The horizon lightened as a faint drizzle fell. Wearing a bamboo rain hat, Jiang Kui turned into Chang Le quarter.
She had already informed Xie Wuyan she planned to scale the walls and sneak out today. Xie Wuyan didn’t mind in the slightest that she intended to leave the palace grounds alone, even personally teaching her a covert escape route. Thus she didn’t bother hiding it from him anymore and would notify him each time before slipping out.
At the moment Xie Wuyan was still fast asleep, soaked in the medicinal spring of the side pavilion. Minister Gu was attending him. Although he would still unexpectedly doze off for stretches of late, he was rousing much quicker than before.
Ever since Jiang Kui had been forcing him to rise early and practice swordsmanship each dawn, return to the palace by hour of Hai (9-11pm) every night and retire on time, everyone noticed his complexion improving more beautifully day after day. Even court ministers offered congratulatory felicitations after morning court, exclaiming joyously that congratulations were in order for His Highness the Crown Prince to have obtained himself such a virtuous wife – truly a blessing of good fortune in this life.
Xie Wuyan could only give an obliging smile in return, recalling how this virtuous wife had held a sword to his throat on their very wedding night.
During these days spent arm in arm, tales were already spreading through Chang’an of the exceptionally affectionate newly wedded bliss between the deeply enamored Crown Prince and his wife Consort Jiang who were tied heart and soul through music’s harmony.
Yet only the two principals in this tale of sweet romance knew…that the pair hadn’t even done something as innocuous as raising wine cups across a table yet, much less shared pillows. They were at best newly acquainted friends, or rather – comrades bound by mutual interests.
That day, Jiang Kui first stopped by East Pavilion bookshop to pass a letter to Zhu Zi’an, then headed for apothecary Shen’s clinic in Chang Le quarter to fetch a medicinal decoction before arriving at the local smithy to meet with her close friend Little Bai.
Ever since her spear snapped during their battle with Demon Envoy Luo, it had remained at the smithy.
“Little Bai!” She poked her head through the door amidst rhythmic clanging din. “Has my spear been fixed yet?”
“Done long ago, just waiting for you to take it!” Little Bai smiled and nodded at her, sleeve hems rolled back as she swiped sweat from her brow. Her brilliant grin was like a refreshing dawn breeze.
Just as Jiang Kui was about to heft her spear, she noticed Little Bai gesture toward a longsword hanging on the wall. “What special occasion is coming up lately? Some days ago, Young Master Duan Shan also came to commission me forging a new sword.”
“So Eldest Brother dropped by as well?” Jiang Kui pondered briefly. “Likely because the autumn hunt approaches next month and he wants a handy new weapon.”
“So you’re here to retrieve your spear for the hunt too?” Little Bai asked.
“Mm. I heard there’s been sightings of a white deer this season. All the prestigious households are vying for the honor of netting it as tribute to His Majesty,” Jiang Kui began slowly wrapping her spear in undyed calico. “Would you like me to swing by the general’s estate on my way back to deliver Eldest Brother’s finished sword to him?”
“As usual you really are a wooden-headed fool, Little Man.” Little Bai glared indignantly. “Why on earth would I want you to run errands during a time like this? Of course I plan to have him come personally to claim his weapon, that way I get to see him longer.”
“Oh, right,” Jiang Kui scratched her head awkwardly. “He’s the one you fancy after all.”
“Thanks for still recalling,” Little Bai huffed. “What about you, Little Man? Have you someone who holds your heart? Last time you dodged the question and now I’ve nearly forgotten you never answered.”
Jiang Kui shook her head. “I’m already married, where would I find some secret sweetheart? Weren’t you the one who told me that once you’ve wed, such idle fancies have to be set aside?”
“That makes sense. As a married woman now, all your thoughts should be centered on your husband. There’s no longer room for any other man in your heart,” Little Bai declared morosely. “Still better to remain unmarried like me. I can shower affections freely on anyone without reservations.”
Sitting together, she suddenly leaned over, voice lowered conspiratorially. “So how does he treat you?”
“Who?”
“The Crown Prince of course!” Little Bai seemed reluctant to directly voice that esteemed appellation aloud. “I’ve been hearing things lately from all the storytelling troupes and opera singers about what an excellent match you two make.”
“He treats me very well,” Jiang Kui slowly replied, cradling her chin. “Yet I feel…he’s hiding something from me.”
