Chapter Three: The Mid-Autumn Banquet

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Shen Qiuning and Shen Muyan returned to the mansion. Shen Qiuning walked behind Shen Muyan and asked, “Father, are you really going to hold a grudge against Uncle Gu for life? I think Uncle Gu is quite a good person—generous and straightforward. You shouldn’t be so petty and spiteful. Besides, when I was little, Uncle Gu often bought me sweets.”

Hearing this, Shen Muyan turned around angrily. “You little brat, what do you know! Always twisting things around. When you were young, your mother forbade you from eating sweets. Every time someone gave you candy, you’d say I secretly gave it to you, and when we got caught, I was the one who took the blame. Ungrateful little whelp.”

“Oh.” Shen Qiuning stuck out her tongue playfully and ran back to her room.

Feeling wronged, Shen Muyan went to find Cui Wanyun, hoping for some comfort. But Cui Wanyun had just instructed him that morning to bring back a box of Su Ji pastries, which Shen Muyan had completely forgotten. As a result, he was again sent out of the room.

He sat on the stone stool by the door, idly drawing circles with a twig all morning. Only at lunchtime did he reluctantly coax his way inside after a long while.

Shen Qiuning, on the other hand, was quite pleased today, amused by Gu Yan’s bewildered expression.

As the last rays of twilight faded and dusk deepened, though the air was crisp and bright with autumn’s arrival, a lingering warmth persisted. Shen Qiuning, parched from reading, asked Mingyue to bring a bowl of chilled mung bean drink. She drank it down in one gulp. Tomorrow was the Mid-Autumn banquet; after finishing the cold drink, Shen Qiuning went to bed.

The first light of dawn cast its glow on the palace’s glazed tile eaves, where carved beams and painted rafters revealed the imperial grandeur. Towering ancient trees surrounded the main hall, their shade casting cool relief. Red walls and yellow tiles framed the splendid interior, resplendent with gold and jade, giving a sense of endless wealth and honor. Yet, how many spent their entire lives trapped within this splendor? How many never truly escaped the deep palace’s confines even in death?

Today, the palace was lively with song and dance, laughter and festivity echoing throughout the halls.

Emperor Yongqing raised his cup: “Esteemed ministers, on this Mid-Autumn Festival, I wish the nation prosperity and the family harmony; may the moon be full and the people safe. Having you all by my side is my greatest fortune. Tonight’s family feast, let no one hold back—drink heartily, play freely!”

Everyone stood to toast in unison: “Thank you, Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live forever, in health and peace.”

“Very well, all may remain seated. Shen Muyan, you distinguished yourself greatly in the recent Battle of Cangbi. Name your reward without hesitation.” The emperor looked toward Shen Muyan.

Shen Muyan stood and bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I would like to request one of the two fine-quality waist whips among the tributes from the Western Regions.”

The emperor frowned. “You, a man, want a waist whip? Does the Ministry of War not have a suitable weapon for you?”

Shen Muyan quickly explained, “Your Majesty misunderstands. The whip is for my young daughter. I have only one daughter, and I am often away on campaign. Though she has some martial skills, she is still a girl, and I worry. I heard those two whips are rare and finely made—light and strong—so I wish to request one for her.”

The emperor laughed heartily: “Ha ha ha, I knew you cherished your daughter. Bring the whip here! There were only two of these rare whips, and you’ve already taken one. Whenever I get a rare item, you and Gu Wenting always consume it all.”

Shen Muyan glanced at His Majesty, pursing his lips. “Your Majesty is a man too; why would you want one? Also, those things mostly end up with that shameless Gu Wenting, so don’t wrong me.”

The emperor rolled his eyes, exasperated. “Enough! Though you don’t match that old Gu Wenting, you aren’t innocent either. This time, there will be no reward for Gu Wenting. You really take advantage and then act all innocent.”

“Heh, I knew Your Majesty favored me more,” Shen Muyan said with a silly grin.

“Cough, Your Majesty, I’m still here. You two are badmouthing me openly now?” Gu Wenting, overhearing their conversation, couldn’t help but interject.

