out to grip my shoulder, her five fingers digging deeply into my flesh, causing pain that penetrated to the bone

Note: In one instance of the text, a sentence by Ouyang Xiu has been borrowed and slightly modified.

Perhaps this is what is referred to as holding the tray at the same height and treating each other with respect and courtesy

Jin'er hurriedly called out from behind, "The messenger sent by the prince yesterday is still waiting for the county... waiting for the princess's reply!"

Only my elder brother has never changed, only he understands me, and only in front of him am I not the Princess of Yuzhang, not the County Princess of Shangyang, but merely the little Awu who once followed him closely.

Some things have already changed, and it is impossible to return to the past

I woke up at dawn, and the high fever finally subsided

I nodded to signal the young girl to come closer

In the face of such relatives, I would rather they scolded me and taught me as they did before, than to be so cautious as I am now

I lift my face, "The white magnolia at home should be blooming now, I wonder how the flowers will fare this year"

In two days, Doctor Xu will arrive again, and this time we need to prepare more gold and silver for arrangements

Severe pain in the neck, darkness before the eyes, in the last clear moment of consciousness, there was only the sensation of both shoulders being tightly bound, the body suspended in mid-air, and the sound of the wind howling in the ears

Madam Wu smiled and said, "My daughter Huixin, pays her respects to the princess."

I have no fondness for the hospitality of the Wu couple, yet I cannot bring myself to refuse it

"What a beautiful girl," I said with a smile to Madam Wu, only to find her expression drastically changed as she stared intently at the young girl in front of her

My parents originally thought that I was just going to Huizhou for a short break to relax and would return soon. Little did they expect that upon arriving in Huizhou, I fell in love with the leisurely and carefree lifestyle here, and thus decided to stay long-term, finding joy in not wanting to return. Only during the spring and autumn festivals, and on my parents' birthdays, do I return to Beijing for a brief stay, but after a few days, I claim to feel unwell and return to Huizhou early.

The climate in Huizhou is dry and pleasant, with favorable conditions for relaxation and recuperation

The crowd bows in reverence

As a father, all he could do was to ensure his child's peace and safety

The green plum wine that my brother brought from the capital a fortnight ago has been completely consumed by me. I wonder when he will next find an opportunity to travel to Huizhou on business and come to see me. I lazily propped myself up and called out for Jin'er a couple of times, but there was no response. Ever since this girl left the capital and came here, she has become increasingly lazy.

If the medical officers exaggerate my condition, I fear my mother will rush over to visit, which would be quite unfortunate

This renovation seems to be indefinitely prolonged, and it is uncertain when I will be able to return to the capital.

The rebellion in the Three Commanderies has not yet been quelled, and new troubles arise in the northern borders. In an instant, the smoke of war spreads far and wide, causing turmoil in both the court and the populace

Two months after the grand wedding, a sudden chill struck, and I fell ill, confined to my sickbed. During the most perilous night, my life hung by a thread. That night, my mother knelt in the Buddhist hall, praying earnestly, her face washed with tears, telling my father that if I were to leave this world, she would harbor resentment for life and would never forgive him and my aunt. My father had no words to respond, sitting silently in the study for the entire night.

I understand that those young women eagerly anticipate showcasing their talents at the Qian Yuan gathering, hoping to win my favor and subsequently ascend to high social circles

Even Zi Dan has not appeared in my dreams for a long time

Waking up to see my family members in front of the bed, overwhelmed with joy and tears, I can only feel a profound exhaustion, unable to face it and powerless to bear it any longer

The Emperor's command for Zidan to stay away from the palace is truly out of concern for him, to protect him... In that whirlpool of power, any slight misstep could lead to utter destruction. The Emperor understands that the Wang family and the Crown Prince have already formed their wings, and now they have allied with Xiao Qi, with four hundred thousand troops eyeing the northern borders.

The princess has finally woken up, having been drunk for most of the day, and she even came out without wearing an outer robe, which could lead to catching a cold. Jin'er, while complaining incessantly, draped a silk robe over my shoulders

Suddenly, another sharp and urgent whistle sounded

However, his letters always contain similar content, following a certain format, and are mostly written by the same aide, merely stamped with his seal to be considered family correspondence. I do not know whether this reflects a thorough sense of propriety, a consideration for each other's dignity, or perhaps a hint of guilt. Initially, I also harbored a glimmer of hope to reply to him in my own handwriting. Over time, however, faced with those letters that were as rigid as official correspondence, I lost even the interest to open and read them.