“If you can marry a suitable man who cherishes you wholeheartedly, that’s already heaven-blessed fortune,” Little Bai patted her head. “Don’t overthink or overask.”
Jiang Kui nodded before she couldn’t resist probing cautiously, “Little Bai, could you tell me more about that sword Zhu Zi’an asked you to investigate?”
She was truly curious. Although Zhu Zi’an likely preferred her not knowing, he hadn’t actually forbid her asking either. She was happy to listen in case Little Bai acquiesced.
“Oh…a client’s personal business…” Little Bai hesitated and Jiang Kui nearly resigned herself to refusal before she unexpectedly continued, “Well, it was from several years ago I suppose…no harm elaborating a little to you.”
No wonder Zhu Zi’an described Master Smith Little Bai as a “blabbermouth”. Her assessment clearly rang true.
Little Bai was already chattering away rapidly. “…Of all the famed swords I know in this world, I must admit Young Master Zhu’s remains entirely unique. Despite writing many master sword smiths seeking its origins, I could only confirm one thing – that blade did not originate from our dynasty.”
“Not from our dynasty?” Jiang Kui started in surprise. “You mean…”
“Yes, it was forged by a sword smith of the former dynasty,” Little Bai nodded. “That sword came from a southern sect wiped out a decade ago.”
She rapped Jiang Kui’s head lightly to prevent further questions, shrugging. “That’s all I know about it really. The rest veers into rumors of the martial world. When I inquired how Young Master Zhu obtained such a blade, he merely claimed it was an heirloom from one deceased…Asking about its origins alleviated nostalgic longing.”
“Remember you swore not to tell others, Little Man,” she added warningly in conclusion. “Or if you absolutely must, then don’t reveal I told you!”
As expected of Master Smith Little Bai! Were Zhu Zi’an privy to this conversation he might die from sheer outrage.
“You haven’t leaked this to anyone else have you, Little Bai?” Jiang Kui entreated solemnly. “Promise me you’ll never breathe a word of it again in future.”
“Of course not!” Little Bai scoffed indignantly. “What little faith you place in me. I only told you because you’re my dearest friend.”
Jiang Kui stroked her hair affectionately to indicate her trust and stood up with spear bundled securely across her back. Exchanging farewells at the door, Jiang Kui had already exited halfway when she suddenly turned and called back teasingly, “Little Bai, I’m going right now to fetch Eldest Brother here to meet you!”
“Hey—!” Little Bai felt her cheeks flame as she tried vainly to yell out a rebuke. But Jiang Kui had already vanished, peals of laughter trailing in her wake.
When Jiang Kui scaled back over the Eastern Palace walls, Xie Wuyan had awakened.
Beneath the misting rain, he stood beneath the palace perimeter clasping an oiled paper umbrella, face tilted up toward her descent. Jiang Kui flipped neatly over from the opposing wall, landing squarely before him. Her toes kicked up a burst of silvery droplets that hung suspended in diaphanous fog around their fluttering hems.
Through the rain’s veil their gazes locked fleetingly.
“My lady,” Xie Wuyan murmured deferentially as he angled the umbrella over her head. “It’s raining.”
Jiang Kui made no objection to ducking under its shelter, removing her hat as she slipped into place beside him. His inner white gauze tunic and outer crimson dress were further covered by a dark brocade robe. One hand held the umbrella aloft while the other clasped a warming brazier to his chest. Brows downcast, his frail figure seemed to fade into the rain.
He glimpsed the wrapped bundle strapped across Jiang Kui’s back and gazed at her questioningly.
“My spear,” she explained. “Likely needed for next month’s hunt.”
He started in surprise. “We’re going hunting?”
Jiang Kui raised a brow. “Why wouldn’t we? I heard in past years you used illness as excuse not to attend. More fakery I’ll bet.”
Though her husband truly was sickly, it didn’t seem to impede his talents at dissembling.
“Rumors claim my lady wife’s frail constitution often left her abedridden during the autumn hunts of past years,” Xie Wuyan placidly countered. “I’ll hazard a guess that was also feigned on my lady’s part.”
If the young miss of the general’s household were truly delicate, she scarcely would have pulled a blade on him their very wedding night.
Catching her off-guard, he had for once volleyed back. Before she could react indignantly, he turned with utmost sincerity shining in his eyes. “My lady, might we pretend illness together this year?”
