铁花

The world and its ranking system were unlikely to change. Did it not survive entire dynasties that kept changing, yet there was none for those considered on the bottom? Maybe jealousy could be the reason, as they certainly continued to grow richer while the proud noble families often could be found struggling for coin. Xiǎoqí had seen it many times, and this too was unlikely to ever change. One of the core struggles of politics was simply more hidden than other problems.

“What could there be to worry about? Eldest Brother is very different from Father. While the match was arranged as well, he loved his wife dearly and refused to remarry after her passing, insisting on raising his daughter and not desiring a son. Second Brother has two, so the family will fall to him. Naturally, as the youngest of four, my siblings have a weak spot for me. How could they refuse me anything? I am merely guilty of stubbornness.” He said that with the utmost innocence in his voice. Jing had always done some soft favouring for him.

If there was no worry, then it came with his brothers. While their relationship had its ups and downs, there had never really been envy or competition among them, maybe thanks to the way they were raised.

“While it will be far less work than what I am facing now, it still comes with many responsibilities. I won't deny that,” he replied with a softer voice. “But I know Fūrén will be of great help and my eyes and ears to find out what the people really desire. Naturally, I will share all the fruits of hard labor, and who knows? Maybe you'll host a much better annual celebration than...” He looked at her playfully, hinting at a certain noble lady in this little town.

“I fully entrust all matters into your hands and will have Zhuō Ān prepare access to my funds. As it is our home, while I cannot assist just yet, I'll ensure that it comes together well.” He leaned in, now placing a kiss on top of her head. “I am very content that Madam will keep all the overly confident and hidden ambitious women far away from home. Thankfully, it's common knowledge that the Li family practices a humble life with no need for giving any other ideas.” Ironically, there indeed had not been any concubines for several generations. “Then I'll constantly brag about my Fūrén naturally being the prettiest and possessing endless skill.”

He sighed a little as they walked. “I do still hope you may see those months ahead as a small vacation. You've worked just as hard.” He tilted his head to look at her. “I can introduce you to the madam who prepares the meals. She's quite old but still quick. The magistrate kicked her out, so I took her in. She's quite skillful and cooked for many households, but she's not the fastest anymore. A small one does work well for her.” He nodded with a smile. “You'll have to send some treats, too. Nothing can still replace your cooking, not even the same recipe.”

A soft hum trailed along his reassurances as she tried to meet it with a coy expression. Certainly, with his descriptions of his siblings, it seemed she would likely fare well with his family indeed. But then, she did derive from a certain industry that others oft looked on with disdain. If there would be any notes of it, she was convinced she would bear it. “Oh? If you seem to always get your way, then I ought to make it a little difficult for our Youngest Master Lǐ.” A smirk was quick to take its place.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, she wished she had the same profiles she could inform him of—of family that meant something to her. Xiǎoqí already met her son and her handmaiden—two of those nearest and dearest to her. Save for Nanny Jú, there was really no one else within grasp that she had some level of detail to share. So instead, she immersed herself into every little one he offered of the family of his she had yet to meet.

Even a woman so supposedly gifted at flirtations and having heard similar lines many times before could not help but blush as he named her his madam. Just like that, too! “É! We dare not sully a name who has been so kind to host us both in our time here. It would be a spectacle if I were to host it!” Her hands clapped together excitedly, already daydreaming about which dance troupe she would hire and circus talents.

As he withdrew from placing his lips along her temple, she tiptoed to bravely meet them with her own. A quickly stolen moment. It was always her initiating those things, was it not? She had little fear for being caught, trusting her instinct to have done it in the first place.

“You have yet to even try one of my dishes.” A slightly taunting laugh left her, as she disappeared into the kitchen to meet with the kitchen's master in question.

· · ·

The day of the long-anticipated ride together came to pass rather quickly, as Ruòlán had taken extra time and care to prepare many things to ensure her child's simple comforts. Like the type of pillows and blankets he slept best with, his favorite pastries and his distaste for the flavor of peanuts, and the type of ink stones she had paid fortunes for. Truly, he was such a privileged boy. And he was well aware, though he often made shy attempts to conceal the opulence of his lifestyle.

Even in the way he groaned and grumbled about how uncomfortable it was to ride in a saddle eventually led him into resting in the carriage, consequently leading to his falling asleep in it. His head lay in poor Ā'Lín's lap, as she mimed that she was just fine and whispered, “Fūrén, Zhuó Ān and I will stay with the young master. You and Lǐ Dàrén should enjoy a ride in the countryside.” Her lips crooked, though she took some time to ponder about whether they should risk taking the adventure. But before she could open her lips to protest, it was Ā'Lín's pushing this time to encourage her madam to chase after the Young Master Lǐ.

Ruòlán stepped off the carriage, carefully tucking anything of her hair back into place before approaching Xiǎoqí. It was strange for her to find a sense of reserve when it came to their little exchanges. “Yìhéng is sound asleep, completely exhausted by the day's ride. Didn't I tell you this might happen?” A cheeky grin of satisfaction was given. “Come! How about we ride to the riverside, hm? I swore I heard it through the trees earlier!” Her feet and hands moved with instinct, as she eagerly pulled herself up to her mount.

