“Xie Wuyan!” A clear girl’s voice exploded within the bedchamber. “Get up!”
Xie Wuyan didn’t stir upon the couch.
Jiang Kui huffed irritably. Rising from the bed she swiftly donned a set of exercise gear behind the canopy before striding over to stand by the couch, staring down at him.
To prevent rumors of discord between the newlywed Crown Prince and Princess from spreading through the palace, they had decided to share the bedchamber with one person taking the bed and one relegated to the couch.
Originally with Xie Wuyan’s frail health in mind, Jiang Kui intended to take the couch herself. But Xie Wuyan had stubbornly refused. So Jiang Kui ordered two trusted palace maids to quietly move in some extra quilts, padding the zitan wood couch into something plush and cozy like a small den for…a certain small creature.
At the moment Xie Wuyan was bundled up snugly in the thick nest of blankets. He shifted over, back facing her with tousled pillowed hair gently stirring in time to soft breaths.
“Xie Wuyan,” Jiang Kui called.
He kept eyes firmly shut, quilt drawn up to his chin so only half his face showed. Messy strands had scattered every which way, obscuring his expression. Long curved lashes remained utterly still, not a single flutter.
“I know you’re awake,” said Jiang Kui coldly, leaning over him.
After witnessing him truly deep asleep yesterday she could now easily discern when he pretended. When genuinely resting he would relax completely whereas feigning sleep he’d lie frozen stiff with tightly shut eyes – the very picture of wariness.
Jiang Kui scrutinized Xie Wuyan for a spell before reaching out a finger to poke his cheek, leaving a flushed imprint. Warm fingertips met icy skin, prompting the barest shiver of long lashes. Reluctantly they lifted open.
He sighed, bleary eyes blinking up at her.
This person sighed far too excessively.
“My lady, may I sleep just a while longer…” He ventured hesitantly.
“No.” Jiang Kui refused outright. “Get up for morning practice.”
Xie Wuyan heaved another long-suffering sigh.
Under Jiang Kui’s urging Xie Wuyan eventually changed into practice clothes of white under-robe with outer layer a deep crimson, cinched at the narrow waist to reveal a tall and slender frame – quite resembling some carefree young nobleman on horseback by a misty bridge.
Except this young lord was exhausted, prodded along by his very own wife to the waterside pavilion by the palace lotus pond.
Autumn colors grew heavier above the pond. Lotus leaves withered as white egrets napped nestled between them. Golden carp dimpled the water, splashing bright sprays akin to dancing flowers.
The waterside pavilion stood facing the pond. Grand columns rose from the waters propping up the tiled roof. With windless morn the surface remained a glassy mirror reflecting white railings, carved wood and youth regarding youth.
Jiang Kui had a palace maid deliver two wooden swords for practice then took up one herself, standing tall under dawn’s rays watching Xie Wuyan. Backlit, her heroic form was accentuated in beautiful silhouettes tracing her slender curves.
“At sunrise when energy ascends and turbid qi descends is the optimal time for swordplay,” she declared sternly. “I can see much cold malignance in your constitution. Sleep would be detrimental whereas morning practice benefits your condition.”
“Very well,” he murmured, barely open-eyed.
Slap! Jiang Kui lobbed him a sword, smack into his embrace startling alertness into him. Blinking rapidly Xie Wuyan stared down at the hilt clasped against himself then back at her.
“Are you trained in martial arts?” Jiang Kui quirked a questioning brow.
She deliberately chose the sword. Recalling Zhu Zi’an’s habitual blade she hadn’t witnessed his swordsmanship firsthand but surely he was versed in the discipline.
What if Xie Wuyan was equally competent with the sword?
Subconsciously…she seemed to be groping about for similarities between Xie Wuyan and Zhu Zi’an despite uncertainty over her own motives.
But even if similarities emerged, so what?
“Some rudimentary skills,” Xie Wuyan answered hesitantly. “My teacher was Minister Ling Boyang of the Ministry of War…he imparted me much for self-defense along with internal energy training to strengthen my constitution.”
The Crown Prince’s Tutor Ling Que, styled Boyang. That hawk-like man. Jiang Kui recognized him since Xie Yong had introduced the man solemnly during the Autumn Banquet. His martial prowess was undisputed so nothing odd about him tutoring Xie Wuyan in martial arts.
