Chapter 66: Jinlin Terrace

The Buddha says all attachments – greed, anger, obsession, and resentment – are but illusions.

The heavy snow fell incessantly, quickly covering the crimson bloodstains that had snaked across the ground.

The Imperial Household Department worked swiftly, cleaning every corner of Shu Yun Palace’s side hall spotless within half a day.

Afterward, they discreetly sent people to burn incense and perform rites for the deceased, leaving not even a trace of bloodscent behind.

The entire process was carried out in complete silence, without even disturbing Consort Shu who resided in the main hall.

Upon hearing that the two junior consorts had been stabbed to death, Li Yuzhi broke out in a cold sweat and decided to bury those idle rumors about the Crown Prince deep within her heart.

There were never any secrets in the imperial city. One never knew when a carelessly spoken word might be overheard by those with ill intentions, and this thought filled her with profound unease.

By evening, the sun hanging precariously at the horizon appeared as a dull, lifeless disc – much like the frozen lanterns beneath the eaves.

She suddenly felt that this life of being completely controlled by others had become utterly meaningless.

Having entered the palace for many years and witnessed countless changes in people and events, the clearer her perception became, the more she couldn’t help but wonder: what in this palace was truly real?

Two years ago, the perpetually controversial Third Princess had suddenly fallen to her death from a tower.

One year ago, the Emperor adopted a girl who looked exactly like the Third Princess as his honorary daughter, settling her in Ganhua Temple to chant scriptures and pray for the imperial family.

This matter had spread like wildfire throughout the imperial city, with the most sensational part being that on the very day this girl returned to the capital, the eldest son of the Jin family had rushed to beg the Emperor for her hand in marriage.

Hah, these noble scions of the imperial family, along with the fabricated tales from the Directorate of Astronomy – they truly treated everyone else as fools.

They claimed the young princess had jumped from the city tower as a sacrifice to heaven to pray for the Emperor’s wellbeing, and that the Emperor, moved by her filial piety, had specially found a girl who resembled her to adopt as his honorary daughter.

Even if everyone in the capital who had seen her knew perfectly well that this was no honorary daughter, but rather the return of that allegedly illegitimate young princess – what could anyone do about it?

She had already moved from Ganhua Temple into the Jinlin Terrace bestowed by the Emperor, receiving even greater honors than before. With the Crown Prince and the Jin family backing her, who in the entire capital would dare offend her?

Li Yuzhi smiled mockingly, her fingers adorned with vibrant red nail polish and pigeon-blood rubies symbolizing imperial favor. Were it not for the deaths of those two junior consorts today, she might have remained like Consort Jin, blissfully intoxicated with this illusory favor without any awareness.

Now that the Emperor’s health had somewhat improved, though he still couldn’t overexert himself, all affairs within and outside the palace were entrusted to Grand Tutor Jin and the Crown Prince.

The Jin family, with their strict moral principles, placed utmost importance on etiquette and filial piety. By betrothing the young princess to Jin Cheng, the Jin family’s eldest son, the Emperor likely intended to use the Jin family’s long-established authority to restrain the Crown Prince and prevent him from acting recklessly.

The Emperor had always been cold and unfeeling toward his consorts, yet toward the Crown Prince, he showed genuine fatherly devotion.

The more Consort Yu pondered these matters, the more resentful she felt –

Consort Jin’s child was still in her womb, and whether it would be safely delivered remained uncertain.

Currently, the only one who could compete with the Crown Prince was the Fourth Prince, whom she was raising as her own.

The child had been with her for less than a year, yet he possessed a steady temperament and keen perception – truly quite endearing.

Whenever she visited him in the evenings, she would find him bent over his desk studying, exceptionally diligent.

Moreover, every time the Emperor came to Qingyu Palace to examine his studies, he performed outstandingly.

If His Majesty’s health could hold on for a few more years, until the Fourth Prince grows up, with the full support of her own family—

Although the current Crown Prince is impeccably perfect, he is like flawless jade with a hidden flaw, having fallen for a princess of unknown origins.

If this matter were made public, what qualifications would he have to inherit the throne? He would likely be scorned by both civil and military officials, as well as the common people.

Hmph—

Something so obvious to anyone with eyes has been suppressed by His Majesty, and no one dares to say a word about it.

Otherwise, they would end up like those two nobles.

“Attendants, pick out a few bright outfits for the Fourth Prince and have him come see me early tomorrow morning.” She stood up and looked out the window—the sunset had completely faded.

While His Majesty is still in good health, if there is an opportunity, perhaps a future can be secured.

“Your Highness, the Fourth Prince has a horsemanship lesson tomorrow morning,” reminded Yao’er, her personal palace maid.

The Fourth Prince loves riding horses the most, and his instructor was specially selected from the northwest—extremely strict.

“Tell him that tomorrow, I will take him to Jinlin Terrace.”

~

Jinlin Terrace is a high platform located in the southwest corner of the palace, facing the Changxin Palace where the Crown Prince resides across the water.

Though not far, there is no bridge connecting them, so one must take a detour—it takes nearly half an hour to get there.

On her first day back in the palace, Li Youqing did not sleep a wink all night.

Whenever she closed her eyes, that man’s vicious face would appear in her mind—him pinning her down, shouting and accusing her of ingratitude—

Unable to sleep, she sat up angrily, throwing all the pillows on the bed in frustration.

Why, why must she think of that scoundrel now, when her life is finally going well?

On the day of their parting, he had been just as heartless to her.

