The wine was the finest 'Yuyaochun', and the dishes were an eighteen-course imperial feast prepared by the court's top chef. The forty-nine princes and grandsons of the Great Kang Kingdom sat in order of seniority. I was seated thirteenth on the left, a position that served as a transition between the senior and junior princes. To my left was my eldest grandson, Long Qizheng, who was thirty-nine years old and whose temples were already showing signs of gray. To my right was my twenty-fourth elder brother, Long Yinxiang, who was eighteen years old and had just been granted the title of Prince An by the Great Kang Kingdom's Emperor Xinde, my father.
Prince Qin, Long Yinli, sat in the center. He raised his wine cup and said loudly, "My brothers and nephews, today is the Lantern Festival. Under the rule of our Emperor, our Great Kang is prosperous and peaceful, with songs and dances filling the air. Everywhere is a scene of harmony and happiness. Let us wish our Emperor a long and healthy life and that he will soon unify the country!"
At the age of fifty-two, he finally outlived his three elder brothers and became the eldest among the princes. However, his body did not survive until now, and he died of a sudden stroke last summer.
If I remember correctly, Prince Qin is 49 years old this year, the same number as all of us here today. He has always been in good health; shooting eagles with a bow and throwing lions with his bare hands is a piece of cake for him. Perhaps he really will live to see the day he ascends the throne.
"Yin Kong! Why aren't you drinking?" Qin Wang noticed me staring blankly into thought.
I then came back to reality: "Fifth Brother... I don't drink..."
Sitting next to Prince Qin, Prince Mu, Long Yinshang, laughed heartily: "Still calling him Fifth Brother? We'll soon be called Crown Prince!" The people around him echoed in agreement.
A smug look crept onto the Prince Qin's face. He raised his chin slightly, truly exuding the majesty of a crown prince: "Yin Kong! How old are you this year?"
"Sixteen years old!" I replied humbly.
King Mu laughed again, "Sixteen years old! When I was your age, I could drink three liters of wine, and after drinking, I could sleep with five women in a row..."
Upon hearing this, the other princes and grandsons burst into ambiguous laughter. When this topic came up, the atmosphere between us easily became harmonious.
Prince An stepped forward to defend me, saying, "My brothers! Yin Kong is still young, and besides, Father Emperor once said that we are not allowed to drink alcohol before the age of eighteen. Let him drink tea instead!"
Everyone remembered the Emperor's words, though the original quote was: "No drinking is permitted before being granted the title of prince." According to the laws of the Great Kang Dynasty, princes were only entitled to be granted the title of prince upon reaching the age of eighteen, hence Prince An's statement.
But I knew better than anyone that I would likely never be granted the title of king. My mother, Consort Ping, was just one step away from becoming empress, but she was suddenly banished to the Cold Palace and died in despair. I remember I was only eight years old when she died, and eight years have passed in the blink of an eye. I don't know the true cause of my mother's death; my father, of course, wouldn't tell me. Logically speaking, she must have been a victim of palace intrigue. After my mother's death, I grew up in the Cold Palace. During those long eight years, my only companions were my mother's maid, Yanping, and the eunuch, Yi'an. I saw my father three times during those eight years, all at the time of sacrificial rites to Heaven and ancestors. Each time, I didn't have a chance to speak with him; perhaps he didn't even remember having a son like me.
Every year on the Lantern Festival, I am able to reunite with the other princes. As long as none of us succeeds to the throne, this tradition will continue.
The brief interlude ended quickly, and everyone immediately forgot I was there, clinking glasses and drinking heartily, while I slowly savored my long-cold tea.
Qin Wang gently clapped his hands, and the melodious sound of string and wind instruments filled the hall. A group of nearly a hundred beautiful dancers, with swallowtail-shaped hair buns and wearing various long gowns made of semi-transparent, light material, gracefully danced into the hall, singing and dancing, making all kinds of graceful gestures that captivated the audience.
I couldn't help but immerse myself in this ocean of joy.
