Chapter Fifty-One

  Kangxi 50 years ? Forbidden City

  The Lantern Festival has just passed, the palace's lanterns have not been completely removed, and everyone's eyebrows and eyes still carry the faint joy and leisure of the holiday.

  "This lantern is indeed a masterpiece! The mechanism is ingenious, and it's convenient to fold up. Even the paintings on top are probably done by masters." I said with a smile, carefully examining the paper lantern in my hand, as I spoke to the Tenth Prince and Fourteenth Prince.

  The tenth brother smiled and said, "I knew you'd like it!" The fourteenth snorted and said, "Hurry up and thank the tenth brother a few more times! This is something he forcibly took from someone else's hands!" I looked at the tenth brother in surprise. He glared at the fourteenth and said, "I knew you'd ruin my show! The lantern was originally what you wanted, and it was your idea to give it to Ruo Xi to play with." The fourteenth curled his lip and sneered, "But then I heard the owner say that they only put it out for everyone to admire, and no matter how much money they offered, they wouldn't let go of it. So I gave up! But you had to go and show off your status, putting on airs and saying 'I'm taking it'... forcing them to give it to you! I was so embarrassed for you that I quickly left the scene! And now you have the nerve to say this here!"

  I understood the whole story, handed the lantern to Tenth Brother and said with a smile: "It's just a trifle in my hands, but it's a treasure for others. Hurry up and return it!" Tenth Brother glared at Fourteenth again and said: "Since I've taken it, why should I return it? You can keep it!"

  I hadn't even spoken, when the Ninth Prince, who had been quietly standing by, said calmly: "It's just a lantern, what's the big deal if you take it? You've already paid for it! Why be so pretentious!" I pretended not to hear him and smiled at the Tenth Prince, saying: "Hurry up and put it back!" The Tenth Prince looked at my resolute expression, furrowed his brow in frustration, and reluctantly put the lantern away, sighing: "Fine, I'll put it back! What a waste of all that effort!"

  I scolded the 14th: "You're standing right there, can't you persuade him a bit?" The 14th pointed at the 10th brother and said: "Ask him if I didn't try to persuade him? But he has to be willing to listen! In this world, when he's being stubborn, except for the Emperor, there are only three people whose words he'll listen to. And unfortunately, I'm not one of them!"

  I and Tenth Brother chimed in unison, laughing and asking: "Which three people?" Fourteenth smiled at Tenth Brother and said: "Eighth Brother!" Tenth Brother didn't say a word. Fourteenth pointed at me and said: "Ruo Xi!" Tenth Brother looked at me with a smile but didn't respond. I glared at Fourteenth with a laugh. Fourteenth suppressed his laughter and told me: "The last one is your childhood arch-nemesis, now the wife of Tenth Brother!" Tenth Brother's face turned very awkward as he stared at Fourteenth.

  I smiled and changed the subject, asking: "Is the Lantern Festival lively this year?" Fourteen said: "It's about the same every year, nothing particularly new or surprising!" But Ten Brother started smiling and talking about how lively the Lantern Festival was this year. Nine Brother impatiently urged us to leave.

  Just as the three were about to leave, the 13th prince hurried over, rolling up his sleeves and with a stern face, he rushed straight at the 9th prince, swinging his fist to hit him. The 14th prince quickly rushed over to stop him, grasping his fist and shouting: "13th brother! This is not a place for fighting in the palace!"

  Jiu Ge jumped back a few steps, looking at Thirteen with a cold smile: "Fourteenth brother, let him go! Today I want to see how big his guts are."

  Thirteen Qi was at its peak, and my body shape was about to move forward, but it was tightly blocked by Fourteen. I hastily asked Tenth Brother: "What's going on?" Tenth Brother shook his head in confusion: "Who knows?" Suddenly he laughed again: "Today there's a lively show to watch!" I glared at him with one eye, this person who feared that the world would not be chaotic!

  I glanced around, but there was still no one. However, if this continued, I feared that Kangxi would soon find out. Hurriedly pushing the tenth brother, I said: "Quickly take the ninth brother away!" The tenth brother was somewhat unwilling, and under my fierce glare, he finally dragged his feet forward, embracing the ninth brother with both hands: "He's about to go mad, why should Ninth Brother accompany him in madness? Why bother to treat him equally, we still have things to do outside the palace!" As they spoke, the two of them pulled each other away into the distance.

