Gao Yuemin said, “They wouldn’t dare say such things in front of me. They must have discussed it behind my back, and it just so happened that Mingdong overheard. Mingdong, can you still remember what they said at the time?”
Four-year-old Gao Mingdong clearly couldn’t retain such complex details.
Unable to remember, he simply shut his mouth and stayed silent.
Gao Yuexing sneered coldly, “The second young lady of the Chen family is two years younger than me, raised in the inner chambers, and has never met me. How could she have such an impression of me? The meaning of Miss Chen’s words, on a smaller scale, represents the Chen family, and on a larger scale, represents the ladies and noblewomen of the capital.”
The coldness in Gao Yuexing’s words and gaze was something neither Gao Yuemin nor even Madam Gao had ever seen before.
Gao Yuexing thought to herself, she really shouldn’t have declined the second Miss Chen’s invitation that day. Otherwise, she could have seen for herself what kind of monstrous sisters they were.
Gao Mingdong murmured softly, “So fierce…”
Gao Yuexing didn’t bother with this little brat. She had plenty of time to discipline him later.
Just as the women were sorting through their thoughts, Gao Jing returned to the residence.
At this moment, Gao Mingxia, who now worked at the Censorate, was also living at home.
Father and son returned home one after the other, and Gao Jing immediately noticed that something was off in the household. As he loosened his outer garment, he asked, “What’s happened?”
Madam Gao opened her mouth to speak, but there was so much to say that she didn’t know where to start.
Gao Mingdong rolled forward and hugged his father’s leg. “Daddy, Mommy and Sister were interrogating me!”
Gao Jing chuckled. “Interrogating you? About what?”
Gao Yuemin spoke gravely, “Little Brother overheard some nasty gossip about Little Sister while outside.”
Hearing this, Gao Jing paused for a moment before saying, “I thought it was something serious. It’s just a trivial matter. Why are you all worrying yourselves sick? Let them say whatever they want; their mouths are their own.”
Madam Gao, hearing this, pursed her lips and stood still for a while before suddenly throwing down her handkerchief.
She had endured enough today, but she could never understand or fathom her husband’s thoughts.
Gao Jing stopped in his tracks. “Madam?”
Madam Gao took a few steps toward the door, and the servants stationed there, upon receiving her orders, all retreated far away.
Gao Jing placed his hands on her shoulders, softening his tone. “Madam…”
Seeing that the servants had withdrawn, Madam Gao cast aside her reservations and spoke freely. “Gao Jing, I truly don’t understand what you’re thinking. My Ah Xing was sent into the palace at a young age. Three hundred and sixty days a year, I worried day and night. My child fell into the water in the palace under mysterious circumstances and nearly lost her life. And you? Without so much as a word, you decided on your own to send her out of the capital, to some remote mountain village thousands of miles away. How many years has it been? Gao Jing, have you ever calculated how many years it’s been since I’ve seen my daughter?”
The children, frightened by the torrent of their mother’s anger, instinctively retreated behind a folding screen, not daring to make a sound.
Even Gao Jing had not expected that his wife’s resentment had accumulated so deeply and for so long.
Madam Gao continued, “My daughter, you wouldn’t let me raise her. You said you had your own plans. But what have you taught her? She’s nearly of age to be married, yet she doesn’t understand the ways of the inner household. Meanwhile, you’ve given her a pile of case files to study. In the future, in the future…”
Madam Gao panted and broke down in sobs as she spoke.
Gao Jing said, “In the future— In the future, if she marries into such a place, Madam, do you know what she will face? Who she will become someone’s wife to, neither you nor I can determine right now.”
Madam Gao was stunned. “W-what do you mean? Isn’t it that Prince Xiang…”
Gao Jing interrupted, “He’s only sixteen this year. The Emperor is still in his prime. But what kind of person will he become in the future? Madam, can you even begin to guess?”
Madam Gao still didn’t understand.