As the music faded, the hundred beautiful women gracefully converged at the center. A captivating flute melody rose gently, and the women danced with flowing sleeves, countless delicate petals fluttering between heaven and earth, their intoxicating fragrance filling the air. The hundred beauties, like blooming flower buds, scattered in all directions. Amidst the shower of petals, a white-clad maiden, as beautiful as a celestial being, appeared like a rare orchid in a secluded valley. With her light, graceful, and ethereal dance, the wide sleeves opening and closing, concealing her beauty, further accentuated her exquisite grace. The crowd watched her enchanting dance, almost forgetting to breathe. The maiden's beautiful eyes sparkled, and everyone present felt their hearts pound, each realizing that she was watching them.
At this moment, the sound of the flute suddenly quickened, and the young woman, using the tip of her right foot as a pivot, gracefully spun her body, her movements becoming faster and faster. Suddenly, she rose gracefully from the ground. A hundred beautiful women formed a circle around her, their jade hands waving, and dozens of blue ribbons billowed out, creating what seemed like blue waves in the hall. The young woman flew into the air and landed on one of the ribbons, her delicate feet lightly touching the ground, her robes fluttering, like a fairy dancing on water. Applause erupted in the hall, and exclamations of amazement filled the air. Amidst the admiration of the crowd, the dancers one by one withdrew from the stage.
King Qin couldn't help but exclaim, "This dance should only exist in heaven; it's a rare sight on earth!" King Mu chuckled twice, then swayed as he stood up, saying, "In this scene, my brother is truly inspired... but I, a mere mortal, am... truly in need of urination... I'm going to pee..."
Everyone burst into laughter at his clumsy appearance. King Mu stumbled to my table, his legs suddenly gave way, and he lost his balance, leaning against my table and knocking the food and wine on it into a mess. Because I couldn't dodge in time, I was also soaked by the wine and soup.
The loyalist king seemed to be drunk as well, and he chuckled, "One of you is drunk, and the other doesn't drink, so you should go back first..."
That was exactly what I was thinking, so I hurriedly got up to take my leave.
Snow began to fall outside sometime earlier. King Mu staggered ahead of me, chasing after the singing and dancing girls. The lead dancer in white seemed to sense something and hurriedly quickened her pace.
King Mu quickly caught up, stepping on the girl's white dress. The girl let out a soft cry and almost fell. The other dancers, seeing this, scattered in fright and fled, completely ignoring her.
King Mu burst into laughter, reaching out to grab the girl's sleeve: "My little darling! Your ancestors must have accumulated a lot of good karma for me to have taken a liking to you!"
The girl was terrified, her face turning pale: "Your Highness...please...spare me..."
King Mu grabbed her sleeve and pulled it forcefully into his arms. The girl struggled to break free, but King Mu tore off her sleeve, revealing a snow-white arm. King Mu suddenly missed his target and stumbled backward a few steps, falling to the ground with a thud. The girl took the opportunity to escape forward.
I stepped forward and helped King Mu up: "Brother! You're drunk. Why don't I take you home?"
King Mu shoved me roughly aside: "Who do you think you are? A bastard of unknown identity! How dare you meddle in my business!"
Blood rushed to my head. After all, we were born of the same father, and he actually used such vicious words to curse me.
I bit my lower lip hard, watching that wretched bastard stagger and chase after me.
The young girl was unfamiliar with the layout of the Prince Qin's residence. In her panic, she lost her way and wandered into the back garden. Hearing Prince Mu laughing wildly behind her, she became even more terrified. She tripped and twisted her ankle, falling onto the snow. She was in so much pain that she could not stand up.
King Mu leered as he walked toward her: "My little darling, it seems you want to have a great battle with me on the snow!"
The girl struggled to move backward, her beautiful eyes already brimming with tears.
King Mu suddenly pounced on the girl's delicate body, his obese body pressing down on her.
The girl cried and struggled to break free, but King Mu tore at her long skirt like a beast. He was so consumed by lust that he didn't even notice me quietly appearing behind him.
I raised a branch as thick as my wrist and smashed it hard on the back of King Mu's head. King Mu's body twitched, and then he collapsed weakly onto the girl.
With my help, the girl pushed away King Mu's obese body. Her long dress was torn in several places, revealing her flawless skin. I took off my cloak and draped it over her.
The garden was quiet and there was no one else around, which made me feel a little relieved.
