Chapter 18: Her Little Pastries, Sweet as Can Be
“Sent them away,” the young Daoist boy replied matter-of-factly. “Senior Brother doesn’t see outsiders, so I didn’t dare to let them in.”
With a smack, Xuanyan slammed his bamboo chopsticks down, his tone ice-cold. “Who gave you permission to act on your own?”
A killing aura rushed toward him.
The young Daoist boy didn’t know what he had said wrong, and his legs began to tremble. “I, I…”
Xuan’an immediately stood up. “They probably haven’t gone far. I’ll go and bring them back.”
Qingxuzi quickly pulled the clueless young Daoist boy away.
After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, two people who looked like servants came in with Xuan’an. They greeted the Daoists with a bow. One of them stepped forward and cupped his hands. “Our Second Lady has been burning incense and praying at Yunlu Temple these past few days, paying respects to the gods. She has specially ordered us humble servants to come today and offer two boxes of pastries.”
He pointed to a box with a white thread tied around the handle. “This box is for offering to the Celestial Worthies and gods in the temple.” Then he pointed to the other box with a red thread. “This box, My Lady instructed, is to be given to a Daoist Master by the name of Xuanyan. Daoist Master Xuanyan copied scripture scrolls for My Lady, for which she is especially grateful.”
Qingxuzi pressed a fist to his mouth and coughed desperately.
Xuanyan’s expression was cool. He gave a slight nod and raised his hand.
Xuan’an understood, said “Thank you for your trouble,” and politely sent the two Fu family servants out.
The hall was crowded and noisy, with all sorts of chatter. Qingxuzi, in particular, was casting furtive glances over every now and then.
Xuanyan didn’t eat his plain noodles either. He rinsed his mouth with tea, dabbed the corners of his mouth with a handkerchief, stood up, took the food box with the red thread, and left directly.
Back in his room, he immediately felt the peace and quiet.
On the table, in a black-glazed vase, was a withered branch. It was the white plum blossom he had plucked that day. The petals had long since fallen, leaving only a thin, stark branch. Because of its wild charm, Xuanyan had not thrown it away and had left it there.
He opened the food box. Inside were a few pastries and snacks, looking quite ordinary, certainly not comparable to the ones sent from the palace. He casually picked up a small, round bun, only to reveal a folded floral note underneath.
Xundu came in to serve Xuanyan a freshly brewed pot of Yangxian tea.
Xuanyan opened the small floral note. On it was a line of characters: “Rolling snowflakes in a pot of moonlight.” The calligraphy was proper and upright, not the delicate style of an ordinary young lady, but rather showing the clear, bold strokes of a landscape painting.
Xuanyan casually asked Xundu, “Rolling snowflakes in a pot of moonlight, do you know what it means?”
“Ah?” Xundu, holding the teapot, looked completely bewildered.
“Fool,” Xuanyan said coolly. “It’s tofu.”
He took a bite. It was indeed a tofu bun. It was cold now and had a faint beany smell, but he didn’t mind much. He ate it slowly with his hot tea.
He picked up a square cake. Underneath it was another floral note, which read, “Flower clusters bright as night snow, leaves cut like green spring clouds.”
This time, before Xuanyan could ask, Xundu had already shaken his head. “I don’t understand. Senior Brother, don’t ask me.”
“It’s osmanthus,” Xuanyan said with a low laugh, speaking to himself.
Sure enough, it was a multi-layered osmanthus cake. The pastry was dry, layered one on top of the other, with a thick filling of osmanthus jam in the middle. Although the pastry was no longer crispy and the osmanthus jam was a little too sweet, Xuanyan still finished it without even a frown. Perhaps it was because it was New Year’s Eve, and his mood was better than usual.
Xundu quietly went out and closed the door.
A thin curtain hung down. The moonlight was pale and clear, filtering through the curtain like a handful of clouds or a pool of water. The shadow of the withered white plum branch was imprinted on the gauze curtain, like a stroke of ink wash, quickly melting into the moonlight.
