The colorful fireworks on the horizon were magnificent and exquisite. Tonight, the capital city was filled with singing and dancing, with no curfew. The city was ablaze with lights, and the Empress Dowager, the imperial concubines, and some highly respected noblewomen ascended the Duanmen Gate to enjoy the lanterns, showing that they were celebrating with the people and treating the old ministers with respect. This was to demonstrate that His Majesty was ruling the country with filial piety. Zhou Shi was furious, but she could only force a smile.
Remembering how her uncle would always make time to climb mountains in the crisp autumn air in previous years, but later her cousin stopped going, it became a festival for Weiyu and her uncle. Now, the Double Ninth Festival must have long passed there, and her uncle was all alone. For some reason, Weiyu couldn't help but feel sad, "Everywhere the dogwood is planted, but one person is missing." Perhaps it was touching on her feelings, but Weiyu felt particularly restless tonight. She said to Ziyi somewhat listlessly, "Ziyi, I don't want to go out."
The woman in purple, who was combing her hair, paused, then smiled and said, "What's wrong, Miss? You seemed quite enthusiastic yesterday, and we even agreed to go to Chongrenfang to see the lanterns. Are you feeling unwell?" Remembering that she had seen Weiyu holding her head several times today, she became serious. "Should I go and inform her?"
Wei Yu hurriedly pulled her back, "No, Ziyi, don't make a big fuss and spoil everyone's fun." She always felt listless and kept thinking about going back to Chengqian Palace. She cheered herself up and finally managed to leave the palace once. "Chengyi has been thinking about it for days."
Chengyi grinned and pouted, "That's right, I'm really suffocating in this palace. Rong Shanggong keeps asking me to recite scriptures every day." Wei Yu smiled because of what she said, and Ziyi also laughed. Chengyi was lively and active, but she just happened to run into the old-fashioned Rong Shanggong. As she recited the palace rules one by one, Chengyi cried out.
As they were talking, Ziyi suddenly saw Qi Shangyi beckoning to her from outside the hanging flower gate. Ziyi went out, and Qi Shangyi whispered something to her. Ziyi looked serious, but when she came back, she looked relaxed and handed the lake-colored cloak to Chengyi. "Miss, Rong Shanggong sent someone to say that two palace maids in the palace suddenly got sick from eating bad food. Everyone else has gone to watch the lanterns, and they are worried that there won't be enough manpower. They asked me to take a few palace maids back to help. You and Chengyi go first. I will come to find you later if there is nothing else. Chengyi, there are many people outside, so please take good care of the young lady."
Wei Yu thought that since Consort Rong had asked Zi Yi to go back, her illness must be quite serious. Zi Yi was just trying to reassure her. She asked doubtfully, "Is it very serious? Have you called the imperial physician? Should we all go back to the palace?" She really wanted to go back and write some calligraphy or paint something. This thought suddenly seemed very tempting.
"Don't worry, Miss, everything is arranged. The Emperor is waiting for you. If you don't go, he certainly won't go either. As for the other ladies, forget about it." Wei Yu nodded. Since Zi Yi had said so, she couldn't be too willful.
A few palace lanterns flickered. Zi Yi smiled and saw Wei Yu and Cheng Yi leave the side hall, with Liu Chuang following behind. She suppressed her smile and hurriedly led several palace maids to the East Palace. It turned out that not only had two people suddenly fainted in the palace, but two more palace maids also said they were feeling listless and immediately went to bed. Rong Shanggong was in a hurry but dared not disturb them, fearing that it would be seen as making trouble during the festival. So she asked Qi Shangyi to come and find Zi Yi to come and come up with a solution.
As they descended from the side hall, they encountered Emperor Xuande, followed by Gao Qing, Heng Chong, and another tall, thin man. They were all dressed in casual clothes. Emperor Xuande waved his hand to stop the people behind Wei Yu from bowing. Seeing Wei Yu dressed in a lake-blue jacket and skirt, her hair pulled back and adorned with a jade flower hairpin, looking like a pretty young noblewoman, he nodded, took her hand, and turned to the man, saying, "Yi Xiao, come and meet the Imperial Concubine."
