Chapter 80: The Lotus Wind Speaks a Shocking Word, the Emperor's Will is Unpredictable
The carriage rolled over the bluestone pavement beneath the Imperial City, making a rhythmic clatter, like an invisible drum beating against Xiaoyanzi's tense heart. The wind lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, and she subconsciously clenched the plain handkerchief in her sleeve, her fingertips almost digging into the soft cotton. Through the gap in the carriage, the towering Forbidden City drew closer. The bright yellow glazed tiles shone dazzlingly in the blazing sun, like a dormant beast, its maw gaping in all its majesty.
"Don't be nervous." Fang Zhihang was sitting opposite. Seeing his daughter's pale face, he comforted her in a gentle voice, "Follow your father, do everything according to the rules, and nothing will happen." He was wearing a stone-blue brocade robe today and a jade belt around his waist. His usually gentle eyes now had a bit of solemnity. He kept looking at his daughter's outfit, fearing that there was something wrong with etiquette.
Little Swallow nodded and forced a smile. "Dad, I'll remember. Talk less, smile more. Don't talk while eating or sleeping." She silently repeated the rules in the booklet, but her heart was still beating so fast it felt like it was about to burst out of her throat. The heavily guarded palace gates flashed past the carriage window. Their carriage was stopped for inspection. The guards' glances swept across the carriage, making her hold her breath.
Xiao Jian rode his horse to the side of the carriage, whispering through the curtains, "Ci'er, relax. I'll be waiting outside." His voice was steady and powerful, like a reassurance, calming Xiaoyanzi's flustered heart. She knew that her brother would, like in his previous life, silently guard her, whether she could see him or not.
The carriage slowly entered the palace gates, passed through the vermilion walls, and finally stopped at the Chengrui Pavilion near the Imperial Garden. A eunuch had been waiting there. Seeing the carriage stop, he hurried forward and bowed, "Master Fang, Miss Fang, the Emperor and his concubines are waiting at the Lotus Pavilion. Please follow me."
Fang Zhihang got out first, then turned back to help Xiaoyanzi. She took a deep breath, lifted the hem of her moon-white skirt, and carefully stepped out of the carriage. Sunlight filtered through the layers of leaves, casting dappled shadows on her plain dress. She lowered her head, her gaze fixed on the bluestone slabs, not daring to look around. She simply followed the eunuch's lead, walking forward step by step.
The Imperial Garden was breathtakingly beautiful. The lotus flowers in full bloom filled the pond, their pink and white petals adorned against the green foliage, their delicate beauty radiating from the surrounding greenery. The air was thick with a faint fragrance. But Xiaoyanzi had no time to admire them. She could sense the gazes from all directions—curious, probing, scrutinizing—making her uneasy. She clutched Fang Zhihang's sleeve tightly and followed him like a frightened deer.
A banquet had already been set up in the Lotus Breeze Pavilion. Emperor Qianlong sat at the head of the table, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe and looking majestic. The Empress sat to his left, adorned with a phoenix crown and a bridal robe, a gentle smile on her face. Below, the imperial concubines and ladies of state sat in order, their attire elegant and their jewelry jingling. Xiaoyanzi's eyes darted across the room, quickly catching sight of Concubine Ling in the crowd. She was dressed in a pink palace gown, nodding and smiling gently at her, her eyes encouraging. Meanwhile, a concubine in a stone-blue palace gown was scrutinizing her with a critical eye, a hint of sarcasm lingering on her lips. It must be Concubine E.
"Your servant Fang Zhihang, with my little daughter Fang Ci, comes to pay homage to the Emperor and the Empress. Long live the Emperor, and a thousand years of live the Empress!" Fang Zhihang pulled Xiaoyanzi and knelt outside the pavilion. His voice was clear and respectful.
Xiaoyanzi quickly knelt down, resting her forehead on the cold ground, her heart beating like a drum: "Your servant Fangci, pays homage to the Emperor and the Empress." She deliberately lowered her voice, fearing that she would say something wrong out of nervousness.
"Stand up," Qianlong's voice came from above, with a subtle gentleness. "Lord Fang, Miss Fang, please take a seat."
Xiaoyanzi followed her father and stood up, head bowed, following the eunuch's instructions to the last seat. This spot was neither too far nor too close to the main seat, allowing her to feel the emperor's authority without becoming a target of public criticism. She breathed a sigh of relief and was about to pick up her teacup to conceal her nervousness when she heard Qianlong speak.