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The emperor and Shen Muyan exchanged an awkward glance, smiling quietly before resuming their drinking, paying Gu Wenting no mind.

The waist whip was presented, and Shen Qiuning accepted the gift.

Emperor Yongqing looked at Shen Qiuning with fondness. “When you were little, you called me ‘Uncle Emperor’ all the time. Now, so many years have passed, and you’ve grown into a young lady. Ah, time waits for no one; my beard is nearly white. This whip, you must cherish it well. Though of superior quality and hard to break, it is still a rare treasure.”

Shen Qiuning expressed her gratitude: “Thank you, Your Majesty. I will not fail your kindness and will treasure it wholeheartedly.”

The emperor smiled gently. “I recall you should be of marriageable age now. You are so outstanding that even one of my princes would be a good match. If you find someone pleasing, tell me. I, your father, and your Uncle Gu all grew up together. Though now there are official distinctions and etiquette, our bond remains. Their children are my children as well. Also, Consort Xuan wields a whip superbly; the other whip has been given to her. I permit you to enter the palace anytime to train with Consort Xuan. How does that sound?”

Shen Qiuning bowed again. “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am deeply grateful. Marriage is a matter of parental arrangement; I will follow my parents’ wishes. I will train diligently with Consort Xuan, ensuring I do not disappoint Your Majesty.”

The emperor nodded, growing more fond of Shen Qiuning the longer he looked. He then glanced at the fifth princess nearby, who paid no attention to the surroundings, only burying her head in eating almond cakes. The emperor sighed with frustration and shot her a glare, then turned away. Out of sight, out of mind.

The fifth princess wondered, “Why does it feel so chilly around here?” She looked around but saw nothing unusual and resumed eating her cakes.

The relaxed atmosphere of the family feast made Shen Qiuning a bit indulgent. The osmanthus liquor was potent; after a few cups, she began feeling unwell. She slipped away alone to the lakeside to clear her head. Just as she sat down by the water, a sharp abdominal pain struck her. Suddenly, she remembered: the mung bean iced drink she had last night combined with the arrival of her menstrual period, plus the extra drinks tonight, had overwhelmed her. She clutched her stomach, curling up in pain.

As she writhed, she heard Gu Yan’s teasing voice: “Oh? Miss Shen, is your wine tolerance poor, sneaking out to enjoy the scenery?”

Gu Yan approached slowly. Seeing Shen Qiuning ignoring him, he came closer and noticed her pale face and damp forehead. Alarmed, he crouched down to check on her. “Shen Qiuning, are you an idiot? If you’re unwell, why didn’t you call the imperial physician? Running off here to catch some air—what were you thinking?”

Shen Qiuning weakly lifted her head and glared at him. “Gu Yan, are you crazy? I’m about to faint from pain, and you say these useless things. Can you please call the doctor first?”

Her voice was faint from weakness. Gu Yan leaned in to hear her clearly and caught her request for a doctor. Knowing the imperial hospital was still some distance away and that the doctor’s legs were slow, he immediately scooped her up. Shen Qiuning was too weak to resist; her consciousness blurred. She only knew Gu Yan held her and murmured something, but she could not hear clearly.

“Shen Qiuning, I’ve helped you again. Think carefully how you’ll repay me this time,” Gu Yan said, holding her close. He saw her pale face, wisps of hair stuck to her forehead, and her furrowed brow leaning against him. He thought she was cutest when silent.

When Shen Qiuning regained consciousness, she was in Consort Xuan’s chamber. On the way to the imperial hospital, Gu Yan had just met Imperial Physician Sun, who had finished treating Consort Xuan. Seeing Shen Qiuning’s distress, Consort Xuan immediately ordered Gu Yan to bring her to her palace for treatment.

“Consort Xuan? Why am I here?” Shen Qiuning sat up to bow.

Consort Xuan quickly stopped her. “Sit still, no need to bow. When you were little, you came to the palace calling ‘Consort Xuan’ after me all day. Now that you’ve grown up, your address hasn’t changed, but you’ve become more distant. You haven’t come by to see your Consort Xuan in years. I think you’re an ungrateful little brat, wasting the candies I secretly gave you.”

