Another AU in which the emperor is more observant than the group gives him credit and ZiWei's involuntary words gave him cause to think more on the riddle she presented. I mean, really, if Liu Qing could figure out the truth, then surely the emperor can. He just needed the right push which I've conveniently provided. More based on the New Huan Zhu Ge Ge. Also a little inspired by a scene from Legend of Zhen Huan in which one of the concubines said that no matter what the truth was, Zhen Huan was whoever the Emperor said she was.
Riddle
The Emperor watched ZiWei's face intently. How pale her face was. How fragile she appeared. What was it that enabled her to take the blade for him? He knew what Ji Shi Fu had been saying, that ZiWei was not to be a ya tou for much longer. And he did feel himself drawn to the girl. But it was not precisely as what had been hinted at. He had told LFY that it was not what she thought and he stood by his words. ZiWei was a riddle. He had said that her intelligence was too impressive for her to be a mere servant. And she was. What was it that Er Kang had said? That Zi Wei came from a family of learning. That she only came to the palace because of her sisterly bond with XYZ. He believed it. He has seen the way XYZ would do all she can to protect ZiWei. From their interactions with each other, they were truly like sisters. Speaking of Er Kang…
ZiWei's face contorted in pain and sweat beaded again on her forehead. Her voice was hoarse but the emperor could still hear clearly.
"Er Kang. Er Kang. Be careful. Er Kang, Er Kang!"
Er Kang. How was it that the name on her lips was Er Kang?
Just then, as XYZ came into the room, ZiWei fell silent again and her face smoothed over as the medicine exerted its influence once more. He looked at XYZ's obviously worried face. XYZ, so straight forward, so open a person. What secret is so dear that even XYZ would keep it?
Soon enough, ZiWei opened her eyes. He allowed himself to listen in amusement to XYZ's words, allowed himself to listen to ZiWei's words that he go rest. Her answer to his question about how she could risk her own life for his, however, only added to the riddle.
Once back in his own room, he paced the room. How nervous had ZiWei looked when he mentioned Er Kang's wound. Again, Er Kang. He thought back to the interactions amongst the youngsters throughout their trip. Benjamin and Yongqi revolved around XYZ. Er Tai was being pushed towards Qing-er. That left…ErKang and ZiWei. Could it be…
Thinking back further, he recalled the tension on ErKang's face when they had found ZiWei hidden deeply in the Empress's palace. ErKang, who was always so calm, so collected… how hurried his words had been. In the moment, the Emperor had been too busy dealing with the Empress to think much of it. And then his focus had been on ZiWei's wellness. But now, looking back…
What was it ErKang had said? ZiWei had stayed at Xue Shi Fu before entering the palace. His mother wanted to name ZiWei as foster daughter. That Fu Jin could like ZiWei so much is not surprising. But…
No, his thoughts were too muddled. He needed to start at the beginning.
Why had the children been so eager for him to get to know ZiWei? And the words of their conversation that night they played chess, when she described her parents' story. How is it that her words seemed more in line with what YuHe would have said and experienced than XYZ's thoughtless comments? And the way she had played, the way she sang, it was so very reminiscent of…of YuHe herself.
He stopped. Yes. How had he not seen it before? He had dreamed of YuHe when he had caught a cold and when he woke, the hand he had been clutching was that of ZiWei's. How could he have missed what had literally been right in front of him? How closely ZiWei resembled YuHe? Was it possible that the connection he felt with ZiWei was that of…but…where did XYZ fit into it all?
He recalled the presence of Liu Qing and Liu Hong at the birthday celebration for XYZ and ZiWei. He had thought merely that they were XYZ's acquaintances when she came to BeiJing. But their interactions spoke of greater familiarity. He thought on XYZ herself. Her mannerisms, her speech patterns, nothing hinted that she could be from JiNan. Instead…that time ZiWei had been sent to the kitchens to work by Lao Fo Ye. What was it that XYZ said ZiWei had made? Yes. That particular pastry was a well renowned one from JiNan. How else would it be that ZiWei would know how to make it?
What was it that XYZ had said? Why didn't he recognize ZiWei as his foster daughter too? He had dismissed it as XYZ's usual silliness. But now…
And before the knife was removed, what favor did ZiWei ask for? It all made sense now.
The Emperor sighed. If his suspicions are true…
And then there was Er Kang. He recognized the look in Er Kang's eyes. And Zi Wei, based on her involuntary words, Er Kang's feelings were not one-sided.
Was he jealous? Of course. Unused as he was to any lady wishing for anyone's attention but his. But if he was right…what irony!
Was he angry? Oh he was. At least, initially. What can the children have been thinking? They lied to him.
Ah, but did they really? Did he himself not declare XYZ a princess in front of heaven and earth? No wonder XYZ had been so fearful all this time of losing her head. No wonder she could utter so freely words about not being a Ge Ge anymore.
How betrayed he felt. And yet, he was human too.
What to do? What to do?
When Er Kang received the summons from the emperor, he was uncertain as to the reason. Thus, he was unprepared for the emperor's anger.
"Er Kang! How dare you!"
