#3: Return

The sounds of fighting were incessant, the icy current biting. A maple-leaf red dress danced in the firelight, like a burning flame. The woman stood by the cliff, watching him from afar. Her phoenix eyes were still beautiful, but they held no anger, no disappointment, only an empty stillness, like stagnant water.

An invisible arrow, blood gushing from his chest.

Seeing him fly to her rescue, she frowned and stepped back, until she fell into the void.

The flames were swallowed by the icy current, and that momentary image was etched into memory, never to be erased.

The chaos receded, and his eyes suddenly opened. The large red “囍” character on the bed became even more dazzling and piercing. From the day he moved back into this master bedroom, his emotions had been less peaceful than usual. The memories buried in his heart for a century were stirred anew. He knew it wasn’t just a strong resemblance; that kind of intuition was hard to explain. He had almost confirmed the answer, just waiting for proof.

Next to him, Liu Yu woke up with a start, quickly wanting to get up: “Did I miss the time?”

He gently pressed her down with a smile: “We just got married. I don’t need to attend court.”

Liu Yu breathed a sigh of relief: “I’ve been so busy these past few days, I’m muddled.”

He sat up slightly, embracing her: “There’s a lot going on in the residence. You’ve worked hard.”

Liu Yu nestled in his arms and said: “It’s not tiring.”

The person in his arms was as docile as ever, yet his mind remained restless, desperately avoiding the past, leaving only a trace of panic and a vast emptiness.

He finally pushed her away: “Although I don’t need to attend court, I have something to do today, so I should get up.”

“Is it for that dancer named Yan Chu?”

“You...”

Liu Yu playfully winked at him: “You’re nervous about her, so there must be a reason. No need to explain.”

Understanding and considerate, how could such a woman not move a man? He couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow and tease her: “Aren’t you afraid I’ll be seduced by beauty?”

Liu Yu bit her lip and said: “You won’t.”

Her insecure look usually made him feel pity, but at this moment, he inexplicably lost interest and didn’t comfort her as usual. He merely smiled slightly: “You sleep a bit more.”

Liu Yu insisted on getting up to help him dress and told the maids to fetch breakfast.

After a casual breakfast, Xiao Qi hurried out of the back garden. The Southern King’s people were already waiting in the hall.

“Miss Yan Chu was upset about last night’s events and insisted on leaving. His Highness had no choice but to send her to the palace. Fearing the Prince Ding’s anxiety, His Highness ordered this humble one to report and asks for the Prince Ding’s forgiveness.”

In fact, when the Southern King agreed last night, he knew things wouldn’t be so simple. He knew he was being meticulously planned against step by step, yet he had to fall into the trap.

Was this scheme related to her?

Dismissing the messenger, Xiao Qi frowned and said, “To the palace.”

________________________________________

In the Imperial Garden, the Flame Emperor personally hosted a royal family banquet to welcome back the Southern King. The banquet was lively for a full hour before dispersing. The various kings withdrew, and the Southern King also returned to his residence with his guards. Only the attendants and palace maids were seen scurrying about in the corridors, carrying jade pots, colorful glazed cups, and dishes, busy clearing the remnants of the feast.

A person slowly walked out of the garden gate and headed towards the inner palace, followed closely by several attendants.

Wearing a wide crimson robe, cinched with a gold brocade belt, and a crown inlaid with flame stones, his face bore a three-tenths resemblance to the Southern King, but his eyebrows were slightly thicker, his eyes slightly smaller, and he was older. This was precisely Emperor Wen Zhu Chongxiao of the Flame Empire.

A trusted attendant beside him said, “The Southern King is actually planning to stay in the capital for a long time this time. Why did Your Majesty agree to it?”

The Flame Emperor said indifferently, “My royal brother hasn’t returned to the capital for many years. I have long hoped for our reunion. How could I not agree?”

The Flame Kingdom currently had two major powers. Losing one would inevitably break the balance. The Southern King dared to enter the capital, not only because his people controlled the four city gates, but also because he relied on the Emperor’s consideration. Using the deep sisterly affection between the Southern Princess and Concubine Dan as an excuse for not wanting to separate was quite suitable. However, having him under his watchful eye might not be a bad thing. For many years, Xiao Qi had dominated the capital, suspected of wielding too much power; it was time to put him on alert.