Sòng Wéiguāng should have been the one to write the invitation to the Sòng family to come and admire the flowers of Chānglóng Academy. Truthfully, it really was only to show off the very generous pavilion that had been selected for Mùchéng while he would teach at the academy for a year. It wasn't unusual for future mentors to come here for a year before truly deciding whether it was a calling for them. The pavilion was among the few newer buildings designed by Kuàng Zǐ’áng, and the reason why he wrote to the couple who raised his best friend. Who would have thought there was a traitor somewhere on the mail route?!

“Where have you been?!” he dramatically closed the aged fan as he rushed over to his friend. “Listen, I intended to surprise you by inviting your family over to admire the flower arrangements by the students and show them that while I intend to steal you off like Uncle, you are well taken care of. I didn't leak the information to the young Miss!” She could at least have been generous and brought him a nice gift.

“She suddenly appeared, looking exceptionally humble! I am afraid the Madam quickly took a liking to her when they walked off together. Zhéchéng,” he placed both his hands on his arms, “I fear this young Miss might have come to ask to exchange birth charts! Listen, merchant folk are very independent, and she is the heir of her clan. I could see she is doing it instead of a parent! You must be humble now, but also a man; don't make it too easy for her!” Yet, she was exceptionally wealthy and very nice to look at! Mèngfǔ was fine to admit he was a youth not unbiased toward beauty and wealth.

“My servants said your mother just returned to their quarters! The young Miss Fù is still in the gardens! This is the moment,” he patted his shoulder before shoving Mùchéng ahead. Noticeably, academy servants were placed everywhere to avoid his friend running away again! This needed to be handled today.

The speed at which Sòng Mùchéng watched his friend charge at him with would have been alarming to anyone, yet the man stood with his arms spread open—as if to truly expect his dearest friend Kuàng Zǐ’áng might actually fall into them. There was a grace about Mùchéng that was always carried with a funny dose of pride. One would not assume it from knowing his accomplishments as a scholar—that he was indeed a man who cared of such things like appearances. A gust of wind caught his sleeves, sending them into a billowing motion while the bamboo towering above clamored with its tranquil sound. Against such a backdrop, he indeed looked quite respectable.

Chānglóng Academy held a special place in his heart. As much as he felt at home under the pillar of his aunt and uncle, some things never quite felt like his. Chānglóng Academy was, however, that. His. A path he had chosen, rather than it being one chosen for him. It was no secret that he longed to see the glory of it fully restored, as he saw it fit. Each and every invitation back to the school was one that he answered eagerly, especially the one that called for him to return and teach. He figured he would adopt a class that broke good foundations with geography, and then something more focused for students who had the heart for it—his specialty, natural disaster studies.

“Such urgency you have, old friend!” he exclaimed, forcing Zǐ’áng into a one-armed squeeze out of sheer excitement. And then, the thing that hit him like a wall of brick in the face. There was nary a doubt in his mind who exactly he was referring to when the reference to a now-familiar young lady piped through. A small pause in his motions, as his face grew into worry. “What? She's here? … Well, how do I look? She told me she was pursuing me last I saw her and.. Eh..” His fingers brushed through the ends of his hair hastily before he turned to his friend for a final moment. “Right. Since you've been so optimistic about this, I thought you should know you have an admirer yourself. The Empress's cousin is quite a lovely girl, you know.”

· · ·

Did she look all that differently standing there in his favorite place? Or was it that things were merely a little demystified since last they spoke? In any case, there was a halo of light hugging the woman before his eyes. Something that made her appear like a goddess descending from the skies. A clearing of his throat drew him back to the present, as he stepped forward. Of course, he had to heed his friend's advice. How could she be after aligning their birth charts so soon when they barely knew each other!

“Good afternoon, Fù Xiǎojiě.” A proper bow was exchanged, showing off the feathered fan he was previously gifted by none other than herself. The timbre of his voice was slightly shaken, as he approached. “Are you enjoying, um, the gardens here by yourself?” He was certainly one to beat around the bush..

“You underestimate the worth then, of both businesses I am running here. It is not as cheap as one would expect.” By now, he knew he had more than doubled it from what he once spent. Naturally, it was difficult to really pinpoint it when it came to the trading of information. One needed some level of understanding to truly know how to manage it. If not for living in the jiānghú, he probably would not have learned it the right way. The merchant folk were good at trading such things, always eager to learn where it was worth traveling and what to avoid, but one also did not want everyone to know everything to keep business afloat. “Then I look quite handsome as a tea house owner. You might be surprised, many young ladies come here just to see my handsome face.” He gladly could be a little full of himself when it came to his looks.