"HuangShang!" He quickly lowered himself onto his knees.
"Er Kang! You have ever been one of my most trusted, most dependable cheng-zi! Did I not ask that you keep the whole of Shu Fang Zhai safe?! And yet, time and time again, you allowed ZiWei to come to harm. I have never been more disappointed in you."
At the mention of ZiWei, Er Kang's entire being changed. "Yes. Huang Shang is right. Cheng has failed."
"Hmmp."
HuangShang sat back and examined the dejected young man in front of him. He sighed. "Er Kang, when were you going to tell me about you and ZiWei?"
"HuangShang?"
"I was young once too. And ZiWei is surely a marvel. You cannot be blamed for your attention to her."
Er Kang was silent.
"Er Kang. There's no shame in it. What man doesn't have san qi si qie?*"
"Huang Shang, cheng does not want san qi si qie."
"Oh?"
"Huang Shang, cheng only wants ZiWei."
"Only want ZiWei?"
The emperor looked at the stubborn set to Er Kang's expressions and laughed.
"Only want ZiWei… What foolishness! Er Kang, you must not forget, you are intended to marry a Ge Ge."
Er Kang set his jaw, biting back the words he wanted to say.
"Ah. But that is why you sent Zi Wei into the palace, is it not?"
Er Kang looked at the emperor in shock.
"Was this not your wish? Er Kang. You forget, I watched you grow up. I know you perhaps better than I know some of my own sons. This whole plan could only be yours."
"Huang Shang…"
"Yes. You children have been dropping hints, obvious ones, more subtle ones, this whole time. How is it that you did not think to tell me openly and honestly?"
"Huang Shang. We didn't dare."
"Oh? You dared instead to lie?"
The emperor sighed again. "ZiWei, not XYZ, is YuHe's daughter. And now that I know this secret, what were your plans?"
"To ask for HuangShang's blessing."
"Oh?"
"HuangShang is correct in that I have failed in my duty to protect ZiWei. The worst of it is that I know ZiWei did it all for me. She had been willing to give up her birthright to protect XYZ, to disappear into the crowd as a commoner. I was selfish, I wouldn't let her."
"ZiWei was willing to give up the chance to meet her father?"
"ZiWei wanted to protect XYZ and the Fu family."
"Such self-sacrifice does sound like ZiWei."
The emperor sighed again, "Get up, Er Kang. You are wounded as well."
"What will Huang Shang do?"
"Do? Er Kang, you have a major flaw in your plan."
Er Kang nodded, "Lao Fo Ye."
"Lucky for you, Qing-er is in your corner. But as much as LFY dotes on Qing-er, just her support will not be enough. I know Huang E Niang the best. Without ample evidence, she will never accept ZiWei. Besides, with all the misunderstandings that have already happened, you cannot hope that she will consent to your marriage. More likely that she will suggest Qing-er. Er Kang, you may be capable, but you are not the master of your own destiny."
"HuangShang. All that ZiWei has suffered, all the pain she endured… It cannot all be for nothing."
HuangShang sighed. "We must wait for ZiWei to recover first. She saved my life, even Lao Fo Ye will not treat that lightly."
"HuangShang."
"ErKang, go rest. And tell the rest of them."
"HuangShang." Er Kang pleaded again.
The emperor only sighed.
Knowing that he had been dismissed, Er Kang left.
The emperor shook his head. The foolishness of youth. And yet…as a father, he agreed with Er Kang. All that his daughter had suffered, it could not all be for nothing.
The next time he saw XYZ, the emperor noticed that the girl was uncharacteristically quiet. The rest of the youngsters gathered in the pagoda also watched him warily.
"XYZ, are you ill?"
XYZ shook her head, "No, Lao Ye."
"ZiWei is recovering well. Did Hu Tai Yi not say?"
"He did, Lao Ye."
"Then stop looking so morose."
"Lao Ye…Er Kang said…"
"Ah yes. Only you, XYZ, could lie about so large a thing. Don't you know that lying to the emperor is worthy of a death sentence?!" Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Yongqi and Benajmin exchange alarmed glances.
"But such as it is, I had promised ZiWei I would not ask for your head. Still, you will listen and heed your punishment."
"Ah Ma!"
The emperor raised his hand to stop his son's protest.
"XYZ. I sentence you to serve ZiWei, to ensure her recovery. Whatever she needs, you will fetch her. Whatever requests she makes of you, you will heed them. I don't care if she asks you to memorize all of the Tang poems. You will do it. You have retained your life because of her. ZiWei has suffered so much, too much, because of you. You will stop being so inconsiderate of the effects of your actions on her well-being. I don't care how you do it, but you will gain self-control. If any further harm comes to ZiWei, I will count it on your head!"
The emperor glanced around at the rest of the group.
"As for Yongqi and Benjamin. The two of your will stop enabling XYZ. If Er Kang spoke with you already then surely you know that LFY is your biggest challenge. You cannot let XYZ act so brashly anymore."
"Er Kang, Er Ta! I know you wish to protect everyone in Shu Fang Zhai. But you must know that so many coming and goings raises suspicion and rumor. Pu Gong Gong has already suggested impropriety. Pu Gong Gong served LFY even before I was born. Even I have to show him respect. He may be in name a servant, but his power cannot be underestimated."
