Musings

by snowberryrose

Stories and reflections that come to me as I watch and re-watch HZGG, including the newest version

17. Plans: yet another NHZGG AU

AU of NHZGG in which Qing-er's conversation with Er Kang and then ZiWei goes a little differently.

Plans

Qing-er watched Er Kang. Or rather, she watched as Er Kang stared at ZiWei. She had observed carefully, just like LFY had instructed. The way Er Kang looked at ZiWei, not only in that moment, but also throughout their trip, she had never seen him look at anyone like that in the past. Certainly, he never looked at her like that.

She shook herself. No, she should not think that way. Especially if she was right.

That day, in front of YueLao's shrine, she distinctly overheard Er Kang say that Miss Hu was not better than a certain someone. His eyes at that time had been on ZiWei. The hope he had expressed too, when they were discussing Cupid, his eyes were still on ZiWei.

There was also Er Tai's comment that someone had already been shot by Cupid's arrow. Er Tai was Er Kang's brother, who would know Er Kang better? And then there was Xiao Yan Zi's comment that she was Er Kang's YueLao…

And now, here he was again, watching.

She liked ZiWei, she really did. Despite knowing LFY's suspicions, she couldn't help but like ZiWei. In the happy atmosphere of the whole trip, she wanted to be true friends with ZiWei and XYZ. Only, she couldn't understand…

And so, she walked towards Er Kang.

"Er Kang? What are you looking at?"

He startled, "Oh. Just the surroundings, to keep LaoYe safe."

She looked at him curiously and decided to be brave, "No, you were watching someone."

He looked distinctively uncomfortable.

"Er Kang," she asked quietly, "if you like her so much, how can you let your Ah Ma send her into the Palace for LaoYe?"

Her comment definitely got his reaction. "What?"

She considered him carefully, "Things have changed since our childhood, but not so much that I can't tell when you, when all of you, are keeping secrets from me."

Just then, XYZ came over, "What secrets?"

"Oh, no secrets," Qing-er, "we were just chatting. You know, XYZ, that I grew up in the palace, with these four here. The stories I could tell about the scrapes they go into!"

XYZ laughed, "Oh? I want to hear, I want to hear!"

Qing-er smiled, "Then we'd better do it where they can't hear us. I don't trust them not to interrupt me!"

XYZ laughed again and nodded. "ZiWei will want to hear too! Let's go find her!"

Qing-er nodded and followed XYZ's lead but she turned back and looked at Er Kang one more time. Yes, she had definitely succeeded in rattling him.

Later that night, she went to XZY and ZiWei's room and was glad that she found only ZiWei. They discussed the gu qin and she got to learn a little more about ZiWei's past. Yes, she truly, truly liked ZiWei.

"ZiWei? I've been watching you…and I must ask you a question. Do you really, really like LaoYe?"

ZiWei was startled but answered honesty, "Yes. He is a good emperor, a true hero. I hold the highest admiration for him."

"Yes," Qing-er agreed, "I can see that. But…ZiWei, what about Er Kang?"

"Er Kang?"

Their conversation was interrupted by XYZ bursting into the room. After the drama with Yongqi and the wolf-skin, Qing-er knew she would not be able to speak further with ZiWei that night.

And then, of course, there was poor XYZ's fall from the roof. Still, Qing-er could not but feel a twinge of jealousy at the care both Yongqi and Benjamin showed her. She also overheard ErKang's brief conversation with ZiWei. Yes, she was definitely right.

She didn't know what had happened, but there was Er Kang waiting for her. She barely noticed when ShuangXi left the two of them alone.

"Er Kang? Are you going to answer my question now?"

"Qing-er. I…"

"Er Kang. I can tell you like ZiWei. But you must know, if your Ah Ma's plan succeeds, she could not be yours."

"My Ah Ma's plan?"

"LFY suspects that ZiWei has been prepared by your family for LaoYe."

"What?!"

"And I have to admit that I don't understand it. ZiWei is so sweet and innocent a girl. And in my memory, your father is a good man. So I don't understand how you could push ZiWei onto such a bitter path. Your family already has the association with Ling Fei Niang Niang, isn't that enough?"

"Qing-er, I…we…" Flustered, Er Kang didn't know what to say.

"Maybe I should be grateful. Because of what happened three years ago, I thought…I thought maybe…but if this is what you, what your family is truly like, then I'm glad LFY never made an edict for an engagement. Still, Er Kang, I don't want to believe it. I don't want to believe that my childhood friend has turned into a monster. Please, tell me I'm wrong."

"You are wrong!"

"Then help me understand!"

"I…I can't!"

"Is it because of LFY? Because LFY sent me on this trip? Yes, I admit it, she sent me to be her spy. But I don't plan to tell her anything that could hurt any of you. We were friends, you, me, Er Tai, Yongqi, and Benjamin. And now I would gladly like to add XYZ and ZiWei to that number if they would let me. I don't want you all to push me to the outside. I promise I will keep your secrets."

Er Kang still could not say anything.

"At least," Qing-er asked, "at least tell me I'm right about you and ZiWei. Because of what had been between us, I deserve at least that much."

"Since you've already figured it out... I don't just like ZiWei…for me, it's her or no one."

"I see."

Though she had suspected as much, Qing-er couldn't help but feel hurt. All these years, she had thought…Unbidden, she felt tears well up. But no, she mustn't cry.

"Alright," she continued, "keep your secrets. I know when I'm not wanted."

So saying, she ran off to her room. On the way, the tears dropped despite herself. Yes, she had suspected, strongly suspected, but to hear Er Kang actually confirm her suspicions…her whole world seemed to have tilted on its axis. She looked up at the sky, in an effort to stem her tears. Of course there was a full moon tonight!

The greater part of the hurt though, derived from not being trusted. She knew that because of LFY's favor, the others were afraid of her. Did they not know how lonely she felt?

