In the garden of the Separate Courtyard stood a stone wall over three zhang high.
Spring Water winding down from the mountain cascaded over the top of the Stone Wall, gathering into a Pool below.
By the edge of the Pool, a Listening Spring Hall had been built, open on all sides.
This was the place where Emperor Xingwu would host a banquet for his civil and military officials after climbing the mountain.
Not caring about the sweat on his body, Emperor Xingwu led the ministers directly to the Listening Spring Hall.
Palace Attendants would naturally bring clean water and towels to serve the monarch and officials, allowing them to wash their faces and hands.
The Little Princess couldn’t stand the sticky sweat.
She was led by Jie Yu, who had been waiting here in advance, to the Back Residence of the Separate Courtyard.
When the Palace Maids had prepared hot water, Qingyang enjoyed a comfortable bath for a while.
After changing into a new set of robes, her stomach was nearly empty.
Not wanting to delay Father Emperor’s banquet because of herself, Qingyang touched her hair, now only twisted dry but no longer dripping, and spoke to Grand Palace Maid Qin Fang, who was combing her hair:
“Use a hair ribbon to tie a knot at the back.”
Binding wet hair into a bun was uncomfortable, but letting it hang loose was improper.
Letting it fall behind was both dignified and convenient for drying—truly the best of both worlds.
Qin Fang thought for a moment, then parted two locks of hair from the sides of the Little Princess’s forehead—these strands most easily fell loose—and used a Hai Tang Flower Hairpin to fasten them at the back of her head.
Two golden tassels hung from the end of the hairpin.
When the Little Princess moved, two small Pearl Pendants swayed gently.
It perfectly suited the lively and spirited nature of someone her age.
Her legs, no longer heavy as if filled with lead after the bath, Qingyang set out.
Jie Yu held an umbrella, following at the Little Princess’s side.
***
In the Listening Spring Hall, Emperor Xingwu and the others chatted boisterously, not intentionally waiting for anyone.
Yet when the Little Princess appeared on the Flower Garden Path leading here, everyone still turned to look.
Emperor Xingwu felt both joy and emotion.
His daughter’s hair fell as she walked at an unhurried pace, and she suddenly had the bearing of a young lady.
The three princes, seeing their sister dressed this way for the first time, all showed surprised expressions.
The younger generation of nobles sat at the seats furthest from Emperor Xingwu.
Zhang Su was the first to notice the Little Princess’s arrival—and the first to look away.
Though, at this moment, the Little Princess seemed somewhat unfamiliar to him as well.
As the Little Princess approached, the officials wanted to rise and greet her.
Emperor Xingwu pressed his hand down, smiling:
“I said today we speak only of friendship. Remain seated; no need for formalities.”
Those of high rank—both civil officials and military officers—were naturally exempt from bowing to the Little Princess.
But young nobles like Zhang Heng and Zhang Su couldn’t just sit foolishly.
They all stood:
“Greetings, Princess.”
Qingyang glanced at Zhang Su, whose face had regained its fair complexion, and signaled for them to waive the formalities as she ascended the stone steps outside the hall.
When the Little Princess walked past, the younger nobles sat down again.
In Qingyang’s field of vision, there was only Father Emperor seated alone at the head and the imperial brothers and officials on either side.
Everyone was watching her.
Qingyang didn’t feel nervous.
She asked:
“Father Emperor, am I late?”
Emperor Xingwu:
“Not late, not late. There are still two quarter-hours before the banquet begins.”
The officials and young nobles who accompanied the climb today had been decided yesterday.
The number of people and approximate time of the banquet had also been reported in advance to the Imperial Kitchen.
So Emperor Xingwu had to follow this schedule.
If they started too early, the Imperial Kitchen wouldn’t be ready; if too late, the food would lose its flavor.
Qingyang relaxed.
She saw Eldest Brother and Second Brother sitting to the left of Father Emperor.
To the right, beside Third Brother Zhang Su, was an empty seat—naturally left for her.
Qingyang walked over.
Logically, given her young age, the imperial brothers should have sat above her, but next to the siblings’ seats was Duke Cheng Lü Guangzu.
Qin Ren feared his sister would feel restrained, so he deliberately left the upper seat for her, taking on the potential burden of socializing with the elder duke himself.
Qingyang didn’t think that much.
With Third Brother sitting steadily, having him stand to give her his seat would be impolite.
***
After the daughter sat, Emperor Xingwu and the ministers resumed their previous conversation.
Qingyang felt a bit thirsty and reached for the teapot.
Qin Ren noticed and poured tea for his sister.
When Qingyang raised her cup to drink, she inadvertently saw that the old Prime Minister Yan Xizheng, sitting opposite beneath Second Brother, was watching her.
Their eyes met, and the old Prime Minister then looked away as if nothing had happened.
These years, whenever Qingyang visited the Central Secretariat, Yan Xizheng would often fix her with a stern, disapproving gaze.
By age three, Qingyang already knew this Prime Minister disliked her.