This marriage, this good man, I should be satisfied with it.

Darkness descended overwhelmingly.

On the wedding night, Wang Lian of Yuzhang had not even stepped into the bridal chamber before hastily setting out to battle against the rebels

I compelled the imperial physician to submit a report, stating that the crowd was too noisy and disturbed my peace and recuperation. I forcefully sent a group of people back to the capital, leaving only a few personal maidservants and medical attendants, finally achieving a tranquil environment without further disturbances

The girl who once delighted in her parents' company is no longer present; the companions and friends of yesteryear now find themselves in varied circumstances, and their encounters have become distant; even those who were like sisters have grown silent and melancholic, akin to the lonely concubines in the palace.

Upon my arrival in Huizhou, my parents sent over three hundred servants, guards, and medical attendants, which crowded the small inn to the brim, alarming the governor of Huizhou, who personally came to pay a visit, causing me great annoyance

Day by day, month by month, year by year... I have begun to feel that I have changed

In the fragrant month of April, a scene of blooming flowers competes for spring, with clusters of blossoms and beauties like clouds

His period of mourning at the imperial tomb has already passed, yet the Emperor has issued another imperial decree, commanding him to oversee the construction of the imperial tomb and to repair the ancestral temple

The girl in the yellow dress walked slowly with her head lowered, her figure graceful, and a thin layer of veil on her face fluttering in the wind, making her even more enchanting.

At that time, everyone admired the achievements of King Kuang of Yuzhang in supporting the state, and further praised Queen of Yuzhang for her profound understanding of righteousness, placing the family and country above all else

The ceremony is concluded, and the banquet begins

The women present were all adorned in splendid makeup and exquisite garments, adorned with pearls and silk, showcasing the utmost in elegance and finery

Those gazes chasing after me, those waiting to see me in sorrow and despair, probably did not get what they wished for

As I was about to take a closer look at the young girl, a whistle suddenly sounded, and a green swallow kite soared into the wind, agile and charming, darting about like a fledgling diving into the forest. ... Before I could examine it closely, another golden carp kite rose into the air, followed by kites shaped like celestial peaches, lotus flowers, jade cicadas, and dragonflies ... . In an instant, the sky was filled with kites of all colors, creating a vibrant and bustling scene that left onlookers dazzled.

The Prefect of Huizhou, Wu Qian, was a protégé of my father, who had personally nurtured him. In his time, he was a renowned talent, highly favored by my father, and during his four-year tenure, he achieved remarkable political accomplishments. Since I settled in the residence, Mr. Wu has been consistently attentive and caring, and Mrs. Wu often comes to pay her respects, fearing that I might feel the slightest displeasure, always making every effort to serve me.

In the past, I did not understand why the Emperor, who clearly favored Zidan, allowed his aunt to drive him away from the imperial tomb.

Now I understand

The hangover from last night has yet to fade, my body feels soft and weak. As I reach out, I inadvertently knock over a jade pot, which rolls down the steps, spilling the last drop of residual wine, adding a hint of fragrant wine aroma to the gentle breeze

The废太子, the change of the crown prince, is already absolutely impossible

Since ancient times, the people from the north and south have continuously migrated and cohabited in this region, resulting in a local culture that embodies both the straightforwardness and simplicity of the northerners and the gentleness and ingenuity of the southerners. Even during years of continuous warfare, this area has experienced little turmoil, and the livelihoods of its people have remained prosperous.

I paused, and an inexplicable sense of gloom swept over my heart

My parents, aunt, and uncle, whenever they see me, always strive to care for me, their eyes filled with an undeniable sense of guilt.