  Fourteen tightly hugged Thirteen until their figures couldn't be seen, then he loosened his grip, but one hand still clutched Thirteen's arm. Thirteen angrily said: "Why are you blocking me from hitting that beast?" Fourteen sighed: "You and him had a fight in the palace, things have really gotten out of hand, I'm afraid it won't be good for Green Willow Miss!" Only then did Thirteen slowly calm down and say: "I only found out about this last night, today I suddenly saw him, my anger surged to my head, I just wanted to punch his face a few times!"

  I was bewildered by the misty mountains and clouds, how did it drag in the greenery? I hastily asked: "What's going on?" Fourteen looked at me with an embarrassed expression, not saying a word. Thirteen remained silent for a moment before sincerely saying to Fourteen: "Fourteen brother, thank you this time!"

  Fourteenth said with a smile: "I haven't thanked you yet, so you don't have to thank me! Besides, this matter was just Ninth Brother's drunken mistake!"

  Listening to their conversation, looking at the fourteen awkward expressions, and thinking about Jiu Ge's lustful nature, she was shocked in her heart and asked incredulously: "What did Jiu Ge do to Lü Wén? Didn't Lü Wén redeem herself a few years ago? Besides, even before she redeemed herself, she was one who sold her art not her body?"

  Fourteen glanced at me awkwardly and said, "You're an unmarried girl, why are you asking so many questions?" Thirteen said, "It's about what happened on the night of the Lantern Festival. That scoundrel ran into Qingwu and, with his shameless audacity, actually tried to force himself on her! Luckily, Fourteen brother happened to see it and saved her!"

  I stared at the 14th airway: "I knew that Ninth Brother was a lecher! I didn't expect it to be this bad! He's just messing around with any pretty girl he runs into! That black-hearted scoundrel!"

  "Shut up, Ruo Xi!" Fourteen rebuked loudly. I stopped talking, still fuming, and said to Thirteen, "Why don't you just find a few people, one day sneak up on Ninth Brother outside, throw a sack over his head, and beat him up without anyone noticing?" Fourteen scolded, "Shut up, Ruo Xi! Since Qing Yun is fine, the best way to resolve this matter is to 'make big things small and small things disappear'! What's the logic in making a big deal out of it? Do you want the whole city to know? In the end, even if nothing happened, it could be spread as if something did happen! How will Qing Yun live her life from now on?"

  Thirteen fell silent for a moment, then turned to Fourteen and said: "You go back and make it clear to him that if he dares to act recklessly again, I'll take care of him first even if it means being scolded by the Emperor." Fourteen nodded repeatedly, saying: "There won't be a next time!" Thirteen thanked Fourteen with a hint of anger still in his voice and hastily turned away.

  Fourteen glared at me and scolded, "Are you eating bear hearts and leopard gall? Brother, how dare you scold?" I stared back at him without saying a word. He softened his tone and said, "Actually, it's not entirely Nine Brother's fault! That night he had a few too many drinks, and coincidentally the people around him knew about Green Withered's origins in the wind and dust, and were instigated by someone who said 'It's Thirteen Master's person, looking down on Ninth Master', Nine Brother was momentarily confused and lost control of his actions!"

  I looked up at the sky and sneered twice, saying sarcastically: "So it's Green Withered and Thirteen's fault! Today is really an eye-opener!" After finishing speaking, I turned around and left.

  Fourteen muttered to himself, "I've become 'Pig Eight Precepts looking in the mirror, inside and out not a human!' To save Qingwu, Ninth Brother was angry with me for several days, now you're angry too! If I had known it would be so troublesome, I might as well give up!"

  I stopped in my tracks, thinking about the 14th's stance, turned around and went back, smiling and saying: "I'm also confused! Still have to thank you!" He let out a cold 'hmm' without speaking. I smiled again and said: "Why don't you scold me for a few sentences, vent some anger?" He pointed at me and said: "You're really...". Shaking his head, he swallowed his words and sighed: "Too lazy to bother with you!" After that, he turned around and left.

  I calmed down for a moment, then hurried to catch up with him. He heard the footsteps and turned around to wait for me, asking: "Is there anything else?" I said: "The Ninth Brother's temper is probably not so easy to let go of..." Before I could finish speaking, the Fourteenth Brother interrupted: "Don't worry! Since we've saved him, we have to save him thoroughly! I've already asked Ninth Brother about this matter, and also had Eighth Brother specially speak with Ninth Brother. No matter what, he has to give us some face!" I hastily bowed my head and said: "Thank you!"

  He smiled and said, "You've only met Green Ru just once, how come you're so concerned about her?" I said, "Her character and talent are top-notch, although I don't have much of a deep relationship with her, let alone the 13th prince, even if we were both women, there's no reason to just look at each other!" The 14th shook his head and sighed, "Still can't change this temper, not considering one's own status, casually comparing oneself to a woman of questionable character!" As they spoke, the two of them thought back to when they were young in the Eight Beile's study, quarreling over Green Ru, and burst out laughing at each other.