Xie Wuyan’s response was perfectly watertight yet Jiang Kui sensed lingering evasion.
“Cross swords with me.” Raising her wooden blade Jiang Kui swiftly angled it level at his brow.
Xie Wuyan could only acquiesce. Assuming a ready stance he returned the cursory salute between swordsmen before lifting his own wooden sword and slowly dropping the point earthwards. That gripping hand was slender yet steady, knuckles taut around the hilt while exuding a frosted edge.
The instant his hand closed around the weapon his entire mien shifted subtly. No longer a lazy, tired nobleman but a refined teenage swordsman – the blade an extension of himself, its keen aura laid bare.
He was genuinely proficient with the sword.
It was no challenge for Jiang Kui to test another’s martial skill. Initially believing Xie Wuyan hid something from her, his frank demonstration suggested forthright honesty without concealment.
Jiang Kui struck out, initiating the match!
Xie Wuyan raised his sword, shifting stance to meet her blade in a beautifully executed parry.
Sword energies blossomed violently amidst fluttering sleeves along the waterside pavilion.
Blades wove too swift to trace, repeatedly engaging then breaking apart. Resounding clacks rang out from colliding tips blending with the burbling stream. Their entwined forms rose and fell, drifting from pavilion to lakeside trees. Golden red leaves rained down, stirred into bright sprays by lingering sword winds as if gilded beads scattered the earth.
Jiang Kui merely tapped inner force, systematically running through sword moves to gauge his reactions. Xie Wuyan’s breath stirred faster but remained even. He executed fundamental styles, economical motions both swift and packed with strength – evidently the accumulation of years devoted practice.
Abruptly Jiang Kui kicked off the ground in a tremendous vault, body and sword fusing into a single line thrusting straight for his heart!
She unleashed a lethal stab, openly broadcasting killing intent!
The sudden escalation tested whether Xie Wuyan truly hid nothing back. At their elevated level of focus even a split second difference determining life or death necessitated pure killer instinct to counter murderous assaults.
What could Xie Wuyan’s strongest sword moves accomplish?
A piercing squall lashed out, parting cool air.
Clatter! – twin wooden blades striking earth shocked nesting birds into flight.
Beneath the tree, the girl in exercise gear held her stance, extended sword pausing inches from her opponent’s chest having sliced through a swath of clothing and halting just shy of his heart.
“What are you doing?!” Jiang Kui demanded furiously.
Because in the instant of her headlong charge Xie Wuyan had simply closed his eyes, decisively releasing his weapon. The sword dropped uselessly by his feet.
Thankfully Jiang Kui’s consummate control allowed her to pull the blow lest a wooden sword turn lethal at such speeds, directed by another’s hand. Had it been anyone else Xie Wuyan tossing aside all defenses at that critical juncture might have spelled certain death.
“Why didn’t you block?!” Jiang Kui hurled her sword aside, incensed.
“I cannot.” Xie Wuyan met her angry stare squarely.
“…You-” Jiang Kui spluttered indignantly.
Utter earnestness colored his gaze. Jiang Kui reconsidered – that explosive stab brimming with killing edge and unfurled power…a practitioner at Xie Wuyan’s level truly would be unable to block.
…Still, outright discarding his weapon crossed the line.
Surely even a token guard should have been attempted?
Among swordsmen, surrendering arms equated to supreme disgrace. While Xie Wuyan hardly qualified as a true swordsman, his actions thoroughly outraged her.
She stamped a foot, vexation temporarily overwhelming coherent thought.
“Please don’t be angry, my lady,” said Xie Wuyan softly.
As if by magic he produced a small brocade pouch from his sleeve, solemnly presenting it to Jiang Kui – a peace offering in sincere apology.
Huffing under breath Jiang Kui snatched the pouch, staring dumbfounded at its contents.
It was a bundle of lotus seeds. Plump green gems still dewy fresh, meticulously freed seed by seed from their pods then heaped atop crimson silk.
These marked the final harvest of the summertime treats. Once finished they would be gone til the next cycle.
Jiang Kui remembered Xie Yong mentioning how oddly fixated Xie Wuyan had been this year on safeguarding his personal pond’s blossoms, refusing anyone from plucking them. So he had planned to hoard the entire crop, peeling and hiding them away.
