Song in the Clouds Chapter 25

After Shang Guan Xiao Mei was done was.h.i.+ng and eating, she sat quietly in front of her window, fiddling with a vase of plum blossoms. She arranged the flowers once, turned it to the left, then to the right, seemingly dissatisfied, then took out the flowers and repeated the operation. Those palace maids who have served her for a long time treated this as a common occurrence, remaining silent, either fixedly staring at the floor, or staring at a point in front of them. Shang Guan Xiao Mei was pet.i.te, but in contrast, the décor in Jiao Fang Hall was purposely very big and grand in order to reflect the Empress’ authority as the phoenix.

The new palace maid Cheng’er stared at her for a moment, watching the Empress repeatedly fiddling with this vase of flowers. In her eyes, the Empress was just a child, forced to wear clothes too mature and staid for her age, looking very pitiful as she curled into the corner of her pallet.

Cheng’er smiled “Tell your servant what arrangement your majesty desires, and your servant will help with the arrangement. Let me deal with these trivial things, no need to waste your majesty’s time on them.”

In a room where silence was the norm, for a voice to penetrate through the silence made everyone slightly uncomfortable. Everyone turned to stare at Cheng’er. Cheng’er didn’t know what mistake she made; knelt down in fear. Shang Guan Xiao Mei’s hand paused midair at Cheng’er’s words and lightly put down the flower. Since she was six, her time was meant to be wasted. If she didn’t waste her time, what else could she do? It would be difficult for her to step into the world outside Jiao Fang Hall – in the eyes of all the eunuchs and palace maids, she wasn’t the mistress of the harem – the Empress, but instead she represented a force quelling the Emperor’s power. Within Jiao Fang Hall, Xiao Mei smiled slightly as she surveyed her palace maids, half of them probably belonged to Huo Guang, the others, maybe the Emperor’s or some other court officials, which camp did Cheng’er belong to?
Xiao Mei looked at the kneeling Cheng’er, smiled as she asked “You know how to arrange flowers? And here I was so troubled! Come over and help me arrange them!” Cheng’er rea.s.sured by Xiao Mei’s sweet smile, kowtowed, then kneeled by Xiao Mei’s side, helping her choose flowers. Xiao Mei chatted comfortably with Cheng’er as they discussed the finer points of flower arrangement.

“How long has it been since you entered the palace?”

“Almost three years now. I have been serving at Zhao Yang Hall since entering the palace.”

Shang Guan Xiao Mei thought inwardly: because his majesty has never taken in a concubine, all the other palaces were left empty; Zhao Yang Hall doesn’t have a mistress. For Cheng’er to serve three years in an empty palace would mean her family had no political clout, but why would she suddenly be in Jiao Fang Hall?

Xiao Mei asked with some surprise “No one lives in Zhao Yang Hall now. Does an empty hall need to be tidied? Wouldn’t you be idling all day long then?”

Cheng’er laughed. Spoken like a true n.o.blewoman. The rich have no idea what goes on below. In the palace, even when the halls are vacant, it will still need to be cleaned and maintained. If not when the Emperor or his Empress suddenly feel an urge to visit it, are they going to be looking at a dusty hall?

“Your majesty, though no one stays in that hall, it must still be cared for. Your servant is tasked with many ch.o.r.es every day too. I must clean the hall, wipe the furniture, and care for the flowers growing outside the hall. The previous mistress of Zhao Yang Hall left behind many poems by famous poets, ink, paintbrushes, musical instruments, and more. All these things must be meticulously cared for and checked on frequently, not to be neglected.”

As Xiao Mei listened, she suddenly was reminded of a phrase: the person might be gone, but things remain. She wondered which maiden’s life was locked within the halls of Zhao Yang Hall? Suddenly overcome with emotion, she looked to an older palace maid

“Which concubine of the late Emperor lived in Zhao Yang Hall?”

The palace maid thought deeply for a bit, shook her head saying “Your majesty, your servant does not know. Zhao Yang Hall has been vacant for as long as your servant can remember. If your majesty wishes to know, I can ask the older grannies no longer serving in the palace, or order someone to check the records.”