“Those young scholars pay quite well. I have many of them among my customers, but how could I deny I share little fondness? Is it not a little hilarious how they have so much prestige just because they studied books for years and then decide upon matters they do not understand?” His voice was leisurely as he never fully answered, but he also was not dismissive. “Here, if you are already sticking around, be helpful then. It is faster to prepare the bowls. Kids are sneaky; they come between the Chōu hour and the Yín hour.” With that, he nudged his head and held up a pile of plain bowls.

“A handsome teahouse owner, you say?” Her head cocked to the side as if to take a measurement of his words. A short hum was all that came from her before she neither confirmed or denied his own self-description. Still, his vanity gave way for a smile to grow. Who could say such things about themselves so easily? “Is that why those young scholars visit you, too, because you're a handsome fellow? I hear scholars tend to be the most experimental of men. All the things they read.” Brows raised, though no judgment was passed for it. “You don't think their fancy academies help them know better than the rest of us then? Well, tell me what your big plan is. You want to get rid of the one with the key to the city. How are you gonna do it? — Do you need help?”

A finger pointed flickered upward at her—her own, as she looked at him with blankness, surprised that her help was being enlisted after all that interrogation he had initiated. “Wǒ?” A little tsk through her teeth. “Eh? ... You feed the children around here?” There was no way to believe it until she saw it with her own eyes. “Boss, there's so much more to you than meets the eye.” Another teasing lean-in, as she took the bowls from him and placed them out at the end of a table. The thought occurred to her then that perhaps it was why he was so well acquainted with the Lady Niè—because he, too, shared a similar heart. Though, he said it himself, didn't he? He had a father who was a butcher. There was wondering of what connection he might have had to these unknown children. Were they orphans like her? “How often do you take care of them?” There was no harm in asking.

Zhìwěi left long before his new roommate rose. His nights were always on the shorter side, but the grand general of the Western Army was long since used to it. Resting was always difficult; many tasks and thoughts remained on his mind most of the time, but the early morning was also a good moment for workouts and practice. He liked to leave the small fisher settlement to give in to his thoughts and focus on his body. Breathing exercises felt much better than sleep.

There was nothing he had said to support her claims that he wanted her gone because she was a woman who knew no war and would not understand why one who went to the battlefield wished for as many people as possible never to experience it. Jùnlǐng was a complicated kingdom. They did not seek war, and one could say peace had reigned for more than a decade, but their borders always remained uneasy. A traditional war was not the only kind of confrontation that required armies to move. Bandits grew bolder, and attempts at quiet rebellions also continued.

“Your first rule is always to check your equipment. Even if you're in a rush, ensure the saddle is properly strapped and the girth sits properly. Your horse also senses your mood. Remain calm and always grip properly when you get up. Don't pick up the habit of the youths who do it leisurely. If you want to go to battle, you have to make it a habit, but don't slack off, even if in a rush. The minute you spend on it is worth your safety.”

The tall man stepped by her side, giving the animal a slight pat before leaning in to ensure the saddle was properly adjusted. “I'll show you how to saddle it and how to take care of everything when we're done. War steeds have more stamina, but the right care is important to keep them in this shape.”

Once he was satisfied with it, Zhìwěi reached for the young woman's hand, standing right behind her. “Your first instinct wasn't wrong. Hold it tight, move your leg up to get a hold first before pulling up your weight. Once on top, get comfortable first. I'll make sure she won't go astray.” With that, he let her act on her own, moving in front of the steed to keep her head in place, rubbing over it. “If you feel comfortable enough, we can ride to the village today to pick up some additional orders for you.”

He flashed an almost playful smile. Once she was on horseback, he walked around and pulled himself up right behind her, his arms reaching around to adjust the reins in her hand. “Let's start with simple movement. You do the pulling; I'll keep my hand on the edge just in case. There are also some secret commands taught to our war steeds in case of injury or being unable to control the reins.”

When he appeared soundlessly beside her, she shivered; she was usually the one to sneak up on others, not the other way around. As he moved his hands, pulling a number of straps taut, she paid close attention. Even taking notice of how many buckles there were, swearing she would have a checklist when it was time for her to do it herself. Her brows furrowed when he grabbed her hands, though she did little to fight the ones that were leading hers.

Although she was rather short in stature, with a small leap, she managed to hoist herself up without any issue. There was a moment of confidence she bathed in for a second, as she sat there feeling accomplished that she had done something right for once. “Uh, sure–”

“Wèi!” The word fell out like a helpless little yelp, as she felt his arms clamping down against hers and their hands overlapping. Her eyes widened as she turned back to meet his face. Right there. Shocked by their sudden closeness and the space between their noses, she resumed facing forward immediately. “Wú lǐ!” she mumbled under cursed breath. “Aren't you embarrassed if someone sees us like this? None of your soldiers will come for my hand now.” It was a very genuine grumble of hers. Who would consider them to be only a master and disciple with this entanglement?

This man.. How could one be so hot and cold! Kind, caring and subtly warm one second, and then saying something that made her want to reach out and smack him across the face again. ‘Just in case,’ she thought to herself in a singsongy voice, while tutting at his instruction aloud. All of a sudden this, then all of a sudden that. Her head was spinning from just recollecting what few moments they shared thus far.

