Chapter 9

Chapter Nine: He Wants to See Her

In the capital during April, a persistent drizzle had fallen for over half a month. By mid-April, the sky finally cleared. Princess Shenghua entered the palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager and several imperial concubines.

Since Princess Shenghua posed no threat to the royal family, the Empress Dowager treated her kindly, deliberately keeping her in Cining Palace for over half an hour. After Princess Shenghua finished greeting the imperial consorts, one of her maids tugged at her sleeve. Curious, Princess Shenghua exchanged a glance with her and asked silently, “What is it?” At that moment, she spotted Eunuch Li standing still.

“Your humble servant pays respects to Princess Shenghua,” Eunuch Li said with a smiling face, stepping forward and bowing. “Princess Shenghua, His Majesty requests your presence.”

“Why would my imperial brother want to see me?” Princess Shenghua’s eyes widened in surprise. She had been well-behaved lately, staying quietly at the Shenghua residence without causing any trouble. Why would the emperor summon her now? Her intuition warned that if the emperor sought her out, it must be because she had gotten into some kind of trouble.

Eunuch Li, of course, would not mention anything about Miss Xie San’s reputation outside. He swished his whisk and said cheerfully, “Your servant does not know.”

Princess Shenghua did not believe him. Everyone in the capital knew Eunuch Li was the most capable person close to the emperor. If he truly did not know, he wouldn’t have come to fetch her. He obviously knew but simply refused to tell her.

With this in mind, Princess Shenghua shot Eunuch Li a sharp look and said, somewhat annoyed, “Please lead the way, Eunuch Li.”

She had been very obedient recently and had not caused any trouble. Even if she were to see her brother, there was nothing to feel guilty about.

“Please, Princess Shenghua,” Eunuch Li said respectfully, extending his arm.

Princess Shenghua flicked her sleeve and followed Eunuch Li to the imperial study. Upon arriving at the door, she pouted slightly and put on an especially obedient expression before entering.

“Princess Shenghua pays respects to His Majesty,” she said.

While bowing, she stole a glance at her imperial brother. His expression was calm and ordinary.

“Rise, Princess Shenghua. Please be seated,” the emperor said.

Princess Shenghua sighed in relief and sat down on the yellow pearwood chair prepared by the eunuchs. She began to ponder the emperor’s intention in summoning her. Soon after, a eunuch poured tea for her, and a maid presented freshly arrived lychees as tribute. This gesture instantly raised her spirits; the emperor’s hospitality felt like a banquet, reminiscent of the infamous Hongmen Feast. Could it be that her brother intended to arrange a political marriage for her?

Just as Princess Shenghua grew anxious, the emperor spoke deliberately, “I heard that you and Miss Xie San are close friends?”

Why mention Sister Shu…?

Princess Shenghua smiled immediately and nodded. “Yes, I’ve known Sister Shu for many years. She is kind and gentle. Since she came of age last year, suitors have come to the Marquis of Loyalty’s residence nonstop.”

Eunuch Li instinctively glanced at the emperor, whose expression was inscrutable. Eunuch Li wondered silently if His Majesty was jealous.

When speaking of Sister Shu, Princess Shenghua’s smile grew wider. The emperor’s lips curled faintly, and in a calm voice, he said, “Shenghua, I have a favor to ask.”

Princess Shenghua found it hard to believe her brother needed her help. Her eyes widened like copper bells. “Your Majesty honors your humble sister too much. If there is anything I can assist, I will do so wholeheartedly.”

Other than marrying off for the sake of the realm, she could not imagine what else she might help with.

The emperor continued calmly, “In three days, at the Moon Reflection Pavilion, I wish to meet Miss Xie San.”

The words struck like a boulder disturbing the water’s surface. Princess Shenghua was shocked beyond belief. The emperor wanted to see Sister Shu? To her knowledge, he had never met Sister Shu before. Why would he suddenly want to see her? She asked doubtfully, “Your Majesty wishes to see Sister Shu?”

Princess Shenghua’s shock was unhidden. Eunuch Li sighed inwardly. When he first learned the emperor wanted to meet Miss Xie San alone, he was equally stunned. After all, the emperor had only met Miss Xie San once, in the study of the Marquis of Loyalty’s residence. Eunuch Li thought it unlikely.

The emperor’s bony fingers lifted the tea lid, revealing his true intent: “Yes.”

He had not had those strange dreams for half a month now. Those dreams had started shortly after meeting the young lady twice. So, the young emperor wished to understand what was happening.

Could it be that His Majesty liked Sister Shu? But Princess Shenghua had been trying to match Sister Shu with Young Master Liang San. Her mind was in turmoil as she asked softly, “Then why doesn’t Your Majesty invite Sister Shu yourself?”

“The reputation of a young lady is important. I wish to see her only to ask a question,” the emperor said flatly, his phoenix eyes narrow and voice even.

The emperor intended only to clarify something and had no plan to bring Sister Shu into the palace.

That made sense. If the emperor sent someone to invite Sister Shu for a private meeting, people in the capital would suspect a romantic relationship, and Sister Shu would inevitably enter the palace. Princess Shenghua bit her lip, realizing this was the first time she faced such a complex matter. She asked, “Has Your Majesty met Sister Shu before?”

