As night fell, rain began to pour heavily. The southern window was left slightly open a little too long running a hand along the edge of the heated brick bed, one could feel the dampness seeping in.
Yinchen slipped off her shoes and climbed onto the bed, reaching out to remove the prop holding the window open. Just as she was about to close it, she saw someone entering the courtyard with an umbrella. She was still wondering, who it might be when the umbrella tilted slightly upward, allowing the dim lantern light under the eaves to illuminate a delicate and charming face. It was Su Xinghe.
Moments ago, Yinchen had been complaining to the old nanny beside her, lamenting how lonely and cold it felt. She had wanted to see her father and mother. The nanny had tried every possible way to reason with her, explaining that once someone entered the palace, they could no longer long for home because even if they did, they couldn’t return, and missing home would only cause their family unnecessary worry. But no matter how much was said, Yinchen refused to listen. After all, her restlessness wasn’t simply because of homesickness, it was because Su Xinghe wasn’t there. How could the nanny possibly understand that? She only scolded Yinchen for being stubborn and unyielding, and in the end, she gave up on trying to persuade her.
Just when Yinchen was feeling dejected, convinced that the whole world had abandoned her, Su Xinghe suddenly appeared like a beacon of light piercing through the darkness. Ecstatic, she leaped up without a second thought, throwing herself into the night without caring whether it was still raining.
Seeing her rush out, Su Xinghe quickly stepped forward and held the umbrella over her. He scolded her with a mix of concern and frustration: “Didn’t you see it’s raining? Aren’t you afraid of getting your clothes soaked? Honestly, you’re still such a child!”
Though his words carried a hint of reproach, they were filled with more affection than blame. Yinchen could hear it clearly. She clung to his arm and said sweetly, with a touch of playfulness, “But I saw you coming back, didn’t I? Of course, I had to rush out to greet you; how could I think of anything else?”
As she spoke, she pulled him toward the warmth inside, laughing. “I thought you’d be staying at home tonight. I never expected you to return so soon. I didn’t go to the main palace at all today. His Highness wasn’t around, so everyone had nothing to do. All I did was sleep.”
Su Xinghe said, “I’ve been back for half a day and was wondering why I hadn’t seen you. I asked around and found out you were in your quarters. With the festival going on, there are no restrictions on palace attendants visiting different halls. Didn’t you think of taking a stroll in the Northern Palace?”
Yinchen shook her head. “What’s the point of wandering around if you’re not there? Besides, the place is full of concubines, and every single one of them is taller than me when they lift their feet. Am I supposed to go there just to knock my head against them? I’d rather stay in my room and sleep.”
Then, beaming with delight, she asked, “Was it fun at home? Your family must have been overjoyed to see you back!”
Su Xinghe gave a soft hum of acknowledgement and took out an oil-paper package, handing it to her. “These are homemade duck tongues, southern-style. I don’t know if you’ll like the taste.”
Yinchen was overjoyed. She sat cross-legged on the heated brick bed, unwrapping the package as she grinned. “There’s nothing in this world I can’t eat! Forget southern duck tongues, give me a plate of deep-fried cicadas from the North, and I’ll finish the whole thing without batting an eye.”
She picked out a slender piece of cartilage, popped the duck tongue into her mouth, then smoothly pulled out the soft bone, chewing with relish. As she ate, she remarked, “Southern dishes tend to be on the sweeter side, but sweetness actually enhances the umami. That’s why sugar is added to stir-fried dishes, it brings out the flavor.”
Su Xinghe chuckled. “Did you train as a chef?”
She shook her head. “No, but I’ve eaten plenty. They say ‘a long illness makes a good doctor’s well, if you eat enough, shouldn’t that make you a master chef?”
Still munching, she glanced at Su Xinghe and asked, “You came back around noon Was there something important?”
Su Xinghe had come to talk to her about relocating to another palace, but he was worried that bringing it up too abruptly might make her overthink. So, he tried to ease into the conversation by chatting with her first, hoping to divert her attention.