This night should have been a time for reunion. Xuanyan sat alone in his quiet room, his heart untroubled, drinking tea and eating pastries.
“Purple sandalwood skin, soft against the spring cold.” Red dates were mashed into a paste, mixed with glutinous rice, and fried into small cakes. They were sticky and soft.
Then there was “Behold that nook of the Qi, with the green bamboos so luxuriant.” This was obvious. It was simmered winter bamboo shoots, wrapped in bamboo leaves, with a little green salt sprinkled on top, but it was too bland.
None of the flavors were particularly good. It must have been that young lady being perfunctory. Xuanyan thought this, but the corners of his mouth curled up.
The year was ending, the weather was cold, but his heart was faintly warm.
***
Fu Tangli stayed up in the main hall with everyone until midnight. Unable to stay awake any longer, she went back to her room to sleep. But with the firecrackers going off all night, a cacophony of noise, she didn’t sleep well. She tossed and turned until dawn, feeling groggy.
Dailuo practically dragged Fu Tangli out of bed. “My Lady, you yourself instructed that you must be woken up early today, no matter what. You have to go and pay New Year’s respects to the elders. You must not lose your manners.”
Fu Tangli swayed, her eyes half-closed, her head nodding. She let Dailuo and Yanzhi help her wash and dress, muttering, “Manners when walking, manners when sitting, so many elaborate formalities everywhere. It’s so tiring.”
Yanzhi’s heart ached for her. “Why don’t you sleep a little longer, My Lady? I saw the Third Lady being so delicate. Last year at this time, she slept until noon, and the Third Master and Mistress didn’t say a word, and even told people not to disturb her.”
“That’s her,” Fu Tangli said languidly. “If it were me, people would be gossiping before noon. Forget it, I can’t compare.”
A matron from outside came in and said, “My Lady, early this morning, Yan Wu’s wife came down from the mountain and brought something. She said it’s a return gift from the masters at Yunlu Temple. Would you like to see it?”
Fu Tangli was instantly awake. “Bring it.”
The matron presented an envelope.
Fu Tangli opened the envelope. There were no words inside, only a talisman. On it were strange shapes drawn in cinnabar, crisscrossing and sprawling. She couldn’t understand it and said blankly, “This is the return gift from Yunlu Temple? What is this?”
The matron thought for a moment and replied, “That’s right. The Daoist Master who delivered the gift said it’s a peace talisman.”
Yanzhi craned her neck to look and pursed her lips. “So stingy. This is a gift?”
Fu Tangli looked at the talisman over and over for a long time. The more she looked, the more familiar it seemed. She took out two old talismans from the scripture scrolls she carried with her and compared them.
The blade-like strokes were sharp, the structure powerful and robust. The brushwork carried the air of clouds, mist, pines, and cranes, yet the hooks and turns held the intent of golden halberds. The calligraphy on this peace talisman was identical to the previous Talisman of Supreme Purity and Dust Cleansing and the Talisman of Sweet Dew and Purity.
Fu Tangli let out a soft laugh. Yanzhi asked her what she was laughing at, but she just shook her head and said nothing. She carefully put the peace talisman away, tucking it into the scripture scrolls.
It was a rare clear day. Last night’s snow was beginning to melt. The new year had begun, the sunlight was just right, and a hint of warmth was in the air.
***
By the Lantern Festival, for the imperial family banquet, Empress Shen summoned Fu Tangli to the palace.
That night, in Yongle Hall, the courtyard torches were like jade trees, holding up bright candles that illuminated the grand hall as if it were day. Emperor Yuanyan and the Empress Dowager Feng sat in the seats of honor. Empress Shen sat to the side. The various princes, imperial sons, and princesses were all seated below.
Fu Tangli sat behind Empress Shen, a constant smile on her face, speaking softly in response to the Empress’s words, her propriety impeccable, which earned frequent nods from the Empress.