“Like this?” she asked, turning her head back halfway to ensure he heard her. There was a short release of the tension of the rein, allowing the horse to relax and walk forward. Gently, maybe a little too much so, she would pull slightly in the direction she wanted the animal to follow. It seemed to work, though she awaited some rewarding validation before celebrating too soon. He was probably going to complain about how slowly they were moving. “Eh, Jiāngjūn Shīfù a.. How do I make her go faster?” Face turned toward him again, this time she lingered there with patience for his guidance. Something told her it might be exciting to ride as freely as her new companion was capable.

Even if he had not been there, she was beginning to think she was quite in her element, like she was meant to know these techniques. “So, when are you going to teach me those, uh, secret commands, huh?” A poised smile, as she grew a little greedy in her asking. There was something of the experience he had not entirely spoiled and it was seeing the world from several feet higher, moving faster than her short little legs could extend ahead of her. Certainly, a good jiānghú wanderer would have a fancy steed with them as they traversed all that dirt and pebble in the road, right?

Time wore on and she only grew more comfortable, not even minding that he had placed himself quite intentionally. In fact, with every jostle en route, she could not help that she would frequently end up leaning her back into his chest and remain for a few breaths. As soon as she noticed it each time, she would tighten her shoulders, straighten her back and pull herself slightly forward again. Except when one particular tough stretch of terrain that forced her into his arms quite literally, as she fought her core to restore balance.

“I bet you're quite popular with ladies in the capital, aren't you? Big famous general. You must have a fiancée waiting for you already! A fancy lady who wears beautiful dress robes and probably has the looks to pull it off, hm?” A smirk then a chuckle, as she continued poking fun. “Shì bùshì a? Listen here. I would not want to become the target of a noble lady. She would be far richer than me and could probably hire an assassin. In any case, I'll train more to fend off a potential killer!” Her brows raised suggestively, again turning to face him, before leaning ahead again to laugh. “If you don't have a fiancée.. Eh, hold on! — I'm only bringing these things up because you persist that I'm not ready to discuss anything else, so what else would I naturally bring up? I already publicly confessed that I think you are handsome to your entire company! How embarrassing for me. You ought to entertain me at least a little while we're riding into town.”

“This young miss thanks you for this kind offering of aid. I hope to honour our old friendship again, going forward.” There was a hint of pity that she knew to conceal from them because Madam Niè was very much aware of the growing tension between the Imperial Family and the ever-growing military nobles who held too much power and only kept rising. It was even worse in the years of peace because, in the minds of rulers, that was the best time to consider moving.

“Luò Fūrén is greatly admired for having gained her position without anyone’s help. Yet most are not as fortunate. Why not give them a chance as well? I am the last of my family; for me, there is nothing left to lose, and the reason why there never was a match between the Niè and the Luò family, despite our long friendship, I deem maybe so, Luò Lǎoyé is aware of, feels less of a concern to me.” It would have been suicidal for two families who both aided the founding of their nation to come together in a marriage alliance. “There also have been attempts on my life; I might selfishly desire to bring up one that is indebted to me, who will grow enough in name to have people reconsider if they dare to test the alliance forged from it.”

The woman performed a bow: “I shall not take more of this family’s time. I thank you for your kind hospitality. Shall the heavens bless your further efforts to protect our nation.” Yǔwén turned around, her eyes meeting Kǒng Xī, who had awaited in silence at the edge of the tent, opening it for her lady, who paused.

“My consort aunt mentioned that Huánghòu Niángniáng hopes Luò Fūrén also thinks humbler matches would not bring any shame to the family name. A mother shouldn’t strive too high.” With that, she left. She slightly lifted her skirt as she stepped through the mud. “I don’t think the Luò family cares much for political warnings,” the aide spoke by her side. Yǔwén didn’t comment.

. . .

“Just all of the evening and the night. It is not very late, but we likely will need longer to return to camp in a carriage. However, there is no way to argue about it. The physician strictly refused the idea of letting you sit on horseback.” He had considered sharing a saddle, but then he forgot that it was still considered an offense even in this generation; a lady must not sit with a man on horseback unless they were wed. While the realms of hell had ridiculous laws too, he found many of its younger generation to be more rebellious to uphold all of them.

Lǐ Zhěn moved slowly to sit by her side, and while he dared not to embrace her, it was still closer than proper for a man and a woman who held no official ties other than a self-proclaimed devotion of love. His fingers brushed over her soft hair, and he placed a small kiss on top of it. Why was it that he always chose the forbidden love stories?

“Mh, dreams often speak of something we are thinking about. I found you in the stables, maybe that is why you dreamt of it.” In the end, not even the immortal would be able to make sense of dreams. Their meanings were often hidden from those who ventured into them. “Mh, she is quite alright. I take it maybe she just sensed the storm and, being in unfamiliar surroundings, did not like it too much.”

