Meng Guqing racked her brain but still couldn’t figure out how Zhao Donglin had discovered Xiao Shuo’s frequent visits. In the end, she could only assume it was because he’d come too often and that, despite her confinement, the emperor hadn’t truly abandoned surveillance of the secluded gardens. Walk by the river long enough, and you’re bound to get your feet wet.
Fortunately, only three people resided there, her and her two maids, so few knew what really went on inside. And though Zhao Donglin had hinted at what he knew, he didn’t summon the maids for questioning.
She could only hope the Shizi wouldn’t come again. One was a deposed Empress, the other a hostage prince from a vassal state, any rumor linking the two would spell disaster for them both.
Zhao Donglin said he would find out what was going on and wouldn’t let her be wronged. But within just two or three days, Caiwei had already heard the news. She learned that originally, under the Empress Dowager’s instruction, the emperor had planned to take all four principal consorts along. Yet in the past couple of days, the plan had suddenly changed, and now he intended to take none of them. The reason sounded proper: this trip was meant to understand the people’s hardships. The emperor’s entourage should be minimal, traveling lightly. Bringing too many people would increase costs, create a showy spectacle, and defeat the purpose of the tour.
As for Meng Guqing, other consorts wouldn’t be coming, and as a deposed Empress, she wasn’t entitled to the honor either so it was logical that she shouldn’t go. But no word had come regarding whether she would be included. She could only hope that perhaps they would simply forget about her. Staying in the secluded gardens still carried the risk of harassment from certain people in the palace, but at least everyone had noble backgrounds and would consider appearances. With the Empress Dowager in the middle, no one dared to act too drastically. Meng Guqing could handle small troubles on her own, and that was far better than being taken along by Zhao Donglin, paraded around for all to see.
Meng Guqing curled up in the secluded gardens, hoping Zhao Donglin would depart soon. That morning, she heard that the emperor’s inspection entourage had left the city. She held her book but couldn’t relax completely. Soon, Fusang entered with someone, it was none other than Feng Tianbao’s godson, Wang Ning. Bowing respectfully, Wang Ning said, “The emperor’s convoy has departed. I have been ordered to escort Your Ladyship to the Salei Pavilion ten miles outside the capital, to wait there until His Majesty arrives, and then travel together.”
Meng Guqing sighed. Hoping for luck was useless; it was always better to take initiative in order to control the situation.
Outside the city walls in March, the outer city was bustling and vibrant, rivaling even the inner city. Rows upon rows of houses stretched endlessly, and among them were small food stalls and vendors selling fresh flowers. The flowers were arranged in wooden troughs, their plump petals still glistening with morning dew, clearly just picked that very morning.
She had Wang Ning stop the carriage to rest. While her two maids went to buy snacks and fruits, Meng Guqing picked two flowers and placed them in vases hanging inside the carriage. The carriage soon filled with a faint floral fragrance. When the maids returned with a bundle of her favorite treats, everyone chatted and laughed as they traveled, eating and drinking. Though the crowds thinned, leaving only passing merchants and travelers, her mood brightened slightly.
Her good mood lasted until the grand imperial convoy approached like a dragon along the official road, drawing nearer to the Salei Pavilion. A bright yellow canopy carriage, pulled by sixteen horses, stopped at the roadside, making her small carriage look shabby in comparison. Feng Tianbao got down, lifted part of the curtain, and said to Meng Guqing, “His Majesty requests Niang Niang to step inside.”
Inside the rear carriage, arranged with soft cushions, the emperor in bright yellow robes lounged casually. One leg bent, the book he held resting lightly on his knee, the other stretched out straight. Anyone entering the small space would see him glance up briefly before returning to his reading. Meng Guqing knelt at the side. The space was fairly large, but she couldn’t relax like he could, lying however he pleased. She felt a bit stifled, especially as the carriage picked up speed on the country roads, jostled over stones or dried cow dung, the experience not unlike riding a long-distance bus, but without seatbelts.