"Qing-er, I saw how well you persuaded LFY on ZiWei's behalf last time I spoke with Huang E Niang. When we return, I will count on your continued cooperation when I speak to her about ZiWei."
"Am I understood?!"
The group answered quickly in the affirmative.
"Before you celebrate the success of Er Kang's plan to let me know the truth about ZiWei, I must caution you that the road ahead will be even more harrowing and difficult. What you lot seek to do has no precedence and will go against all manners of tradition. From now on, you will do as I instruct."
"Lao ye…" XYZ hesitantly ventured, "does this mean you support us?"
"Support you?! Hmmp. What else am I to do with you children? I can tell that Zi Wei has set down roots in all your hearts. Er Kang was right, my daughter cannot have suffered for nothing. From this day on, ZiWei is our priority. Everything we do will be to protect her."
The private conversation between the emperor and ZiWei was fraught with bittersweet tears. Afterwards, when Er Kang came to ensure ZiWei's wellbeing, she would only say, "My mother was right to send me to him. Er Kang, his heart really is big enough for the whole world. I am proud, so very proud, to be his daughter. Er Kang, he has put so much thought into what to do next. We must obey."
And indeed, the emperor did plan ahead. He sent out discrete investigators to Jinan to gather information and quietly monitor ZiWei's remaining family. He had copies of birth and death records sent to BeiJing and stored them in a secure location. Once back in the palace, he sought an audience with his mother.
LFY had heard about the assassination attempt and was justifiably concerned.
"Huang E Niang, thanks to ZiWei, I have not a single scratch on me."
"Yes, Qing-er told me about what she did. She also told me about ZiWei's true identity."
The Emperor sighed, "The fault is mine. I acted rashly in recognizing XYZ."
"But the Emperor's word is law. XYZ's title can no longer be reversed."
The Emperor sighed again.
"What does Huang Shang wish to do about ZiWei?"
"I came to discuss the matter with you, Huang E Niang."
"Discuss it with me? I hardly think that you need to discuss anything with me."
"Huang E Niang, there has been all sorts of misunderstanding about ZiWei that has led to a not so favorable opinion. But she truly is my daughter. To let her continue to be XYZ's maid…"
"No, we surely cannot allow her to be XYZ's maid. Huang Shang has a generous heart; I only worry that you will be too generous. Huang Shang cannot forget that Xia Yu He had no title, not even an official recognition. Now that I know of ZiWei's true identity, things have become clear. I am not unaware of her abilities; the way she handled the dumpling festival, the way she has endured all the punishments. Such leadership skills and strength of mind could only come from one of royal blood. But Huang Shang, the circumstances of her birth will forever be a mark against her. Huang Shang might want to reclaim a daughter, but I must think about the girl's future."
"Huang E Niang is right. Hence why I wished to discuss the matter with Huang E Niang."
"Oh? Could it be that Huang Shang has already thought of a solution?"
"Last year, Qi Fei passed, I trust Huang E Niang is aware."
LFY sighed. "After six-ge-ge's death, Qi Fei requested to leave the palace and submit herself to Buddha though I fear even Buddha could not heal her heartache. I don't understand, though, what Qi Fei's death has to do with ZiWei."
"ZiWei has been a dutiful daughter and supported Qi Fei through these many years. In a few months time, the mourning period will have ended and Zi Wei will no longer need to stay away from her rightful place."
"A dutiful daughter? Huang Shang means to recognize ZiWei as a true daughter instead of a mere foster daughter."
"Huang E Niang. Is it not the truth? ZiWei is a true princess."
"Huang Shang, everyone knows that Qi Fei had no other child but six-ge-ge. With all that has happened, ZiWei is also not unknown to the people in this palace. From the night Huang Shang spent playing chess with her, to the way Huang Shang personally punished the empress for her sake…everyone knows she is not Qi Fei's daughter."
"In this palace, people are who I say they are!"
At such an exclamation, LFY saw her son's determination.
"Huang Shang hopes to appease his sense of guilt."
"Huang E Niang. ZiWei has suffered so much. Not just since she came to the palace. Huang E Niang must be able to imagine what her childhood must have been like. For eighteen years, her and her mother must have been treated like pariahs. That she has grown up into such a kind and sweet soul is a testament to her character. I owe YuHe, I owe ZiWei. I can no longer make up for my mistake with YuHe, so I will doubly return what I owe to ZiWei."
"Huang Shang no doubt has considered for Fu Er Kang as well." LFY shook her head. "Yes, I sent Qing-er on this trip so that she could be my spy. Qing-er is an honest child. How could I not know about Er Kang and ZiWei?! Not to mention that Huang Shang likes Er Kang, but I have always liked Er Kang as well. If Qing-er hadn't been so intent on letting me know that she won't have him now, I would have appointed their marriage long ago! Perhaps this is fate. For ZiWei to be Qi Fei's daughter, she'll get to complete what her sister, six-ge-ge, could not."
"Then Huang E Niang agrees?"
