Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The Orchid Terrace served as the palace’s library and historical archives.

Before her coming-of-age ceremony, Li Zhu and her younger brother, Shen Fu, had often listened to the Crown Prince’s Tutor lecture on the classics here, making her quite familiar with the place.

Timing her arrival perfectly, Li Zhu entered just as the morning lesson was concluding.

The Tutor set down his classical texts and sighed softly as he glanced at the young prince, who had dozed off. Noticing Li Zhu from the corner of his eye, his face suddenly brightened.

“Your Highness, what brings you here? This old minister pays his respects.”

Before he could fully bow, Li Zhu personally helped him upright.

When he looked up, the Tutor saw the princess staring intently at him, her eyes shining brightly.

Puzzled, the Tutor asked, “Is there something on my face today?”

“No,” Li Zhu laughed. “It’s just been a long time since I’ve seen you, old man. I’ve missed you a little.”

Though she smiled, Li Zhu felt a pang of sorrow in her heart.

In her past life, the Tutor hadn’t even lived to see the fall of Nan Yong.

When Nan Yong suffered its first defeat against North Yue and the court decided to pay annual tribute, the Tutor, leading the faction advocating for war, submitted countless memorials.

Emperor Mingzhao ignored them, so the Tutor prostrated himself outside the Jade Hall for a long time, pleading for troops to be sent into battle.

Emperor Mingzhao still refused.

On the very day the tribute convoy set out from Luoyang, news came from the Tutor’s residence—

The Tutor had locked himself away for seven days, refusing food, and died while maintaining a kowtowing posture, facing the direction of the old capital of the Yong Dynasty.

The image of his funeral in her previous life overlapped with the figure before her now.

“The more Your Highness says such things, the more wary this old minister becomes.”

Looking at the princess, who was the same age as his own granddaughter, the white-bearded Tutor smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling.

“Last time, Your Highness insisted that this old minister take Your Highness’s calligraphy to the Monthly Appraisal. Unexpectedly, it caused quite a stir—everyone in Luoyang was asking which master’s work it was. I barely managed to keep it secret. This time, please don’t ask this old minister to do such a thing again.”

“It’s not that this time!”

Li Zhu hurriedly explained:

“Today, I’ve come to ask the Tutor to write a letter of recommendation for a scholar to become a direct disciple of the Confucian Master Xie Ji.”

This answer was completely unexpected.

Seeing that Li Zhu looked serious and not at all playful, the Tutor knew she had something important to say. He glanced around and gestured for her to follow him into an inner chamber.

After they sat down before a carved lacquer screen, he pressed for details:

“Your Highness has long resided deep within the palace and rarely interacts with outsiders. May I ask which family’s scholar has such an honor to receive Your Highness’s personal recommendation?”

“Actually, I’m not entirely sure either.”

Li Zhu feigned innocence and ignorance, blinking as she said:

“Yu Hui asked me for this favor. He said that although Xie Ji is highly talented, he is eccentric and rarely accepts disciples outside his own family. Only the Tutor has a good enough relationship with him to do him this favor.”

The Tutor frowned, looking at Li Zhu with an expression of hesitation.

Recommending a scholar wasn’t a big deal in itself, but once this person entered officialdom, he would inevitably become one of the Qin family’s allies.

The princess was essentially paving the way for someone else.

But what could he say?

The powerful local clans in the south were strong, and for the court of Nan Yong to ensure its decrees were followed after moving the capital here, it had to cultivate the Qin family as imperial in-laws to counterbalance these clans.

Even if the Qin family grew too powerful in the future and threatened the imperial house, that was a problem for another day.

The marriage between the princess and the Qin family’s eldest son was already decided.

The Tutor said nothing more. He fetched bamboo slips, picked up his brush, and after writing the opening, asked for the name.

“Pei Yinzhi of the Yiling Pei family.”

Li Zhu rested her chin on her hand, a cheerful smile on her face as she spoke the name.

