Chapter 192
Time slipped away silently amidst the two sides' silent standoff and covert surveillance.
Although Crown Prince Xiao Qiyun was still confined to the Eastern Palace, his orders spread silently through his loyal bodyguards like an invisible spider web.
The secret agents under the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, like crows in the night, engage in a contest in every corner of the capital, monitoring each other and maintaining a fragile balance.
The emperor was not entirely unaware of the undercurrents beneath the surface of the court. The anger that had initially been ignited by the "overstepping of authority in troop deployment" had gradually subsided with the passage of time and the gathering of information from various sources.
He knew Xiao Qiyun's capabilities well and understood that the matter was indeed a matter of "expedient measures in an emergency." Continuing with heavy punishment was not his original intention.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is fast approaching, the city is filled with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, and the silver moon will soon be full. A joyous atmosphere of reunion and peace permeates the whole country. The palace begins preparations for a grand banquet and lantern festival, ready to share the joy with the people.
On this day, the Emperor was reviewing memorials in his study when his gaze paused briefly on the agenda for the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet. After a moment's thought, he put down his vermilion brush and said calmly to the chief eunuch standing beside him, "Issue my decree: The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for universal celebration and family reunion. The Crown Prince has been under house arrest for a long time, and I presume he has deeply reflected on his actions. Therefore, I hereby grant him the right to lift his confinement and attend tomorrow's palace banquet to enjoy the bright moon with me and celebrate this festive occasion."
When the high-pitched voice of the imperial eunuch rang out in the East Palace, Xiao Qiyun was standing by the window. Upon hearing the decree to "lift the confinement," his face showed little joy. He simply turned around with a deep look in his eyes, calmly bowed, and accepted the decree: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your grace."
After the eunuch who delivered the decree left, the hall returned to silence. Xiao Qiyun slowly straightened up, his fingertips caressing the warm, smooth jade pendant. His father's lifting of the confinement at this moment was by no means a spur-of-the-moment decision.
This was partly to give himself a way out during the festive and peaceful atmosphere, to ease the tension between father and son and the court; perhaps it also carried a hint of testing—testing his attitude after this setback, and whether he would take any action after the lifting of the ban.
"Your Highness, this is a good thing," the head of the secret guards whispered.
"A good thing?" Xiao Qiyun's lips curled into a faint, cold smile. "It's just a bigger, more luxurious cage. There will only be more eyes staring at me."
He paused, then said firmly, "But it's always good to get out. At least... I can be closer to him." The thought of Su Zhelan made his heart tighten. The panic and helplessness he felt that night when he heard Su Zhelan was in danger returned.
"Make preparations," Xiao Qiyun's voice regained its usual calm and cold tone, "I will attend the palace banquet tomorrow 'properly.' Also, send a message to Sheng Xuan and Su Zhelan to inform them of the lifting of the ban." He specifically emphasized Su Zhelan, "Reassure Su Zhelan...."
The news quickly reached the Su residence. Su Zhelan was tending to several rare autumn herbs in her garden when she heard the news brought by Gu Linzhao. Her hand, which was pounding herbs, paused slightly before resuming its rhythmic movements, though her long eyelashes trembled slightly.
"The ban is lifted...that's good." He said softly, his tone revealing little emotion, but his tense shoulders and neck seemed to relax slightly.
Su Yan snorted from the side, his tone still not very good: "So what if the ban is lifted? That palace is a den of dragons and tigers, who knows what they're up to now!" Although he was cursing, the tension in his eyes for Xiao Qiyun and Su Zhelan was slightly eased by the news of the ban being lifted.
Gu Linzhao patted Su Yan on the shoulder and said calmly, "Being able to get out is a turning point. It's better for him to deal with things openly than to be trapped in the deep palace."
He turned to Su Zhelan, his tone gentle yet firm, “Su Zhelan, there are many people and eyes in the capital these days…” Having experienced the last kidnapping incident, they all knew that Su Zhelan’s safety could not be compromised in the slightest.
Su Zhelan nodded calmly and continued what she was doing: "I understand."
He has always preferred quiet to activity, and after what happened last time, he knows even more that it is best for him to stay away from all noisy situations, not to give anyone an opportunity to take advantage of him, and not to add any extra burden to others.
When Sheng Xuan received the news at the military camp, he simply snorted heavily, crushed the training report in his hand, and sternly said to his deputy general: "Tomorrow, those on duty in the palace and those patrolling outside the city, be on your best behavior! Especially at each city gate and on the paths leading to... certain residences, double the manpower and keep watch in secret! If anything goes wrong, you will be punished according to military law!"
What he worried about was never the power struggles in the court, but rather that someone might take advantage of the crowds and chaos during the holidays to strike again.
The grand Mid-Autumn Festival banquet was held in the Imperial Garden. The glass lanterns and the bright moonlight reflected each other, and the melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filled the air. Amidst the clinking of cups, civil and military officials, as well as imperial relatives, sat in order, all with appropriate and fitting smiles on their faces.
Crown Prince Xiao Qiyun sat upright in the seat below the Emperor. His dark brocade robe with cloud patterns made his face look even more handsome, but it also revealed a hint of thinness that was not easily noticed.