LFY sighed. "You'd better send ZiWei to me. If she is to be a true princess, she still has much to learn. Besides, Qing-er would welcome the companionship."
"Thank you, Huang E Niang."
LFY shook her head. "In this palace, Huang Shang's word is law. Even I can only listen and obey."
Zi Wei's presence at Ci Ning Gong led to all sorts of rumors. Some accepted readily that LFY had simply given in to Qing-er requests for companionship. Others thought that LFY simply wished to keep a closer eye on the girl. Still others saw it as a sign that surely the palace was to gain another Niang Niang.
Huang Hou Niang Niang, thanks to Pu Gong Gong, knew the truth. The palace already had one XYZ, and she was only a foster daughter. But the emperor intended to recognize ZiWei as a true princess! No, it cannot be done. She didn't know how, but even LFY seemed to be beginning to accept ZiWei. What was it about these two girls? Of course Ling Fei took advantage of the situation. No, she would not accept defeat. She was still the empress. She knew the whole situation didn't sit well with Pu Gong Gong either. Well then, the edict has not been set yet. They still had time.
As the day for ZiWei's official 'return' drew near, LFY finally summoned the empress to Ci Ning Gong to tell her of the emperor's intent.
The empress pretended to be surprised. With a few clever words, she somehow managed to convince LFY to check to make sure that ZiWei truly was the emperor's daughter.
LFY, who trusted Pu Gong Gong, set him the task. Soon after, taking advantage of a day that the youngsters accompanied XYZ outside the palace, she met in a private audience with ZiWei's aunt and uncle, and the midwife who had delivered her. The words they had to say shook her. True, she had begun to enjoy Zi Wei's company. The girl was similar enough to Qing-er that she could see herself accepting her. But, if she wasn't even the emperor's daughter…
Immediately, she called for someone to summon the emperor. The empress traded triumphant looks with Rong Mo Mo before she carefully rearranged her mask.
When the emperor arrived and took in the tableau, he could not help but feel a twinge of disappointment. Of course he had planned for such a scene. Since his agents notified him of the developments in JiNan and the unforeseen windfall of wealth that ZiWei's aunt and uncle had received, he had known this day would come. Still, as he examined each person in the room, he still felt disappointed that the woman who he had once favored above all others, one who had he elevated to the status of empress, should be in possession of so much evil.
"Huang E Niang, what is wrong? Who are these three?"
"Huang Shang. These three are from JiNan and have a few things to say about ZiWei."
Huang Shang listened to what he knew to be false.
"Huang Shang, surely we cannot let these things remain uninvestigated."
"No, Huang E Niang. No we cannot. Who was is it that found these three?"
Pu Gong Gong stepped forward, "Your servant lives to serve LFY."
"Pu Gong Gong. Yes, you have served LFY loyally, but I'm afraid she is no longer your only mistress, isn't that right?"
Pu Gong Gong immediately went down on bended knees.
"Pu Gong Gong. Your old home is also in JiNan, isn't it? I heard that your loyalty has been rewarded quite handsomely recently. New houses, new lands. Why, you were kind enough to even help ZiWei's aunt and uncle gain the same kind of luck. Pu Gong Gong. What do you have to say for yourself?!"
"Huang Shang!"
At that moment, Zi Wei's uncle cried out, "Huang Shang, please save us. Pu Gong Gong threatened our lives if we did not do as he said!"
"Did he now?" The emperor turned to the three civilians, "Don't think I don't know how you treated Yu He and ZiWei. When ZiWei sold all her worldly possessions, you as her relative should have ensured that she received a fair price. But did you?! It's a testament to ZiWei's own intelligence that she made it to BeiJing at all! How such an innocent, kind-hearted person could be related to you I will never know!"
"Huang Shang, are you saying that they are lying?"
"Huang E Niang. I wasn't going to check. I trust in Yu He. I would not violate her memory and investigate. I trust in ZiWei, to check would have been a violation of her character. But everything that has happened since the moment XYZ came into this palace meant that I could not but be thorough."
"To lie to the emperor is a death sentence. Guards! Take these miserable excuses for human beings out of my sight!"
"Now. As to who has been behind this attempt once again to cause trouble, I already know."
Rong Mo Mo quickly knelt, "Huang Shang! Huang Hou Niang Niang had no knowledge of any of this. This is purely my plan. I was jealous. How ZiWei, a little maid, could rise up and become a princess. Please, Huang Shang, punish me."
"Punish you?! Rong Mo Mo, I never said anything about Huang Hou Niang Niang being connected to any of this. Why would you all of a sudden plead on her behalf?"
LFY, who was shaken by the day's events, had to sit down. "Huang Hou. Years ago, it was I who suggested that you be elevated to Huang Hou. All these years, how I've trusted you. And now! How you've taken advantage of my trust. Because of you, I almost once again misunderstood ZiWei, and this time with a crime that could have led to her death."
Just then, ZiWei and Qing-er walked in. Happy from having just seen Er Kang, ZiWei was full of smiles. Even Qing-er's teasing could not stop her from feeling content. The tense atmosphere in the room, however, quickly robbed the two girls of their happiness.
