Work Text:
💠
It started when a young master stormed out of the royal study, his teal robes ruffled, a folding fan close to snapping as his face turned a multitude of colors. He had never been treated this way before. Not even by his own parents or governess. To be lectured by a princess he met less than an hour ago, a woman who questioned his authority, ruffled his feathers.
“Young master Zijing, wait!” Li Zhiyu caught up with Shu Zhiling, hoping that he would at least hear him out. It was a stressful day for everyone involved. But surely there’d be reconsideration.
“Until my eyes are gouged out by that ferocious feline you call a princess? Absolutely not!” Shu Zhiling huffed.
“Please, young master, just give her one more chance. I know she can be intense-” Zhiyu tried reasoning with the young man.
“‘Intense’ is putting it lightly! She lectured me on the low income of my father’s maidservants for half an hour! Your princess is far too opinionated on such matters. If you’ll excuse me, I’m taking my leave now.”
“I understand, young master Zijing. Thank you for your time.” Li Zhiyu watched as he left the room with his servants in tow, both remaining stoic the entire meeting, which had been less than fruitful.
“Ergh…I’m definitely fired.” Li Zhiyu could feel the familiar pulse of a headache coming on as he massaged his temples in utter defeat and exhaustion. How was he to explain this to his Majesty?
💠
Li Zhiyu had spent the remainder of his morning spiraling–(which entailed brushing his hair and goatee until strands were falling out)-and forced himself to stop. Pulling himself together to the best of his ability, Li Zhiyu departed from his quarters, and made the dreadful journey to his impending death: facing Lang Pengxi in his private study.
“Your Majesty.”
“Li Zhiyu, come! Come sit. You look flushed, my old friend. Why don’t you have a drink?” Lang Pengxi gestured to the empty seat across from him with a cup of tea, a wine jar and two bowls of Douhua on the table. Li Zhiyu knew the king’s good mood would dwindle, and he prayed to the heavens that he’d be spared by Lang Pengxi once he recognized his efforts.
Li Zhiyu slowly sat across from the king of Yong’an, ashen-faced, and tried to control his shaking hand as he took a slow sip of tea.
“So…how did it go?”
“The governor’s son has departed early.” Li Zhiyu said, feeling his temples throb slightly.
“He just left? What happened, Zhiyu?” Lang Pengxi’s brows furrowed with concern.
“The princess has…sent him away.” Li Zhiyu carefully explained.
“‘Sent him away?’”
“She lectured him on Governor Shu’s underpayment of his maidservants for half an hour, and he just left the palace.” Li Zhiyu prayed that he’d still be able to find work in Yong’an after failing as an advisor if he wasn’t executed on the spot by Lang Pengxi.
“Ancestors give me strength.” Lang Pengxi prayed. “How many are left to interview?”
“There are none.” Li Zhiyu said.
“At all? Shu Zijing was the last one?” Lang Pengxi thought he’d misheard for a moment.
“Yes, your Majesty.” Li Zhiyu said.
“Fourteen. All fourteen young men I had interviewed and selected for my daughter’s suitor line-up, which took a month, and she sent them scampering off like mice in less than a week?” Lang Pengxi said.
“It appears that is what happened, your Majesty.”
“I’m going to be six feet under before she decides to marry.” Lang Pengxi felt a headache developing, too. What God had he angered greatly in his past-life that he has constantly pulled strings so that his eldest daughter wasn’t unapproachable to eligible suitors? It must’ve been the God of Love, who would find his predicament amusing while watching from the Heaven Realm.
“Perhaps we should wait a year, your Majesty.” Li Zhiyu carefully suggested..
“The longer I wait, the more she fights me on it. This has gone on for long enough, Zihyu.” Lang Pengxi said.
“Your Majesty, you said it yourself, you’ve carefully selected Yong’an’s exceptional young men for the princess, and she didn’t care for any of them.” Li Zhiyu pointed out.
“Which is why we won’t look in Yong’an.” Lang Pengxi said.
“...your Majesty?” Li Zhiyu felt the king was about to say the unthinkable. More often than not, he needed to convince Lang Pengxi to reconsider his outrageous decisions. Most of which almost resulted in political fall-outs or a scandal or both .
“It isn’t my first option, but it would benefit both of our nations if all works out. Li Zhiyu, I need you to send a message to the King of Xianle.”
If Li Zhiyu didn’t have a headache, he would down the rest of the wine in front of Lang Pingxi, contemplating how he ended up here.
💠
Xie Zhang had received the letter from Yong’an after coming back from his morning at court. Currently, he sat across from his wife, who noticed the furrow in her husband’s brows when he was carefully measuring political decisions for Xianle or it concerned their son. Song Li hoped it was something minor that could be revisited later. Her husband was already under a great amount of stress lately.
“Is that the trade route tax?” Song Li asked.
“No, it’s from Lang Pengxi.” Xie Zhang said.
