Chapter 27: I Came to Find You
After soothing Daidai, he left Ganquan Palace; the sun had already begun its descent in the west. Walking along the cobblestone path in the Imperial Garden, vibrant colors filled his sight, and a gentle breeze carried waves of floral fragrance. A smile still lingered at the corners of his lips, as if he were bathed in spring, and as though nothing had transpired in Ganquan Palace that morning.
A step behind him, Li Fuquan, who served at his side, stole a cautious glance and felt reassured in his heart. Just by observing the emperor’s demeanor, he knew His Majesty had already made a decision regarding the matter of the offensive objects found in Ganquan Palace. Yet, there was still one issue he needed to seek guidance on, though he was reluctant to spoil the emperor’s present mood.
He kept his head lowered, eyes on the jade-like pebbles beneath his feet, sighing inwardly. One never truly knows until investigating: the mistress had been the target of such hatred. He furtively glanced at Ji Ye’s back; the saddest fate, perhaps, was to be betrayed by one’s own spouse.
As they walked, they arrived at the Peony Pavilion with its octagonal flying eaves, surrounded by dozens of renowned peony cultivars. Inspiration struck Li Fuquan, who bowed and stepped forward, saying, “Your Majesty, as you ordered, I have emptied all the peonies from the mistress’s palace. Should I select fresh ones to return them later?”
Looking at the delicate blossoms, his thoughts drifted to Daidai, who melted like water in his palm. If one day she learned the truth, would she still love him wholeheartedly? Would those affectionate, watery eyes one day be filled with resentment? If he were to depart before her, and the succeeding emperor treated her with disrespect, confining her within the vast, lonely palace, would she grow old before her time?
Such musings stirred pity within him, waves of guilt crashing against his heart. His moist, red lips pressed into a cold line, but the eyes betrayed the truth.
A flock of white egrets flew across the sky, their cries echoing. He plucked a peony and toyed with it as he walked toward the Hall of Xuanzheng.
Li Fuquan quickly clamped his mouth shut and hurried after, taking tiny steps. Exiting from the Gate of Danfeng, they entered the outer court, where a sparse plaza spread out before them, and then, sitting north facing south along the central axis, was the Hall of Xuanzheng—the emperor’s place for daily affairs. To the left, the Hall of Affairs housed the prime ministers and officials; to the right, the Hongwen Institute, where dozens of scholars served for consultation, reading, and drafting edicts.
Leaving the shaded, fragrant Imperial Garden, the plaza’s brilliant sunlight made sweat bead on the skin; thinking of Daidai’s cool composure, he wavered for a moment.
He smiled, as if relieved, and said lightly, “Clean them thoroughly and return them to your mistress.”
Li Fuquan was momentarily stunned, then relaxed, replying quickly, “I understand, Your Majesty.” Burying such things to harm a woman’s body was a matter of bad karma; he already felt guilty toward his ancestors and hoped to accumulate merit for a better next life, to marry and have sons.
“Go now, don’t follow me. Take care of what I instructed.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Li Fuquan straightened, halted, and allowed the other eunuchs to continue serving as he led a small group back to the inner palace.
In Yongle Palace, the Noble Consort was in a rage, having smashed a tea set and now lay on the couch, panting in frustration.
“What’s with Aunt? She let it go so easily. I must write to Mother; the Empress Dowager’s influence is waning.”
At this moment, only two trusted female attendants remained in her chamber: Pink Butterfly and Blue Butterfly.
“Please calm yourself, Your Highness,” said Pink Butterfly, massaging the consort’s shoulders and soothing her gently. “The circumstances then didn’t allow the Empress Dowager to speak for us.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Blue Butterfly offered fresh hot tea with a sycophantic smile. “The scented cakes have been found, but our people in Ganquan Palace are still safe. If His Majesty is angered enough to send all the maids and eunuchs from Ganquan to the prison at the Yeting Bureau, everything would be exposed in half a day; once the truth is revealed, it would be difficult for Your Highness to save face.”
“Exactly, Your Highness knows that Chief Eunuch Wang in the prison is His Majesty’s man—a crafty old fox with skill. Whether ours or the Empress Dowager’s, if anyone falls into his hands, nothing can be concealed,” said Pink Butterfly.