Knowing that he was not being entirely truthful, the attendant quickly smiled obsequiously, “Just now, we tallied the gifts presented by the Southern King: ninety-nine rare treasures, dozens of bolts of high-quality brocade for the Empress and various concubines, and twenty beautiful women. Among them is a special one, a dancer reportedly acquired by chance at the Prince Ding’s banquet yesterday, exceptionally skilled and beautiful. The Southern King specifically offered her to Your Majesty.”

The Flame Emperor had already received a secret report about what happened at the Prince Ding’s residence. Hearing this, he nodded, a knowing smile flashing in his eyes.

His elder sister entered the palace, then he married her younger sister, and annually offered beautiful women as usual. What he didn’t care about was someone else’s treasure. One might say that card was played well from the start.

As the Flame Emperor walked forward, he instructed, “From the items brought, casually pick two to bestow upon Concubine Dan.”

The attendant assented and then asked, “Should we go to Consort Ying’s side?”

The Flame Emperor said, “First, let’s go see the new beauty my royal brother sent.”

As they spoke, an attendant reported, “The Prince Ding requests an audience and has been waiting outside for a long time.”

The Flame Emperor frowned, turned around, and walked out. Upon exiting the central gate, he indeed saw Xiao Qi standing by a corridor pillar, without attendants.

Once friends who shared hardships, now at the pinnacle of power, the monarch was wary of his own subordinate. A century of erosion had changed everything. Upon seeing the Flame Emperor, Xiao Qi actively stepped forward to bow. The Flame Emperor also kindly extended a hand to help him up. The gestures between monarch and subject were impeccable, their harmony admirable.

Xiao Qi said, “This subject heard that His Highness the Southern King has presented a woman named Yan Chu to the palace.”

The Flame Emperor uttered an “Oh”: “News travels so fast. Is your request for an audience about this matter?”

Xiao Qi bowed: “This subject humbly requests Your Majesty to bestow her upon this subject.”

The Flame Emperor smiled faintly: “Is one woman worth you being this anxious?”

The Southern King’s offering of beauty was indeed not simple. According to reports, Xiao Qi had lost his composure in public over this dancer yesterday and even visited the Southern King by night. The two incidents coincided perfectly. However, it was unexpected that Xiao Qi would actually come to the palace to ask for someone.

Xiao Qi was silent for a moment, then said, “This woman closely resembles Xi Luo.”

“Are you saying...”

“My wife, the daughter of General Yue.”

The Flame Emperor was stunned upon hearing this, and said, “Wasn’t the Princess consort killed by the Mufeng arrows?”

Xiao Qi said, “She was indeed struck by a Xingfeng arrow and fell into the extreme cold current. This subject searched tirelessly at the time but couldn’t find her, assuming there was no possibility of survival. To stabilize the Yue army, I announced her death. For all these years, I have also secretly sent people to search for her remains near the ice current, but there has been no trace.”

“According to you, there was no body in the buried coffin,” the Flame Emperor understood, his expression gradually becoming serious. He paced a few steps with his hands behind his back, pondering, “The coldness of the ice current has always been dreaded by our Yan people. Let alone a severely wounded person, even you would probably find it hard to survive. Moreover, if she really is the Princess consort, her identity alone could shake the Yue army. How could my royal brother easily return her?”

Xiao Qi said, “She is a woman, raised in seclusion since childhood. The few generals who knew her had already perished in the War for Land. General Wu and others have not seen her true face now, and she claims to have amnesia. The Southern King certainly has no evidence to confirm her identity. Sending her into the palace must be an intentional test.”

The Flame Emperor’s expression softened slightly, “Your meaning?”

Xiao Qi said, “I cannot let her remain in the palace.”

For his wife to enter the palace to serve the monarch would undoubtedly be a laughingstock throughout the land. The Flame Emperor also understood his concerns and nodded, “The Five Spirit Realms are vast; there are many with similar appearances. If it is indeed confirmed that she is the Princess consort, it may not be a good thing for you.”

Xiao Qi said, “She is, after all, my lawfully wedded wife.”

“You are indeed a man of deep affection, so be it,” the Flame Emperor chuckled lightly and instructed his attendant, “Summon that woman named Yan Chu.”