“Oh?” Song Li set down her tea.
“It’s a proposal of marriage.” Xie Zhang set the note down.
“Well, he’s a little too late to ask you for your hand, my King.” Song Li quipped with a smile, and her husband let out a huff of amusement.
“Not that kind of proposal, my dear. It’s a marriage alliance between Xianle and Yong’an. It appears the princess is rather stubborn when it comes to finding a husband.” Xie Zhang recalled how his old friend expressed his grievances about his daughter not being cooperative in helping her find the one man that would be worthy being her husband, but Hua Yueying wouldn’t bend, no matter a young man’s accomplishments or status. If this wasn’t resolved, Xie Zhang would be invited to a funeral rather than a wedding in Yong’an.
“And our son isn’t in a rush to marry, either.” Song Li said.
“Which is why Lang Pengxi suggested considering the arrangement.” Xie Zhang said.
“Do you consider it?” Song Li asked.
“I do…” Xie Zhang said. “If our son and the princess of Yong’an meet first before making a final decision.”
“I’m surprised. Two years ago, you would’ve accepted without thinking twice about it, my King.” Song Li said.
“If my son can decide to cultivate immortality before his enthronement, then he can decide whether he is to marry the princess of Yong’an.” Xie Zhang concluded, tucking the scroll inside his robes, having come to a decision on the matter at hand with clarity.
“Hm, alright.” Song Li said.
“Kong Xu.” Xie Zhang called for his advisor.
“Yes, your Majesty.”
“Summon the prince for dinner.” Xie Zhang said.
This wasn’t something that could be addressed to the court without discussing the matter with his son beforehand. Xie Zhang had many headaches already, and getting into a verbal sparring match with Xie Lian would make their mutual understanding of each other dwindle as soon as it began. For Xie Lian to have a private conversation with his parents rather than hearing it from court officials without prior knowledge would be less risky, and Xie Zhang preferred it that way.
💠
Xie Lian had arrived on time per his father’s summon, having traveled from the Royal Holy Pavilion that afternoon, and decided to pass the few hours he had in the training grounds before meeting with his parents. He was adorned in robes and wore a hair piece of lotus, peony, plum blossom, and chrysanthemums that were appropriate for the occasion. Once changed out of his training robes, they were no doubt washed by Mu Qing as soon as they were off. The prince of Xianle was truly a darling of the Heavens, gentle and warmth radiating off his person.
“Father.” Xie Lian said warmly. “Mother.”
“My son, you have a few maples in your hair!” Song Li gently plucked a few leaves from Xie Lian’s hair with warm amusement. Just as she had when he was as tall as her knees. Time truly hasn’t changed his habits.
“Ah, I thought I had removed all of them.” Xie Lian said.
“No matter. You must be famished after your lessons.” Song Li said.
“May I sit?”
“Sit, please.” Xie Zhang nodded.
“Your father and I have something important to discuss with you, Lian’er.”
“Is everything alright?” Xie Lian asked.
“King Pengxi has sent a proposal of a marriage alliance between Xianle and Yong’an.” Xie Zhang said.
“...marriage?” Xie Lian blinked.
“Yes, your marriage to the princess of Yong’an.”
“...Father, isn’t the princess of Yong’an six years old?” Xie Lian was deeply concerned and uncomfortable.
Xie Zhang quickly corrected himself. “Not princess Yanli. The King’s elder daughter is Princess Yueying.”
“That’s a relief…” Xie Lian sighed.
“Yes...I suppose I should’ve started with that first.” Xie Zhang muttered, feeling awkward.
“How have I not heard of Princess Yueying before?”
“Well, she didn’t grow up in Yong’an’s palace. She lives at the Moon Flower Temple and is a disciple of their temple keeper, Priestess Xingmei. Princess Yueying avoided royal events altogether.” Xie Zhang explained.
Truthfully, the only time he had seen Hua Yueying was in passing, and she was a small child then when he visited Yong’an to discuss trade with Lang Pengxi. It’d been years, and he couldn’t describe her to his son even if he tried relying on descriptions of her, so he decided not to make an attempt that would offend his friend’s daughter with a poor choice of words. The thought made him shudder.
“That does make sense.”
“But she’s a cultivator like yourself, my son.” Song Li said.
“We know that your decision to abstain in certain…indulgences…warrants concern regarding your choice to marry.” Xie Zhang began.
“Which is why I chose that path.” Xie Lian was firm but not explosive when he defended his cultivation.
“But you don’t need to worry, seeing as the purpose wouldn’t be to have heirs, but to secure a stronger alliance between our nations. Others won’t accept Yong’an because of the economic ecosystem and trade routes–but that’s a separate discussion for another time.”
“...I see.” Xie Lian said.
“This would only happen if you and Princess Yueying were acquainted first. On the chance that you both get along without any conflict would be a miracle from the Heavens itself.” Xie Zhang clarified.
