Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Emperor Xingwu disliked his youngest daughter constantly pestering him with questions, yet when she didn't seek him out for several days, he found himself missing her dearly. After all, she was the beloved child he had yearned for during his year-long campaign—clever, bright, and adorably innocent, still at an age where she dared to be affectionate and openly spoiled. If he didn't cherish these moments now, once she grew up, it would no longer be appropriate to embrace her.

One day, after a forty-five-minute arithmetic lesson at Chongwen Pavilion, Princess Qingyang habitually took a shortcut through Qianyuan Hall on her way to the West Palace to see her mother. A junior eunuch, bowing deeply, blocked her path and, with a beaming smile, announced, "Your Highness, His Majesty is nearly finished with his morning memorials and invites you to join him for lunch."

Princess Qingyang’s initial fascination with her ever-busy father had largely waned. She replied reluctantly, "I promised to eat with Mother."

The eunuch’s smile grew even more obsequious. "His Majesty was aware. He instructed this servant to inform Consort Li in advance. By now, Her Ladyship has likely already dined."

Princess Qingyang had no choice but to change direction and head towards the main hall of Qianyuan Hall.

Emperor Xingwu had just washed his hands. Spotting the small figure entering with He Yuanjing, he handed the towel to a palace attendant, walked over, and lifted his daughter into his arms. "You’ve been in class for so long—are you hungry, Lin’er?"

"I'm hungry," Qingyang replied.

Emperor Xingwu immediately instructed He Yuanjing, "Serve the meal."

The little princess was at her quietest and asked the fewest questions during her three daily meals. After the nursemaid arranged the dishes of food in front of her, she withdrew. Qingyang eyed the fragrant ribs, fish balls, shrimp, tofu, and greens, then began eating, alternating between chopsticks and a spoon. Her cheeks puffed out, and she barely glanced at her father across the table.

Emperor Xingwu watched with immense pleasure. His daughter’s hearty appetite brought him more joy than his own.

The portions prepared by the nursemaid were just right. Qingyang slowly finished half a bowl of rice with her spoon, then speared a few pieces of melon, concluding her meal with satisfaction.

The nursemaid entered to help the little princess rinse her mouth and wash her face.

Once all was done, Qingyang said, "Father, I'm going to find Mother."

"Stay and nap here with Father," Emperor Xingwu suggested. "You can go find Mother after you wake up."

Qingyang blinked. "If Mother has time to play with me after my nap, will Father have time today too?"

Emperor Xingwu smiled. "It's not as busy today. After you wake up, Father will take you to the Imperial Garden."

"I don't want to go to the Imperial Garden," Qingyang declared. "I want to go somewhere I've never been before."

The little princess’s demeanor was utterly charming to adults, but Emperor Xingwu saw the genuine seriousness in her eyes. So he asked just as earnestly, "Where hasn't Lin’er been before?"

"Outside Qianyuan Gate," Qingyang replied. "Mother said that area is the Outer Court and I'm never allowed to go there."

Emperor Xingwu paused. "…Mother is right. The Outer Court is where the ministers work. Even Father doesn't go there unless necessary, as it would disturb them and hinder their duties."

"What are they doing?" Qingyang asked.

Emperor Xingwu was silent.

Qingyang could now recognize when adults didn't want to answer her questions. Displeased, she said, "If Father won't take me, I'll go find Mother."

Compared to a father unwilling to play, Qingyang still preferred her mother.

Emperor Xingwu conceded, "…If Father can't take you, how about having Jie Yu accompany you instead?"

He was willing to walk with his daughter, but he knew she would ask endless questions along the way—something he couldn't endure.

Qingyang happily ran up to her father, and after he lifted her high into his arms, she planted a kiss on his right cheek. "Father is the best!"

Emperor Xingwu snorted. "Who do you like more—Father or Mother?"

Qingyang hesitated. "…I like both."

"Mother won't let you go to the Outer Court, but Father will," Emperor Xingwu pressed. "Why do you still like us equally?"

"Mother only forbids it because she's afraid Father will be angry," Qingyang explained. "If Father says it's fine, Mother definitely won't stop me."