XYZ's presence in the wolfskin made it so she didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As XYZ and ZiWei watched her hysterics in concern, she distantly heard their conversation. How XYZ blamed herself, and how ZiWei insisted on comforting her. Oh these two! She could so easily see herself being their friend!

She heard XYZ leave and heard ZiWei take a seat next to her at the table. Heard ZiWei ask if LaoYe had reprimanded her but in the same breath speak on the impossibility of such an event. How simple, how trusting ZiWei was!

She calmed herself and raised her head to look at ZiWei. What was it that ZiWei had said? XYZ was an open book, easily read with one glance. Did ZiWei know that she herself was also an open book for someone who knew how to look? And Qing-er, who had grown up at LFY's side, who had spent her life watching, surely knew how to look.

"It wasn't LaoYe. It was ErKang."

"ErKang?"

And there it was. There, on ZiWei's face: alarm, worry, concern, and something that could so easily turn into heartache with but the right words. How easily she could be the cause of such heartache! The thought made Qing-er feel disgusted with herself. No. She was better than that. Still, ZiWei deserved the truth.

"Three years ago, LFY almost arranged our marriage."

Seeing ZiWei's impending devastation, Qing-er quickly continued, "Had she done so, I suspect we both would have accepted quite happily. But now…ZiWei, I can't marry such a monster."

"Monster?"

"ZiWei. He professed to love you, and yet he's pushing you onto such a terrible path. I don't know what he has said to you that caused you to agree to it. I like you too much, ZiWei, to watch you continue a journey that can only lead to pain. All those Niang Niang's in the palace…how many of them are happy? Look at YuFei, and she's one of the better ones because Yongqi has LaoYe's favor."

"He professed to love me?"

Oh ZiWei. How transparent she was in showing that Er Kang's affections were returned!

"Maybe not in those words. But I know that's what he meant. And it's easy to see how. Er Kang and I were childhood friends, and as his friend, I'm so glad that he has found someone like you."

"You're…you're happy for him? What about…what about…"

"What had happened three years ago was merely an arrangement of convenience. Now that I know he has you in his life, I can safely say that I'm glad it never came to pass. At least, that's how I feel based on the Er Kang I knew. But after only three years, he is so different. Maybe he can only follow his Ah Ma's directions. But…but…how can he profess to love you and yet still push you into LaoYe's arms?"

At ZiWei's look of shock, Qing-er almost regretted the bluntness of her question. But no, ZiWei needed to know the seriousness of the situation.

"What? You think that Er Kang, that Fu Da Ren…" ZiWei thought back to the time when she had been in the Empress's clutches. She had been accused of the same thing at that time. But being accused of it by someone with whom she wanted to be friends was utterly different… "Oh! But that's not true at all! Qing-er, Er Kang…he…"

"But ZiWei, I have seen what good care you take of LaoYe. You even brought along his favorite tea! I know you are maidenly, but ZiWei, Laoye is a man too! Think about it, for someone like you, beautiful, talented, intelligent, who is by his side day in and day out…his attention to you has already been obvious…if Er Kang can fall for you, then surely so can LaoYe!"

ZiWei was aghast. "Qing-er…No! He can't!"

"Can't he?!"

"Oh Qing-er, he can't! Because…because…Qing-er, I promise, I promise I only think of LaoYe as a father."

"But he is not your father, ZiWei!"

"Oh but he is! He is! He's the father who left my mother before I was born. He's the father I have come all this way to find. He's the father that Er Kang and Fu Da Ren did all they could to help me meet!"

Whatever ZiWei was going to say, Qing-er had not expected this declaration.

"And Er Kang. Oh Qing-er, please don't call him a monster. Er Kang…to me, Er Kang is…is…"

ZiWei, as though realizing that she had just blurted out her largest secrets, suddenly paused and stared at Qing-er with wide eyes.

"ZiWei…are you saying…but XYZ…"

"XYZ is my sworn sister; she was only supposed to deliver the packages for me. But, because she was wounded, LaoYe mistook her for me. And, and when I found out…it was too late. The Fu's, they sheltered me and gave me a home when I had none."

"Then, then, you and Er Kang…"

"Qing-er, since meeting you, even when we were in the palace, I wanted to be friends. I am sorry, so very sorry…if I had known about you and Er Kang…I…"

"I understand it all now. ZiWei. No, listen to me. There is no Er Kang and I. But I can see that there is very much a Er Kang and you…and I want to thank you."

"Thank me?"

"Oh ZiWei. I had been thinking the worst of my childhood friend. But now that I understand…wait, this means, Yongqi, Benjamin, Er Tai, they must all know."

ZiWei nodded.

"Oh thank goodness!"

ZiWei's surprise made Qing-er laugh. What a day she has had! So much tears but also so much laughter. Was this what it was like, being friends with XYZ and ZiWei? Never before had she felt so alive. Qing-er decided that she like that feeling very much.

"ZiWei. I had been so conflicted, trying to reconcile what I knew of their characters and personalities from childhood to…well, I know people can change, but I had hoped so much that they wouldn't. And you have helped me realize…ZiWei, do you realize? These secrets that you have entrusted me with…they make us friends. No, more, they make us family. Well, we are family, since you are LaoYe's daughter…but…oh I'm rambling! ZiWei, I promise, I will keep these secrets. LFY may have sent me to be her spy, but I only wanted to be friends with all of you. And now, now I can."

ZiWei also laughed, "Oh Qing-er, I knew I wanted to be friends with you too. I knew I wasn't wrong about you! The four of them, they kept telling me and XYZ to keep our distance from you, and I've felt so guilty about it. I know Er Kang thinks I'm too trusting, but I knew I couldn't have been wrong about you!"

All secrets removed, the two chatted long into the night before sleep overtook them.

The next morning, when ZiWei went to wake XYZ and to inform her that they could trust Qing-er, she wasn't expecting to see Er Kang waiting for her.