"Miss Fang, this is your first time in the palace. Are you getting used to it?" Qianlong's gaze fell on her with an inquiring smile. "I see that the lotus flowers in this imperial garden are even more flourishing than those in the south of the Yangtze River. What do you think, Miss Fang?"
Xiaoyanzi's heart tightened. Was the Emperor testing her? She quickly stood up, bowed, and said with downcast eyes, "Your Majesty, the lotus flowers in the Imperial Garden are dignified and majestic, truly embodying the royal style. It's just that..." She paused, thinking of the lotus ponds south of the Yangtze River, and couldn't help but speak the truth, "It's just that I feel that the lotus flowers in south of the Yangtze River are more free and easy. When the wind blows, you can hear the petals clattering, as if they were talking."
As soon as she finished speaking, she heard a few low chuckles from the banquet. Concubine E covered her mouth with a silk handkerchief and said sarcastically, "Miss Fang, what you said is quite novel. How can flowers and plants speak? Have you heard too many rural legends?"
Xiaoyanzi's face turned pale, realizing she had spoken out of turn. She was about to apologize when she heard Qianlong laugh out loud: "Well said! Flowers and plants have feelings, and the wind and moon have sounds. Miss Fang has a delicate heart, so she can hear the words of flowers and plants. I think this is her true nature." He looked at Concubine E and his tone became softer. "Concubine E, you have learned too many rules in the palace, but you have lost your true nature."
Concubine E didn't expect the emperor to speak up for Xiaoyanzi. Her face turned pale and she quickly stood up to apologize: "I know I was wrong."
Xiaoyanzi was also startled. She had not expected the Emperor to come to her rescue, and her heart became even more uneasy. She lowered her head and whispered, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. I apologize for my words."
Qianlong waved his hand, motioning her to sit down, but his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer. His gaze was so deep and unreadable that it made Xiaoyanzi feel uneasy. The banquet officially began, with singing and dancing, and the music of stringed instruments, but she had no appetite. She only dared to taste each dish, constantly monitoring her words and actions, fearing even the slightest mistake.
Fang Zhihang saw it all and felt pain in his heart, but he could only use his eyes to signal her to relax. He knew that this banquet was a torment and a test for his daughter.
After three rounds of drinks, Qianlong put down his glass and glanced at the crowd: "The lotus flowers are in full bloom today, and the scenery is pleasant. How about letting the young men and women from each family show off their skills to liven up the atmosphere?"
Everyone responded in unison. Soon, several noble ladies came forward to perform their talents: playing the piano, dancing, reciting poetry, and painting, all with dignified grace. Little Swallow huddled in a corner, praying it wouldn't be her turn, but her fears were met with reality.
Concubine E smiled and stood up, looking at Xiaoyanzi with a pointed look. "Your Majesty, I have heard that the young lady of the Fang family in Jiangnan is both talented and beautiful, and proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. Why don't you let Miss Fang perform a song for us, so that we can broaden our horizons?"
Everyone's eyes instantly focused on Xiaoyanzi, leaving her nowhere to hide. She nervously stood up, her palms sweating, "Your Majesty, your humble servant... your humble servant's skills are not sophisticated enough to be accepted in such a prestigious place."
"Hey, Miss Fang, there's no need to be so modest." Qianlong put down his teacup, his eyes encouraging. "I also want to hear what it's like to play a zither that can understand the language of flowers and plants." He paused and added, "Just play what you're best at."
At this point, Xiaoyanzi could no longer refuse. She took a deep breath, walked over to the guqin, and sat down. As her fingertips touched the strings, she suddenly remembered playing "Lotus Picking Song" in the imperial garden in her previous life. In a similar scene, in front of so many people, she played a messy piece, making everyone laugh, but only Emperor Qianlong smiled and praised her for her spirited playing.
After calming herself, she avoided the familiar "Lotus Picking Song" and chose the more peaceful "Wild Geese Landing on the Flat Sand." Her fingertips plucked the strings, and a melodious sound slowly flowed out, initially slightly trembling, then gradually becoming steady and smooth. She closed her eyes, pouring all her tension and anxiety into the music. Images of the reed marshes of Jiangnan, the geese returning north, and the warm smiles of her family emerged in her mind.
When the song ended, the hall fell silent. A moment later, enthusiastic applause broke out. Emperor Qianlong clapped his hands and said with a smile, "Excellent! 'Wild Geese Flying Over the Plain Sands' is a truly captivating piece, its artistic conception profound and its echoing lingering! Miss Fang truly lives up to her reputation!"