The Tutor, however, felt uneasy.

The Yiling Pei family?

Where did the Qin family dig up this destitute clan?

The Tutor sighed inwardly as he finished writing and stamped it with an *yinwen* seal.

When he handed the letter of recommendation to Li Zhu, he earnestly advised:

“There are many knowledgeable figures in the court today, but few capable of actual accomplishments. Whatever his stance, should this person enter officialdom in the future, he must remember to remain loyal to His Majesty and to the people of Nan Yong…”

“Tutor, don’t worry!”

Li Zhu swiftly snatched the recommendation letter. Startled, the Tutor looked up and met the princess’s bright, determined gaze.

“Though he has not yet reached adulthood, he is exceptionally talented, physically frail but strong-willed. His lifelong ambition is to reclaim the eleven northern provinces, for which he would willingly sacrifice everything without a second thought! If he enters officialdom, he will surely unite our fragmented situation and become a pillar of Nan Yong’s government!”

The old man was taken aback.

“…Our Nan Yong has such a young hero?”

Li Zhu nodded solemnly.

These words were not hers but came from one of the Three Excellencies in her previous life, Imperial Censor-in-Chief Xu Mengxuan, who had spoken them personally before the court.

It was said that after Pei Yinzhi was promoted to an official post in Luoyang, Xu Mengxuan had held this young man in high esteem.

Praised by one of the Three Excellencies, Pei Yinzhi quickly became famous upon his arrival in Luoyang.

But later, there were also many rumors that Xu Mengxuan had been coerced by Pei Yinzhi into making such exaggerated, insincere statements to boost his reputation.

When Li Zhu heard such gossip, she scoffed.

A bunch of spineless cowards, slandering the great hero of Nan Yong.

Aside from the claim of “outstanding scholarship,” which was slightly exaggerated, which part of it was untrue?

Before Pei Yinzhi entered officialdom, the faction advocating for peace held the upper hand in court.

Nan Yong paid annual tributes to Northern Yue year after year, bolstering Northern Yue’s power and feeding the horses of Wuhuan people.

If Pei Yinzhi had not taken up the banner of the faction advocating for war, Nan Yong would have fallen long before the seventh year of the Xining era.

These officials and nobles, despite having read volumes of sage texts, somehow ended up with nothing but envious demeanors.

With one matter settled, Li Zhu bid farewell to the Grand Tutor and stepped out of the inner chamber light-footed.

“What’s this? Let me see!”

A boy’s voice rang out abruptly.

Almost instantly, Li Zhu’s blood rushed to her head as she swiftly pivoted away, clutching the letter of recommendation in her arms and making him grab at air.

The boy staggered, nearly falling, and turned back in a rage.

“Hiding it so tightly—what shameful thing are you hiding?”

Though his features still carried a child’s innocence, the boy’s face already bore the handsome outline of a youth.

Especially his eyes, which were identical to Emperor Mingzhao’s, naturally imposing and dignified, enough to intimidate at first glance.

This was Li Zhu’s half-brother, Empress Qin’s son, Shen Fu.

“…What’s it to you?”

Li Zhu slowly hid the letter behind her back, affecting nonchalance as she glanced at him:

“The red imprint on your face is so deep—did you fall asleep during morning lessons again? Shen Fu, have you still not mastered the ‘Primer for Enlightenment’ this year?”

Though her tone was mild, Li Zhu’s heart was racing uncontrollably.

Shen Fu must not see Pei Yinzhi’s name.

If this letter of recommendation fell into Empress Qin’s hands, Pei Yinzhi would be labeled as part of the princess’s faction, and Empress Qin would never allow him to rise to prominence!

“How dare you mock me!” Shen Fu roared.

Li Zhu cursed inwardly in frustration.

Shen Fu said, “What’s the use of you knowing so many characters? After your hair-pinning ceremony, you won’t be allowed to attend lectures at the Orchid Terrace anymore. I can study as long as I want. Shen Lizhu, you must be seething with envy!”