“They’re all useless! I said to use death warriors, but Mother wouldn’t arrange it. Now, not only is it exposed, but I must worry those cowardly fools will betray me.” She hurled the blue-glazed orchid cup, tea splattering everywhere.
The two confidantes fell silent, trembling.
After venting, she exhaled harshly and said, “I was too hasty, didn’t inform Mother beforehand. Still, I’m grateful Aunt helped cover for me.” After a moment’s reflection, she sat up, puzzled. “Aside from Ganquan Palace, I had realgar scattered everywhere, ordered scented cakes buried beneath the planks where she frequents, had snakes released in her back garden—right when snakes mate. She should have died from a poisonous bite, yet the snake was found tied up in a knot on a branch?”
“Indeed, I’ve suspected as much,” Pink Butterfly replied. “Even if it didn’t bite her, it should have bitten someone else from her palace. How could it miss everyone?”
“Your Highness, that’s not the strangest thing,” Blue Butterfly interjected, unwilling to let Pink Butterfly take credit. “Our people saw her drink the poisoned tea, but she merely lost the child and survived. Could it really be that some are born with the fate of a phoenix?”
Her words barely finished when the Noble Consort slapped her, the blow raising a swelling on Blue Butterfly’s face; her jeweled finger ring scratched her, making her cry out in pain.
“Wretched maid, silence!” The Noble Consort trembled with fury.
Pink Butterfly swallowed her schadenfreude and urged, “Blue Butterfly, you’re confused—quickly beg Her Highness’s forgiveness.”
“Spare me, Your Highness, it was a slip of the tongue, please forgive me.”
At that moment, a palace maid rushed in to announce, “Your Highness, Chief Eunuch Li has arrived.”
The Noble Consort’s heart skipped; before she could react, Li Fuquan entered with a smile, paid respects, and motioned for two burly eunuchs to push forward two maids, their hands pierced with bamboo splinters, flesh bloody.
“Li Fuquan, what is the meaning of this?” The Noble Consort straightened and challenged him, still arrogant.
“Forgive me, Your Highness, I act not on my own will but His Majesty’s. I come to deliver his command: His Majesty requests you to hand over the Phoenix Seal.”
As she was about to erupt, Li Fuquan grew impatient, face cold. “Your Highness, His Majesty says you are his cousin; he wishes to protect you. But respect is earned and given. If you insist on being unreasonable, His Majesty will no longer shield you. The loss the mistress suffered was great, silent, and grievous. If you refuse, these maids and the scented cakes will be sent to Ganquan Palace.”
Lü Xiangjun held her breath so tightly her face flushed purple, shaking with rage yet unable to speak, glaring at Li Fuquan as if she would devour him.
Li Fuquan felt a chill down his spine but showed nothing. Seeing her still reluctant, he added ambiguously, “Your Highness, there is much time ahead. The mistress is ‘innocent’ and young, and will need your guidance managing the palace. If there are lapses, Your Highness’s help will be required. Isn’t that so?” He pronounced ‘innocent’ pointedly.
Lü Xiangjun’s fierce gaze gradually softened; she snorted, eyes on Li Fuquan, and ordered Pink Butterfly, “Go, fetch the Phoenix Seal.”
“Thank you, Your Highness, for your understanding.”
“I am not unreasonable. You are only following orders; I won’t make things difficult. Let you take the Phoenix Seal—for now. Perhaps soon you’ll have to personally return it to me.”
Li Fuquan took the seal from Pink Butterfly and smiled, “Indeed, Your Highness. I shall go report back.”
“I won’t see you off.” Lü Xiangjun reclined on the couch, cold.
“I wouldn’t dare.”
Once outside Yongle Palace, Li Fuquan wiped sweat from his brow and spat quietly.
“Let’s go—to the Lady of Virtue’s palace.”
Since returning to Yaohua Palace, the Lady of Virtue felt her right eyelid twitching and her heart uneasy, fearing trouble. Yet after much thought, she found no flaw, believing herself simply overly cautious.
After her afternoon rest, she dressed and sat by the window reading, but could not focus, spending an hour on a single page. She had learned to paint since childhood, and whenever anxious, she would take up the brush. Unable to read, she ordered incense and ink prepared.
Halfway through a landscape painting, Li Fuquan arrived.
The temperament of the mistress is reflected in her servants; Yaohua Palace was gentle, with an atmosphere of ease and tact.
