An Apology

Rong An, oh, Rong An, you were all I had left.

Zhao Huiluan clenched her fists tightly.

In her previous life, Rong An had publicly refused the marriage at the Jade Forest Banquet.

Wen Hong had said on the surface, "Marriage is decreed by heaven and cannot be forced," but behind the scenes, he had ordered the Ministry of Personnel to send the top scholar, who should have entered the Hanlin Academy, away to Annan to serve as a seventh-rank county magistrate in a remote backwater.

Annan was plagued by warfare and miasma.

Wen Hong had never intended for Rong An to return alive to the imperial capital.

But after the fighting in Annan was quelled, Rong An not only survived but rose all the way to prefect.

When Rong An returned to the capital to report on his duties, she had gone to see him in secret. He was thinner, darker, and tougher than when she had first met him.

When Rong An took leave of the capital, she had quietly gone to see him off as well. To her surprise, he had spotted her.

"I... I heard a great hero from the south had come to Yan Capital. I was curious, that's all."

"Have... have you been well in Annan? If anything is amiss, I can speak to imperial father for you. Um... to show concern for the officials and soldiers in the south, hehe."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Everything is well with me in the south."

Rong An had spoken to her with his hands clasped, never once raising his head. She had been very disappointed.

Then she heard Rong An say, "Has Your Highness had her coming-of-age ceremony?"

"Huh? Yes!"

"I left in a hurry and have nothing of value on me, so I must owe Your Highness a coming-of-age gift for now."

"Oh? That's all right."

"Then I shall take my leave."

"Rong... Rong An, you must stay alive."

That was the first time she had spoken to Rong An, and those were the last words she had said to him. The following year, the Prince of Jin usurped the throne.

During the month she spent under the protection of the Marquis of Annan's household, she could not bring herself to ask her husband in name, the Marquis of Annan, whether Rong An was alive or dead.

"Elder sister doesn't like military officers. She likes the top scholar."

She truly did like Rong An. She had loved him silently, all alone, for a long time.

Zhao Huiluan opened her eyes and gazed at the dappled light and shadows overhead.

She had not understood in her previous life, but now she had figured it out. Beneath Rong An's deep-set, sharp eyes and brows lay an ambition no less fierce than Wang He's.

It was an aspiration that neither the flames of war nor the harsh miasma of Annan could wear away.

Rong An, you should not have gone to Annan. The imperial capital is where you can spread your wings.

"What made you suddenly think of holding a Spring Exploration Banquet?"

The time for meditation had passed, but the Yongzhao Emperor was still seated on the Daoist altar, his figure veiled in yellow gauze. Only his voice came through.

"I did not want to let this lovely spring weather go to waste."

A ruler emerged from behind the yellow gauze. The Yongzhao Emperor lifted a corner of it, looked at Zhao Huiluan, and said with a beaming smile:

"Tell me the truth."

Zhao Huiluan trotted over and leaned against his feet, wrinkling her nose in a coquettish pout.

"I'm so bored. I want to talk to the young ladies of the great families and amuse myself. You know, imperial father, I lost my mother when I was little. I don't even have anyone to share my private thoughts with."

She lowered her eyes pitifully, tapping the ruler with her forefinger on and off.

The Yongzhao Emperor agreed on the spot.

"When do you want to hold this Spring Exploration Banquet?"

"Tomorrow." Seeing the Yongzhao Emperor frown, she hastily whined, "If we put it off, the Spring Exploration Banquet will turn into a summer banquet."

"But the Ministry of Rites is holding the Jade Forest Banquet tomorrow. They won't have time to attend to yours..."

Chapter 14: An Apology

"It's all right, it's all right. The inner court can take care of my Spring Exploration Banquet. I wouldn't dare trouble the Ministry of Rites."

"You-"

The Yongzhao Emperor smiled and poked her forehead.

"Thank you, imperial father. I shall take my leave."

Having gotten what she wanted, Zhao Huiluan turned and ran. The Yongzhao Emperor called after her.

"Why are you running off in such a hurry? Be careful, or you'll fall. You still haven't told me where you're holding the Spring Exploration Banquet!"

"Secret! You've already agreed, anyway, so you can't go back on your word."

Zhao Huiluan grinned like a kitten that had successfully stolen a fish.

After leaving Tianji Hall, Zhao Huiluan instructed Xichun, "Quickly, send invitations to the young ladies of the various households. Make sure you don't leave out the eldest young lady of the Wen family."

Wen Nihe, oh, Wen Nihe, you won't have to hide this time. I'll let you watch openly!

The next day, carriages belonging to the young ladies of the various households gradually filled the space outside Xi'an Gate.

Princess Zhenning was the apple of His Majesty's eye. Receiving an invitation to a banquet she hosted was a great honor, and all the ladies came in their finest attire.

They were all noble young ladies of the capital and were accustomed to seeing one another. As soon as they met, they exchanged all manner of greetings.

In the past, Consort Jing had hosted the banquets and sent invitations to the ladies of the various households. They had attended with their mothers and met Princess Zhenning there. This time, Princess Zhenning was hosting, and all her guests were young ladies. Without their mothers beside them to guide them, they were both nervous and excited.

Just then, a carriage arrived late.

When the ladies saw the character "Wen" carved on the swaying wooden plaque, they fell silent as one.

"Young lady, we're here," the maid Baizhi softly reminded Wen Nihe.

Wen Nihe's thoughts wandered. Remembering the grudge she had formed with Princess Zhenning two days ago and the five corpses in the rear garden, she could not help feeling her heart drum.

"Young lady?"

"What's the rush?"

She scolded her in a low voice, recalling what her grandfather had told her.

I'm the granddaughter of the Grand Secretary. Even if she's a princess, she can't do anything to me!

Her confidence restored, she composed herself and stepped down from the carriage with her maid's support.

"Miss Wen."

The ladies respectfully greeted her.

She gave a hum of acknowledgment and, as though no one else were worthy of her notice, led the way through Xi'an Gate.

The Spring Exploration Banquet was held at Jinming Pool.

Verdant willows lined the banks, and flowers gathered in clusters. It was separated from the Jade Grove Garden to the south by only a bridge.

Wen Nihe had no mind for the spring scenery. She leaned against the white jade railing, staring blankly.

"What are you looking at, Miss Wen?"

Zhao Huiluan glanced at the expanse of misty willows and asked a question to which she already knew the answer.

Wen Nihe hurriedly curtsied. "Your Highness, I pay my respects. May Your Highness be well."

Hearing the commotion, the other ladies also came over to pay their respects to the princess.

"There is no need for ceremony, sisters. I arranged this banquet because I wanted to grow closer to you. You needn't stand on ceremony with me; it only makes us seem distant."