Xiao Mei shook her head. Though she was curious about Zhao Yang Hall, left vacant for forty over years, she didn’t wish to stir up an issue over past matters.” Cheng’er said in a small voice “Your servant knows.” Xiao Mei pushed Cheng’er playfully, then said childishly “If you know, then spill! The curiosity is killing me!”

Zhao Yang Hall was the best hall after Jiao Fang Hall, although not as rich or grand as Jiao Fang Hall, what it lacked in grandeur, it made up for in elegance and style. For such a significant hall to be vacant for so long since the days of the late Emperor reign was very odd, so all the palace maids’ ears p.r.i.c.ked up too, interested in knowing who its mistress could be.

Cheng’er said “Madam Lee stayed there.”

This effectively quelled everyone’s questions, as they all thought to themselves: how stupid of me! The only person who could reduce Zhao Yang Hall to be vacant for so long could only be the legendary beauty – Madam Lee.

An old palace maid grew emotional too, as she sighed “A pity the life of a beauty is short.”

Xiao Mei smiled sweetly as she gazed at the plum flower in her hand.

Pitiful? She thought not. For a woman to be loved so dearly in her lifetime, so much so that the late Emperor even left the whole Zhao Yang Hall vacant even in death, it proves that she has truly lived her life. As long as she has lived, she wasn’t pitiful. The pitiful ones were people who have never truly lived out their lives.

Shang Guan Xiao Mei smiled, turning to Cheng’er “These are events that happened tens of years ago, why have you knowledge of them? What other interesting things do you know of, pray tell?”

Cheng’er laughed, embarra.s.sed. “Your servant has to clean Zhao Yang Hall every day, and sun those paintings and poems. As time pa.s.sed, sometimes I will see words the late Emperor and Madam Lee left behind; because your servant can read, I’ve guessed that it was Madam Lee.”

There were few maids who could read in the palace. Xiao Mei was very surprised. “You can read?”

Cheng’er nodded. “Father is a teacher. His school is located in our estate. I listened as I did my ch.o.r.es, and roughly managed to read a few words here and there.”

“Why are you no longer in Zhao Yang Hall then?” Xiao Mei asked as she admired the plum flower she just stuck into the vase.

“Not long ago, Miss Yun came over to Zhao Yang Hall to play. When she saw the décor and flowers in Zhao Yang Hall, she asked who was caring for the flowers and decorating the room. I was scared to death, because I moved a few pieces of furniture without authorization in a moment of audacity. Miss Yun was someone who really understood flowers, and really liked the flowers I cared for. After chatting the afternoon away with me, she asked if I was willing to come to Jiao Fang Hall, to care for a beautiful flower. I thought for a night before telling Miss Yun the next day that I was willing. So Supervisor Yu installed me here.”

Shang Guan Xiao Mei lost her grip, her hand accidentally grounding into the flower branch, causing flower petals to scatter everywhere. Cheng’er quickly took the branch from her hand. “Let your servant do it!”

The commotion was heard outside the hall, a palace maid hurriedly rushed to report, but she barely managed to eke the words out when Yun Ge strided in. “Xiao Mei, today is Xiao Nian, we should celebrate. Come out and play with me; I’ve created a really fun thing recently, I bet you’ll like it.”

Shocked, all the palace maids didn’t know how to react. Mo Cha trailed behind, looking very helpless as she knelt down and paid her respects to Xiao Mei. Shang Guan Xiao Mei smoothed her skirts, put on a lovely smile as she rose. “Alright! What has Yun Jie Jie made? If it isn’t fun, you’ll have to cook for me as punishment.”

Yun Ge pointed to a few palace maids. “Could I trouble all of you to bring thick clothes out for Xiao Mei? The thicker the better, but her clothes mustn’t impede her movement. Cheng’er, you come along too. Remember to wear something warmer.”

Her form of address was wrong, so was her etiquette. Yet, she made them all seem so normal, all the maids weren’t sure whether or not they were still in the palace, and went off to search for clothes in confusion.

Cheng’er wanted to bring a handwarmer for the Empress, but Yun Ge told her not to, smiling as she said “How can Xiao Mei play if she’s wearing that? Furthermore, you’re supposed to freeze when it’s winter! What’s the point of it being winter if you don’t freeze?”

