Chapter 121: The Dragon Arrives at the Gate, Xuan Tianyu, Qing Jin Temporarily Leaves and Goes to the Palace
At dawn, the Fang Mansion was bathed in a thin layer of mist. Glistening dewdrops hung from the pomegranate tree leaves, gleaming like broken diamonds in the first rays of sunlight. The fragrance of osmanthus blossoms in the courtyard mingled with the aroma of rice porridge wafting from the kitchen, slowly spreading. Xiaoyanzi was helping Ziwei iron the wrinkles on her moon-white dress. Her fingertips brushed against the tassels, their silver threads shimmering in the morning light.
"This shawl is too light in lotus color. Won't it make me look plain?" Ziwei pinched the edge of the lotus-colored shawl and compared it to her body. The morning light shone through the window lattice on her face, and even the hairs were clearly visible. "I heard that the ladies in the palace all wear bright clothes. Won't I look too shabby like this?"
"No way!" Xiaoyanzi put the iron into the copper basin, and the splashing water drew arcs in the morning light. "You look good in plain clothes, like a lotus just emerging from the water. Those who wear fancy clothes look like fat dolls in New Year pictures." She picked up the pearl earrings on the table and put them on Ziwei's earlobe. "Look, these pearls make you look so lively!"
The two were chatting and laughing when they heard the sound of orderly footsteps outside the courtyard, accompanied by the butler's respectful reply. Xiao Jian hurried in from the outer room, his dark gown cuffs stained with dew, evidently from recent sword practice in the courtyard. "The Emperor's procession has arrived at the door, saying he's here to personally visit Father."
"Your Majesty?" Ziwei dropped the shawl in her hand onto the table with a "clatter." Her eyes were filled with panic, and she subconsciously grabbed Xiaoyanzi's wrist. "Didn't you say we were going to the Imperial Garden on the sixth day of the first lunar month? Why are you here so suddenly?"
Xiaoyanzi was also stunned for a moment, her fingertips quickly stroking the mahogany pendant on her wrist, and then she calmed herself down. "Don't be afraid, it must be a good thing." She helped Ziwei up and straightened her clothes. "Brother has gone to greet her. Let's wait in the main hall with our parents and relax."
The main hall was already neatly tidied. A cup of freshly brewed Longjing tea sat on a rosewood table. Incense curled upward, entwining the jade pendants dangling from the beams. Fang Zhihang wore a brand new navy blue gown, his cuffs buttoned meticulously. His hands were clenched slightly behind his back, evidently nervous. His mother, a jade hairpin in her hair, stood nearby, quietly adding hot water to the teacup.
Footsteps came from the corridor with a steady rhythm, and Eunuch Su's shrill voice floated in first: "Master Fang, Madam Fang, the Emperor has arrived——"
Fang Zhihang and his wife hurriedly led everyone to the door. Just as they were about to bend their knees, Emperor Qianlong reached out and held them steady. He wore a bright yellow formal suit, a dragon pattern faintly visible in the morning light. His jade belt was tied neatly around his waist, and a gentle smile graced his face. "We're all family, no need for formalities." His gaze swept across the group, finally settling on Xiaoyanzi, a subtle warmth in his eyes. "Miss Fang, are you feeling well? I saw you coughing a few days ago."
Xiaoyanzi's heart skipped a beat, knowing that the emperor was looking for an excuse, and she bowed quickly: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I'm all right now." Her fingertips unconsciously picked at the embroidery on her cuffs, not daring to look up at him.
Ziwei stood beside Xiaoyanzi, her fingertips white with nervousness, but she still bowed politely, her voice as light as a feather: "Your humble servant Ziwei, thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
Qianlong's gaze paused on Ziwei, then fell on the pearl earrings on her temples. He nodded slightly and said, "No need for formalities. I came here today to discuss something with Lord Fang and Miss Fang." He raised his hand to signal everyone to enter the house. The hem of his dragon-patterned uniform swept across the threshold, bringing with it a faint scent of ambergris.
After they sat down, Eunuch Su served hot tea. Qianlong blew gently on the teacup, his eyes falling on Xiaoyanzi. "I know you have a free-spirited nature and dislike being bound by constraints, but you and I... are deeply connected. I have thought long and hard about adopting you as my adopted daughter, naming you 'Princess Huanzhu', and bringing you into the palace to live so you can always be by my side."
"Princess Huanzhu?" Fang Zhihang shook the teacup in his hand, and tea splashed onto the table. He quickly put the cup down, stood up and bowed, "Your Majesty, I am... I am deeply grateful for your kindness. However, my daughter is very naughty, and I am afraid it is difficult for her to be a princess..."