Not long after, a beautiful woman in white indeed came with an attendant.

Seeing Xiao Qi, Yan Chu subtly curled the corner of her lips, then stepped forward and knelt in obeisance.

Without the veil’s concealment, her face was fully revealed. Even with countless beauties in his harem, the Flame Emperor was stunned, and it was a while before he spoke: “The Prince Ding has requested you from me. What are your thoughts?”

“Everything is at Your Majesty’s discretion,” Yan Chu appropriately lowered her head. “This humble maiden truly does not recognize the Prince Ding. Why must the Prince Ding insist?”

Xiao Qi acted as if he hadn’t heard: “This subject implores Your Majesty’s grace.”

The Flame Emperor was silent for a moment, then smiled: “How could I disappoint you for a woman?” He looked at Yan Chu and said, “The Prince Ding misses his deceased wife, and because your appearance closely resembles the late Princess Consort, he has become emotionally attached. Today, I shall bestow you upon him. How about it?”

Yan Chu whispered, “This humble maiden obeys the imperial decree.”

Xiao Qi bowed, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace. This subject takes his leave.”

The Flame Emperor gazed deeply at Yan Chu a few more times, saying, “The Prince Ding is a loyal and trusted minister of mine. You must serve him wholeheartedly and share my worries.”

Yan Chu could only agree and withdrew with Xiao Qi.

________________________________________

After the two had left, the Flame Emperor resumed his walk towards the inner palace. Seeing his expression gradually turn cold and solemn, the attendants dared not make a sound.

White stones paved the path, and flowers and trees lined the corridors. Ahead, several palace maids ushered a beautifully dressed concubine who appeared at the end of the promenade. The concubine was exceedingly young and beautiful, with snow-white skin, a slender waist, a lotus-like face, delicate eyebrows, alluring eyes with a hint of flirtation and ruthlessness, and an arrogant, raised chin. At this moment, she was walking towards them with a face full of anger.

The attendant quickly greeted her as “Consort Ying,” and Consort Ying also bowed.

The Flame Emperor signaled her to rise: “Why are you out?”

Seeing his change in expression, Consort Ying quickly suppressed her anger, took his arm, and pouted, “Your concubine heard that the Southern King presented a peerless beauty and was just thinking of going to see her, but then learned that Your Majesty had already summoned her.”

The Flame Emperor raised an eyebrow: “Oh?”

He had seen too many of this woman’s tricks. In recent years, countless new beauties had entered the palace, and without exception, any exceptional one would encounter trouble. As the supreme ruler of Yan, he watched everything unfold without interfering, perhaps finding some amusement in keeping a viperous beauty by his side and observing her schemes.

Sensing that he seemed to have no displeasure, Consort Ying began to playfully cajole, releasing him and saying, “Your concubine won’t hinder Your Majesty’s good fortune. I’ll return to my palace first.”

The Flame Emperor chuckled and put his arm around her waist: “I’ll go back with you.”

Consort Ying turned her face away: “Your Majesty has a new favorite. How could you still care about your concubine?”

“Don’t worry,” the Flame Emperor said indifferently, “I have already bestowed her upon the Prince Ding.”

“The Prince Ding?” Consort Ying shrewdly suppressed her temper and again took his arm, forcing back her joy. “He hasn’t performed any merits, why grant such a favor? I think he’s becoming more and more presumptuous, relying on Your Majesty’s trust.”

The trusted attendant beside them took the opportunity to interject, “Indeed, just now he even came to the palace to ask Your Majesty to bestow the new beauty upon him. Although Your Majesty is considerate of your subjects, a monarch is a monarch and a subject is a subject. Since ancient times, only Your Majesty has granted favors; how can a subject actively demand someone? It would be a breach of etiquette if word got out.”

“He actually demanded someone from Your Majesty?” Consort Ying quickly said, “I heard he visited the Southern King last night. Your Majesty must be vigilant.”

A cold sneer flashed in his eyes, and the Flame Emperor impatiently raised a hand: “There was a reason for it, and this time he cannot be blamed. You two need not say more. I have my own reasons.”