“…You—!” Jiang Kui furiously stomped on his foot.
Xie Wuyan instantly erupted into coughs. Initially dubious over their authenticity, his violent wheezing soon had Jiang Kui anxiously attempting to support him instead. Thus she missed the fleeting glimmer of amusement in his eyes.
“You have my gratitude, my lady,” his mild tone belied the subtle lowering of his gaze.
The pair proceeded toward the inner halls shoulder to shoulder beneath shared umbrella. Glancing sideways, Jiang Kui noticed raindrops slipping from his shoulders had already soaked part of his robes, leaving a rather bedraggled appearance.
She nibbled her lip before shifting her grip over his hand clasping the umbrella handle and deliberately angling it several inches more toward his side, shielding half his shoulder from further drips.
Xie Wuyan turned his face slightly to look at her.
“It’s not that I care about you or anything,” she muttered awkwardly. “Just that you’re already so sickly, catching more chill will just land you abed and unable to attend the hunt.”
Xie Wuyan sighed heavily once more. “Must we really join the autumn hunt, my lady?”
“If not, what do you plan on doing instead?” Jiang Kui eyed him sharply.
“Sleep,” he responded fervently. “My lady, once autumn settles I find myself growing constantly drowsy…not to mention hunts are dreadfully dull.”
Jiang Kui barely restrained stomping him again.
“Attendance is mandatory,” she stated severely. “Don’t even think about faking illness again.”
Xie Wuyan exhaled another lengthy sigh.
Thus on the day of the hunt, the Crown Prince reluctantly boarded an ornate ceremonial carriage under the piercing gaze of his Consort. Draped in luxurious hunting attire with some lingering drowsiness, he unwillingly proceeded toward the imperial hunting grounds in the northern forbidden parks.
Within the carriage the youthful couple sat shoulder to shoulder atop embroidered brocade cushions without exchanging a word.
Clasping a warming brazier, Xie Wuyan dozed leaned against the carriage wall the entire bumpy ride. Jiang Kui flipped aside the curtains to gaze out at the shifting scenery, occasionally glancing back over at him.
He slept very soundly, head nodding limply as his body gently rocked to the carriage’s rhythmic jostling. The white fox fur collar draped over his shoulders had slipped to rest beneath his jawline. Fluffy downy edges softly caressed his face gilded by autumn’s radiance into a hazy glowing tuft.
The way he slumbered propped against the carriage walls somehow seemed vaguely familiar…
The carriage rolled to a stop. Jiang Kui swiveled her head to stare fixedly at Xie Wuyan. His long lashes gave the barest flicker before remaining motionless.
“Xie Wuyan,” Jiang Kui snapped.
He kept both eyes firmly sealed.
Raising a brow, she stretched over, brushing right up to his ear to let out a soft breath, absolutely frigid tone contrasting the intimacy. “I know you’re awake.”
His fine lashes trembled once more before slowly lifting to meet a pair of bright dazzling eyes. She gazed down into his face haloed by light, the long feathery lashes framing her own eyes glinting with tiny flecks of gold.
Xie Wuyan seemed rather startled. Still half clouded by drowsiness, he stared back for some time before finally murmuring faintly, “My lady, I’m far too weary. It’s cold outside, I’d prefer remaining in the carriage.”
For an instant Jiang Kui felt her heart soften before she noticed the healthy glow of his complexion and lucid eyes, a rosy tinge even gracing his cheeks. Likely due to having just awakened, the tips of his ears also blushed faintly.
“That won’t do,” she rejected severely. “You must participate fully in the hunt.”
Enveloped in fur pelts, Xie Wuyan was forced to alight beneath chill autumn winds, hugging the warming brazier tightly.
Lifting his face, he gazed out at the distant peaks wreathed in misty clouds amidst a sea of gold and crimson forests reflected in the bright mirrors of countless lakes. This was the sprawling imperial northern forbidden hunting reserve, site of the largest royal hunting grounds outside the capital Chang’an.
It was still early morning. The imperial carriage had yet to arrive.lavish encampments of distinguished households and imperial kinsmen already speckled the gently sloping ridge ahead, banners of different colors and sizes rippling proudly in the breeze like a vibrant winding stream.
A large contingent pulled up before the Crown Prince.
Clad in gleaming armor, the leader dismounted alongside his men to salute with cupped fist. “Greetings to Your Highness.”