He started telling her about some troubles he had encountered at home. Yinchen was stunned after hearing them. “That Grand Princess must be out of her mind with desire. Isn’t this kind of thing supposed to be mutual? I used to think men weren’t too picky; after all, that’s what my mother always told me. But ever since His Highness kicked me off the bed, I realized my mother might not have been entirely right. At least, His Highness only recognizes your doorway.”
Su Xinghe felt a little awkward. “Let’s not bring up doorways.”
He thought to himself, His Highness probably couldn’t even remove a door latch properly, what right does he have to talk about doors?
Yinchen was sharp. She knew Su Xinghe wouldn’t have come to the outer palace quarters so late at night without a reason. After finishing the duck tongues, she sat up straight and said, “Alright, I’ve eaten, and when you’ve eaten someone’s food, you can’t turn them down. If you have something to say, just say it, sister.”
Su Xinghe was surprised. “You guessed I had something to talk about?”
“Well, if it weren’t important, His Highness wouldn’t have let you come here so late, would he?” She flashed a grin. “Go ahead, I can handle it.”
Su Xinghe couldn’t help but laugh. “This is something that will benefit you in the long run. You make it sound like I’m here to trick you. Let me explain, and you can see for yourself.”
Yinchen suddenly had a bad feeling. Of course, with her father holding real power now, she wasn’t afraid of anyone scheming against her. What she feared was being left alone, what she feared most was never seeing Su Xinghe again.
She tightened the sash of her dress and said, “What is it? Just say it straight. I can feel my heart pounding.”
Under the candlelight, Su Xinghe’s face looked gentle and sweet. She smiled softly, the dimples at the corners of her lips deep like little cups of sugar. Reaching out, she took Yinchen’s hand. “The Palace Attendant has been in the Eastern Palace for about a month now, right? What do you think of His Highness the Crown Prince? Do you have any feelings for him?”
Yinchen shook her head vigorously. “He and I just don’t get along, and honestly, I don’t like him either…” Then, she suddenly covered her mouth. “Wait, you won’t tell him what I just said, will you?”
Su Xinghe shook her head. “Even if I don’t tell him, he already knows. You’ve seen it too. His Highness isn’t one to compromise. But there’s nothing to be done about it. He’s the Crown Prince, the future ruler of this land, so naturally, he has his own way of thinking. He’s told me many times that you’re too young, and he’s afraid you’ll waste your years in the Eastern Palace, spending a decade or more in service with nothing to show for it. You entered the palace by imperial decree, originally meant to be paired with him, but since he’s unwilling, that’s that. He keeps saying your ages don’t match, he’s eight years older than you, practically like an elder. But with Prince Xin, it’s a different story. He thinks you and Prince Xin are a perfect match, being of the same age, and you’d have more to talk about if you were together.”
Yinchen’s eyes widened in shock. “Wait, what do you mean? Are you saying they want to arrange a marriage for me? Who even is Prince Xin? I don’t know him at all!”
Seeing how flustered she was, her cheeks turning bright red, Su Xinghe quickly reassured her in a gentle voice. “Don’t you remember? Prince Xin is the Crown Prince’s full younger brother, the only one among the four brothers who was granted a princely title at birth. After the late Empress passed, His Majesty personally raised him by his side. He’s around your age and has a proper, handsome appearance. Earlier this year, he moved from the Lìzhèng Hall to the Wúde Hall. He doesn’t have any close female attendants at the moment, so the Crown Prince wants to send you over to take care of him. Would you be willing?”
Yinchen quickly refused. “I don’t want to! I can barely take care of myself, how could I take care of someone else? I didn’t come to the Eastern Palace for the Crown Prince; I came for you. When I was little, I heard people talking about you, saying how many daughters the Su family had, but in my heart, you were always more remarkable than the Crown Prince. It’s not like I ever planned on anything with His Highness, so don’t be in such a hurry to send me away! Just let me stay in the Eastern Palace. It’s just an extra set of bowls and chopsticks. If it’s too much trouble, I can even chip in for my own meals!”
