Volume Three: A Hundred Things Changed with the Spring Breeze
Deep Within the Palace
What is it that she still hasn’t figured out?
When Qin Junlan uttered the words about killing the Grand Chancellor, her expression held a terrifying coldness, without a trace of attachment or any excess emotion. In her eyes, Yi Hongchuan was merely a rebel, with no familial ties to speak of. Since ancient times, the struggle for imperial power has always been cruel, and the ruthlessness of emperors was gradually revealing itself in Qin Junlan.
Liu Qianxun recalled Ling Yu’s words that Qin Junlan was not as perfect as she thought, and that her methods and scheming would eventually come to light. She had always known that a ruler could not be as simple as they appeared on the surface. Even before their encounter, during those few confrontations, Liu Qianxun realized that although this empress was benevolent, she was indeed difficult to deal with.
Now that she had finally endured to enter the palace, a rebellion and bloodshed in Fengqing Palace allowed Liu Qianxun to witness Qin Junlan’s resolute and ruthless nature. For the sake of the world and the country, familial bonds seemed so insignificant compared to the righteousness between ruler and subject.
Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger.
Liu Qianxun understood this principle. Even if she was highly favored now, would Qin Junlan not harbor thoughts of killing her when the truth came to light? Moreover, Qin Junlan had not completely eliminated her wariness and suspicion towards her. She must tread carefully, and now that she had entered this deep palace, she should be even more cautious.
“Princess, please come quickly with this old servant to take a look. Nanny Qiushui is terribly worried,” the elderly eunuch’s voice, aged yet delicate, sounded as if squeezed from his throat, his urgent mood evident in his words.
“Jin’er, you go to Fengqing Palace first. I will arrive shortly,” said the Emperor.
“Yes, this humble sister takes her leave,” Yun Jin hurriedly left with the old eunuch, thinking to herself: The Empress Dowager’s fainting is no small matter. How can the Emperor be so calm? Could it be that at a time like this, she’s still thinking of being intimate with Liu Qianxun? Or does she have other plans?
This old eunuch is truly strange. Shouldn’t he have notified the Emperor first about the Empress Dowager’s fainting? Why did he come to find Yun Jin first? Liu Qianxun pondered. It’s understandable for the favored Yun Jin to go visit, but after all, she isn’t the Empress Dowager’s biological daughter. However, seeing Qin Junlan’s calm expression, she doesn’t seem worried about the Empress Dowager’s fainting at all?
The deep chambers of the imperial palace are indeed different from the outside world.
After Yun Jin left, Qin Junlan’s slightly furrowed brow gradually relaxed. She took Liu Qianxun’s hand and asked, “Are you accustomed to living here yet?”
“How could I not be accustomed? Besides, aren’t you here with me?” Liu Qianxun replied with a smile on her lips, though the current situation wasn’t quite suitable for flirting.
She looked at Qin Junlan, hesitating to speak.
“You want to ask why I’m not rushing to see the Empress Dowager?” Qin Junlan discerned her thoughts.
Liu Qianxun nodded, “As I come and go in the palace, it’s not appropriate for me to speak lightly. However, the Empress Dowager is still Your Majesty’s birth mother. I’m worried…”
“Xun’er, you needn’t worry. At present, I’m the last person Mother Empress wants to see after she wakes up. So, I’m waiting for someone,” Qin Junlan said calmly. Though concerned about the Empress Dowager in her heart, she knew that the situation developing this way was inevitable, and she had to face it all. What she could do now was to soothe the Empress Dowager’s emotions as much as possible, rather than appear rashly and anger her.
“Waiting for someone?” Liu Qianxun didn’t understand her words, only feeling that Qin Junlan’s thoughts were unfathomable, even more difficult to grasp than Ling Yu’s.
“Your Majesty, Lord Yi has arrived,” a guard suddenly reported. Behind him followed a refined and cultured man who kept his head bowed, not daring to look up. He walked up to Qin Junlan and knelt straight down, saying, “This guilty subject, Yi Ziquan, pays respects to Your Majesty and thanks you for your grace.”
“You didn’t participate in the palace coup, what crime have you committed? Rise.”
Yi Ziquan stood up, slightly raising his head. His eyes were red-rimmed, seemingly filled with sorrow. Implicated by his father, he was originally to be executed along with him. But Qin Junlan, upon investigation, found him innocent and released him without charge. His mood was gloomy, with a heavy, overcast look in his eyes. However, as he raised his gaze, he saw the most beautiful flower of all seasons – as radiant as the sun, as alluring as charm itself, as pure as the moon. Liu Qianxun’s light cyan and white robes fluttered in the wind, her world-toppling beauty making him feel as if he had entered a dream and seen a fairy from the ninth heaven.
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The world seemed to freeze for a moment as Yi Ziquan’s gaze fell upon Liu Qianxun’s features. He felt his heart brighten considerably, and his previously heavy mood gradually lightened. Not being found guilty was already a great fortune, and to see such a beauty in this world made him feel he could die without regrets.
