Chapter 4 Epilogue 3: The Wedding and the Commitment
After the large ship arrived at the port, the group transferred to horse-drawn carriages and arrived in the capital in mid-July.
Under the blazing sun, fine dust kicked up by carriages and horses floated in the air in the streets of the capital. The shouts of peddlers and laborers, the snorting of mules and horses, and the sound of storytelling drifting from teahouses created a bustling atmosphere that rose and fell under the sun.
The royal guards escorted the carriage into the palace. After seven days by boat and three days by carriage, they finally settled down and waited to choose an auspicious day to officially hold their wedding.
Yuezhi moved into Taiji Hall, while the two children lived in Jinghezhai at the back, the place where she stayed when she entered the palace to prepare for childbirth. It was closest to Taiji Hall, with a quiet environment, and they could hear everything happening in front of them. It was also convenient for the two of them to see the children.
Within two days, the entire capital knew that the palace was preparing for a grand wedding. Officials were curious and expectant, wondering what kind of woman the emperor, who had been single for so long, would marry.
The entire palace and its surroundings were abuzz with talk of this momentous occasion, a scene of bustling activity and celebration, all awaiting the auspicious day for universal rejoicing.
Deep within the palace, Yuezhi was oblivious to the gossip and commotion outside. She rested peacefully for two days before recovering from the exhaustion of the journey.
At the suggestion of the palace nanny who was in charge of taking care of the princes, she began to wean her two children, changing their diet from half complementary food and half breast milk to 80% complementary food and breastfeeding once every one or two days.
There haven't been any children in the palace for a long time. When the nannies had nothing to do, they were given by the emperor to take care of the young children of other princes and nobles, thus gaining experience in raising children. Now they can use that experience on the two children.
Although the wedding was not held, everyone in the palace knew that Yuezhi, who lived in Taiji Hall, looked exactly like the deceased Princess Ning'an. Regardless of the past, everyone knew that she was the future empress, and the two children who entered the palace with her were the eldest prince and the second princess.
As early as the day the emperor returned to the palace, the names of the three were recorded in the imperial genealogy.
This time when she entered the palace, Yuezhi no longer felt nervous and withdrawn as before. Instead, she treated it like her own home and came and went freely.
She had forgotten most of the rules and etiquette she had learned from the etiquette instructors. Removing those complicated rituals left her with only a dignified and proper demeanor and the relaxed feeling of living at home, which made her feel relaxed and at ease.
The summer sun was shining brightly outside, so she went for a stroll in the Imperial Garden. After wandering around twice, she felt that although the garden was quite large, it was more exquisite than vibrant. So, according to her own ideas, she had the trees and flowers moved back. She did it herself and, in just a few dozen taels of silver and two days, transformed the Imperial Garden into a lush little forest, attracting many more birds.
Once he recovered, he couldn't stay idle. Feeling that the Taiji Hall was too empty, he asked Pei Heng, "I'd like to partition off an embroidery room in the bedroom so I can embroider when I'm bored."
Pei Heng laughed and said, "The bedroom is for sleeping. It's not well lit if you're embroidering in there."
She thought he was going to refuse, but to her surprise, he invited her directly: "Let's partition off a room in my inner study. It's spacious there. I'll move my collection of books that I don't read often into my bedroom, which will free up half the space for you. Is that enough?"
“Okay!” Yuezhi readily agreed.
The inner study faces east and is well-ventilated, with excellent natural light, so she doesn't need to turn on a lamp when she's embroidering.
In the future, while he read books and reviewed memorials, she would embroider and draw pictures on the side. They kept a distance from each other, doing what they liked, and could chat in between, which was quite charming.
The next day, a screen was used to partition off one-third of the inner study, and an embroidery frame was placed inside. Various silk threads and fabrics were displayed in a colorful array, like a flower field blooming in an ancient sea of books.
Another day passed, and Pei Heng took time out of his busy official duties to take her out of the palace.
Instead of going anywhere else, they returned to the princess's residence.
After the fire and the death of Princess Ning'an, the gate plaque of the princess's residence was taken down, and a new gate plaque has now been hung: Qiwu Villa.
