Chapter 2 — Ten Years in the Palace

So, Her Majesty has finally decided to contend for favor?

I gave a silent nod.

Indeed.

Let them believe whatever they wished. What I desired was not for him to turn back. What I wanted was the chaos of carriages and the clamor of the bustling crowds on that single day. I needed to slip away amidst the tumult. Within half a day, he discovered that I had changed my attire. When he finally arrived, a palace maid was busy measuring my waist. I had not worn that narrow-sleeved hunting tunic in ages, and the belt now hung noticeably loose. He stepped closer, reaching out to adjust the sleeve for me with unexpected gentleness.

This color suits you well.

Footsteps echoed from beyond the grand hall. She stood at the threshold, a sword hanging casually from her waist, wearing a bright and unrestrained smile.

Is elder sister intending to grace my wedding banquet with your presence?

Her gaze swept across the opulent interior before finally resting upon me.

The Phoenix Hall is truly magnificent, so spacious and well-ventilated.

She let out a light laugh.

I am accustomed to wandering the martial arts underworld and staying at roadside inns; any room that pleases my eye becomes my home. All other palaces feel terribly stifling to me, save for this chamber of yours, which actually feels breathable.

The complexion of the palace maid shifted abruptly. As if only just realizing her inappropriate words, she playfully tapped her own lips in feigned dismay.

Look at me, speaking my mind so bluntly again.

She turned her head to look at him.

It is not as though I wish to rob elder sister of her belongings. If it causes any inconvenience, I shall simply sleep in the stable.

He remained silent for a moment, then cast his gaze upon me.

Qing Qing, she will not reside permanently within the palace. Perhaps you could...

I let out a soft laugh.

Very well.

Both of them froze in unison. I lowered my gaze to smooth down my sleeve.

Once the wedding banquet concludes, I shall move out.

After all, I had never intended to return anyway. He stared at me, speechless for a long time. Perhaps he believed his ears were deceiving him. Years ago, when she snapped a single begonia branch in the courtyard, I had engaged in a three-day silent treatment with him. Yet now, she was demanding my very bedchamber, and I did not even knit a single brow. Instead, she was the first to laugh, the short sword at her waist swaying gently with the movement.

Does elder sister genuinely concede so easily? Then I shall not stand on ceremony.

With those words, her eyes drifted toward the sandalwood screen standing gracefully within the hall.

This screen is quite exquisite as well. The embroidered rivers and mountains are remarkably crafted.

That screen was a parting gift left to me by my late mother. He followed the direction of her gaze and spoke with chilling indifference: Leave it all for her. The young maid suddenly jerked her head upward in distress.

Your Majesty, this is a cherished keepsake left by her late mother. I beg Your Majesty to show mercy.

His expression darkened visibly.

It is merely a lifeless object.

I gazed fixedly at the screen. Embroidered upon it were ten thousand miles of rivers and mountains, stitched meticulously, thread by thread, by my mother's own hands. She had told me that if I were ever trapped within the high walls of the palace, I could at least gaze upon the rivers and mountains through her work. When my mother fell gravely ill, the family dispatched three consecutive letters into the palace. I knelt outside the imperial study, begging him to grant me permission to return home just once. He had coldly replied: For the Empress to leave the palace without imperial decree is a violation of propriety. That night, snow fell heavily. I knelt until dawn, my knees losing all sensation, yet I never received his permission. What awaited me instead were the white mourning flags of my family. Before drawing her final breath, my mother clutched my name tightly, calling out for me throughout the entire night. But I could not return. I never saw her one last time. I remained silent for a brief moment, then nodded.

Very well.

It was for the best. After all, departing the palace this time meant I could finally pay my respects at her grave in person, and tell her that the daughter imprisoned within her imperial walls was finally coming home. The young maid burst into tears. Even she stood stunned, as if unable to comprehend that I would surrender even this priceless treasure. Yet he suddenly grew irate, his temper flaring without warning.

Shen Qing, what I loathe most is this current demeanor of yours.

I offered a faint smile and offered no reply. After a long, heavy silence, he grabbed her by the hand and turned away. Reaching the doorway, he paused abruptly.

On the day of the wedding, if your constitution cannot bear the strain, you need not attend.

I lowered my gaze.

I shall endure. At the grand wedding of Your Majesty, this humble concubine must, at the very least, personally bid you farewell for a stretch of the journey.

His expression shifted subtly, as though pierced gently by an invisible blade. She stood close by, laughing softly as she patted the scabbard of her sword.

Elder sister need not worry, I shall not ride in a bridal sedan chair. I shall ride out of the palace on horseback; it will undoubtedly be a joyous and lively spectacle. When the time comes, the entire city will watch, and elder sister may share in a fraction of our joyous fortune.

Tears streamed uncontrollably down the young maid's face. I simply nodded once more.

Very well.

After they departed, I retrieved an old silver hairpin from the very bottom of my jewelry box. The hairpin was hollow, concealing an ultra-thin travel permit within its core. This was the escape route I had prepared for myself a decade ago, though I had once believed it would never be put to use. The palace maid caught sight of the document and turned as pale as a sheet.

Your Majesty, what is this...

I rolled the permit back up and concealed it smoothly within my sleeve.

Do not be afraid. On the day of the wedding, you only need to fulfill one task in my stead.

Three days later, the palace gates swung wide open. The imperial procession welcoming the noble consort moved out in a grand, sweeping tide. Both sides of the long avenue were draped in vibrant red silks, while teahouses and taverns overflowed with spectators eager to witness the spectacle. He rode at the forefront atop a magnificent steed, arrayed in a robe of deep crimson wedding attire, his brows and eyes carrying a triumphant smile. She rode a tall, powerful horse alongside him, cupping her fists in greeting to the common folk lining the streets.