The eight-year-old boy was at that age where everyone finds him insufferable, his smile particularly malicious.

Li Zhu knew she shouldn’t squabble with a child.

But she was still flushed with anger because Shen Fu was right—she was indeed envious.

“Move aside!”

“I won’t, unless you show me what’s in your hand!”

Li Zhu’s barely calmed heart tightened again.

Empress Qin was paranoid by nature. Not only must the contents of the letter remain hidden, but even its existence must be kept from her. Otherwise, her upcoming inspection tour would face even greater difficulties.

What to do?

How could she distract Shen Fu?

Li Zhu took a deep breath.

“…What’s so great about studying at the Orchid Terrace? Once I open my own estate outside the palace, I’ll invite the Grand Tutor to teach me at the princess’s manor. After all, Father favors me over you—he’ll surely agree.”

Shen Fu’s expression instantly darkened.

Like Li Zhu, he had a temper that was easily provoked.

“The Grand Tutor is tutor to the Crown Prince! How could he teach you alone?”

“But you’re not the Crown Prince. I have two commanderies as my estate—what has Father given you?”

“You! You! You—just you wait, Shen Lizhu! I’ll show you my power someday!”

“Someday? What can you possibly do then?”

“I’m Father’s only son! When he dies, I’ll be the Emperor of Nan Yong!”

The boy’s immature, arrogant voice echoed around the Orchid Terrace.

Several clerks passing by with scrolls glanced over, whispering among themselves.

The Grand Tutor, who had just emerged from the inner chamber, was so startled his voice cracked.

“Your Highness! You mustn’t say such things!”

But Li Zhu had been waiting for exactly this outburst.

She scolded angrily, “Shen Fu! How dare you curse Father to die? You have some nerve!”

Shen Fu realized he had misspoken but had no time to defend himself before Li Zhu, acting on malicious impulse, shoved him!

The elderly Grand Tutor, his mind racing faster than his words, could only watch helplessly as Li Zhu pushed Shen Fu into the lotus pond beside the Orchid Terrace.

Splash—!

“…Someone, help! The First Prince has fallen into the water!”

The trembling Grand Tutor rushed forward, confirmed that Shen Fu had indeed fallen into the water, and felt lightheaded with panic.

“Princess! What has come over you today? You…you’ve never acted so recklessly before…”

Before the palace guards arrived, Li Zhu secretly handed the letter of recommendation to the Grand Tutor.

“Please keep this for me. Guard it carefully and ensure no one learns of its contents. I will retrieve it personally the day before my inspection tour.”

She gazed calmly at the boy flailing in the lotus pond.

“I’ve been too meek until now, which allowed Shen Fu to grow increasingly disrespectful. Today’s lesson is for his own good—he’s a strong swimmer, so there’s no need to worry, Grand Tutor.”

The Grand Tutor anxiously replied,

“Princess, I’m worried about you! Pushing His Highness into the water could be dismissed as a childish spat, but it could also be seen as an attempt on the prince’s life. Have you considered how to explain this to Empress Qin?”

Shen Fu was Empress Qin’s only son and the hope for the Wan Commandery Qin clan to continue their legacy of officials.

Moreover, the princess was about to marry Tan Xun any day now.

This would offend the entire Tan clan. Aside from a quick thrill, it does you no good at all!

"Who says I can't handle it?"

The young princess sneered.

The Grand Tutor was shocked and suspicious—could it be that the princess truly had a plan that solves everything?

Before he could ask for details, he saw a figure move and heard another splash right by him!

"Grand Tutor—"

The guards who had rushed over supported the Grand Tutor as he swayed. The old man’s finger shook uncontrollably as he pointed at the water:

"Quick… quickly rescue the princess! The princess can't swim!"

…

Ever since she was fourteen and Shen Fu shot her with a slingshot into the lotus pond, Li Zhu had steered clear of water ever since. Now, she finally recalled the fear and helplessness of drowning.