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but Su Xinghe could only sigh helplessly. She really is still just a child, she thought. All she wants is to stay with her friends, she hasn’t even considered her own future.
Su Xinghe moved closer and pulled Yinchen into her embrace. “Listen to me,” she said softly. “When a girl grows up, she has to get married. And the best kind of man to entrust your future to is someone you’ve known since childhood, someone whose character you understand completely. Take me and the Crown Prince, for example. I entered the palace to serve him when I was twelve. I was bullied by him; no, I mean, I accompanied him for ten years. We are master and servant, but also friends. If I were to think about marriage, he would be the first person to come to mind. After all, I know both his good and bad sides. It’s far better than marrying a stranger in a blind match, wouldn’t you agree?”
But, Yinchen wasn’t happy. She lowered her head, puffing up her cheeks in frustration, refusing to speak. After a long pause, she finally muttered, “Sending me to serve Prince Xin… this was just the Crown Prince’s idea, wasn’t it?”
Su Xinghe shook her head. “No, it was my idea too. With Prince Xin’s relationship to the Crown Prince, his future is guaranteed he will be second only to the Emperor himself. Serving by his side won’t be any worse than staying in the Eastern Palace. Do you understand?”
If it had been just the Crown Prince’s decision, Yinchen might have hesitated. But since Su Xinghe had also said so, there was nothing left to struggle against.
In the end, it didn’t matter whose side she was on; she had seen enough men to know they were all the same, and none of them interested her in the slightest. As long as she could stay within the palace, as long as she could still see Su Xinghe, her heart’s wish was fulfilled.
“Wude Hall isn’t far from the Eastern Palace, right? Can I still come visit you often?”
Su Xinghe nodded. “Of course. If you head north from Tongxun Gate, you’ll reach Xuande Gate, it’s very close. Whenever you have free time, you can always come back to the Eastern Palace for a visit. By then, even the Grand Steward will treat you with proper respect.”
Yinchen let out a long “ohhh” in understanding. “Once I move to Wude Hall, I’ll be serving Prince Xin as his female attendant. I’ll be considered one of his people. That’s why the Grand Steward won’t dare put on airs with me.”
Su Xinghe confirmed this with a nod, then lowered her voice. “Daji Hall is separated from Lizheng Hall by only one building. Wude Hall. News from the imperial court will reach you there even faster than it does here in the Eastern Palace… You must always stay vigilant. If you ever come across something you can’t decide on, just come to me, and we’ll figure it out together.”
Yinchen agreed and turned to hug Su Xinghe tightly. She might be small, but she understood everything. “From now on, I’ll be your little informant. No matter what happens in the court, I’ll come and report it to you. Don’t worry.”
After Yinchen left, the Crown Prince was quite satisfied. His sense of satisfaction was reflected in his diligence, and without any lingering worries, he was able to devote himself fully to governance.
The Crown Prince resumed handling state affairs even before the official end of his leave. Reports from various provinces arrived daily in overwhelming numbers. He meticulously sorted out those concerning the northern and southern battlefronts and compiled them for submission to the Emperor for final decisions.
The Emperor’s health was still relatively stable, but when his headaches struck, they were as sharp as if he were being hacked with a blade. Keeping warm alleviated the symptoms slightly, but if the chill set in, the pain became unbearable, so much so that vomiting was the only relief.
When the Crown Prince entered, his father was seated on the southern kang, reviewing memorials. A forehead band was tied around his head, and the side of his face closest to the brazier was slightly flushed from the heat. Taking the reports, the Emperor examined them carefully. The rebellion in the southern borderlands was gradually being subdued, and all military deployment orders had been issued from the Eastern Palace. The arrangements had been precise, minimizing unnecessary losses.