Yun Ge pulled Xiao Mei out of Jiao Fang Hall. Two older palace maids rushed forward, intending to follow them. Xiao Mei really hated being followed by so many pairs of eyes wherever she went, but she still continued to smile sweetly on the surface. Yun Ge, though, remained resolute. With a stamp of her foot, and a knit of her brow, frustration showed plainly on her face. “Cheng’er is enough. Are you afraid that I’ll sell Xiao Mei off? Furthermore….” Yun Ge cheerfully smiled at the two palace maids. “This is a childish plaything. If there are two grannies [1] beside us, we wouldn’t have the courage to play. It’s the new year, so let us play freely!”

Yun Ge was hard, then soft; her temper flaring, then not. Although she was only a palace maid, she exuded more authority than this Empress, leaving those two palace maids little choice but to accede to her request. They were still staring in shock, even as Yun Ge departed with Xiao Mei in tow.

When Xiao He built Chang Le Palace and Wei Yang Palace during the early days of the Han Dynasty, he said “Three doors open in every corner, a stream winding around the city walls”. Later when Emperor Wu of Han was constructing Jian Ning Palace, he built many streams and ponds in order to train his imperial guards. As a result, the Three Palaces of Han had a lot of streams and lakes.

The man-made river in front of Wei Yang Palace was named Blue River, it was more than ten zhang[2] wide, Xiao He mobilized thousands of people to make this river, and it was connected to Wei River, which eventually converged with the Yellow River, it was very grand indeed. During summer, one could admire the blue ripples; during winter, the desolate scene. Today, however, the river was anything but desolate.

An ice sculpture stood on the river, about six, seven storeys high, resembling a flying dragon, soaring under the sunlight. The highest point was its dragon head; from there it gently curved downwards, there was sudden drops and gentle slopes, crisscrossing randomly, spiralling back to the icy surface of the Blue River. The flying dragon was tinted silver by the sunlight, clear as crystal, magnificent beyond anything they had ever seen.

Yun Ge asked smugly “How is it? I drew the blueprint, then asked Yu An to direct others to chisel and mould it accordingly.” Shang Guan Xiao Mei was struck dumb by the ‘dragon’ on ice. It is indeed beautiful, but what was the point of constructing this? Was it just for others’ to admire?”

A eunuch had prepared a ladder, resting on the ‘dragon head’. Yun Ge mentioned for Xiao Mei to climb up, while she supported her from behind. Xiao Mei climbed up to the ‘dragon head’, trembling. Ice was slippery by nature, and now they were on high ground; Xiao Mei held on to Yun Ge’s hand for dear life.

Under the sunlight, the s.h.i.+ny ice surface reflected the sunlight, making Xiao Mei a little faint. Suddenly, it occurred to Xiao Mei that this dragon was constructed by Yun Ge, and she was the one who wanted to come up. If she slipped and fell, it wouldn’t be my fault. A small hand subconsciously gripping the ice railing by her side, as she slowly let go of the hand holding Yun Ge’s, her grip changing from a grip to a push.

At this point in time, Yun Ge was just behind Xiao Mei, her one foot on the dragon head, the other still on the ladder. A figure suddenly appeared in Xiao Mei’s line of vision. That person was wearing a cloak of sable, slowly heading towards them from a distance, his black cloak a sharp contrast to the white ice around them. He seemed to have spotted Yun Ge climbing up, suddenly speeding up, scaring Yu An behind him, who had to rush forward quickly, fearing that he would slip and fall.

Xiao Mei’s hand trembled. As long as this woman disappears, his majesty and I will be just like before. Without this woman around, it would only be a matter of time for his majesty to notice me….. If only she disappears……

Xiao Mei secretly pushed Yun Ge off with all her strength.

“Yun Ge, look out!” Liu Fu Ling looked up and shouted. Xiao Mei shook, disturbed and confused in that moment, her hand shrinking back abruptly.

“Ahhh!” Yun Ge toppled backwards as her hand lost the support of Xiao Mei’s hand. It was just a fine line between life and death when Xiao Mei suddenly reached out for Yun Ge’s wrist, pulling her back. Yun Ge quickly used Xiao Mei’s strength to jump onto the dragon head.

