Li Yuanjing let out a long, cold hum.
The sky was still early, so Li Yuanjing first went to the training grounds to practice horseback archery and spar with military advisors. After exercising for about an hour, as dusk approached, he headed to Cining Palace to visit the Empress Dowager.
The princesses and princes were all studying at the Guangwen Academy, leaving Cining Palace exceptionally quiet. Nanny Qian was supporting the Empress Dowager as they strolled through the lush, flower-filled courtyard, admiring the blossoms.
"Has Mother's health improved?" Li Yuanjing stepped forward to greet her, and Nanny Qian tactfully withdrew to the side. Li Yuanjing took the Empress Dowager's arm, and the mother-son pair walked through the verdant rear garden.
The Empress Dowager smiled. "Noble Consort Chen has been tending to me every few days, meticulous in her care. I’ve been feeling much better."
The gardens of Cining Palace, both front and back, were exquisitely designed—pavilions, towers, and murmuring streams made the scenery no less impressive than the imperial gardens.
The renovation of Cining Palace’s courtyards had been entirely orchestrated by Shen Wei, tailored to the Empress Dowager’s tastes. Every step offered a new view, with each season bringing its own charm, allowing the Empress Dowager to enjoy the shifting beauty of nature without leaving the palace.
The Empress Dowager rested in the rear garden’s Fengyu Pavilion, where servants brought tea and pastries. Li Yuanjing sat across the stone table, his gaze absentmindedly drifting over the spring scenery.
The Empress Dowager asked, "Has the case of the Duke of Lu been settled? Have the officials from the Ministry of Rites been thoroughly interrogated?"
Li Yuanjing replied, "The Lu family’s assets have been confiscated—three million taels of silver, all seized for the national treasury. As for the Ministry of Rites, I’ve ordered the Tiger Guard to investigate thoroughly. By the end of this month, we should root out the Yue Kingdom spies embedded there."
The Empress Dowager took a sip of spring tea and nodded slowly. "The Ministry of Rites is a minor matter; take your time. With the major noble families fallen, there are no more obstacles in court. Chengtai and Chengyou are bright and diligent, leaving you without worries for the future. The new policies you planned years ago can now be fully implemented across Qing State."
Externally, the borders were peaceful, the army strong, with many capable generals.
Internally, the noble factions had been purged, the treasury was full, and successors were secured.
It was the perfect time to usher in a golden age.
Li Yuanjing gave a slight nod. "This son understands."
The Empress Dowager said with satisfaction, "Your father and elder brother, watching from heaven, will surely bless you and our great Qing State."
The two chatted for a while longer.
A warm spring breeze brushed through the pavilion, and the setting sun cast a golden glow over the garden. Nanny Qian brought a cloak for the Empress Dowager. Setting down her teacup, the Empress Dowager shifted the conversation, asking softly, "It’s getting late. You should return now."
Li Yuanjing rubbed his nose. "Today is leisurely. This son will stay to dine with Mother."
The implication was clear—Li Yuanjing intended to stay for dinner, not yet ready to leave.
The Empress Dowager saw right through him. Today, Shen Wei had gone to Anguo Temple for a day trip, offering prayers for the Empress Dowager’s health. She would undoubtedly return to Cining Palace in the evening to report.
By staying, Li Yuanjing would cross paths with her.
The Empress Dowager sighed. "Shen Wei is a rare gem. This time, your obstinacy truly wounded her heart. Since you know you were wrong, you ought to soften your attitude."
Li Yuanjing’s handsome face flushed with embarrassment. "Mother! I—I am the Son of Heaven!"
The Empress Dowager retorted, "What of it? When you see goodness, follow it; when you err, correct it. To err and not amend is true fault. Back when you were a carefree prince in Yanwang Manor, you never cared so much for face."
Now that he was emperor, wielding immense power, he had grown overly concerned with dignity.
Li Yuanjing fell silent.
The Empress Dowager raised a hand, gesturing to the blooming peonies in the garden. Majestic and radiant, butterflies flitted around them. She said, "When peonies bloom, bees and butterflies come. You may blame the insects for their boldness, but never fault the flower for its beauty."
"Shen Wei is beautiful, virtuous, intelligent, and discerning—a woman hard to come by. Even if she hadn’t married you back then, there would have been no shortage of worthy men in Yanjing eager to wed her. A desirable woman attracts many suitors—it’s only natural that Li Yuanli coveted her. How could you take your anger out on Shen Wei, who is blameless?"
"In the imperial family, true affection is rare. You were fortunate to meet such a woman. If you don’t cherish her now, you’ll regret it later."
Every word from the Empress Dowager struck deep into Li Yuanjing’s heart.
His emotions churned.
Shen Wei had been by his side for years. They had faced life and death together, their bond profound. In the treacherous world of the imperial court—with ministers scheming, the harem embroiled in strife, and state affairs piling like mountains—power could turn a ruler cold and grim.
But he had Shen Wei.
On weary days, he would return to Yongning Palace, where warm candlelight awaited—his only haven for peaceful rest, the sole woman to whom he could bare his heart.
"Mother, this son understands." Li Yuanjing sighed inwardly, resolving to have a proper talk with Shen Wei that night.
At worst, he’d swallow his pride and apologize.
Once the doors were closed, no one would know the exalted emperor had humbled himself.
It wouldn’t be so shameful.
The Empress Dowager glanced at her son, lifting her teacup to hide a knowing smile.
...
The sky blazed with sunset hues as the children returned from Guangwen Academy to Cining Palace, their laughter filling the air.
"Father!" Le You was the first to spot Li Yuanjing, dashing over with tiny arms outstretched for a hug.
Li Yuanjing bent down, scooping up his adorable daughter, his heart melting.
With the children back, Cining Palace buzzed with life again.
Li Chengyou ran to the Empress Dowager, eagerly inquiring about the evening’s menu.
Le You tugged Li Yuanjing’s hand, excitedly leading him to see the poems her sisters had copied.
Li Chengtai peered toward the palace gates, asking Nanny Qian, "It’s almost dark. Has Mother not returned yet?"
Nanny Qian reassured him gently, "The scenery behind Anguo Temple is lovely. After offering prayers, Noble Consort Chen surely took a stroll in the mountains. Don’t fret, Your Highness. She’ll return soon."
Li Chengtai frowned, an uneasy feeling stirring in his chest. He stood at the palace gates, craning his neck to look.
Against the towering palace walls, the sky was painted in vibrant twilight, a few birds darting across.
Just then, Li Chengyou bounded over joyfully, announcing, "Brother! Tonight’s menu includes crystal-braised quail and stir-fried bamboo shoots—Mother’s favorite!"
Li Chengtai poked his brother’s forehead. "All you think about is food!"
Li Chengyou rubbed his head. "Everyone needs to eat! And besides, I rode a pony and practiced archery today!"
Li Chengtai ignored him.
The brothers waited at the gates, but instead of Shen Wei, they were joined by Li Yuanjing. The emperor chuckled at the sight of his two sons standing like tiny sentinels on either side.
Li Yuanjing said, "The wind is chilly. Come inside."
Li Chengtai muttered, "We’re waiting for Mother."
Li Yuanjing replied, "I’ve already sent men to the palace gates to—"
Before he could finish, hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor. Eunuch Deshun came scrambling over, his face frantic as he reported, "Your Majesty! Noble Consort Chen—she’s been ambushed on the official road!"