The Emperor was visibly pleased. “I was worried at first; this was your first time directing military movements, and I feared you might not fully grasp the stakes. But now I see that my concerns were unnecessary.”
The Crown Prince replied humbly, “It was all thanks to the Eastern Palace advisors. I had my moments of misjudgment, but they corrected me, ensuring a smooth transition between stationed troops and reinforcements.”
The Emperor nodded. “A ruler must never blind himself to counsel or act willfully. The battlefield is unpredictable, and merely relaying orders from afar is unwise. Our dynasty has no shortage of capable generals, sometimes, it is best to give them free rein to adapt to changing conditions. The sooner this war is resolved, the better.”
The Crown Prince watched as his father massaged his temples and hesitated before saying, “I share the same view. Now that our border troops have arrived, the course of the battle is in the generals’ hands. By the time imperial edicts from the capital reach the front lines, the situation may have already changed. I have issued a personal decree appointing Shangguan Chun as deputy commander… Father, is the pain severe?”
The Emperor waved a hand dismissively. “I’m used to it, it will pass in a while. My body is failing by the day. Just yesterday, I was thinking… Once the court assembly convenes, I shall issue a decree for you to act as regent. That way, the burden on my shoulders may finally be eased.”
The Crown Prince rose to his feet. “Father, as long as you are in the capital, it would not be proper for me to serve as regent.”
The Emperor shook his head. “This empire will one day be yours. I have watched you govern for a long time now, and I have seen your capabilities with my own eyes. Granting you the position of regent is merely an opportunity for you to gain more experience. The court is ever-changing, and I only hope that you will remain steadfast. When the day comes for you to inherit this throne, you must usher in a golden age and not disappoint my expectations of you.”
The affections within the imperial family were often distant, not because they lacked sentiment, but because certain words were not easily spoken. The Emperor’s love for his son was not expressed through warmth but through support throughout these years he had never wavered in his decision, nor had he ever considered replacing the Crown Prince with another heir.
A heavy weight settled in the Crown Prince’s heart. He bowed deeply before his father. “Your son obeys your decree. But Father, please take care of your health. No matter how much I handle state affairs, I still have much to learn and will always need your guidance.”
After withdrawing from the imperial bedchamber, he stood under the corridor for a while. A light drizzle fell beyond the eaves. Every spring rain after the new year marked another step toward warmer days.
Footsteps approached from behind, and a soft voice called out, “Second Brother.”
He turned to see Prince Xin. “Father’s headaches still have not improved. Did he take his medicine this morning?”
Prince Xin nodded. “He took it at the hour of Chen (7-9 AM). The Imperial Academy of Medicine has changed his prescription again; let’s see if another two doses make a difference. Earlier, I overheard something… is Father going to appoint you as regent?”
The Crown Prince acting as regent, even while the Emperor remained in the capital, was neither a minor nor a major event. He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance. The Prince of Xin offered his congratulations, but he found nothing to celebrate. A ruler delegating power was the prelude to twilight’s descent, when the empire was fully entrusted to him. Would that not mean his father would no longer be here?
The young generation was growing, while the old slowly faded away. When one did not think about it deeply, it all seemed natural. But when the change was laid out so clearly before him, it evoked fear, the fear of loss, the awe of how merciless and irreversible life could be. He could hardly bear to imagine it, his mother was gone, and one day, his father would follow. And then, what would be left for him? No matter how old one grew, the pain of losing one’s parents was suffocating.
He let out a long, weary sigh. “You’ve worked hard these past few days. Go rest. I’ll handle Father’s medicine this afternoon.”
The Prince Xin hesitated slightly before agreeing. “I happened to have plans with Laizhi and the others, I’ll be leaving the palace later, so I’ll leave Father in your care.”
The Crown Prince had tended to his father’s illness many times before. He let the Prince Xin go about his affairs and entered the warm chamber on the western side. There, he tended to the stove while reviewing memorials.