I grabbed King Mu's upper body and dragged him toward the well in the southeast corner. The girl looked at me with confusion.
I whispered, "Help me quickly, or we'll both die!"
The girl bit her lower lip hard and finally made a decision. She helped me drag King Mu's body to the side of the well. It was clear that she was very scared, and her delicate body was trembling.
I lifted King Mu's body with all my might and shoved it into the well. Only after hearing the splashing water did I breathe a long sigh of relief. Strangely enough, I didn't feel any fear after killing King Mu.
The girl's pretty face turned deathly pale, and she seemed on the verge of fainting. I pulled her close, giving her an invisible shield: "Remember! Nothing happened!" My voice was unusually cold. The girl nodded tremblingly, and I gently patted her shoulder: "Go back!"
"But…everyone else knows…King Mu is pursuing me…" the girl reminded me.
I nodded: "I'll take you away!"
"Who goes there?" someone shouted from the direction of the garden gate, and we both jumped at the same time.
A servant carrying a lantern walked toward us; he was Chung-bok, the chief steward of the loyal king.
When he saw that it was me and her embracing, he couldn't help but reveal a sly smile. He must have thought that the youngest prince was actually doing something like stealing a kiss behind the backs of his brothers.
"Your Highness! Have you seen Prince Mu?" Zhongfu had come specifically to see Prince Mu. I quickly calmed myself down and said, "He went to the restroom."
"That's strange! I didn't find him there!" Zhongfu turned to leave.
I suddenly clutched my stomach: "Ouch! That hurts so much!"
Zhongfu rushed to my side: "Your Highness, what's wrong? I'll go fetch a doctor!"
"Fine! You can carry me across..." I pretended to be in great pain.
Zhongfu turned around and squatted down. I punched him hard in the side of the neck, and Zhongfu collapsed unconscious on the snow without a sound. Picking up Zhongfu was much easier than picking up King Mu. I had the girl take off Zhongfu's shoes and coat, and then threw him into the well.
The girl witnessed me kill two people, and her jaw started to chatter.
I was certain that no one else would appear around us, so I calmly helped the girl put on Zhongfu's clothes and shoes, and led her out of the garden, carefully erasing our footprints as we walked.
As we approached the corner corridor outside the garden, the crowd gradually increased. The girl deliberately bent down and hid beside me, but fortunately, no one noticed her appearance in the darkness.
When I arrived at the horse stable, I saw the group of singing and dancing girls boarding the carriage. They belonged to the Imperial Music Bureau and were specially invited by the King to entertain us.
After they left one by one, I led the girl to my carriage. This carriage was the most shabby of all the carriages. The paint on the outside had peeled off in many places, revealing the old wooden shafts. The cotton curtains on the carriage had also changed from the original bright yellow to a dull grayish-brown.
Yi An was dozing off at the front of the carriage, his hands tucked into his cotton-padded coat. I coughed softly, and he hurriedly opened his eyes: "Your Highness..." He immediately noticed the girl beside me, his eyes filled with surprise and doubt.
"Leave here immediately!" I led the girl's cold little hand into the car.
Yi'an cracked her whip in the air, and two old horses pulled the old carriage, shuffling along the snow. No one would have guessed that the youngest son of Emperor Xinde was inside. This was the highest honor I could ever receive. The carriage was left to me by my mother, and although it had weathered the years, its interior still hinted at its former splendor. Originally, this carriage was meant for four horses, but the Grand Eunuch had only assigned Yi'an these two old horses. Naturally, pulling a four-horse carriage was much more difficult for the old horses.
The girl was clearly still recovering from her earlier shock, so I gave her a kind smile: "I still don't know your name?"
When she met my gaze, she hurriedly lowered her head: "This servant, Cai Xue, thanks Your Highness for saving me..."
I nodded slightly: "I don't remember saving you!"
She immediately understood my unspoken meaning, and her pale lips trembled with fear, making her even more alluring and inspiring feelings of tenderness and protectiveness.
I lifted the carriage curtain. The night was deep, and the auspicious snow was falling like jade without wind. The roadsides were filled with people strolling at night with lanterns, mixed with the cries of various vendors. It was truly lively and bustling. The whole capital was filled with a peaceful scene. I, living deep in the palace, had not seen such a scene for a long time.
