Chapter 32: Winter Hibernation

Chapter 32: Winter Hibernation

A heavy snowfall had just blanketed the capital, causing the bamboo in the rear mountain to bend beneath its weight. The cracking sounds of snow breaking from the branches echoed throughout the night.

Yuan Jun stood by the window, gazing at the scenery outside. The Hanguang Palace was originally situated in a remote area, functioning as a place of confinement. The grass and trees were left untended, giving off an atmosphere of desolation and bleakness. After the heavy snowfall, however, it now appeared serene and tranquil, with a sense of profound distance. Not far away, on a frigid sandbar, white birds gracefully navigated through the thick, fluffy snowflakes, their movements elegant and cold, showing no signs of discomfort in the chill.

"Efforts lie in human hands, perseverance unyielding; success depends on fate, yet one should never complain or blame others - Hengzhi, you must endure."

The exhilarating rush of blood that had been unleashed in the young palace maid's body had since subsided, but the memory of Princess Yi Yang's scorching tears on his palm still lingered, as did his sister's parting words echoing in his ears. Yet, he found himself once more confined within the cage that was his destiny.

Yuan Jun resettled himself on the kang, a heated brick platform, which wasn't overly warm, likely to conserve charcoal. But thanks to Rong Bi, the entire surface was covered with a warm and soft tiger pelt, a gift from his late father. He marveled at how the young palace maid had managed to instruct the few rough-handed eunuchs to find it, skillfully trim its edges, and layer it with cushions that perfectly supported his lower back, fostering a sense of relaxation. Leaning against the kang, he gazed at the papers spread across the small table. The young maid's handwriting was still visible, clearly imitating his own. Beside the spacious kang table lay a book she had been reading, marked with a bookmark – a farming manual for spring planting, within which a sheet of Xuelang paper was folded.

He unfolded the delicate Xuelang paper slowly, only to find a map of Hanguang Palace sketched upon it. Each area was circled, with tiny calligraphy on one side labeling them as "leeks," "melon vines," "wisteria," "Chinese cabbage," "spinach," and "flat beans." Apparently, this little palace maid had already planned to cultivate these crops within Hanguang Palace. She seemed genuinely determined to make a life for herself in this desolate place. However, with snow now covering the ground and the soil frozen solid, all such plans would have to wait until the arrival of spring. He carefully refolded the paper, realizing that during his time in Hanguang Palace, he had not paid attention to its hills and waters, its grasses and trees, nor had he noticed the comings and goings of those around him.

It was this astute and exquisite palace maid, with her meticulous attention to detail, who gently tended to the needs of others, arranging their daily lives from clothing to food, shelter, and travel. She also meticulously organized the inner workings of the Han Palace. In just a few days, she had settled everything in an orderly manner. One could truly say she was a great general within the confines of a woman's chamber.

On the table sat an inkstone, its surface dark and unreflective, already prepared with ink by the eunuchs. Despite the biting cold of the third nine-day period of winter, the ink remained unfrozen. On a nearby stand, there were superior brushes from the lake region. Even though he was imprisoned, the calligraphy tools he used were still the finest. He picked up the brush, dipped it slowly into the ink, and continued to write on the unfinished mulberry bark paper. The entire sheet appeared splashed with ink, and perhaps only he could distinguish which characters were his own and which belonged to the young palace maid.

In the previous court, a series of year-end rituals had just concluded, followed by the suspension of official duties and the sealing of imperial seals. The palace hosted a grand banquet to honor ministers and noble dignitaries of rank three and above. In the Harmony and Righteousness Hall, brilliant candles illuminated the chamber, filled with a regal purple and red ambiance, while the officials' attire shimmered with splendor. Yet, all eyes secretly wandered to the seat normally occupied by the Emperor's right-hand man, which was once the domain of the Crown Prince. Now, it was occupied by Prince Yuan Zhen, the second son of the Emperor. Dressed in a golden-yellow prince's robe, he radiated brilliance, his countenance reflecting an air of self-assurance.

Princess Yi Yang was married off to the northern frontier, and the Crown Prince was ordered to stay indoors and study. The Emperor's intentions were as deep as an abyss, with his thunderous and resolute methods. In recent days, there has been a tumultuous undercurrent in the court, yet no one dared to speculate on the thoughts of the current Emperor.

As the wine flowed freely, Yuan Zixu perused the panegyrics composed by the scholars of the Hanlin Academy, filled with florid language extolling a world at peace. He chuckled and said, "The bear's paw served today is excellent. Bestow a portion of the feast and wine upon the Crown Prince as a reward for his recent dedication to studying and his thirst for knowledge."

The grand hall fell silent for a moment, and immediately, a court attendant stepped forward to receive the imperial edict, taking with him the wine and delicacies without further ado. Despite his youth, Yuan Zhen's face froze for a while before he managed to smile and say, "Imperial Father's kindness is boundless, and Elder Brother will surely be deeply grateful."

Yuan Zixu chuckled. "It's time for you to gain some experience as well. After the new year, when the offices reopen, go and train at the Ministry of Rites. Take on a few assignments to hone your skills."

Yuan Zhen was overjoyed and promptly stepped forward to express his gratitude.