“What do you mean by that, Father?”
“The princess is…particular…when it comes to suitors. All were turned away quite…profoundly.” Xie Zhang said.
“Ah…” Xie Lian understood why his parents wanted to speak with him during dinner, now. This wasn’t the court officials’ place to address, given it was foreign affairs, and could be a recipe for a royal scandal if the wrong ears heard and the wrong mouth leaked the discussion of the prince’s undetermined marriage to the elder princess of Yong’an.
“Now you see why this isn’t a decision to be made lightly.” Xie Zhang felt at ease once the conversation didn’t end in an explosive argument and unfinished dinner.
“You don’t have to make it right this moment.” Song Li added gently.
“You said her name is Yueying?” Xie Lian asked.
“Yes, Hua Yueying.”
“I think…I would like to get to know her first before jumping straight to an arranged marriage.” Xie Lian said after careful consideration.
“You’re certain?” Xie Zhang said.
“You said she is a cultivator. We have that in common already.”
It wasn’t often that Xie Lian came across women who were cultivators–the women he had spoken to in passing were daughters of governors or nobles, unaccustomed to training that cultivation demands, which entailed sacrificing what they desired most as well as their delicate constitution, spending hours learning philosophical religious text, fasting, meditating, and training with a blade. Being royalty and a cultivator wasn’t an easy path, but it wasn’t impossible, either. Xie Lian was curious and wondered if this princess studied the Dao, too.
💠
The warm scent of sandalwood wafted gently in the air of Moon Flower Temple, which were lit by the temple attendants after the former burnt out, departing from the main hall once their tasks were finished before dusk. At the foot of an altar of the goddess Chang’e holding the rabbit Yu Tu, seated in lotus pose was Hua Yueying, her face was highlighted by the soft candle lights. Another figure calmly sat beside her in lotus pose, both taking in the serene atmosphere of the temple for a moment.
“Good evening, Mother.” Hua Yueying broke the silence, but did not dispel the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
“I heard from Li Zhiyu that you’ve given Governor Shu’s son quite the lecture this afternoon regarding his maidservants’ pay.” Hua Xingmei recalled Li Zhiyu requesting a few extra calming drops in his tea upon visiting her that afternoon. She was almost tempted to have her healers assess him for chest pain and numbness of his left arm just to be safe. Nonetheless, Hua Xingmei gave him a small bottle of calming drops and advised him to rest for the remainder of the day.
“I was curious how they treated their staff.” Hua Yueying said.
“Which gave you a poor impression of the Shu family.” Hua Xingmei said.
“Yes, Mother.” Hua Yueying said.
“All the young men you interviewed gave you a poor impression.”
“Father selected them.” Hua Yueying pointed out.
“En, you have a point. Your father…means well, Yueying. He just doesn’t know how to properly express himself to you.” Hua Xingmei didn’t defend Lang Pengxi’s ignorance, but she didn’t invalidate her daughter’s feeling of not being seen by her father, either. Over the years, both father and daughter’s relationship had unraveled to the point where the thin thread fighting to stay together was on the edge of being damaged beyond repair.
“He’s had sixteen years to figure that out.”
“En, I know, my child.” Hua Xingmei spoke softly.
“Is that from Zhiyu?” Hua Yueying’s gaze shifted to the scroll beside her mother on the floor.
“It’s from your father.” Hua Xingmei passed it to her daughter.
Hua Yueying’s fingers brushed the scroll in hesitation. It wasn’t often she received messages from him. At most, they were paired with extravagant birthday gifts she had no use for that would take up space, and she quietly delivered them to townspeople or smaller temples beyond the Imperial City. Truthfully, she wouldn’t be surprised if it was her father’s grievances, his months of work undone in a week, and how she would be the death of him one day.
💠
Hua Yueying unraveled the string and read it, recognizing it was Li Zhiyu’s writing, but her father’s voice was evident in his message.
“A marriage alliance with Xianle?”
“Your father thought it’d be best if you were the one to decide if you wanted to meet the prince of Xianle before finalizing plans for a royal wedding. I agreed with him because Prince Xie Lian is a respectable young man, and he is a cultivator, just like you.” Hua Xingmei spoke with clarity.
“Xianle’s military has greater manpower than we do….and accessible trade routes closer to Yong’an’s rivers.” Hua Yueying said.
“Which is beneficial, but Yueying, don’t feel that you must accept the arrangement because it’s politically and economically convenient for both of our nations.” Hua Xingmei advised, knowing how her daughter would sacrifice her own happiness and freedom if it was necessary in the end. Where Lang Pengxi chooses to ignore a third path, Hua Xingmei opens another when Hua Yueying stands at a fork in the road. If her daughter was lost once exhausting her options, Hua Xingmei would be her guide.
“Am I expected on a certain day?” Hua Yueying asked.
“No, this isn’t like your past interviews.” Hua Xingmei said.