With no outsiders present, Gao Jing didn’t mind speaking more plainly. “A prince basking in favor? A stepping stone for imperial power? Or, Madam, if you dare, imagine something even more ambitious—the position at the very top of the imperial hierarchy?”
Madam Gao’s voice turned sharp. “Gao Jing, stop talking!”
Countless calamities arise from careless words, but Gao Jing was unafraid. If he were to utter treasonous thoughts about anything else today, his head might already be halfway off his neck. But since this concerned Li Fuxiang’s future, no matter how far he pushed the boundaries, even the Emperor wouldn’t act against him.
Wasn’t the Emperor troubled by this?
The Emperor was more troubled than anyone!
If Li Fuxiang were truly an incompetent fool, it would be a relief. A ruler cannot choose his successors arbitrarily; in such a case, Li Fuxiang would at best live his life as a wealthy and idle prince.
The trouble lay in the fact that he wasn’t.
During the battle in the Western Frontier, his sword had been unsheathed, and it was unstoppable.
Now, not only was the Emperor troubled, but the entire court of ministers was watching him intently.
And those harboring ulterior motives? They were losing sleep and appetite.
Prince Xin, Li Fuqian, had dark circles under his eyes during court sessions that even thick powder couldn’t conceal.
This was a path of no return. Once set upon it, one could never hope to walk away unscathed.
Gao Jing continued, “When that time comes, Madam, do you truly think she can navigate all the conspiracies, plots, swords, and bloodshed using the so-called principles of household management?”
Gao Yuexing stepped forward and said, “Father, Mother, this is all my unfilial fault for causing you so much worry and distress.”
Madam Gao glanced at her, covered her face, and wept.
That night, although it was a rare family reunion, and the food was delicious, everyone found it difficult to enjoy their meal.
Especially Madam Gao, who couldn’t even swallow a single sip of soup.
With a melancholy sigh, she said, “If only we hadn’t sent you into the palace back then.”
Gao Yuexing ate her food in silence, thinking that even if she hadn’t entered the palace, she would have found another way to meet him.
Gao Jing seemed to read her thoughts and let out a cold snort but said nothing.
While the rest of the Gao family appeared to be on stable paths, hers grew increasingly difficult, shrouded in fog and obscured by countless obstacles. She couldn’t see the way ahead at all.
But Gao Yuexing wasn’t afraid of difficulty, nor did she fear death.
Because Li Fuxiang was waiting for her on that road.
—
Li Fuxiang’s meal was delivered to his room, and the empty container was never brought out.
He hadn’t finished his meal.
He had a small appetite and was prone to an upset stomach. He always ate sparingly and preferred light, simple flavors.
On his journey to the border and during his time in the military camp, he managed to save a significant amount of rations for his cavalry unit all by himself. A piece of dry ration tucked into his chest would suffice—he would break off a small bite to eat when hungry, just enough to feel slightly full, then put it back to save for the next meal.
This was how he survived at Xiaonan Pavilion, economizing every morsel. Even after moving to Qianqing Palace, where food and clothing were abundant and the Emperor spared no effort to change his frugal habits, he remained the same. There was no helping it; they could only let him be.
Thankfully, he had grown sharper now. When conditions allowed, he would find hot meals. If he had leftover sweet soup, he’d call someone to reheat it on the stove before drinking it for the next meal.
That evening, Gao Yuexing followed Gao Jing into the study.
Gao Jing asked, “Did you investigate as I instructed? What have you found?”
Gao Yuexing replied, “If there’s an opportunity, I’d like to meet the second Miss Chen.”
Gao Jing said, “In a few days, it will be the Princess’s Hundred Flowers Banquet. You’ll have your chance to meet her there.”
Gao Yuexing asked, “The Chen family is observing a mourning period. Will the second Miss Chen still attend the banquet?”
Gao Jing said, “She will.”
Gao Yuexing asked again, “Even if she herself doesn’t mind, wouldn’t others find it inauspicious?”