“Do not worry about it, there are no injuries at all. I will lead her down carefully. Once we are back, it will be wiser for me to withdraw. I decided to accept Hé Fūrén's offer. She originally invited me to remain within the family estate, but I felt it would have been distasteful how she buried her brother and asked the man to inherit her home next to be at one spot.” An excusable story, and not quite a lie; she did offer, and he rejected.

“I will not be able to stay much longer anyway. Dà Jiāngjūn gave me those months off because of a minor injury, but I know he also hoped I might reconnect with the family here. I know the Southern Hé branch gives him a hard time; they cannot wait for him to die to take his place. If this swordsman can cut the ill fate for him, I must find out.” He couldn't get back from that story he told her, or it would be suspicious. “I also hope to return before I fear your parents might write him off their displeasure. I know if I make him know my feelings, he will understand and not be harsh for me to have left such an impression on his men with the Northern Army.” He kissed her nose.

A stifled grin placed, Yírén's hands clung to the edge of the bed. Even in her dreams, he was infiltrating her mind. “Ah.. Who was that, that came to tell me? Did you meet with them? … I suddenly felt quite tired when I got to the stables. It was such a strange sensation.” But then, everything about their travel had been just that: a little strange. “Xiǎoyàn does not usually take to men handling her well, so I will guide her,” she assured, “But you can lead me down carefully.”

Nodding, Yírén expressed her lack of disagreement with his plan. “I think that may be for the better. By now, I am sure the garrison is raging with rumors now,” she sighed. “The harmless ones, of course. But if my parents—bù bù bù! my mother—caught wind–” A kiss of her teeth to dismiss the thought again. “Zhèng Wǔ will be pulling his hair out by now with how long I have been away.” A light giggle came about at the thought of just how well her second-in-command was faring. Despite his authority as a commander, Zhèng Wǔ personally had greater affinity for following than leading. Even if the Luò Family made him quite unnerved at times..

A rosy color flooded her cheeks when he placed a gentle note of affection on her face—one she returned with a light kiss on his cheek. “You should do as you see fit and be careful.. What we have done…is inappropriate..” There was somewhere in her mind screaming at her that she knew she would not survive the event unscathed. In the pits of her gut, she knew trouble was coming for her. And with that, a quiet ache in her head found its way through. “Maybe I should rest a little more..”

· · ·

Surely enough, a roaring thunder had rained down on them in the form of Luò Yíhán. The good general himself. Although initial plans had been to part ways upon their return, it was quite clear that they would have to separate then. Yírén employed the help of the innkeeper, paying handsome coin to send word to Hé Wěi:

Destroy this once read. My brother arrived to look for me. Please do not try to see me. Instead, find a way to inform Zhèng Wǔ I have fallen ill. I will handle the rest. I await our renunion.

It was only a shame they could not give one another a proper farewell before their parting of ways.

“He just abandoned you here like this?!” To be fair, it would have been a problem if Hé Wěi stayed any longer, too. “Dà Gē yánzhòng le!” she countered, “We only shared a path together for a short while. It would be improper if he lingered around me like this. He had to return to let Zhèng Wǔ know that I became sick. Who knew you would arrive without an invitation? He's likely already back. Eh.. Ā'Diē, Ā'Niáng don't know anything, do they?” A sheepish grin, as she pled forgiveness by her brother's sleeve, while an alarming glare was shot in her direction. “Bié shēngqì a!”

With a lingering bit of feeling unwell, it was quickly decided that she would return to the capital to recover at the Luò residence. The family would have to spin some rumor to answer the reason for their daughter's foolishness of leaving her post. It would not dawn well on her career to have the wrong ideas spread that she had attempted to run away with some widowed man by the name of Hé.

· · ·

Just a month later, an invitation arrived to the Luò Manor from the Imperial Palace itself, inviting them for a banquet celebrating the birthday of the Crown Prince. Several profound military families and branches were invited given that said prince was a brethren in arms himself. It would be quite a festive occasion. One that Yírén did not necessarily look forward to, as she detested all well manners. Plus, she would have to dress like a lady!

By then, speculation around Luò Yírén had tamed around the capital. Her parents had woven the lie that the commandant had left the barracks to investigate a matter of the small town in which she was found after a series of bandits had become known amid traveling between their unit and there. With security around the garrison taken quite seriously, it seemed believable. Alas, Yírén fell ill on her journey and was thus retrieved by her elder brother and sent home to recoup. The public and the politicians had their whispers and then, it was forgotten. Nothing to write even a report about, as she had not encountered the bandits.

· · ·

As the family of five—she, her siblings and their parents—arrived at the palace, Yírén could not help but toy with the hairpin buried in her hair, fondling with the parts of it that dangled loosely. “Stop touching your hair. You'll ruin it. There are several families to impress at this celebration.” Yírén's head turned away as she huffed and dared to roll her eyes. Her mother, who gave the scolding, did the same, even crossing her arms over her chest in dismay. Under a heated breath, she turned toward Yímíng to grumble. “Shouldn't they be trying to impress me?!”

It was time to consider to whom Yírén would be married off to, as she had been incessantly pestered about while she was home. It was another convenience of dragging her home from her post. Yet, Yírén's heart was already set on someone, was it not? She quietly prayed for Hé Wěi's return.