Ximen Yixiao had already seen it all. He politely stepped forward and bowed without saying a word. It turned out that this person was the famous Tiger Guard Commander Ximen Yixiao. He, Heng Chong, and Pei Zhendong, the shadow commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, were known as the three great masters of the time and were Emperor Xuande's trusted and beloved generals.
Gao Qing, with her sharp eyes, noticed that Zi Yi was nowhere to be seen, and her heart skipped a beat.
Tonight's lantern festival is most extravagant and dazzling in Chongrenfang. The eastern part of the city is where princes and nobles reside. Chongrenfang is the residence of imperial relatives and high-ranking officials. Its East Market is the largest in the city, with first-class shops and services catering to princes, generals, and their wives. Although there are no restrictions on entry and exit, ordinary people do not come here. If a man can buy something here, it is a very prestigious thing. Women are proud to own a piece of jewelry or a dress from the East Market of Chongrenfang. You should know that an ordinary dress here is handmade by famous craftsmen and starts at ten taels of silver, which is three months' expenses for an ordinary family.
Tonight was different from any other day. The gates of the mansions and the shops were adorned with all kinds of lanterns, exquisite and ingenious, shimmering with light. The goods offered were of good quality and inexpensive. Whether they were princes and noblemen or commoners, they came with their families, ladies accompanied by their loved ones, to admire the lanterns or look for their ideal husbands. Talented men and beautiful women took this opportunity to meet and ease their longing for each other. The streets were bustling with the roar of carriages and horses, and people were jostling and pushing. Yet, there was order amidst the chaos. A column of imperial guards from the capital city passed by in an orderly manner. It was truly a peaceful and prosperous time in the capital. Lotus lanterns, hibiscus lanterns, embroidered ball lanterns, snowflake lanterns, camel lanterns, green lion lanterns, judge lanterns, silver moth lanterns, and willow lanterns competed in splendor.
In front of Jinglong Temple, the Imperial Guards dispersed into the crowd, protecting their Emperor and Consort. Emperor Xuande sat in a teahouse, smiling as he watched Weiyu, who was huddled with Chengyi in front of a shop guessing riddles. Weiyu seemed happy, a little childlike. Behind her, Chengyi had already collected a large pile of gifts from the shopkeeper, who feigned a pained expression. Weiyu, however, smiled mischievously, deep in thought, seemingly ready to sweep away all obstacles. Gao Qing and Ximen Yixiao exchanged a glance, both feeling gratified. They had accompanied Emperor Xuande from prince to emperor. (Note: The last sentence appears to be an unrelated website address and is omitted from the translation.)
In a jade shop to the right of Jinglong Temple, Consort De watched from afar, her beautiful face contorted with rage, her eyes blazing with fury. That day, she had been sent by Lady Zhou to probe Xue Ruyao's intentions, but unexpectedly, she happened to run into Xue Ruyao coming out of Chengqian Palace. Upon seeing the brocade box of incense burner carried by her maid, she turned green with rage. This was a tribute that had just been sent to the palace. Lady Zhou had a pair, which she wanted but dared not ask for. Song Weiyu had actually given it away as a gift. Needless to say, the rest were all in Chengqian Palace. Consumed by jealousy, she ordered the box to be taken away and gave Xue Ruyao a severe scolding. Only then did she feel a little better. However, the next day, news spread that Xue Ruyao was seriously ill, and Lady Zhou scolded her for being foolish. Consort De was indignant, thinking, "You are not foolish, but you have no ability. You are clearly favored by Lady Chengqian Palace. Once that person becomes pregnant, everything will be over." She decided to seek help from her father and brothers during the lantern festival.
