January 14

A sprig of winter plum blossoms is diagonally inserted into a celadon vase on the palace table. The bright red petals fall onto the celadon vase, creating two extremes, one light and one dark, yet they are remarkably harmonious, conveying a sense of serene coolness.

On the sandalwood chessboard, black and white pieces moved back and forth. Sui Zhixu sat in front of the chessboard, closed his eyes and meditated, but remained motionless for a long time.

Sima An thought she was asleep, but every time she tried to call her, she would open her eyes again and start playing chess.

Tsk, did my sister manage to pull off a difficult situation today?

The silver charcoal in the brazier was burning brightly, and the warm air, along with the camellia scent emanating from Sima An, filled the room. She was wrapped in a cloak and sat around the brazier, warming herself and peeling oranges.

It was still too cold in winter, and she didn't want to move at all.

The bright yellow orange juice splashed onto her hands, soaking them in sweetness.

As the saying goes, "A true gentleman observes chess without speaking," she couldn't talk to her sister, but it was so boring!

"Your Highness, Your Highness, Master Xi has sent an invitation, inviting you to go out of the palace to enjoy the lanterns tomorrow."

As soon as Xu placed a piece, he slightly raised his eyes and glanced at her indifferently.

"Put it down."

Seeing the invitation on the table, she had already lost all interest in playing chess.

"Sister's not going to play anymore?"

When Sui Zhixu saw her face, a faint smile appeared on his face. "I'm not playing anymore. Chess is a game that can never be finished. I'll stop playing today."

"It's a pity that I can't gather around the fire and drink with you all this year."

Sima An put her arm around Sui Zhixu's shoulder, hanging loosely on her, but she was careful not to touch Sui Zhixu's stomach.

"It's okay, we can wait until next winter."

"Next winter..." Sui Zhixu was momentarily lost in thought.

"Last year, the teacher buried a jar of wine. After my sister gave birth, we asked the teacher to dig it up so that my sister could enjoy it."

"Your hands are sticky and still on my neck." Sui Zhixu grabbed her by the back of her collar and lifted her up.

Sima An wiggled his arms and legs, "Sister~"

Go wash your hands.

As soon as Xu put the person down, Sima An went to wash his hands, and Gu Qingyi stepped into the room during this time.

"The court session is over." Sui Zhixu called for someone to pour her tea.

"Something happened."

Sui Zhixu paused, her body stiffening. She pursed her lips, accepted the tea from the palace maid, and handed it to Gu Qingyi, pretending to be unharmed.

"What's wrong?"

“Some people are beating drums to appeal their grievances against Xi Yushao. Now the entire city of Chang’an is gathered at the government office gate.”

Gu Qingyi had a terrible headache, her voice filled with deep exhaustion, though she knew Xu Xiang was indeed very busy. From former officials of the previous dynasty to the newly established court, she had to handle everyone. Xu Xiang often continued working on official business after Gu Qingyi fell asleep, working until midnight, then attending the morning court session early, managing to get only one or two hours of sleep a day.

Looking closely at her, her eyes were dark and bluish-black, and she wore a deep purple skirt with layers piled up like a bunch of grapes. A matching belt was tied around her waist. Although she was tired, she was still incredibly beautiful.

Instead of asking her about her petition to the emperor, Xu said indifferently, "You should rest. The affairs of the court will be handled by others."

Gu Qingyi felt a headache coming on and rubbed her temples. "I'm worried."

"You're always worrying so much, you're so busy you don't even smell good anymore."

Gu Qingyi incredulously stretched out her arm and sniffed it. She looked up and saw her face, an indifferent expression on her face. Her eyes swept over her lightly, revealing a hint of mockery for no reason.

She reached out to tap Sui Zhixu on the forehead, "Nonsense, the incense is exactly the same as before."

Sui Zhixu dodged to the side, looking at her innocently, "Maybe we're too far away?"

Gu Qingyi walked up to her on her own initiative. Sui Zhixu sat down in the chair, hugged her waist, looked up, and had the same calm face as always, with her peach blossom eyes sparkling.

"It smells like grapes, more like wine. I heard from Auntie that you made wine last year. Grapes are a rare commodity, and it's not easy to transport wine from Gaochang. There are only a few bottles, and they're all for sale. It's not good for me to drink too much. I want to drink Auntie's wine."