"Master Fang, you're worrying too much." Qianlong raised his hand to let him sit down, his tone undeniably gentle. "I'm well aware of her kindness." He turned to Xiaoyanzi, his eyes softening. "Don't worry, I've had Shufangzhai tidied up. I've planted your favorite bellflowers in the courtyard, wind chimes are hanging in the corridor, and the kitchenette is always stocked with your favorite snacks."
Xiaoyanzi tightened her grip around the hem of her clothes, her knuckles turning white. She looked at Ziwei, who was nodding quietly at her, her eyes full of encouragement. She then looked at Xiaojian, whose brother's eyes were calm, but he gently touched her knee under the table, as if to say, "Don't be afraid." She took a deep breath, her voice a little hoarse, "I can enter the palace, but I have a condition."
"You say." A smile flashed in Qianlong's eyes, as if he had expected her to do so.
"Ziwei has to live with me." Xiaoyanzi stretched out her neck like a little animal protecting its cub. "I'm worried about her being out there alone. Let her be my study partner and live with me in Shufangzhai. Otherwise, I won't go!"
Ziwei suddenly looked up, her eyes full of surprise, and then a warm feeling welled up. Just as she was about to speak, Qianlong interrupted her with a smile: "That's what I was thinking. Miss Ziwei is gentle and intelligent. I am relieved to have her by your side." He looked at Ziwei and said softly, "Are you willing to follow the princess into the palace?"
Ziwei looked at Xiaoyanzi's sparkling eyes, then at Qianlong's gentle gaze. The tension in her heart slowly turned into a warm current. She knelt and bowed, her voice soft but firm: "I am willing. With Xiaoyanzi here, I am not afraid of anything."
"Okay." Qianlong put down the teacup, which made a crisp sound when it hit the table. "Then it's settled. Three days later, I'll send someone to take you to the palace." He stood up and looked at Xiao Jian. "Mr. Fang is a martial arts expert. I'm sure he won't want to leave his sister on such a long journey. Would you be willing to accompany me to the palace for a few days and take care of things for me?"
Xiao Jian stood up and bowed, not a wrinkle on his dark robe ruffled. "I will protect my sister. Thank you, Your Majesty." His eyes were sharp, yet respectful. "The palace is different from home. I have prepared some self-defense items. I hope Your Majesty will allow me to bring them into the palace."
"Approved." Qianlong's smile deepened. "You are thoughtful." He reminded Fang's mother a few more words about the "etiquette you need to know after entering the palace." His eyes swept across the room, as if he wanted to engrave this warm scene in his heart. "Three days later, at the hour of Mao, the imperial sedan will stop outside the palace. You should rest early."
By the time they saw Qianlong off, the morning mist had dissipated, and the sunlight cast a long shadow on the dragon robe. Xiaoyanzi watched the procession recede into the distance, suddenly feeling relieved. Her legs gave way, and she nearly sat down, but Ziwei quickly supported her.
"Silly." Ziwei helped her tidy up her hair that was messed up by the wind, her fingertips were warm, "You will be Princess Huanzhu in the future, so you must learn to be more dignified."
"How can dignity be better than freedom?" Xiaoyanzi curled her lips, but couldn't help laughing. "But being able to watch over you every day without worrying about you being bullied by bad guys is worth it!"
Xiao Jian walked out of the study, holding a blue cloth brocade bag in his hand. He pressed it into Xiao Yanzi's hand and said, "There are drugs, antidotes, and some palace maps in here. Remember, the northwest corner gate is the most secure. If anything goes wrong, go through there." He lowered his voice and said, "I've had someone check the layout of Shufangzhai. There are guards patrolling at night. Don't use your Qinggong skills carelessly, or you'll get caught."
Fang's mother came over and stuffed a purse embroidered with a pair of lotus flowers into Ziwei's hand: "This is a peace amulet I embroidered overnight, carry it with you for self-defense. When you get to the palace, you two sisters must support each other, don't be petty, and don't suffer grievances." As she spoke, her eyes turned red.
Xiaoyanzi hugged Fang's mother's arm and rubbed her shoulder: "Don't worry, mother, I will take good care of myself and Ziwei, and I will come back to see you when I have time." The morning light fell on her face, and the hesitation in her eyes had long since dissipated, leaving only the certainty of the future - no matter how many storms there are in the palace, as long as Ziwei is by her side and she has her brother's concern, she is not afraid of anything.
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