The crowd ahead was so dense that the carriage could no longer move. Yi An, standing in front of the carriage, said, "Your Highness, should we take a detour through Fusheng Lane?"
I shook my head: "Yi'an, drive around through Fusheng Lane and wait for me at the end of the street. I'll take the opportunity to stroll around the lantern market!"
Yi'an agreed and reined in the horse. I took Cai Xue's small hand and we got off the carriage one after the other.
Pedestrians walked through the snow with lanterns in hand, and from a distance, the entire long street resembled a flowing silver river. Cai Xue and I walked side by side, and perhaps it was the peaceful atmosphere around us that affected Cai Xue; her mood gradually relaxed.
The lanterns along the roadside were covered with all sorts of riddles. I stopped to take a look with great interest, and saw a lotus lantern with the inscription "Sorrowful thoughts make for the Li Sao"—guess a seven-character Tang poem. Two young men who looked like scholars were deep in thought nearby. I smiled calmly and said, "It seems to be a lament about a life of unfulfilled ambitions!" An old man in a khaki-colored robe under the lantern suddenly turned around.
He stared at me and said, "Why did you think of the Pipa Ballad by the Hermit of Xiangshan to solve this mystery, young master?"
I said loudly, "As the ancients said, the answer lies in the riddle itself, which is the proper form of a lantern riddle. The riddle's surface is clearly taken from the biography of Qu Yuan in the Records of the Grand Historian, referring to Qu Yuan, a minister of the State of Chu. After Chu was repeatedly defeated by Qin, King Huai was indecisive, and the pro-Qin faction within Chu was rising. His anti-Qin stance was not adopted. He witnessed this with King Huai and lamented, 'Therefore, in sorrow and deep thought, I composed the Li Sao!' The poem 'The Song of the Pipa' by the Hermit of Xiangshan tells of a pipa player who uses the music of 'each string concealing a deep thought' to express her unfulfilled life experiences, which is somewhat similar to Qu Yuan's situation."
The old man praised, "Young master, you are indeed extraordinary!" He personally plucked the lotus lantern and handed it to Cai Xue, smiling as he said, "Giving a lantern to a beautiful lady is quite an elegant thing." The old man had exceptional eyesight and had already seen that Cai Xue was a woman disguised as a man.
Cai Xue's pretty face flushed slightly, making her appear even more stunningly beautiful.
The old man said, "Young master, your answer to the question is so outstanding, would you be interested in couplets?"
I smiled and said, "Please go ahead, sir!"
The old man said, "On the first day of this year, I happened to obtain a couplet. I have been pondering it for a long time, but I have not been able to find a perfect match. I would appreciate your guidance, young master."
The old man straightened his back and recited aloud: "Five hundred li of Heavenly Lake rushes into view. With robes loosened and turbans draped, I rejoice in the vast and boundless expanse. Behold: a divine steed soaring to the east; a spirited phoenix flying to the west; a winding dragon winding to the north; and a white crane soaring to the south. Why not, esteemed scholars and poets, choose this scenic spot to ascend? Take advantage of the crab-shaped islets and snail-shaped sandbars, and let the wind and mist adorn your hair. Furthermore, the reeds and fields are frequently embellished with emerald feathers and crimson clouds. Do not fail to appreciate: the fragrant rice fields all around; the vast expanse of sunny sand; the lotus blossoms of summer; and the willows of spring."
I frowned slightly. I never expected that such a hidden talent could be found in this bustling city. This seemingly ordinary old man actually possessed such learning. I stomped back and forth a few times. The first line of the couplet was ninety characters long, with a magnificent momentum and boundless ambition. How could it be matched so perfectly in such a short time?
Cai Xue said softly, "Old sir, you are indeed very learned. My young master once taught me some antithetical couplets. May I try them on your behalf?"
The old man laughed and said, "As the saying goes, women are just as capable as men, so please feel free to try, young lady!"
Looking at Cai Xue's confident demeanor, my heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Cai Xue is both beautiful and intelligent, with outstanding talent and learning?