Women fanning the flames of private grievances were not enough to influence his judgment. Currently, the new forces he had fostered were far from being able to contend with the Southern King. He had to win over Xiao Qi. As for which choice would better maintain the glory and status of the Yunze clan, Xiao Qi would naturally understand. In the current situation where he and the Southern King mutually constrained each other, Xiao Qi couldn’t do anything, it was merely a matter of mutual concession between monarch and subject. If he were to act against him lightly and incur the displeasure of the Yue army, things would become troublesome.

The Flame Emperor’s mood brightened, and he deliberately mentioned, “It’s also a coincidence, I heard this woman’s appearance closely resembles the deceased Ding Princess Consort.”

Upon mentioning the past, Consort Ying’s expression became uncomfortable, and she quickly changed the subject.

________________________________________

Meanwhile, Yan Chu obediently followed Xiao Qi out of the palace and returned to the residence by carriage. The Prince Ding’s residence was built on the former site of the Marquis of Qingyun’s mansion. It was the same location, but the scale and grandeur were entirely different. Over a century, whether intentionally or unintentionally, all the servants and maids in the residence had been replaced. No one recognized the former Princess Consort, so naturally, no one paid attention to who resembled whom, though there were many admiring glances.

Yan Chu was very satisfied with the outcome.

Yue Xiluo was, after all, the principal wife he had formally married. A monarch and a subject sharing a wife—even someone as composed as Xiao Qi could not tolerate such a joke falling upon the Yunze family. Even though he knew he was being played, he still braved the reputation of overstepping his bounds to enter the palace and demand her. And these minor incidents, amplified by gossip, were enough to deliver another blow to the sensitive relationship between monarch and subject.

An extra chess piece could also disrupt the rhythm.

Liu Yu had already heard that Xiao Qi had returned to the residence and waited specially at the back garden gate. Seeing him, she went to greet him. Xiao Qi looked at Yan Chu beside him, then merely nodded at Liu Yu.

Noticing his lack of usual warmth, Liu Yu was first puzzled, then her face changed dramatically. She stared directly at Yan Chu, almost losing her footing, and her voice trembled: “She... she is...”

Xiao Qi quickly reached out to support her.

Yan Chu smiled, “Does the new Madam also know the Princess Consort?”

Her pretty face pale, Liu Yu frantically shifted her gaze to Xiao Qi. Xiao Qi held her hand and said gravely, “This is Miss Yan Chu, bestowed by His Majesty.”

“So that’s it.” Liu Yu finally composed herself, her gaze still full of surprise and uncertainty.

Seeing Yan Chu standing there unresponsive, the head maid Yi Ru prompted, “This is the Madam.”

Yan Chu “hmm”ed, simply surveying her surroundings.

With Xiao Qi present, Yi Ru didn’t dare to show off as she usually did when disciplining the younger maids, only deepening her tone: “According to the residence’s rules, you should bow to the Madam.”

“Yan Chu has just entered the residence, her status is not yet determined, so I don’t know what礼 she should perform,” Yan Chu slightly raised the corner of her mouth. “Forcing a woman is already out of line. Does the Prince Ding still want me to perform a servant’s bow?”

Even if she wasn’t a servant, her status couldn’t possibly be higher than the Madam’s. All the maids and servants looked at Xiao Qi, and seeing no sign of anger from him, they were even more astonished.

Xiao Qi also stared at those phoenix eyes, clearly seeing the mockery within them.

If she truly was Xi Luo, then she was his first wife, his Princess Consort. How could he possibly make her bow to a concubine? She had already anticipated this victory.

This woman was intelligent and cunning, and she differed from the person in his memory, which made him less certain.

“Miss Yan Chu is an honored guest, no need for excessive courtesy,” Xiao Qi finally spoke, instructing Yi Ru, “Take Miss Yan Chu to Maple Garden to settle in, and arrange for good care.”

Yi Ru assented. Yan Chu didn’t even thank him and followed her away.

________________________________________

A profound silence settled around them. Xiao Qi embraced the dazed Liu Yu, whispering, “You don’t need to worry. I’m here.”

“Yes, Yue Xiluo died long ago, it’s impossible for her to return,” Liu Yu murmured, as if comforting herself, then panicked again, “But she looks too much like her. You feel guilty towards Yue Xiluo, that’s why you want her to...”