To their spectators below, it just seemed like Yun Ge swayed a little – no one could tell it was a life or death situation, but for the parties involved. Yun Ge stared fixedly at Xiao Mei. Xiao Mei was like a cat confronting a strong foe, her back strung taut, her muscles tensed as she regarded Yun Ge warily, and ready to pounce any moment, while her heart sunk in despair. Unexpectedly, Yun Ge looked at her then clapped her hand over her heart, sighed then laughed. “That was close! That was close! Xiao Mei, thank you so much.”

All the strength sapped out of Xiao Mei in that instant, she shook off Yun Ge’s hand and her body shook with slight tremours. Yun Ge hurriedly went to support her, making her sit. “Don’t worry, there are railings on both sides. As long as you’re careful, you won’t fall.”

Liu Fu Ling stared up at them silently. Yun Ge waved happily at him then suddenly, she pushed Xiao Mei off the dragon head. Xiao Mei screamed in horror as her body slid down according to the contours cut onto the dragon body. Her screams reverberated around the river along with Yun Ge’s laughter. The dragon body was chiselled hollow; it seemed very dangerous but was in fact very safe. The person would only fall in line with the hollow path and not actually fall off onto the ground.

Xiao Mei was so terrified she couldn’t tell how safe it was; only screaming with her eyes squeezed tightly shut. With the wind wheezing in her ears, her body was falling in the dark. Falling, falling… Just like her life, with no relatives, no one who truly cared for her, she could only fall alone into the dark, but only this time, she couldn’t scream. Not only could she not scream, she had to remain expressionless; even if she knew the end after her fall would be sad beyond belief, she still had to smile sweetly, smile silently. This time though, this one time, she could scream. She could scream out all the fear, confusion, terror, and helplessness supressed in her heart, all her sadness, anger and hatred. Xiao Mei screamed as if her life depended on it, she felt like she had never screamed so loudly in her life, venting out emotions she had supressed for those long years at Jiao Fang Hall. She was already at the end of the dragon’s tail, she sat on the ice, eyes still screwed shut, hands clenched into fists, screaming towards the Heavens, screaming with her face covered in tears.

Cheng’er and Mo Cha stared in shock as they looked at this child who looked more like a child than Shang Guan Xiao Mei, not knowing how to react.

Yun Ge laughed loudly as she slid down the dragon’s back, her laughter trailing over everywhere she slid across. As she reached the dragon’s tail too, she slammed into the screaming Xiao Mei, the two of them tumbling as Yun Ge grabbed Xiao Mei in a tight hug, still laughing.

On ice, both of them wearing thick leather jackets, they resembled two furry bears tumbling in the snow.

Xiao Mei opened her eyes, staring blankly at Yun Ge. Am I not dead?

Yun Ge laughed, pleased as punch, then reached out to pinch Xiao Mei’s nose. “Shame, shame, shame on you! Crying because you were scared! Ha ha ha ha…” Yun Ge rolled over on the ice, doubled over in fits of laughter. Shang Guan Xiao Mei stared at Yun Ge, her heart, her mind just filled with blankness, confusion over not knowing how to react, and this ease she’s never experienced before, like she had momentarily let go over everything through her screams – her status, her family background, the teachings of her father, grandfather, she was just a little maid bullied by Yun Ge right now. Xiao Mei’s tears started flowing uncontrollably.

Yun Ge didn’t dare to laugh anymore, using her sleeves to wipe Xiao Mei’s tears away. “Don’t cry, don’t cry. Jie Jie was wrong, Jie Jie shouldn’t have teased you. Jie Jie will punish herself by cooking for you tonight; feel free to order whatever you want.” She waved Liu Fu Ling over as she spoke, mentioning for him to come forth. “Your majesty, come comfort Xiao Mei. This girl’s tears are about to wash my dragon king sculpture away.”

Liu Fu Ling ignored Yun Ge, continuing to stand in the distance, staring silently at them. Yu An moved forward, wanting to defuse the situation but could only stand back when Liu Fu Ling raised his hand, mentioning him to stop.

Shang Guan Xiao Mei continued to sob, wiping her tears and mucus all over Yun Ge’s sleeve. Yun Ge stood by her, comforting her; it was only after some time that Xiao Mei stopped crying, and bowed her head looking very embarra.s.sed. Yun Ge glared at Liu Fu Ling for help, then called Cheng’er over to fix Xiao Mei’s appearance. The clever Fu Yu had already ordered a eunuch to bring a leather jacket over, and it just arrived. Fu Yu quickly pa.s.sed it over to Mo Cha, as she changed out of her dirty jacket.