Feeling slightly car sick, Meng Guqing tried to adjust her posture. The emperor, reading as usual, noticed and put down his book. Grabbing her wrist despite her resistance, he pulled her into his lap, stubbornly pressing her against him, just as he had after deposing her, ignoring her wishes. “If you’re uncomfortable, sit properly here. Isn’t it better than kneeling stiffly?”
Perhaps her changed status subtly affected his behavior. Meng Guqing noticed that he no longer treated her with the equality of love, they were not peers anymore. Instead, his attention was like that of an emperor to a favored consort: affectionate, indulgent, but with an unmistakable air of superiority. His actions were gentle and intimate, but the underlying hierarchy was clear, even if he himself might not realize it. He held her in his arms again, hands encircling her waist, face resting on her shoulder as before, and after a long pause said, “If you don’t want to talk, just rest with me for a while. Last night I worked late, only got two watches of sleep. I’m exhausted.”
“I’m not unwilling to talk to you, I just don’t know what to say,” she replied. He didn’t like hearing that. She could no longer influence him; if he decided to take her along, he would, regardless of her objections. If she wanted to return to Gaochang, he ignored it. Words were useless.
“The Empress is always clever and articulate. You know what I like to hear, but you just won’t indulge me.”
See? Even though she asked him not to call her “Empress,” he still did. What could she do? She wasn’t going to indulge him anymore. “If I said what you wanted to hear, it pleases you. But if my words are insincere, what should I do?”
“Then tell me something we’re both interested in. How did you meet Xiao Shizi? How long have you known him? How do you feel about him? He’s handsome, surely you were as interested in him as my royal sister?”
The question sounded casual, like idle chatter, but Meng Guqing could hear the faint tinge of jealousy. Her ears tingled.
She chose her words carefully: “At last year’s Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet, Xiao Shizi was invited. That’s when the princess mentioned him, and I learned who he was. Later, when I moved to the secluded gardens, I heard he lived near the West Fusi temple, north of the gardens. We didn’t meet often. Sometimes, when supplies were missing from my yard, I asked the guards to fetch them. It just so happened he oversaw that area, and he intervened. That’s how we came to know each other. We’re not close, I don’t know his character well.”
Meng Guqing didn’t lie. Except for her first meeting with Xiao Shuo and the extent of their interactions, everything was true. She had been surprised to learn he oversaw the west gate of the gardens. And yes, there were times she would trouble him for minor things the guards neglected. Even if Zhao Donglin didn’t investigate, this was how it appeared. She also wondered why he specifically mentioned Princess Yang’a. Perhaps he learned about her and Xiao Shizi from the princess. Last year, Princess Yang’a visited her frequently. During that time, Xiao Shuo was out of the capital. After the new year, Xiao Shuo returned, and Princess Yang’a disappeared. Perhaps she accidentally ran into him at the gardens, reported it to Zhao Donglin, and he had been monitoring him ever since.
If that were true, she was simply unlucky. This princess, who had previously troubled her, now again caused her trouble. She cautiously asked, “How did His Majesty learn that I knew Xiao Shizi? He doesn’t visit me often, and I only ask for his help occasionally.”
If anyone was to blame, it was Zhao Donglin. She had even requested to retreat to White Horse Temple to cultivate quietly. He wouldn’t let her go, yet couldn’t control the harem, letting them scheme. But the emperor, busy with state affairs, couldn’t monitor the consorts constantly. Meng Guqing just didn’t want him to stir trouble out of jealousy. As long as he didn’t pursue the matter, she wouldn’t mention these annoyances.
Zhao Donglin had already sent people to investigate why she asked Xiao Shuo for help and what help he provided. What she reported was close to the truth: it was normal for others to covet someone as precious as his Mingzhu’er, but she was always meant to be his. He had never intended to let her go. Placed temporarily in the secluded gardens, however, others tried to intervene. Upon first hearing the news, he had been furious, but her attitude was the key. He avoided telling her directly how he knew, instead saying, “Royal sister likes him, and Royal sister’s estate often invited him to banquets, but he refused. He’s obstinate. What does the Empress think, what is he like?”
