Hua Xiangyi was indeed younger than Qi Zhuyin, by two years. Over these days in the secluded palace, she had grown noticeably thin. Upon seeing a portrait of Qi Shiyu before the Empress Dowager, she finally understood.
The Empress Dowager held her hand, lingering for a long moment before speaking: “I was once young with few wives, yet Qi Shiyu still knows how to care for someone.”
Dressed in her purple palace gown, Hua Xiangyi bowed her head against the Empress Dowager’s lap. The Empress Dowager stroked her long hair. “No need for self-restraint. Daughters of the Hua family are always married off like this. If you go to him, in a few years, you will be the true lady of Qidong’s five counties.”
Incense burned in the hall. Lady Liu’an silently signaled the maids and eunuchs to withdraw.
Hua Xiangyi smiled faintly. “I just cannot bear to leave you, Aunt. Cang County is so far, and to see you even once more, it would take a year.”
“The aunt cannot bear it either,” the Empress Dowager said, holding her gently. Hua Xiangyi leaned against her as she did in childhood, listening. “When I was married to Emperor Guangcheng at fifteen, leaving Dichen was hardest because I would miss the swing in the courtyard. I loved to sit on it, swaying in the wind, listening to the noise beyond the walls. Mother promised me that in Qu City’s palace, as long as I wished, the emperor would build me an identical swing.”
Hua Xiangyi remained silent.
The Empress Dowager had been highly favored during Emperor Guangcheng’s reign, but the emperor’s gifts were never what she truly desired. Once in Qu City, she discovered her husband’s attention was fleeting, and she had to compete with countless women in the harem for fleeting moments of pleasure.
In Qu City, love was the least valuable currency.
The Empress Dowager patted Hua Xiangyi’s head. “Thirty-seven years have passed in Qu City in the blink of an eye. Now my girl is to be married. I am truly old. In Qu City, I’ve seen the world favors men—because they can pass exams, hold office, ride horses, and wield weapons. Daughters are sequestered, taught virtue and discipline. No matter how intelligent or studious, in the end, they must marry.”
Her gaze was calm.
“My father taught me that only he and the emperor were the world above my head—a notion so absurd. As empress, I shared power with the emperor. Who could stand above me? No one! My brothers were all incompetent. The Hua family could only maintain their prestige through marrying daughters, generation after generation, never allowed complaint. What kind of kinship is that? Since the world judges by strength, then I shall also prevail.”
The Empress Dowager stroked Hua Xiangyi’s temple.
“Remember this: it is not Qi Shiyu who chooses you, but you who choose him. My day of defeat may come, but not now. You go to Qidong not out of helplessness, but to gather strength. Whatever happens, you may sigh—but never pity yourself. In this grand game, every move must be made without regret. Surrounded by wolves with nowhere to flee, you must fight them, tooth and nail.”
The bamboo tube in the hall swayed lightly. Hua Xiangyi slowly clasped the Empress Dowager’s hand.
“Your guidance, Aunt, I will never forget.”
The Grand Officials’ Banquet fell on the first night of the new year. Local officials arrived gradually. This year, private feasts were fewer; everyone knew Hai Liangyi was watching closely, and even small gatherings could be evidence of faction-building. Li Jianheng had been on the throne a short time, and all sought to observe the new sovereign.
The political winds in Qu City remained uncertain; all spoke cautiously. Only the matter of Miss Hua San spread louder with each passing day, leaving Qi Zhuyin frustrated with no outlet.
Xiao Chiye had been secretly investigating the Eight Great Houses in recent days and took interest in this matter. At the same time, Xiao Jiming had arrived in the city, and the two brothers casually conversed in the residence.
“If the Hua family seeks to rise again, even the lascivious General Qi cannot consent to this marriage,” Xiao Chiye said, flipping through the records of Li Bei’s Iron Cavalry this year.
“That’s hard to say,” Xiao Jiming replied, reviewing military reports.
Xiao Chiye raised his eyes. “What benefit does this bring to Qidong?”
Xiao Jiming paused, then said, “Since you’re in Qu City, and you also oversee the Eight Battalions, haven’t you reviewed their accounts?”