Perhaps intending to indulge solo? Yet faced with Jiang Kui’s displeasure he willingly relinquished them as compensation to mollify her anger.
Munching lotus seeds down by the lakeside rock, their bright crispy summer essence suffused Jiang Kui’s taste buds, softening her expression instantly.
Xie Wuyan leaned against a tree, wooden sword in arms, watching her in silence.
Mist-laden breeze drifted over the pond, sifting through her hair then spilling onto his upturned face. It carried the nip of early autumn chased by traces of her light clean scent.
Drowsiness crept upon him again.
After Jiang Kui finished, thoughts of pardoning Xie Wuyan’s appalling performance earlier were derailed by the sight of him slumped in pretended doze beneath the tree.
No, the formidable Jiang Little Man would not bend so easily to bribery!
“Xie Wuyan, on your feet! We aren’t done yet-” Striding over Jiang Kui made to grasp his shoulder when-
Clatter! – twin wooden swords struck ground again amidst swirling yellow leaves.
Because the swordsman had slowly toppled towards her from the instant she lifted her hand. Half sprawled over, he leaned into her embrace, sandalwood redolence drifting from his hair to tease her nose, languidly enfolding her.
Jiang Kui blinked rapidly even as he gradually collapsed.
With a small sigh she shot out both arms to support him upright against herself. He settled at a crooked slant, head pillowed on her shoulder while deep even breaths conveyed legitimate slumber.
He’d really just fallen asleep propped by the tree.
…How could anyone drift off even standing?!
After observing Xie Wuyan awhile and noticing his ghastly pallor – likely another relapse – Jiang Kui lugged him off to the Eastern Palace’s side chamber pool and summarily dumped him in. Fearful of edema she didn’t soak him for ages like the adviser yesterday merely long enough to brew a pot of tea before fishing him out.
Faced with a sopping wet Xie Wuyan, Jiang Kui felt somewhat awkward.
The adviser fortuitously happened to be gone and she dared not let other servants glimpse Xie Wuyan’s state either.
“Oh fine. Since you’re sick I’ll make this exception.” She bit her lip. “Just bear with it for now.”
Jiang Kui located a wide soft white towel and clean sandalwood scented outer robe. Kneeling down with eyes squeezed shut she swiftly stripped then re-robed her lord husband by touch – deftly working sash fastenings loose to peel off outer layers before wrestling him into fresh garb. Any accidental skin contact made her reflexively snatch back fingertips as if scalded before plunging determinedly onwards.
Soon he was fully dressed like she’d wrestled a sack into place. Cradling his head in her lap she carefully blotted water from his hair.
Once immersed in deep slumber he truly resembled a limp cloth doll – also reminding her of Zhu Zi’an on some unfathomable level.
This time Xie Wuyan awoke quickly, blearily meeting her gaze from above – half wondering if somehow yesterday had looped itself.
He ruffled damp locks. Realizing his attire had been changed again consternation flitted across his face.
“The adviser came by earlier,” Jiang Kui muttered tonelessly, shamelessly spinning a little white lie.
She discovered once Xie Wuyan fell asleep nothing short of vigorous shaking could rouse him. At times deathly stillness even made her anxious he had slipped into eternal rest before he finally blinked awake, blurrily peering up at her behind lingering cobwebs of interrupted dreams.
“I see.” After a spell Xie Wuyan mumbled awkwardly, “…turn around for a bit please, I need to tidy up.”
Jiang Kui faced the other way. Xie Wuyan ducked his head re-arranging clothing methodically. He straightened crumpled layers, smoothed out ridges in his robe and briskly tucked inner sleeves back from both wrists…gradually restoring the image of a composed dignified Crown Prince.
“Done,” he murmured softly. “…Thank you, my lady.”
Jiang Kui turned to inspect him critically. After enforced early rising and a dip in medicinal waters unwonted color pinked Xie Wuyan’s previously pallid cheeks…and maybe his ear tips too?
“Hmph.” Jiang Kui twisted aside. “You ought to head for the Academy.”
Some time after Xie Wuyan’s departure for the Imperial Academy, Jiang Kui happily crawled back under the deliciously plush covers for a nice morning nap.