“...I will give my answer by dinnertime tomorrow evening.” Hua Yueying said.
“That’s reasonable.” Hua Xingmei nodded, tucking the scroll back into her sleeve, and faced the altar of Chang’e with Yu Tu in her lap. Hua Yueying closed her eyes, her heart and mind as still as the moon rays which lit the temple in silver light.
💠
Moon Flower Temple’s gardens were lit by the moon's rays, wind chimes echoing softly in the gentle breeze, and the richness of sandalwood wafted in the breeze as Hua Yueying walked down the jade stoned path towards her mother and advisor, dressed in periwinkle robes adorned with a silver moonflower embroidered on her sash. Jewelry wasn’t something she indulged in often, except for the crescent hair pin that was a sixteenth birthday gift from Hua Xingmei.
“Good evening Mother.” Hua Yueying bowed before taking her seat. “Li Zhiyu.”
“Good evening, princess.” Li Zhyiu nodded.
“I’ve made my decision.”
“What may it be?” He asked.
“I’ll meet the prince of Xianle in person. Preferably as early as tomorrow afternoon. I’ve packed plenty for two nights.” Hua Yueying prepared for leaving Yong’an early, believing packing heavy wasn’t necessary–inefficient on a few days trip. Before, the young masters and princes she interviewed had been invited to Yong’an by her father, so they were free to leave any time they wished. This time, she was going to see a prince that was also a cultivator, and she was curious about his person.
“You’re certain?” Hua Xingmei asked, knowing the answer, but wanted to hear it from her daughter.
“I am.” Hua Yueying said.
“Thank you, ancestors.” Li Zhiyu could cry tears of joy.
“But if this interview goes poorly like the previous ones, I’m blaming Father.”
At that moment, Hua Yueying immediately crushed Li Zhiyu’s dreams that maybe this wouldn’t end in a political disaster or be demoted as a royal advisor once again. At least she agreed to meet the prince of Xianle on her own terms, which was progress. For once, Li Zhiyu had a decent night’s rest without a headache.
💠
After being summoned to the morning court meeting alongside his father, Xie Lian and Company had the rest of the day to do whatever they wished. Since he wouldn’t be at the Royal Holy Pavilion for a few days, nevertheless, his teacher expected him to keep up with his training, hence how Feng Xin ended up sparring with his Highness in the palace courtyard. Both prince and bodyguard were supervised by Mu Qing while he embroidered a handkerchief with plum blossoms.
“That’s three.” Mu Qing said.
“Ngh!” Feng Xin lowered his sword, rolling his shoulder, jaw clenched slightly.
“We should take a break.” Xie Lian said.
“I can do another round, your Highness.” Feng Xin insisted.
“Please, rest your arm, Feng Xin.” Xie Lian shook his head, knowing how stubborn his friend could be, and didn’t want him to injure himself.
“You’re sure?” Feng Xin asked.
“You’ve worked hard.” Xie Lian said.
“How do you expect to protect his Highness if you’re down an arm?” Mu Qing pointed out.
“At least I’m training! Are you even paying attention to the rounds?” Feng Xin glared at him, feeling throbbing in his temples.
“Have you heard of multitasking?” Mu Qing said.
“You-!” Feng Xin was close to exploding into a cursing storm, and Xie Lian was ready to mediate another fight at any moment. The Heavenly Emperor must’ve truly favored him, because a young woman adorned in cultivator robes entered the courtyard, stopping a verbal sparring match before it began. Xie Lian inwardly sighed in relief.
“You should soak that shoulder later.” Hua Yueying averted her eyes, a vivid periwinkle, at Feng Xin in scrutiny.
“Who are you?” He demanded.
“It’s okay, Feng Xin.” Xie Lian said.
“Who I am isn’t important.” Hua Yueying replied.
“?” said Xie Lian.
“Since your bodyguard is down an arm, you can spar with me.” Hua Yueying offered, picking up the discarded sword Feng Xin used earlier, dusting its blade off.
“Hold on-” Feng Xin tried to intervene.
“Alright.” Xie Lian said.
“!?!” said Feng Xin.
“...” said Mu Qing.
“We do three rounds.” Hua Yueying said.
💠
Soon, Hua Yueying and Xie Lian were finished, Feng Xin was practically drenched in a cold sweat, and Mu Qing was finished embroidering the handkerchief with plum blossoms, carefully folding it.
“You’ve both tied.” Mu Qing said.
“It seems we have.” Xie Lian said.
“You held yourself back.” She pointed out.
“Is there something wrong with that?” Xie Lian smiled.
“Just an observation.” She replied.
Reaching inside her sleeve, Hua Yueying tossed a qiankun pouch at Feng Xin, who caught it.
“...uh?” He blinked like a confused puppy.
”It’s medicine for that shoulder.” Hua Yueying clarified.
“...” Feng Xin said.