Zhao Donglin clearly knew they had met more than once. Claiming ignorance would seem evasive. Yet Meng Guqing was unwilling to speak ill of Xiao Shuo. At first, she found him sinister and odd; later, she found him eccentric and difficult, but he was still decent to her aside from some mischievousness.
Zhao Donglin’s sharp gaze left no doubt: if she spoke a single good word or showed any affection for Xiao Shuo, he would not spare him. Both men were domineering, yet she alone suffered under their wills. She sighed inwardly, keeping her expression thoughtful, and conservatively said, “Our interactions were minor. I can’t judge his character, but I’ve heard Xiao Shizi is temperamental and extreme. I usually handle things myself rather than trouble him.”
This was true. Zhao Donglin’s questions focused on her impressions and attitude toward Xiao Shuo. She answered cautiously, without hiding the truth excessively. Yet she had underestimated the obsessive scrutiny of a jealous man: though clearly uncomfortable, he insisted on probing for clarity.
Meng Guqing was nearly exhausted by his relentless, repetitive questioning, and had to answer properly each time. Only after repeatedly assuring him she did not like Xiao Shuo, and seeing his expression soften slightly, did he finally relent. During a break in the convoy, she insisted on leaving the imperial carriage to squeeze in the back with her two maids. Zhao Donglin could not stop her and let her go.
Fortunately, Zhao Donglin was a capable emperor. Even on the southern tour, he would not neglect state affairs. Important memorials were rushed daily, leaving no idle moments in the carriage. At night, after meeting local officials, he still handled many matters. Naturally, he had little time for Meng Guqing, but whenever he had a moment, he sought her out to listen to local customs, or to ride together when the carriage fatigued them.
Meng Guqing could feel that he was deliberately recreating the routines of their happiest times together. Palace affairs and people were intentionally left unmentioned, as if they did not exist but she could not forget. She was the least willing to indulge in fantasies.
That day, the imperial procession arrived at a place called Mount Putuo. The emperor’s carriage stopped at a mountain villa. Since Meng Guqing was the only important woman in the entourage, her carriage followed directly behind his. Each day when they stopped to rest, her quarters were arranged right next to the emperor’s so close that the slightest movement could be heard between them.
Dragged out by force and having to endure the discomfort of ancient long-distance travel, even lying in a carriage all day was exhausting. The moment she stepped down, Meng Guqing felt alive again. Once inside her small room, she swung her arms and stretched her legs to loosen up, even resuming her yoga practice for at least half an hour before bed, hiding away behind her canopy to do it.
Since no summons came from Zhao Donglin’s side, she was also very mindful not to make herself noticed.
Sometimes, when the emperor met local officials up front, the wives and daughters of local noble families would request an audience with her or try to invite her to banquets. But Meng Guqing no longer saw herself as Zhao Donglin’s consort and disliked socializing; she had not met with a single one of them. After this happened a few times, her two maids understood her temperament well, whenever new requests came, they stopped bothering to report and turned everyone down directly.
Yet today, someone was unusually persistent, determined not to give up until they saw the emperor’s “beloved companion,” the only woman who had accompanied him on this southern tour. The woman came two or three times in a row, bringing tea, bedding, or asking what food was needed. If she hadn’t been polite and come under the pretext of concern, Fusang would have driven her out long ago. Hearing another commotion at the door, Fusang went out again and, seeing it was the same person, said in exasperation, “Our lady has been sitting in the carriage all day and is already resting, Chen Mama. If there’s anything, please speak of it tomorrow.”