Yun Ge walked over to Liu Fu Ling, smiling. “Do you want to play too? It’s very fun,” Liu Fu Ling shot her a glance, staring silently at the flying dragon. Yun Ge sidled up to him, whispering. “I know you really want to know what it is like, but how can the Emperor of this nation be seen playing on such childish things? In front of so many eunuchs and palace maids, no less. Let’s call Xiao Mei over at night, and play secretly.”

Liu Fu Ling ignored her, only asking. “You’ve played this when you were younger?”

Yun Ge nodded. “I heard from Father that winter is extremely cold in the north-east; it can be so cold people’s ears fall off from frostbite. During winter, the kids there would sit on winnowing pans and slide down snowy slopes. After hearing that, I cried saying I wanted to play too, so on my birthday one year, Father made this for me. I was thinking then, too bad you….” Liu Fu Ling smiled. “It isn’t too late now either.” Yun Ge’s face was full of joy, “So you’re agreeing to come over here with Xiao Mei and I tonight then?” Liu Fu Ling didn’t reply, so Yun Ge took his silence as consent. Shang Guan Xiao Mei came over abashedly as she bowed to Liu Fu Ling. “Your majesty, I beg your forgiveness as your wife has first thrown her appearance, then etiquette out of the window.” Liu Fu Ling mentioned for her to rise, then said lightly. “It isn’t a crime for one to show her emotions, wherefore the guilt?” Then reminded Yun Ge, “Don’t play on ice for too long, you might catch a chill and start coughing again.” Once he was done, he left with Yu An in tow, not even turning when Yun Ge called, getting her so riled up she stomped her feet in anger.

Once Liu Fu Ling appeared, all the eunuchs and palace maids were like trees drying up in the autumn wind, all standing straight, abiding by the rules. Once Liu Fu Ling left, it was like those withered trees welcoming spring again, as they all sprung to life, jumping for a chance to try out the ‘ice flying dragon’, all wanting a chance at it.

Yun Ge smiled. “You can all play.” Mo Cha quickly rushed forward to the front of the ladder. “Me first!” Cheng’er was a little scared, but couldn’t contain her curiosity, waffling back and forth between wanting and not wanting to play. Finally, she did it at Mo Cha’s encouragement. Shang Guan Xiao Mei stood by Yun Ge’s side, watching everyone scream and shout as they played and teased. Everyone would either scream or laugh as they fell sharply; forgetting their status, forgetting that this was the palace, allowing baser instincts to take over just for that instant.

After some time, Xiao Mei turned to Yun Ge. “I want to go on it again.” Yun Ge smiled at her, nodding. Everyone parted hastily the moment they saw their Empress approach. Xiao Mei slowly climbed to the highest point, sat there quietly for a bit, then suddenly let go of the railings, letting herself fall.

This time, her eyes were open. Calmly watching as her body fell helplessly, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes meeting a sudden turn. Calming watching as the ground drew nearer and nearer. Then, she looked calmly at Yun Ge. This time there were no screams, or laughter, only a sweet, silent smile. Yun Ge stared blankly at Xiao Mei.

As she watched the eunuchs busily hanging lanterns outside the hall, it finally hit Xiao Mei that it was a new year. She ordered for her makeup box to be brought over. The box was chiselled with mandarin ducks; both ducks perched with their necks across each other. Their necks could be turned, and there were two lids on their backs – one depicting the striking of the bell and chimes, the other, a picture of people dancing to the beat of the drums, all depicting the celebration of an imperial couple’s marriage.

Xiao Mei picked a big, red silk flower, sticking it on her head, then twirled in front of the mirror. She said happily “I feel like I’ve had too much to eat tonight, and would like to take a walk.” An old palace maid hastily said “Let your servant follow your majesty!” Xiao Mei simply nodded her head and two old palace maids a.s.sisted her as she left Jiao Fang Hall.

