The palace maid knelt in panic, while Ye Jiao stumbled backward, yet a brief moment of support allowed her to steady herself. Her long hair and crimson fox cloak billowed down simultaneously, and the figure behind her released his grip just in time, stepping back to grant ample space. Yet, a book slipped from grasp with a sharp thud, falling to the floor, instantly trampled under Ye Jiao's feet as she spun around. Hastily, she retrieved the book and, glancing at the pages, recognized the precious Shu copper-green ten-colored paper. Without delving into the text, Ye Jiao brushed off the dust and looked up to return it, only to pause slightly.
Before her stood a man with an erect posture and serene countenance. He appeared to be in his thirties, fair-skinned, with strikingly handsome features reminiscent of the emperor—save for his slightly darker brows. Dressed in a moon-white round-collared robe embroidered with verdant mountains and rivers, intermittently adorned with gilded coiling dragons symbolizing nobility and solemnity, he wore a jade-green crown. His figure was upright, broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted, his waist cinched by a white jade ink belt from which hung a ring-shaped black jade and a golden fish pouch. This was undoubtedly a prince, likely ranked above Li Ce but below Li Long.
For some inexplicable reason, Ye Jiao felt his gaze penetrated her very soul, as if he saw straight into her heart. This man was dangerous, wielding a covertly guarded power in his hands.
With solemn reverence, Ye Jiao bowed deeply, extending the book with both hands and addressing him in the respectful tone befitting a high-ranking court official:"Your Highness, I humbly beg forgiveness for my inadvertent collision."
With her head bowed, Ye Jiao could not see his face, but he reached out and withdrew the book."'Humbly,'" he murmured thoughtfully, his voice gentle and warm, "so you are the newly appointed Marquis of Martial Affairs in the capital. This morning, as I passed Mingde Gate, I observed the marquises' troops, disciplined and orderly amid the bustle—truly a remarkable change. It seems His Majesty has an eye for talent; most men in the capital should feel ashamed."
Though she could not see his expression, the sincerity in his praise was unmistakable. Ye Jiao humbly replied,"His Majesty governs with utmost diligence; I dare not slacken my efforts."
She then lifted her gaze, straightening her posture as she prepared to take her leave. The palace maid on the ground still trembled, begging for mercy:"I must hasten to Linde Hall; I beg Prince Jin and the Marquis forgive my transgression."
A flicker of emotion stirred in Ye Jiao's heart. So this was Prince Jin, Li Zhang—returned from the northern lands, and so soon! Much had transpired in just a few months. Rumors said Li Zhang had taken the daughter of former Imperial Guard Commander Yan Jide as a concubine. Was Yan Jide's disgrace known to him? The capital's political climate was volatile. Now that he had returned, would he intervene in the peace negotiations between the Tang and Tubo? Would he, as whispered, be appointed Crown Prince by the Emperor?
While lost in these thoughts, Ye Jiao overheard Li Zhang pardon the maid and caution her to act carefully. The maid expressed profuse gratitude and departed. Ye Jiao bowed in farewell, only to hear a familiar voice behind her:"So you are here."
The voice steadied Ye Jiao's nerves instantly. Li Ce approached briskly. Since his ennoblement as prince, his attire had grown more dignified—a dark azure round-collar robe cloaked with an ink-black mantle. The jade deer pendant and golden peach charm at his waist jingled softly with his quick steps."I came to the Duke of Anguo's residence to fetch you. They said you were already..." Li Ce's words faltered as he caught sight of Li Zhang. He immediately halted, smiling warmly,"Prince Jin has returned?"
Li Zhang's expression grew more solemn, nodding to Li Ce:"Returned early this morning."
He withdrew his gaze and gently tapped the book in his hand, adding,"Your health seems improved."
Li Ce nodded:"The capital's waters nurture the body well, and the imperial physicians have done their part."
Li Zhang said no more, nodding faintly as if awaiting something. Li Ce likewise remained silent, his attention fixed on Ye Jiao. In Li Zhang's presence, Li Ce pressed a hand warmer into Ye Jiao's palm, speaking softly:"You left this at my place. I added plum blossom charcoal—now it's warm but not scorching."
Ye Jiao smiled as she accepted it:"It's not cold today."
"It's cold on snow-melting days," Li Ce said, rubbing his hands deliberately, then nodded at Li Zhang:"We shall go ahead and await Prince Jin at Linde Hall."
Li Zhang's brow furrowed slightly, deep in thought. Hearing Li Ce's words, he responded gravely:"Very well."
Li Ce proceeded forward, deliberately or not, holding onto Ye Jiao's sleeve. Outside Linde Hall, Prince Zhao Li Jing looked up expectantly."I heard Prince Jin has returned," he said with a cheerful smile, clearly in high spirits.
Li Jing never addressed other princes as "brother"; his brother was naturally Prince Jin, his maternal sibling. Li Ce nodded, parting ways with Ye Jiao at the hall's entrance."We cannot sit together," he regretted, "but I have instructed the palace maid attending the ladies to stand right behind you. Ask for anything you desire without hesitation."