Before Feng Xin’s brain could fully process what had just happened, Hua Yueying had already left the courtyard, not a trace of her to be seen, leaving the sword he used laying on the stone bench beside him, fully polished anew. The qiankun pouch in his hand practically burned into his skin as he stared at it like a confused puppy. He was hesitant to set it down, his brain racking around the possibilities of the contents inside the pouch.
💠
After Hua Yueying had left, Xie Lian and Company walked down the stone paths to the bathing pools, located in the east wing of the palace, where the trio went after a full incense time of training together. This way, Feng Xin would be able to soak his worn shoulder–and express his concerns loudly and freely–before his mind exploded from the many thoughts he had at the moment.
“I can’t believe you agreed to a sparring match with a stranger.” Feng Xin began.
“Was I to tell her no?” Xie Lian asked.
“Your Highness, she could be an assassin for all we know! She came out of nowhere!”
“If she intended to kill his Highness, the guards would be on call right now.” Mu Qing rolled his eyes.
“Mu Qing is right. If she were an assassin, she wouldn’t roam the palace in broad daylight or offer to spar with me.”
“Still…she didn’t even say who she was.” Feng Xin frowned.
“Maybe she’s new in the palace staff.” Xie Lian suggested.
“And she gave you medicine.” Mu Qing added.
“It could be poison!” Feng Xin stressed.
“Wait, what’s that on the pouch?” Xie Lian asked.
“It looks like some kind of flower?”
“A moon flower.” Mu Qing said.
“Is that supposed to mean something to me?” Feng Xin asked, not familiar with many flowers that weren’t lotus or blossoms.
“It means that His Highness just sparred with a disciple of Yong’an’s Moon Flower Temple. Who also gave you very rare and expensive medicine you won’t find at Xianle apothecaries. Don’t lose it.” Mu Qing’s fingers twitched, but fell back to his side, preferring he’d rather be the one to hold on to the qiankun pouch than Feng Xin, who didn’t have the best track record of losing things that aren’t his bow and quiver and blade.
“So it’s her.” Xie Lian said.
“Who is ‘her?’” Feng Xin asked.
“I think I just had a sparring match with Princess Yueying.”
“!?!” Said Feng Xin.
💠
Elsewhere, Hua Yueying was in the middle of being lectured by Li Zhiyu, who felt his whole forty-something years flash before his eyes, accepting his fate in death. If not by execution by Lang Pengxi, then it’d certainly be from an aneurysm or a stroke. Perhaps both, if the Gods pitied him enough to strike him down if he prayed hard enough. Or, he’d lose himself to madness.
“You challenged the crown prince to a sparring match?” Li Zhiyu asked for the third time as he paced the guest quarters.
“He accepted it.” Hua Yueying said.
“That’s not the point! What if something went wrong?” He stressed.
“Neither of us drew blood.” Hua Yueying pointed out.
“Even if you didn’t, why spar against him?!”
“I was testing him.” Hua Yueying started.
“And..?” Li Zhiyu felt he would regret asking.
“He’s met my expectations so far.”
So far.
“...I need to lie down.” Li Zhiyu massaged the bridge of his hooked nose, feeling his temples throbbing again. This princess was going to be the death of him one day. If not today.
💠
Once morning court ended, Xie Lian stepped into the oasis of the gardens, which was the one place aside from the Royal Holy Pavillion where he could be by himself–not that he didn’t enjoy Feng Xin and Mu Qing’s company–but the events from yesterday afternoon made them overtly cautious and remained close to their prince. He managed to assign tasks to keep both attendants occupied long enough for Xie Lian to stay in the gardens for half an incense time. But it seemed he wasn’t alone. At the foot of the dragon fountain in lotus pose was Hua Yueying.
“Oh, hello again.” Xie Lian didn’t expect to see her here.
“Your palace gardens are lovely.” Hua Yueying said.
“I’m sure it’s different compared to the gardens at your mother’s temple.”
“Still, it’s well taken care of. Your gardeners do exceptional work, your Highness.” She said sincerely.
“En. This is my mother’s favorite place in the entire palace. It’d be a shame if it wasn’t.” Xie Lian smiled as he thought back to his early childhood in these gardens. Careless of getting dirt and mud on his robes or petals in his hair while playing. His mother pulled them out with warm exasperation every time.
“And yours?” Hua Yueying asked.
“I suppose it’s one of them. I’d spend hours sitting with her and listening for bird calls even if I didn’t recognize the species.”
“A respectable activity.” Hua Yueying nodded.
“But if I had to choose…I frequent Mount Taicang’s ‘Holy Temple’ often when I am free.” Xie Lian said.
“You prefer peaceful spaces.” Hua Yueying understood.
“As would a cultivator as yourself, princess Yueying.”
Considering they were both esteemed cultivators in their generation–as well as royalty–it made sense that they valued time to decompress in a space that was intimate to them. Hence, a temple or these gardens, away from expectations of their duties as future rulers one day.