If she weren’t a Princess, Yan Xizheng would probably have reprimanded her early on.
But Qingyang wasn’t afraid of him, because she was Father Emperor’s daughter, and Yan Xizheng was only a subject.
Putting down her teacup, Qingyang focused on listening to Father Emperor’s conversation, paying no mind to Yan Xizheng’s earlier glance.
Yet, seated at the head, Emperor Xingwu quickly noticed Yan Xizheng’s change in demeanor.
After all, Yan Xizheng had been chatting and laughing with everyone just moments before.
With a Prime Minister so close suddenly becoming quiet, Emperor Xingwu would have to be blind not to notice.
Knowing full well that Yan Xizheng wouldn’t disrupt the mood for no reason, Emperor Xingwu silently recalled everyone’s recent words, but could not find the issue.
He asked directly:
“Prime Minister Yan, you look so solemn—are you thinking of some state affair?”
***
At this, everyone turned to look at Yan Xizheng.
Yan Xizheng prepared to rise and reply, but Emperor Xingwu motioned for him to speak while seated.
Yan Xizheng cupped his hands toward the Emperor and spoke seriously:
“What I have in mind may be related to state affairs.
But, looking at the present, it concerns Your Majesty’s family matters even more.”
Emperor Xingwu smiled:
“Which family matter of mine is causing you such concern?”
As he spoke, his gaze swept across his three sons.
Qin Hong grew tense.
Qin Bing glanced nervously at Eldest Brother, then at Third Brother.
Qin Ren sat steady, gazing blankly at the Prime Minister, waiting for what would follow.
The Little Princess, now the sole focus of the old Prime Minister’s ‘favor,’ frowned slightly, listening intently.
Yan Xizheng did indeed glance again at the Little Princess before turning back to Emperor Xingwu:
“May I ask Your Majesty, what are your hopes for Princess Qingyang’s future?”
Now, all eyes turned again to the Little Princess, who sat opposite the Crown Prince, beside the Third Prince.
Qingyang remained upright, her face showing only contemplation at Yan Xizheng’s question.
Emperor Xingwu looked at his daughter.
He said:
“Of course I wish my Lin’er to live free from illness or disaster, and to be joyful all her life.”
Wealth and honor, she already possesses—there is no need for my aspirations.
Yan Xizheng:
“Then allow me to be more specific. Does Your Majesty hope that Princess Qingyang, upon growing up, finds a harmonious husband, raises children, and dwells in the Back Residence? Or do you hope she, like now, frequently attends the Central Secretariat and listens to state affairs alongside the ministers?”
Emperor Xingwu did not look at his daughter.
He avoided the piercing gaze of Yan Xizheng, lowering his eyes to the wine cup in his hand.
Yet the relaxed smile of the banquet still lingered at his lips, as if savoring the question.
Nonetheless, all those present—whether high-ranking ministers or young nobles yet to establish merit, even the youthful Zhang Su—understood the unspoken criticism behind Yan Xizheng’s words regarding the Princess’s presence in the Listening Spring Hall.
Put bluntly, Yan Xizheng was challenging Princess Qingyang.
Qingyang, though young, could discern sharpness hidden in the words of the Yong Prince Consort and Pingliang Marchioness, so Yan Xizheng’s criticism struck her even more clearly now.
She simply looked at the Prime Minister diagonally opposite, puzzled as to why he spoke this way.
Qin Hong, too, did not understand why Yan Xizheng was targeting his sister.
Looking at her bewildered, innocent face, as her eldest brother, Qin Hong wanted to help.
But Yan Xizheng was questioning Father Emperor, and Father Emperor had not yet responded.
Moreover, Yan Xizheng was a founding Prime Minister who had assisted in the Emperor’s rise…
Qin Hong lowered his head slightly, fidgeting anxiously.
Qin Bing, after considering, thought: Sister is only nine.
She goes to the Central Secretariat to play, and came mountain-climbing for fun—eating together after was perfectly normal.
Why did Grandfather have to pick on her?
But on second thought, she couldn’t continue like this after growing up.
So Grandfather worries Father Emperor indulges her, disturbing court order?
Seeing the other officials had stopped smiling, some secretly observing Father Emperor, others watching from lowered eyes, and even Eldest Brother remained silent, Qin Bing decided to wait for Father Emperor to speak.
Qin Ren was restless.
That the old Prime Minister would target his sister was unthinkable!
Qin Ren first looked at his sister.
She was staring at Yan Xizheng.
Qin Ren then looked to Zhang Su, but he was too far, and as a mere companion, if he spoke out of turn, Father Emperor would punish him first.
Companions have no standing.
Qin Ren steadied himself, forced a smile, and said to Yan Xizheng:
“Qingyang is only nine, Prime Minister. Why think so far ahead? Look at today’s beautiful weather, the waterfall and clear Pool beside us…”
Yan Xizheng:
“……To consider matters before they arise, to anticipate trouble before it comes. As Prime Minister, upon seeing a potential concern for Your Majesty’s future, I must remind and urge prevention early.”
