Chapter 1: One Kick to Topple the Green Tea Mistress
At the close of the year, a heavy snow had just ceased. The hip-and-gable roof of Chonghua Hall was tinged with frost, like a faded watercolor painting. A wind rose beyond the eaves, and a chill lingered in the cloisters.
However, the imperial family was hosting a Shao Wei Banquet here today, and even the depths of winter could not quell the fiery splendor.
The hall was lofty and wide, flanked by twelve massive beast-shaped censers. The scent of ambergris mingled with the sharp spice of pepper blossoms, an aroma so thick it was intoxicating.
Fu Tangli had been sitting for a long time and felt a stuffiness in her chest that made it hard to breathe. Yet, her waist remained perfectly straight, her chin held up with a reserved air, making her appear more elegant and composed than anyone present.
The music and singing were now in full swing, but the feast had not yet begun. The nobles all waited in the hall, for the Prince of Huai had not yet arrived.
Emperor Yuanyan deliberately feigned a look of displeasure and said to his ministers, “That hateful scoundrel is unreliable. Zhen reminded him repeatedly yesterday, yet he is still late. He must be punished when he arrives.”
The Prince of Huai was Emperor Yuanyan’s full-blooded younger brother. He commanded a great army and had conquered lands in all four directions for the Emperor. He was valiant and skilled in battle, unrivaled in the realm. Emperor Yuanyan loved him dearly. Today’s Shao Wei Banquet was held precisely to celebrate the Prince of Huai’s suppression of the Nanzhao rebellion. Thus, with the guest of honor absent, even Emperor Yuanyan had to wait patiently.
The ministers all understood the Emperor’s true feelings and chimed in with agreement. “Your Majesty is benevolent, but the Prince of Huai truly should not have done this. He must be punished, he must! No less than ten cups.”
Emperor Yuanyan laughed heartily. The sound of strings and bamboo flutes rose again from below, echoing in response.
It seemed the wait would continue.
Fu Tangli discreetly scanned her surroundings. All who had come today were illustrious and powerful figures. Young ladies like herself were seated at the lower tables, likely drawing no notice.
Finally unable to bear the heavy fragrance in the hall any longer, she whispered a few words to the lady-in-waiting beside her, rose, and walked out.
Upon exiting the hall, the winter wind rushed to meet her. It was bone-chillingly cold, but it dispersed that cloying, indescribable scent, instantly refreshing Fu Tangli’s spirits.
A Shanggong waiting outside the hall saw her and approached, asking respectfully, “Where might Lady Fu be going? Shall I dispatch someone to attend you?”
The Shanggong was a female official of rank; an ordinary noble lady would not even enter her notice. But Fu Tangli, the second daughter of the Minister of State, Lord Fu, was no ordinary lady.
Fu Tangli was gentle and pliant, chaste and graceful, renowned throughout Chang’an as a virtuous and noble lady. Not long ago, Emperor Yuanyan had issued an imperial edict, designating her as the future Crown Princess. Given this, how could the Shanggong not be eager to please?
Fu Tangli curtsied slightly and replied in a soft voice, “Thank you, Auntie, but there is no need to trouble you.”
Her beauty was natural, her face like a hibiscus in bloom. Her movements were dignified and graceful, and her eyes held a hint of a smile, reminiscent of the moon’s clear, bright glow.
The Shanggong, having served the nobles of the inner court for years, valued etiquette and rules above all else. She was naturally fond of such a composed and proper young lady, and with the intent to curry favor, she smiled and pointed to the east. “I saw His Highness the Crown Prince go out just now. He said he was heading to Taiye Pond. Lady Fu might find him there.”
Fu Tangli thanked her with perfect composure and proceeded in the direction of Taiye Pond as suggested.
Once she had walked far enough to be hidden by a screen wall, certain she was out of sight, Fu Tangli leisurely changed direction. Since the Crown Prince was said to be at Taiye Pond, it was best she stayed far away to avoid an awkward encounter, as they were hardly acquainted.
With the banquet being held at Chonghua Hall, most of the palace staff were serving there. The occasional eunuch who passed by merely bowed to Fu Tangli from a distance before moving on. She strolled alone in the gardens, stealing a moment of peace, and found it quite pleasant.
Rounding a corridor, she saw a cluster of jagged rockeries ahead, which looked quite exquisite and interesting.
Fu Tangli had just taken a few steps closer when she heard people speaking from behind the rockery.