"ZiWei? Xiao Yan Zi told me that you kept Qing-er company last night."

She nodded.

"What…what did you talk about?"

She looked at his concerned face and suddenly felt irked, "She told me about a night with a full moon and a courtyard of snow." So saying, she turned to go.

ErKang had been afraid of such an answer. "ZiWei. I need to explain, please let me explain."

ZiWei turned back around, "Explain about what? What is there to explain? You lied to me."

At her accusation, ErKang lost his logic. Grabbing her arm, he dragged her to a nearby secluded glen.

"ZiWei. I was afraid…ZiWei, I promise, I didn't lie to you."

"You told me once, that your heart wasn't easily touched, not until you met me. You also mentioned that ever since you were young, you knew LaoYe wanted you to be part of his family. I didn't think…how could I have been so stupid not to have realized that you meant Qing-er?"

"Qing-er…ZiWei, there's nothing between me and Qing-er."

"Isn't there? Had you not met me, wouldn't you have gladly gone along with LFY's wishes? Qing-er told me, LFY even spoke with your father before we started on this trip."

"I…"

"You can't refute it, because you know it's true."

"ZiWei. Qing-er and I…we are only friends, I promise. Just like you are friends with LiuQing and Liu Hong. But you and I…think about all that we've been through. Yes, three years ago, before meeting you, I would have gladly fulfilled my duty. But now… ZiWei, I have met you! Falling in love with you was not planned, but I don't regret it. Not any of it! ZiWei, don't you realize? You have done away with all of my pride. I have never begged anyone, for anything, in my entire life. But that letter from you…I begged the heavens for me to find you. And when I did, I begged for you to stay with me. And now, ZiWei, I beg of you, please understand."

ZiWei looked at his earnest face and immediately regretted her behavior. "You said once, that you wouldn't let me see that scar between your brows anymore."

"ZiWei?"

She looked down at her shoes, "I may…I may have been a little jealous."

Though she muttered her answer, still ErKang heard. To her surprise, he laughed and hugged her close.

"Oh ZiWei! How glad I am of it!"

"What?"

He let her go only enough to meet her eyes again, "Because, your jealousy makes me realize how much I mean to you. It is no secret that Fu Er Kang loves Xia Zi Wei. But now, now I also know that Xia Zi Wei loves Fu Er Kang just as much."

She blushed, "Er Kang…"

He only laughed some more.

Embarrassed, ZiWei made to change the topic, "Er Kang…Qing-er and I did talk all night. Er Kang, I think we have all been wrong to keep our secrets from her."

"What? You didn't…"

"Er Kang. Listen to me…"And so ZiWei told him about what had come to pass. "Qing-er will keep our secrets, I'm sure of it. I admire her so much; I'm so moved by her kindness. She is genuinely happy for me, for us, I can tell. But Er Kang, she is so very lonely. She told me about her parents, about growing up in the palace, about the burden of being LFY's favorite. From now on, we must be good friends with her."

ErKang smiled at the girl in his arms. How could she not see that her own kindness was just as moving? "Yes, you are right, ZiWei. We will be sure to be."

Smiling at each other, they started their way back, hand in hand.

Qing-er's inclusion into the group was met with gladness. The four young men, though they knew they needed to keep XYZ and ZiWei safe, had felt varying degrees of guilt at keeping their childhood friend at bay. XYZ was so excited that she asked to become sworn sisters with Qing-er too. Though ZiWei commented that such an act was not necessary, Qing-er thought about the suggestion and agreed to it. In her mind, anything that will emphasize to LaoYe that ZiWei was a member of the younger generation was a good thing. When she shared such a thought with the rest of her friends, they looked at her in wonder, causing her to smile in contentment. Oh how happy she was to be included!

XYZ's happy cheers the next morning of course attracted the attention of the other members of the trip. When she declared to LaoYe the three ladies' intent, Fu Da Ren had given Er Kang a surprised look. Er Kang only smiled.

The ceremony was watched over by all members of the group. Zi Wei and Qing-er's poetic vows were moving but it was XYZ's straight forward declarations that leant the occasion humor.

When XYZ jokingly addressed ZiWei as Ge Ge, the emperor raised an eyebrow. "XYZ, don't you know that only LFY and I can declare someone as Ge Ge?"

Ignoring ZiWei's pull on her arm, XYZ persisted, "LaoYe! ZiWei is now not only my sworn sister but also Qing-er's, what else should she be called?"

Qing-er also laughed, "LaoYe. I am the last of my family and what a heavy burden it is at times! Please let my new sister help me with it?"

Yongqi also spoke up, "Ah Ma, look at how happy they are! Besides, didn't you yourself say that ZiWei is too talented to be merely a maid? We're not back home yet, why don't you just humor them?"

Benjamin agreed, "LaoYe, I have learned that when XYZ gets a wild idea, it's best to humor her!"

"Hey!" XYZ exclaimed, "what do you mean by that?!"

At her indignation, the rest of the group laughed some more. Shaking his head, the emperor declared, "Very well! I will admit defeat in this matter!"

Er Kang and Er Tai looked at each other and nodded. Bowing, they declared, "Congratulations, Qing Ge Ge! Congratulations, Huang Zhu Ge Ge! Congratulations, Zi Wei Ge Ge!"

And so the night continued to pass in celebration.

---

One day, Qing-er went to fetch Benjamin for dinner and followed the sound of his violin. The unexpected sound of a xiao answering the sound of the violin made her pause in her steps. How beautiful the sound was! She was sad when the duet ended.

"Benjamin? Do you know who that was, playing the xiao?"

Benjamin shook his head, "I only wish I did! I've come here every day over the last few days, hoping to hear it and perhaps run into its owner."

"Oh? So this is where you've been disappearing to!"

Benjamin laughed and nodded.