Xiao Mei played as she walked, looking very pleased. When the two palace maids saw her good mood, they smiled as they asked carefully. “What did your majesty do with that palace maid from Xuan s.h.i.+ Hall today?” Xiao Mei smiled sweetly. “We went to play on a very fun contraption. People will fall from a very high place, but won’t get injured, it’s very exciting.” Then she chattered on, describing the thing that they played on during the day. As she talked, Xiao Mei, along with the two palace maids, absentmindedly walked towards the Blue River.

The moon was bright, its wan light spilling across the Blue River. A flying dragon settled on the river, crystal clear under the moonlight, like something out of a dream or fantasy, transporting all who see it into palace of the moon. The silver moon was like a boat, gleaming against the dark sky.

Two people sat on the dragon head. From Xiao Mei’s point of view, it looked like they were sitting on the moon. The crescent moon was their boat, carrying those two to cruise the Heavens and the earth, with a protective jade dragon by their side. Xiao Mei’s palace maids were stunned by the beauty displayed before them, their feet pinned to the floor, not even daring to breathe.

A rug of tiger fur was laid out on the dragon head, Yun Ge sat on the railing, her legs swaying in the air, kicking and swaying, staring up towards the sky. Liu Fu Ling sat behind her, a bottle of wine in his hand. He took one swig, then pa.s.sed the bottle to Yun Ge. Yun Ge took a swig, then pa.s.sed it back to him. The comfortable ease and unspoken bond they shared could not be described by words. Yun Ge wanted to call Xiao Mei along, but Liu Fu Ling ignored her, dragging her to the Blue River. Her plans ruined, she was very huffy at first, but faced with this splendorous scene, all her anger just vanished. Yun Ge said softly. “We are like celestial beings.” She pointed to the lights from the palace, flickering in the distance. “And that is the mortal world, sharing no connection with us.” Liu Fu Ling looked towards the direction of Yun Ge’s finger. “Tonight, we share no connection with those things.” Yun Ge smiled. “Ling Ge Ge, I see you brought your flute, play something for me! A pity I don’t have an instrument to harmonize with you right now, but your flute skills are so good, we might even attract a real dragon!”

Legend has said, during the Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Mu of Qin had a daughter called Princess Nong Yu, who fell in love with a man called Xiao s.h.i.+. They were very loving and affectionate couple after their marriage. Xiao s.h.i.+ would play the flute; when the couple played together, they attracted dragons and phoenixes, finally floating away after turning immortal.

Yun Ge had unconsciously turned them into the Xiao s.h.i.+, Nong Yu couple. Liu Fu Ling’s eyes twinkled with mirth, as he took out his flute, brought it to his lips and played a song for his ‘Nong Yu’.

The woman in my carriage,
countenance of a brave sage.
Floating in the air when she moves,
jade pendants in command.
This beauty, eldest of Jiang,
her virtuous demeanour not forgotten [3].

This was a song from "Cla.s.sics of Poetry. Odes of Zheng", about a n.o.bleman praising virtues and features of the one he loved. In his eyes, everything about the girl he loved was the best; no matter how many other beauties he might see, he would never forget her virtues or face.

Liu Fu Ling was actually detailing his feelings out in front of her. When Yun Ge heard the song, she was both embarra.s.sed and angry. Though angry, she didn’t know who or why she should be angry. After all, he was only playing a song written by someone else, and had yet to utter a word, so all her feelings were of her own. She didn’t dare look at Liu Fu Ling and turned away, but what she didn’t know was that from the side, her lowered lids, blus.h.i.+ng cheeks was like the dew on leaves or the blossoming buds of lotus flowers under the moonlight, making her look extremely charming.

When Shang Guan Xiao Mei heard the song, she was unable to keep the smile on her face. Luckily, the palace maids behind her didn’t dare to stand by her side, only daring to stand behind her. Thus, she could face the night sky, letting the fake smile disappear off her face. Xiao Mei suddenly left before the song finished. “His majesty is there; let us leave before we interrupt his enjoyment.” Xiao Mei walked hastily, almost breaking into a run; she refused to hear the final ‘her virtuous demeanour not forgotten’ line. As long she didn’t hear it, she could still carry the tiny flicker of hope in her heart.

Virtuous demeanour not forgotten?!

Not forgotten… Does that mean he won’t be able to forget forever?

Once Liu Fu Ling was done, he stared silently at Yun Ge. Yun Ge lifted her face, silently gazing at the moon.