Water rushed into her mouth and nose instantly, she couldn't make a sound and had nothing solid under her feet.

The water flooding her nostrils felt like knives stabbing her brain, her ears buzzed, and her body felt as heavy as lead. The will to survive drove her to struggle fiercely, but the more she flailed, the deeper she sank.

The autumn water was bone-chilling cold.

When she threw herself into the water, the guards were not far away. Li Zhu knew she wouldn’t die.

If only Shen Fu had fallen into the water today, she'd definitely get blamed. But if she fell in as well, it would only be seen as just a minor sibling spat.

With both sides equally at fault, what could the Tan clan possibly say?

This was the best solution.

Just kinda humiliating.

But then again, in her life, she had more humiliating days than triumphant ones. Getting used to such humiliation again was as easy as breathing for her.

-

The cost of Li Zhu’s jump was ten days bedridden.

During that time, she had a high fever for two days, coughed for five days, and threw up everything she ate for another three days. The worried and furious Emperor Mingzhao ordered imperial physicians to take turns diagnosing her pulse and treating her illness, leaving Li Zhu noticeably thinner.

While ill, Li Zhu had a series of nightmares.

She dreamed again of Shen Fu ascending the throne and sending her away for a political marriage.

…

Back then, Li Zhu had tried to win over court officials' support but was politely rejected; she attempted to ask her former husband, Tan Xun, to put in a good word with Empress Dowager Qin on her behalf, but he avoided her.

With no way out, Li Zhu heard some rumors.

—The leader of the hawkish faction in the court, Pei Yinzhi, the Grand Tutor, seemed to have an interest in her.

So she worked up the nerve and sent an invitation to the Pei residence, with whom she had no prior contact, inviting him to a banquet at the princess’s residence.

That night, the lights in the princess’s residence were deliberately dim. Li Zhu deliberately avoided looking closely at his appearance and, following her plan, clumsily spilled the wine from the glass onto his black official robe.

The music ceased, and the courtesans quietly withdrew.

Trembling, Li Zhu reached for his belt, the unfamiliar male scent close at hand.

"Your Highness, the night is late. I should head home to change."

Pei Yinzhi suddenly grasped her wrist, his voice light and gentle.

"Your Highness, there is no need to worry. As long as the blood of the soldiers at the Divine Maiden’s Gate remains warm, the fate of the nation will not be entrusted to a woman's skirts."

Li Zhu looked up—it was the first time she had truly looked at this young civil official from a humble background.

He had a strong nose and smiling eyes—an extremely handsome young man.

The next morning at court, Pei Yinzhi, though a civil official, volunteered to go into battle and repel the enemy at the Divine Maiden’s Gate.

Li Zhu knew he would win a great victory and that his first action upon returning would be to request an imperial decree to marry Princess Qinghe.

But in her dream, she stumbled after him.

Don’t go!

His enemies were not among the North Yue troops stationed at the border, and his homeland behind him was far from an ally.

Even if he won this battle, it would leave him with a chronic illness that would take his life three years later!

Some would rather have Nan Yong submit to a humiliating peace treaty than see him survive at the border, all to protect their own wealth and power!

That person—

That person—!!

…

"Princess, were you having a nightmare?"

Li Zhu’s eyes snapped open.

The evening glow streamed into the bedchamber.

A phoenix hairpin slanting in her dark hair cast a few strands of crimson twilight, gilding the face of the woman by the bed with a golden halo.

Seeing her awake, Empress Qin picked up the medicine bowl from the table and stirred it leisurely.

"I heard the princess wanted to tour her fiefdom, but given your current condition, it seems better to rest and recuperate in the palace. Don’t worry—your father has already punished Fu’er with fifty strikes on the palm, really taught him a lesson for you. If you insist on leaving now, it would seem as if you’re still holding a grudge, making things difficult for me, wouldn’t it?"