Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.
Pei Cijing stood before the bronze mirror. Shen Ninghuan had him by the shoulders, turning him this way and that like a life-sized ragdoll. One moment she was smoothing out his sleeves, the next she was circling behind him to adjust his belt, busying herself with obvious delight.
He sneaked a peek into the mirror—good heavens, was that really him?
He wore a dark cyan brocade robe. The material was cloud brocade that Madam Zhou had specially dug out from the storehouse a few days ago, saying it was a fine piece from her dowry that she had never been able to bring herself to use.
But now that her brat of a son was attending such a grand occasion.
She brought it out.
To have a new outfit made for Pei Cijing.
A jade belt encircled his waist, inlaid with several pieces of green jade of exquisite carving, clearly of extraordinary quality. His hair was pinned up high with a white jade hairpin. The hairpin was lustrous and translucent, personally chosen for him by Shen Ninghuan.
Dressed up like this, he looked tall and handsome, and even his features seemed to carry a newfound sense of steady composure.
Pei Cijing blinked, and the man in the mirror blinked back.
He looked a bit unfamiliar.
Was this what the old saying meant by clothes make the man, a saddle makes the horse, and a dog runs happily with a bell?
Shen Ninghuan adjusted his collar, took two steps back to admire her work for a moment, and smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons. Husband, today you truly look like a man of striking talent.
Looking at himself in the mirror, Pei Cijing could not help but twitch his lips. Why do I feel... like I've turned into someone else?
This was no lie.
Usually, he was used to wearing casual everyday robes. Though the material was good, the style was very relaxed. His hair would just be casually tied up, and sometimes, when he was half-asleep, he couldn't even be bothered to use a hairpin.
Now that he was properly dressed up, he really did look the part of a refined gentleman.
Have you not turned into someone else? Shen Ninghuan stepped forward with a smile and straightened the jade pendant at his waist. That pendant was given to them by Madam Zhou when they married, said to be a family heirloom of the second branch. Who asked you to be so lazy and sloppy usually? Dressed up like this today, you actually look somewhat like a noble young master.
As she spoke, her eyes held a smile. Her tone carried a hint of teasing, but also genuine admiration.
This man!
Truthfully, Shen Ninghuan did not dislike the lazy aura he usually gave off, because it made her unconsciously relax when she was beside him. In short, it made people feel very comfortable.
But now, properly dressed up, he possessed an entirely different bearing.
Thinking back to the day of their swapped marriages, when her husband secretly sighed over his own natural beauty, it really wasn't an exaggeration.
Pei Cijing looked down at his wife.
The morning light spilled in through the window lattice, gilding her face with a pale golden glow. Her clear and beautiful face carried a faint smile, looking even gentler than usual.
She was also wearing a newly made outfit today. A pale lotus-root pink jacket made her skin look as white as snow. Her hair was pinned up high, adorned with pure gold and kingfisher feather hairpins, giving her an air of absolute elegance.
He suddenly reached out, gently took her hand, and returned the praise, You look extremely beautiful today as well, my wife.
Shen Ninghuan was slightly startled, but then she smiled. The smile rippled from the depths of her eyes, warmer than the sunlight outside the window.
Your mouth is quite sweet today, husband.
Pei Cijing rolled his eyes playfully and pushed his luck. Have you forgotten whether my mouth is sweet or not, my wife? Do you want to taste it again right now?
Look at the time, and you're still not being serious!
Seeing Pei Cijing acting like this, Shen Ninghuan reached out and gently pinched the soft flesh at his waist.
Pei Cijing was just about to say something when the voice of the servant boy Yuanbao came from outside the door: Second Young Master, Second Young Madam, the Marquis has sent word that it is time to depart.
The two exchanged a glance.
They delayed no further.
Shen Ninghuan gave his collar one last adjustment, Pei Cijing squeezed her hand, and they walked out the door hand in hand.
...
Outside the gates of the Marquis's estate, the carriages were already prepared.
Two carriages were parked one behind the other. The front one belonged to the Marquis's estate, complete with red wheels and an ornate canopy, looking incredibly grand. The rear one was slightly smaller, but it had also been freshly painted, and its curtains were made of fine silk.
Marquis Weiyuan, Pei Fucheng, stood by the carriage. Dressed in a black brocade robe with a gold belt around his waist, he stood with his hands behind his back, his expression dignified. Seeing Pei Cijing and Shen Ninghuan approaching side by side, his gaze fell upon Pei Cijing.
His gaze swept from top to bottom.
Then from bottom to top.
He examined him carefully.
Pei Cijing felt a bit unnerved by his stare, but he still stood steadily, allowing his eldest uncle to look him over. He had specially dressed up today; his clothing was grand and proper, and his bearing was decent.
He shouldn't...
Embarrass the Marquis's estate, right?
Pei Fucheng looked for a long while before finally withdrawing his gaze.
His face remained impassive, but a barely noticeable trace of satisfaction flashed through his eyes—this child usually looked lazy and sloppy, but dressed up like this today, he actually possessed a rather impressive bearing.