Torn between her brother and Sister Shu, Princess Shenghua would certainly help the emperor but wanted to protect Sister Shu from harm, although she trusted her brother’s character.

The young emperor replied, “I met Miss Xie San once in the study of the Marquis of Loyalty’s residence.”

“I will inform Sister Shu,” Princess Shenghua said.

She felt like an accomplice to her brother.

Eunuch Li personally escorted Princess Shenghua out. “Farewell, Princess Shenghua.”

“Eunuch Li, has Your Majesty truly only met Sister Shu once before?” On the qilin stone steps, Princess Shenghua whispered to Eunuch Li.

She had yet to figure out how to tell Sister Shu. She remembered Sister Shu telling her she did not wish to enter the palace. If the emperor had romantic feelings for Sister Shu, Princess Shenghua would have to reconsider her approach and at least prepare Sister Shu.

As the sovereign of the nation, the emperor’s words were law. If he wished Sister Shu to enter the palace, could she refuse? Princess Shenghua found this deeply distressing.

Eunuch Li smiled, assuring her, “I guarantee, Your Majesty has indeed only met Miss Xie San once in the study of the Marquis of Loyalty’s residence.”

“Thank you, Eunuch Li. I will find an opportunity to speak to Sister Shu,” Princess Shenghua nodded.

Eunuch Li replied, “Thank you for your efforts, Princess.”

Princess Shenghua pouted. No matter how difficult the emperor’s request, she must fulfill it.

Back at the Shenghua residence, Princess Shenghua locked herself in her inner chamber, keeping only her trusted maid Lanxin nearby. Seeing her troubled expression, Lanxin asked, “Princess, what did His Majesty say to you?”

After the princess entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation, only Eunuch Li remained inside, so no one else knew the conversation.

Lanxin was a loyal confidante who had sworn an unbreakable oath years ago. Princess Shenghua did not hide the truth: “My brother wishes to meet Sister Shu alone.”

“His Majesty and Miss Xie San?” Even Lanxin was startled.

She knew the Empress Dowager eagerly wished for Miss You Ning of the Duke of Chu’s household to enter the palace as a consort but did not expect any involvement between His Majesty and Miss Xie San.

“There is no romantic affair between my brother and Sister Shu. His Majesty’s intention is not to meet her in secret. It’s just that I haven’t yet figured out how to tell Sister Shu.”

The emperor had only met Sister Shu once in the study of the Marquis of Loyalty’s residence, yet he wanted a private meeting at the Moon Reflection Pavilion. The matter sounded strange no matter how it was told.

Lanxin considered for a moment and said, “Since you and Miss Xie San are close, you can speak freely. If you don’t know how to begin, I will personally go to the Marquis of Loyalty’s residence to help you.”

“This involves Sister Shu’s reputation. It’s better if I go myself. Prepare the carriage; we will visit the Marquis of Loyalty’s residence,” Princess Shenghua said, smoothing her clothes.

“Right away, Princess,” Lanxin said, opening the door to send someone to prepare the carriage.

The distance between the Shenghua residence and the Marquis of Loyalty’s estate was neither too far nor too near. Half an hour later, Princess Shenghua arrived. The steward was surprised to see her but respectfully welcomed her inside, clearly noting her increasing visits lately.

When Princess Shenghua arrived at the Plum Blossom Garden, Xie Shu was playing the zither. Her skill in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting was praised even by contemporary scholars. Hearing the arrival of Princess Changping, Xie Shu personally went to the door with her maid to greet her. “Princess, what brings you here?”

“It’s been a while since I last saw you, Sister Shu. I came to visit and have something to discuss,” Princess Shenghua said with a bright smile, taking her delicate hand.

If not for the fact that the person requesting her help was the emperor, Princess Shenghua would never have broached this topic with Sister Shu.

“Please come in, Princess,” Xie Shu smiled gracefully and nodded.

Worried the matter was serious, after the servants served hot tea, Xie Shu sent them all away and personally poured tea for Princess Shenghua, smiling gently. “Speak freely, Princess.”

Sister Shu’s gentle demeanor always made her seem easy to persuade. The emperor’s request was undoubtedly difficult, and Princess Shenghua bit her lip and said, “Sister Shu, I’m only passing on a message. Please don’t be upset.”

Xie Shu blinked, curious. “I won’t be angry. Please speak.”

“Today, when I went to the palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager and imperial consorts, His Majesty sent someone to summon me. He said that in three days, at the hour of the snake, he wishes to meet you at the Moon Reflection Pavilion,” Princess Shenghua said, closing her eyes briefly and biting her lip to finish.

“Why does His Majesty want to meet me alone?” A few drops of hot tea spilled onto Xie Shu’s pale hand. She was momentarily stunned and asked.

Seeing she was not angry, Princess Shenghua relayed the emperor’s exact words: “He said there is something he wishes to ask you.”

Xie Shu found it absurd. They had only met once briefly in the study of the Marquis of Loyalty’s residence, barely exchanging three sentences. What could he possibly want to ask?

Yet, he was the all-powerful emperor. Xie Shu had no right to refuse.