"Drink, drink, drink! You're carrying another one in your belly."

"Later, later."

Gu Qingyi sighed and stroked her hair. "Aren't you going to ask me what happened?"

"I'm waiting for you to say it."

Sima An looked around, pursed his lips, and remained silent.

Sui Zhixu looked up into Gu Qingyi's eyes, which were dark purple and as gloomy as ink clouds. She suddenly said, "You're always like this. If I were to ask you, do you want something from me?"

Do you think I would think that way about you?

The atmosphere instantly became tense and arrogant.

“I’m asking you, and your eyes tell me that’s what you think.”

Sui Zhixu clenched his five fingers tightly in his sleeve, leaving a mark on his palm with his crescent-shaped fingernails.

Childhood is always carefree and joyful; at the time, it was all just ordinary, without so many... so many heavy things.

"You still don't understand my good intentions. I'd rather you think of it this way: I raised you to be so innocent and virtuous, taught you so many Confucian classics, instilled in you a strong sense of righteousness, and let you be protected by Jiang Li. At first, I only thought about letting you play around, otherwise, in the end, you wouldn't have..."

Gu Qingyi stopped talking for a moment, staring at Sui Zhixu's face in a daze. A variety of fragmented images flashed through her mind, like a broken ice surface revealing the bottom of a deep lake.

She shook her head; the image was too fragmented for her to make out what it was.

Fortunately, it only lasted for a moment.

"The martial world is not as easy as you think. Your master was hunted down by the entire martial world. If it weren't for the presence of the Prince's Mansion, no matter how strong her martial arts were, she wouldn't have been able to withstand the relentless attacks."

Sima An helped Gu Qingyi up. Gu Qingyi was saying things that she seemed to understand but not quite. Seeing her sister's indifferent expression, she was at a loss and could only help Gu Qingyi to a chair.

"Teacher, are you feeling dizzy because you haven't rested well? Ruolan, send someone to fetch the imperial physician."

"Sister...you two should talk things out. There's nothing you can't resolve."

A cold glint flashed in Sui Zhixu's eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

"I'm just angry. Anniang, go and urge the imperial physician."

Sima An looked at her and then at Gu Qingyi, pointing at the two of them and saying, "You two better behave and don't fight. If you fight, I'll... uh, tie you both up and make you stand outside in the cold wind!"

No, it won't.

Sui Zhixu waved for her to leave, and after she left, he moved closer to Gu Qingyi step by step and poked her shoulder.

"Ma'am."

"...Don't call me."

Annoyed by the poking, Gu Qingyi turned around, glared at her, and then braced her head against the table.

"Go your way and don't come looking for me. Anyway, I'm just a bad person who suspects and distrusts you. Go back to where you came from, and it's best if you never see me again, so you don't have to worry about being schemed against by me."

"Why say such hurtful things?"

"I didn't..."

"Are you sure you want to say such hurtful things to me? I can pretend I didn't hear it, but you don't want to hear what I said either, okay?" Sui Zhixu stepped forward and hugged Gu Qingyi, a hot tear falling onto her neck.

Tears streamed down her face, each drop like summer rain falling on her heart, extinguishing her discontent and resentment.

She heard herself softly hum in response.

Despite knowing that Xu was still crying, her silent tears seemed less like tears and more like water dripping from a leaky roof onto her.

"Why are you crying? You were the one who said that to me first."

Gu Qingyi spoke with a helpless tone, gently patting her back, coaxing her stubbornness as she had when they were young.

"I'm pregnant, and it's normal to feel sad and sentimental." She sniffed and buried her face in Gu Qingyi's shoulder. She wanted to say sorry, but she couldn't.

Everything was something she had to do. Only in this way would Gu Qingyi not suspect her of trivial matters outside the palace. Everything had to be perfect tomorrow.

What do you want to tell me?

"The third daughter of Lord Ning, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, filed a petition with the Emperor, accusing Xi Yushao of being involved in the recent disappearances of children in Chang'an. The third daughter of Ning was just flogged and is now going to see the Emperor. The case is not within my jurisdiction, and besides, I have investigated and found that you have a good personal relationship with her. I am not comfortable sending them to tell you."