This Chen Mama was a servant from the magistrate’s household in Linchuan County, where they had lodged the night before. Hearing that the emperor would continue south, the Chen family had begged to let their young ones travel along for a short distance to visit relatives. Thus, Miss Chen and her elder brother Young Master Chen joined the retinue with their servants. That alone wasn’t a big deal but this Miss Chen had taken an odd interest in their lady. Every night when the procession stopped, she would request to see her; despite being turned away each time, she remained undeterred.
Chen Mama, oblivious to Fusang’s polite dismissal, clapped her hands and said cheerfully, “It’s still early, how could Her Ladyship be asleep already? My young lady was worried that Her Ladyship might have no appetite after the journey. She brought two jars of sour plums, they’re wonderful for whetting the appetite and wished to present them.”
Fusang thought drily: Then just bring them, why come empty-handed first? She knew perfectly well that the emperor’s and their lady’s quarters were only separated by a wall. What’s she really up to? But she said smoothly, “We thank Miss Chen for her kindness, but our lady has never liked sour foods. I’m afraid her goodwill will go to waste. You’ve been traveling all day yourself, Mama, please go rest early.”
“I’m not tired,” Chen Mama said with a smile. “We servants are used to work, no such thing as delicate bones. Since Her Ladyship doesn’t want the plums, then never mind. My young lady also instructed me to have a few cauldrons of hot water boiled ahead of time. We’ll send over a couple of tubs for Her Ladyship’s bath to ease her fatigue. The tubs are already being bought from town, so please don’t worry about that.”
That offer was, in truth, quite helpful. They had few attendants on this trip, and though Feng Tianbo prioritized the emperor’s needs, the lady had not been neglected, still, an early bath meant an early rest. “Then I must thank you,” Fusang said quickly. “Once the water’s ready, I’ll have someone come fetch it.”
“No need for trouble. Please, have Niang Niang dine first. I’ll bring it over myself later.”
The courtyard was small, barely eighty or ninety square meters. While Fusang and Chen Mama spoke at the door, Meng Guqing was inside stretching. She held her stance for quite a while until the stiffness in her limbs finally eased. She loosened her tied skirts, she was wearing a qixiong ruqun, a popular high-waisted dress at the time, wide and flowing, convenient for movement. She had changed into it specially for exercise. The style was usually worn by unmarried girls, and though she didn’t particularly care, there were too many curious eyes outside; even the smallest rumor could spread far. She had no desire to become gossip fodder, so it was best not to let outsiders see.
Hearing that Miss Chen was sending bathwater, she was rather pleased, she had wanted to wash her hair as well. If the girl’s curiosity came with this kind of convenience, then fine. After dinner, learning that the emperor was still busy meeting people, she ignored him for the night. Once Caiwei finished clearing the table, Chen Mama arrived again with the water.
“Oh? Miss Chen, why are you here? Our lady didn’t summon you,” Fusang said, her face darkening.
A young, lively voice replied, “I know, but I was afraid Niang Niang might be bored. My brother’s attending the emperor up front, so I thought I’d come keep her company. The water’s ready, and I brought some rose-scented soap that’s never been used for Niang Niang. Sister, Niang Niang used to be Empress; everyone says the Empress embodies the virtue of all women, so surely Niang Niang wouldn’t be angry.”
The implication being if she did get angry, she wasn’t worthy of that title. So sharp-tongued, this little Miss Chen, Meng Guqing thought with mild amusement. Curious, she lifted the window curtain. Outside stood Fusang and the young Miss Chen.
This Miss Chen, personal name Chen Ruolan, was fifteen, clever and pretty, as Fusang had described. Seeing her now, Meng Guqing smiled gently. “Miss Chen, is it? The room is plain, but if you don’t mind, please come in and sit.”
Ruolan had braced herself for rejection, perhaps even to be thrown out by the maid. She hadn’t expected to see the famed “Consort Jing” so easily, nor that the woman would be far more radiant than she’d imagined. In the dim little room, the figure by the window seemed to shine like a polished pearl, her glow illuminating the space. Even faced with an uninvited guest, she smiled so graciously that Ruolan stood frozen, struck dumb by her beauty.