“Yun Ge, don’t try to play cupid, adding more complications for me and for Xiao Mei. I…” Liu Fu Ling raised the flute to his lips again, playing the final line “This beauty, eldest of Jiang, her virtuous demeanour not forgotten”

Yun Ge s.h.i.+vered. She deliberately created chances for Liu Fu Ling and Xiao Mei to interact to try to get Xiao Mei out of her sh.e.l.l, showing her true colours to Liu Fu Ling. They were man and wife anyway, if they could develop feelings for each other, living harmoniously, then a year later when she left, maybe she could leave in peace. She didn’t expect him to read her thoughts so easily, turning away in the morning, probably never wanting her to call Xiao Mei along in the first place tonight.

Virtuous demeanour not forgotten?

Yun Ge was a little afraid, but there was something else she couldn’t identify, this light, fluffy sensation flowing through her heart.

Huo Guang’s estate.

Although it was the night of the Xiao Nian, and Huo Guang’s estate was decorated for the festivities, but the master of Huo residences was anything but joyous.

Huo Guang sat at the head, Huo Yu, Huo Shan sat below, to his left, Huo Yun and to other people dressed in the imperial guard uniform to his bottom right. They seemed to be of the same status as Huo Yu, Huo Shan and Huo Yun, but they weren’t as free or as comfortable as the other three, making them seem much more inhibited and careful. These two were Huo Guang’s son-in-laws, Deng Guang Han and Fan Ming You- Deng Guang Han was the guard at Chang Le Palace, Fan Ming You the guard at Wei Yang Palace, together controlling the imperial guards in the palace.

Fan Ming You reported to Huo Guang. “Father, Yu An wields sole control over the eunuchs and palace maids at Xuan s.h.i.+ Hall. I have tried sending people in a few times, but Yu An would either find an excuse to send them elsewhere, or look for a mistake to kick them out of the palace entirely. Looks like as long as Yu An is alive, it will be hard for our people to enter Xuan s.h.i.+ Hall.”

Huo Yun frowned. “If only it was easy to touch this man. Yu An was installed as supervisor personally by the late Emperor, and has the trust of his majesty. After so many years, he has withstood the charms of money and power. I thought, Emperors have always been known to be paranoid, and wanted to use his majesty to get rid of him, or at least distance himself away, but we’ve tried sowing discord, turning them against each other, almost exhausting the list of thirty-six stratagems, his majesty still trusts Yu An wholeheartedly, their relations.h.i.+p is like a seamless egg- we can’t crack it.” Huo Guang remained silent while Huo Shan’s brow knit.

Although unhappiness showed on the proud, arrogant Huo Yu’s face, he too, was uncharacteristically silent. The last time he sent a.s.sa.s.sins, they didn’t even leave their corpses behind. He lost many a good man, but still had no idea how good Yu An’s skills were. Yu An was an eunuch, so Huo Yu had always looked down on him even as he kept up a polite façade; but after this incident, he truly grew afraid of Yu An.

Deng Guang Han said “Xuan s.h.i.+ Hall is only this big, even if we don’t have people serving directly inside, but we will still know of whatever happens within.”

They could only make do with that at the moment. Huo Guang nodded, looked at Fan Ming You. “Anything significant happened recently?”

Fan Ming You carefully said. “Last night, his majesty seemed to have rested at the place of the new palace maid.”

Huo Yu sputtered in anger. “What is ‘seemed to have’? If he rested, then he had! If he didn’t then he didn’t! Did his majesty…..sleep…with her or not?”

Huo Guang shot a look at Huo Yu, Huo Yu quickly swallowed the word he was about to say, changing it to the word ‘sleep’. Fan Ming You quickly said “According to the observation of the guards, his majesty did rest at her place.’ Huo Guang smiled lightly. “This is a good thing. His majesty has no children, it is for the good of the Han Dynasty if he blesses more women with his company.”

No one in the house dared to utter a word, sitting in tense silence.

Huo Guang smiled at them. “Do you have any other things to report? If not, you may leave.”