The scars of the fire have long been smoothed over by time. Now, the mansion is lush with vegetation, the pavilions are elegant, the lake is rippling with blue waves, the lotus flowers are in full bloom, and the air is filled with sweet water vapor and the fragrance of lotus.
Pei Heng took Yue Zhi's hand, and the two once again sailed on the lake.
He was dressed in a light blue casual robe, which made him look less majestic than an emperor and more relaxed and carefree. Yuezhi, on the other hand, was wearing a light green silk dress and sat opposite him, like a newly sprouted willow by the lake.
The small boat slowly left the shore, parting the clear waves and gliding into the depths of the lotus flowers. The lotus leaves rose high above the water, as large as canopies, their emerald green color glistening with glistening water droplets rolling along their edges.
Pei Heng released the oars, letting the small boat drift freely. He reached out and plucked a lotus leaf, then with a slight twist of his wrist, poured all the plump water droplets gathered on the leaf onto Yue Zhi's outstretched, delicate hand.
The cool touch made her gasp softly, and her laughter, like the tinkling of silver bells, startled a white egret from beneath the leaves.
"These lotus flowers are a new variety sent from Jeju Island for your last wedding. This is the third time they've bloomed this year, and they're more and bigger than the previous two years."
Following the direction he pointed, Yuezhi looked and saw lotus petals overlapping, their color as delicate as a young girl's pink cheeks. Several of them were rare twin lotuses, leaning against each other, standing gracefully. She was delighted and reached out to touch them.
Pei Heng steadied the boat, stretched out his long arm, and deftly broke off the most beautiful branch, handing it to her with an unyielding tenderness in his eyes.
Yuezhi took it, lowered her head and sniffed it lightly. The fragrance went straight to her heart and soul. "The color is exquisite, and the fragrance is even stronger."
She placed the lotus flowers on the boat, and like him, she scooped up lake water with a lotus leaf and playfully sprinkled it at him. The water droplets drew bright arcs in the sunlight and wet his clothes.
Pei Heng neither dodged nor flinched, but laughed loudly, then took her mischievous hand in his and gently pulled her to his side, embracing her in his arms.
The small boat swayed slightly from the movement, creating gentle ripples that spread across the center of the lake.
"Yuezhi." A deep voice sounded above her head, turning from laughter to seriousness. "I have ordered the renovation of this villa and dispatched an elite Imperial Guard to guard it day and night. It is yours, and will always be your safe haven. You can come and stay whenever you want, for as long as you want. The capital is our home, and the palace will never become your confinement."
Yuezhi's heart stirred; she hadn't expected him to make such a arrangement. She nestled against his chest and gave a soft "Mmm."
His fingertips brushed through her wind-blown hair as he continued, "I renamed it. The phoenix will not perch on anything but the parasol tree. Since it is the Empress's villa, let's call it the Parasol Tree Villa. My heart finds peace only where you are."
Hearing him speak in such a literary style, Yuezhi felt a little embarrassed, but she also felt that he had really grown up, that he was thinking a lot about her, and that he was giving her more freedom.
A myriad of emotions and feelings welled up in my heart, all of which transformed into a slight moisture in my eyes and a radiant smile blooming on my lips.
Beside the small boat were endless green leaves and delicate red lotuses, and the shimmering water reflected a pair of lovers embracing.
Enveloped in the lush greenery and vitality of summer, they grow ever more vigorous and profound, with abundant branches and leaves.
*
Three days later, the emperor and empress were married.
The emperor had been on the throne for four years and had always advocated frugality. The palace had not held such a grand and lively ceremony for a long time.
The entire capital was in an uproar. As night fell, dazzling fireworks exploded one after another in the dark night sky, illuminating the entire capital as bright as day. People came out of their homes, looked up at the sky full of light, cheered, and shared in the royal family's joy.
This bustling scene could be clearly seen even from the temple in the mountains outside the city, near Baoguang Temple.
Several elderly women who were guarding the nunnery were captivated by the rare and spectacular fireworks display. They crowded into the courtyard, watching intently, occasionally letting out exclamations of surprise and admiration.
As the last firework faded into the night sky and the light disappeared, darkness enveloped the night once more, and all around was exceptionally quiet.
An old woman muttered unconsciously, "Isn't it a little too quiet?"