As Xu Zhixu's eyelashes trembled, she instantly stood up straight, her mind churning with thoughts.

With Lord Ning in charge of the case, Ayan naturally has the means to see and investigate. If she finds out about Xi Yushao but is unable to arrest him and is even dissuaded by Lord Ning, it would not be surprising if Ayan were to strike the petition drum.

"No, I need to go up ahead and keep an eye on her."

"Don't be impulsive. She's been brought before the palace, where all the officials are. You're pregnant; what if they offend you? I'm telling you, I'm not telling you to go to the front. You mustn't show your face in this matter. Have you forgotten your relationship with Xi Yushao?"

Trouble! I should have just killed him with one sword. Why did he cause me so much trouble? Of course, I was thinking all sorts of nonsense.

"There's a reason I'm even more determined to go: firstly, in these kinds of situations, it's always the case that someone has to step in and test the character of the person involved..."

He didn't.

"Secondly..."

This matter needs to be delayed until tomorrow.

"...I don't know what kind of spell Xi Yushao had on my uncle that day, but he asked for the imperial decree to marry me. I don't want it. Ayan is great, and I envy her. I envy her for having such drive."

Even after witnessing the ugliness of the world, being misunderstood, betrayed, and framed, one can still move forward despite the double blow to both body and soul.

Moreover, Ayan is not pedantic; she is flexible in her approach to matters, and not every case in the Dali Temple's numerous files is simply black and white.

During the second generation of the Qi Dynasty, while the Qi laws inherited from previous dynasties, they were constantly revised but never perfected. There was bound to be a conflict between the established social norms and the legal system, and she was able to mediate between them.

Chang'an was full of powerful and influential people, and she was able to protect herself while seeking justice for the common people.

"She must have been desperate to appeal to the emperor. Apart from Lord Ning, no one in the court would care about a woman's life. What will happen to her if I don't go?"

Gu Qingyi remained silent. She had no choice but to say, "Cao Ning is already dead. I can't just stand by and watch Ayan get hurt in front of me. I won't be at peace if I don't go... Don't worry, I have the tokens from the Sui and Fan families, and my uncle is here too. They won't do anything to me."

What she really wanted to say was, "A bunch of good-for-nothings, good for nothing, good for nothing, what can they do to me?"

She's too arrogant; Gu Qingyi will definitely give her a lecture first.

"Chuntao will go with you. I'll go tidy things up and see what to do."

Sui Zhixu nodded.

Below the main hall, Ning Yan knelt in the center, recounting Xi Yushao's crimes. With witnesses and physical evidence, a cacophony of discussion arose in the hall. It was at this moment that Sui Zhixu entered the hall.

"Who is this person?"

“Princess Jinyang, what brings her here? Heavens…” He pulled his sleeves tighter, lowered his head, and said no more.

"sky……"

"It was for the sake of the case. A few days ago, I bestowed a marriage upon the Princess and Lord Xi."

"Greetings, Princess!" Someone spoke first, and the others echoed in agreement.

Su Zhixu paused, turned around, and looked at one of the officials who stood out among the group of officials.

"Why is Lord Zhuo keeping his head down? Don't you want to see me?"

"...No, no, this old minister is just so happy to have not seen the Princess for so long, I can hardly express my feelings."

He shook his head frantically, cold sweat beading on his forehead, wiping the beads of sweat from his brow every now and then, looking utterly pitiful.

For a moment, the main hall was silent.

"Oh, I'll take that as you not wanting to see me."

Sui Zhixu bowed slightly in greeting. Kaiyang arranged a seat for her, and Chuntao helped her up. She leaned against the head of the table and said lazily.

"This old minister dares not presume. This old minister truly misses the Princess. This old minister still has several jars of fine Yicheng wine in his residence, which are quite old. I will send them to you after court."

When Xu looked at him directly and received a wary look from Sima Xian, he sat back down.

"No need. It's as if I'm obsessed with your few jars of wine. Let's solve the case. I'm not here to play games with you."

"Yes, yes, yes." Lord Zhuo quickly agreed, wiping his sweat as he recalled how someone had come to his residence every day asking for wine before she was even married.

