Chapter Forty-One: Mount Taiyi and Zhongnan – Clouds Stirring in All Directions (IV)

After tossing and turning through the night, Li Wei woke up rather late. He practiced two sets of boxing forms, but skipped his morning run.

Bi’er approached him and whispered, “Those two are still asleep.”

“Mm,” Li Wei responded softly. Their habits were different; they were creatures of the night, and after the fright they had last night, it was only natural they wouldn’t wake early.

“Your Highness, what are your plans? Perhaps you could give them a new title and let them stay in the Eastern Palace. I’ve heard they’re both talented and remarkably beautiful.”

“You,” Li Wei tapped her nose and said, “Even if I wanted to keep them, how could their household records and origins allow them into the imperial palace?”

Most palace maids lived a hard life, and though Fragrant Snow and Painted Willow possessed both talent and beauty, with unimpeachable conduct, it was still impossible for them to become palace maids. In truth, Li Wei felt a secret desire—having these two remarkable women as companions, adding fragrance to his sleeves, would be a joy.

But…

It was frustrating. If he weren’t the Crown Prince, he wouldn’t have these scruples. Yet, if he weren’t the Crown Prince, could he ever win the hearts of these two proud and lofty girls?

“So what then?”

“We’ll wait a few days,” he said. The officials would soon attend court; he’d see if Li Jingxuan, Dai Zhizhi, and the others were willing to step forward and offer some protection. No matter how rampant Helan Minzhi might be, faced with the ministers and counselors of the court, she would have to tread carefully.

“What a pity. Their looks are among the finest in this vast capital.”

“Perhaps. But honestly, they may not surpass Lady Yang or Lady Xu. Fame, once widespread, makes beauty seem all the more dazzling. You silly girl, gathering all these beauties around me—aren’t you afraid I’ll love you less?”

“I’m not afraid. My devotion to Your Highness is from the heart, not for looks.”

“You know me well, little Bi’er.” He finished his boxing forms with a powerful move, a left strike, then a closing posture, wrapping up the routine.

He was only lightly perspiring, not as exhausted as before.

Bi’er handed him a towel, wiped his sweat, and said, “Prince, let me help you change your clothes. It’s not good to go out in damp garments.”

“How dangerous could it be? I’ve been too pampered, like a flower in a greenhouse, always shielded from wind and rain. That’s why my health has never fully recovered.”

“What’s a greenhouse?”

He slipped up and corrected himself, “It’s a room where flowers are carefully tended.”

As he spoke, Jiang Luo led Fragrant Snow and Painted Willow out. Many eunuchs and palace maids stole glances at them, their fame preceding them, and none expected them to arrive at the Eastern Palace. Curiosity abounded.

It was not royal authority they feared; these girls had seen crowds before, often surrounded by onlookers. The palace staff were nothing to worry about. They came before Li Wei and bowed gracefully. Li Wei helped them up, his hand touching theirs—soft and delicate, making his heart flutter. They had groomed themselves that morning, looking much fresher and more radiant than the night before when they had fled in haste, knelt before the guards at the Yanxi Gate, and appeared rather disheveled. Now, they were even more beautiful.

Yet their faces were drawn, likely from a restless night.

Fragrant Snow spoke, “Your Highness, last night Painted Willow and I discussed matters and realized we acted too impulsively. You are heir to the realm, responsible for the nation’s future. We are but humble courtesans—if we tarnish your reputation, how could we bear it?”

Let it be tarnished—he hadn’t stolen or robbed, merely acted bravely. He actually wished his fame wasn’t so overwhelming; taking them in might temper it, which could be a good thing. Yet, the threat of censure from the officials would be a headache. Still, these two girls understood propriety, which made him feel more sympathy and affection.

He said, “No need to worry. Besides, you’ve already entered the Eastern Palace. Is it too late to send you away now?”

The two girls were speechless.

“I must go out today. Stay here in the Eastern Palace, don’t wander. In a few days, I’ll think of a way to keep you safe.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

In truth, if Helan Minzhi truly sought to harm these girls, nowhere but the Eastern Palace would offer them safety.

…

“General, rest for a while,” a guard urged.

“We can’t rest. The capital is running short on grain. Even when we reach the city, the officials will argue. If we don’t settle things today or tomorrow, by the day after, a single word could send all the grain away—and we might not get a single grain.” Liu Rengui spoke, then spurred his horse forward, galloping into the sunrise.