Yuan Zixu looked down upon Yuan Zhen, whose face was beaming with joy, while the other princes concealed their yearning for power behind their eyes. The officials at the banquet were filled with both fear and suspicion, and Yuan Zixu reveled in the exhilarating rush of authority that swelled within him, granting him supreme delight and pleasure. This was the ultimate imperial power, the authority of the Son of Heaven, where thunder and rain, alike, were expressions of the emperor's grace. And he was the Son of Heaven!

Even as the grand banquet came to an end, Yuan Zixu remained immersed in the thrill of having everything under his control. Drunk with the evening's spirits, he leisurely returned to his chambers, where a few palace ladies dressed as Taoist nuns were already attending to him, helping him undress and donning a comfortable Taoist robe. Some offered him golden pills and jade elixirs to consume, while others massaged his legs. Incense for meditation and spiritual cultivation was lit by yet another.

Yet, Yuan Zixu waved them away, summoning his chief eunuch, Li Dongfu, to inquire, "Have I rewarded the Crown Prince? How was he today?"

Li Dongfu hurriedly stepped forward to reply, "Your Highness the Crown Prince received the reward, gave thanks, and then ate. He didn't say anything else. When I asked the attendants, they said that the Crown Prince mostly reads books, practices Ba Duan Jin, and occasionally shoots arrows in the courtyard, but not every day."

Yuan Zixu's curiosity piqued, "What books does he read?"

Li Dongfu replied, "I've inquired. People have been sent to borrow numerous books related to the northern region, a diverse collection including agricultural texts, military histories, anecdotes, and personal notes, even theatrical scripts. All of them are from the north, and they're copying passages daily. I hear they've already filled a thick volume, which has been bound in traditional style."

Yuan Zixu's brows relaxed slightly. "He must be worried about Yi Yang. This child is close to Yi Yang, so let him copy as he wishes. Don't hinder the Imperial Study; any books the Crown Prince requests should not be denied. Also, ensure no negligence in his daily provisions and needs."

His face was wreathed in smiles, exuding kindness and warmth under the candlelight and incense smoke, as if he were a caring father-king deeply concerned about his son's well-being. However, Li Dongfu bowed deeply, his eyes lowered to avoid revealing the fear in his gaze. The guards stationed at the Heng Palace were all fierce soldiers transferred from the Western Camp, and their numbers had tripled within a month. Constantly, individuals were secretly removed for suspected communication with the Crown Prince's servants. Now, only Shen Anlin, the commander of the East Palace guards chosen by Empress Chen in the past, remained, but he was essentially powerless. In essence, he was just a companion to accompany the Crown Prince in archery practice and could not mobilize any troops.

For officials outside, no one could communicate with the Crown Prince. Gao Taifu, who had previously taught the prince, submitted a memorial before the New Year, suggesting that with the approaching holidays, the prince, after much reflection, might fall behind in his studies. He proposed that the scholars from the Hanlin Academy take turns assigning tasks to the prince. The emperor flew into a rage, reprimanding Gao Taifu for disrespecting his sovereign and ordering him to retire. As a three-dynasty veteran, Gao Taifu fell ill immediately after the imperial scolding and indeed retired to his hometown.

As for the command of the palace guards, he personally delivered a sealed edict, stipulating that if the Crown Prince took a single step out of the palace, regardless of reason, the guards were authorized to execute him on the spot and report later.

This is the emperor's legitimate eldest son. Yet, the emperor is raising him like a pig.

Yuan Zixu still smiled and asked, "Is the Crown Prince still not fond of speaking? It won't do for him to remain silent every day. I've heard that he has dismissed the Attendants of his Quarters again? Tell the Empress tomorrow that we should look for a few more well-mannered and tranquil Attendants for the Crown Prince. We must ensure someone is there to take care of him."

A chill ran down Li Dongfu's spine. Raising a pig wasn't enough; now they were raising a stud boar. The Crown Prince, without a Crown Princess, would have a harem of palace women producing illegitimate sons with no one to properly educate them. His isolation was akin to captivity. In just a few years, even the most talented young man would likely be ruined.

He still answered respectfully, "Yes, this servant will convey the message."

Yuan Zixu consumed a golden pill, and a hint of ethereal daze appeared on his face. Slowly, he crossed his legs and began meditating, his voice drifting, "You may leave. I'm going to cultivate my inner elixir. Just let a few Vessels remain to serve."

Li Dongfu hastily retreated, witnessing several Taoist nuns, attired in sheer jade gauze robes, softly and gracefully bowing close to the emperor. These nuns had been bestowed Taoist names by the emperor, known respectively as Jingguan and Cuixu, while Li Dongfu himself had adopted the Taoist name Xuanlan, often signing his poems with this pseudonym.

As Li Dongfu stepped back delicately, he observed Jingguan removing her outer robe, revealing a gossamer-like jade gauze beneath, her exquisite figure outlined under the thin garment. She bent low before the emperor, sitting cross-legged, lowering her head to serve him. Yuan Zixu, accustomed to such scenes, half-lidded his eyes, his expression transcendent, almost divine. The nun, Jingguan, leaned even closer, while Cuixu circled behind the emperor, her flowing, loose Taoist robe evoking an ethereal aura as she embraced the emperor.

The attendant novices, as usual, drew the curtains, blocking Li Dongfu's view. He exited the palace, filled with sweet scents, and looked outside where snow was once again gently falling.

This winter in the capital was particularly harsh, with unusually heavy snowfall. Many would undoubtedly suffer from cold and hunger, and spring seemed too far away.