"You were playing our group's song; the sound of the xiao compliments it so well. I feel sure that if we were ever to meet the person playing it, we would become friends with them too."

Qing-er was to get her wish when they saw the mysterious XiaoJian. When Benjamin saw the xiao, he turned excitedly to her.

"Qing-er, look!"

She nodded at him, yes, she saw it too!

XYZ looked between her and Benjamin, "That's odd…what are you two looking at?"

"That xiao! Remember I told you about the mysterious person who's been playing duets with me? I'm sure it's that person!"

Qing-er nodded, "I've heard it too. If that's truly that person, then he is truly talented!"

ErKang said thoughtfully, "What I'm interested in is his sword."

XYZ asked, "the one with all the carvings?"

"They're not carvings," ErTai explained, "my brother is rightfully interested. Those are signs of a family's legacy."

"Could it be?" Yongqi speculated, "that's he's another Gao Liang, 文武双全 (master of pen and sword)?"

Just then, they overheard the mysterious person recite a poem.

ZiWei and ErKang exchanged impressed glances and nodded at each other.

"We must meet this person!" ErKang stood up and led the way.

As XiaoJian spoke with her friends, Qing-er was sharply reminded of Gao Liang as well. But there was something much more refined about him. And when he spoke with Benjamin about their music with such genuine excitement, she couldn't help but say, "XiaoJian. I've heard you play too. You don't know, but that song represents our entire group. Benjamin wrote the tune and then we each contributed to the lyrics. You've played our song with Benjamin and now we've met you. It can only be fate."

"Oh? There are lyrics to the song?"

Qing-er nodded but just as she was going to explain, XYZ had grabbed hold of the sword and ran away with it.

The group of friends could only chase after her. Qing-er watched as Xiao Yan Zi tried to force Xiao Jian to fight and shook her head. She didn't know what possessed her, but she ran ahead and grabbed ahold of XiaoYanZi in an effort to stop her. XYZ of course proved to be stronger and Qing-er found herself falling to the ground. She could only stare as the sword in XYZ's hand rushed towards her heart. In another split second, however, she found herself being held in someone's secure grip and rushed out of harm's way.

Taking a moment to catch her breath, she could only gape at Xiao Jian as he gently set her on her feet.

"Qing-er! I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry!"

Collecting herself, Qing-er turned towards her friend, "XYZ. When will you learn? You can't just take someone else's belongings. It's dreadfully impolite."

Just then, she heard XiaoJian laugh, "You are a strange group of people. Gu Niang, you look the part of a '千金小姐' but after such a scare, not only are you not crying, but here you are reprimanding you friend. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were her older sister!"

XYZ turned to him and exclaimed excitedly, "How did you guess?! She is my older sister. And there's ZiWei, she is my younger sister."

"Oh? The three of you are sisters?"

XYZ was kept from answering, however, as the rest of the group joined them.

"Are you alright, Qing-er?" ZiWei asked in concern as she helped brush some of the soil from Qing-er's clothing.

Qing-er was quick to reassure her, "I am well. Though no thanks to my 'sister' here."

"I am sorry, Qing-er."

"Don't you think you'd better return XiaoJian's sword?"

XYZ nodded meekly and complied.

ErTai asked again, "Qing-er, are you well?"

Qing-er shook her head, "Stop fussing. Though it looks like that the 四大护卫need to work on their reaction time!"

"Oh? 四大护卫?" XiaoJian's voice was full of curiosity.

ErKang answered, "It seems that we must now officially introduce ourselves. XiaoJian, why don't we go back to the restaurant?"

XiaoJian, sword in hand, nodded.

"With all the excitement, I've forgotten to thank you."Qing-er said with a smile.

Benjamin chimed in, "I knew you were gifted at the flute, but the way you saved Qing-er! Wow. I'm impressed!"

"Gu Niang is named Qing-er?"

Qing-er nodded.

"And I'm XYZ," XYZ declared.

"Qing-er, XYZ, and ZiWei…what wonderful names!" So saying, Xiao Jian made a poem on the spot that depicted a beautiful summer day scene with a clear sky, soaring swallow birds, and blooming myrtle flowers.

"Benjamin is right. Xiao Jian, added to your earlier poems, this one is truly impressive as it perfectly describes these three sisters." Er Tai's comment received nods around the table.

"You cannot be a common person," Er Kang added.

"Impressive?" Xiao Jian laughed again, "hardly. At least, certainly not compared to all of you."

"Oh?" Yonqi asked, "what makes you say that?"

"The way you behave, the way you speak, the way you dress. It all speaks of wealth and privilege. But most impressive of all is the way that you interact with one another. It speaks of true camaraderie! I am a traveler and have made friends with people from many different walks of life. I am honored to have met all of you!"

And yet, he declined to travel with them. As the group left in their carriages and horses, Xiao Jian couldn't help but frown. He had been so sure that XYZ was the one he had been searching for all these years. But…how did she end up with two sisters? Was he wrong about her identity as Huan Zhu Ge Ge? And if he was right, who were her sisters? No, he needed to observe some more. Something did not feel quite right.

In the carriage, ZiWei noticed that Qing-er was staring off into space. Taking advantage of the fact that LaoYe was napping and XYZ was outside riding, she spoke softly, "Qing-er? It really is a shame that XiaoJian wouldn't travel with us."

Qing-er shook herself, "We're probably not going the same way. You heard his poetry; the sky is his roof, the ground is his hearth."

"Then I certainly hope it's a clear sky."

Qing-er nodded but then realized what ZiWei had said, "ZiWei!"

Looking over at the sleeping emperor, ZiWei made to shush Qing-er.

"We're sisters now, Qing-er, with no secrets from one another, remember?"

Qing-er just shook her head, "It was but a chance encounter. I'm merely curious about him. Someone like him simply does not exist in the world of my upbringing."