Xiaoyanzi stood up to thank him, her cheeks slightly red, not knowing whether it was because of shyness or tiredness.
At this moment, Concubine E suddenly spoke again: "Miss Fang plays the piano well, I wonder how well you dance? I heard that the lotus-picking dance in Jiangnan is extremely graceful. Could you dance for us, Miss Fang?" She knew that Xiaoyanzi was wearing a long skirt and was inconvenient to move, so she deliberately made things difficult for her.
Xiaoyanzi's heart tightened. She was about to make an excuse to refuse, but she saw Qianlong slightly shaking his head. He said to Concubine E, "This is Miss Fang's first time in the palace today. I'm sure she's tired. There's no need for her to dance." He looked at Xiaoyanzi and said gently, "Miss Fang, you did a great job. Sit down and rest."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Xiaoyanzi, as if she had been pardoned, hurried back to her seat, her heart still pounding. She glanced at Qianlong gratefully, only to meet his deep gaze, which seemed to contain a thousand words. Her heart trembled, and she quickly lowered her head.
The banquet continued, but Xiaoyanzi could no longer remain calm. She could feel Qianlong's gaze constantly on her, filled with inquiry, nostalgia, and a kind of unnerving understanding. She knew the Emperor had recognized her, from the moment she blurted out "Huang Ama," from the moment she began to play the zither, or perhaps even earlier, from the moment he first laid eyes on her at the banquet.
This Lotus Banquet was more of a silent contest, a tacit test, than a grand feast. Qianlong confirmed her identity in his own way, and she could only hold on to her last line of defense with silence and denial.
The banquet finally ended, and Xiaoyanzi followed her father to bid farewell to the Emperor and Empress, fleeing from the Lotus Pavilion. She finally breathed a sigh of relief as she boarded the carriage for the return journey. Her tense nerves finally relaxed, yet her entire body felt limp and weak, as if it were falling apart.
"Ci'er, you did a great job." Fang Zhihang patted his daughter's hand, his tone full of relief.
Xiaoyanzi leaned against the wall of the car, looked at the palace wall rapidly receding outside the window, and whispered: "Dad, the emperor... seems to recognize me." There was an imperceptible tremor in her voice.
Fang Zhihang was silent for a moment, then sighed, "The Emperor is a man of deep thoughts. As his subjects, we must be cautious in our words and actions. From now on... you must be even more careful."
The carriage drove out of the palace gate, and Xiao Jian followed on horseback. Seeing Xiao Yanzi's tired face, he asked with concern, "How are you? Did you suffer any injustice?"
Xiaoyanzi shook her head and forced a smile. "It's okay, brother, I'm fine." But only she knew the intensity of her uneasiness. She knew that this lotus banquet wasn't the end, but the beginning. Qianlong's gaze was fixed on her, and her peaceful life was about to be shattered.
After returning to the mansion and taking off her heavy headdress and dress, Xiaoyanzi finally felt alive again. Mrs. Li hurried forward to ask about her well-being and felt deeply distressed when she saw her daughter's exhausted appearance.
"Mom, I'm fine, just a little tired." Xiaoyanzi hugged her mother's arm and acted like a child. Only in front of her family could she take off all her disguises and defenses.
After dinner, Xiaoyanzi sat by the window, lost in thought, gazing at the sunset glow. Her heart was in turmoil. She wondered what Qianlong would do next. Would he reveal her identity, or would he quietly test her like he was doing now? She knew only that the peaceful life she sought to protect was like the sunset glow, beautiful but fleeting, and would soon be swallowed by the night.
At this moment, Chun Tao rushed in with a letter in her hand: "Miss, this is from Liu Qing and Liu Hong. They said it's urgent."
Xiaoyanzi opened the envelope, glanced through it, and her face changed instantly. The letter said that Liu Qing and Liu Hong had met a girl from Jinan on the street. Her name was Ziwei. She had come to the capital with a token of gratitude, looking for her father. She was in a difficult situation and asked her to find a way to help her.
Crape myrtle?!
Xiaoyanzi stood up abruptly, her heart pounding. Ziwei was here! The sisters from their previous lives had finally met. She looked out the window at the gradually darkening sky, her eyes filled with complex emotions. She knew that Ziwei's arrival would bring new changes to her life, and these changes might make her even more helpless.
End of Volume 4
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