Time easily casts people aside, and in the blink of an eye, three years have passed

It is rare that the couple has put in such thoughtful effort to come up with this method to please me

The weather here is quite different from that of the capital, being neither as humid nor as rainy. Summers are sultry, while winters are overcast and chilly

When my uncle served as an official in Huizhou, he constructed a finely crafted residence. Just as it was completed, he was reassigned back to the capital, and the residence has remained unused to this day

In their eyes, I am an unattainable noble, a person who can change their fate in an instant

Pity the hearts of parents everywhere, their worries and toil for their children have reached such a point

April 9, Qionghua Garden

We share an unspoken understanding, and there is no need for forced pretense; instead, we find joy in our own way, achieving what we seek.

Wu Qian, relying on his political achievements and the support of my father, has had a smooth career path with prospects for promotion, and he need not deliberately seek to curry favor with me. However, his only daughter is nearing adulthood and has spent many years with her parents in Huizhou, unable to meet the young scions of high families in the capital. Now that she is approaching the age for marriage, the Wu couple is filled with anxiety, hoping for an opportunity to return to the capital as soon as possible to arrange a suitable match for their daughter.

I no longer have any other thoughts; this life’s fate has come to an end. I have married and become a wife. Only occasionally, in the midnight hours of dreams, do I wish for the well-being of Zi Dan, who is far away in the imperial tombs.

I was startled and looked up, and suddenly a shadow swept up from the southeast direction outside the garden

I suddenly stood up and quickly retreated.

The daughter of the Wu family walked gracefully, taking slow steps to the front of the seat, and bowed gently.

In Huizhou, renowned families gather, and families of some status and standing all compete to have their female members participate in this grand event

No one dares to mock me for living in solitude, and I calmly enter the palace to express my gratitude, returning alone to visit my family... Just as they expect, I am dignified and serene, exuding an air of grace and composure.

On the contrary, Huizhou experiences distinct seasons, with sunny weather throughout the year and a clear, bright sky

The silk and bamboo instruments have momentarily ceased, and the music and dance have temporarily come to a halt

This villa of my uncle seems to have been specially prepared for me; not only is the scenery delightful and everything to my liking, but the cellar also conceals aged fine wines. The garden is adorned with lush green trees and blooming flowers, and the tranquil pond is home to flying birds, presenting a unique charm that surpasses the splendor of the gardens in the capital.

In the south, there is an old custom that unmarried women must cover their faces with a veil when going out. However, I was unaware that such a custom also exists in Huizhou. This girl from the Wu family, covering her face with a thin veil in front of others, must surely come from a very strict family background

The crowd beneath could only look up in awe and admiration.

The weather in the capital is warmer than here, and the flowers should bloom earlier. Jin'er also sighed and then laughed lightly, saying, "However, although it is a bit cold here, there are more sunny days than in the capital, and it doesn't rain often. I prefer to stay here."

The spring kite-flying festival is originally a custom of the southern regions, particularly popular among the noblewomen of the capital.

My beloved, bearing the weight of the world on one shoulder, wields a sword to pacify the north and south. After much effort in quelling the rebellion, he hastens to march northward without pause.

"You are not Huixin!" Amid Madam Wu's scream, the young girl stepped forward and struck at my neck with her palm

In the midst of the gale, a gigantic blue kite soared into the sky, resembling a soaring eagle, its wings nearly three zhang long, sweeping across the garden and charging directly towards the first tower where I was situated

Amidst the sound of silk and bamboo, a line of dancers in colorful attire gracefully emerged, dancing in unison. In the garden, a crimson and gold butterfly kite rose first, gently ascending with the wind. Its appearance was splendid, yet devoid of spirit, and considerable effort had evidently been invested in its creation, suggesting it was likely the work of a daughter from the Wu family

A girl in a yellow dress rose to express her gratitude

My elder brother said that our mother and aunt often inquire about why my illness has not improved and why I have not returned to the capital for so long. This has caused great anxiety among the physicians, who fear that the truth may be uncovered. Although my brother acts as an insider for our parents, those medical officials are generally timid. If we do not provide them with more gold and silver to silence them, it is difficult to ensure that our aunt will not notice something amiss and issue a decree summoning me back to the capital.

I smiled faintly and said, "With delicate wings and fragrant smoke, I am always busy for the flowers" 1

As the rainy season approaches, my old ailment of coughing and wheezing has recurred. The imperial physician is concerned that the continuous rainy weather in the capital will be detrimental to my recovery