True to his word, the next day upon Li Ce's return from court, Li Jing inquired, "After your marriage, will you go to your fiefdom?"Li Ce remained standing, seemingly troubled, and rose tall within the hall. Noticing all the windows were closed, he took it upon himself to open them for ventilation."That depends on Father's grace in bestowing the fief," Li Ce replied.Only then did Li Jing recall that Li Ce had yet to receive his fief. Proudly, he declared, "At fourteen, I was granted my own office and estate by Father. Once I am settled, I shall petition him to grant us neighboring fiefs, so that we may build adjoining princely residences at the border and live side by side."As a prince assigned a fief, Li Ce was forbidden to leave without summons."Arrange it as you see fit." Standing in the sunlight by the window, Li Ce turned to Li Jing and asked, "When you married, how did you gain the approval of the Bo Ling Cui clan?"Li Jing's wife, Cui Jin'er, hailed from the prestigious Bo Ling Cui family, an eminent aristocratic lineage."Approval?" Li Jing scoffed, scratching the scab on his wound with the back of his hand, disdain evident in his tone. "With my noble status and handsomer looks than Second Brother, they were eager to ally through marriage. Oh, Li Chen also sent a proposal, but naturally, he was rejected."Unaware of this past, Li Ce listened as Li Jing continued boasting. It turned out both Li Chen and Li Jing had sought to marry the Bo Ling Cui heiress, and the clan had chosen Li Jing."Why do you ask?" Li Jing raised an eyebrow. "Could the Duke of An Guo's mansion possibly disdain you?""Not at all," Li Ce replied with a refined smile, "but my aunt invited me to dine.""Go then, go." Li Jing waved him off."I have no time to prepare a gift."At this, Li Jing's expression sharpened. He sat upright and shouted, "My treasury is spotless!"Li Ce did not even plead but merely called softly, "Fifth Brother—"His voice was usually cold when speaking to others, yet with Li Jing, a natural fraternal warmth surfaced.Li Jing, resigned, lay back as if someone had disarmed his anger and muttered faintly, "Butler, are you there? Escort the Prince of Chu to the treasury."The butler outside responded promptly. Li Jing cursed under his breath, "Why is your hearing so sharp today?"Before he could finish, Li Ce strode toward the treasury, the butler trailing behind like his own attendant.Li Jing spat disdainfully, "Just wait, I'll reclaim everything with interest soon enough."
With Ye Chang Geng absent from the capital, the Duke of An Guo's mansion was far quieter than usual. Since it was a family gathering, Ye Rou joined them at the meal. Ye Jiao introduced each dish, explaining which were cooked by her elder sister and which preserves were homemade, her admiration shining in her eyes."Her culinary skills are indeed superb," Li Ce remarked, "especially the fruit delicacies.""Which do you like best?" Ye Jiao asked, a mischievous glint in her peach-blossom eyes."Peach pastries.""The famed peach pastries of the Duke's mansion—known throughout the capital."Ye Jiao scooped up an entire plate, raising it high with a smile, "I'll eat them all myself."Li Ce made no attempt to snatch any, delicately pinching a half-piece, and looking up obediently said, "Then they're for Jiao Jiao."His expression was both protective and a little aggrieved. Ye Jiao giggled, but Lady Ye admonished sharply, "Put that down! No bullying the Prince of Chu!"As she spoke, Lady Ye flicked a round fan at Ye Jiao's forehead."Mother…" Ye Jiao pouted, teasing, "Why do you always side with outsiders?""Chu Wang is no outsider," Lady Ye said firmly, "He grew up in the mountains, unlike you who has tasted every delicacy in the capital. You mustn't fight over food; that's bullying."Ye Jiao sulked, "He lived in the mountains, but had plenty to serve him. By your logic, is he a wild monkey plucking fruit?"Ye Rou covered her mouth, smiling to ease the mood, "Sister, there's plenty more in the kitchen. Enough for both of you."
The family laughed warmly, finishing their meal. Before leaving, Ye Rou packed a box of peach pastries for Li Ce, wrapped in exquisite golden honeysuckle paper tied with hemp cord — modest yet elegant, with a wild charm. Between the cord and box was a red paper inscribed with the character '福' (Fortune), its strokes full and flowing."Thank you," Li Ce said.Ye Rou smiled and stepped aside, "Come by again when you've eaten."
