IN HER HEART of hearts, Princess Leping indeed resented her situation. But showing it would only create trouble, and such trouble was beyond her power to navigate. Yang Lihua might be Princess Leping, a cherished daughter of the heavens, but she remained fragile in the presence of people who could truly crush her. When she was with the empress, she kept her resentment concealed, buried deep within her breast.
But now her pulse raced with terror as she stared at her mother. Her blood pounded in her ears like a war drum, her heart tightening with each and every beat. For a moment, she thought the empress had seen everything she had tried to keep hidden.
Trembling, she suddenly remembered that the woman before her was not merely her mother, but the empress of a nation—a woman as resolute and decisive as her father.
"Mother." Princess Leping softened her voice, choosing her words carefully. "I understand you've always placed great trust in Cui-xiansheng, or he'd never have risen to lead the Zuoyue Bureau at such a young age."
Empress Dugu patted her hand. "You have it backward. He didn't ascend to lead the Zuoyue Bureau because I trust him. It was his own abilities that propelled him there."
"Yes!" Princess Leping began to panic; she couldn't help raising her voice. "But he's in very poor health! Mother, Eying is your own granddaughter. Could you bear to see her widowed so soon after her marriage?"
Empress Dugu remained unfazed. "It's true that Cui Buqu has been unwell since birth, but his life is in no danger. You worry too much. Eying is an innocent child, a dreamer, but her circumstances are unique. Both of you wish for a peaceful life, but there are scoundrels lurking everywhere, waiting to take advantage of you. With Cui Buqu around, I would feel more at ease."
Princess Leping's face was ashen. She'd thought Empress Dugu was merely testing her. Did she truly wish to betroth Yuwen Eying to Cui Buqu?
Empress Dugu watched her, waiting for an answer—or perhaps trying to glean one from her daughter's expression.
No matter how loving their relationship, mother and daughter were not equals. Their familial affection could never overcome the imbalance of power between them, nor bridge the insurmountable chasm it'd created. Princess Leping—Yang Lihua—had never grasped this truth so clearly as she did today.
"I have only this one daughter!" Tears streamed down the princess's face as grievances crowded her heart. She burst into sobs. "Mother, please. I promise Eying will be safe. I'll keep a close eye on her; no scoundrels will take advantage of her!"
But this time, Empress Dugu didn't stroke her hair, nor offer any reassuring words. Princess Leping's heart sank.
"Lihua, you must remember. Your surname is Yang, not Yuwen. And as for Eying, despite her surname, the Yuwen family cannot protect her," she heard the empress say.
"Yes, Mother." The princess sank into a deep bow.
The empress extended a hand to help her up, but her next words brought the princess no joy at all. "If he was able to fully recover his health, would you still oppose this marriage so? Other than his illnesses, everything about Cui Buqu is exemplary."
Princess Leping's heart juddered. She gritted her teeth, struggling to withstand the gentle, suffocating gaze above her. It had always been so. Ever since she was a child, she had no power to resist her mother's decisions. Her mind raced; countless thoughts flashed by like darting shadows. After mustering half a lifetime's worth of courage, Princess Leping finally managed to utter two words: "I understand."
"Well now, Eying is still young. I won't say any more on it today. Look how nervous you've made yourself. Go wipe your tears before leaving the palace." Empress Dugu's voice was soft. Although she didn't appear displeased with her daughter, neither had she given her a definite answer.
Clearly, she hadn't given up on her desire to wed Yuwen Eying to Cui Buqu.
Princess Leping staggered to her feet and allowed the servants to guide her out of the palace, her steps as unsteady as if she was walking on clouds. Even from the back, she appeared dazed.
Empress Dugu let out a quiet sigh. "Come out, Cui-xiansheng."
A man emerged from around the corner. His face was pale and drawn, his steps slow.
"You saw it too. Lihua is naturally meek; she doesn't seem to me like a woman capable of holding sway over the Thirteen Floors of Yunhai. I tested her just as you asked. If she was truly guilty of what you suspect, she would have submitted to the betrothal rather than protesting so vigorously."
Cui Buqu nodded. "The eldest princess doesn't look the type, it's true—but please refrain from telling her any of this for now. Once she returns home, she will undoubtedly share what happened today with those closest to her. If there are any unsavory individuals in her company who attempt to use this knowledge, we will address them when the time comes. The enemy has gone to ground after the incident on Mount Tiannan, and we have yet to uncover any traces. We too should remain quiet and wait for their next move."
Empress Dugu smiled without mirth. "I never imagined I'd need to use the tactics I reserve for outsiders on my own daughter. If I'd known it would come to this, I wouldn't have let her marry into the palace in the first place."
Cui Buqu's expression remained placid. He made no reply, but the empress wasn't seeking one. After all, had Princess Leping not become the former empress, Yang Jian would never have become a relative of the royal family, and would have had no opportunity to attain his own throne. Even if time could be turned back, they'd likely still have married their daughter to Yuwen Yun.
Two hours later, Cui Buqu left the palace carrying some valuable herbs Empress Dugu had gifted him. Qiao Xian, waiting impatiently at the gates, turned to greet him, then froze when she saw him accompanied by an unfamiliar man.