“…In our current situation, it would be best if we did not see each other at all. Why must you insist on provoking me again?”
It was a sweet and delicate voice. Though the words were a complaint, they were so coquettish they seemed to drip with charm. Fu Tangli wondered which young lady was hiding here, acting coy with her lover.
Oh, what an unfortunate coincidence. Fu Tangli turned on her heel, preparing to leave quietly.
But then she heard the woman speak again. “That Second Lady of the Fu family is gentle and virtuous. Since she is betrothed to Your Highness, it is a fine match. Your Highness should go and win her favor. What could I possibly have to say?”
Oh, now this is a coincidence. Fu Tangli immediately stopped and pricked up her ears.
“The Fu girl was betrothed by my Imperial Father and Mother. Gu cannot defy them. Gu has met her once; she is nothing special. How could she possibly compare to you, my dearest?”
In this world, the only one who could refer to himself as gu was the Crown Prince, Zhao Yongjia.
In the Crown Prince’s presence, the “dearest” did not dare to be too difficult. Hearing his tender words, she promptly dropped her petulance and said in a cloying voice, “The Second Lady Fu has long enjoyed a fine reputation. She is a model for all of us in the women’s quarters. How could I compare to her? Your Highness is merely coaxing me.”
Zhao Yongjia sighed. “Gu has tried several times to bring up the matter of you with my Imperial Father, but Gu fears my Imperial Mother would be displeased. This indecision allowed the Fu family to seize the opportunity. It is truly vexing. Do not worry, dearest. There is still time. Gu will arrange something for you.”
What is all this nonsense in broad daylight? Fu Tangli couldn’t help but take two steps forward, deliberately making her footsteps heavier.
“Who? Who’s there?”
The “dearest’s” voice was clearly flustered, followed by a series of faint, rustling sounds, as if someone was hastily tidying something.
“Who is being so insolent here?” Zhao Yongjia emerged from behind the rockery with a furious expression, his voice a low reprimand. “Withdraw at…”
When he saw clearly who stood before him, the last word stuck in his throat, unable to escape.
Fu Tangli stood there in perfect form, her hands folded before her chest. She bowed her head and bent her knees in a graceful curtsy. “Greetings to His Highness, the Crown Prince.”
Her movements were elegant, her posture composed, as if she had heard nothing at all.
Zhao Yongjia was of a gentle temperament, a kind and courteous man. Despite his status as Crown Prince, he felt a twinge of guilt in such a situation. He cleared his throat uncomfortably. “Lady Fu, there is no need for such ceremony.”
The woman he called “dearest” had been hiding shyly behind him, but at the words “Lady Fu,” she immediately stepped out. Her voice was as frail as before, as if she had received a great fright. “I was not aware that Sister Fu was here. Wanqing has been impolite.”
Fu Tangli glanced at her, recognizing her as Lin Wanqing, the daughter of the Minister of Works, Lord Lin.
Lin Wanqing was as beautiful as a celestial maiden, famed for her stunning looks throughout Chang’an. At this moment, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, a truly pitiable sight.
The Lin family had produced an Imperial Consort who was greatly favored by the Emperor, her rank second only to Empress Shen. Naturally, the women of the Lin family were not to Empress Shen’s liking, which explained why Zhao Yongjia had just mentioned that he “feared my Imperial Mother would be displeased.”
How pitiful. The gentleman is willing, the lady is willing, yet I am the villain wedged between them, cruelly tearing apart a pair of lovebirds. Fu Tangli sighed inwardly, but her face remained impassive. She replied gently, “Lady Lin, I hope you are well.”
On such a cold day, Lin Wanqing was wearing only a satin gown with a brocade crabapple pattern. Though it showed off her graceful figure, it likely offered little warmth. Her delicate body trembled slightly as she leaned, intentionally or not, toward Zhao Yongjia and said timidly, “His Highness the Crown Prince and I were just exchanging a few words here, with no other meaning. Sister Fu must not blame me.”
As expected, Zhao Yongjia frowned slightly and subtly raised a hand to shield Lin Wanqing behind him. “How did Lady Fu know gu was here?”
Fu Tangli inwardly cursed her bad luck, but her tone became even more docile. “I was merely taking a leisurely stroll and happened upon this place. I am most uneasy for having disturbed Your Highness’s refined pleasure. Your Highness and Lady Lin, please continue your conversation. This servant shall take her leave.”