Li Fuquan breathed comfortably and laughed, “Luckily there’s only one Noble Consort. If the Empress Dowager had another niece, my timid heart would have burst. Boys, bring the screen inside for Her Highness.”
In the main hall, the Lady of Virtue looked at the screen, smiling. “Is this a gift from A Ye? It’s exquisite—I fell in love at first sight.”
Li Fuquan grinned, “Your Highness, you’re mistaken. This was not bestowed by His Majesty; it was taken from the mistress’s bedchamber in Ganquan Palace. Please look closely—have you really never seen it?”
“If it’s from her palace, why would I have seen it?” She feigned sudden realization. “Could it be the mistress is gifting it to me?”
Li Fuquan lowered his head, chuckling softly. “Your Highness, I come by His Majesty’s order. He says you are his favorite, and you must not disappoint him. He does not intend to pursue the screen’s matter, but asks you to copy several volumes of the Diamond Sutra for peace of mind.”
“So suddenly asked to copy sutras—A Ye must be angry with me?” Her face became desolate, stumbling, as a loyal attendant rushed to support her, choking, “Your Highness…”
Li Fuquan’s expression remained unchanged, chuckling, “Your Highness need not be so upset. His Majesty knows right from wrong. He wishes you to complete three volumes of the Diamond Sutra within a month for offering before Buddha; during this time, you need not manage palace affairs. The Phoenix Seal is with the mistress, and six supervising matrons will assist her.”
Tears slipped down her cheeks; her beautiful eyes were full of sorrow, but after closing and opening them, she regained composure, straightening. “Please tell His Majesty, though I know not what has angered him, I will diligently copy the sutras—not for atonement, but to pray for his well-being.”
Li Fuquan bared his teeth, bowed, and departed.
After his retinue had left, the Lady of Virtue’s tear-stained face changed instantly, sharp and cold.
Her trusted attendant dabbed her face, worried, “Your Highness, His Majesty knows.”
“No, he does not,” she replied, face taut, fists clenched.
“Then why send the screen?”
“He’s testing me. I know him—if there were proof, he’d let me continue making mistakes, then when my guilt accumulates and erupts, that would be my end.”
“Then you must clarify…”
“That would only draw suspicion.” She glared at the newly promoted attendant. “If not for Fenghe and Ronghe being punished, I wouldn’t have you here to disrupt me.”
“Forgive me, Your Highness, I’m useless.” The attendant’s eyes reddened.
“Get up.” The Lady of Virtue inhaled deeply, speaking coolly.
Clouds parted the moon, flowers cast shadows—a deep night returned.
Within the depths of the forbidden palace, the main hall of Shouning Palace was aglow, a rare sight.
The young, widowed Empress Dowager, dressed in a broad-sleeved brown brocade, sat upright upon the Phoenix Throne. The emperor, with dragon-like bearing, smiled at her side. On the floor knelt three: an older matron, a beautiful young maid, and a small-statured eunuch. Superficially, they appeared unharmed, but beneath their sleeves and trousers were countless red welts, like rashes.
“Mother, I’ve confirmed these three are old servants from Shouning Palace. Knowing you cherish the past, I’ve recalled them from Ganquan Palace for your use.”
Under the lights, the Empress Dowager’s skin was pale and delicate, as if time had favored her, refusing to mark her brow or eyes. Yet she sighed, “A Ye, your mother has grown old and feeble. I placed these three in the Queen’s palace out of concern, hoping to ease your worries, but you dislike it. Let them return; Shouning Palace is sparsely staffed, they can be accommodated.”
Ji Ye looked at the mother unchanged by years and consoled, “I know you act selflessly, Mother, but the Queen does not know. Now that so much was found in Ganquan Palace, who knows what she thinks? Rather than letting her discover them, I’d rather return them to you first. Please understand—I must give the Queen a satisfactory explanation.”
He smiled bitterly. “Mother, the Grand General will soon return victorious, his merit overshadowing the throne, his prestige unmatched. If he learns his beloved daughter has suffered in my palace, who knows how he’ll blame me? If ruler and subject fall out, the realm is endangered.”
The Empress Dowager nodded knowingly, patting his hand. “Rest assured, I will not be a hindrance. I was harsh to the Queen at noon, but that was for Xiangjun’s sake—she’s never willing to suffer. If I hadn’t spoken sternly, who knows how much trouble she’d cause.”