ZiWei's accepted Qing-er's explanation easily enough. But Qing-er couldn't quite shake the feeling that she could understand Miss Hu a little better now.

The rest of their trip continued to have mishaps here and there, but Qing-er felt that the good overall still balanced the bad. That was, until the day of the assassination attempt. She heard, rather than saw the sound of a blade being drawn. And then, there had been fire, and the sound of more blades. She didn't know how, but amidst all the madness, she fell to the ground. And then, and then, there he was again. She didn't even have time to exclaim his name before he disappeared again. She could only stare in the direction he had gone, confused, before her attention was drawn to a sight that truly stopped her heart.

ZiWei! She grabbed ShaungXi's hand and tried to fight her way towards her sworn sister. No. Not ZiWei! There was so much blood. And ZiWei, she was so pale. Qing-er could only watch as the clothing around the blade stained red. The next few moments were a blur. She heard ErKang's voice, begging ZiWei to hold on. Heard XYZ's crying, telling ZiWei she couldn't die. No, of course she couldn't. Not ZiWei.

She didn't know how, but her hands remained steady as she fed ZiWei the medicine.

She heard Yongqi's words about how ZiWei had become like family and oh how she wanted to add on to them. But she found that she couldn't. And then, and then, ZiWei spoke.

Brave, brave ZiWei. Despite it all, she still remembered their plans. And then, then there was so much blood and ZiWei, she was so still.

But she would live. Thank the heavens, she would live.

Qing-er wiped away her own tears and saw Er Kang leave. No, she supposed that Er Kang would not want to stay and watch as the emperor sat at ZiWei's bedside. But when he didn't return, Qing-er frowned. Flanked by Er Tai and Benjamin, she went in search of him.

Qing-er listened to Er Kang's words and felt exasperated. Of course she knew why he said them. But Er Tai was right. ZiWei, no matter how much she loved Er Kang, would never just let him abandon his parents like that.

She could see the change in him as he listened to Benjamin's words.

She spoke up, "Benjamin's right. What ZiWei needs right now, is her Er Kang. Her strong, dependable Er Kang. If you waver, what is she going to do? Besides, you need to be calm so we can discuss our next steps. ZiWei did it. Don't you understand? XYZ won't lose her head anymore. But we can't wait. LaoYe will surely want to return home now. We can't afford to wait until we're home to reveal the truth."

Benjamin was confused, "Why can't we wait, if XYZ won't lose her head?"

"Back home, there are too many variables. I may be able to talk to LFY, but there's still HHNN, Rong Mo Mo, even Yu Fei Niang Niang. Not to mention, there are so many rules. Here, at least, the atmosphere is more relaxed. Er Kang, I may have some small ideas, but all of us, we all still look towards you for direction. So, please, calm yourself."

Er Kang straightened. "ErTai, forgive me. Benjamin, Qing-er, thank you. You're right; we're close to our target. I need to be strong."

"Good. Go see ZiWei. I suspect you won't be good for anything until you see for your own eyes that she's really awake and well."

When Er Kang left, Benjamin turned towards Qing-er, "I don't know what we would do without you."

Qing-er laughed, "I only built on the foundation you started; seems like the two of us are the voices of reason."

A much calmer Er Kang met with everyone that night. "Qing-er's right, we can't wait."

"But ZiWei's still recovering!" XYZ exclaimed.

"It's precisely because she's recovering that we can't wait," Qing-er insisted. "If you tell Huang Shang the truth and he reacts with anger rather than forgiveness, then ZiWei's weak state will remind him that she was willing to sacrifice her life for him. Even if he is furious, how do you think it'll look if all of a sudden he decides to punish her in her state?"

Yongqi nodded thoughtfully, "We're not back in the palace, HAM doesn't control all the servants here. We are guests of the Ding's. By basic politeness, we need to be conscientious guests."

"How are we going to tell him? We can't just have my brother go and blurt it out. Even with all the hints we've dropped, it'll be too sudden."

Qing-er suddenly thought of another problem, "Best case scenario of course is that LaoYe accepts the truth and accepts both XYZ and ZiWei. But then…Er Kang, the second half of your plan. Even if LaoYe approves of your marriage, LFY won't."

"Why not?" XYZ was indignant.

"I should have thought of it sooner…Er Kang, even if LaoYe recognizes ZiWei as his daughter, LFY will continue to hold her birth against her. LFY is a traditionalist, I know she will."

"Then doesn't that bring us back to square one?" Benjamin asked.

"Maybe not. ZiWei is my sworn sister. She also took a blade for Huang Shang. Maybe there's a way to connect the two…"

"You mean…" Yongqi paused before thinking out loud, "Qing-er has a point. Marriages are arranged based not only on the status but also the family background of the two people involved; 门当户对. Er Kang, LFY had considered Qing-er for you…never mind that Qing-er is her favorite, but think of Qing-er's family background…"

"My Ah Ma was a prince in his own right; my E Niang was LFY's cousin on her mother's side." Qing-er reminded everyone.

Er Kang frowned as he considered his friends' points. ErTai was right, ever since meeting ZiWei, he had lost all his logic, all his reason and practicality. But he must reclaim all three in order to protect her, to keep his promises to her.

"What if…" ErKang paused, the idea beginning to take form in his mind, "yes…"

He looked at his friend's faces as they waited for him to speak. He looked at Yongqi and XYZ, surely what Yongqi had said applied to them as well? What was it that Qing-er had said? That they all looked to him for direction? How could he not have seen that it was no longer just about him and ZiWei and their happiness?

"What if…" And so he spoke. With his friends' feedback, the plan was refined. Though the sun was already starting to peak over the horizon when the friends finalized it, no one felt tired. Qing-er, seeing the determined expressions around her, thought once again that she had never felt more alive.

---

"Qing-er requests a private audience with Huang Shang."