  He smiled and said, "You and the Thirteenth Brother are indeed open-minded!" I said, "The Thirteenth Brother is a man of integrity, and his relationship with Qingwu is not what you think. Because I admire his talent and sympathize with his circumstances, I have been protecting him for many years. It's like holding an umbrella in the wind and rain to protect a beautiful flower, not to pick it up and take it home, but just to preserve its beauty."

  He smiled and said, "But I think Green has a special relationship with Thirteen Brother that goes beyond friendship. That night, I was afraid that Ninth Brother's men would secretly cause trouble, so I personally sent her back. On the way, she begged me not to let Thirteen Brother know about this matter! She just suffered a bit of grievance and didn't want to cause any more trouble for Thirteen Brother because of herself. Thirteen Brother is a straightforward and righteous person who wouldn't want to get into trouble because of her. In that situation, an ordinary girl would have cried her heart out, but she didn't complain at all and only thought about Thirteen Brother's well-being!" I lowered my head and thought for a moment before sighing. Was meeting Thirteen good luck or bad luck for her? This thought might be something that even she herself wouldn't dare to acknowledge forever.

  It's just after the beginning of summer, and the weather hasn't fully turned hot yet. Kangxi ordered preparations to go beyond the Great Wall. Although trips beyond the Great Wall happen every year, each time I go, my heart is very happy. After all, leaving the Forbidden City means fewer rules and less struggle. Galloping on horseback under the blue sky and white clouds, enjoying the warm sunshine, gentle breeze, and faint scent of green grass, I feel that life is still beautiful and my heart is still light.

  This time, the brothers who went to Mongolia with me were Taizi Ye, Wu A Ge, Qi A Ge, Ba A Ge, Shi Si A Ge and Shi Wu A Ge. Except for occasionally chatting with Shi Si A Ge, I avoided the others whenever possible; if it was unavoidable, I would just pay my respects and leave.

  This year, Su Wan and Gual Jia Wangye didn't come, only Heshuo Wangzi came to pay respects to Kangxi. However, Mianmian did ask Heshuo Wangzi to bring me a letter. Before I even finished reading the letter, I was already holding my belly in laughter and fell onto the carpet. The letter said that since parting ways with Kangxi last August, Shaoying Wangzi didn't even return to his own tribe, instead chasing after her all the way and moving into the palace. The entire letter was about how Shaoying Wangzi followed her everywhere, trying to win her over, and how she refused him, played tricks on him, and how they engaged in a battle of wits. After reading the whole thing, it seemed like Mianmian still hadn't fallen for him, but between the lines, I could sense her admiration for Shaoying and her unintentional joy! I had a feeling that this was probably Mianmian's chance at love, and she wouldn't let it slip away because Shaoying Wangzi wouldn't allow her to miss out on him! It seemed like their happiness was just around the corner.

  Holding the letter, reading it again and again, my mood became exceptionally good. I finally saw a happy scene of mutual affection around me, no arranged marriage, no coercion, no compromise! It was just him and her!

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  After galloping for a while, both men and horses were somewhat tired, so they relaxed the reins and let the horses walk slowly.

  These days seem to be the most peaceful days I've ever had. When I'm not on duty, I often ride alone on horseback across the grasslands, galloping wildly when I feel like it, and lying down on the horse's back when I'm tired, letting it move slowly forward. Many times, just me and my horse, from sunrise to sunset, munching on dry rations, drinking water, looking around here and there, enjoying a whole day of leisure! Yutan smiled and said, "Sister spends all day with her horse, it seems like she's becoming more and more unwilling to talk to people!"

  I smiled to myself, thinking that even I didn't know when I became like this! From childhood to adulthood, I was the kind of person who couldn't bear loneliness, always gathering friends and hanging out in groups. When I first started working in Shenzhen, I had no friends around me, and after work, I wouldn't dare go back to my apartment, so I'd hang out at bars. Even when I was living in Belle époque, I needed the girls to keep me company, but still, I'd sigh "so bored!" It seemed like I never learned how to spend time alone. "Time easily casts people aside, green bamboo shoots turn red cherry blossoms," after several cycles of growth and change, I quietly changed too, and started enjoying the peace and quiet of being alone. If I could live out this life in such a peaceful state, that would be my good fortune!