This entranced expression was strikingly similar to those men who had once admired Liu Qianxun. Seeing his gaze, Qin Junlan felt displeased. She lightly coughed and said, “Quan’er, this is Princess Qinghe.”
“Princess Qinghe? Oh… This guilty subject pays respects to the Princess,” Yi Ziquan, realizing his rudeness, hurriedly bowed.
“No need for formalities,” Liu Qianxun replied coolly. Her indifferent and aloof demeanor made Yi Ziquan feel instantly at ease, and he couldn’t help but gaze at her once more.
Yi Ziquan had been imprisoned in the Jueming Division, and today he was specially pardoned and released. Qin Junlan had ordered him to be cleaned up. She intended to bring him to see the Empress Dowager, using him to soothe her emotions. The Jueming Division was located in the northwest corner, and one had to pass through Qixia Palace to reach it. Qin Junlan had come to see Liu Qianxun while also waiting for him. However, she hadn’t expected that this chance encounter would plant the seeds of love in Yi Ziquan’s heart.
“I’ll head to Fengqing Palace now,” Qin Junlan raised her hand, gently gripping Liu Qianxun’s shoulder, her temples slightly lifted. “Don’t stay cooped up in Qixia Palace all day. Let Yuan Xi take you around for a walk.”
“Yes, I respectfully see Your Majesty off,” Liu Qianxun said, bidding farewell to Qin Junlan. As she did so, she noticed Yi Ziquan following behind her, looking back at her every few steps.
So, Qin Junlan intended to use this sole surviving male of the Yi family to comfort the Empress Dowager, offering a small consolation in this moment of grief. It was said that almost all the male members of the Yi clan had been executed, leaving no Yi surname officials in the court. The uninvolved children and women were still being treated kindly.
For an emperor, the crime of treason typically warranted the execution of nine generations of the family. Qin Junlan’s actions were already the epitome of leniency.
“Princess, this servant will take you for a walk in the Imperial Garden,” Yuan Xi said, having been tasked with overseeing the daily necessities and living arrangements of Qixia Palace and Liu Qianxun. Now responsible for the inner palace affairs of both Fengluang Palace and Qixia Palace, her duties were significant, and she dared not be negligent.
“That’s fine,” Liu Qianxun agreed, taking this opportunity to familiarize herself with the palace layout.
The Imperial Garden comprised seven themed gardens, each complementing one of the seven main palaces. Among these, Fengluang Palace and Fengqing Palace were the largest. Qixia Palace was adjacent to Fengluang Palace and not far from Fengqing Palace. As Liu Qianxun walked, surrounded by palace maids, everyone she encountered showed utmost respect, with some bolder individuals secretly admiring her beauty.
Summer lotuses swayed gently, and streams in the Imperial Garden flowed softly, creating melodious sounds as they trickled over exquisite pebbles, reminiscent of musical instruments. As dusk approached, though still early, a faint mist seemed to envelop the palace grounds when viewed from the Imperial Garden. On the intricately carved sandalwood eaves, phoenixes spread their wings as if about to take flight. Soft light illuminated the carved blue tiles, while jade-inlaid wall panels gleamed in the evening sun. The innate grandeur amidst the luxury subtly revealed the majesty of the imperial city without need for ostentation.
Liu Qianxun walked at a leisurely pace, seemingly strolling but actually observing the surrounding terrain and even trying to discern patterns in the guard postings. Suddenly, a commotion broke out somewhere, its sound intermittent. Liu Qianxun followed the noise, hearing the anxious calls of palace maids.
“Young Prince, please be careful!”
“Young Prince, please come down quickly! Oh! Be careful!”
It turned out that Guo’er, Yun Jin’s son, had climbed up an osmanthus tree. His small body was hanging from a branch, his short arms desperately reaching forward. When he couldn’t reach, he would crawl along the branch, inching forward cautiously.
“What’s going on? How did the Young Prince end up in the tree? Don’t you know how dangerous this is?” Yuan Xi scolded. As the head palace maid, she held a fifth-rank position, and all palace maids except Qiushui had to bow to her.
“Sister Yuan Xi, a small bird fell from the tree. The Young Prince said if we don’t return it, the bird’s mother will worry. So he climbed up himself. We servants couldn’t dissuade him; he insisted on climbing up himself.”
“Where are the guards? Couldn’t you send someone skilled in martial arts to carry the Young Prince up there?”
“The Young Prince won’t allow…”
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Liu Qianxun watched him with interest. So, he was holding a small bird in his hand. A child’s world is indeed innocent. Yun Jin, being so virtuous and clear-minded, surely her son wouldn’t be much different. However, the Wise King was of mediocre talent. It would be a pity if this child took after his father.
“Sister, I’ve never seen you fond of children before,” Mujin, who had been attending nearby, felt that Liu Qianxun had changed greatly since returning from her southern tour. Previously, she wouldn’t have spared a glance for people and matters unrelated to her.
“He’s not just any child,” Liu Qianxun said with an indulgent look, her eyes never leaving Guo’er.