The emperor looked up from studying the state papers on his desk and smiled in welcome. "Qing-er. Once ZiWei recovers, we'll be returning to the palace, I hope you will have a favorable report for LFY?"

Qing-er smiled easily, "Yes. This trip has contained some of the happiest moments of Qing-er's life."

He nodded, "It certainly has been an eventful trip, hasn't it?"

"HuangShang, Qing-er has a request she doesn't know if HuangShang would be able to grant?"

"What is it?"

Qing-er took a moment to collect herself, her next words were pivotal, "During this trip, Qing-er has not only gained fond memories, but also two sisters. Qing-er would like to request that HuangShang permit ZiWei and XYZ's names be written in the records such that they are truly Qing-er's sisters."

The Emperor looked at her in surprise, "Qing-er, you must know what adding their names to the records would mean?"

Qing-er nodded, "HuangShang. I am aware. But I truly value my friendship with XYZ and ZiWei. I know HuangShang cares for XYZ, but as LFY's favorite, I also know to think as LFY does. Even if ZiWei says that XYZ is someone who will never grow up, surely even HuangShang knows that XYZ must marry sooner or later. As HuanZhu Ge Ge, she has HuangShang's favor, but her future in-laws will surely consider her family background as well. Though HuangShang loves her as a daughter, she is still officially only a foster daughter. But, if HuangShang would allow her to become my sister…"

The emperor thought about Qing-er's words and his own thoughts earlier in the trip about assigning betrothals; yes, Qing-er's words did make sense. "Thank you for the reminder, Qing-er. It is very kind of you to consider for XYZ's future. Only a true sister would be so considerate."

Qing-er only smiled.

"But…why are you asking for ZiWei as well?"

Qing-er gathered her thoughts…now came the tricky part…"HuangShang, you said yourself that ZiWei was too gifted to remain a servant. I know that the reason ZiWei protected HuangShang at great risk to her own life was not for material rewards, but because, for ZiWei, HuangShang is her own father. Qing-er believes that ZiWei's孝心 deserves to be rewarded."

"ZiWei sees me as her own father?"

Qing-er took courage in the fact that her friends trusted her with this task and pressed on, "HuangShang. Truly, Qing-er mis-spoke. HuangShang must be aware that when LFY sent me on this trip, she had entrusted me with finding out the truth about ZiWei and Xiao Yan Zi?"

"The truth about ZiWei and Xiao Yan Zi?"

Qing-er nodded, "HuangShang will forgive the speculations of those who are jealous of the favor HuangShang has shown the two of them. But LFY had heard a rumor that HuangShang had mistakenly recognized the wrong Ge Ge."

"The wrong Ge Ge?"

"HuangShang has surely seen the sisterhood between XYZ and ZiWei. Did not XYZ herself say that they are有福同享，有难同当? Since they both grew up without a father, surely in their mind, having a father as attentive as HuangShang would count as 有福同享?"

"Qing-er, what are you saying?"

The emperor's expression spoke only of confusion and curiosity. Qing-er bowed her head, "I am wrong to have kept my true motivation from HuangShang."

"Oh?"

Qing-er sighed, "I have learned that such speculations are not without truth. XYZ was only a messenger, to help her sworn sister find her father. But WAG's arrow disrupted her well-meant intentions. Still, she never forgot about her original mission. That time when she snuck out of the palace, it was to see ZiWei, to explain the situation. ZiWei, ever filial, begged XYZ to help her enter the palace so that she could serve at HuangShang's side, as a daughter should. ZiWei, a true Ge Ge, minded not that she was but a servant, she only wished to fulfill her filial duty. She was never going to tell HuangShang the truth, only desiring to serve at HuangShang's side."

Qing-er risked a look at the emperor's expressions again. Seeing no hint of anger, she continued, "I learned this story, and could not but be touched. I had hoped, had hoped that if ZiWei was to become my sister, than she could fulfill her duty and be more protected. Surely HuangShang has seen how much pain and hardship ZiWei has braved for the sake of her 孝心?"

The emperor stared at Qing-er as he digested her tale. On his face, Qing-er saw shock, saw wonder, saw disbelief…but she still had yet to see anger. Good.

Finally, he said, "ZiWei was never going to tell me the truth?"

Qing-er nodded, "ZiWei said that it was enough that she had the opportunity to fulfill her duty. That she could fulfill the promise she made to her mother to ensure her father's well-being. Besides, she saw the happiness that XYZ has brought HuangShang. For ZiWei, to see her father happy is the greatest reward."

The emperor thought on her words, yes, that did sound like something ZiWei would say. Still…

"How is it that you found out?"

And now for the finale; Qing-er braced herself. Because she truly believed the words she would say she did not need to pretend as she said them. "Both XYZ and ZiWei take their vows to heart. The day we became sworn sisters, we had promised to keep no secrets from one another. Their hearts are pure, without any心计. They trusted me, not realizing that I had been tasked with finding out about this very same secret. Today, I have betrayed their trust in revealing it. But truly, HuangShang, I could not know about this injustice and do nothing. Could not watch as ZiWei, a true Ge Ge, is hurt over and over again by the likes of Rong Mo Mo and Gui Mo Mo. I had hoped, through my own actions, to save her…but HuangShang, Qing-er knows that the only one who can ensure her safety is HuangShang himself!"

Qing-er knelt, "Please, HuangShang. Protect ZiWei. For her孝心, for her苦心. Protect her."

The emperor looked at her imploring expression. Her story…it was too much…he needed to think.

"Qing-er," he finally said, "I will consider your request…But adding their names to the records is not a small undertaking. I will ponder on it."

Qing-er, knowing his words were a dismissal, could only kowtow in thanks. Still, she was hopeful.

The emperor thought back to his interactions with ZiWei. The one that stood out was that day when he had a brief cold. Did not ZiWei herself say that she thought of him as her father? How genuine her longing had been, when she voiced the wish that she could call him father!? Did she truly never plan to tell him the truth?

