His casual tone made Wei Linxia feel sour inside. She knew imperial family relationships were cold, but this Emperor seemed to care so little about his son that it was no wonder Xi Linxuan never called him “Father Emperor.”
“Your Highness woke up even earlier!”
Wei Linxia spoke softly.
Xi Linxuan laughed lightly: “You woke up late today.” This made Wei Linxia blush.
A palace maid presented a large, unusual green peony that resembled carved jade. Wei Linxia admired its size.
Xi Linxuan picked up the flower and called for Wei Linxia. She stepped forward and bent down to pin the flower securely. Xi Linxuan seemed satisfied, remarking, “Not bad, not bad. This flower is really good.”
The light green flower on Wei Linxia’s head added liveliness to her deep black court dress. While it lacked the richness of red, it suited her calm disposition.
After breakfast, Xi Linxuan, in a rare good mood, took her on a tour of the Eastern Palace. Just before noon, a summons arrived, announcing the Crown Prince’s illness and his use of the Emperor’s sedan chair. Xi Linxuan glanced at the luxurious nine-dragon sedan chair and refused, turning to Wei Linxia: “Crown Princess, assist me in moving forward.”
“Yes,” Wei Linxia replied, stepping back and gripping the wheelchair’s sides.
Before, she had pushed this wheelchair only to pick a few flowers without so many people watching and not heading to meet the supreme ruler. Now, everything was different.
Because of Xi Linxuan’s refusal, the procession included palace maids and eunuchs leading the way, the Crown Princess pushing the Crown Prince’s wheelchair in the middle, with a nine-dragon sedan chair carried by four men behind, creating a strange sight.
The path to the audience was long, and everyone remained silent, their footsteps barely audible. Only occasional tinkling sounds broke the silence, from a bell in Xi Linxuan’s fragrance pouch, which Wei Linxia had heard in their bridal chamber the previous night.
“Rest if you’re tired,” Xi Linxuan said.
“No, not tired,” Wei Linxia quickly responded.
Finally, they saw the majestic palace, which Wei Linxia had glimpsed before through the high walls, but today was different. The palace stood on a three-zhang white marble platform, surrounded by guards in strict formation, emanating a solemn atmosphere.
After the eunuch’s announcement, Wei Linxia heard the sharp voice echo back. Passing the main hall, through the corridor, they arrived at a slightly more modest palace facing south. The surroundings remained eerily quiet.
Entering the hall, layers of curtains created a maze-like environment.
Wei Linxia’s nervousness faded during the long journey. Xi Linxuan gently patted her hand, eliciting a slight smile from her.
Behind the curtains, there was no dragon throne as she had imagined. Instead, a simple rocking chair, a high table, and shelves filled with books greeted them. Green-leafed orchids by the window filled the air with a light fragrance. The Emperor, in a black dragon robe, sat uncomfortably in the rocking chair, pressing his temples as if troubled.
Xi Linxuan signaled Wei Linxia to help him stand, and they knelt side by side.
“Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty.” These rituals, taught to her in Lady Fan’s palace, required three kneelings and nine kowtows.
After completing the formalities, the Emperor, who had been resting with closed eyes, ordered them to rise and be seated. His sharp gaze made Wei Linxia, who kept her head lowered, feel immense pressure. Unlike the Empress Dowager’s piercing look, the Emperor’s made one feel completely exposed.
“Oh? Is there a green peony in the Eastern Palace?” The Emperor’s first words surprised Wei Linxia.
She thought he would ask about her name, the books she had read, or her skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
“Yes, for some reason, a green one bloomed this year,” Xi Linxuan answered calmly.
The emperor laughed, “Not bad. It’s much more pleasing than those vulgar red ones. I’ve been busy and haven’t summoned you to talk. Have lunch with me today and we can chat.”
They agreed.
The lunch was moved to another location with several long tables filled with food. The emperor had them sit on either side and said they would talk, but there was little to say. When he saw a plate of honey plum blossom cake, he said, “Little Sixteen loves these pastries. Send two pieces over and have Zhao Yi watch so he doesn’t eat too many and ruin his teeth.”
The emperor then casually asked Wei Linxia a few unimportant questions about Huo and their journey, to which she replied pleasantly.
“The Crown Princess has never been to the capital. Linxuan, accompany her around,” the emperor instructed.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Xi Linxuan replied.
After the meal, a eunuch informed them that the Sixteenth Prince had eaten two pieces and was rolling around in the hall. The emperor laughed lovingly and then dismissed Wei Linxia and the others, heading to Zhao Yi’s palace with a eunuch.
The food was delicious, but Wei Linxia felt a lump in her throat. Xi Linxuan, accustomed to it, said, “I hear the night market in the capital is interesting. Rest well this afternoon, and we’ll explore it tonight.”
“Okay,” Wei Linxia replied with a light laugh.
Upon returning to the Eastern Palace from the imperial court, eunuchs announced that the Crown Prince’s attendants sought an audience. Wei Linxia tactfully retreated to change out of her uncomfortable court dress into a refreshing gown, feeling somewhat more comfortable. However, her heart remained uneasy. She had witnessed the distant relationship between the emperor and Xi Linxuan, leading her to see her husband as a stranger even in his own family.
Over the years, Xi Linxuan must have felt like an outsider, living cautiously in a distant place.
“What are you thinking about? Not coming to greet your Crown Prince husband?” Xi Linxuan’s teasing voice broke her thoughts.
Wei Linxia stood up and formally paid her respects: “This wife greets the Crown Prince.”
“At ease. Come, pour your husband a cup of hot tea,” he said.
She went to pour him tea.
“Miss Li is truly fortunate to have such an immortal-like husband,” Xi Linxuan remarked.
“You’ve seen her?” Wei Linxia asked.
“Just arrived. Why did Wang Taihou only arrange a marriage for Wang Ling? Mu Feiyun has quite the elegant demeanor. Why wasn’t he betrothed to a young lady?” Xi Linxuan inquired.
“What Wang Taihou decides is beyond me,” Wei Linxia said, not mentioning that Mu Feiyun had once been considered a potential husband for her.
“Indeed, a true disciple of my father-in-law, with his essence,” Xi Linxuan laughed.
Wei Linxia thought that Mu Feiyun seemed to invite conversation about everything.
“Rest a while. We’ll go out tonight, but I can only join you this one night. Starting tomorrow, there will be much to prepare. If you want to enjoy yourself, bring more people,” Xi Linxuan said casually.
In the quiet August afternoon, with cicada calls, Wei Linxia lay down fully clothed, unable to sleep, her anxious eyes filled with red.
She wasn’t particularly interested in the night market; she preferred to accompany Xi Linxuan. This might be their only chance to create memories in a place that felt foreign to her, but was home to Xi Linxuan. Regardless of whether the memories were painful or joyful, she wanted to cherish them.
Sometimes, people have to live on memories.
It’s strange.
Xi Linxuan brought guards disguised as a young master and his wife.
The night market was lively and crowded. Xi Linxuan held Wei Linxia’s hand, afraid she might get lost.
“Buy whatever you like,” he said.