"Huang Shang?"
ZiWei's tentative voice caused everyone to turn towards her.
"ZiWei. Didn't I say? I'm your Huang Ah Ma and you should address me as such."
ZiWei looked uncertainly at the empress but complied. "Huang Ah Ma. Zi Wei is not certain what has happened, but I have heard Chang Tai Yi say that many of the Mo Mo's have rheumatism. To have Rong Mo Mo kneeling like that, that cannot be good for her knees."
"ZiWei. After all this monster has done to you, you are worried about her knees?"
"HAM, XYZ would say that the servants' knees are just as important as our own. Not only that, but Rong Mo Mo has served the empress loyally all these years. Even if her age doesn't remind us to care for her well-being, surely all these years of service are deserving of our respect."
"Respect? ZiWei, if you knew what she has tried to do, you would not say respect so lightly. In fact, guards, take Rong Mo Mo for fifty da bang**!"
"Huang Shang!" The empress knelt onto her knees, "Please. Rong Mo Mo is old, she surely cannot handle such punishment!"
"You cannot even prevent your own punishment, what can you do to prevent hers. Guards! Take the empress as well!"
"HAM! Please. ZiWei does not know what wrong Huang Hou Niang Niang has committed. But she is the empress, responsible for managing the whole of the palace. If word spreads about such punishment, how will HHNN be able to perform her duty? HAM, please reconsider!"
"ZiWei. You don't even know her crime and you would speak for her?"
"No matter the crime, HAM, you must consider Niang Niang's position."
LFY watched these events unfold and could not but feel guilty for the mistrust she had shown ZiWei. "Zi Wei. My child. You do not know, but HHNN had summoned your aunt and uncle to the palace."
"My aunt and uncle?"
"Yes, and they had the audacity to lie about you and your mother. My dear ZiWei, forgive me for the way I have treated you. I can only imagine how terrible your childhood must have been. And though you've found your true home, we have done nothing to show you the welcome you deserve."
The emperor nodded, "ZiWei. These two, mistress and servant, they dared to attempt to sow suspicion about you and your mother. I cannot allow them to escape punishment!"
"About me and my mother?"
Qing-er, who knew ZiWei's innocence would never cause her to think of the truth, shook her head and whispered in ZiWei's ear about what was meant.
"Oh!"
"Now, ZiWei, do you still wish to protect those two?"
"HAM. HAM saw the truth and has already shown such trust in me. How can ZiWei not be touched? What more could ZiWei ask for? Since their plot did not succeed, no harm was done. HAM, please, Rong Mo Mo has already suffered 10 beats, for someone of her age, surely it's enough."
"No harm was done?! Have you forgotten, ZiWei, about the time she stabbed you with all those needles? I didn't punish her then at your request. Now, I will add that crime to this one!"
"HAM! Please. At least…at least listen to a poem first."
"Oh? Even at such a time, you would recite a poem?"
"ZiWei knows HAM wishes to punish RMM. Surely HAM still can after listening to ZiWei's poem."
"Very well. But know this, no poem in the world can save them from their just desserts!"
Silence, punctuated by Rong Mo Mo's yelps of pain, fell after ZiWei recited her poem.
"Huang Shang," Qing-er spoke up, "even if you are not touched by ZiWei's goodness, surely her literary talents are worthy of reward. In a row, she has said 'don't hit' eight times."
"Oh?"
Qing-er explained the poem. LFY watched the two young ladies and all the misgivings she had about recognizing this grand-daughter dissolved.
"Huang Shang. I remember that ZiWei once said, 'jia he wang shi xin.+' Her words are not without truth."
The emperor turned towards his daughter's earnest gaze and sighed. "Very well. Guards! Stop!"
Rong Mo Mo crawled towards ZiWei, "Nu bi thanks ZiWei Ge Ge."
"Huang Hou! Thanks to ZiWei, you have escaped physical punishment. But from this day forth, you and Rong Mo Mo will stay in your palace. Without my permission, you will not stir forth and will have no visitors without my approval."
The day that ZiWei was declared a proper Ge Ge was one of celebration. There remained plenty of people in the palace who did not approve. But with not only Huang Shang but also LFY's support, ZiWei's position was all but secured. Everyone also knew what had happened to HHNN and Rong Mo Mo and knew not to cross ZiWei. Thus, she was forever Zi Wei Ge Ge, Qi Fei's younger daughter. So it was that when the announcement of her and Er Kang's engagement came, no one dared even whisper a word of disapproval.
Of course, the youngsters' troubles did not end. Though LFY had accepted ZiWei, she did not stop considering for her Qing-er. Since Er Kang was already spoken for, she of course turned towards Yongqi. Princess SaiYa's visit disrupted those plans.