He didn't know what others might think, but he knew Lu Kou best. She looked beautiful and well-behaved, but once she opened her mouth, she was someone you couldn't mess with.

How could such a beautiful young lady have such a heartless mouth? Not only is she heartless, but she's practically a living devil.

They threaten to burn down his study at the slightest disagreement; his old bones simply can't take it.

Where were we?

Ning Yan swallowed hard, straightening her posture. "This humble woman accuses Xi Yushao of secretly sending people to abduct children to practice evil magic. The evidence is overwhelming! I implore... Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly!"

"Bring it up here so I can see it."

Xi Yushao's hand, hidden beneath his sleeve, paused. He gritted his teeth; he usually ignored her, no wonder she came this time.

I only facilitated your engagement; I didn't make her fall in love with you.

Shut up! Whose side are you on anyway? Don't forget who I was doing all this for!

[You offered a sacrifice for me, and I helped you fulfill the marriage agreement; we're even. However, you can receive an advance; you can find someone else to offer sacrifices after this.]

【make a deal. 】

Kaiyang handed it to Sui Zhixu, who flipped through two pages, only to find them completely blank.

Sui Zhixu's eyes flickered, then his gaze settled on Ning Yan. "Is this the evidence against Third Sister?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will go personally..."

"A blank page? Are you trying to play me for a fool?"

Her voice was calm, her cold tone filled with authority. Several officials who were familiar with Lu Kou knelt down. Seeing this, the other officials were at a loss and followed suit, kneeling down as well. Only Xi Yushao stood straight and looked at her.

When Xu ignored him, he smiled instead.

ill!

Sui Zhixu glanced at it, felt a sudden discomfort in her eyes, and turned to look at Ning Yan.

"How could this be?" Ning Yan muttered to herself, then suddenly turned to look at Xi Yushao.

Lord Ning couldn't bear to watch her fall into misfortune, so he stepped forward, saying, "There must be something wrong with this matter. I guarantee with my life that this evidence wasn't blank from the start."

"Oh, Eunuch Kaiyang?"

"This old servant doesn't know either, this...this..."

"Considering Lord Ning's good intentions, I shouldn't be the bad guy. Go and prepare another one and come back later," Xu said leisurely, glancing at the resentful Ning Yan.

“Your Highness, this is unreasonable.”

Some of the court officials stood up to refute Sui Zhixu, and Sui Zhixu took a closer look and found him to be quite familiar.

"It's you again, Lord Dong. Do you think you can talk back to me like this without Prime Minister Ye around?"

Lord Dong replied neither servilely nor arrogantly, "Your subject dares not."

"Dare not? Who do you think you are, daring to question my decisions?" Sui Zhixu slammed her hand on the armrest of the chair and turned to look at Sima Xian. "Is it wrong for me to pray for the child in my womb and not to commit any murder?"

“What the princess says makes sense, Dong Qing need not say more.”

Lord Ning pressed Ning Yan down to express her gratitude, while Sui Zhixu's eyes flashed with reluctance; she might not be able to take Ayan away this time.

"I'm tired, Uncle."

Kaiyang, following Sima Xian's instructions, shouted, "Speak if you have something to say, otherwise the court is adjourned!"

It's the fourteenth day of the first lunar month.

Before leaving, Xu glanced at Xi Yushao, his eyes filled with a smile, looking quite pleased with himself.

Of course, escaping death is a fortunate thing.

She followed Sima Xian away, answering some simple questions from him.

"I have a question."

Sima Xian looked at her with a smile, "What's wrong? There's no need for such formality between us. Where did your imposing manner in the main hall go? I still remember when Dong Qing heard rumors from the Prime Minister and went to slander you. Back then, when we were playing chess, you swung the chessboard at him, just like your teacher. After you swung it, you ran behind me. I wondered if someone had bullied you."

Sui Zhixu curled his lip, "You're just bringing up these old stories."

"He's bold. He came up to me and started babbling incomprehensible gibberish. It was annoying."

"Ultimately, what I want to ask is, how did Ye Xiang die?"

Sima Xian laughed upon hearing this, "Holding a grudge until now? This petty young lady has no manners of being a mother."

"Gu Qingyi said I'm still young, and she's my teacher, so I listen to her."