He raised his cup in greeting, nodding in return to the ministers who offered him a toast, his demeanor composed and impeccable. Yet, a hint of detachment lingered in the depths of his profound eyes, his gaze occasionally sweeping across the bustling banquet and drifting towards the direction beyond the palace walls, as if confirming something. His fingertips unconsciously traced the rim of his cup, revealing a touch of absentmindedness.
Sheng Xuan sat not far from him in the military officers' section, his posture upright like a pine tree. He was still in his military uniform, which added to his imposing aura. Although he also raised his cup to his colleagues, his sharp eyes, like those of a hawk, constantly and vigilantly scanned the entire room, especially the location of the Second Prince and his cronies.
When the Second Prince raised his cup and cast a seemingly humble but actually shrewd smile at Crown Prince Xiao Qiyun across the crowd, Sheng Xuan's eyes suddenly turned cold, and his hand holding the wine cup tightened slightly.
Xiao Qiyun simply raised his glass in return, a faint, emotionless smile curving his lips. Their eyes met briefly, and it seemed as if an invisible electric light flashed in the air, but it was quickly drowned out by the laughter and chatter of the banquet.
Undercurrents still surged, but on the surface, the royal family maintained a facade of peace, a facade of tranquility.
After the banquet, the emperor departed for the palace, and all the officials saw him off. Xiao Qiyun and Sheng Xuan exchanged a knowing glance, then tacitly avoided the crowd and quickly left the palace together.
Outside the palace gates, a cool night breeze dispelled the warmth and clamor of the banquet. Xiao Qiyun took a deep breath, as if to expel all the pent-up emotions in his chest.
"Let's go." Xiao Qiyun's voice was low, with a hint of barely perceptible urgency.
Sheng Xuan nodded emphatically without the slightest hesitation: "Yes."
The two did not ride in a carriage, but instead ordered their servants to bring them fine horses, mounted them, and galloped straight towards the Su residence. The horses' hooves clattered on the bluestone slabs, breaking the tranquil night air of the capital.
Xiao Qiyun had only one thought in his mind: to see him with his own eyes, to confirm that he was safe and sound, and to take him away from the shadow of those conspiracies for the time being.
Inside the Bamboo Breeze Pavilion of the Su residence, the lights were warm and inviting. Su Zhelan was leaning against the window reading a book, the faint sounds of activity coming from outside only emphasizing the tranquility of the courtyard. When he heard familiar, slightly hurried footsteps and Sheng Xuan's deep, resonant voice from outside, he paused slightly and put down his book.
The door was gently pushed open, and Xiao Qiyun and Sheng Xuan appeared in the doorway, bringing with them the slightly cool night air.
“Su Zhelan.” Xiao Qiyun’s gaze immediately fell on the boy by the window. He quickly looked him up and down. Seeing that he looked alright and his expression was at ease, his tense nerves relaxed a little, and his tone softened as well. “The banquet in the palace has ended, but it’s still lively outside. The Lantern Festival market hasn’t closed yet… We thought we’d take you out for a walk, to see the lanterns, and to relax.” His voice was gentler than usual, with a hint of barely perceptible caution.
Su Zhelan looked at them, a hint of hesitation flashing in her clear eyes. She subconsciously glanced at the deep night outside the window, her fingertips curling slightly.
Seeing this, Sheng Xuan stepped forward, deliberately making his voice more relaxed, with his usual slightly rough concern: "Hey! It's alright! With His Highness and me here, let's see who dares to mess with us? What's the point of staying cooped up in the house all day? It's a rare holiday, go out and get some fresh air! It's lively here!"
Xiao Qiyun also said gently, "We're just taking a stroll. If we get tired, we'll come back immediately." His gaze held encouragement and a hint of barely perceptible earnestness.
Looking at the undisguised concern in Xiao Qiyun's eyes, and then at Sheng Xuan's face as he tried to appear relaxed, Su Zhelan's hesitation was gradually replaced by a subtle warmth. He remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded gently and said in a low voice, "...Okay."
Upon seeing his agreement, Xiao Qiyun's eyes instantly lit up with a genuine smile. Sheng Xuan also grinned, as if letting out a sigh of relief.
Xiao Qiyun personally took the cloak hanging to the side and carefully tied the belt for him. Sheng Xuan, on the other hand, had already walked into the courtyard with a loud voice, ordering the carriage to be prepared. His booming voice dispelled the silence of the night and also eased some of the invisible solemnity.
The three of them did not make a big fuss. They simply took an ordinary-looking carriage and quietly left the Su residence, merging into the still bustling traffic of carriages and people on the streets of the capital, heading towards the night market where the lights were most dazzling and the voices were most lively.
The carriage stopped at the bustling street corner, and the three of them were immediately swept into the festive crowd as soon as they stepped off.
Along the long street, lights shone like dragons, and the air was filled with the bustling sounds of people. Various exquisite lanterns shone brightly, and dragon and lion dance teams passed by with gongs and drums. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of roasted chestnuts, the smoky aroma of grilled meat skewers, and the faint fragrance of osmanthus wine.