Everything in the palace followed strict precision, medicine had to be taken at fixed times without fail. The afternoon passed within this small space. When the three bowls of water had boiled down to one, just as the imperial physician had instructed, the Western clock on the table chimed heavily. The Crown Prince wrapped a cloth around the medicine cup’s handle, carefully filtering the decoction into a porcelain cup.
After ensuring his father drank the medicine and persuading him to rest, he finally returned to the Eastern Palace once everything was properly arranged.
He inquired about Su Xinghe’s whereabouts, and Dequan stepped forward to report, “Lord Su has gone to Juiri Hall. Since the Attendant-in-Waiting Shangguan had just moved there for duty, Lord Su was concerned and went to check on him.”
That visit would undoubtedly lead her to the Northern Palace to see Empress Hui.
The Crown Prince sat silently in his armchair. The western lattice window was open, the rain had stopped, and the sun was slowly sinking, casting a deep crimson hue. He stared at the fading sun, his mind utterly blank, as his hands clenched tightly into fists.
Su Xinghe did indeed do as the Crown Prince had predicted; after attending court, she made her way to the Northern Palace.
During the first two days of the spring holiday, she had not been able to visit the Warm Pavilion to probe the situation, but it had been weighing on her mind. Just yesterday, after returning, Tongshi had sent a young eunuch with a message. On the first and fifteenth of each month, it was customary for the Empress to receive imperial favor, and as expected, His Majesty had visited the Warm Pavilion. However, this time, Lady Wen had not attended to him in the inner chambers; from beginning to end, it had been the Empress alone. So, for now, everything seemed as usual.
His Majesty’s health was frail; taking two women into his bed each time was likely too much for his body to bear. As for Empress Hui’s intentions, Su Xinghe could see them clearly. Fearing that her age and fading beauty would cause her to lose favor, she had offered a younger woman instead. If any issues arose, she could handle them within her own palace. And if good news came of it? The Empress would be the first to benefit. Indeed, this scheme had countless advantages and no drawbacks.
A second-rank palace maid she had stationed in the Warm Pavilion discreetly led her inside, whispering as they walked, “Lady Wen has not been seen outside for the past two days. I fear Lord Su may not be able to meet her today.”
Hiding someone away, that was the strategy. Su Xinghe immediately understood. It seemed everything would ultimately hinge on this palace maid. Keeping her expression composed, she entered the hall and bowed to the Empress.
The Empress remained gracious, rising to support her personally. “A happy new year to you, Lord Su. I trust you received the spices and silk I had sent?”
Su Xinghe quickly replied, “Indeed, Your Majesty. I have come precisely to express my gratitude. When I returned to the palace and saw such an abundance of gifts, I was truly overwhelmed. I am but a humble Chancellor of the Eastern Palace; how could I possibly be worthy of such generosity from Your Majesty?”
The Empress said that Lord Su was being too modest. “I will have much to rely on you for in the future. That small gesture was merely a token of my appreciation.”
When it came to winning people over, the new Empress’s approach of offering small favors was far more effective than Zuo Zhaoyi’s method of using punishment to command obedience. As they sat conversing, Su Xinghe deliberately brought up the connections between the festival and the Cavalry Commandant.
Empress Hui was well aware of the situation. She gave a reserved smile and said, “My family is small, with only one brother as my closest kin. I have been Empress for some time now, yet my title has brought no honor to my family. When I think about it, it truly makes me feel ashamed.”
It was customary for an Empress’s family to receive titles and rewards upon her enthronement. However, without oversight or deliberate restraint. The Emperor had granted the Hui family nothing. The more one is suppressed, the more forceful the eventual backlash. Su Xinghe feigned surprise and said, “That is rather odd. Has Your Majesty ever mentioned this to His Majesty? Perhaps it was merely an oversight, and with a slight reminder from you, the matter could be resolved.”
The Empress gave a bitter smile. “What kind of Empress asks for titles for her own family? If His Majesty does not think of them, it must be because I have not done well enough. In truth, this position was never meant for me. Having taken advantage of this unearned honor, how could I possibly, 0.ask for more? Would that not make me a laughingstock?”