Gao Jing explained, “The Princess is the host. The banquet has long been arranged, and the invitations already sent out. As long as the second Miss Chen doesn’t take issue with it, others, no matter how displeased, won’t dare to speak up on the Princess’s behalf to dismiss her. You can rest assured and go.”
Hearing her father’s analysis, Gao Yuexing found it well-reasoned and convincing, filling her with admiration. Not forgetting the purpose of the night, she turned the conversation back and asked, “Father, have you had someone investigate Qingliang Temple?”
Gao Jing responded, “Oh? Do you wish to go?”
Gao Yuexing said, “It’s not just me; we want to go. Can His Highness Prince Xiang show his face?”
Gao Jing nodded in agreement. “Tomorrow morning, I’ll have someone send clothing over. Remind him to disguise himself. Things are far from settled, and it’s best not to alert the enemy prematurely.”
Gao Yuexing acknowledged with a “Yes.”
Gao Jing personally prepared tea, and Gao Yuexing watched silently from the side before advising, “It’s late at night, Father. Are you planning not to sleep if you drink such strong tea?”
Gao Jing replied, “There’s work to be done tonight. Do you want some?”
Gao Yuexing declined, “I have work tomorrow morning, so I’ll leave it for you to enjoy.”
The rich aroma of tea filled the study. Gao Yuexing recognized it as this year’s new tea.
Sitting at his desk with his tea, Gao Jing said, “Ah Xing, you’ve always been someone with your own ideas. You’ve surely understood everything I said tonight, haven’t you?”
Gao Yuexing nodded slightly. “Yes.”
Gao Jing sighed. “Your future, alas…”
Gao Yuexing interjected, “As for the future, your daughter has limited foresight and wishes to hear your insight.”
As a long-standing and influential minister of the court, Gao Jing’s vision far surpassed that of a mere young woman.
For his daughter, Gao Jing offered his guidance without reservation.
He said, “Ah Xing, you must be prepared. Your future likely won’t end with simply being Prince Xiang’s consort.”
Gao Yuexing asked, “Father, why are you so certain?”
The scandal of Prince Xin embezzling disaster relief grain and funds wouldn’t surface for several years. At present, Prince Xin, Li Fuqian, was regarded as an exemplary young man—refined and honorable, with excellent character and appearance. He handled matters cleanly and decisively. It was even rumored that Consort Xian in the palace was already arranging his marriage.
The virtues of Prince Xin were known far and wide.
A few days ago, the Emperor ordered Prince Xin to tidy up the long-abandoned Eastern Palace, preparing it for the future Crown Prince. He even said one telling remark—Prince Xin was instructed to arrange it according to his own preferences.
Those who needed to hear it had heard, and those who needed to understand had understood.
Although Li Fuxiang’s name resounded throughout the four seas, the Emperor’s favored choice for the heir apparent remained his eldest son, Prince Xin.
But why was her father unmoved?
Gao Jing asked, “Ah Xing, have you considered what would happen to Prince Xiang if Prince Xin ascended to that position?”
Gao Yuexing replied, “Throughout history, every emperor’s first act upon ascending the throne has been to consolidate imperial power. Those princes who lose in the struggle for succession either die, are imprisoned, or are exiled far from the capital, treated as outcasts.”
Gao Jing said, “Behind Prince Xiang stands Zheng Qianye. That bloodline connection is unbreakable, and the stance of the Zheng family army is self-evident. With military power in Prince Xiang’s hands, can the one who takes the throne truly rest easy?”
Gao Yuexing acknowledged, “Father’s reasoning is sound. What, then, should be done?”
Gao Jing’s gaze turned sharp. “Stripping Prince Xiang of his military power would naturally put everyone at ease. But it must be the Emperor himself who issues the decree. Only then would it be possible for the new emperor to spare his life. However, once Prince Xiang loses his military power, he truly becomes a fish on the chopping block, ready to be slaughtered. If the new emperor develops murderous intent, Prince Xiang will have no protection whatsoever.”