A man beside her shuddered. Jealous women were truly terrifying, grotesque as demons, devoid of any beauty. No wonder His Majesty disliked her; even he wanted to stay three feet away. "Alright, sister, have you made up your mind? The manpower has all been arranged. Don't worry, they're all experts. Is that the woman Liu Chuang is protecting? Hmm, she's got a certain charm." His imperial brother-in-law had good taste. His name was Zhou Wenyuan, Consort De's half-brother, a lecherous scholar with some academic background. He used to abuse his position as the emperor's brother-in-law, committing all sorts of misdeeds. After Emperor Xuande assumed power, he was dismissed and stripped of his official post. Tonight, he was acting on his father's orders, offering Consort De a suggestion. Consort De was still hesitant; she was terrified of Emperor Xuande. Heng Chong and Gao Qing were both experts, and Ximen Yixiao was also present. Could she possibly gain the upper hand? Although Zhou Wenyuan was a playboy, he wasn't stupid. He saw through Consort De's concerns. "Sister, don't worry. Those assassins don't know my true identity. If they fail, they have a rule: they'd rather die than reveal the buyer's name. Song Weiyu doesn't know martial arts, does she? As long as one of them succeeds, that's enough. Are you really waiting for that woman to give birth to the crown prince?" He didn't tell the assassins Weiyu's true identity, afraid they would abandon the job. Consort De gritted her teeth. Jealousy and the disappointment of her son's failure to be granted a princely title burned away her last shred of reason. She didn't care about anything else. She said fiercely, "Alright, we'll do it your way. Hurry up and leave. If someone sees us, neither of us will escape responsibility. Don't forget how your uncle died."
Zhou Wenyuan shuddered and quickly disappeared into the sea of people.
Thus, everything came together, and Consort De never imagined that she had dug such a deep pit for the Zhou family.
Wei Yu called out happily, "Cheng Yi, I guessed it, it's Qin." She turned around, and Cheng Yi was looking across the street. Following her gaze, she saw Gao Qing talking to Emperor Xuande in the teahouse across the street with a solemn expression. Emperor Xuande's face was very ugly. He gave a few instructions, and Heng Chong and Gao Qing bowed slightly and disappeared. Wei Yu and Cheng Yi exchanged a glance. What happened?
When Emperor Xuande saw her, he smiled gently and beckoned her over. Ximen Yixiao walked over at the same time.
Just then, someone screamed, "A palace maid has run away!" A commotion erupted in the market, and someone shouted, "She ran that way! Stop her!" The crowd descended into chaos. Even the Dragon Cavalry Captain couldn't withstand the sheer number of people and dared not use his fists indiscriminately. He was scattered and broken up. In the blink of an eye, several women in lined jackets charged straight at Wei Yu. Liu Chuang had already stepped in front of Wei Yu. Seeing something bright and shiny, he shouted, "Protect the master!" Cheng Yi scolded and pushed Wei Yu aside to a safe corner, engaging the men who rushed towards her. They were actually dressed as men. Xi Men Yi Xiao also attacked at the same time, but the crowd was already in turmoil, rushing left and right, trampling and knocking over many lanterns. There was a lot of screaming and shouting, and the assassins were quite skilled. In order not to harm the innocent, after Xi Men Yi Xiao and Liu Chuang subdued the assassins in a few minutes, they looked again. The Dragon Cavalry Captain was indeed protecting Emperor Xuande, but Wei Yu across the street had vanished without a trace.
Ximen Yixiao, Liu Chuang, and Chengyi knelt on the ground. A troop of Imperial Guards entered, and the disorder in the street was immediately stopped. The noisy people in the street, upon hearing that it was the Emperor, excitedly shouted "Long live the Emperor!"
Emperor Xuande waved his hand, signaling the Imperial Guard to handle the aftermath. A slight smile played on his lips, but it didn't reach his eyes, which gleamed with icy coldness. "Immediately deploy forces throughout the nine cities. Order the Imperial Guard, the Tiger Guard, and the Dragon Cavalry to conduct a thorough search. Inform the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate quickly. What are they doing with assassins infiltrating the capital? But remember, they must not disturb the people. And the Dragon Cavalry, you've had too many peaceful days. How could such a thing happen right under your noses!" With those cold words, Emperor Xuande stepped into the alley across the street. He had just seen Wei Yu take a few steps back and was about to leap over when Wei Yu suddenly turned and entered the alley. His heart sank. Wei Yu didn't seem panicked; rather, she seemed to be intentionally leaving. He was furious, enraged to the extreme.