“Although, I’ve been meaning to ask…” Xie Lian began.
“Why I offered to spar with you yesterday?”
“Yes.” He said.
“I wanted to see if you would accept or turn me away.” Hua Yueying wasn’t shy of admitting it.
“...Really?” Xie Lian asked.
“You’ve made an impression.” She nodded.
“I hope I didn’t disappoint you.” He said.
“Not at all.”
Hua Yueying spoke with the same sincerity when speaking of the work of the gardeners. At that moment, she rose from the lotus pose gracefully, and remained an exceptional distance, still abiding by proper etiquette. It was a different picture in comparison to yesterday afternoon when they sparred without proper introduction–violating all manner of royal etiquette according to the court officials if they witnessed it.
“With that being said…I’ve decided to stay the remainder of the next few days. My advisor is down with a headache at the moment. It’d be inefficient to leave when we already settled in the guest quarters.”
“Then if it’s not too much trouble, when your advisor feels better, would you like to join my parents and I for dinner this evening, Hua Yueying?” Xie Lian asked.
“It’d be improper if I didn’t, Xie Lian.”
For the first fourteen suitors, Hua Yueying found them arrogant and insufferable, too prideful. So, she dismantled them limb by limb, layer by layer, until she saw their true colors, and sent them off home. Yet, for the first time since those fourteen failed interviews. Hua Yueying had control of when she’d leave, and how she’d test this crown prince of Xianle. So far, proving her to be sincere and someone she could find a friend in.
💠
When Feng Xin and Mu Qing figured out Xie Lian had assigned them mundane tasks on purpose, they both agreed (for once) to drop what they were doing halfway through, and find their scheming prince. Both were caught up in arguing where to look first when they almost ran into the source of their predicament. Feng Xin had to be stopped by Mu Qing’s arm blocking his path.
“Princess Yueying.” Mu Qing acknowledged.
“How’s your shoulder?” Hua Yueying asked Feng Xin.
“It’s…better.” He said.
Mu Qing snorted at his answer. Feng Xin shot back a glare. ‘Do you want to fight in front of the princess of Yong’an right now?’ His jaw twitched slightly.
“You’re staying in Xianle for a few days?”
“Yes, to become acquainted with his Highness before deciding on a marriage alliance.” Hua Yueying said.
“Ah.” said Feng Xin.
“Wise choice.” said Mu Qing.
“Try not to strain yourself for a few days. Wouldn’t want to be down an arm and you cannot defend yourself.” Hua Yueying said.
“...” said Mu Qing.
“Don’t say anything!” Feng Xin clenched his teeth.
“All I’ll say is it’s best you listen to the princess unless you want his Highness to do all the defending for you.” Mu Qing retorts.
“You-!” Feng Xin started.
By the time their daily ritual of bickering began, Hua Yueying had already snuck past them, seeking to pass the time elsewhere. ‘His Highness keeps interesting friends around.’ she thought in bemusement.
💠
Xianle’s dining hall was softly lit by oil paper lanterns as the warm and musky aroma of agarwood wafted in the room, emitting from a dragon incense burner displayed on the Xie dynasty’s ancestral altar. Hua Yueying had quietly stepped into the room, dressed in robes appropriate for an intimate dinner with her possible-husband and parents-in-law. After all, she had accepted Xie Lian’s invitation, and he’d been nothing but gracious since their first encounter in the palace courtyards yesterday.
“Your Majesties.”
“Yueying, you look beautiful.” Song Li smiled warmly.
“Thank you.” Hua Yueying said.
“Please, have a seat.” Xie Zhang nodded.
“How are you liking Xianle so far, princess?” Xie Lian asked.
“Xianle is a beautiful and lively place. Though, I haven’t had much chance to explore the city yet.” Truthfully, Hua Yueying hadn’t expected to stay in Xianle for two days, prepared to leave the first day if her meeting with Xie Lian had the same outcome as did the fourteen young masters–who bent under pressure from having their true colors exposed each time.
“Perhaps if you’re not tired after dinner, I can show you around tonight?” Xie Lian offered.
“Wait, really?” Hua Yueying asked.
“Of course. You’re our guest.” Xie Lian said.
“Then I accept your invitation.” For the first time, Hua Yueying smiled back.
💠
There were a few street stalls open late in the Imperial City’s marketplace. Lanterns emitted the streets in a soft glow as a few farmers had pushed carts of grain and vegetables back to their homes. One vendor had a stall that cooked tofu pudding, topping them with the freshest and sweetest lotus seeds from lotus pods delivered from Yunmeng. Xie Lian had noticed Hua Yueying briefly glance at this specific stall multiple times.
“Do you like tofu pudding?” He asked.
“It’s one of my favorite desserts from childhood. My mother would make it for special occasions.” Hua Yueying smiled in nostalgia.