Emperor Xingwu pinched his daughter’s little cheek. "You are too clever!"

.

There was a couch in the imperial study. Emperor Xingwu napped with his daughter for a little over half an hour before waking. After stretching his limbs, he sat back down at the imperial desk to continue reviewing memorials, glancing from time to time at his soundly sleeping little princess. If his fondness for his awake daughter was a ten, it soared to a hundred or a thousand when she was asleep.

By the time the little princess finally woke up, the sunlight outside the window was no longer so harsh.

Emperor Xingwu personally helped his daughter wipe her face, instructing her as he did so: "You may go take a look at the Outer Court, but no running around or playing, and certainly do not disturb the officials at work."

"I know," Qingyang replied.

She had heard similar warnings too many times and was tired of them.

"If any minister asks why you're there, how will you answer, Lin’er?" Emperor Xingwu asked.

Qingyang thought for a moment and said, "Father is busy, so I'm checking to see if they're working diligently."

That was what Uncle Prince Yong said when he went to Chongwen Pavilion to inspect the imperial brothers’ studies.

Emperor Xingwu was stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Good! That’s exactly what you should say, Lin’er. If you truly catch anyone slacking off, come back and tell Father!"

Qingyang remembered Uncle Prince Yong’s words and, with them, the day the guards at Chongwen Pavilion had stopped her. Worried, she asked, "What if the guards everywhere try to stop me?"

Emperor Xingwu nodded and had He Yuanjing fetch a waist token carved with a red-gold dragon. He told his daughter, "Seeing this token is like seeing Father himself. No guard will stop you. Jie Yu will keep it for now—show it to the guards when needed and put it away immediately afterward. You are not to use this token to throw your weight around in front of the officials."

Qingyang took the token, examining both sides. "What does 'throw your weight around' mean?"

Emperor Xingwu sighed. "…Hurry up and set off. Have Jie Yu explain it to you on the way."

.

Once past Qianyuan Gate, the Three Great Halls, led by Taihe Hall, came into view. Since they weren’t in use, all the hall doors were locked.

Under the covert, sometimes bewildered, sometimes nervous gazes of the guards, Princess Qingyang pressed her face against the door cracks to peer inside each of the three halls. Seeing that the interiors were similar to the front hall of Qianyuan Hall where court assemblies were held—and equally empty—she lost interest in going inside.

South of Taihe Hall, the East and West Wings housed the Affairs Hall and the Central Secretariat, respectively.

Princess Qingyang went to the Affairs Hall first, but since it was primarily where the Two Chancellors and the Ministers of the Six Ministries held discussions—usually in the morning or for specially convened meetings—only minor functionaries were present at that time. After walking around briefly, Princess Qingyang headed to the Central Secretariat.

Even before entering the courtyard of the Central Secretariat, she could already hear faint voices from within—clearly, there were many people inside!

Princess Qingyang quickened her pace.

The Two Chancellors were stationed in the Central Secretariat, usually working in their offices to review memorials and discuss important matters. They issued orders and dispatched minor officials and clerks to carry out tasks. These lower-ranking officials were even busier, rushing about. When they saw a young girl, dressed in fine brocade despite her age, suddenly appear in the courtyard—followed by a poised eunuch who treated them with neither subservience nor arrogance—they guessed she must be Princess Qingyang, the emperor’s daughter.

They didn’t know why Princess Qingyang had come, nor did they have time to delay. After offering brief salutes, they continued with their work.

Princess Qingyang kept her father’s words in mind and did not stop any of the officials. After getting a clear layout of the outer area, she headed toward the central office.

Jie Yu whispered, "Your Highness, that is where the two chancellors work. Perhaps we should not disturb them?"

Princess Qingyang continued inward regardless.

Jie Yu shook his head helplessly, suspecting that the little princess would likely want to explore every corner of the palace before she was satisfied.

The door to the main office was open. Inside, four clerks assisting the chancellors were seated. When they saw the princess, they exchanged uncertain glances.

Jie Yu signaled for them to dispense with formalities.

Princess Qingyang followed the voices to the eastern chamber.