As soon as she said it, she froze.
The one imprisoned in the nunnery, even after being given a drug to make her mute, never stopped. She would either wail incoherently or bang on the door. Day and night, you could always hear the ghostly noises she made, which sent chills down your spine.
But now, the fireworks have all finished, and the nunnery is completely silent.
The head nanny's heart skipped a beat. She quickly took out her key, opened the heavy, somewhat dilapidated wooden door, and carefully stepped inside, carrying an oil lamp.
The dim light of the oil lamp flickered in the cramped nunnery. There, Changsun's thin body lay on the cold wooden plank, her eyes wide open, staring at the dark beams, her face still bearing the marks of pain and numbness.
The old woman reached out and checked her breath; she had already stopped breathing. Judging by the time, she had died just as the fireworks began.
On this night of city-wide celebration, when all the people were overjoyed at the emperor's marriage, she died quietly.
Like fireworks burning out in the night sky, leaving only ashes that drift down lightly, scattering with a gust of wind and disappearing without a trace.
Like fallen leaves in the mountains, rotting in the soil, her past, her merits and demerits, her rights and wrongs, were all buried with her death, nourishing new and more flourishing life in these mountains and in this mortal world.
The old people and things are all gone.
A new life is about to begin.
As night deepened and the festive noise gradually subsided, Yunxi and Yanqing slept soundly under the care of their nanny in Jinghezhai, their little faces rosy, completely unaware of the commotion outside.
Inside the Taiji Hall, red candles burned brightly, creating a tranquil and festive atmosphere.
Yuezhi, dressed in an elaborate and gorgeous wedding gown and wearing a heavy phoenix crown adorned with pearls and gemstones, sat quietly beside the large dragon bed.
She was somewhat puzzled.
According to the rules, after the ceremony of establishing an empress and the grand wedding, the empress should have moved into the Phoenix Palace, which symbolizes the mother of the nation. Why were all her ceremonies and wedding night arranged in the Taiji Hall, where the emperor usually lived?
Just then, the palace door was gently pushed open, and steady footsteps approached; it was Pei Heng entering.
He changed out of his heavy imperial robes and into a bright red auspicious robe, which made his face look even more handsome. His brows showed undisguised joy, but also a hint of nervousness.
He walked to the bedside, picked up the jade ruyi on the tray, and gently lifted the red veil embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in the water on Yuezhi's head.
The veil was lifted, and their eyes met.
This scene was so familiar. Back then, he was blinded by love and possessiveness, and in place of her husband, he lifted her veil. Underneath the veil was such a gentle and beautiful face, smiling at him.
Today, he lifted the veil again, and saw that her eyes were shining brightly, and she was as beautiful as a fairy. There was no longer any barrier between them, and his figure was clearly reflected in her eyes.
He was her rightful husband.
This moment felt so real that it made her heart tremble.
Pei Heng couldn't help but smile as he looked at her gentle face. It was slightly different from the one he remembered from his childhood, but because of the more than ten years they had spent together, he never felt like a stranger. Whenever he looked at her, the unease and fear in his heart would be filled with a peaceful sense of happiness.
Yuezhi saw him standing motionless in front of her, his eyes fixed on her, his eyes glistening as if about to overflow with tears, so she quickly waved her hand in front of him.
He joked, "Haven't you seen enough yet? Is there something wrong with my outfit today? Or do you really like it... you're staring at me like crazy?"
Pei Heng didn't answer. Suddenly, he bent down and picked her up from the bed in one swift motion!
"Ah!" Yuezhi exclaimed in surprise.
Pei Heng held her tightly around the waist, and in the spacious Taiji Hall, he spun around happily like a little boy, his bright red skirt swirling in the air like a blooming flower.
Yuezhi was startled at first, but then she was infected by his joy and couldn't help but laugh out loud.
The phoenix crown on her head jingled as it spun, the pearls and jade swaying, the crisp sound echoing in the hall along with her laughter.
After spinning around several times, Pei Heng slowly stopped. He was so happy that his heart was racing and he was slightly out of breath. He still held her tightly and refused to let go.