XYZ, who had been relatively quiet thus far, found herself filled with jealousy at the rumors that SaiYa was to marry Yongqi. With the jealousy came hurt. But she didn't know who to talk to. Since Zi Wei became a proper princess, she was given her own palace. Though she still came to see XYZ whenever she could, it still wasn't the same. Besides, Zi Wei was so very happy. She had found family, true, blood family. And her family had finally accepted her. Was it any wonder that she spent so much time with LFY and Qing-er? Not only that, but her and Er Kang were to be married at last. Why, even the date had been set. The Emperor did not wish to part with his newly reclaimed daughter quite yet, and so the date was still a year away. But still. XYZ, mindful of the emperor's words, did not wish to disrupt her sworn sister's happiness. The Emperor had been right. All that had happened, all of ZiWei's suffering, had been because of her. It was better that she stayed out of the way.
She would be the first to admit that she wasn't the brightest among her friends. Ever since ZiWei went to Ci Ning Gong, however, XZY had plenty of time to think. The four eunuchs tried to cheer her up, and though she smiled and laughed, something seemed different. She had taken once more to visit the spot that enabled her look over the yellow roofs of the palace. She knew there was much she didn't understand, much she probably didn't want to understand. She knew that everyone treated Qing-er and ZiWei differently than they treated her but she couldn't see herself fitting into the mold that was expected of her. Now that she had returned both the Ge Ge position and her father back to ZiWei, perhaps it was time to go back to her own life. In her heart of hearts, however, she knew she wouldn't be able to leave HAM. He also did not show any sign that he would treat her any differently despite knowing she was not his blood daughter. And she, she has never had a father. With everything that has happened, he had truly become her father. His opinions mattered to her.
Besides, there was also Yongqi. They still saw each other most days at school. And he and Benjamin would linger with her in the gardens afterwards, to help her with her school work. They had been surprised at her new dedication, she could tell, but once she said that she was doing it all for ZiWei, they seemed to accept it. She sighed as she looked at the beautiful colors of the sunset from her perch. How she wished that he had never declared himself! Perhaps then her heart wouldn't hurt so much. Because she knew she wasn't just following LaoYe's plan, wasn't just doing it for ZiWei. She wanted so much for Yu Fei to like her, to accept her.
She didn't expect Yongqi to find her.
"Did Benjamin tell you?"
He sat down next to her, "It really is a beautiful view."
Suddenly she was angry, "Why aren't you with SaiYa, you know, your future wife?"
"Wife? XYZ. What are you saying?"
"Everyone knows."
"XYZ, stop it. I don't want to marry SaiYa. Besides, ErTai would never forgive me."
"Er Tai?"
Yongqi laughed, "HAM announced it today, I'm surprised you haven't heard yet."
"Oh."
"That ErTai, he surprised all of us. Though, I suppose we have all been ignoring him too much."
Her next words, however, caused his smile to disappear.
"Yongqi. I think, I think I need to give you up."
"What?!"
"Yongqi, even though you're not going to marry SaiYa, there will be other princesses in line. Proper ones. Ones your mother will approve of. Maybe even Qing-er. She did tell us that LFY had meant her to choose between you and ErKang. Of course she can't marry ErKang anymore. So that just leaves you. So, I think, I think I need to get out of the way. I don't belong here, anyways. Especially now that ZiWei has her proper place. I'm superfluous."
"Superfluous? XYZ, how can you say that? Who will make HAM laugh? Who will think of another dumpling festival? Don't forget, you still owe Benjamin a chance to show off his Italian dumplings. And I know the Ah Ge team will be eager to play soccer again, to earn back our just victory. Who else but you will organize it?"
"There are so many people in this palace, I'm sure you can find someone else to do all that. You don't need me."
"Don't need you? Even if no one else needs you, I need you!"
"No, no you really don't. Yongqi. I brought ZiWei nothing but trouble. Who's to say I won't do the same to you?"
"Nothing but trouble? XYZ. How can you say that?! You brought ZiWei to ErKang, didn't you? You're their yue-lao (月老, god of marriage and love). How can you forget that?"
"But HAM said…"
"Oh XYZ. Benjamin and I were wrong to follow HAM's instructions to keep away from Shu Fang Zhai. Have you been thinking like this all these months?"
"I…"
"That's it. I'm going to HAM today."
"Why?"
"To ask to marry you of course!"
"Marry me?"
"I'm not going to sit around waiting for HAM to appoint someone else, not when I already know who I want."
"But…"
"No buts…unless…unless…unless you don't want to marry me?"
"I…"
"Do you? XYZ, do you want to marry me?"
"I…you're asking so suddenly…I'm not prepared…I…"
"XYZ, you're crying."
"Am I?" XYZ raised a hand to her cheek in surprise.
"Will you tell me, what do these tears mean? Are they in happiness or because you are still determined to abandon me? Do you cry because, like me, you find that you can't give up?"
His words only caused her to cry harder. Impulsively, he wrapped his arms around her. "XYZ, stay with me. Please. We all need you. ZiWei still needs her sister, Benjamin still needs his friend, HAM still needs his daughter. And me. I need you the most of all. Without you, my life is not worth living. Without you, my life has no meaning."