Shen Qiuning looked at Consort Xuan, her eyes moistening. “There were some unpleasant things that happened in the palace before, so I was reluctant to enter. Now it’s better. I can protect myself. Perhaps I’ll come often to practice with you on the whip. I’ll come to keep you company every day. Consort Xuan, you’d better stock up plenty of preserves for me!”

Consort Xuan flicked Shen Qiuning’s nose. “You little clever one, that’s enough from you!”

Gu Yan brought the medicine in. “You’re awake. Drink the medicine quickly, so I don’t have to feed you.”

Shen Qiuning shot him a glare. “Sick! Who asked you to feed me?”

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“Hmph, now you’re sick. I kindly carried you here, yet you won’t even pledge yourself to me. At least give me three kowtows—you repay your savior like this?” Gu Yan crossed his arms, leaning against Shen Qiuning’s bedside.

“Pledge myself to you? Anyone who marries you must be cursed for eight generations, unless you’re poisoned into silence first, then maybe you’d be considered decent.” Shen Qiuning really didn’t understand how Gu Yan could be so sharp-tongued.

Consort Xuan chuckled watching their bickering. “Alright, you two just know how to quarrel. I’ll arrange a carriage to take you home soon. Your parents have been informed and told not to worry.”

Shen Qiuning stuck out her tongue at Gu Yan, put on her shoes, and bid farewell to Consort Xuan. “Consort Xuan, we won’t disturb you further. Ning’er will come again tomorrow!”

After Shen Qiuning and Gu Yan left, Consort Xuan immediately sent someone to investigate the incidents from Shen Qiuning’s earlier years in the palace. She learned that when Shen Qiuning was young, the Third Prince bullied her — smearing mud on her new dress, tripping her so she fell into a puddle, throwing insects on her, and so on. These acts were beyond what Consort Xuan had imagined. Such a well-behaved, sweet child was still subject to such torment.

Consort Xuan felt heartbroken. That little one was so small, always following behind her calling “Consort Xuan.” When they first met, she thought the child chubby and adorable, so she gave her a sweet. From then on, the little one clung to her. Knowing she might never have children of her own, Consort Xuan truly cherished Shen Qiuning as her own. For a while, Shen Qiuning stopped visiting the palace to see her, and General Shen only said she was busy with studies. Consort Xuan believed it was simply that she was growing up and busy. She never imagined there was such suffering. She had known nothing.

On the way back, Gu Yan looked at Shen Qiuning and asked, “What… were those bad things you mentioned before?”

Shen Qiuning snapped at him, “Gu Yan! Were you eavesdropping?”

Gu Yan was speechless at her tone. “Big sister, who’s eavesdropping? I happened to overhear when I brought you the medicine. What do you mean ‘eavesdropping’? I was just about to say you meant for me to hear!”

Shen Qiuning rolled her eyes. “You’re sick! What does it matter to you? Do you think knowing can help you avenge me?”

Gu Yan raised his eyebrows. “Avenging? That’s easy—just ask me.”

Shen Qiuning smiled mischievously. “Really? Then I ask you…”

Gu Yan looked pleased.

Shen Qiuning’s lips curled into a sly grin. “Big shot.”

The carriage arrived at the Shen estate. After speaking, Shen Qiuning jumped down. “Let’s go, idiot.” She showed no sign of noticing Gu Yan’s darkening expression.

Gu Yan never expected there could be another as sharp-tongued as himself. She was different from others—they truly were… a match made in heaven?

Gu Yan smiled faintly, touching the jade pendant in his hand, lost in thought. The steady clip-clop of hooves echoed, stirring his heart and distracting his mind.

Indeed, Shen Qiuning was unlike other women. Not a pampered beauty confined to a noble household, she had known since childhood, when powerless against bullies, that only she could protect herself. Besides learning the usual arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she spent her remaining time training in martial arts with Shen Muyan. She was no saint; vengeful and unrestrained by conventions, she could be a flower or a leaf as she wished—an irreplaceable Shen Qiuning.