Left Chancellor Yan Xizheng and Right Chancellor Dai Lun were discussing a provincial report when they noticed the doorway curtain shift. Both glanced over simultaneously to see a small hand lifting the curtain, followed by the figure of a young child.

Yan Xizheng rose in surprise. "Princess Qingyang?"

Having walked such a long way and finally spotting a familiar face, Princess Qingyang was delighted. Her gaze swept over the two chancellors, whose physiques were strikingly different, and she pointed them out confidently: "I recognize you. You're the Left Chancellor, and you're the Right Chancellor."

The portly Chancellor Dai Lun smiled warmly and bowed. "This servant Dai Lun pays respect to Your Highness."

Yan Xizheng offered a perfunctory bow as well, then shot a displeased look at Jie Yu, silently questioning why the eunuch had allowed the young princess to wander in here.

Jie Yu lowered his head slightly but offered no explanation. Nor did he produce the imperial pass to justify himself. After all, would the Left Chancellor really hold a three-year-old princess accountable for etiquette and rules? Even if he did, did he have the authority to reprimand the young princess?

Princess Qingyang could sense the moods of adults. She turned to Yan Xizheng and said, "You may continue your work. There's no need to mind me."

Lower-ranking court officials revered the chancellors; their wives, concubines, and servants held them in awe. But the three-year-old princess had been doted on by everyone around her since birth, enjoying a level of prestige far exceeding the respect accorded to the chancellors. Moreover, she was well aware that her father was the most powerful man in the world, having personally witnessed Uncle Prince Yong, the two chancellors, and all the civil and military officials kneeling in welcome to her father. Why would she fear those who had to obey her father’s every command?

Thus, despite being only three years old, Princess Qingyang’s gaze and tone when addressing the two chancellors naturally carried an air of superiority. If this had been an older princess, such behavior might have been considered somewhat disrespectful, lacking in proper deference toward high-ranking court officials. But the young princess was genuinely three years old, unaware of social conventions. The pure innocence in her eyes instead made her seem adorably earnest, as if playacting adulthood.

Yan Xizheng was momentarily speechless. He slowly sat back down in his chair, all the while keeping a watchful eye on the little princess’s actions.

Princess Qingyang approached the kindly faced Dai Lun. "You continue your work as well."

Dai Lun exchanged a glance with Yan Xizheng, smiled, and resumed his seat. As he dipped his brush in ink, he said, "Left Chancellor, shall we finalize this document as we just discussed?"

Yan Xizheng replied, "Approved."

Dai Lun focused on his writing.

Princess Qingyang stood beside the desk, her eyes following the tip of the Right Chancellor’s brush. When he finished, she asked, "Why is your brush using black ink? Father Emperor uses red."

Dai Lun replied respectfully, "Because your servant is only reviewing memorandums on behalf of the Emperor, sharing His Majesty’s burdens. The final say remains with the Emperor. The red brush symbolizes the Emperor’s ultimate authority, and it shows up better against black characters on white paper, making it less likely for lower officials to misread or confuse instructions when they receive the documents."

Princess Qingyang understood. Noticing that Yan Xizheng was still watching her warily, as if afraid she might cause trouble, she glared back unhappily and left.

As the doorway curtain fell back into place, Yan Xizheng couldn’t help muttering under his breath, "What nonsense."

He wasn’t truly upset with the little princess; his irritation was directed at the palace attendants who had failed in their duty to dissuade her.

Dai Lun took it in stride. "What child isn’t playful? My own granddaughter often gets into mischief in my study."

Yan Xizheng retorted, "That’s your study. How can you compare it to this place?"

Dai Lun thought to himself that his granddaughter couldn’t be compared to the little princess either.

Leaving the Secretariat, to the south lay the Chengtian Gate. Between the Chengtian Gate and the Vermilion Bird Gate, the main southern gate of the imperial city, stretched a long palace pathway flanked on both sides by government offices including the Dali Temple, the Censorate, the Hanlin Academy, and the Six Ministries.

The little princess swaggered through each government office, and even after touring them all, she still wasn’t satisfied. She continued toward offices further away. Jie Yu could have tried to dissuade her at any time, but since the princess wouldn’t listen, there was little he could do.