He gave a slight nod and instructed, Cijing, later when we enter the palace, remember to be cautious in your words and actions. Speak less, listen more, and observe more. The palace is not like the outside world. If you say one wrong thing and it is heard by someone with ulterior motives, it could bring about immense trouble.
His voice was not loud, but every word was solemn.
Pei Cijing listened earnestly and nodded. Rest assured, Uncle. Your nephew understands.
Pei Fucheng continued, However, there is no need to be overly nervous. Bringing you to the banquet today is primarily to broaden your horizons. You are making progress in your studies now. If you can pass the spring examinations next year with flying colors, you will eventually enter the royal court. As someone who has seen grand occasions, you won't easily panic when faced with issues.
His words were clear.
Taking him to the banquet was not just to give the second branch face, but also to pave the way for his future entry into officialdom.
Moved, Pei Cijing cupped his hands and said, Thank you for your guidance, Uncle. Your nephew will certainly act with caution and not disgrace the Marquis's estate.
Looking at his solemn demeanor, Pei Fucheng nodded. This child, at least, knew what was important and was not a completely stubborn mule who couldn't take advice.
This was very good!
Alright, he waved his hand. If you are ready, let us depart. Do not delay the time.
As for Shen Ninghuan, Pei Fucheng did not offer any instructions. As the legitimate daughter of the Shen family, she had attended such occasions quite a few times and would not cause any problems.
The palace banquet was also separated into male and female banquets. He only needed to keep an eye on his eldest nephew, Pei Cijing!
At this moment, the Old Madam's carriage also arrived before them.
A corner of the carriage curtain was lifted, revealing a wrinkled yet still dignified face. The Old Madam's gaze swept over the two of them. She didn't say much, merely giving a gentle nod.
If you are ready, let us depart. Her voice was not loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly. Be careful on the road, and do not delay the time.
Everyone agreed in unison.
...
Meanwhile.
In the Eastern Palace.
The courtyards were deep, the ancient cypresses verdant.
Crown Prince Li Chengqian stood in the courtyard.
He stood with his hands behind his back.
His gaze fell upon the sun gradually setting in the distant horizon.
The sunlight was no longer as blazing as it had been at noon. It had softened considerably, spreading a pale orange-red hue across the sky. The sun moved very slowly, yet it sank downwards resolutely, without a moment's pause.
Watching the setting sun, he suddenly let out a soft sigh.
Thirty-six years.
He had lived in this Eastern Palace for exactly thirty-six years. From the day he was crowned Crown Prince at the age of thirteen, he had resided here.
That year, his imperial father was in the prime of his life, his dragon body robust and healthy.
He had knelt in the Golden Luan Throne Room, listening to the eunuch read the imperial edict establishing him as the heir apparent. Looking at his father's silhouette on the dragon throne, his heart had been filled with excitement and longing.
At that time, he thought that one day, he would walk out of this Eastern Palace, step into the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and sit upon that dragon throne.
But this wait.
Lasted thirty-six years.
For thirty-six years, he watched his imperial father go from his prime to his twilight years, watched the officials in the court change crop after crop, and watched his brothers being born one by one, growing up one by one.
And he was still living in this Eastern Palace.
Day after day.
Month after month.
Year after year.
His black hair had turned white, and wrinkles had crept onto his face.
Li Chengqian lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on the blue bricks beneath his feet. Those stones had been polished smooth by time, gleaming with a dull luster, as if they too were whispering something—thirty-six years of waiting, thirty-six years of torment, thirty-six years of sunrises and sunsets.
How many more thirty-six years could he have in this life?
He knew very well.
There would certainly not be another.
Faint footsteps sounded from behind. Li Chengqian did not turn his head, merely asking softly, "Is the palace banquet... all arranged?"
The footsteps halted, and immediately a figure dropped to one knee, his voice low and respectful. "Reporting to Your Highness, everything is ready."
Hearing this, Li Chengqian slowly turned around.
Kneeling on the ground was his personal attendant and one of his most trusted confidants. His surname was Wei, with a single character Zhong for his given name. He was in his early forties with an ordinary face that would blend completely into a crowd, save for the customary submissiveness in his brow and eyes.
But at this moment.
In those downcast eyes burned a strange light, a flame of almost fanatical devotion.
Li Chengqian looked at him and suddenly smiled.
He stepped forward, bent down, and personally helped Wei Zhong up.
"Rise," he said warmly, his tone as peaceful as if commenting on the fine weather today. "You have worked hard for today's matter."
Wei Zhong's body trembled slightly as he looked up, his eyes rimmed with red.
"Your Highness's words are too heavy. This servant's life was saved by Your Highness. To be able to serve Your Highness is a blessing this servant has cultivated over several lifetimes."
Li Chengqian looked at him, his gaze profound.
He remembered many years ago when Wei Zhong was just a lowly sweeping eunuch. Having accidentally offended a certain noble, he was beaten half to death and thrown into a corner of the Cold Palace to die.
