When golden wind meets jade dew

The autumn in Guangling was luminous and refreshing, the long wind stretching for ten thousand miles. Standing atop the Jinding Terrace, Xu Guiyi surveyed the entire Jiaxu Palace: pavilions and towers arranged with exquisite order, vermilion walls encircling the grounds, open and spacious courtyards.

Lush trees flourished, rare flowers bloomed in dazzling colors, artificial hills rose in clusters, flying corridors seemed to pierce the sky. Carved eaves and embroidered railings nestled amidst mountain hollows and treetops. Looking down, she saw clear streams pouring like snow, stone steps winding through the clouds, white stone railings embracing the pond, stone bridges spanning three harbors, and beast faces gripping the balustrades with open jaws.

Half in jest, Xu Guiyi said to Nanny Wu, “Autumn in Jiaxu Palace is truly a vision beyond compare.”

Nanny Wu smiled softly, “All four seasons here are wondrously beautiful.”

Indeed, otherwise why would Fu Lancheng risk angering the heavens just to move from Chenghua Palace to Jiaxu Palace?

“Your humble servant, Lu Zhirou, greets the Crown Princess.” A voice as clear and lively as a mountain spring interrupted Xu Guiyi’s reverie.

As Xu Guiyi stepped down from Jinding Terrace, she encountered a graceful young woman and smiled, “Ah, it’s Lady Lu. No need for such formality.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Lu Zhirou replied gently, rising with measured grace. Her pale violet palace gown set off her fair, luminous skin and slender figure. Her long, glossy hair, like a swath of blue silk, was half swept up in a flying fairy bun, half trailing down her back. Though her features were not strikingly beautiful, their softness and her lively gaze lent her a rare charm.

When this delicate beauty turned and smiled, a quiet elegance radiated from her.

Xu Guiyi smiled warmly, “What brings you out to enjoy the scenery today, Lady Lu?”

A faint blush tinged Lu Zhirou’s cheeks as she replied shyly, “I’m new to the Eastern Palace and still unfamiliar with many things. Seeing the clear weather today, I thought to take a stroll.”

The two wandered through Jiaxu Palace together, exchanging polite conversation.

By the time they reached the Cold Spring Courtyard, they had arrived at the last scenic spot in Jiaxu Palace. Xu Guiyi glanced at Lu Zhirou and, seeing no sign she wished to leave, invited her to sit in the pavilion.

Xu Guiyi looked toward Xiyue, who, catching her meaning, said cheerfully, “I made some Golden Wind Jade Dew Cakes today. They should be steaming in the kitchen just about now. I’ll go have a look, and if they’re ready, I’ll bring some for you both to taste. Would that be all right?” What a clever and thoughtful girl she was.

“Very well, go on then. We’ll wait here for you,” Xu Guiyi replied immediately.

“Yes, Your Highness.” Xiyue bowed and hurried off toward the kitchen.

“May I ask, Your Highness, what are Golden Wind Jade Dew Cakes?” Lu Zhirou asked, her eyes alight with curiosity.

Xu Guiyi explained, “They’re a type of pastry made with the flesh of golden peaches.”

“Golden peach flesh can be used for pastries? At home, we only ever used dried peach blossom petals ground into flour for cakes.” Lu Zhirou seemed genuinely surprised.

Xu Guiyi laughed and gestured, “It’s much the same—slice the peach flesh, dry it, grind it into powder, then make the Golden Wind Jade Dew Cakes. Doesn’t it sound simple?”

Lu Zhirou looked enlightened. “So that’s how it’s done. But the name is so elegant. ‘When golden wind meets jade dew, surpassing all the world’s delights.’ I’ve long heard the south is home to many scholars, but I never imagined the ladies of the inner chambers were so well-versed in poetry.” Admiration shone in her eyes.

Xu Guiyi thought to herself that this was merely one of her seventh sister’s fanciful inventions, yet to preserve the reputation of Jiangdong’s cultured ladies in Lu Zhirou’s mind, she forced a modest smile.

“Have you ever tasted green plum cakes?” Xu Guiyi recalled that such treats were sold in the streets of Guangling.

“I have, but I find green plums too tart. I’m not very fond of sour and sweet flavors,” Lu Zhirou replied, her voice sweet, though a hint of embarrassment colored her face.

“Golden Wind Jade Dew Cakes are sweet. You should have more later,” Xu Guiyi guessed that such a gentle girl must have a fondness for sweets.

“Oh, I do love peach blossom cakes. I imagine those made from golden peaches will be delicious as well,” Lu Zhirou said with delight.

Mention of peach blossom cakes reminded Xu Guiyi of her seventh sister. “What a coincidence, I have a seventh sister at home who, like you, adores sweets—especially Xiyue’s peach blossom cakes.”

“Truly? How wonderful. I’ve heard you have many sisters; it must have been lively growing up together. Not like me—my eldest sister married early, so if I want company, I have to invite the young ladies from other families.” There was a trace of regret in Lu Zhirou’s tone.

Xu Guiyi offered polite reassurance, “Once you’re in the Eastern Palace, we’re all family. Whenever you wish for company, you’re welcome to join us.”

“Really? Then may I come to speak with you often, Your Highness?” This year, Lu Zhirou was barely sixteen, still half a child at heart.