Naturally, the palace was decorated lavishly and festively for the occasion. And despite lack of enjoyment for all the ways in which she was expected to appear ladylike, the sight was certainly something to behold. Among the sights to behold, she thought for a moment that she might have even caught glimpse of someone familiar.. Or was it her wishful thinking? Her eyes peered about, narrowed at the subject curiously, as her own family entertained greetings with another general. An eruption of laughter bellowed between them, though Yírén's attention was completely stolen.

The anniversary of the Disappearance, as it was called in his household, had passed but a day ago yet, with the work that he was assigned to perform, Minrui was unable to prepare the memorial rite or visit the shrine to leave prayers for his brother, and it ate away at him like a parasitic growth created to make him wither away. Had it not been for Chenyi, surely, this year would have been a disaster. The first time, he did not do everything properly.

Now, a day too late, the two of them were sitting by a specially prepared, private table, eating and drinking their fill, a separate set of bowls put away as if Jingrui would suddenly appear and join them. Minrui felt guilt toward his missing brother and that he could not perform his duty toward him this year, but he felt even worse toward Chenyi who took up the role and even, as every year, showed her loyalty and generosity to the brothers by humouring Minrui and sitting with him, even though, he knew perfectly well how much she risked her own reputation spending time alone with him like this. He leaned and poured warm wine onto both of their cups and raised his own to sip from it. The recent days had been exceptionally warm, and thus the alcohol was affecting him more than usual, making him all the more sentimental. He smiled softly at the girl beside him and sighed. "Once more, thank you for your work yesterday. I am sure that wherever my brother is, your goodness and pure heart have reached him. I do so wish he'd come and thank you for all you do for him and this wretched brother of his..."

“Méiguānxì. What is there to thank me for? I was happy to help.” It was said with utmost sincerity, as Chényí offered a bright smile in return and poured another sip's worth of wine into their cups. “You are busy with too many responsibilities at the Ministry. Naturally, this mèimèi of yours ought to make myself useful. I am entering my thirties now and unwed.” The unspoken piece was that several engagements had been broken off and now she was nearing the age that people might start calling her an unsuitable hen. “If not this, what else would I be up to?” Another smile, this time to conceal the embarrassment of being a failure at finding a match.

For many decades, the Wén and Zhū families were well-acquainted—closely connected, some might have thought, given that the madams seemed fond of one another as well as their similarly-aged children. Chényí was a single child without a brother or sister to call her own, so naturally she adopted the Wén brothers early in life. The older of them was especially caring toward her, even saving her from a drowning incident once as a child. Because of his heroism and ease of taking up a role as a big brother figure, she grew up quite attached to Jīngruì. When she learned of his disappearance, she was inconsolable for days. Somewhere in the middle of grieving together, Chényí and Mǐnruì grew considerably closer.

‘...wherever my brother is.’ There was no reason to fear that Jīngruì had not survived and so, perhaps mostly to soothe their own hearts, they told themselves he did. Not gone, just lost. “Mǐnruì Gē..” Her hand was gently rolling the wine in the ceramic vessel before finishing a difficult downing of it. “Do you ever think–” Timid and cautious. “Do you ever think he might be looking for us, too?” A glisten in her eye formed. “My father has taken to a woman from the jiānghú as our traveling guard and.. I was thinking she is quite capable. She was said to have found the truth of her own lineage, having been left at a sect as an infant. I wondered if– Oh, never mind.. I am thinking too much again, aren't I?” Unless...he didn't think it was such a bad idea after all? To begin yet another search for his brother again?

“I did not feel as though you were to enjoy the tea houses the fūréns and young ladies visit. I considered that this place might be more to your taste,” Yúnfēi replied, picking up the served teapot to pour the constable a cup before filling his own. It wasn't quite right to call this a restaurant, but it was more frequented by scholars and shop owners who indulged in discussions about all kinds of matters.

The pastries didn't look as bright and colorful, but decent enough to surely please a young woman. Yúnfēi strictly saved money; he intended to fully restore Yúnhuá's dowry from what they once used to purchase the small piece of land from the old blacksmith. “I still have to reject your request. I have been reflecting on it, and I really do not hold such authority. Sure, wearing some gear and a weapon may leave some impression, but my master is not quite... engaged. I am not sure his name truly will strike fear into the hearts of those corrupt shop owners.”

Yúnfēi made full use of all the loopholes. Was there a logical reason for the aide of a duke to wear some level of armor and a blade? Not necessarily, but if said duke was a former military hero, and many had no idea how much he was still involved in it, nobody questioned it, and there was also no law to forbid it. “Did Sūn Bǔkuài consider requesting one of those youths from the city guard to aid in your everyday work? The last time really only worked out because that official was stressed and did not expect a person like myself to appear; I do not think it would work again . . .” This woman's expression when she had made a decision reminded him of Yúnhuá, when she had vowed she'd even become Empress if that was the only way to make him quit... one could still try.