At home… Li Ce's heart felt as soft as cotton. He lightly brushed Ye Jiao's sleeve. She wore a sheer gauze dress dyed with peony patterns on blue silk; the delicate fabric slid through his palm, tangible and real.With Ye Rou gone, Ye Jiao raised her hands to encircle Li Ce's neck."You've never taken anything from home," she smiled slyly, "Tell me honestly, which little sprite are you planning to gift this to?"Li Ce pursed his lips and chuckled, flicking her nose."No nonsense," he warned."Let me search." Ye Jiao's fingers slipped into his sleeve, pretending to rummage."Stop that!" Li Ce scooped her up like pulling a radish from the earth, planting her aside, "I'm about to pay respects to an elder—don't mess up your clothes."Ye Jiao tugged at his belt in protest."Really an elder?" she asked, "You were still covered in soot meeting the Emperor the other day — is this person even stricter than His Majesty?"Li Ce shook his head, a wicked smile playing on his lips."I'm not going."Setting down the pastries, he approached Ye Jiao, who instinctively tried to evade. Li Ce caught her, lowered his head, and murmured, "Since you've grabbed my belt, there's no reason not to loosen our clothes. With our wedding nearing, why not cast aside worldly conventions—"He gazed deeply into her eyes, voice low and heavy with affection."What are you planning?" Ye Jiao's voice trembled as she glanced around nervously."Fifth Brother is going to have a child," Li Ce drew her close, feeling her heartbeat, "And I want one too."Ye Jiao felt like tinder struck by flame, instantly ignited. She pushed him away, pleading, "I was wrong, I was wrong! The wild monkey from the mountains is truly terrifying. Go on, go meet whoever you want."Her entreaty only made her more enchanting."I don't want to go," Li Ce insisted, "Besides, your clothes are already disheveled…"Before he could finish, Ye Jiao tightened his belt, stepped back, cheeks flushed, and ran toward the inner courtyard. At the door, she stuck out her tongue teasingly, "Wild monkey!""The wild monkey is heading to the mountain," Li Ce replied with a smile.
With Ye Jiao gone, Li Ce composed himself, adjusted his robes, tightened his hairpin, and lifted the box of peach pastries.Outside, Qing Feng awaited. Li Ce stepped into the carriage, solemnly commanding, "To Qingya Temple."
Not far north of Chang'an stood a modest Taoist temple. Compared to the grand, resplendent temples within and beyond the capital, this one was unassuming. Far from the main road, its main hall comprised only three rooms, with a cluster of adjoining quarters at the rear for the resident monks. The courtyard wall was low, and a single peach tree blazed with crimson blossoms.
As Li Ce's carriage halted, a breeze stirred the tree, scattering petals onto his shoulder. He gently knocked on the temple door and softly announced, "I humbly come to pay respects to Master Qingyun."
Master Qingyun, Ye Jiao's father. Earlier, Yan Yun reported that Master Qingyun had arrived in the capital but resided outside the city. Li Ce hesitated to tell Ye Jiao, choosing to come first and clarify certain matters.
The temple was silent, yet the door was unlocked. A gentle knock caused it to creak open just wide enough for a person to slip through. The door was worn and moss-covered at the bottom. Li Ce pushed it further open and stepped inside sideways.
"Your Highness…" Qing Feng hurried after, but Li Ce silenced him with a glance. Qing Feng remained cautious, peering inside.
The temple was tranquil, save for a few nearly spent incense sticks in the censer. No signs of daily life disrupted the stillness, a stark contrast to the capital's bustling vibrancy. It felt like another world altogether.
Li Ce proceeded through the main hall, where statues of the Three Pure Ones were enshrined, and saw a young monk sweeping the courtyard in the rear. Without asking for directions, he walked straight to the innermost quarters. Pausing at the open door, he steadied himself and stepped in.
An elder Taoist sat quietly before a small table, absorbed in a game of Go. Li Ce cupped his fist in salute—the customary Taoist greeting symbolizing the embrace of yin and yang, the punishment of evil and praise of virtue—and said respectfully, "Infinite Blessings, Heavenly Venerable. This humble one pays respects to Master Qingyun."
Ye Xi remained silent, seemingly oblivious to sound and sight alike. Li Ce felt no embarrassment. He gazed reverently upon Ye Xi, seeing in his features the reflections of his three children: Ye Chang Geng's sturdy bone structure, Ye Rou's fair complexion, and Ye Jiao's peach-blossom eyes.
He wondered which child inherited his temperament—the open-hearted Ye Chang Geng, the cautious Ye Rou, or perhaps Ye Jiao…
Lost in thought, Li Ce noticed Ye Xi still said nothing. He stepped closer and saw Ye Xi was engaged in a solitary game of Go, the black and white stones locked in a fierce, evenly matched battle.
Li Ce bent forward, picked up a black stone, and placed it on the board. Ye Xi's brow furrowed slightly, as if suddenly sensing Li Ce's presence.
The room fell silent except for the gentle placement of the stone.After a long pause, Ye Xi finally raised his gaze, slow and solemn, eyes meeting Li Ce's."Li Ce," he spoke softly, "what brings you here?"
Li Ce bowed deeply, "I come bearing gifts and a heart seeking guidance."
Ye Xi nodded, a faint smile breaking through his composed demeanor."Come, sit."The quiet temple air thickened with a new warmth — the beginning of a bond forged in respect and hope.