“I saw them when the Ministry of Justice conducted purges. Surplus silver and rations went to the Imperial Guards this year. What of it?”
Xiao Jiming pondered the documents. “When Hua Siqian was alive, the Eight Battalions’ yearly funds exceeded the border counties several times over. The unclear accounts Xi Guan’an left behind—where did they go? If Hua Siqian could manage two sets of accounts, why could the Empress Dowager not maintain one ledger? Flowing silver, iron-clad auditing—simply replace the officials with your own men, and under the Eight Battalions’ noses, the books could be written any way you liked. The Hua family copied them, yes—but who dares touch the Empress Dowager’s private treasury? That money is now Hua Xiangyi’s dowry. Publicly and privately, Qi Shiyu must feel tempted.”
Xiao Chiye’s expression darkened. “The current commander of Qidong’s five counties is Qi Zhuyin. She will not agree.”
“Even if she objects,” Xiao Jiming finally looked at him, “she cannot stop it.”
Xiao Chiye lay back, thinking. “The Qi family has been close to us these years. If Qi Shiyu truly marries Hua San, Li Bei will no longer be a brother to Qidong.”
“That doesn’t matter. If the twelve border divisions invade, we still fight side by side,” Xiao Jiming said. “With Hua San, Qidong’s defense troops are funded.”
“Then let Li Bei buy their horses themselves,” Xiao Chiye’s eyes hardened. “The Empress Dowager’s private treasury cannot support two hundred thousand troops. Maintaining them is far more costly than keeping twenty dogs. Military expenses are enormous—no single person can shoulder it.”
“With the Qi family as support, the deadlock in Qu City can be broken,” Xiao Jiming said. “Once power is consolidated, silver flows anew.”
Xiao Chiye sat up. “This marriage must not happen.”
“There are ways,” Xiao Jiming said.
Xiao Chiye looked at him. “The simplest is to kill Hua San.”
Xiao Jiming was surprised. “You yourself are a thorn in others’ eyes; the Eight Great Houses would love for you to act.”
“Rumors are rampant now. After the New Year, it will be too late to intervene,” Xiao Chiye said.
Xiao Jiming fell silent, then said, “For the Empress Dowager to arrange this marriage, she must appear in person. The Grand Officials’ Banquet is the only chance. It is a delicate matter—Hai Liangyi may not cooperate, so expect fierce debate.”
“The Hua family has married daughters to Qidong for three generations. If you investigate carefully, Hua San might indeed be a distant relative of Qi Shiyu,” Xiao Chiye said, setting aside his ledger and suddenly smiling. “No… I will ensure Hua San becomes Qi Shiyu’s distant relative. This marriage cannot succeed.”
Xiao Chiye rose and called for Chao Hui.
“It’s New Year,” Xiao Chiye said. “You haven’t met your sister yet.”
Chao Hui looked at Xiao Jiming, who smiled faintly.
Understanding, Chao Hui said, “Tomorrow morning, I shall pay my respects.”
Han Cheng, the new commander of the Brocade Guard, was the third legitimate son of the Han family, one of the Eight Great Houses. Formerly, he served as Deputy Commander in the Eight Battalions. During the Nanlin hunt, he happened to be on leave and neither followed Xi Guan’an nor obeyed the Empress Dowager. Rumor had it that when the Imperial Guards knocked on his door, he was still asleep, thus escaping the Hua faction’s purges.
Shen Zechuan, however, knew Han Cheng was planted by Xue Xiuzhuo.
The night before the Grand Officials’ Banquet, the Brocade Guard was on duty. According to plan, Shen Zechuan had to remain near the emperor, so receiving the badge came as no surprise.
Han Cheng personally handed it to Shen Zechuan inside the Brocade Guard office. “All is ready, save for the east wind. I’ll be at your side. No matter what, the emperor must not be harmed.”
“Of course,” Shen Zechuan said solemnly, attaching the badge. “This time, we rely on your Excellency.”
Han Cheng’s nerves were palpable, though he masked them. “If this fails, both of us are guilty of capital crime. If it succeeds, the Brocade Guard will share spoils with the Imperial Guards. Life of luxury awaits.”