Her display of self-pity was a tactic, yet she was also self-aware; she understood that the Emperor’s reluctance to elevate the Hui family stemmed from the fact that the title of Empress had never been intended for her in the first place.
She had cast her line, and it was now Su Xinghe’s turn to take the bait. Su Xinghe spoke slowly, “Your Majesty must not belittle yourself. No matter what, you now sit in this position; you are the Empress of the Dayin Dynasty, and no one can easily shake your status. However, the tradition of granting titles to the Empress’s family is well established. That the court has yet to act on it…” She trailed off, pausing as if hesitant, then offered a faint, troubled smile.
The Empress raised her hand, signaling for the attendants to withdraw. Only then did she openly seek Su Xinghe’s counsel. “In Lord Su’s opinion, how should I conduct myself in the current situation?”
Su Xinghe replied, “Your Majesty, do not be anxious. Wait a little longer; perhaps His Majesty has yet to find an opportune moment to grant the honors. But if there is still no movement in two months, then Your Majesty must start thinking for yourself. Throughout history, Empresses without a strong natal family have always suffered. There’s no need to look far; just take Empress Xu of Emperor Xuan of Han as an example. Your Majesty knows well how that ended.”
Empress Hui was momentarily lost in thought. Even an Empress dearly cherished by the Emperor had met such an end; how many of someone like her would even be worth noticing?
A shiver ran through her. With a sorrowful expression, she murmured, “Of course, I have thought about this. The lessons of history are right before my eyes; those who climb too high will fall the hardest. There are already people waiting to see me fail. I am well aware. But when it comes down to it, even the cleverest woman cannot cook without rice. Without people, even the most illustrious title has no one to inherit it.” She turned to look at Su Xinghe. “Lord Su, I wish to form an alliance. What is your stance on this?”
Su Xinghe, who had been holding her breath, finally relaxed. However, this was not the moment to eagerly accept, nor to be the first to break the unspoken understanding. She took a roundabout approach. “Your Majesty need not worry. Both I and His Highness the Crown Prince have always been unwavering in our support for you.”
The Empress shook her head. “The alliance I speak of has nothing to do with the Crown Prince, it concerns only your Su family. The Crown Prince is not my flesh and blood, and you, Lord Su, are well aware of that. You are a wise person; even if I do not spell it out, I trust you can understand my meaning.”
Su Xinghe fell silent. She neither agreed nor refused, deliberately keeping the Empress in suspense. Only after a long pause did she finally rise, offering a deep bow toward the seat before her. “The humble Su family is but a modest household. To be favored by Your Majesty, we would not dare disobey.”
So, this was a matter of mutual benefit. In this world, where the strong prey on the weak, the weak could only maximize their interests through alliances. The Su family understood this principle, and of course, the solitary and vulnerable Empress Hui , understood it as well.
Everything went smoothly. When Su Xinghe left the Northern Palace, a sliver of the setting sun still hung in the sky. By the time she entered Yichun Gate, it was nearly time for the palace gates to be locked. There was no shortage of attendants watching over Lizheng Hall, so she returned to Hitang first to change her clothes. After a long day of running around, exhaustion crept up on her, and as she lay slumped on the southern heated brick bed, she unknowingly fell asleep.
She was in a daze when she suddenly heard Lanchu’s sharp voice calling for her. Then came a violent shaking, as if the whole world was being overturned, it nearly rattled her brain loose.
She was dazed for a moment before she opened her eyes. The sky outside was already pitch black. Struggling to sit up, she had no idea what had gotten into this girl now. Annoyed, she snapped, “I’m not hungry right now. Can’t I eat later?”
Lanchu, flustered and panic-stricken, blurted out, “It’s not about food! You must hurry to the front, Lizheng Hall is in chaos! His Highness the Crown Prince somehow fell asleep and won’t wake up no matter what anyone does!”