"Alright, alright, I'll listen to your teacher." Sima Xian placed his hand on Sui Zhixu's head and asked in confusion, "I feel like he's a little shorter than before."

Sui Zhixu: "?"

She brushed his hand away impatiently, "Stop talking nonsense. I measured it, and I haven't gotten any shorter."

Sima Xian chuckled and stopped teasing her, saying, "The Prime Minister has passed away due to illness."

"oh."

The atmosphere was somewhat somber. The Prime Minister was like a teacher and a father to Sima Xian, so no matter how much trouble Ye Taoyao caused, he would clean up her mess.

Sui Zhixu turned her head away, but unfortunately, Ye Taoyao died by her blade.

However, Sima Xian didn't seem too sad. Could it be that he was tired of cleaning up messes?

I don't know, never mind.

Why did you arrange this marriage for me?

"If it's just a passing fancy, and you don't want to, you can find a reason to back out after a while."

Sima Xian didn't want to say more, so she snorted twice and ignored him.

Kaiyang smiled and said, "His Majesty naturally dotes on the princess the most, doesn't the princess know that?"

Chuntao chimed in, "Our princess used to be the darling of the entire household."

Sui Zhixu felt a little awkward: "How would I know if he didn't tell me?"

Her clear, bright eyes and confident demeanor were lively and spirited.

Sima Xian raised his hand and tapped her head. "You, no wonder Qingyi said you're still young, no different from back then. Your uncle naturally dotes on you, and he misses you every day when you're not around. Anniang is also clingy to you, coming to make a fuss every few days. You know her, if you don't give in to her, she'll never stop making a scene."

“Anniang is eighteen years old, and she is very well-behaved.”

"She only dares to bully me and Huaiyu in front of you. She's fearless, except for you and Qingyi. Speaking of Anniang, Prince Wei and I are considering arranging a marriage between the two children. What do you think?"

“No, yesterday Chu Yong said something that An Niang didn’t like, and An Niang was very unhappy. She doesn’t want to see him again.”

"Yesterday," Sima Xian frowned slightly, "why didn't any palace servants report it?"

"It's just a small matter, why bother you? Chu Yong came to see the teacher. An Niang was initially interested in him, but after talking to him more, he turned out to be a spoiled brat, and the two of them couldn't get along. She said she prefers obedient men."

"Listen to me...we'll talk about it later." Sima Xian rubbed his forehead, his head aching, he really had a headache.

"Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival, let's get our whole family together."

Sui Zhixu: "Xi Yushao...invited me to admire the lanterns..."

She really wanted to find an opportunity to see Xi Yushao on the fifteenth of the lunar month, so they could enjoy the lanterns together...

I want to die.

I want him dead.

Seeing that Xu was so dejected, Sima Xian could only comfort her, "It's good to go for a stroll outside the palace. An Niang should go for a stroll too. We won't be short a day or two."

Sui Zhixu looked up at him, then looked down again, "Don't talk anymore, what you say is even more... deadly."

"Your Majesty, Princess. Her Majesty the Empress has invited you both to a gathering at the palace. The Princess and Lady Gu have already gone."

Sui Zhixu and Sima Xian exchanged glances. "My aunt has always been considerate."

Let's go.

In Qingning Palace, Sima An picked up a cup and threw it at Chu Yong. Chu Yong dodged behind the Prince of Wei. Just as Shen Huaiyu was about to tell them to be careful, he accidentally spilled wine all over the Prince of Wei's face.

The King of Wei, dressed impeccably for the occasion: "..."

Gu Qingyi said calmly, "Go downstairs and change your clothes."

Shen Huaiyu called out to people, and when the Prince of Wei saw Gu Qingyi talking to him, he was no longer annoyed and went down happily.

During a break, Sui Zhixu walked in and sat next to Gu Qingyi. As soon as Prince Wei returned, his handsome face fell, and he glared at Chu Yong with a disgraceful expression.

Useless stuff.

Chu Yong: "..."

He didn't dare; he was afraid of being beaten.

Gu Qingyi smiled when she saw Sui Zhixu come up and reached out to wipe the sweat from her forehead, saying, "Look at you, you're sweating from the heat."

The secretly jealous King Wei: Why did they have a son in the first place?

Could it be that Qingyi likes the young lady?