She was neither shocked nor angry. Instead, she was generous and considerate, truly living up to her virtuous reputation.
Lin Wanqing’s attempt to provoke a reaction had fallen flat, leaving her momentarily stunned.
Zhao Yongjia, however, felt a knot of frustration in his chest. He looked at Fu Tangli a few more times, trying to see through her.
But her expression was gentle, her makeup immaculate. The floral marking between her brows was exquisite, her hair was coiled in a high chignon, and the dangling hairpin on her temple did not tremble in the slightest. There was not a single flaw to be found.
Unable to find fault, Zhao Yongjia could only say stiffly, “Lady Fu, you may leave first.”
Fu Tangli lowered her head, gathered her sleeves, and quietly retreated.
“Wait.” Zhao Yongjia hesitated for a moment, then called her back. “You…”
Just then, the sharp, piercing cry of a hawk suddenly echoed from the sky.
A look of surprise crossed Zhao Yongjia’s face as he looked up.
A massive white gyrfalcon swooped down from the clouds, flying low over them. The fierce wind from its wings shook the tree branches, causing the accumulated snow to fall with a rustle.
Lin Wanqing’s face went pale with fright. She covered her mouth and let out a short, sharp cry.
“Isn’t that Imperial Uncle’s Haidongqing?” Zhao Yongjia blurted out. “Could it be that Imperial Uncle has arrived?”
Fu Tangli’s heart stirred, and she lifted her eyes to look.
A man was walking down the path ahead. He was dressed in martial attire, covered by a greatcloak of black and dark gold. He strode with the majesty of a dragon and the gait of a tiger, a wind rising with his movements. The greatcloak billowed around him, making him appear even taller and more imposing, like a mountain.
Two columns of guards followed closely behind him, clad in Bright Light Armor and carrying gold-inlaid sabers. All were powerfully built, their steps ringing with a clang that exuded a sharp, murderous aura.
The white gyrfalcon let out another long cry, circled once overhead, and then dove sharply.
The man did not break his stride, simply raising his arm.
With a flutter of wings, the white hawk folded its pinions and landed steadily on the man’s arm, its head held high as it surveyed its surroundings.
Zhao Yongjia forgot everything else and said to Fu Tangli, “What happened today must not be mentioned to anyone.”
With that, he hurried to greet the man, calling out, “Imperial Uncle.”
The late Emperor had five sons and three daughters, but only the current Emperor Yuanyan and the Prince of Huai were the legitimate sons born to the Empress Dowager Feng. The only person the Crown Prince would treat with such deference was the Prince of Huai.
A look of eagerness on his face, Zhao Yongjia quickly caught up, walking to the Prince of Huai’s side. “Imperial Uncle, you’ve finally arrived. Imperial Father has been waiting for a long time. Come, gu will accompany Imperial Uncle.”
Seeing Zhao Yongjia approach, the Prince of Huai did not stop, merely glancing back and giving a slight nod.
Zhao Yongjia, as the Crown Prince, possessed the noble bearing of a dragon and the grace of a phoenix, as handsome as a jade tree in the wind. But at this moment, before the Prince of Huai, he appeared thin and frail, a testament to the Prince of Huai’s robust physique.
The distance was too great for Fu Tangli to see the Prince of Huai’s face clearly, but she could tell his features were exceptionally sharp. With just a slight turn of his head, a grim, killing aura pressed down on them, far more biting than the winter cold.
She did not dare to look for long. Lowering her gaze, she waited until the Crown Prince and the Prince of Huai had walked far away before letting out a soft breath and starting to leave.
“Sister Fu, please wait.” Lin Wanqing followed with mincing steps, a look of concern on her face. “Is Sister angry? Why won’t you say a word to me?”
Fu Tangli kept her eyes fixed ahead, walking with measured grace as if she hadn’t heard.
Lin Wanqing dabbed a handkerchief to her lips, affecting a frail and delicate demeanor, but her eyes glinted with ridicule. “The Crown Prince doesn’t appreciate Sister’s virtues. He actually said you were pretentious and affected, like a dead fish. Those words are too harsh. Even I felt wronged on Sister’s behalf. In my opinion, someone as virtuous and understanding as Sister would make a fine principal wife.”
Fu Tangli finally turned to face Lin Wanqing. She nodded and said softly, “Mm, good. Very good.”
She suddenly lifted the hem of her skirt, swung her leg, and viciously kicked Lin Wanqing, sending her sprawling to the ground.