Truthfully, it was quite embarrassing that Huānxǐ had not saved more coin to afford even a private room for the meal she insisted on paying for. Being Chief Constable did not mean much in terms of a satisfying wage but alas, she was after more than that. Justice! In any case, the establishment was far nicer than the sort of places she frequented. For one, there was a proper roof over their heads. A woman accustomed to noodle stalls and street buns did not have one single thing to complain about there.

“Look at me! A woman of my stature. I admit I have a formidable reputation but I don't exactly instill fear.” A hand reached out to tug at his sleeve and beg—a trick she recently learned from none other than a lady he was quite familiar with. A sibling of his. “Móu Dàrén, qiú qiú nín la! … The Duke is known for his talents on the battlefield, where he mapped many battles that ended in massacres of whole armies.” It was an exaggerated telling, sure, but then this was the way of gossip reaching many different ears, morphing details into stories. “Your ensemble simply completes a painting for people who don't know better.”

A feast appeared before them and before long, she was digging in. In fact, one could have sworn she had been starved with the way she scarfed food in. But the spread before her appeared quite lovely compared to her usual fare. “Why aren't you eating?” ...immediately, she meant. Was it that she ate so quickly it terrified him? Without further hesitation, she picked up a bit of everything and placed them into his bowl, encouraging him with a gentle gesture from her utensils. “Don't forget! I'm supposed to be treating you to this meal for saving my career, so you should really be taking advantage of this.” ‘What a funny man,’ she thought.

In regards to her work, he really did advocate for her. And though she had even the Elder Princess to thank for the outcome, she could not exactly thank a royal so easily, nor did she appear at her trial exactly. Plus, she did she want to appear too partisan by consequently spending too much time with the princess. Despite the many invitations. “Do you think it's a bad thing that I don't entertain Zhǎng Gōngzhǔ? She played a big part in my case...but...it doesn't feel right to suddenly be close to her.” The pursuit of truth and justice, and such..

“Maybe Zhànfēng will find that freedom in a family of your own. One that does not expect you to be a certain way, but one you can raise with the knowledge of what truly matters in life aside from the power everyone else wishes for. While you might not be able to escape it fully, you can be the one to decide what the restraints you are born into look like. If I tell you that you are a man and have more freedoms, I do it with envy but also encouragement, to not miss out where you can to find meaning.”

Qīngyī had long since managed to do so in between; one could find meaning in survival, then one could find little things like building a friendship with your maids or finding a companion that could offer different thoughts and insights. A small sigh left her lips: “Qīngyáo always had a calm personality and doted on me, as we were quite close in age. I am not blind to many matters at home, even so far away, but I fear his righteous heart had hopes I did not want to fire up, knowing there is none. Thus, I decided that distance and silence were a better choice until our marriage, so as not to give him ideas to try and bring me home.” The cost wouldn't have been worth it. She comfortably let him hold her hands like that. Maybe she was slowly warming up to the prince.

She leaned in a little, looking at him with her big eyes: “Almost no husband and wife in this capital met before their wedding, not more than we did. Neither of them knows if such affections will bloom, yet to be husband and wife still makes one wish to explore regardless of it. Mine is not a force but an exploration. Quite naturally so.”

For a moment, there was a risky glance of mischief in her eye, one even odd for her. “And this wife does find her husband handsome to look at.” There was a small chuckle from the handmaid as she cleared her throat and rose slowly. “I know you are called to court tomorrow, so you should rest early. Qī Wángfēi invited me over for tea in the morning. She is a widow, so I do not think there is much benefit other than seeking companionship for her invitation. I will leave early in the morning, so I shall also retreat.” She gave him a smile and a nod before taking her leave.

. . .

The black-clad youth that had been beaten up by Shūlán in the morning lost the straw pull and was forced to be the one to disturb their master. It was late, and no secret moods were low due to the upcoming court duties. In theory, none of them felt there must be a larger urge, but then the lower-ranking men feared that if something bad were to come of it, they would be punished; thus, maybe a small rage of anger was better than a large one later on.

For once, Zōu Níng's scary, pretty face was welcoming. “Not wishing to disturb Master, we do not think there is a reason to be troubled, as movements were quite intact.” His word choice might be a little blunt. “It is just that the lady assassin returned, but not as light-footed as usual, and drops of blood, which we already removed, followed her trace to the servant's bathroom. We also arranged safety measures to ensure no servant accidentally enters until she comes out!”

There was a pause: “His Highness does not have any female staff aware of Miss Assassin's double identity, and none of us dared to enter the room to check, but we thought it better to report it!” He bowed hastily before stepping off.

The interaction that afternoon had gone better than anticipated. Oddly enough, he found himself closer to Qīngyī than ever. He should have known she had to become an adaptable creature to survive the treachery behind the palace walls. Officials and royals alike usually saw princess as less than, treating them unkindly. At least there was some relief that his brother—even if he was unsure of where he stood as an ally—seemed to have made attempts at helping her feel less of an outsider. Such were the thoughts that occluded his mind, as he sat in his study, pretending to read but in truth, waiting.