The cries of vendors, the laughter of children chasing and playing, and the cheers from acrobats performing thrilling acts all blended together to create a lively and vibrant sea of sound.
Xiao Qiyun and Sheng Xuan tacitly protected Su Zhelan in the middle, and the three of them moved slowly forward with the flow of people.
Holding these snacks full of the warmth of everyday life, Su Zhelan looked at the lively and bustling scene before her. Her long-tense heartstrings relaxed a little, and a faint, genuine warmth appeared between her cool brows and eyes. Even the corners of her lips curved into a barely perceptible smile.
They temporarily set aside the shackles of their identities and the worries of the court, enjoying a moment of leisure and warmth.
Walking to a bustling corner of the market, I saw a middle-aged woman with a small stall. Her bamboo basket was filled with colorful hand-woven red ropes, adorned with tiny silver bells, beads, or small wooden amulets. The woman called out in a loud voice, "Take a look! Red ropes for good fortune and peace!"
Seeing the commotion, Sheng Xuan immediately became interested. Taking advantage of his height and strength, he quickly squeezed into the crowd surrounding the stall and returned in no time with three red ropes. He casually handed one to Xiao Qiyun and one to Su Zhelan, then took the rope for himself, wrapped it around his finger a couple of times, tucked it into the inner lining of his leather armor, patted his chest, and grinned, saying, "Just for good luck!"
Xiao Qiyun took the seemingly ordinary red rope that carried countless wishes, twisting its soft yet resilient texture, his gaze deep and complex. Peace and prosperity… this seemingly simplest and most ordinary wish seemed so luxurious and unattainable to him, the crown prince at the center of the power vortex.
He held the red string, lost in thought, his gaze involuntarily drifting towards Su Zhelan, who stood quietly beside him, carrying an indescribable heaviness.
Su Zhelan looked down at the vivid red stain in her palm, her expression focused and quiet, as if she were examining an extremely precious treasure.
He slightly turned aside, avoiding the crowds, and found a quieter corner. By the bright light from under the temple eaves, he carefully wrapped the red rope around his slender, fair wrist several times, tying a small, tight knot with unusual seriousness, as if to lock away his prayer. The vibrant red stood out starkly against his pale skin, creating a breathtaking contrast.
He gently stroked the soft red band around his wrist, raised his head, and looked at the dazzling lights and bustling crowds in the distance. His clear eyes reflected the myriad lights, yet it seemed as if he could see even further beyond the hustle and bustle.
His voice was very soft, as if he were talking to himself, or perhaps responding to Sheng Xuan's earlier boast about his battlefield exploits. His tone carried a barely perceptible, deep-seated weariness and an almost devout, profound longing.
“…I don’t seek wealth or status. I’ve endured all the hardships and bitter days of the past.” He paused slightly, the night breeze ruffling the soft wisps of hair on his forehead. “Now…I really have no other desires,” his voice grew softer, yet each word was clear. “I only hope that the days to come will be like tonight…without storms, peaceful and stable…that’s all.”
The simplest and most ordinary wish, uttered softly from his lips, struck Xiao Qiyun's heart like an invisible hammer.
Su Zhelan's words, spoken so casually yet with such sincerity and unspoken implications, pierced Xiao Qiyun's heart like the sharpest, coldest needle, bringing him a sharp pain and an almost suffocating sense of guilt.
Xiao Qiyun turned his head sharply, his gaze fixed on Su Zhelan. The boy's thin profile appeared unusually frail and fragile under the flickering lights, as if he might be swallowed up by this noisy world at any moment.
The glaring red mark on his wrist, in Xiao Qiyun's eyes at this moment, did not resemble an auspicious sign of blessing, but rather a silent bloodstain, a deeply etched accusation caused by him, fiercely burning Xiao Qiyun's eyes and heart! The pain was so intense that he could hardly breathe!
It was him! It was all because of him! If it weren't for his damned status as the crown prince, how could Su Zhelan have been embroiled in this endless political strife? How could she have encountered that terrifying kidnapping where she barely escaped death? How could she have, at an age when she should have been carefree and enjoying nature, only dared to humbly lower her wishes to the dust, praying only for the most attainable "peace" for the people of the world?
She kept professing her admiration for him and her desire to protect him, but what glory and security did the Crown Prince's position bring Su Zhelan? Only endless danger, malicious scheming, and constant fear of insecurity! Her so-called protection seemed so pale and powerless in the face of the cruel reality!
A thought, like a sharp lightning bolt piercing through the deep darkness, suddenly struck his mind, becoming clearer, firmer, and more unquestionable than ever before—to relinquish the position of crown prince.
Only by completely leaving the very center of this power vortex, severing the roots of all covetousness and scheming, and staying away from all this prosperity and infighting, can one truly and thoroughly protect Su Zhelan. Only then can one truly give him, and oneself, the "peaceful and tranquil" life that Su Zhelan speaks of.
Xiao Qiyun gripped the untied red string tightly in his palm. The soft silk almost embedded itself in his hand, as if he were holding not just a rope, but his resolute future and his only path to salvation.
When he looked at Su Zhelan again, the turbulent waves in his eyes had subsided, settling into a gentle firmness.
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