As soon as Xu noticed the Prince Wei's scrutinizing gaze, she leaned against Gu Qingyi and said, "Sleepy."

Why is he looking at me like that?

Gu Qingyi glanced over, and saw that Prince Wei was hiding to the side. She looked away and touched Sui Zhixu's head, "I don't know, he's probably just acting crazy, don't worry about it."

"So sleepy."

"I saw you had only played half of the game. How come you're in the mood to play chess all by yourself so early in the morning?"

"Bored, comfortable, sleepy, time to sleep."

Words kept popping out, and as Xu smelled the familiar scent, he was incredibly sleepy.

Gu Qingyi translated it as: she had no interest, she only played chess out of boredom. Lying on her was comfortable; she was sleepy and wanted to go to sleep.

Gu Qingyi let her lean on her, but how could this child be comfortable sleeping with her against her? She'd start nagging and wanting to leave again in a little while.

King Wei silently peeled the oranges, glancing at Gu Qingyi as he did so, while Sima Xian behind him ate a mouthful of orange peel.

Sima Xian removed the orange peel from his face and said speechlessly, "King Wei, keep an eye on things."

"Okay, I understand."

Not far away, Sima An and Chu Yong were arguing again, chattering away. Suddenly, Sima An stopped talking, but Chu Yong continued to ramble on. Sima An then slapped Chu Yong across the face.

"Didn't you see that my sister is sleepy?"

"She's sleepy, go to your room and sleep. Why are you telling me to shut up?"

"Shut up when I tell you to! Stop talking nonsense."

Chu Yong: "..."

Well, he was utterly weak, pitiful, and helpless.

After Xu woke up, ate, and went back to sleep, he completely occupied Gu Qingyi's shoulder.

"This...this..."

King Wei glared and puffed out his cheeks, even though he didn't have a beard. He pointed at Sui Zhixu with a trembling finger, snorted, and turned away, not wanting to see anything unpleasant.

Turning around, I saw Chu Yong with clear eyes.

"Father."

This is awful!

Gu Qingyi escorted the tired Sui Zhixu back to the palace. Sui Zhixu clung to her without moving, so Gu Qingyi gave her a good scolding.

"If you want to exhaust me, then walk yourself."

"don't want."

Gu Qingyi dragged the person all the way to the palace gate.

She rolled up her sleeves and made him stand at attention. "I'm exhausted! Stand properly! Look at you, you have no manners!"

"I'm sleepy, I can't hear you."

Sui Zhixu forced himself to stand up straight, leaned against the doorway, and mumbled something to her.

Gu Qingyi frowned slightly, "Help your princess, be careful not to fall."

Sui Zhixu waved her hand, "I'm fine."

She leaned against the doorway, blinked, and waved at her, "Bye-bye."

Watching Gu Qingyi's helpless smile and her receding figure, she slowly straightened up.

Happiness is always a delicate matter.

But things are quite different. In the past, all I wished for was to hold a pot of light wine, sip from a cup, and enjoy the pleasant company of others. Or perhaps to roam the world as a chivalrous knight, braving storms and darkness, with the rooster crowing incessantly, making Tianque Tower a place to shelter the world from the storm.

As a child, she was never afraid of the darkest parts of the world; she was protected by her loved ones, and she received kindness in raising her and genuine love...

I love you, I would die for you, be your shelter and support, but this time I must leave you.

I cannot stand idly by and watch the people of the world be exploited by the system, nor can I stand by and watch my uncle go astray.

The lives of all people are just as important as yours. I have received your love and care, and others naturally have their own loved ones. The souls who have passed away are filled with boundless hatred, and even those who guide them to the underworld would find their plight unbearable, let alone me.

I am not made of wood or stone; I would rather die ten thousand times than risk my life. I have already considered my own fate. I regret that I selfishly took advantage of your kindness.

But you, Gu Qingyi, are not my only teacher. I cannot abandon the lives of innocent people, nor can I forget those who have passed away.

There was nothing that could be done, and from then on they became like strangers.

"The fifteenth day of the first lunar month is the Lantern Festival..."

She sighed deeply. Beneath the green tiles of the palace walls, her tiny figure was enveloped by heaven and earth, and her voice was heard all around, but all was silent, and no one could answer her.