When the low and familiar voice pierced the silence and made his announcement, Zhànfēng's head shot up with enthusiasm. He cleared his throat as he received the report, doing his best to maintain an expression that sold the lie that he did not care about his little sneak's return to the premises. “Blood?” His tone remained soft—again, an attempt to convince others that he could care less about the matter. Beneath anyone's notice, the grip he had curled around the bound book in his hands tightened. What was this organization she worked for and why did it require something so…violent? Was she hurt? He nearly hissed the moment Zōu Níng finally responded. Nervously, at that. Likely, he sensed the dismay from his master. “Yes.. She reappeared in the manor with stains of it in her cloth, too..” Another pulsing tense of his hand before he carefully placed the book down and gave another stern look. “Ensure there are no traces left for Wángfēi to discover. She pays attention more than anyone gives her credit for, and leaves early tomorrow morning.” The servant disappeared with a nod.

There was a brief pacing, as he wracked his mind for some answer that told him what to do next with all the new information. The Second Prince was never a fan of sharing and now, knowing what she was up to, even less so.. Against his better judgment, his feet paved the path of their own volition. He lingered outside for a moment, unsure how he would justify an entrance. What was he doing! … What was he doing?! His hands acted on their own, too, he swore.

Steam and heat filled all gaps of the air as he stepped inside, though his eyes were averted the ceiling. He was still a respectable prince after all. To her, at least. And Qīngyī. These women! They really made him forget himself, didn't they?

As if to announce his presence, if the door opening did not make it apparent enough, Zhànfēng cleared his throat deeply. “Shūlán.” Another clearing of his throat. Was he sweating, or was there heat emitting from a hot bath? Finally, his gaze moved toward her bright orbs just beyond a screen that shrouded most of the figure behind it. Her figure. His feet wanted to approach, lunge forward and examine if she had gotten close to endangering herself, or worse. “Wh– What does your organization have you doing that you are dragging blood stains everywhere on your way back?” His tone was demanding of an answer, as was the rest of his face which appeared equally upset.

To speak of curiosity in the mind of Feixue would be presumptuous -- she was never one for such trivialities unless... Unless it came to horses. Any and all word about a tribe, a family, even a kingdom, famous for their horses and the woman would slip away from her station, temporarily abandoning her young prince, and she would travel through the lands only to see how they were kept. It mattered not how strong and good they were, she would be there to check in on them, hear the stories of how they are treated, respected, cared for.

And so it happened this time as well, where she'd heard of a kingdom much like her own that was also well-known for its cavalry. As this one was far removed, she'd met with the oyung Buwei, to tell him that his Snowbell would not be available for a month or two, which, as always, was met with but a nod of acceptance -- one did not really ask the prince, one was simply informing him of her decision, after all.

She'd travelled with no delay and found herself in new lands, the smells unfamiliar but not unpleasant and quickly, she turned her attention to find the training ground for her equine kin. Unsurprisingly, she found herself blocked by the fact that it was not a public place, nor one that she could approach easily. Not that it mattered -- she had her ways only... for now she'd decided not to use them. Instead... she noticed a girl leaving the grounds. Simply judging by the robes and the trained gait, Feixue could tell this was a noblewoman. She slowly approached her, feigning a limp. "I apologise for disturbing you. Would you perhaps know where I could rest? I have so unfortunately hurt my ankle after falling off my steed that had run away, scared by a sudden noise." There had been no noises, there had been no steed. But there was a story, and is that not enough?

Freedom for the princess known to possess more of it than others was a bareback ride in the wild. Bonding with one's horse did not always come with the territory of riding; it was a skill that required patience and consistency. Both were areas where Rúmèng excelled with her animal. She respected her carriers more than anything, treating each of them with devoted care—like an extension of her very family. And while there were many great riders of Dà Yuán who shared in her dedication and beliefs, she was one of few who held a genuine regard for her equine companions in that way.

That morning's ride had been thoroughly liberating, as it always was. In foreign lands, riding was one of the only things that felt like a constant the young royal could latch onto anywhere she went. So, naturally, it was even better when she got to blaze through the woods of her home.

Before the sound of a voice approached, she first noticed the soft dragging of a foot? on its way to her. Her head slowly turned, her hands primed naturally at her waist; positioning herself was instinctual. Yet, upon noticing the other's impaired tread, Rúmèng dropped all manners and hurried to their side, immediately offering the extension of her hand for support. “Are you alright, Miss?” Genuine concern riddled her voice. “There are tents on the other side of the stables.” Rest areas for all esteemed visitors of the stables, and a small circle of permanent tents used exclusively by the royal family. With the stranger securely latched to her, she hobbled them back to where the other could take a moment of rest.

“Gōngzhǔ.” The greeting by two of her maids was immediate, as the pair finally appeared at the entrance. Rúmèng did not react to it any more than dismissing their formalities with a simple nod. Finally, she guided them to the edge of a seating platform. “How did you hurt your ankle?”