Yet such exuberant warmth left Xu Guiyi a bit at a loss. She remembered Xu Zhouyan’s warning not to grow too close to her husband’s concubines.

Still, seeing Lu Zhirou’s bright smile, she replied politely, “Of course.”

Just then, she spotted Xiyue approaching with a food container and smiled, “Here comes Xiyue, and your Golden Wind Jade Dew Cakes have arrived.”

When Xiyue set the box before them, Lu Zhirou was already sitting up straight, like a child waiting for dinner.

At Xu Guiyi’s signal, Xiyue presented the first cake to Lu Zhirou. “Please, Lady Lu, try it. Careful, it’s hot~”

“Thank you, Miss Xiyue,” Lu Zhirou replied with impeccable manners.

As she took her first bite, both Xu Guiyi and Xiyue watched for her reaction.

“It’s delicious!” As expected, she did love sweets.

“Xiyue, pack a box for Lady Lu to take home later,” Xu Guiyi said. She herself was not fond of sweets and had worried that they’d never finish the large tray Xiyue had made. Now, having found someone who relished them, both she and Xiyue were pleased.

“Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Miss Xiyue.” Lu Zhirou ate happily, her laughter bright.

In every dynasty, the Crown Prince’s residence was guarded by imperial soldiers in the name of protection, but in truth, to keep watch.

Jiaxu Palace was no exception.

If the Crown Prince were of steady character, he might, for this very reason, observe strict propriety and strive to appear a model of decorum in the Emperor’s eyes.

But a “wayward son” never followed the usual path. The tales Xu Guiyi had heard about Fu Lancheng’s wild behavior could fill seven days and nights.

Those who spoke of him did so with sighs, lamenting for the future of the empire, while Xu Guiyi, listening, could only break out in a cold sweat, wondering how long she could last as Crown Princess.

With such a reckless prince, she dared not hope the Emperor’s indulgence would last. Perhaps the Emperor was already plotting in his heart, merely waiting for the right moment.

In the Peaceful Tranquility Palace, the Emperor was listening to his secret guards report the latest news on his sons. When the subject turned to the Crown Prince, his expression grew particularly grim, making the young man reading the records bowing before him tremble with anxiety.

Though their duty was only surveillance, not guidance, the Emperor was adept at meting out collective punishment with masterful skill.

Not daring to conceal anything, the secret guards recounted every detail, omitting nothing: “...It has been over three months since the Crown Prince’s wedding, and his daily life has changed little. Every three or five days, he goes out hunting, playing cuju, polo, pitch-pot, training birds and horses with the heir of Marquis Yongjia and other noble youths... He often lingers at street vendors’ stalls, listening to the wanderers’ tales of far-off lands... Lately, however, he has acquired a new habit...” The guard’s voice trailed off.

The Emperor’s head tilted, a spark of curiosity in his eyes. “Oh? And what habit is that?”

The guard stiffened as he read the record, stammering, “His Highness... has lately taken to frequenting the ruined temple north of the city... to watch how beggars ask for alms...”

Crack! As expected, before the guard had finished, the Emperor’s sleeve swept a dragon-patterned wine cup off the desk, shattering it on the floor.

“Rebellious son! Outrageous!” The Emperor roared, nearly grinding his teeth to dust.

“Calm yourself, Your Majesty.” In an instant, the palace attendants and guards dropped to their knees, their voices rising in a discordant chorus of apologies.

The Emperor paced in a fury, pointing here and there, but none of those present were the “rebellious son,” and with nowhere to vent his anger, his chest felt stifled. At last, he slammed his palm on the zitan wood dragon-carved table and cursed, “Useless! I once hoped that after his marriage, he would mature, devote himself to state affairs, but he remains as wanton as ever.”

He paced a few more times, hands on his hips, voice rising in exasperation. “Tell me, I never expected him to emulate the founding emperor and accomplish great deeds. I only wish he would behave, avoid trouble, and, in time, become a respectable ruler. Yet all he does is idle away the days, and now he’s stooping to such sordid acts, making a mockery of me!”

Breathless, the Emperor finally had to lean on the desk, lips moving as if his tirade was not yet finished. After a moment’s pause, he resumed, “The Crown Princess, too, is from a distinguished family—does she not know to admonish him?”

But the Crown Princess dared not!

The Crown Prince, who even feared not his own father, would hardly heed his wife’s advice.

All the kneeling attendants understood this well, but none dared utter it aloud. The world spoke of the Crown Prince’s violent temper, but few realized he inherited it from the Emperor himself. The Emperor at least strove to restrain himself, while the Crown Prince had long since discarded all restraint—who dared try to rein him in?

“Yuanhe, summon that rebellious son to the palace at once!” the Emperor bellowed, and with a wave of his hand, the other wine cup met the same shattered fate.

“Yes, yes, at once, Your Majesty...” Yuanhe, legs trembling, forced himself to his feet and hurried out.

“And summon the Crown Prince’s three tutors as well!” the Emperor added.

Each time the Crown Prince incurred imperial wrath, his three tutors would inevitably be caught up in the storm. The palace staff, though they dared not comment on the prince, all pitied the three venerable gentlemen, who had fulfilled their duties admirably—save for having Fu Lancheng as a pupil, and thus constantly suffering the Emperor’s “imperial favor.”