It was he who passed by.
And casually ordered someone to carry him back for treatment.
Later, by some stroke of fate, this man came to his side and from then on followed him with absolute loyalty, serving him tirelessly without a single word of complaint.
Twenty years had passed.
Time truly flew by!
Li Chengqian withdrew his gaze and looked toward the deepening twilight in the distance.
"Let us go," he said, his voice still calm, yet carrying a hidden meaning that others would not understand. "Today's palace banquet is a grand affair. It would not do to be late."
With that said.
He stepped forward.
His pace was unhurried, no different from usual.
Wei Zhong followed closely behind him, his head slightly bowed in a submissive posture, but the fanatical flame in his eyes burned ever brighter.
Indeed!
Today's grand affair, it would certainly not do to be late...
...
The carriage stopped at the gates of the Imperial City.
Pei Cijing stepped down from the carriage.
Looking up at the towering city gates before him, he could not help but draw in a sharp breath.
Blue bricks and gray tiles reaching into the clouds, the gate was fully three zhang high, crouching there like a silent behemoth.
The gate was wide open, revealing a broad stone-paved road that led straight into the depths, its end nowhere in sight. The bricks and stones on the city wall had weathered the wind and rain, their colors mottled, yet they possessed a heavy sense of history, as if every piece was telling a story.
At the city gate.
Eunuchs were already waiting.
After verifying their name cards, the group entered the Imperial City. Pei Cijing walked beside Shen Ninghuan, his eyes unable to resist looking around.
So this was the imperial palace.
It was somewhat different from what he had imagined.
There were no floors paved with gold, nor jade pillars coiled with dragons. There were only broad palace roads, towering red walls, and layers upon layers of halls and pavilions standing silently in the twilight.
The red walls had endured the elements, their color no longer as vibrant as when newly painted, but they carried a weighty solemnity, as if every brick was steeped in time.
He suddenly remembered the peak tourist seasons from his past life, the news reports of queues outside the Forbidden City. Watching the videos of the sea of people inside the palace back then, he had thought it was such a lively place.
He had hoped to join that bustle if he ever had the chance.
Now, standing within it, he realized that the liveliness was merely an illusion. Inside this palace, it was actually incredibly quiet, so quiet that one could only hear footsteps and their own heartbeat.
Along both sides of the palace road, eunuchs and palace maids stood with their heads bowed every few steps.
They wore uniform attire, their heads lowered in submissive postures, like silent statues. Whenever someone approached, they would bow in greeting, their movements uniform and soundless.
Pei Cijing noticed something.
The eyes of these people were always fixed on the ground, never looking up to examine the passing guests.
Shen Ninghuan walked beside him, her steps unhurried and her posture elegant. Sensing his gaze, she turned her head slightly and offered him a comforting look, her eyes soft yet steady.
Pei Cijing took a deep breath, withdrew his gaze, and focused on walking.
The group proceeded along the palace road, passing through gate after gate, bypassing hall after hall. At every gate, eunuchs checked their name cards, and at every hall, palace maids stood with bowed heads. Pei Cijing counted silently; after passing three gates and bypassing four halls, they finally stopped before a brightly lit pavilion.
A plaque hung above the hall doors, bearing three large characters: Hanyuan Hall.
This was the venue for tonight's palace banquet.
Guests in twos and threes were already making their way inside.
There were court officials in official robes, handsome young noblemen, and several white-haired elder statesmen greeting each other with cupped hands. The sound of their laughter and footsteps, mingled with the chill of the twilight, added a touch of life to the silent imperial palace.
As Pei Cijing was observing his surroundings, a eunuch in a blue-gray robe approached them. The eunuch, who appeared to be in his forties with a fair complexion and the usual submissive expression, bowed respectfully.
"Distinguished guests of the Marquis of Weiyuan's estate, please follow me."
He led Marquis Weiyuan, Pei Fucheng, and Pei Cijing toward the main entrance of Hanyuan Hall. After taking a few steps, Pei Cijing instinctively looked back at Shen Ninghuan.
Shen Ninghuan and the old madam were being led by an older momo down a different diverging path. The momo wore a dark blue palace dress and walked with a steady pace, clearly a veteran who had served in the palace for many years.
As if sensing his gaze, Shen Ninghuan happened to turn her head.
Their eyes met in the air.
She smiled faintly. The smile was as gentle as ever, carrying a reassuring meaning, as if to say: It is fine, we just need to follow along.
Pei Cijing watched as she followed the momo through a moon gate, her figure disappearing behind the heavy palace walls, before finally withdrawing his gaze.
He suddenly recalled the rules Shen Ninghuan had taught him before their departure.
Men and women dined separately.
This was the established custom for banquets in the Great Qian dynasty.
Court officials, nobles, and young lords accompanied the Emperor in one area, while titled ladies and noble misses were hosted by the Empress in another.
Yet, with this separation, Pei Cijing felt a lingering, vague sense of unease in his heart...