Through this encounter, Yongqi came to an important realization. Benjamin had asked him once, if he was willing to give up everything, his position, his father, his mother, for XYZ's sake. Benjamin had declared so easily that he would even give up returning to his home country. Well then, he, Yongqi, could not lose to Benjamin. XYZ was too precious to him. The problem, he knew, wasn't his HAM. It may not even be LFY, particularly as Qing-er would surely have already told her that she didn't want to marry either him or Er Kang. No, the problem was his own mother. Yu Fei has always had such high hopes for her son. To accept a bride such as XYZ…surely, if his father decreed it, she could not refuse. But how dearly he hoped that the two women most important to him could like each other. He knew how hard XYZ was trying. Now, he just had to do his part. But how? He couldn't turn to Benjamin, not in this. Then who?
The answer, it turned out, was both ZiWei and Qing-er; ZiWei, who knew XYZ best, and Qing-er, who knew how the Palace operated. Luckily for Yongqi, Qing-er was visiting with ZiWei when he went to seek his sister's help.
"We need your mother to see XYZ in a new light. It's too late to go back and change their first meeting but I don't think it's too late to change her first impression."
ZiWei agreed with Qing-er. "XYZ is an open book. With one glance, Yu Fei should be able to tell that she means no harm. The problem is that trouble follows XYZ even when she's on her best behavior. If only we could find something they have in common…"
Qing-er shook her head, "That's too difficult. XYZ, for all her improvements, is still XYZ."
"Wait, maybe not," ZiWei thought carefully, "they both love Yongqi and, in their own ways, HAM as well."
"Yes! If Yu Fei sees XYZ not as a threat to Yongqi's future, but as a help, then she would be more willing to accept XYZ."
"But how?" Yongqi asked.
The two girls looked at each other. Even they were stumped. Indeed, how?
"I remember," Yongqi remarked thoughtfully, "that day when you were all playing in the water, that Ji Shi Fu said that only a Qing Wang could match XYZ. Could we use that?"
"Maybe, if Yu Fei Niang Niang were also to hear it."
"But we can't start a rumor without context."
"ZiWei, you're correct. We need to find the right context."
"So we can do nothing but wait?"
ZiWei looked sympathetically at her brother while Qing-er pondered.
"Maybe not…with ZiWei's engagement to Er Kang, and Er Tai's recent wedding to SaiYa, surely marriage is on everyone's mind. We just need a reason for Yu Fei Niang Niang to think of XYZ. Perhaps…perhaps we can perform some reverse psychology!"
"Reverse psychology?"
Qing-er nodded, "Wu Ah Ge, I know you want Yu Fei Niang Niang to accept XYZ. But the harder you push, I fear the further she'll resist. No, you have to let Yu Fei Niang Niang bring up the idea herself."
"My E Niang would never…"
"She would, if we set the stage adequately. Listen, here's what I think…"
After Qing-er finished speaking, ZiWei looked at her in admiration, "I never knew you could be so devious, Qing-er!"
Qing-er only shook her head, "As I've told you before, ZiWei, I've grown up in this palace and seen too many things. I am but the product of my environment. And it's all to help XYZ. Now, ZiWei, do you think Benjamin, Er Kang, and Huang Shang will agree to our plan?"
"Benjamin and Er Kang I'm sure will. As for HAM…we made the mistake of not being honest with him in the past. Yes, I think if we tell him, he will help!"
"Excellent. Then let us set the stage!"
The emperor, accompanied by Benjamin and Er Kang, were wandering through Imperial Gardens when they saw XYZ performing magic tricks to the vast enjoyment of the palace children.
"That XYZ, there she goes again!"
Er Kang laughed, "For all her improvements, XYZ will always stay XYZ."
The emperor nodded.
"Huang Shang," Benjamin remarked, "cheng has recently heard of a rather interesting trend among the common people that perhaps Huang Shang would like to know."
"Oh?"
"Ever since Huang Shang's travels, Huang Zhu Ge Ge's name has become a sort of legend among the people. Cheng has heard them say that she was a champion of the underdog and a true princess of the people. Even the little children have a chant that HZGG could protect them against monsters."
The Emperor laughed, "Indeed? Then you yourself must have become legend, too, Benjamin."
Er Kang said thoughtfully, "The people must see Huang Shang's favor of XYZ as a reflection of Huang Shang's care for the people. Is it any wonder that they should show such love for a princess that they see as their representative?"
The Emperor looked at Er Kang shrewdly, "Yes, Qin Da Ren had also reported similar events to me. He even had the audacity to say that the prince who marries XYZ will thus also have the love of the people!"
Er Kang returned the Emperor's smile. Yes, being honest with the emperor about the plans they concocted definitely had its benefits!
As they intended, this particularly conversation soon spread like wildfire. Yu Fei also heard it. Could it be? She thought to herself. That the little troublemaker could have such influence?
Qing-er, waiting on LFY, timed her comment as the various Niang Niang's were arriving to pay their respects.
"LFY, did you hear? XYZ is famous!"
"Oh? What troubles have she caused now?"
"Troubles? Oh no, LFY, Zi Wei was just telling me a funny thing she heard from Er Kang. It seems that XYZ has become quite a hero of the people."
Ling Fei Niang Niang overheard the remark and laughed, "Oh yes! Huang Shang was quite tickled by Qin Da Ren's comment that whoever marries HZGG would be lucky indeed."