Only when Chen Mama discreetly pinched her did she come to her senses, stepping inside. A faint fragrance filled the modest but elegantly arranged room. The woman she had long been curious about sat at the table, her pale, slender fingers gracefully pouring tea, and gestured for her to sit.
Ruolan found herself flustered, regretting not having worn her best clothes. She had brought every fine dress and ornament she owned for this southern journey, hoping to catch the emperor’s eye but now she could hardly admit how outshone she felt.
A mix of frustration and stubborn pride welled in her chest. With a sweet smile, she said, “Your Ladyship hasn’t shown yourself in public lately. I feared you might be lonely, so I came to keep you company. His Majesty is very busy, my brother says he meets so many officials every day that two rooms can’t hold them all. He probably hasn’t much time to spend with you.”
Not much time? Fusang almost snorted. The emperor visited their lady every night before bed and spent half the day with her in the carriage. Speaking loudly enough for everyone to hear, she said, “Your Ladyship should wash up soon. Wang Gonggong just came with word, His Majesty said you shouldn’t sleep yet. He’ll come later; there’s something important to discuss.”
Meng Guqing shot her a look but didn’t expose the lie. The emperor did come most nights, but she never let him stay; they exchanged only a few words before parting. Was that really worth announcing? “What’s this about?” she asked casually. “I saw you whispering with Wang Ning earlier, something about going up the mountain tomorrow? What for?”
“You heard that too? Well, isn’t this Mount Putuo?” Fusang said, eyes twinkling. “Wang Ning said the monks up there told him the sunrise from the summit is stunning. His Majesty plans to invite you to watch it with him and wanted it to be a surprise! You must act as if you don’t know, or we’ll be punished!”
The acting was exaggerated, but Meng Guqing understood the intent. She glanced at Chen Ruolan, sure enough, the girl’s smile had stiffened. It was plain she admired the emperor; even hearing his name made her eyes light up with open adoration. That was why she saw Meng Guqing as a rival. Meng herself had no wish to play along but Fusang clearly couldn’t resist teasing her.
Indeed, Fusang had been pestered by this girl for days and simply wanted to give her a taste of her own medicine. Not even through the palace gates yet, and already so bold, how long would she last inside? She ignored Ruolan entirely and turned to her mistress. “Your Ladyship, you should wash now, or the water will go cold.”
Ruolan clearly heard the dismissal but couldn’t give up so easily. She rose reluctantly, her large, luminous eyes softening with appeal. “I’ve never seen the sunrise on Mount Putuo either. May I go with Your Ladyship tomorrow? I promise I won’t be any trouble.”
Fusang rolled her eyes openly.
Meng Guqing stood as well. She wasn’t interested in the girl’s ploys, but neither was she one to invite extra trouble. “We’ll see. It depends on His Majesty’s arrangements. Since it’s his idea, I can’t decide on my own.”
Her meaning was simple, like a modern host’s “no bringing guests” rule. But who knew what Chen Ruolan read into it? After a moment of thought, her cheeks flushed red, and she bowed before retreating silently.
When the last of them had gone, Fusang muttered, “Don’t tell me she really thinks His Majesty will invite her. How can someone be so annoying?”
“I actually find such people rather adorable,” Meng Guqing said lightly. “At least everything’s written on her face. After being cooped up in the palace surrounded by schemers, it’s refreshing to meet someone that simple.”
She went to wash up. That night, Zhao Donglin didn’t come likely too busy up front. But he did send Wang Ning again, instructing her to rest early and be ready at dawn to visit Putuo Temple and watch the sunrise.
Meng Guqing, however, found no pleasure in traveling with him. His constant attempts to win her back only gave her headaches. If this went on, even the faint traces of affection left between them would soon be gone. She fell asleep that night in a foul mood and perhaps Heaven heard her wish, for the next morning she didn’t have to go after all.
Because something shocking happened: the mighty Emperor of Great Wu was attacked on his southern tour!