Cai Xue said softly, "Thousands of years of history flood my heart. I raise my cup to the void and sigh, where are the heroes of the past? I think of the Han dynasty's warships; the Tang dynasty's iron pillars; the Song dynasty's jade axes; and the Yuan dynasty's leather saddlebags. Their great achievements and magnificent feats required the strength to move mountains. Even the most beautiful curtains and painted beams cannot capture the fleeting beauty of the evening rain and morning clouds. Even the broken steles and crumbling monuments are all given to the misty sunset. All that remains are: a few strokes of a distant bell; the flickering lights of fishing boats on the river; two lines of autumn geese; and a pillow of frost."
When I heard this couplet, I was completely dumbfounded.
The old man was no less astonished than I was. After a long while, he finally bowed deeply and fell to the ground, saying, "Miss's talent is astonishing, making this old man ashamed." In fact, he was not the only one who should be ashamed.
Cai Xue hurriedly helped the old man up, saying, "Sir, you flatter me! I was just speaking casually. How could I have such extraordinary talent? Please get up, sir!"
The commotion we made attracted the attention of many passersby. The old man simply abandoned his lantern stall and grabbed my arm, saying, "Young master, please step aside and let's talk!"
I was also filled with curiosity about the old man, and Cai Xue and I followed behind him to the bridgehead ahead.
There was a fortune-telling stall at one corner of the bridge. Because it was behind the lantern stall, it was not easily seen. In addition, the cold wind was biting by the river, so no one went there.
A fortune teller dressed in a tattered robe was lying face down on his stall, seemingly fast asleep.
The old man patted him on the shoulder and said excitedly, "Mr. Cao, the first line of the couplet has been matched!"
The fortune teller stretched and lazily glanced at me with his narrow eyes: "So what if we matched!"
The old man looked at me somewhat awkwardly and explained apologetically, "My master has a strange temper, please don't be angry, young master."
The fortune teller's gaze suddenly brightened: "Young master, with your left and right assistants, you are clearly destined to be an emperor!"
I was startled, and the resentment I had felt towards him vanished instantly.
The old man brought over a wooden stool, and I sat down opposite the fortune teller: "May I ask your esteemed name, sir?"
The fortune teller smiled and said, "My name is Cao Rui, and I am forty-three years old." His gaze remained fixed on my face the whole time, and after a long while, he sighed and said, "Your appearance is truly beyond my ability to judge!"
I smiled and said, "Mr. Cao, please speak freely."
Cao Rui said, "I'll give you a single word!"
He dipped his withered finger in the ink and wrote a large character 'prisoner' on the paper.
I looked at him, puzzled.
Cao Rui said, "Please keep this piece of paper safe, young master. You will surely need it someday." I carefully folded the paper and put it in my pocket.
Cao Rui then looked at Cai Xue: "This young lady's eyes are filled with fear, she has obviously just experienced something shocking."
Cai Xue let out a soft "ah," immediately realizing her lapse in decorum, and lowered her head.
The old man said, "Mr. Cao, the young lady who just answered the couplet was this one!"
Cao Rui nodded: "It seems that even I, Cao, can be wrong." He took out an ancient painting from the fortune-telling stall: "I was once entrusted by a friend to give this painting to the destined person who can match the couplet. Since this young lady has matched the couplet, this painting should rightfully belong to you."
He handed the ancient painting to Cai Xue, then turned and drifted away with the old man, never glancing at the fortune-telling stall again.
Cai Xue and I arrived at the end of the street, where Yi An had been waiting for quite some time. By the time we boarded the carriage again, Cai Xue had calmed down considerably.
I said to Yi'an, "Let's go to Dongtiao Street!"
Yi An was taken aback for a moment, then immediately asked, "Does Your Highness intend to go find Yan Ping?"
"Yes!" My answer was concise and clear.
Yanping left the palace on the thirteenth day of the first lunar month. I granted her a seven-day leave to visit her mother.
The main reason I chose to go to Yanping was that I didn't know what to do with Caixue. When I killed King Mu, I didn't expect things to become so complicated. Killing King Mu was purely an accident. If he hadn't cursed me so viciously, it wouldn't have aroused my murderous intent. I wouldn't have taken such a big risk for a singing and dancing girl, even though I've begun to slowly sense that Caixue is unusual.