“Thank you for your understanding, Mother. Then, I’ll take my leave; it’s late, please rest early.”
“Don’t exhaust yourself, or I’ll worry night and day,” she said gently.
“I heed your words, Mother.”
Sitting steadily, she watched Ji Ye leave, full of maternal affection. Once the emperor’s party had gone, her upright posture relaxed, becoming graceful. From the rear hall emerged a delicate, beautiful eunuch, lips red, teeth white, impossibly youthful.
“Empress Dowager,” he spoke, voice like the most popular courtesan in the city—soft, amorous, gentle.
“Mei’er, let’s return to the water pavilion,” she replied, lifting her jade wrist, eyes smoky.
The bamboo grove outside Shouning Palace always seemed to carry ominous winds at night.
Ji Ye glanced back at the slowly closing palace gates, feeling chilled.
He disliked the bamboo grove—too dense, blocking sunlight by day, moonlight by night. He had often considered ordering them removed, yet restrained himself.
Since his mother liked it, and she rarely interfered in governance, he let it be.
In the deep palace at night, aside from the watchmen’s calls, the corridors were too quiet. Moonlight and breeze made one vulnerable.
“Your Majesty, where will you rest tonight?”
Ji Ye suddenly laughed, feeling life repeating itself. “Li Fuquan, can’t you phrase it differently? For example, which beauty will be favored tonight? Or, Your Majesty, where would you like to rest?”
Li Fuquan smiled and repeated, “Your Majesty, where would you like to rest?”
Beneath the starry sky, Ji Ye walked with hands behind his back, his shadow long and lonely. “I’m weary of it all.”
“…Should I summon someone from the Yeting Bureau?” Li Fuquan ventured, thinking His Majesty tired of the current ladies with their own chambers.
“No need.” Ji Ye smiled faintly, offering no explanation. “Tonight there’s a thick stack of memorials to review; I’ll sleep in Qianyuan Hall.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
In the silent night, a sudden voice called, “King.”
Within the forbidden palace, only one stubbornly called him ‘King.’
“King!”
In the dim lights, she ran toward him in gauzy skirts, coming alive at the sight of him.
She fluttered like a butterfly, leaping, joyful as a thrush.
“King… King…”
Her alluring features grew clear.
“Daidai…” he murmured, watching her rush toward him like a moth to flame.
Her calls echoed in his ears; as she flew into his arms, it felt as though several lifetimes interwove in that instant, a nameless ache quietly igniting in his heart.
“King! I found you.”
Her momentum was so great that, when he helplessly opened his arms to catch her, they both staggered back, startling the servants.
“Mistress!”
Qiuyun and others hurried over, seeing Ji Ye, and knelt to beg forgiveness.
“They wouldn’t let me find you.” Daidai clung to his waist and neck, complaining, her whole body wrapped around him, pressed so tightly he could hardly breathe—the posture was terribly awkward.
“All the palace gates are locked—how did you get out? What mischief!”
“I had the snake bite them, so they let me go. King, I’m sleepy.” Daidai rubbed against him, yawning repeatedly.
Yawning is contagious, and holding her, he felt a drowsiness himself.
“If you’re sleepy, why come out?” He glanced at the kneeling maids. “Rise. Do not repeat this.”
He glared at Daidai, “Listen well—do not repeat this.”
Daidai pretended to be deaf, shaking his neck and whining, “King, I’m sleepy.”
Her sweet, childlike tone was pure mischief.
With her clinging so persistently, Ji Ye’s loneliness vanished completely, replaced by helpless affection as he adjusted his hold. “Don’t squeeze so tightly—are you boneless? Relax.”
Daidai happily obeyed, nestling against his chest, legs draped over his arms, giving a huge yawn, tears streaming. “King, I don’t believe what they say. If you don’t come to me, I’ll come to you.” She stretched her pink tongue, licking his throat—the only part she could reach in this position.
Both ticklish and slippery, his mood for scolding dissolved. He gave Daidai a warning look to behave, then gazed down the long, cold palace corridor, feeling suddenly less empty.
He felt the urge to return at once to Qianyuan Hall; the imperial carriage had always followed, only because he wanted to stroll did he let the drivers trail behind.
Now, with an unruly charge in his arms, fearing she might do something outrageous, he quickly ordered the party back home.