The Crown Prince, Zhao Yuanjia, clearly saw her but made no particular gesture, only giving a slight nod from across the seats.
Wisps of smoke curled up from the red-gold beast-shaped censers. The scent of ambergris filled the space between the jade curtains and vermilion screens. Palace servants served precious delicacies and fine wine like a flowing stream. Musicians in the side hall struck the jade chimes, their clear, melodious sound echoing endlessly.
The Empress Dowager Feng, who usually lived in seclusion, was in a rare mood for enjoyment and had come out to celebrate with her children and grandchildren. Zhao Yuanjia poured a cup of wine and offered it to the Empress Dowager. “Your grandson respectfully wishes Imperial Grandmother peace and good fortune.”
The Empress Dowager did not drink much. She took the cup, barely touched her lips to it, and handed it to the Shanggong beside her, saying with a smile, “You see, it is still the Crown Prince who is most filial to aijia.”
Seeing that the Empress Dowager was in good spirits, Zhao Yuanjia casually mentioned, “Didn’t your grandson invite the Fifth Imperial Uncle back today? Why don’t I see him?”
At these words, the Empress Dowager’s expression turned displeased. She sighed, “The Crown Prince knows that aijia misses the Fifth Prince and went several times. Today, he finally managed to bring him back. But that unfilial son only spoke a few words with aijia and then left again just now. When you compare them, isn’t it even more infuriating?”
The late Emperor had five sons. The youngest was the Prince of Huai, who, like Emperor Yuanyan, was born to the Empress Dowager Feng. The Empress Dowager called him the Fifth Prince, a term of endearment, but her tone was full of complaint.
The Prince of Huai had outstanding military achievements and a reputation for being a fearsome figure. Hearing this, no one dared to respond. Only Emperor Yuanyan smiled and said, “The Fifth Prince has been like this since he was a child. He’s young and doesn’t know any better. He’ll naturally grow out of it in a few years.”
The Empress Dowager snorted coldly. “The Emperor always says this to comfort aijia. In the blink of an eye, the Crown Prince is about to get married. When will the Fifth Prince ever grow up?”
As she said this, she remembered something else. “By the way, is the one the Emperor betrothed to the Crown Prince Fu Fangxu’s granddaughter? I heard she is here today as well?”
Empress Shen quickly nudged Fu Tangli. “Hurry and go pay your respects to the Empress Dowager.”
Fu Tangli went forward and prostrated herself on the ground. “This child pays respects to the Empress Dowager. May Your Majesty have ten thousand blessings and golden peace.”
The Empress Dowager’s tone was cool. “Raise your head. Let aijia see you.”
Fu Tangli raised her head as instructed and met the Empress Dowager’s gaze.
The Empress Dowager was over fifty, but her hair was still black, styled in a towering Lingyun chignon and adorned with a twelve-tree red-gold floral crown. She was incomparably noble. In her youth, she had been a great beauty, her radiance captivating Chang’an. Now, with age, her cheeks had thinned, and lines were etched at the corners of her eyes and between her brows, making her features look particularly sharp.
She looked down at Fu Tangli, her gaze critical and scrutinizing, like a needle, making one very uncomfortable.
Fu Tangli calmly lowered her eyes, assuming a respectful posture.
The Empress Dowager did not hold Fu Tangli in high regard, or rather, she was always like this with others, her words carrying a natural arrogance. “You lost your mother at a young age, which aijia did not approve of. It was the Empress who vouched for you, saying you were gentle, respectful, modest, and elegant, a virtuous woman. Aijia, considering Fu Fangxu’s loyalty and competence, and the upright reputation of the Fu family, finally gave my consent. You must not betray this grace. In the future, you must be even more quiet, chaste, and serene, observing propriety and order, and serving the Crown Prince with all your heart. Have you remembered this?”
Fu Tangli’s hands were hidden in her sleeves, clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, a stinging pain. Her waist was straight, her expression calm. She simply replied with a single word: “Yes.”