Jiang Kui’s eyes lit up. “Father!”
The new arrivals were none other than her father General Jiang Cheng, her three elder brothers, and the Jiang clan retainers of Bailing. After exchanging formal bows, Jiang Kui eagerly crowded her brothers to inquire after their recent activities.
She asked Eldest Brother Jiang Luan first. “Did you return to the smithy to meet Little Bai afterward?”
Jiang Luan nodded. “I dropped by another two or three times. Please convey my heartfelt thanks next chance for Miss Bai kindly assisting with my sword on multiple occasions, even specially adjusting the blade edge several times.”
Jiang Kui grinned cheekily. “I refuse to substitute as courier. Go say it yourself.”
Though her casual words carried hints of playful mockery, Jiang Luan merely lowered his gaze with a faint yet meaningful smile. “Very well. I shall convey my gratitude personally.”
Impatient to horn into their conversation, Second Brother Jiang Feng’s deafening bellow nearly made Jiang Kui clap both ears shut. “What’re you all whispering about?! I don’t get it at all!”
Yet Third Brother Jiang Yuan actually understood. Mysteriously leaning close he whispered, “You needn’t comprehend. Just remember for future dealings with Master Smith Bai – take Eldest Brother along no matter what!”
“Huh? Why though?” Jiang Feng appeared baffled.
“Oh shush.” Jiang Kui rapped his forehead sharply. “Lower your voice, you’re piercing my eardrums.”
Jiang Yuan continued, “Little sister, is the Crown Prince treating you well? We were discussing earlier to take this hunt’s chance for some retribution if he’s ever bullied you before.”
“Why’s everyone convinced he’d oppress me?” Jiang Kui really didn’t follow their logic. “Between the two of us, who seems more the bullying sort?”
She’d barely finished speaking when three round heads swiveled in unison toward the Crown Prince conversing with the supreme commander beneath a tree, warming brazier cradled in one hand. Buried in an enormous ermine fur cloak, he smiled faintly amidst occasional soft coughs – the very picture of frail vulnerability.
Three round heads swiveled back in sync to examine the sister standing among them – clad in a prim form-fitting archer’s tunic with tight cuffs girding her slender waist. A crisp round collar accentuated her fiercely stunning features, expression spirited and gallant.
“You raise a fair point,” Jiang Yuan concluded after deliberation. “It does appear you torment him more.”
Jiang Kui snorted in mild indignation. “Well I wouldn’t state it quite so bluntly…”
“Yet a wife still can’t render her husband too feeble,” Jiang Yuan mused aloud. “Let me test his skills a bit, give him some idea that our Little Man’s family won’t be easily trifled with!”
Before Jiang Kui could intercept, he had already exchange a few words and extended a friendly sparring invitation to Xie Wuyan.
“Hey—!” Jiang Kui rushed anxiously forward to halt him.
Yet Jiang Feng’s deafening boom drowned her out. “Let them compete, little sister! Don’t worry, Yuan knows discretion. No lasting harm will come to your little husband!”
Yuan was Jiang Yuan’s courtesy name.
Jiang Kui clutched both ears once more. “Second brother, you ought to know that among the four of us, Third Brother has the worst martial arts…”
Jiang Feng started blankly. “So what if he’s the worst? Can he truly be inferior to your puny husband?”
While they conversed, Xie Wuyan had already walked over to politely greet them. Removing the heavy fur cloak from his shoulders, he passed it to his wife before following Jiang Yuan up a gentle grassy slope. The two young men faced each other at a distance.
Autumn winds sighed softly through the half-sere meadows, stirring countless grass stalks aslant to hang suspended – a rainfall of golden flecks.
Xie Wuyan’s fingertips met the sword hilt at his waist, lightly nudging outward. The naked blade rang out clear as precious metal resounds.
Wreathed in a blizzard of golden fragments, he traced a flourishing wheeling arc, sword held at salute. “Son Number Two of the Emperor, Kang.”
It was the epitome of supreme courtesy yet also utmost modesty.
From the instant his hand wrapped the hilt, his entire mien shifted as though the sword’s emergence had unsheathed his true self. The long winds swelled his billowing sleeves. Standing straight with weapon in hand, gaze serene yet chilling radiance infusing his being down to the fingers clasping tempered steel.
…Something suddenly seemed off to Jiang Yuan.
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