"Don't worry," Ye Jiao said cheerfully, "I'm just here to enjoy the song and dance and savor the imperial feast—won't shortchange myself."
She followed the guiding maid, stepping through Linde Hall's main entrance, immediately struck by the magnificent spectacle. Pausing, Ye Jiao whispered in admiration, lightly applauding.
From outside, Linde Hall's grandeur conveyed the majestic spirit of Tang. Once inside, the first thing she noticed was the radiance. Evening was settling, and candles were already lit within. There were only nine candelabra scattered throughout the vast hall—too few to illuminate such a broad space, seemingly insignificant in number. Yet, an inexhaustible brilliance bathed the swirling skirts of the dancing maidens, the gentle strikes on the bronze chimes, and illuminated every guest's radiant countenance. Amid crimson robes and purple gowns, fragrant silks and coiffed hair, the hall shimmered with opulence.
How could candlelight shine so dazzlingly? What clever craft or arcane art had the artisans employed? Above, the dome of Linde Hall seemed to capture and pour down the brilliance of the brightest winter sunlight, transforming the scene into a dreamlike realm.
Antique furnishings and silverware adorned the tables, with fragrant wine served in exquisite glass cups. Amid the clear, resonant chime music, Ye Jiao approached her seat. The dancers' skirts blossomed before her like peonies.
Opposite her sat the Tubo delegation. Unlike the composed Tang courtiers, each envoy struggled to conceal their excitement—some gazing up at the massive pillars, others gently touching the polished floor, some fixated on the fine tableware and delicacies, hesitant to move.
This was Tang—the flourishing Tang, revered by all nations.
Among the Tubo envoys, Ye Jiao spotted the princess Gesang Meiduo. Her gaze was not on the splendor, but fixed instead on the majestic rows of melodious bronze chimes. Today she wore Tubo attire—a deep indigo, cross-collared robe embroidered with strange flame motifs. Around her neck lay a finely wrought golden collar studded with radiant gemstones. Though somewhat playful in design, her fox-fur hat of gold-threaded dark blue silk tempered the whimsy, lending an aura of magnificent solemnity.
Gesang Meiduo bore no veil today. Like all Tang noblewomen, she revealed her enchanting face, marked by a pair of captivating phoenix-shaped eyes. Perhaps noticing Ye Jiao's gaze, Gesang Meiduo met her eyes and smiled sincerely and warmly. Ye Jiao returned the smile.
Gesang Meiduo's eyes briefly scanned beside Ye Jiao before withdrawing, now gazing with quiet grace upon the dancers.
Most in the hall were strangers to Ye Jiao. Married princesses and noble ladies were few; a cluster of princesses chattered merrily amongst themselves, while courtiers engaged with Tubo envoys in small groups, discussing state affairs or exchanging polite pleasantries. The singing, dancing, and sumptuous feast were routine for them.
Though the banquet honored the Tubo delegation, the paramount event was to see the Emperor, to drink and revel with him.
Before long, Ye Jiao saw Li Ce take his seat. Except for the exiled Crown Prince Su and the third prince Qi guarding the tombs, most princes had arrived. They sat together, resplendent and peerless—a sight to behold.
When the Emperor and Empress arrived, the princes rose in unison and knelt gracefully, each bearing an elegant mien.
Among them, Ye Jiao found Li Ce, whose gaze met hers briefly with a smile before shifting away. She felt as if enveloped by a soft cloud of spun sugar.
As the Emperor and Empress settled, the song and dance paused. A ceremonial official intoned a lengthy ode celebrating the alliance and the cessation of hostilities between the two nations. Like all Tang courtiers, Ye Jiao listened solemnly.
Everyone knew the truce was but temporary. Submission would never be permanent. As long as Tang remained powerful, foreign states dared not stir. But should the realm weaken, threats would loom from all directions.
The peace and prosperity of Tang relied on those present—on steeds and soldiers, on common folk—to vigilantly defend day and night.
With the ode concluded, the assembly took their seats. The Emperor first addressed Li Zhang:"Prince Jin returned today and, after the morning court, spent two hours in Zichen Hall reviewing reports on the northwest border. Do you not find it exhausting to come to Linde Hall now?"
Li Zhang replied:"My exertions pale before the tireless vigilance of the Father Emperor, who labors ceaselessly for the realm."
The Emperor nodded with a smile, gesturing to the assembled ministers:"With their devoted service, I am at ease. By the way, have you met my Marquis of Martial Affairs? In Tang, even a woman commands two thousand marquises!"
His gaze swept the room, finally resting on Ye Jiao. She stepped forward and bowed deeply.
The Emperor's tone softened:"Marquis Ye, you and I both know peace is fleeting. The military must always be ready. I have every confidence in your abilities."
Ye Jiao felt the weight of imperial expectation and vowed silently to serve with unyielding loyalty.
The feast resumed amid music and laughter, the wine flowing freely. Outside, the lanterns burned steadily as the evening deepened, heralding an uncertain future for the empire.