Busy with the prosecution of the sect that sought to assassinate him, the emperor did not have much time to dedicate to Qing-er's words. But as he put his seal on the decision for a death sentence, he thought again of ZiWei. His thoughts remained in turmoil...

Standing, he made his way to ZiWei's room only to find her sleeping still. He studied her resting visage…yes…he could see vestiges of YuHe. He thought back to the first time he truly saw ZiWei…the way she played the qin, the longing in her voice as she sang her mother's song, the grief in her very being as she spoke of her father…what had he done? Oh Yuhe…Qing-er was right. ZiWei was too precious…

Just then, he heard the door open.

"Huang Ah Ma, what are you doing here?"

There was XiaoYanZi, looking at him with such big eyes. She held a tray with ZiWei's medicine on it.

What had she called him? Huang Ah Ma? But he wasn't her Ah Ma, was he?

"Huang Ah Ma?" XYZ's voice was full of concern.

Ah…but wasn't he? In all the ways that mattered? These two girls, in a few short months, they had both become precious to him. How is it that he never felt such connection with any of his other children? He knew the answer, yes…he remembered something XiaoYanZi had said, about rules in the palace, about how they restricted a person and got rid of all that was natural. He also remembered his own words…these two, having grown up outside the palace…Qing-er was right. Their hearts were pure.

He startled when he saw fingers moving into his field of vision. On reflex, he grabbed hold of the hand and twisted.

"Ow!" XiaoYanZi's cry brought him to his senses but also woke ZiWei.

"XiaoYanZi!" ZiWe rushed to sit up and winced as she pulled at her wound.

The emperor looked at the two of them and could only shake her head, "Stop you two! ZiWei, lie still, you're still recovering. And XiaoYanZi! What were you doing?"

XiaoYanZi turned away from her wounded wrist to look at him with wide eyes, "Huang Ah Ma…you weren't answering…I thought you had been possessed!"

"Possessed?! What nonsense are you spouting again?! What ghost would dare to possess the emperor himself?!"

"Huang Ah Ma, of course you're right! But Huang Ah Ma…must you twist so hard? I had thought that my bottom was the unlucky part, but I didn't think my wrist would be too."

"Let me see it…" the emperor examined her wrist and shook his head, "only you, XiaoYanZi…could sustain a wound just by delivering medicine."

"Wound? XiaoYanZi, are you hurt?"

Hearing ZiWei's worried voice, XYZ stopped pretending, "I'm fine ZiWei! You mustn't forget, I've trained in martial arts…this little bit of hurt…小 case!"

Still, ZiWei said, "Are you sure you shouldn't have Hu Tai Yi take a look?"

XiaoYanZi only shook her head and laughed, "ZiWei…don't forget, you're the wounded one! Here, I've brought your medicine, you must drink it or the one Hu Tai Yi has to examine will be you!"

The emperor watched the interactions between the two of them…yes, they truly were like real sisters, weren't they?

"XiaoYanZi, let me."

The two girls watched with wide eyes as the emperor brought the medicine bowl to ZiWei's lips. When ZiWei still wouldn't drink, the emperor spoke up, "ZiWei, now…you had once said that I am like a father to you…if that's the case…then surely you won't let your father worry about your recovery?"

ZiWei, tears in her eyes, could only nod and drink from the bowl.

"There now…" He set the bowl aside, "what are you crying for?"

ZiWei wiped at her tears, "HuangShang…ZiWei is only a ya tou, how can I dare let HuangShang worry?"

"Only a ya tou?" The emperor repeated. "Surely not. Didn't I say, ZiWei, that a才女 like you is meant for better things? Besides, haven't everyone been addressing you as ZiWei Ge Ge this trip?"

"ZiWei knows that such a name is only a game that HuangShang has graciously allowed. XiaoYanZi told me that we are to return to the palace soon…ZiWei knows her place."

"Your place?" The emperor looked at her in a considering manner. Looks like Qing-er was right, ZiWei truly did not want him to know she was his daughter. Very well.

He smiled, "Yes, your place…you have saved my life, that is worthy of reward."

"HuangShang," ZiWei was quick to protest, "ZiWei needs no…"

The emperor held up his hand, "ZiWei, how many people witnessed your act of courage? How will I look if I do nothing to reward it? ZiWei Ge Ge…that does have a certain ring to it…I wouldn't have thought of it if Qing-er hadn't asked me…but how would you like to be true sisters instead of just sworn sisters?"

"HuangShang…" ZiWei said uncertainly, "surely…"

"Ah, you must be worried about LFY? After all, adding you to the Royal Family Registry must have her approval as well. But once I explain that you are my daughter, I'm sure LFY will allow it."

ZiWei's eyes grew wide, "HuangShang…"

The emperor sighed, "ZiWei... Qing-er explained it all to me. I don't know what I've done to deserve a good daughter like you…the mistake was mine…but now that I know the truth, how can I continue to let you suffer in the palace? How will I face your mother when I meet her in the after-life? I can't name you openly as my daughter, not after I recognized XYZ…but at least this way, once we return to the palace, you will still be able to have the respect you deserve."

Hearing these words, ZiWei felt her tears returning. They were tears of happiness, that her father had seen the truth. They were tears of gratefulness, for ErKang's daring plan. They were tears of indebtedness, for Qing-er's friendship.

Of course, despite the success of this part of their plan, the youngsters knew that they could not relax. ErKang had spoken with his Ah Ma and so Fu Da Ren knew what he needed to do when the emperor summoned him for an audience.

"Fu Lun. I remember that ZiWei had stayed at XueShiFu before entering the palace?"

Fu Da Ren nodded, "HZGG had met Er Tai in the palace and asked that he look after ZiWei…but what would my son know about such things? And so he came to me and I sent Er Kang to fetch the girl and bring her to XueShiFu."