“Rest assured,” Shen Zechuan said seriously. “Brothers united, nothing will go wrong.”
Seeing Shen Zechuan’s certainty, Han Cheng relaxed slightly.
Outside, the snow continued to fall, unceasing until dawn.
Before the banquet, grand rituals were performed. The Imperial Guards took positions early. Xiao Chiye, dressed in formal court attire, met Han Cheng at the palace gate. While exchanging greetings, he saw Shen Zechuan.
“The Left Guard protects the emperor,” Xiao Chiye said, feigning ignorance, looking at Shen Zechuan. “Why assign fewer than a hundred Brocade Guards?”
“Brocade Guard is being reorganized. Many positions are vacant,” Han Cheng said. “Today’s picks are all top talent, but held low posts due to slow promotion.”
Seeing Shen Zechuan, Xiao Chiye became cautious. Though he could dominate the Brocade Guard, he had no authority to replace them—both the Brocade and Eastern Depot answer directly to the emperor. Without Li Jianheng’s order, interference would be overstepping.
Shen Zechuan seemed aware, exchanging a glance with him, an unspoken understanding passing between them.
The tamed elephants had already been led out, and Li Jianheng was about to appear. Xiao Chiye could not linger and walked away.
For the first time, Li Jianheng carried the ceremonial sword in hand. Its weight nearly unbalanced him. Even before stepping beyond the hall, his neck ached under the crown. The ceremonial robes placed sun and moon upon his shoulders, stars on his back, finally revealing a clarity and dignity hidden beneath prior levity.
His palms sweated. Steadying the sword, he stepped forward.
Elephants, adorned in red velvet with golden saddles, flanked him. Officials bowed in unison, shouting, “Long live the emperor!” Li Jianheng, standing on the steps, saw a horizon veiled in eastern clouds, snow covering the land. He felt elevated, almost above the clouds. The cries of “Long live the emperor!” deafened him, and his heart raced. His gaze swept over Hai Liangyi, Xiao Jiming, and the rest. All bowed before him. He alone stood supreme.
Being emperor felt like this.
Li Jianheng tightened his grip on the sword, feeling in the bows a newfound power to defy heaven—a sensation far different from sitting in court. It resembled the thrill of first being obeyed in the hunt.
He advanced along the long staircase toward the sacrificial altar, slow, savoring every moment of honor.
Among the thousands, only Shen Zechuan lifted his head slowly. Beyond Li Jianheng’s figure, through the falling snow and high steps, he saw the dark, brooding sky.
………………………
As the banquet began, the Ministry of Works started delivering the dishes, and the imperial wine cellar rushed bottles non-stop. Li Jianheng had a sweet tooth, so the desserts department had prepared several strands of tiger-eye sugar candy.
Li Jianheng sat on the dragon throne. Below him were the Empress Dowager and Hua Xiangyi, followed by the newly titled Consort Mu. Shen Zechuan and Han Cheng stood at the foot of the steps, with the Imperial Guards on the opposite side. Eunuchs from the Imperial Kitchens knelt just behind Shen Zechuan’s right, tasting every dish before it reached the emperor’s table.
Li Jianheng was in high spirits, frequently urging others to drink, already showing signs of inebriation. Sitting atop the throne, he declared, “Since ascending the throne, I have been fortunate to have virtuous assistance. With wise ministers like Grand Secretary Hai by my side, I dare not forget daily to examine myself and reflect.”
The more he drank, the less restrained he became.
“I am deeply grateful to Grand Secretary Hai. I wish to honor him as the ‘Second Father’ of the court. Such distinction has never been granted to past secretaries. Tonight, I shall—”
Second Father!
How could he say that? The words left Hai Liangyi visibly stunned. He rose abruptly, intending to kneel and stop the emperor. Li Jianheng, hiccupping from the wine, waved his hand.
“Grand Secretary, do not fear. It is fitting—”
“I believe this is inappropriate,” the Empress Dowager interjected, glancing at Hai Liangyi. Pausing briefly, as if reading his shock, she gently addressed Li Jianheng: “Grand Secretary Hai is revered among all scholars, a man of the utmost integrity. Since entering office, his sleeves remain clean and his words courageous. A minister like him, if called ‘Second Father’ by the emperor, would lose the impartiality required to speak freely for the realm.”