At this point, Gao Jing made it clear to Gao Yuexing: “The Emperor won’t take that risk.”
Though the Emperor hesitated now, weighing his options, the eventual outcome was inevitable.
If, in the end, only one son could be preserved, there was no doubt that the Emperor would offer the best of everything to Li Fuxiang.
Li Fuxiang leading troops into battle was his first step toward ascending to the imperial throne.
There was no turning back.
Gao Yuexing left the study.
The lamp in Li Fuxiang’s room was still lit. He was waiting for her.
After being caught by her mother earlier in the day and warned afterward, Gao Yuexing had reined herself in a little and dared not act out. Just as she approached the door, she heard impatient footsteps from within.
There were Jinyiwei guards stationed on the roof.
They would stop Madam Gao but wouldn’t stop Gao Yuexing.
Having just had a deep conversation with her father, Gao Yuexing’s mind was now clear.
The Emperor’s intentions were laid bare.
The deputy commander of the Imperial Guards was once Li Fuxiang’s personal bodyguard in the palace.
Outside the palace, he was now guarded by elite experts from the Jinyiwei.
The Emperor’s two ultimate weapons—the Imperial Guards and the Jinyiwei.
For anyone else, even a fleeting thought of coveting such power would be a crime punishable by death.
Yet now, both forces were firmly in Li Fuxiang’s hands.
Li Fuxiang shared with the Emperor the very lifeblood of power at its peak.
The thought was terrifying. Who wouldn’t be afraid?
As the footsteps inside drew closer, Gao Yuexing pressed her hand against the door and said, “Don’t open it. Whatever you have to say, say it like this.”
There was light in Li Fuxiang’s room, and his shadow was cast on the paper window—blurred, yet so close at hand.
Gao Yuexing couldn’t resist reaching out, tracing it with her fingers.
Li Fuxiang said, “I want to see you.”
As she outlined his silhouette, Gao Yuexing replied, “I’m already in your heart. If you want to see me, just think about me more.”
Li Fuxiang said, “It’s not the same.”
Gao Yuexing asked, “How is it different?”
Li Fuxiang answered, “What you think about in your heart and what you see with your eyes—they’re just different. I thought about you for so many years in the capital, but none of it compared to that one unforgettable glance in the border town of the Western Frontier.”
Gao Yuexing suddenly realized how much she loved listening to him talk.
Her heart felt completely at ease.
She continued tracing his outline with her fingers, leaving only the features of his face unfilled. Her hand paused in mid-air before she began sketching chaotically, relying on her memory.
These are the eyes, with slightly upturned corners—not too much, just the perfect stroke to make them both captivating and innocent…
This is the nose, straight as if carved by a blade…
This is the neck, slightly longer than most, with distinct lines around the Adam’s apple on the fully grown Li Fuxiang. Especially when he tilts his head back, it’s impossible to look away…
Indeed, what you think in your heart and what you see with your eyes—they are not the same.
She couldn’t think about it anymore. The more she thought, the stronger her urge to see him.
No matter how vivid her imagination, it couldn’t compare to the breathtaking impact of seeing him in person.
Gao Yuexing lowered her tired arm, tucking her fingers back into her sleeve. “Forget it. Let’s leave it at that. We’ll meet tomorrow.”
There was no sound from inside, but Gao Yuexing was sure he had heard her.
She turned and had barely taken two steps.
Bang—
The door to Li Fuxiang’s room was suddenly flung open from the inside.
Startled by the noise, Gao Yuexing turned her head.
Li Fuxiang stood in the doorway and said, “I just wanted to see. Go ahead, if you really have the heart to leave.”
Seeing Gao Yuexing glaring at him silently, he quickly softened his tone. “When will I finally be able to marry you?”
How many times had he asked this question?
Gao Yuexing had lost count.
Under the moonlight, Gao Yuexing’s heart softened just a little.
—This scoundrel. He really knows how to get to her.