…

Earlier than Li Wei, four young women had already set out.

Despite the drought, there was no major trouble. Mount Zhongnan was not far from the capital, a key region, well-guarded and orderly. The girls, daughters of officials, were not princesses or counselors’ children, so they traveled with just two male servants and three maids.

The Cold Food Festival was a significant occasion in Tang times. From early morning, the streets were lively. Nearly all the children of noble families flooded the streets, boys in fine robes and new headgear, jade pendants and swords at their waists, some holding fans. The girls wore splendid spring dresses and skirts, mostly carrying round fans, their faces powdered and painted. Like peacocks displaying their feathers, they showed their best side to passersby.

Children flew kites, played games, and others fought roosters, surrounded by crowds cheering, jeering, and laughing. Vendors lined the streets, hawking their wares. The whole city brimmed with festive joy.

The girls walked and chatted. Pei Yuhé suddenly asked, “Li sister, I heard you met someone on the street the other day who gave you a couplet to solve, is that true?”

Xu Li had introduced herself, and many in the neighborhood heard it. The story spread swiftly, though neither Li Wei’s nor Xu Qi’an's identity was revealed, prompting speculation. Xu Li had been asking scholars and poets for an answer to the couplet, which was exceptionally difficult, so the tale spread even faster.

“It’s true.”

“Have you found the answer?”

“I’ve heard about it, too. I asked my father and Uncle Pei the censor, but even they couldn’t solve it.”

The censor referred to Pei Yan, a distinguished member of the Pei clan. The Pei family had five branches; Pei Yan was from the Xianma branch, Pei Judao from the East Juan branch, hence the term 'uncle of the house.' In terms of family status, Pei Yuhé’s clan had more prestige than the Yangs.

“This couplet vexes everyone, but the person who posed it must be talented,” Yang Min said cheerfully.

“Hmph!” Xu Li replied irritably, thinking, Of course you speak up for your husband. She knew Yang Min had no idea the Crown Prince posed the challenge, but her own pride was wounded.

Pei Yuhé laughed, “It’s a strange couplet. After I asked, not only did my father ponder it, but my four brothers were stumped. Who knows how many scholars and poets in the capital are troubled by it. Xu Li, do you know who gave it?”

“Hmph!”

“What are you grumbling about?”

“He’s not a good person!” Annoyed by her father, she took it out on Li Wei as well.

Everyone laughed; Xu Li was proud and spirited, and being bested in public had clearly irked her.

Yang Xian said, “Min sister, maybe you should ask the Crown Prince. Perhaps he knows the answer.”

Since the fame of “Climbing the Heights” and “The Moon Rises over the Sea” had spread, Li Wei’s reputation had soared. Many scholars regarded him as a master—though, of course, he was the Crown Prince; without that, they wouldn’t praise him so highly.

“Hmph!”

Even Yang Min was puzzled this time. “Why are you grumbling?”

“Yesterday, I wore thin clothes for coolness and feel a bit off—my nose is stuffy, so I’m grumbling.”

“If you’re unwell, we can go home and go out tomorrow instead.”

“It’s nothing.”

The three girls gathered around her; seeing her cheeks rosy and healthy, they relaxed. Yang Xian asked, “Min sister, why isn’t the Crown Prince out today?”

“He’s very busy. I’ve been inside the palace several times, and each time I see books piled on his desk, he’s either reading or reviewing bulletins.” Yang Min spoke nervously. She had once boldly bathed the Crown Prince, wanting to mention it, but in the end held back. She worried that Xu Li and Pei Yuhé, both beautiful and talented, had good feelings for him.

Thinking of that day, a blush crept across her cheeks. The Crown Prince had desires, too—after all, he was fifteen, and in a few months would be wed. Lady Yang had privately hinted at certain matters of physiology.

“If he didn’t study so diligently, how could he have such learning, or compose such poetry?” Pei Yuhé said with admiration.

“Hmph!”

Chattering, they passed through the city gate.

Outside, the fields were ablaze with spring flowers. The girls, from well-off families and in their teens—the best years of life—enjoyed carefree days, unaware of autumn’s chill or winter’s barrenness. As they walked and talked, their laughter rang like silver bells, attracting the admiring glances of countless young men along the road.