Yuezhi felt a little dizzy from being turned around. She leaned against him to catch her breath before placing her hands on his shoulders and gently punching him. She scolded him, "You! You're an emperor and a father now, how can you still act like a three-year-old? If others saw you like this, what would become of your appearance? You have no dignity at all."
Pei Heng lowered his head and buried his face in her warm neck, nuzzling her like a large dog, his voice filled with immense satisfaction and affection: "Yuezhi, I like you so much."
A simple and straightforward sentence softened Yuezhi's heart like a puddle of water.
She raised her hand and gently stroked his hair, responding affectionately, "I know, me too."
Remembering her earlier question, she asked, "By the way, according to the rites, isn't the grand wedding for the empress held in Fengqi Palace? Why did you put me in Taiji Hall? This is your bedroom."
Pei Heng raised his head, speaking with a straight face, "Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. We are husband and wife, and husband and wife should live together. The palace is so big and empty. I don't want to have to leave my palace and walk a long way to Fengqi Palace every time I want to see you. That's too troublesome. I can't wait at all."
As she spoke, her tone carried a hint of grievance and coquettishness, "This is our home, and Taiji Hall is our bedroom. Do you want to sleep in a separate room from me?"
Hearing him say that, Yuezhi chuckled, and the little bit of unease in her heart instantly vanished.
As long as they are together, anywhere is home; why be confined to a palace or a dwelling?
Pei Heng placed her back on the bed, took off her embroidered shoes, removed her heavy phoenix crown, kissed her cheek, his eyes burning with anticipation.
Her voice was low and husky as she coaxed, "Yuezhi, tonight... you should call me husband, shouldn't you?"
Yuezhi's face flushed crimson. She lowered her head and called out in a soft, clear voice, "Husband..."
Upon hearing the word "husband," he felt a surge of heat rise within him, and he could no longer restrain himself.
Most of the candles were blown out, leaving only a few dim palace lanterns in the distance. The person was then pushed into the dragon bed, and the curtains were drawn.
He whispered in her ear, his breath warm: "Yuezhi, don't worry... I've already had the imperial physician prepare a contraceptive medicine, which you've taken in advance. Tonight... I'll make sure you're satisfied."
He meant well, worried about her health, but when Yuezhi heard this, she suddenly grabbed a strand of his hair, making him pause in his movements. Not knowing what he had done wrong, he looked up at her innocently.
Yuezhi looked up at him, both anxious and angry: "How could you take it upon yourself to eat that kind of thing? It will harm your health!"
Pei Heng was taken aback by her reaction and quickly explained, "I'm worried about you. You suffered so much when you gave birth to Yunxi and Yanqing, and your health is deteriorating. You've only been recuperating for a little over a year, and I'm really afraid..."
Yuezhi interrupted him, her tone serious: "I know my own body. I've recovered long ago and I don't feel uncomfortable anymore."
Her fingertips slid from his collar to his lapel, loosening his belt. Her gaze lowered, and she murmured, "Besides... I've always envied other families with many members, brothers, sisters, children around them, so lively and bustling. Now we have you, Yunxi, and Yanqing in our family, but I want it to be even more lively. While you're still young and I'm still healthy, we should... have a few more children."
Upon hearing this, Pei Heng felt as if his heart was being soaked in warm spring water, filled with happiness and emotion.
He held her tightly, kissed her forehead, and promised, "Whatever you want... I will do my best."
Yuezhi was finally satisfied and instructed him, "I'll let it go this time, but you're not allowed to take that kind of medicine again, understand?"
"I understand," Pei Heng replied with a soft laugh, gently covering her soft lips with his.
The red candles flickered, and the tent was filled with the warmth of spring.
A young body and a passionate heart intertwine, creating waves of heat that, reflected in the auspicious red candles, fill the cold palace with warmth.
Love never ends, affection never ceases.
May every year be like this day, and may every year be like this morning.
*
Time flies like an arrow, and four years have passed in the blink of an eye. Under Pei Heng's rule, the Great Zhou Dynasty has become increasingly prosperous and stable.
With the southwestern border secured and banditry eradicated, Duan Yunting distinguished himself in battle and was granted the title of "Marquis of Weiyuan," then transferred to the more crucial Yuezhou to guard the southern border.