Seeing the Empress Dowager’s calm, Li Jianheng smiled. “In history, Xiang Yu honored Fan Zeng as Second Father. I too wish to acknowledge Grand Secretary Hai’s assistance. Calling him such would express closeness, and remind me to reflect! What say you, Grand Secretary?”
Hai Liangyi had already knelt. “This must never happen!”
The sudden rebuke hit Li Jianheng like cold water. His earlier enthusiasm drained, replaced by irritation. His expression changed several times before he forced a smile: “It is merely a title, Grand Secretary. What harm is there?”
Hai Liangyi said, “Your Majesty sits above all, unlike any regional warlord. I, a man from the mountains of Hezhou, am unworthy to share the title of ‘father’ with the revered Emperor Guangcheng!”
Li Jianheng’s original intention was to win Hai Liangyi’s favor, to show scholars across the realm his respect for learning. But he had read so little that he never imagined a mere title would provoke such resistance. Embarrassed and slightly sobered, he sought to smooth it over. “If you are unwilling, then so be it…”
“The emperor’s whims influence the realm below. If you start such precedents tonight, tomorrow others will attempt to imitate them, forming factions that could threaten the state. The Hua faction purge has concluded less than a month ago. Past lessons inform future ones. For an emperor in drunken revelry tonight, this is most inappropriate!”
Li Jianheng gripped his cup tightly, looking over the assembled ministers who dared not meet his eyes. Slowly, his anger softened. He could not unleash it on Hai Liangyi, yet he also could not admit fault. Sitting uneasy atop the throne, he had tasted the sweetness of universal submission; how could he bear being reproached?
He was the emperor.
Red-eyed from drinking, he finished the last sip and said, “Enough. Help Grand Secretary return to his seat.”
Hai Liangyi knew this was not the moment for counsel, yet his nature compelled honesty. “I still have words to speak.”
Li Jianheng’s lips tightened, and he said nothing.
A hush fell over the hall. Receiving no response, Hai Liangyi remained kneeling. The banquet froze; even the musicians fell silent.
Then came a sudden clap.
Xiao Chiye set down his chopsticks at his seat and laughed aloud. “Seeing the emperor and Grand Secretary in this state, my heart rejoices. The so-called sage ruler and upright minister—this is all it is. In ancient texts, it was said: ‘The ruler and minister must mirror each other.’ In the Great Zhou, such a sovereign and such a loyal minister—peace and prosperity are near at hand.”
“An emperor who welcomes counsel and accepts remonstration is a blessing to his ministers,” Xue Xiuzhuo raised his cup. “Tonight, on New Year’s, let us toast to this virtuous scene.”
The ministers lifted their cups, voices rising in unison.
Li Jianheng’s anger subsided slightly. Seeing Hai Liangyi still kneeling, he sighed, “Grand Secretary, please rise.”
The crisis dissipated, almost without notice. The Empress Dowager glanced at Xiao Chiye, then asked, “Is it true that establishing a household is every man’s desire? Has Secretary Ce’an chosen a bride?”
Shen Zechuan’s gaze flicked to Xiao Chiye as well.
Xiao Chiye smiled recklessly. “Your Majesty, with my current appearance, which noblewoman in Qu City would wish to marry me? Establishing a household has never been my ambition anyway.”
The Empress Dowager said, “You are modest. Few in Qu City could claim such status. Even crossing the East Street Bridge, your presence attracts attention. Heir, if you delay, the timing will be lost.”
Xiao Jiming laughed, “Our elder worries his temperament unsettled, fearing it might inconvenience a family’s daughter.”
The Empress Dowager smiled at Li Jianheng. “When they were this age, the Prince of Li Bei had already married for three or four years.”
Li Jianheng, still distracted by earlier events, hesitated, then said, “Mother, Ce’an is impulsive. Most noble ladies of Qu City might not withstand him.”
“That should not hinder his marriage,” the Empress Dowager replied. “He need not marry only Qu City’s daughters. Consider the daughter of Marquis Helian; Princess Zhaoyue is similar in age to Ce’an—well-matched indeed.”