As she walked, Princess Qingyang paused in front of a government office compound, tilting her head back to examine the plaque hanging above. She sounded out the characters: "Im-per-ial Guard."

The little princess recognized some characters from her lessons with her tutor, and others she had picked up by pestering her third brother and Zhang Su to teach her while they did their homework.

Jie Yu explained, "The Imperial Guard is responsible for all the guards within the entire imperial city. Its chief is the Imperial Guard Commander, appointed directly by the Emperor without going through the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of War, or the Secretariat."

Princess Qingyang nodded and walked in.

The offices of the Imperial Guard were occupied only by low-level clerks. Just as the princess was beginning to find it dull, a burst of cheers suddenly came from the east, followed immediately by silence.

Princess Qingyang asked one of the guards in the courtyard, "Who’s over there?"

The guard replied, "Your Highness, it’s Commander Fan running drills with the guards."

Princess Qingyang’s eyes lit up. "Take me there."

The guard hesitated briefly but, catching sight of Jie Yu subtly retrieving the imperial pass from his right sleeve, immediately led the way.

To the east of the Imperial Guard was a training ground. The afternoon drills had already concluded, and Imperial Guard Commander Fan Zhong had selected ten men to practice with him. This was also a way to test the guards’ martial arts skills. Those who performed poorly would be scolded, and those who showed no improvement or slacked off would be expelled from the Imperial Guard and replaced with more skilled fighters.

As the little princess approached, Fan Zhong was just engaging a guard. Neither wore armor, only the black training clothes, and they fought barehanded, wrestling.

Princess Qingyang stared wide-eyed, unable to believe what she was seeing. She followed the robust figure of one man, thinking his outstretched arm was thicker than Jie Yu’s thigh, his shoulders broader than two Jie Yus put together, and even his widened eyes when exerting force seemed larger than both of Jie Yu’s eyes combined.

Just then, Fan Zhong’s tiger-like eyes, widened as he pinned the guard, met the princess’s round, astonished ones.

"Princess?" Fan Zhong exclaimed.

Last month, when the Emperor returned triumphant to the capital and introduced the little princess to the officials who had remained in the city, Fan Zhong had also memorized her face.

Princess Qingyang continued staring at his thick eyebrows and the short, coarse black stubble around his mouth.

Fan Zhong thought of how children on the street often ran away or even burst out crying at the sight of him. Worried the little princess might also be frightened—and that the Emperor would be upset—he grew anxious.

So, Fan Zhong forced what he believed to be a friendly smile, bent down, lowered his head, and took what he considered gentle steps as he slowly approached. In a voice he thought was soft and soothing, though still gruff, he carefully coaxed, "What brings Your Highness to the Imperial Guard?"

Standing behind the little princess, Jie Yu watched Commander Fan’s approach and couldn’t help but envision a fierce tiger poised to pounce on a child.

Jie Yu almost stepped in front of the princess to shield her when he suddenly heard her ask in a childish, completely fearless voice, "How are your arms so thick?"

Jie Yu steadied himself.

Fan Zhong dropped to one knee before the little princess, still having to lower his head to look at her. Glancing at his own arm, he laughed heartily. "Because your servant was born with a large frame and has trained diligently in martial arts since childhood, which is how I developed such sturdy arms."

"Can I touch them?" Princess Qingyang asked.

Fan Zhong grinned. "Of course."

He extended his right arm, and Princess Qingyang pinched it with both hands—but couldn’t make a dent.

Standing so close, she couldn’t resist pulling on his beard.

"Hey, hey, hey—Your Highness, gently now…" Fan Zhong cried.

Princess Qingyang let go and, staring at the thick, coarse eyebrows above Fan Zhong’s eyes—too high for her to reach—frowned and said, "Your eyebrows are so messy. Why don’t you groom them?"

The surrounding guards burst into laughter.

Fan Zhong glared at them, then turned back to the princess with a patient explanation. "Your Highness may not know this, but these eyebrows of mine are actually quite advantageous. When I followed the Emperor into battle, sometimes just widening my eyes and raising my eyebrows was enough to frighten enemy soldiers. If I groomed them to look neater, they might be less afraid—wouldn’t that give the enemy an advantage?"