“Yu’er!” Xiao Qi interrupted her, “How could I be so muddled?”

Liu Yu quickly pleaded, “Then send her away. Wouldn’t it be better to send her to the Southern King?”

Xiao Qi said, “Our wedding was too grand. Old General Lushan is extremely displeased, and General Wu and the others respect him the most. I cannot make no gesture.”

Liu Yu understood and hugged his waist: “I’ve caused you trouble.”

Xiao Qi said, “I will indulge her a bit.”

Liu Yu finally smiled: “She isn’t Yue Xiluo after all. I’m fine.”

It wasn’t the season for maple leaves to be red; the newly sprouted leaves were green, tender and pleasing to the eye. The entire Maple Garden was filled with greenery and vitality. Judging by the rust on the garden gate, this place had been vacant for many years. Fortunately, it wasn’t demolished when the King’s mansion was expanded.

Maple leaves shaded a small pond, and by the pond stood an exquisite small building.

After the maids finished cleaning the room, Yi Ru led Yan Chu inside.

The furnishings in the room were old but exquisite. The window faced south, offering a direct view of the pond and maple forest outside. A painting of autumn maples hung on the wall, and the removed bed curtains also depicted crimson maples. Wherever there were carved patterns on wooden tables, they were in the shape of maple leaves, indicating the unique preferences of the previous owner.

Yan Chu went to the window without hesitation, asking the maids to change the old decorations and instructing them on a new layout.

Yi Ru saw this and sneered, “Just a lowly dancer, yet already so arrogant. Don’t dream such wild dreams. His Majesty indulging you is out of respect for the deceased Princess Consort. The Madam’s position in His Majesty’s heart is not even comparable to the Princess Consort’s. I advise you to dispel your illusions, behave yourself, and learn the rules of the residence, lest you make a fool of yourself.”

“Are you finished?” Yan Chu signaled a nearby maid to pour tea.

Disrespected by her, Yi Ru’s face flushed red. However, what happened next was even more unexpected—

A loud slap echoed, followed by gasps throughout the room.

Yi Ru covered her face, pointing at her with a finger: “You...”

“Disrespectful words merit a slight punishment,” Yan Chu sat down in the chair and picked up her teacup. “You should remember, I am a person bestowed upon the Prince Ding by His Majesty. Even as a dancer, I am a hundred times more precious than a maid like you. To humiliate me is to humiliate His Majesty, and the Prince Ding cannot bear that crime. I’ll spare you today; next time, remember your lesson.”

As a confidante of Liu Yu, Yi Ru had never been struck by anyone. Gritting her teeth, she ordered the maids, “Why are you not slapping her face for me? Tell her who I am!”

Yan Chu seemed not to hear, gently blowing on the tea cup lid.

Unexpectedly, she was so calm that the maids hesitated and dared not step forward.

Yi Ru said furiously, “This is disciplining her on behalf of the Madam. Do I have to do it myself?”

One maid, eager to curry favor, indeed came forward, snatched the teacup, and smashed it on the ground. She slapped Yan Chu, putting on airs and saying, “Sister Yi Ru serves by the Madam’s side. If you dare touch her, you don’t respect the Madam!”

Yan Chu smiled slightly.

Fool.

“Your Majesty!” A maid’s voice timely sounded from outside the door, followed by the curtain being drawn back. Xiao Qi walked in. Yi Ru quickly suppressed her arrogance and, with the maids, curtsied.

Yan Chu still sat in the chair, turning her head slightly to the side: “Is the Prince Ding rushing to clean up the mess?”

Looking at the shattered teacup, Xiao Qi was startled at first, then his gaze settled on the face with a finger mark, and his expression instantly turned grim: “Who did this?”

Sensing trouble, Yi Ru bravely explained, “She spoke disrespectfully to the Madam...”

Xiao Qi turned sideways and asked again, “Who did this?”

Yi Ru dared not speak further, and the maid who had struck the blow was also frightened, kneeling and begging for mercy.

Xiao Qi said, “Drag her out and give her fifty strokes with the rod.”

Yi Ru breathed a sigh of relief, secretly signaling the maid to accept the punishment with gratitude, planning to ask Liu Yu for leniency later.

Unexpectedly, Yan Chu suddenly smiled, “The Prince Ding is very lenient. Let it go.”