Fan Ming You said carefully “Just as I was leaving the palace, a palace maid from Jiao Fang Hall told me that a new palace maid called Cheng’er has appeared by her majesty’s side.” Huo Yun said “We already know that, she is the Emperor’s person.” Fan Ming You replied. “Indeed, she was sent by Supervisor Yu An, but I heard it was the idea of that Yun Palace Maid from Xuan s.h.i.+ Hall who sent Cheng’er over to Jiao Fang Hall to look after some flowers.” Huo Yu was so angry he laughed. “Who does this Yun maid think she is? Seducing this Emperor who doesn’t even look at other girls this way? If things are like this when she is not even a proper concubine; if we let her become one, does it mean he will listen to her when it comes to matters at court too?”

Fan Ming You lowered his head. “They also said his majesty was out tonight with that palace maid, drinking wine and playing his flute; they looked very affectionate.”

Huo Guang waved them off “That’s enough. You may leave.” As he saw his son, nephews and son-in-law respectfully filing out of his place, Huo Guang relaxed, and started pacing slowly around the house. He just went to see Yun Ge just last morning, his majesty chose that night to rest at Yun Ge’s, is this really an act of defiance from his majesty? A warning for him to stop trying to interfere? Looks like his majesty is determined for the future prince not to have any connection to the Huo family.

The sages taught of the order between the old and young. Since the early Qin Dynasty, the throne has always gone to the eldest son; for someone else to s.n.a.t.c.h the throne wasn’t impossible, but a lot more complicated.

Huo Guang stopped in front of a curved knife, hung on the wall. It wasn’t in the forged in the style of the Han people, but rather the nomads of Xi Yu, who used their knife on horseback. The décor in Huo Guang’s study was very traditional, making this curved knife look very out of place. Huo Guang stared at it for a while, and suddenly drew the knife with a clang.

The moon was bright, the sky was chilly. The man with the greying temple reflected on the knife’s surface seemed very unfamiliar. It was just like yesterday when this knife was slung across his neck, that person glaring at him saying ‘I’m going to kill you.” He smiled and lowered his gaze, catching the reflection of that handsome, smiling youth on the cold edge of his knife. Huo Guang smiled lightly at the reflection. He has since forgotten how to smile brightly.

When Da Ge pa.s.sed away, he was not yet sixteen. Suddenly, his whole world collapsed. Da Ge left like a blazing sun. He always thought, he would wait till Da Ge returned to Chan An; he would stand at the gates of Chang An, proudly watching Da Ge on horseback, he would be like everyone else shouting ‘General of Fast Calvalry’! [4]. He probably would have even grabbed the people around him, telling them, the person on horseback is his Da Ge.

Who would have thought the sun could plummet from the sky?

Da Ge left Chang An together with Wei Kang, leading troops to the borders, but only Wei Kang returned. When he went to the gates of Chang An, all he saw was his Da Ge’s rotting body and the startling news that his wife had committed suicide.

Finally, no one could fight with the Weis for glory, and he became an orphan in Chang An overnight. Da Ge enjoyed success in his youth, his cold and proud façade earned him many enemies. No one dared to touch him because of the piercing blaze from his sun, but once news of his death spread, everyone began to stir, and he became the subject of everyone’s hatred. He enjoyed the honour that came with Da Ge’s last name- Huo, but at the same time he realized, he must face the threats that came with it. From the first faltering steps of difficulty, a youth carefully trying to find his way, to this man who is now respected by all, even the one person above him in rank and status couldn’t touch him; he didn’t even dare to think of what he had lost, what had been given up, to get to this point.

Yun Ge?

Her smiling face appeared in the flickering candlelight. Huo Guang raised his knife, and with a swoosh, the candle was extinguished.

The room was cloaked in sudden darkness. Moonlight streamed into the room from a window, and for the first time, he realized that the moon was really bright tonight. The crescent moon in the sky closely resembled his curved knife. He sheathed the knife with a ‘ka-da’ sound.

If the prince doesn’t carry the Huo blood, then his majesty should forget about having children! If his majesty doesn’t show favour to the Huo maidens, then other girls should forget about living!
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[1] Known as 嬷嬷(mo mo) these are old palace maids that usually serve in the palace all their lives，and it is a respectful way of saying 'grandmother'.
[2]During the Han Dynasty, 1 zhang = 2.135metres
[3] Translated by Shunyadragon, China History Forum 
[4]This t.i.tle was created during the 6th year of the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, of which Huo Qu Bing was the first recipient.