Princess Qingyang understood and now seemed quite pleased with Fan Zhong’s appearance. She urged him, "Go wrestle. I want to watch."

Following her command, Fan Zhong rolled up his sleeves and sparred with even greater vigor. Since the little princess hadn’t had her fill, he continued selecting guards to wrestle, going until he was sweaty and exhausted and likely too exhausted to defeat a well-rested guard. Finally, panting heavily, he knelt before the princess and coaxed, "Your Highness, your servant is completely exhausted. Shall we call it a day?"

"Alright," Qingyang said.

Seeing sweat dripping down Fan Zhong’s face, she told Jie Yu to give him a handkerchief to wipe it off.

Fan Zhong felt deeply touched—the little princess hadn’t been treating him like a performing monkey; she actually cared about him!

But he didn't trouble Jie Yu, casually wiping his face with his sleeve: "I'm a rough man, this is good enough."

"Then are you hungry?" Qingyang asked. "I'll treat you to some pastries."

Every time her third brother or Zhang Su returned from martial practice, her mother would prepare pastries for them.

Fan Zhong was so moved he nearly cried—apart from his own two little rascals, the princess was the first child outside his family willing to be close to him!

"No need, I'm not hungry…"

Before he could finish, Fan Zhong's stomach suddenly growled loudly, and surprisingly, the stomachs of some guards around them also started rumbling in unison.

The little princess was thoroughly amused, laughing uncontrollably, and insisted on treating them to pastries.

Fan Zhong shooed the guards away and followed the little princess alone to see the emperor.

On the way there, Qingyang was full of energy and didn't mind the distance, but on the return trip, she grew tired even before leaving the Imperial Guard headquarters. She glanced at Jie Yu, then at Fan Zhong, and said to the latter, "Go take a bath and change your clothes, then carry me."

"Yes! Please wait a moment, Your Highness!" Fan Zhong exclaimed.

Fan Zhong was familiar with the Imperial Guard headquarters and rushed straight to the water room to take a cold shower. After two rounds of washing, the attendant serving him brought over the second-rank purple military official robe. The tall, robust commander adjusted his black belt and straightened his official hat, instantly appearing more imposing and dignified than during his earlier martial practice.

After passing through the Chengtian and Qianyuan palace gates, Fan Zhong prepared to set the little princess down and properly request an audience outside the central hall study. But when he turned his head, he saw the little princess had fallen asleep on his shoulder.

Fan Zhong looked at Jie Yu for help.

Just then, Emperor Xingwu, having received word from He Yuanjing, stepped out and witnessed the scene. He teased Fan Zhong: "Well, well, when did you learn how to coax children?"

Fan Zhong replied with a proud look: "To be honest, Your Majesty, I don't know why the little princess took a liking to me. She insisted on treating me to pastries."

Emperor Xingwu mused, "The last one to win Qingyang's favor was Zhang Jie. Could it be that in Qingyang's eyes, you're just as handsome as Zhang Jie?"

Fan Zhong couldn't hold back and let out a few roars of laughter, startling the little princess awake.

Fan Zhong quickly shut his mouth.

Qingyang rubbed her eyes, turned her head, and upon seeing her father, stretched out her hands trustingly.

Emperor Xingwu's heart softened as he took his beloved daughter into his arms, soothing her gently, "Father will carry Lin'er inside to continue sleeping."

Just as Qingyang was about to nod, she caught sight of Fan Zhong behind her and said sleepily, "Father, treat him to some pastries."

And so, as the red sun dipped westward, Fan Zhong walked cheerfully down the palace road, carrying a package of imperially bestowed pastries in hand, ready to take them home to feed his two little ones.

While Qingyang slept soundly, Jie Yu respectfully presented the imperial waist token and requested the Emperor to take it back.

Emperor Xingwu thought for a moment but still had He Yuanjing take it away. After all, the Outer Court was still the Outer Court. He could indulge his daughter once, but if he frequently allowed her to go there, the ministers would surely talk, which would not be good for either him or his daughter.

What comforted Emperor Xingwu was that Qingyang no longer insisted on going to the Outer Court—perhaps after her visit, she had found it not very interesting after all.