“She’s Yong’an’s head priestess and State Preceptor, right? Hua Xingmei?”
“En, she is.” Hua Yueying nodded.
“I suppose it’d make sense I’d be familiar with her, at least in name and occupation, considering her position in Yong’an’s government.” Xie Lian had recalled hearing the State Preceptor speak of Priestess Xingmei once, primarily as a deeply respected figure, and her cultivation almost met that of an immortal master’s.
“It’s not easy…given it’s a man-dominant position of power to hold, even as an unmarried mother.” Hua Yueying murmured.
“I cannot imagine it would be.” Xie Lian said quietly.
“If my father hadn’t selected her as State Preceptor, and hadn’t formally addressed me as his daughter, the backlash my mother faced would’ve been nastier years ago.” Hua Yueying recalled from a young age whispers about her mother–how could a woman of her knowledge and power have a child out of wedlock, and choose to remain unwed? It was incredible and outlandish.
“Ah…” Xie Lian said.
“My upbringing is a part of why I’m not pursued despite my royal status. It didn’t feel right living in a big palace with everything done for me, so I decided to stay with my mother.” Hua Yueying said.
“There’s nothing wrong with preferring independence and space. It can be very…”
“Overwhelming?” Hua Yueying prompted.
“En.” Xie Lian nodded.
“The other part is refusing the fourteen suitors my father spent several months trying to find, too.” Hua Yueying added.
“I have been informed of that, yes.”
“Do you think I was unreasonable?” Hua Yueying then asked.
Xie Lian took a moment before answering, “Truthfully, Yueying, I don’t know what those fourteen candidates were like as people. I believe you had your reasons to turn them away. If they didn’t give you the answers you were looking for, you chose to protect your heart from a lifetime of cruelty or dismissal.”
“My father doesn’t share your perspective, but I appreciate hearing it. It’s…refreshing.” Hua Yueying spoke sincerely.
“I’m glad you think so.” Xie Lian smiled.
For the first time since their first encounter in the courtyard, Hua Yueying and Xie Lian felt that there was a mutual understanding between them–an unspoken agreement that no matter what entailed after this visit, that they’d be each other’s confidant.
💠
After exploring the market place, and the last of the vendors closed their stalls and shops turned dark, Hua Yueying and Xie Lian went back to the palace. Neither were tired yet, and he decided to show her another place which held sentimental value to him. In the southwest chambers of the palace was the Xie family’s armory.
“These are rare weapons you carry.” Hua Yueying said after closely examining the display.
“En, some are from my ancestors.” Xie Lian said.
“Do you favor any in particular?” Hua Yueying asked.
“Well…if I had to say my first choice, it’s Hongming.” He took one gold and red jian from the wall of longswords.
“It’s a remarkable blade.” Hua Yueying recognized the high quality of forged blades, something that most noble women wouldn’t concern themselves to study or converse about. It was evident weaponry was a passionate topic to Xie Lian.
“Perhaps we can use it the next time we spar.” He said.
“You want there to be a next time?” She asked, taken aback.
“Only if you want to. I understand you’re leaving for Yong’an tomorrow. I wouldn’t want to assume…” He scratched his cheek awkwardly. ‘Perhaps I was too forward…’ he thought to himself.
“I didn’t tell you about my blades, did I?” Hua Yueying asked.
“I’d like to hear about them.” His eyes lit up with curiosity.
“I carry katanas. An Guang and Bai Guang. They were a gift from my mother.” When Hua Yueying was eleven, she was of age to begin sword training under Hua Xingmei’s supervision amongst her fellow disciples, and she passed An Guang and Bai Guang down to her daughter once she completed her training before her twelfth birthday–both blades were blessed in front of the statue of the goddess Chang’e and her rabbit Yu Tu beneath silver rays of the full moon.
“Your spiritual weapons are both named ‘bright light?’”
“I thought it was appropriate when naming them.” She replied.
“En, that makes sense.” Xie Lian nodded.
“Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll have An Guang and Bai Guang ready, and we spar in the courtyard.” Hua Yueying answered regarding his offer.
“Three rounds?” Xie Lian smiled knowingly.
“Three rounds.” She confirmed.
💠
Steel clashing against steel sounded like the rumbling of a once dormant volcano waking up after centuries of its last eruption or crisply cutting down blades of overgrowth in the palace courtyard. Two figures, one in white and lilac, moved in synchrony as if performing a sword dance and not sparring each other. Just as yesterday, Feng Xin and Mu Qing were both supervising.
SHING! SHING! SHING!
“I cannot believe they’re doing this again.” Feng Xin muttered from the stone benches.
“Two to Two.” Mu Qing ignored him.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
“I offered this time.” Xie Lian said, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.
“That’s worse, your Highness.” Feng Xin said.
SHING! CLANG! SHING!
“Three to Three.” Mu Qing confirmed.