Guo’er safely placed the little bird back in its nest and finally felt relieved. However, he forgot that he was still high up in the tree. As he stepped back, his foot slipped, and his body plummeted straight down.
“Young Prince!”
Everyone was panic-stricken, yet unable to rush forward in time to save him. At this critical moment, a subtle fragrance wafted through the air. Liu Qianxun was seen moving, light as a swallow, transforming into a gentle breeze as she securely caught Guo’er in her arms. No one had noticed when she stepped forward, rescuing the Young Prince as swiftly as lightning.
“Next time, you mustn’t climb such a tall tree. It’s very dangerous, do you understand?” Liu Qianxun gently admonished him like an elder before slowly setting him down.
Guo’er wasn’t frightened at all. Instead, he looked Liu Qianxun up and down, asking, “Are you the Princess Qinghe that people in the palace have been talking about recently? My grandmother’s adopted daughter?”
“Yes, you should call me Aunt,” Liu Qianxun said with a hint of a smile, her cool demeanor softening slightly.
“No, ‘Aunt’ doesn’t sound nice. Your martial arts are so impressive, why don’t you become my master instead and teach me martial arts?” Although young, Guo’er’s speech showed growing maturity. Despite his small stature, he stood tall, exuding a regal air.
Fortunately, this child’s intelligence and temperament took after Yun Jin, with his features bearing some resemblance to Qin Junlan. Liu Qianxun instantly felt fond of him.
“You’re the Young Prince, how could I possibly teach you martial arts?” Liu Qianxun engaged him in conversation with interest.
“You’re as beautiful as Imperial Aunt. Imperial Aunt teaches me literature, you can teach me martial arts. Wouldn’t that be perfect?” Guo’er analyzed, making perfect sense.
“Your Imperial Aunt excels in both literature and martial arts. Why not let her teach you martial arts? Also, your grandmother’s martial arts skills are even more advanced.”
“Imperial Aunt is busy managing state affairs; it’s already difficult for her to find time to teach me. Grandmother doesn’t like to be disturbed; it’s best to let her spend her golden years peacefully in the loquat forest. You’re the most suitable. Will you agree or not?” Guo’er suddenly burrowed into her arms, acting coy. It was unclear why he felt so inexplicably close to this person he had just met for the first time.
“Guo’er, don’t be impolite.” Yun Jin’s voice suddenly rang out. Guo’er immediately rose from Liu Qianxun’s embrace and ran towards her.
“Sister Yun Jin.” Liu Qianxun half-knelt, and all her attendants also knelt and bowed. Yun Jin nodded slightly, “I’m taking Guo’er to see the Empress Dowager. Sister, you may do as you please.”
“Yes.”
Seeing Yun Jin’s expressionless face, it seemed the Empress Dowager’s condition was not optimistic. How could the wound of a family’s annihilation be healed? One wondered how Qin Junlan was faring. The Empress Dowager must have berated her harshly.
Even the Emperor, the most revered person in the world, must value loyalty and filial piety. She can execute treacherous officials, but she cannot defy her mother. Given the current situation, the people of the Wise King’s household are temporarily residing in the palace. Yun Jin holds the highest position in the inner court, seemingly unrivaled. The Young Prince is even more favored by Qin Junlan, who personally instructs him. Could she be grooming him to become…?
Liu Qianxun had no interest in appreciating the scenery. She felt that no matter how beautiful the Imperial Garden was, it couldn’t compare to Changning Mansion. Moreover, this secluded palace garden carried a hint of sinister, oppressive air. Who knows how many wronged souls from past dynasties wandered here?
“Ah, the poor Princess Consort. So virtuous, intelligent, and beautiful, yet unable to escape the fate of sharing a husband with others.”
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“Indeed. I heard the new concubine will be arriving in a few days. She won’t be easy to serve.”
“It’s a pity. The Wise King’s Consort avoids conflicts. I wonder if she’ll end up at a disadvantage.”
“It was once rumored that the Wise King had deep feelings for her. Who would have thought…”
The words of the palace maids tending to the garden drifted over. Though their voices were low, Liu Qianxun heard them clearly.
“Who allowed you to gossip about your masters behind their backs? Focus on your work and keep your mouths shut!” Yuan Xi glared at them. These palace maids were becoming increasingly unruly, behaving this way wherever they went. It seemed it was time for her to enforce discipline.
“We deserve to die for our offense,” several young palace maids exclaimed, falling to their knees in terror.
The Wise King is taking a concubine? Why so suddenly? Liu Qianxun frowned deeply, feeling instantly displeased. Yun Jin marrying the Wise King was already beneath her status, yet he dared to take a concubine? How could the Emperor and Empress Dowager allow Yun Jin to suffer such an insult?
Yet Yun Jin appeared unperturbed, seemingly unconcerned about the matter. A fog of confusion clouded Liu Qianxun’s mind. What was it? What was she failing to see clearly? Yun Jin seemed to be hiding something, but what could it be?