Wei Yu had indeed done it intentionally. When the crowd erupted earlier, Cheng Yi pushed her into a corner, shielding her as she engaged in combat. Startled, Wei Yu took a few steps back. Figures darted before her eyes, and her gaze met that of Emperor Xuande. Suddenly, she realized she was alone. Her heart pounded. No one was around. Instinctively, she turned and took a few steps. This was a golden opportunity, wasn't it? She didn't have time to think. She took off running, drenched in sweat. Not a minute could be wasted. They all possessed martial arts skills and would catch up soon. She ran swiftly, but high walls surrounded her. This wouldn't do; her footsteps and panting would give her away. She stopped and unexpectedly saw a courtyard gate ajar. She gently pushed it open, slipped inside, and closed the door. It was a large garden. She took a few steps further in, sat down in the grass, and held her breath. Soon she heard light, steady footsteps; quite a few people must have passed by. She still dared not move. Emperor Xuande didn't know that she had taken physical education classes since childhood; although not physically strong, she wasn't that fragile either. She could still meet the standard for running 800 meters. Emperor Xuande must have expected her to run short and turn back. Sure enough, there were more footsteps. She dared not even breathe too loudly; fortunately, the swaying trees and chirping insects in the autumn night should have masked her presence.
Then she heard someone ask, "Should we search these courtyards?" Her heart leaped into her throat. After a long silence, she almost cried out and walked right into their trap. Emperor Xuande's deep voice said, "Forget it. There are many houses here. Tonight is the Double Ninth Festival, and it's not advisable to disturb the people. The nine cities are already under control, so she can't leave the city. Let's see how long she can hide." He gritted his teeth and said the last few words, each one reaching her ear. She covered her lips tightly before speaking, tears already streaming down her face. To hear him speak in such a tone was to pierce her heart and lungs.
She didn't know how much time had passed. The surroundings were quiet, but the streets seemed to have returned to their usual bustling state, with faint sounds of laughter drifting through the air. Wei Yu wiped away her tears and stood up. She dared not retrace her steps, pulling out the jade hairpin—too conspicuous—and holding it in her sleeve. She let her hair down, braiding it into two plaits. Looking around, the garden was fragrant with the scent of pepper. By the flickering fireworks on the horizon, she could see a house at the far end, presumably the gardener's dwelling. It was pitch black; there had been no sound when the noise had started. The gardener had probably gone to watch the lanterns. Wei Yu calmed herself. There was no curfew tonight. Although Emperor Xuande had said the city gates were under control, weren't there nine gates? She had to try. Her immediate priority was finding some clothes; loose-fitting clothes and long skirts were unsuitable for running around. She tried to walk over, but suddenly the side gate opened and two lanterns shone in. Before she could hide, the two men had already spotted her. The three of them simultaneously let out a suppressed cry of surprise. The leader raised his lantern and exclaimed again, "Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine?" Wei Yu was greatly shocked and stared blankly at the newcomers.
"You don't recognize me?" The woman handed the lantern to the old woman behind her and curtsied, saying, "Your Majesty, I, Sima, pay my respects. Please forgive me for not being able to perform the proper ceremony outside the palace." The old woman was startled and her hand holding the lantern trembled slightly.
"Sima Cairen?" Wei Yu asked, her voice filled with surprise and uncertainty.
“No wonder you don’t recognize me. We’ve only met once, when you first entered the palace to pay your respects to the Empress Dowager. You were a Noble Consort then. I was just a lowly concubine at the very end of the list. Of course, I recognize you, but you don’t.” Sima’s words seemed to carry a hint of resentment, yet she remained poised and dignified.
This was the Sima woman she had copied the imperial edict from. Before she could speak, she composed herself, observing the woman's calm demeanor, the lack of flattery, her simple white dress and hair styled in a bun with only a few pearl flowers adorning her hair, her graceful figure, and her elegant bearing—truly a stunning beauty.
But was her freedom really so short-lived? She had just escaped by sheer luck, only to run into people from the palace again. By some twist of fate, could it be that she truly has an inexplicable connection with the Qin Palace?