“We’ve tied again.” Xie Lian lowered Hongming with a smile across from Hua Yueying, who was polishing An Guang and Bai Guang with a cloth.
“And neither of us got injured.” She pointed out for the sake of Feng Xin’s peace of mind rather than her own or Xie Lian’s.
“Thank the Gods for it.” Feng Xin’s shoulders relaxed, once again drenched in a cold sweat after watching another sparring match of his prince and possible-fiancee not end in disaster.
“Feng Xin, would you like to do a round?” Xie Lian asked.
“Maybe another time, your Highness.”
Or never.
💠
A flash of jade green and gold came bursting from the East halls, clashing with the red and white of the palace’s interior, followed by the loud cries of a youth, who smiled so widely, he looked like a malicious ghost. Both Hua Yueying and Xie Lian were abruptly interrupted from their conversation in the gardens by this intrusive presence. This intrusive presence was Prince Xiao Jing.
“Cousin! You’re not leaving again are you? I still haven’t shown you my golden carriage!” He practically clinged onto Xie Lian before narrowing his eyes at Hua Yueying in suspicion. “And who are you?”
“Qi Rong, don’t be rude. This is Princess Yueying.” Xie Lian chided. ‘What do you mean by ‘your carriage?’ Mother and Father specifically told you that it wouldn’t be yours until after your 15th birthday.’
It couldn’t be helped. Ever since Song Li’s younger sister passed away years ago after escaping her violent husband–(Qi Rong’s father)–a promise was made between both sisters that Qi Rong would live under Song Li’s care. Given she was his aunt, her little nephew needed a proper place to live: with his remaining family. Perhaps Xie Lian’s mother had given Qi Rong too much leeway claiming things that weren’t his and ignoring proper etiquette…it’s a bad habit to have as a young prince…
“She’s the girl you’re marrying?” Qi Rong scrutinized the princess of Yong’an from where he stood beside his elder cousin.
“We haven’t decided anything yet...” Xie Lian said.
“‘Yet?’ What the hell does that mean? You are or you aren’t.” Qi Rong interjected.
Xie Lian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“It’s not that simple…” he scratched his cheek awkwardly.
“You are prince Xiao Jing.” Hua Yueying broke the awkward spell.
“Yes?” Qi Rong said.
“You’re as presumptuous as others describe.” she said.
“Thank you!”
‘That wasn’t a compliment…’ both thought simultaneously.
“Are you going with me to see my carriage, cousin?” Qi Rong was adamant in showing Xie Lian the birthday gift he hadn’t formally received yet.
“Maybe another time, Qi Rong.” Xie Lian said.
“Ugh, you've become boring ever since you started cultivating!” Qi Rong groaned in exasperation. “Fine! Talk to your wife about meditation or whatever. I’m outta here!” He turned on his heel and stomped off in the opposite direction.
A moment passes. The birds chirping dispelled the awkward atmosphere. Hua Yueying took it upon herself to resume their discussion before Xie Lian’s cousin, (who behaved poorly unlike her six year old siblings), decided it was appropriate to announce himself without a formal invitation.
“Should we discuss the alliance or meditation?” she asked dryly.
Xie Lian was speechless.
💠
After Qi Rong left the gardens in a tantrum, Xie Lian was given a moment to breathe, grateful of Hua Yueying’s unshakeable patience and understanding. He knew his cousin’s behavior made a poor impression more often than he’d like to admit. But he had other priorities at the moment, placing his concerns of Qi Rong aside to revisit later. Clarity restored, Xie Lian focused his attention on Hua Yueying once more.
“I believe you know my answer.”
“Mine is the same.” Xie Lian smiled with certainty.
“However, I’d prefer to wait a few months.” Hua Yueying said.
“Your brother and sister’s birthday is in February, right?” He recalled.
“On the 29th.”
“Am I welcome to send gifts?” He asked.
“A-Li and A-Xi will appreciate it. Then again, they like almost anything. Don’t overthink it.” Hua Yueying fondly thought back to the early years visiting the twins, their faces lit up like fireworks when she gave them a paper dragon kite she had painted by hand herself, immediately playing with it despite the wind not being strong enough to fly it. Even the most mundane gifts brought her siblings an abundance of joy.
“I’ll try not to.” Xie Lian smiled.
“In the meantime we’ll write to each other.” Hua Yueying concluded. “Before an auspicious date is set.”
“En!” Xie Lian agreed wholeheartedly.
Objectively, agreeing to a marriage alliance after a few days of becoming acquainted would be like jumping into a river of lava, disastrous and impulsive. It was an unspoken agreement that Hua Yueying and Xie Lian weren’t opposed, but not impulsive enough to be married by the end of the week. The prince of Xianle and princess of Yong’an’s meeting and agreement to Lang Pengxi’s last resort, without resulting in calamity, would restore Li Zhiyu’s faith in himself as an advisor, knowing his work had been fruitful after all.
End of Act 1
💠