Xiao Qi immediately said, “One hundred strokes, and sell her as a government courtesan.”

Finally understanding that her fate rested on the other party’s single word, the maid uncontrollably screamed in terror and begged for mercy. Seeing Xiao Qi unresponsive, she regretted it even more, crying and crawling on her knees to Yan Chu, kowtowing and pleading incessantly, constantly glancing at Yi Ru, hoping she would help.

Yan Chu sat calmly in her chair, unmoved.

Playing a poignant scene also comes with a price. At this moment, many eyes are on the Prince Ding’s residence, Yunze Xiao Qi. How far can you truly indulge?

At this moment, how could Yi Ru dare to intercede? She remained silent.

Xiao Qi waved his hand, and no one dared to delay further. They stepped forward to drag the maid out.

“It wasn’t me, it was her!” The maid could no longer care about anything else, pointing at Yi Ru and crying, “She told me to hit her! Your Majesty, spare my life!”

Upon meeting Xiao Qi’s gaze, Yi Ru shivered and immediately understood, proactively throwing herself to her knees before Yan Chu: “Yi Ru was blind, please, Miss Yan Chu, be magnanimous and spare me this once.”

Yan Chu raised an eyebrow and looked at Xiao Qi.

Xiao Qi said, “She knows her mistake...”

Yan Chu interrupted, “Then deal with it as planned.”

“I won’t dare again, Miss, spare my life!” Yi Ru was drenched in cold sweat, knocking her head on the ground, “Yi Ru has served the Madam since childhood, please, Your Majesty, for the Madam’s sake!”

Xiao Qi was silent for a moment, then said, “Can we find an alternative punishment?”

Yan Chu said, “She disciplined me on behalf of the Madam. If I were to hit the Madam back, would the Prince Ding truly let me do it?”

Xiao Qi stared at her and said, “Don’t go too far.”

“I heard the Madam’s status isn’t even comparable to the Princess Consort’s. How dare Yan Chu compare herself to the Madam’s maid,” Yan Chu looked at Yi Ru on the ground and smiled. “If the Prince Ding thinks I’m going too far, then handle it yourself. Why care about my attitude? If you don’t have the ability to uphold justice, you shouldn’t pretend to be just. It’s not easy to earn Yan Chu’s gratitude.”

Each word was barbed, but Xiao Qi showed no anger. He said, “Two hundred strokes with the rod, and suspend her from her managerial duties.”

Yi Ru, pale-faced, thanked him and went to receive her punishment. The shattered pieces were quickly cleaned up, a new cup of tea was placed on the table, and the maids gradually exited the room.

Xiao Qi shifted his gaze back, seeing Yan Chu sitting there, observing everything coldly, a customary faint smile on her lips.

Except for her temperament, the person before him almost perfectly overlapped with the figure in his memory. Sitting in the same spot, possessing the same face, reflected against the maple leaves outside the window, she was as beautiful as a painting.

His heart softened with it.

Indulgence could have many reasons, but at this moment, he most wanted to confirm one thing.

Finally, Xiao Qi spoke: “It was I who wronged you.”

Yan Chu said, “Who would dare to heavily punish the Madam’s confidante? If the Prince Ding truly didn’t want me to suffer, he wouldn’t have shown favoritism.”

The sunlight outside the window was obscured by clouds, casting a slight shadow on his handsome face. Xiao Qi said, “Yesterday’s wine-offering dance proved that you have martial arts training. She couldn’t have hit you at all, yet you deliberately took that slap.”

Yan Chu clapped her hands and said, “As expected, nothing escapes the Prince Ding.”

Witnessing the familiar gesture, Xiao Qi’s expression softened. He reached out to pull her: “Xi Luo.”

“This humble maiden thanks the Prince Ding for his protection.” Yan Chu proactively stood up to express her gratitude, inadvertently stepping back two paces.

Xiao Qi slowly retracted his hand and placed it behind his back: “I lost my composure. I mistook you for her.”

Yan Chu’s praise was polite and insincere: “The Prince Ding is deeply affectionate.”

“No, I failed her,” Xiao Qi turned to the window and said softly, “That year, to save Liu Yu, I caused her to be hit by an arrow and fall into the ice current. She... was harmed by me.”