Liang Zhang, the prefect of Qingzhou, had outstanding political achievements during his tenure. At the beginning of this year, he was recalled to the capital and entered the Secretariat, where he was appointed as a second-rank official and became a rising star in the cabinet.
Chen Lanzhe, who was demoted to the position of magistrate in Yuezhou, has been tempered and promoted to the position of vice prefect of Yuezhou after six years of experience in local affairs. Pei Heng saw him as a pillar of the state and that his character had been tempered, so he transferred him to Lizhou, where the power had been vacant for a long time, and entrusted him with the important task of prefect.
The most eye-catching one is the fourth princess, Pei Yao.
Three years ago, she ended a year of travel and was ordered to lead a large army on an expedition to the Western Regions. This spring, she brought the entire Hexi Corridor into the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty, a feat that will be remembered for generations to come.
Pei Heng was overjoyed and issued a special decree to commend her, exceptionally promoting her to the title of "Prince of Wu'an." He bestowed upon her a luxurious royal residence in the capital and ordered her to return to the capital to report for duty before heading to the north to guard the country's borders.
Summer has arrived again. In Qiwu Villa, the trees are lush and green, and cicadas chirp incessantly.
By the lotus pond, in the pavilion, Yuezhi and He Zhiyan had a small gathering, chatting about everyday matters as usual.
Yuezhi leisurely did her needlework, the needle and thread weaving between her fingertips, while He Zhiyan focused intently on copying calligraphy from a model book.
Yuezhi looked at her neat handwriting with some envy: "I've never been good at writing, and I don't have the patience to practice."
He Zhiyan put down her pen and smiled gently: "Both of my children are of school age and they ask me all sorts of questions all day long, which gives me a headache. Writing is the only thing that can calm me down."
As she spoke, she looked at Yuezhi with gentle eyes, "Yunxi and Yanqing have the tutor of the Grand Tutor and the palace maids take good care of them. You have given birth to two more children in the past few years. The most important thing is to take good care of your health. Whether your handwriting is good or not does not matter."
Yuezhi put down her needlework and said in a relaxed tone, "I'm fine. After giving birth, Pei Heng and the nannies took care of me at night. I only breastfed Jiyuan and Luhe for two months, and then I didn't have to work too hard. I had to take supplements all the time, so I didn't have to worry about anything. It wasn't hard work."
He Zhiyan carefully examined her and sincerely praised, "I remember when you first returned to the capital with your child, you looked a little weak. These past two years you have been radiant. It's clear that you are living a good life and that the Emperor treats you very well."
A faint blush rose to Yuezhi's face, and she smiled with her lips pursed.
As they were talking, a maid came in quietly to report: "Your Highness, Madam He, the Fourth Prince has arrived."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a brisk figure stepped into the pavilion. It was none other than Prince Pei Yao of Wu'an, who had returned weary from the Western Regions.
Years of military service had roughened her skin and darkened her complexion, but her eyes remained bright, and she radiated energetic vitality.
Upon seeing the two people in the pavilion, a big smile bloomed on her face. She took a few steps forward and gave Yuezhi a firm hug, then turned around and hugged He Zhiyan tightly, her voice loud and clear.
"I'm so glad to see you all! I've missed you so much!"
The three friends reunited, and the pavilion was filled with laughter and joy. Even the summer heat seemed to be dispelled by their friendship.
A cool breeze was blowing, carrying the fragrance of lotus flowers.
Yuezhi smiled at Pei Yao and said, "I haven't congratulated you yet, Prince Wu'an! This is an immense honor, well-deserved."
Upon hearing this, Pei Yao burst into hearty laughter, displaying the heroic spirit honed by three years of battlefield experience. She waved her hand and said, "Yue Zhi, if I am to be crowned a king, you should be credited with this achievement!"
Yuezhi was taken aback by what she said, and blinked in confusion: "I have lived in the deep palace for a long time and am powerless. How can the credit for expanding the territory be attributed to me?"
Pei Yao leaned forward, her eyes sincere: "I just came back from reporting to the Emperor. I've heard everything. If it weren't for your advocacy of frugality in the palace, and your establishment of the Imperial Academy and Girls' School, which got those powerful families to contribute money and effort, and use the saved silver to continuously fund the army, how could I have fought so confidently on the front lines? With ample supplies, sharp weapons, and soldiers without worries, we were able to fight with unwavering spirit and win battle after battle!"