Qingyang:
“So, Prime Minister, you see in me a potential disaster to Father Emperor?”
Yan Xizheng:
“Yes.
At three, the Princess could recite the ‘Ten Character Classic’ by heart, her intelligence well-known throughout the realm.
Her interest in state affairs is also public knowledge.
Today, the Princess demonstrated willpower and ambition beyond ordinary girls, and the determination to survey the land.
If Your Majesty wishes the Princess, like Grand Princess Yongkang, to marry and live quietly in the Back Residence, then she should not be allowed to move freely in court or befriend powerful ministers, lest she foster the political ambition of Princess Xiangchang.
“Your Majesty, the deeper a parent’s love, the further they must plan for their child.
You must not, through momentary indulgence, sow seeds of disaster for the Princess’s future.”
If the Crown Prince had the intelligence, wisdom, and resolve shown by Princess Qingyang these years, Yan Xizheng would laugh even in his dreams, seeing Great Qi receive a second wise monarch.
Yet, while the Crown Prince is diligent in study and martial arts, he lacks the aura of a ruler.
Above him stands a strong-willed but talentless princess elder sister, already a cause for concern.
If a princess sister surpassing the Crown Prince in ability and presence were to arise, what chaos would ensue upon his ascension?
As Yan Xizheng uttered the words ‘political interference,’ some looked to the Crown Prince, others to his wife’s family—the Lü Guangzu and Lu Huang father and son.
The Little Princess was only nine.
No matter how remarkable, she could not usurp Emperor Xingwu’s authority; such concerns could only arise after the Crown Prince’s succession.
Qin Hong broke into a cold sweat, not out of doubt or fear that his sister would interfere in politics, but out of anxiety at Yan Xizheng’s baseless claims!
“Prime Minister, you overthink.
My sister simply loves reading and, being young, enjoys wandering the court.
She harbors no thoughts of political interference.”
Qin Hong finally spoke, then looked at his sister.
Qingyang:
“I have never disturbed the officials in their work.”
Yan Xizheng:
“As a Princess, it is already inappropriate to harbor curiosity toward court affairs.”
Qingyang found this disagreeable:
“Should a Princess be utterly indifferent to state affairs?
Then let me ask, Prime Minister, as a Princess, I naturally interact with the royal family, high officials, and noblewomen.
If I know nothing of court matters, how can I discern when someone might break the law or harm the nation?
How can I guard against being misled by traitors or petty men, or, as a Princess, advise consorts, children, and other royals to uphold law and justice, setting an example for all officials and commoners?”
Yan Xizheng:
“One can learn the principles of governance and conduct through reading.
A Princess need not personally attend court, nor should she become too close to powerful ministers.”
Qingyang:
“When I was three or four, I went to court purely to play. Later, as I read the Records of the Grand Historian, the more I learned, the more I admired the literary and martial achievements of founding sovereigns and the talents of loyal ministers and generals. Yet those of the past have faded into history, and future generations can no longer witness their greatness.”
“Now, as Father Emperor’s daughter, growing up listening to the accomplishments of Father Emperor and the esteemed ministers, I know that you all will be recorded in the annals of Great Qi for generations to revere. So, if I admire you and wish to observe your governance and military drills, is that not allowed?”
“It is! Of course it is!”
After listening for a long time, Fan Zhong suddenly stood, pounding his chest.
His thick brows and tiger eyes shone:
“I don’t understand much of what the Prime Minister said, but the Princess’s words stirred my very soul!
Just think, a brute like me could be remembered as a great general and hero in history, all thanks to the Emperor’s support and the chance to serve.
Your Majesty, I toast you this cup of wine!”
The burly general grabbed a wine cup from the table, raising it with both hands to Emperor Xingwu.
The Lü family father and son, Prince Yong, Deng Chong, Meng Ji, and other military officers also rose to offer toasts.
Right Chancellor Dai Lun and Minister of Personnel Yang Zhiming likewise led several civil officials in raising their cups, expressing words of gratitude.
Even Yan Xizheng, who had also risen to glory under Emperor Xingwu, had no choice but to join in the toast.
After a long silence, Emperor Xingwu finally laughed, sweeping his gaze over everyone:
“Rarely do I have leisure to invite you all to climb the mountain with me.
We agreed only to speak of friendship, but here you all go, forcing me to once more praise your contributions in establishing the realm!”
Yang Zhiming:
“We dare not, Your Majesty.
It was only because a wise monarch unified the land and saved the people from disaster that we could follow and render what little service we have.
We are truly grateful and remember this always.”
Emperor Xingwu:
“Say what you like, but I know in my heart—without any one of you, I could not have unified Great Qi. Come, let us drink together!”
Each minister’s nature was different—some drank heartily, others with restraint.
As the cups emptied, Emperor Xingwu led the ministers back to their seats, smiling as he instructed He Yuanjing:
“Serve the meal—I am hungry.”
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