  One day, I was sitting on horseback with my eyes closed, resting. Suddenly, I heard the sound of horseshoes getting closer and closer. When I opened my eyes, I saw Eighth Brother riding slowly beside me. I quickly sat up straight, remained silent for a moment, then greeted him and said: "I still have some things to attend to, if Your Excellency has no other instructions, I will take my leave!"

  He gazed into the distance and asked in a low voice, "Have you really let go?" I felt a faint pang in my heart, but replied calmly, "I have!"

  "Is there someone else in your heart?" he asked. I felt a bit flustered and didn't dare to think deeply about the question, so I just replied lightly: "No!" He turned his head and stared at me for a while before saying: "Next year you'll be of age to leave the palace, do you want to let the Emperor arrange a marriage for you?" I casually said: "Tomorrow's troubles will come tomorrow! Things don't go as people wish, why think too much about it?" After finishing speaking, I bowed and took my leave. He smiled coldly at the corner of his mouth, nodded slightly, and waved his hand to let me go. I turned my horse around, raised my whip, and galloped away.

  Not having run far, he saw the Fourteenth Prince standing on horseback on a hillside, gazing afar at this side. Thinking that if he were to rush up now, with his temper, he would probably be scolded again, so he pretended not to have seen him and rode back to the camp on his own.

  I led the horse back to the stable, walking slowly towards my own tent. My heart felt sour and hard to express, I was lowering my head in silence when suddenly I heard: "Ruoxi! What are you thinking about?" I quickly lifted my head to look over, and saw that Prince Huo and the Crown Prince were standing not far away with smiling faces. I hastily bowed to greet them. I didn't know if it was because of Minmin or that piece of jade pendant, but Prince Huo treated me differently from others, usually calling me by my name directly, just like he called Minmin; also repeatedly asking me not to be so polite and formal in front of him, but I did what he said, and he did his own thing.

  The prince laughed and said, "I've been staring for a while, but I didn't notice anything!" I smiled and bowed my head, saying, "It's this servant's fault, please forgive me, Your Highness!" He sighed and said, "It was just a joke, and I wasn't blaming you. Why are you being so cautious and polite? If Muren had half of your caution, the empress and I wouldn't have to worry so much! Now that you're serving in the palace, there's no opportunity, but when you leave the palace in the future, I'll take you to Mongolia and we can have some fun together. Maybe it will change your temperament!" The crown prince laughed and said, "Now is not the time, the empress takes her everywhere she goes. However, next year, she will reach the age of marriage, and the empress should arrange a marriage for her. If you want to invite her, I'm afraid you can't just invite one person!" The prince smiled slightly but didn't respond.

  Why is everyone so concerned about my marriage, and why does everyone keep reminding me? It's as if they think I'm not anxious enough, and they're all rushing to remind me! Not wanting to say any more, I forced a smile, bowed and took my leave. The prince smiled at me and told me to withdraw.

  As the autumn wind began to rise, Kangxi decided to break camp and return to Beijing. Sitting in his carriage, he thought that next year the crown prince would be demoted for the second time, and couldn't help but sigh that next year's days wouldn't be so easy to pass. He had to muster up his spirit to face this palace storm. Thinking about the possible arranged marriage made him even more worried. What should I do?

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  Kangxi 50 years September Changchun Garden

  Kangxi returned from the border and directly moved into Changchun Garden. It's close to the residences of all the princes, which makes it convenient for them to come and go!

  Today, I happened to run into the 14th brother and saw that he was not busy, so I called him over and asked him in detail about the situation between the 10th brother and the 10th Fu Jin. Ever since the last time in the Imperial Garden when Kangxi ordered all the brothers to accompany him on a pleasure trip, but the 10th brother claimed illness and did not come, this matter has been weighing on my mind, and I have always wanted to ask the 14th brother for clarification, but there was never an appropriate opportunity. Either I forgot when I ran into him, or when I remembered, it wasn't a suitable time to ask.

  He sneered, "If it weren't for the fact that we've known each other since childhood, I'd really have misunderstood you! Who are you to care so much about someone else's marital affairs? What do you think about all day?" Although he said this, he still couldn't help but laugh as he told me about the interesting thing he had stumbled upon. As I listened, I thought to myself that they were both straightforward and hot-tempered, unable to tolerate any grievances, yet they were also genuine and true to their emotions - a perfect match made in heaven, living life with constant bickering!

  Two people were chatting and laughing, Yu Dan's face was anxious as she ran up to us, hastily greeted the Fourteenth Brother, and looked at me with a desire to speak but hesitated. I restrained my smile and asked: "What happened?" She glanced at the Fourteenth Brother and stared at me saying: "The former Crown Prince...the Crown Prince...and the Emperor want Sister! Asking the Emperor for permission to marry!"