Marquis Helian of Dancheng, one of the Eight Great Houses, was a fitting match. The Empress Dowager’s suggestion left the parties well-aligned.
Marquis Helian hurriedly toasted, glancing at Xiao Jiming.
Xiao Chiye had anticipated the Empress Dowager might raise Hua Xiangyi’s marriage at the banquet, but instead, she was aiming at him. He could neither refuse outright nor hastily consent.
Li Jianheng, caught off guard, hesitated. “I… Princess Zhaoyue…” A thought struck him. “With the national mourning still ongoing, betrothal now may be inappropriate.”
“Betrothal and marriage are distinct,” the Empress Dowager said kindly. “These recent days are inauspicious anyway. Betroth her now, and in summer, choose an auspicious day for marriage. Zhaoyue and Xiangyi are close friends in the inner quarters; a timely wedding will be satisfactory.”
She did not mention Hua Xiangyi’s intended husband, instead placing Princess Zhaoyue before Xiao Chiye, treating his marriage as a matter of state, Hua Xiangyi’s as private.
Qi Zhuyin remained silent, her expression grave.
Lu Guangbai, sensing danger, guessed Qi Shiyu had consented silently and urged her not to speak. But marrying Princess Zhaoyue would strip Xiao Chiye of authority. Should the Empress Dowager elevate Zhaoyue to princess, Xiao Chiye would merely hold a titular position; the real military power in Qu City, currently under his command, would be gone.
Xiao Chiye felt the wine in his throat ignite like fire. He rose, yet the Empress Dowager smiled again.
“The heir married the daughter of the Duke of Biansha in the border counties. Their child is now four or five years old?”
Xiao Jiming replied, “Four years old.”
“The heir’s grandson is four, and General Lu has not yet married,” the Empress Dowager said, glancing at Lu Guangbai. “The border counties are harsh; establishing a household early resolves the duke’s concerns. You are similar in age to the heir—surely marriage is no obstacle?”
Lu Guangbai hesitated. “Your Majesty—”
The Empress Dowager continued: “Zhaoyue is lively and spirited. Ce’an is impulsive; the general appears more composed. Ce’an, what do you think?”
If Xiao Chiye refused, Lu Guangbai would be next. The banquet forced him into a dilemma.
He had already instructed Chao Hui to coordinate with the Ministry of Rites, waiting for the Empress Dowager to act. He planned to ensure Hua Xiangyi became Qi Shiyu’s distant relative, blocking that marriage through law and rank. Yet the Empress Dowager preempted him entirely, turning the focus onto Xiao Chiye’s own life decision.
In a fleeting instant, Xiao Chiye caught Shen Zechuan’s gaze. Across the imminent crisis, under all eyes, a silent understanding passed between them.
He stepped forward. “Your Majesty—”
A eunuch from the Imperial Kitchens, delivering sweets, raised his long golden chopsticks, eyes cast downward. As he moved, Li Jianheng, hesitating, looked aside and said, “What are you—”
Before he could react, the eunuch lunged, chopsticks aimed at his neck!
The sudden attack left Li Jianheng frozen, unable to move. Terror filled his eyes.
In that instant, Shen Zechuan drew his Yan Shan Snow sword; its cold edge flashed.
Li Jianheng tightened his throat and screamed with all his might. The hot blood splattered across his robe. “Protect the emperor!” he roared.
The eunuch’s head toppled forward, landing on him. Li Jianheng braced himself on the throne’s arms, the metallic scent of blood thick in the air, as the headless body was lifted aside.
Shen Zechuan discarded the corpse and calmly commanded, “Protect the emperor!”
Ge Qingqing drew her blade. The glint of snow flashed. The Brocade Guard formed an impenetrable barrier before the Imperial Guards, becoming Li Jianheng’s first shield.
Xiao Chiye, looking over the Brocade Guard, had to lift his gaze to see Shen Zechuan’s face.
The balance of power between them, long held, had finally shifted. Shen Zechuan stood above him, offering a meaningful smile. That gaze struck Xiao Chiye like a tangible weight, pressing down upon his chest.