The reason I killed Zhongfu was because he witnessed Caixue and me standing by the well. If King Mu's body were discovered, people would easily associate it with me being the real killer. So I had no other choice.
Actually, I even considered killing Cai Xue as well, but for some reason, I eventually gave up.
Cai Xue clutched the ancient painting, her delicate body still shivering, this time from the cold. I took off my cloak and draped it over her shoulders. Cai Xue lowered her head but did not refuse.
"Xiao Anzi! What brings you here!" Aunt Yanping's voice rang out from outside.
Yi An replied with a smile, "Not only me, but my young master has come too!"
Yanping hurriedly and respectfully said from outside the carriage, "This servant was unaware of Your Highness's arrival. Please forgive my rudeness!"
A faint smile appeared on my lips. In the entire palace, only the two of them showed me such respect.
Cai Xue and I got out of the car and walked into Yan Ping's old courtyard. Yan Ping was also a descendant of officials. Because her ancestors offended the court, they were punished and exiled. It wasn't until she entered the palace as a maid that my mother helped her redeem this old house and arranged for her mother to live here.
Yanping was also surprised to see Caixue. I whispered, "She is a maid I just sold. Let her stay here temporarily."
Since I had spoken, Yanping naturally dared not ask any more questions. She took Caixue's slender hand and led her into the inner room.
Yi'an and I were warming ourselves by the fire in the living room when Cai Xue came to us. She had changed back into her daughter's clothes, standing gracefully and charmingly.
Yanping made an excuse to prepare a late-night snack for me and went to the kitchen with Yi'an, leaving Caixue and me alone.
Cai Xue had already guessed my identity and was behaving with unusual respect in front of me.
"Cai Xue! Do you have any relatives in this capital city?"
Cai Xue shook her head and said softly, "I only have one older brother, and we were separated from each other many years ago during the war!"
I nodded. The seemingly peaceful Great Kang Kingdom was not tranquil at all. Wars between it and the seven surrounding kingdoms were constant, and girls like Cai Xue were commonplace.
"You can stay here for a while. Once things have calmed down, I will send someone to escort you away from Kangdu!"
Cai Xue nodded gratefully. Such a frail woman had completely regarded me as her support in this situation.
I did not stay at Yanping's house for a late-night snack. The palace has its own rules, and I had to rush back to the palace before midnight. If I wanted to stay outside freely, I would probably have to wait until two years later.
As I was leaving, Cai Xue brought me a neatly folded cloak to the carriage. I smiled and took it, but unexpectedly saw a scroll hidden inside. It turned out that Cai Xue had given me that ancient painting. I nodded to her and slowly lowered the carriage curtain.
I live in 'Qingyue Palace', which is also known as the Cold Palace. Inheriting my mother's bloodline, I also inherited this desolate palace.
Qingyue Palace is located in the northwest corner of the Imperial City. Next to it are Shude Palace and Yizheng Palace. When I went to my residence, I first passed through the road between Shude Palace and Yizheng Palace.
As I closed the carriage curtain, the quiet, enclosed space made me think of King Mu, whom I had just killed. I felt no fear. If I had to choose again, I would still kill him without hesitation. I would not allow anyone to insult my mother, no matter who they are!
Suddenly, a cry rang out from ahead. Yi An abruptly pulled on the reins, halting the carriage's progress, and said in a somewhat panicked voice, "Young master! The Emperor's entourage is ahead!"
I hurriedly straightened my clothes and got out of the car. Dozens of eunuchs and palace maids stood in two rows in front of the Shude Palace, with my father's imperial carriage in the middle.
Yi'an pulled the carriage aside, and I knelt obediently on the snow, waiting for my father's imperial procession to pass by.
"Your Majesty! I really didn't mean it..." The one crying was Consort Zhen, the emperor's most favored concubine last year. Among all the concubines, her beauty was the most outstanding. After entering the palace, she had no children. Later, she was reported by the other concubines for secretly hiring a witch doctor to perform a ritual.
The Emperor, believing she was plotting against him, angrily banished her to the Cold Palace. Today, perhaps remembering their past relationship, he came to visit her, unaware of what Consort Zhen had done to anger him once again.
Consort Zhen collapsed onto the snow, weeping. My father didn't even glance at her and strode toward me.