Qing-er added, "Qin Da Ren is surely not the only one. Ji Shi Fu had said, when we were traveling with Huang Shang, that only a true Qing Wang could match XYZ's spirit."
"A Qing Wang? Surely not!"
"LFY, you mustn't forget. XYZ has Huang Shang's favor. Can you see Huang Shang settling for anyone less for her?"
"Then he had better look for one for you too!"
As the seated concubines laughed at Qing-er's blushing face, she said, "LFY! Are you in such a hurry to be rid of me?"
LFY chuckled, "My Qing-er, the day will come sooner or later."
"I…"Qing-er glanced around the seated Niang Niang's in embarrassment, "If LFY will excuse me, Qing-er will go visit with ZiWei."
LFY laughed and waved her away, "Do. Maybe ZiWei can talk some sense into you."
Later that day, Yongq found an unusually pensive YuFei waiting for him.
"E Niang. Is something troubling you?"
"Hmm? Oh Yongqi, you're back. E Niang has a very serious question for you. You can't run away, you must answer."
"Yes E Niang."
"What do you think of Huan Zhu Ge Ge?"
"Why does E Niang ask?"
"You are of marriageable age, my son. Even if you will not consider it, as your mother, I must."
"Since E Niang asks. I have only the highest admiration for XYZ. Surely you have seen what good friends we are."
"Friends? Are you certain you are only friends? We now know that she is not your sister. Surely…"
"E Niang, I'm not sure I'm good enough for XYZ."
"Good enough? What can you mean, Yongqi?! If anything, she's not good enough for you!"
"E Niang surely doesn't know what Ji Shi Fu had said…I fear I am not yet of adequate status to dare asking HAM for XYZ's hand."
"What?! Yongqi, my son, you are a royal prince! How is that not enough status? No. Since it seems you like XYZ well enough, I will speak to Huang Shang myself. Not good enough indeed!"
"Oh E Niang, you really don't have to…"
"No, Yongqi. This is for your future and I will do all that I can to ensure it."
To his credit, the emperor gave nothing away as he met with Yu Fei. He hemmed and hawed at the right moments before finally giving in and saying that he would appoint the marriage and issue the proclamation.
XYZ was caught off guard at the news. She turned towards her friends, who had all gathered at Shu Fang Zhai and decorated it again with all sorts of colored ribbons, all with various versions of 'Congratulations' and other well wishes written on them.
"What?!"
They all looked at each other and laughed.
ZiWei stepped forward and gave her sworn sister a big hug. "XYZ. I'm sorry that with everything that has been going on, I have not been the sister I ought to be. WAG told us about what happened. I just want to say, we do need you XYZ. And we could think of no better way than to make sure you have your happiness too."
Er Kang smiled as he took ZiWei's hand in his, "You were my YueLao. What can I do to repay you but be your Cupid? Although we each played our roles, the whole mastermind was Qing-er. So it's she you must thank."
XYZ turned to Qing-er, who merely chuckled and shook her head, "Oh no! Though I might have come up with the original plan, it was Wu Ah Ge who reached out for help."
XYZ turned towards Yongqi, "You?"
"I told you, didn't I? My life without you would have no meaning."
Tears flowed freely down XYZ's face.
"Don't cry, XYZ. Or else I'd think you are sad to be marrying me!"
XYZ shook her head but also punched him on the arm, "How could you have kept this from me?"
"I wanted to surprise you."
"This is the best sort of surprise," XYZ declared.
Just then, the emperor's laughter could also be heard as he walked into Shu Fang Zhai, "Now then, XYZ, you must be a dutiful daughter to Yu Fei. Don't make her regret her decision to request that you be Yongqi's wife!"
"Yu Fei requested…but, but…how?!"
Her friends only laughed some more.
"Never mind the how," ZiWei insisted, "HAM had said that you must do all that I request of you. XYZ. I request that you be kind to Yu Fei. You're always boasting to be the best at things. Well, now's your chance to prove that you're best daughter-in-law in the world!"
"Oh I will! I will!"
"ZiWei," Yongqi turned towards his sister, "can you insist that she not hit me anymore too?"
"Hey!"
Benjamin spoke up, "I had told ErKang once. You Chinese have a phrase, '打是疼，骂是爱.' I think it was made for XYZ. Yongqi, you'd better get used to it."
Yongqi took XYZ's hand in his, "Gladly."
"Now then, Benjamin," the Emperor asked, "didn't your master promise us a celebration cake?"
"Yes!" Benjamin exclaimed, "and I made my Italian dumplings too!"
The Emperor laughed, "Oh? I must have a taste of these famous dumplings! Lead the way!"
He took in the laughter around him. Yes, ZiWei had been right. '家和万事兴.'
AN: So that went in a completely different direction than I thought it would. Still, it was a lot of fun to write! Hope it's fun to read as well!
*三妻四妾: literally three wives and four concubines. Figuratively, multiple wives.
** da bang: hitting with the plank
***I'm not good enough with literature to remember her poem, but same one from the show.
+家和万事兴: if the family lives in harmony all affairs will prosper