The Empress Dowager nodded, finally showing a hint of a smile. “Aijia knows you are surely a good child.”
Fu Tangli thanked her and withdrew, returning to her original seat, her posture graceful, her face composed, without a trace of emotion.
The music was enchanting, the banquet splendid. The imperial clan had a rare gathering. For a time, cups were raised, and laughter and pleasantries were exchanged.
Empress Shen drank a cup of wine and went out to change her clothes.
The Shanggong by the Empress’s side gave Fu Tangli a look. Fu Tangli immediately understood, stood up, and followed.
After the palace servants had helped Empress Shen change, she did not go back but stood for a while on the steps of the corridor. “It’s stuffy inside. It’s better to get some fresh air here.” She glanced at Fu Tangli. “You young ladies probably don’t like such formal occasions either, do you?”
Fu Tangli stood beside Empress Shen, her expression gentle. “The imperial banquet is grand and majestic. This child is honored to have seen the celestial faces today and feels only glory, not a sense of constraint.”
Empress Shen laughed and gestured for her attendants to withdraw. She took two slow steps forward.
“Just now, when the Empress Dowager said those words, did you feel wronged?” Empress Shen asked, as if casually.
Fu Tangli’s expression did not change. “The Empress Dowager’s earnest teachings, this child has received them with humility. The word ‘wronged’ does not apply.”
The smile in Empress Shen’s eyes deepened. “Indeed. For any woman who marries into the imperial family, arrogance is the one thing that is most unacceptable. It seems you do not need others to remind you. Very good.”
The moonlight was like water, flowing through the magnificent palace city, faintly cool. The clamor was so close, yet separated by the carved railings and pillars, it became indistinct.
Fu Tangli lowered her head. “Yes.”
“You are a sensible child, you know what is important and what is not. Very good.” Empress Shen looked at Fu Tangli and said slowly, “A few days ago, the Crown Prince had some complaints about you because of that young lady from the Lin family. This palace was originally a little worried, but now it seems my worries were unnecessary.”
Fu Tangli stood there quietly, not even an eyebrow twitching.
Empress Shen secretly nodded and continued, “The Crown Prince is young and inexperienced. It is normal for him to be confused for a time. This palace chose you as the Crown Princess because I value your stability, magnanimity, intelligence, and insight, which far surpass that young lady from the Lin family. You must not disappoint my expectations. Put in some effort and bring the Crown Prince back to the right path as soon as possible.”
Whatever the Empress said, Fu Tangli replied with “Yes.” Her expression was sincere, her voice gentle, and not a single fault could be found.
Empress Shen was pleased and patted Fu Tangli’s hand affectionately. “Right now, there is a good opportunity. Tonight, Chang’an is holding a grand lantern festival. The Crown Prince, by His Majesty’s order, will be inspecting various places in Chang’an and then go to Chongye Square in the center of the Vermilion Bird Avenue to preside over the fireworks display, to celebrate with the common people of Chang’an. At that time, you will go with him. You are already betrothed. You should be closer.”
Fu Tangli was slightly startled. She looked up at Empress Shen and saw that the Empress was just smiling, but her eyes were fixed on her. She pursed her lips, and after a moment, she still replied with a “Yes.”
Empress Shen was finally satisfied and brought Fu Tangli back to Yongle Hall.
A little later, after the banquet, as expected, Zhao Yuanjia reported to Emperor Yuanyan that he was leaving the palace for inspection and took his leave.
Emperor Yuanyan only gave him a few words of instruction and let him go.
Fu Tangli hesitated for a moment, but Empress Shen’s eyes were already on her. She had no choice but to get up and reluctantly walk out.
As soon as Zhao Yuanjia left Yongle Hall, a group of eunuchs swarmed up and followed behind him.
Fu Tangli walked a little slower. By the time she reached the outside of the hall, Zhao Yuanjia was already far ahead. She had no choice but to call out, “Your Highness the Crown Prince, please wait.”