So that's what it meant.
Yuezhi was a little embarrassed by her praise, her cheeks flushed slightly. "Please don't flatter me. What I did was just my duty. The ones who truly risked their lives on the battlefield were you and thousands of soldiers. This credit belongs to you. I dare not accept it."
He Zhiyan listened from the side and, seeing Yuezhi's shy appearance, smiled and said, "Your Majesty is too modest. You and His Majesty, one to govern the country and the other to defend against foreign aggression, complement each other perfectly. This is truly a match made in heaven."
Pei Yao nodded repeatedly: "Zhiyan is right! That makes perfect sense!"
She excitedly had her attendants bring in several boxes, which, when opened, revealed all sorts of specialties from the Western Regions: colorful tapestries, exotic spices, various kinds of delicious-looking dried fruits and candied fruits, flower and herb seeds of unknown origin, and some strangely shaped gold coins...
"Here, these are for you. I enjoyed them on the way here, so I brought back a lot for you to try!"
The three friends sat together, enjoying exotic cuisine and excitedly sharing their experiences over the past few years.
Pei Yao recounted the magnificent scenery of the desert and the setting sun over the long river, as well as the thrilling and interesting stories of military campaigns; Yue Zhi and He Zhiyan chatted about the changes in the capital and the interesting growth of their children at home, filling the pavilion with laughter and joy.
As the sun began to set, Pei Yao stood up and said with a hint of apology, "I have to go. I have an imperial order to go to the northern garrison and cannot stay any longer."
Although Yuezhi and He Zhiyan were reluctant to part, they knew that military affairs were of utmost importance. They got up and told her, "Going to the north will be cold and freezing, unlike the hot and dry western regions. You must take good care of yourself."
Pei Yao smiled freely and squeezed their hands tightly in return: "I understand. When I return to the capital next time, I'll invite you both to visit my new palace!"
After saying that, he turned around nimbly and strode away.
The two stood by the pavilion, watching her departing figure disappear behind the green trees.
He Zhiyan sighed softly, remarking, "We've only been sitting for a short while, and they've already left so quickly..."
Yuezhi's gaze remained fixed on the distance, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she softly said, "Yes, gatherings and partings are fleeting; life is always full of such ups and downs."
As dusk fell, He Zhiyan bid farewell and went home.
The summer's hustle and bustle was filtered away by the deepening twilight, leaving only the rustling sound of the wind blowing through the lotus leaves.
Yuezhi leaned against the railing alone, gazing at the lotus flowers in the pond, which were dyed golden and red by the setting sun, and a faint loneliness rose in her heart.
Not long after, a familiar sound of footsteps came from behind her. Before she could turn around, a warm hand naturally took hers in the gentle evening breeze.
She turned slightly to the side and met Pei Heng's smiling eyes.
"What's someone standing here daydreaming about?"
Yuezhi leaned closer to him and whispered, "Fourth Sister came today, but only stayed for a short while before leaving in a hurry."
"Can't bear to part with her?" Pei Heng asked gently.
Yuezhi nodded, gazing at the crimson clouds on the distant horizon: "Everyone has their own ambitions, and we can't stay together forever. It's just that after experiencing so many partings and reunions, after the joy, we can't help but miss each other and feel sad."
Pei Heng embraced her from behind, gently resting his chin on the top of her head, his voice steady, "When we are young, we should aspire to travel far and wide and make great achievements. When we are both old and gray, sitting together in the sun, we will have plenty of time to reminisce."
His voice was soft, gentle yet firm, “There’s still a long way to go, I will always be by your side.”
Yuezhi chuckled softly, letting out a long sigh. The slight chill in her heart vanished because of his company. She relaxed and leaned against him, turning the sadness of parting into a deep appreciation for the happiness of the moment.
The afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows of the two figures, quietly blending into the golden summer twilight.
Even as time flows and the world changes, friends go their separate ways, and children grow up and leave home, as long as there is sincere and intense love between each other, there is the strongest anchor.
For the rest of her life, whether in storms or under clear skies, she will never feel alone again.
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