By the time she awoke fully, refreshed and content, Adviser Gu had already delivered the unfinished Eastern Palace ledgers and records to the side chamber study. Xie Wuyan still hadn’t returned so she lunched alone then headed off to peruse documents.
The tidy and well organized study housed two catalpa wood desks buried under heaps of scrolls. A palace maid served Jiang Kui a small snack platter before turning to prop open the window. Warm afternoon rays instantly brightened the entire room.
Chewing a mouthful of chilled pastry Jiang Kui smoothed out a sheet of paper, lifted her brush, and started drafting a letter for Zhu Zi’an.
After listening to Xie Wuyan’s explanations yesterday new conjectures swirled through her thoughts.
Prior to their marriage someone had urgently tried assassinating her, doubtless attempting to prevent the impending political alliance between the General Estate and Crown Prince’s faction. Based on previous eyewitness account near Tonghua Gate the perpetrator was likely Prince Qi.
According to Xie Wuyan the Crown Prince faction bore no designs on the throne itself but rather sought to wrest military authority from the North Bureau eunuch clique. However seizing the armed forces constituted an exceedingly critical matter. Prince Qi surely interpreted the Crown Prince faction’s overtures towards the General Estate as openly declared ambitions to usurp the crown.
With Jiang Kui already wed killing her no longer held purpose. If Prince Qi aimed to decimate the Crown Prince’s supporters his next targets aside from leader Prince Xie Heng of Wen could only be…Xie Wuyan himself.
This dynasty’s greatest taboo was kinslaying since the current Son of Heaven had allegedly assassinated his own brother for the throne. Thus despite underlying friction the Crown Prince and Eldest Imperial Son maintained an outward show of brotherly affection. Prince Qi did not dare act openly against Xie Wuyan.
But…what if he secretly deployed Jiang Hu forces?
That bizarre intermediary “White-Haired Old Man” seemed fixated on intervening over court politics.
Zhu Zi’an typically remained wholly uninvolved in courtly schemes. By agreeing to track down Jiang Kui’s masked assailant he had already broken immense precedent despite suffering injury over fulfilling her request. Would he be willing to pursue the investigation further on her behalf?
Upon finishing the missive Jiang Kui folded it into a tiny square, tucking it away into a hidden seam pocket within her sleeve to pass onto Zhu Zi’an whenever she could sneak off palace grounds again.
She would need to locate a more obscure escape route this time, recalling Xie Wuyan’s timely warning over her spotted departure last time.
With the letter safely stowed Jiang Kui began systematically poring over heaps of records and ledgers. Selecting up her brush she started noting down names of suspicious individuals and corrupt officials to purge from the Eastern Palace’s roster and brainstorming suitable replacements to bolster a new cohort of trustworthy allies.
The study door creaked open. Xie Wuyan entered cradling a scroll, likely having just returned from the Imperial Academy. Crisp scholar’s robes of azure fell over a dark swirling cloud pattern outer coat. Sky blue collar folded atop itself, half obscuring the delicate collar bones beneath.
Jiang Kui’s gaze flickered up briefly then stopped. Memory flashed back to their encounter within the Imperial Archives – that time he had also worn scholar’s blues while standing absorbed in a scroll, leaning casually against shelves as he flipped pages. After kindly pointing her towards the medical section he had smiled…
Even his voice from that day floated through her recollections.
Warm and gentle it seemed to resonate still in this very room awash in hazy glow.
Jiang Kui gave her head an irritated toss, forcibly derailing that train of thought.
“Sit there,” she gestured offhandedly at the desk behind her.
The two sat back to back at separate desks. Jiang Kui sorted through ledgers while Xie Wuyan replied to a stack of letters. Sunbeams filtering into the book laden study provided the sole pockets of luminosity amid tranquil silence.
After some time Jiang Kui grew tired. Turning around, intending to chat, she decided to first praise Xie Wuyan for his diligence this afternoon.
Before fully swiveling back a cascade of tumbling scrolls crashed behind her – the body gradually slumping onto hers belonged to the man himself. Half dangling outer robe and lolling headcoming to rest atop her shoulder while one hand dangled limply and the other still loosely clasped a scroll.
Once more he had dozed off against her.
…By now she was certain he acted with full deliberation.
Author’s Note:
Little Xie: (face unchanged) I did not.
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