He deliberately chased after her to harshly return the dagger and take back the Nine-Eyed Dzi Bead he had given her as a birthday gift…

He himself said it clearly: from then on, neither owed the other anything.

Now, everything has been settled.

According to Father Emperor’s wishes, in three months, she is to marry Jin Cheng.

Soon, she will marry someone else… The thought made her heart ache and tighten inexplicably.

General Xuan once said that some things can only be done on the wedding night.

She does not want to do those things with anyone else.

But Father Emperor said she must consider the bigger picture and marry Jin Cheng as soon as possible to sever the Crown Prince’s delusions.

Father Emperor also told her that General Xuan is doing well leading troops in the northwest… He has subdued all of King Bai’s forces, and his influence now far surpasses that of Zhenbei Wang.

Father Emperor wants her to stay safely in the capital, marry early, and prevent General Xuan from developing any improper thoughts or opposing the Crown Prince.

According to this logic, she is nothing but a temptress.

Fortunately, over the past year, she has spent her days chanting sutras in the prayer hall and has come to a clear understanding.

She and General Xuan can never be together, no matter what.

The Buddha said that greed, anger, obsession, and resentment are all delusions, like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows, like dew or lightning…

Too many delusions harm both oneself and others. Only by cherishing those before you can you bring good to everyone.

She understands the reasoning… yet she still spends night after night unable to sleep.

Early in the morning, with dark circles under her eyes like a panda’s, she forced herself to gather her spirits to receive Consort Jin and the Fourth Prince.

The reception hall was decorated in a simple yet majestic style, quite similar to that of Changxin Palace.

Li Youqing had only moved in yesterday and hadn’t had time to properly examine her new residence, but the faint scent of sandalwood surrounding her felt familiar.

Zisu selected a plain-based Suzhou embroidery gown adorned with a hundred birds frolicking among flowers for her, which accentuated her delicate and graceful figure, leaving several newly arrived maids staring in awe.

Li Yuzhi was equally surprised. Over the past two years, the young princess had blossomed from an exquisitely spirited girl into a woman of such ethereal elegance—moonlike in her serene allure, yet captivating as a begonia intoxicated by moonlight, making one forget all worldly cares upon seeing her. Even as a woman herself, Li Yuzhi felt almost enchanted, hardly blaming the Crown Prince for his—

Snapping back to reality, Consort Yu smiled gently. “Greetings, Third Princess.”

“Greetings, Consort Yu.” Li Youqing returned a faint, unreadable smile.

Her gaze shifted to the boy standing behind the consort, meeting a pair of gloomy eyes. She froze momentarily.

When she left the palace, her brother had been only eight years old, his eyes clear and bright, calling out “sister” in a childish voice upon seeing her. But now, the boy stared back expressionlessly, as if looking at a stranger.

“Xiao An,” she called softly, an instinctive closeness rising in her heart. He was, after all, the one person in this world who shared her blood. Unconsciously, she reached out her hand.

Fourth Prince Li Qing’an immediately withdrew his hand and stepped back, visibly recoiling from his sister’s touch.

Consort Yu’s expression darkened as she chided him mildly, “Fourth Prince, mind your manners.”

Li Youqing also found her brother’s behavior unusual and was about to speak when, unexpectedly, the boy turned and ran off.

“Third Princess, the Fourth Prince isn’t usually like this—” Consort Yu exclaimed in astonishment.

He had been perfectly compliant on their way here, agreeing to everything she had instructed. Why had he reacted this way upon meeting his sister? Had she been too careless? He was, after all, only ten years old—perhaps he had heard some unsavory rumors about the Third Princess…

Li Youqing’s expression remained calm. With a light laugh, she said, “There’s no need for concern, Consort. It’s only natural for him to be reserved after such a long separation.”

She then invited Consort Yu to sit, lowering her eyes and speaking gently, “I may be his elder sister, but we’ve never been close. How could we compare to the bond you share as mother and son?”

Consort Yu smiled. “Blood ties can never be broken, and siblings may quarrel but never truly part. I’ll bring him to visit more often in the future.”

“Thank you, Consort.” Li Youqing responded tactfully, letting the matter drop.

The two sat and shared half a cup of tea while Consort Yu recounted recent amusing incidents in the palace. Li Youqing, ever the engaging conversationalist, ensured their time together passed pleasantly.

“To celebrate your move to a new residence, I’ve brought a humble gift. My elder brother, the Minister of Justice, recently returned from the South Sea with a pair of luminous pearls—perfect for Your Highness to admire.” Consort Yu gestured, and Yao’er stepped forward with a gilded octagonal treasure box. As soon as the lid was opened, the room filled with a soft, radiant glow.

Such superior luminous pearls were ideal for illuminating a bedchamber at night.

“You’re too kind,” Li Youqing said, signaling Zisu to take the gift. Her smile sweetened. “My new residence isn’t fully settled yet, but in a few days, I’ll surely visit your Yuqing Palace to pay my respects and see my younger brother.”

After exchanging a few more words, they parted ways.

Once outside Jinlin Terrace, the smile vanished from Consort Yu’s lips, replaced by a flicker of disdain.

When the Crown Prince had overseen the renovation of Jinlin Terrace the year before last, they had assumed it was merely routine palace maintenance.

Now that Third Princess has moved in, she finally realized the Crown Prince’s sordid intentions were already glaringly obvious.

Across the distant Yuqiu Pond, the majestic palace eaves of Changxin Palace were fully visible.

What a pity… without a bridge… it simply couldn’t be accomplished.