"Why are you in my backyard? Where is the Emperor?" Sima asked curiously. Wei Yu was wearing two braids, which looked rather odd. "You didn't come here on purpose, did you?" There must be more to this story.
Before Wei Yu could even speak, the old woman behind her knelt down with a thud and kowtowed several times. "Please, Your Highness, have mercy! I was going to the villa, and my young lady was afraid she would never see me again, so she secretly came home to see me. If you want to punish me, just do it to me. Don't blame my poor young lady." She then started crying.
Wei Yu was startled again and hurriedly went forward to help the old woman up: "Old lady, get up, I... I won't, really, please get up." Sima Shi, with tears in her eyes, helped the old woman up: "You mother, really, while I'm talking to the Empress, you go to the side gate and guard for us, so that no one discovers us."
As the wet nurse reached the side gate, Madam Sima said softly, "Please forgive my intrusion, but what brings you here...?"
She remained silent, unsure how to respond. "Consort Sima, just pretend you never saw me," she said, turning and walking back.
"Wait a minute." Madam Sima, already somewhat convinced, was greatly surprised. "Why? Have you gone mad?"
Wei Yu paused, her steps faltering. "I know you find it hard to believe, but I really can't stay here. I have to go back, I absolutely have to go back." She breathed heavily, her heart clenching with pain. "If you want to report it, I won't stop you, but I still have to leave. I can't stay any longer."
While still in shock, Empress Sima saw Wei Yu walk to the door and said, "Please wait. If you leave like this, there will surely be turmoil in the palace, and many people will be implicated. Have you thought about that?"
Before she could speak, she was jolted, her heart aching. The considerate Zi Yi, the lovely Cheng Yi, the earnest Shang Gong—she couldn't bear to part with so much more than just these. "I'm sorry," she suddenly felt extremely dizzy and leaned against the wall for support. "His Majesty is a wise ruler. Even if there is thunder and rain, he should not punish the innocent."
Sima Shi, oblivious to her discomfort, said in a daze, "You are really lucky. He gave you the best. His gentleness..." Sima Shi shook her head in confusion, "When I was favored, I thought that was all there was to it. In fact, vanity and fame blinded me. I woke up too late."
She slumped down weakly without speaking, and mumbled, "I have to go." She forced herself to open the door.
"Are you really leaving?" Sima asked again, trying to stop her.
Without turning around, she rallied herself and asked, "You want to escort me to collect the reward?"
“No,” Madam Sima laughed, “If it were three months ago, I would have eliminated all potential threats, but now I will not even entertain such thoughts. I don’t understand why you are like this, but you can’t go out like this. There will definitely be people patrolling around the mansion. Wait a moment, I’ll go get a set of clothes.”
"Why are you helping me?" Wei Yu closed her eyes and turned her head away so that Madam Sima wouldn't notice anything amiss. Madam Sima was taken aback, then smiled sadly, "If you were discovered leaving here, it would implicate the Sima family. My old wet nurse has finally found some peace; I can't let her suffer further hardship in her twilight years. I'm helping myself. You don't know that for a disgraced concubine, returning home is like being a thief. Palace rules forbid it, and my family treats me like a monster. I don't want any more trouble." Her voice choked with emotion as she hurried away.
Fortunately, she left in a hurry. Before she could speak, she felt dizzy and disoriented. Ignoring everything else, she forced open the door and stumbled forward, turning haphazardly. In the darkness, it seemed she had entered a dead end. She could no longer hold on; everything was pitch black, and tears streamed down her face. She lay there quietly, unconscious, unaware that she had returned to where she began. Despite the frantic search outside, the night was dark and gloomy. After the lanterns had faded, the sky was pitch black, so dark that one couldn't see their own hand in front of their face.
Sima took out the package, but there was no one there. She was stunned for a long time. Seeing that it was getting late, she had to return to the palace on time. She was full of confusion and did not know how she got back to the West Palace. Unconsciously, she had arrived at Ci'en Temple. She knelt on the prayer mat, opened the Buddhist scriptures, closed her eyes, put her hands together, and chanted.