The baby-faced general behind Cui Buqu cupped his hands. "Guan Shanhai—Sima General of the Right Guard. When Her Majesty learned of Cui Buqu's perilous experience on Mount Tiannan, she became concerned that the Zuoyue Bureau lacked sufficient manpower. Her Majesty has ordered me to accompany him from now on."
Accompanying Cui Buqu had always been Qiao Xian's duty. How had a simple trip to the palace landed her with new competition? She looked back at him with instant hostility.
Guan Shanhai had no interest in squabbling with a jealous woman. To him, it was a humiliation to be reduced from a Sima of the Right Guard, a member of the imperial army, to a mere bodyguard. Cui Buqu might enjoy the royal couple's favor, but the task of guarding an ailing man brought Guan Shanhai little satisfaction. He'd much rather have been on the battlefield, slaughtering enemies.
Cui Buqu had no interest in explaining the situation to Qiao Xian at the palace gates, nor in mediating a conflict between old and new personnel. He stepped into the carriage, his expression thoughtful and distant. It was clear he was deep in contemplation and not to be disturbed.
Guan Shanhai didn't follow Cui Buqu inside and attempt to ingratiate himself. Instead, he climbed up with the coachman. Unable to restrain herself a moment longer, Qiao Xian leapt up to join Cui Buqu in the carriage.
"Lord Chief, why did the empress suddenly send someone to accompany you? Could it be…" Her low voice dropped even lower. "Surveillance?"
Cui Buqu shook his head. "Don't overthink it. The Zuoyue Bureau has always been short-staffed. The moment official business arises, all of you run yourselves ragged. If I'd had Guan Shanhai with me on the trip to Mount Tiannan, perhaps I'd have captured Ning Shewo."
"Then it's all due to my incompetence," said Qiao Xian.
Cui Buqu's brow furrowed slightly. "Qiao Xian," he said.
Qiao Xian raised her head and looked at him blankly.
"You worry too much for my safety and not enough for yourself. It's never been my intention for you to play the role of my personal maid or bodyguard. Do you understand?"
Qiao Xian answered him with silence—her usual way of expressing dissent. He had always been more lenient with her than other members of the Zuoyue Bureau, but this time, he had no plans to indulge her.
The Zuoyue Bureau was overseen by two deputy chiefs: Zhangsun Bodhi, who handled external affairs, and Song Liangchen, who handled internal. Below them were the Zuoyue guards, who diligently followed their commands. Qiao Xian frequently accompanied Cui Buqu, leading many to perceive her as merely his bodyguard. But Cui Buqu didn't wish for her to be confined to his side forever. Qiao Xian belonged to the wider world; if she chose to roam the jianghu, she was skilled enough to carve out a place for herself. There was no reason she should stay in Cui Buqu's shadow.
Qiao Xian remained utterly silent, her expression one of deep hurt. Cui Buqu had been unmoved by Princess Leping's sobs, yet now, he extended a hand and gently patted Qiao Xian's head. She shifted subtly under his hand, as if nuzzling her head against his palm. There was nothing suggestive in it; rather, she resembled a small animal seeking comfort.
"How many years have we known each other?" Cui Buqu asked.
"Four," Qiao Xian said dully. She still remembered their meeting clearly. It had been a year before the Zuoyue Bureau was established.
Cui Buqu's tone was gentle. "It's time for you to gain some independence."
"Your lordship…don't go so far away again, all right?" Only in front of Cui Buqu did she remove her cold, hard shell. Her tone, which could only be described as pleading, was one no one else had ever heard. "If I'm not with you, who will look after your health?"
"That won't be a problem. I'll bring the medicine you gave me. Besides, there's Guan Shanhai now, and…" Cui Buqu stopped. He didn't say Feng Xiao's name.
That Feng bastard never missed a chance to make life difficult for him, but he couldn't deny they worked well together when it mattered most. If Feng Xiao hadn't been on Mount Tiannan with him—if Qiao Xian or Zhangsun had been there instead—they might not have made it out alive.
Qiao Xian froze as she guessed the name he'd left unsaid, and a look of disbelief crossed her face. She quickly dropped her head, hiding her expression from Cui Buqu, and listened to his next order without looking up.
"Go to the Jiejian Bureau and ask Feng Xiao about those names."
Qiao Xian knew at once what he was referring to—the prize Cui Buqu had won in a bet with Feng Xiao at the foot of Mount Tiannan. Feng Xiao owed him a list of the names and details of all government officials at the provincial level and below. Yet since returning to the capital, whenever the Zuoyue Bureau sent someone to ask after the list, they received the same answer: The Zuoyue Bureau chief must come in person.
Feng Xiao seemed confident Cui Buqu would eventually yield. He kept his doors wide open and acted completely unconcerned, dangling the lure and waiting for the fish to bite. But Cui Buqu remained resolute, refusing to go himself. They were at a stalemate.
"What if he still won't hand it over?" Qiao Xian asked.
Cui Buqu snorted lightly. "If you show up, he'll think I'm getting impatient. Even if he refuses to hand it over, he's sure to attempt a trick or two. As soon as he does, I'll turn the tables on him and force him to cough up what he owes me."
His tone wasn't one reserved for an enemy, but a familiar old adversary. As the saying went, Know your enemy and know yourself. Cui Buqu made it sound like they were friends and rivals both. They had only taken a trip to Boling, yet Qiao Xian realized their relationship had changed completely.