The emperor nodded, yes, Er Kang had said the same thing in the past. "Qing-er says that the time XYZ snuck out, it was to see ZiWei?"

Fu Da Ren nodded, "Yes. HZGG requested privacy to speak with ZiWei and, when they were done, begged FuJin and I to help send ZiWei into the palace…HuangShang, Ge Ge even knelt in front of us…what could we do but agree?"

"Hmmp…yes, does that sound like XYZ. Fu Lun…did you never think to check on who ZiWei was?"

"Is ZiWei not HZGG's sworn sister?"

"Oh she is…but she is also my daughter."

"HuangShang's daughter…" Fu Da Ren at once knelt, "please, HuangShang, cheng is at fault for not knowing…to have had a true Ge Ge stay at XueShiFu…"

The emperor only shook his head, "How could you have known? But I can't openly acknowledge her. Thankfully, Qing-er came up with a solution for me."

"Qing Ge Ge is most intelligent."

"Yes…she asked that I protect ZiWei."

"Qing Ge Ge is observant; she surely knows that life in the palace cannot be easy."

"What do you mean?"

FuLun kowtow'd, "HuangShang. HuangShang must forgive cheng for openly stating my thoughts. Fu Jin and Ling Fei Niang Niang are sisters…Fu Jin has heard about all the trials and tribulations HZGG and ZiWei had undergone…Ling Fei Niang Niang blames herself; her close association with HZGG surely brought HZGG and, by association, ZiWei to the attention of Huang Hou Niang Niang."

The emperor stared at FuLun, "Are you saying that XYZ and ZiWei were no more than the tools by which HuangHou uses to compete with Ling Fei?"

Fun Lun kowtow'd again, "Huang Shang. Ling Fei Niang Niang, like Fu Jin, truly like HZGG and ZiWei and enjoy their company. Why, Fu Jin even wanted to name ZiWei foster daughter! But Huang Shang, thinking of all that HZGG and ZiWei have experienced since HZGG entered the palace…is it not true that not everyone thinks of them so kindly?"

FuLun's words shook the emperor and made him think more about the situation. Yes…if he was truly to protect ZiWei…

"FuLun. I want you to go to JiNan. I want to know all about what's remaining of ZiWei's family. I am taking no chances."

FuLun gladly agreed.

---

Shortly after the emperor's conversation with ZiWei, Qing-er had sat XYZ down for a heart to heart. Indeed, Qing-er suspected that no one had ever spoken to XYZ about the ramifications of her feelings for Yongqi. Unlike ZiWei, Qing-er wouldn't let XYZ pretend not to understand or let her joke her way out of the conversation.

She ended their talk with, "XiaoYanZi, I know you don't like to hear any of this…but Yonqi is an Ah Ge. It is an irrefutable fact, one that comes with rules and regulations. I know you have Yongqi in your heart and that he would do anything for you, but you must know about all this. What you have to face…I worry about you because it is the antithesis of who you are."

XYZ had been remarkably quiet after the conversation. She had tried to distract herself by playing magic tricks for the children at Ding manor. The incident with the shoes and the emperor's reprimands, however, made her realize that she couldn't run away from everything Qing-er had said.

The message about the Mongolian prince's impending visit to BeiJing also forced the youngsters to adjust their plans. On hearing that the prince was bringing his daughter, Qing-er had frowned. That night, as the friends gathered to discuss their return to BeiJing, she brought up the matter.

"Er Kang, Er Tai, Yongqi…you must be careful."

"Careful?" Yongqi asked, "whatever for? Everything's going to plan!"

Qing-er only shook her head, "Princess SaiYa…don't you realize what it means that her father is bringing her? For all that her father has been a loyal vassal …he is still master of his realm and will want to show his power…what better way than through marriage?"

"Marriage?" Even ErKang was taken aback.

"Think about history," Qing-er explained, "how many times have marriage been a part of diplomacy? It cannot be coincidental that Princess SaiYa is coming to BeiJing."

"And you think Ah Ma want one of us to marry her?"

Benjamin shook his head, "If HuangShang makes an edict…none of you can decline."

The three young men exchanged worried glances.

XYZ, remembering all that Qing-er had told her, spoke up, "Well, Yongqi, it'll be perfect for you. You're a prince, she's a princess…a match made in heaven."

Yongqi gaped at her, "XiaoYanZi! How can you say such a thing? Surely you must know that I only have one person in my heart!"

XiaoYanZi only shook her head, "Being with you has too high a cost…" So saying, she stood up and ran off into the night.

Yongqi could only stare after her until Benjamin gave him a push, "Well, go after her!"

"XiaoYanZi…wait!"

ZiWei looked worriedly at ErKang, "Should we go with them?"

Qing-er shook her head, "No. I think…I think this is a conversation they must have. ZiWei, your situation…it's different from XYZ's. If all goes to plan and you marry ErKang…it'll be a princess marrying one of HuangShang's subjects…a sign of royal favor and prestige for ErKang's family. But for XYZ…she was right about one thing, Yongqi is a prince. The expectations for him are different. Even if we can help them avoid Princess SaiYa this time…there will be other princesses in the future. They must decide…if they choose to walk this path, then neither of them can hesitate."

The silence that fell after her words was broken when ErTai spoke up, "I suppose I'll have to be the sacrificial lamb again."

Everyone turned towards him, causing him to smile, "Oh don't be so surprised. I'm only saying what you're all thinking. My brother has ZiWei, Yongqi won't abandon XYZ, so that just leaves me!"

"ErTai…that's rather unfair to you…"

ErTai shook his head, "Oh no, ZiWei, you mustn't say that. Like brother, I am but one of HuangShang's subjects…for me to marry a princess…well, that'll certainly be enough prestige for a lifetime. At least this time, I get a say on the plan."

"ErTai," ErKang said, "Thank you."

ErTai chuckled, "Don't thank me yet! Let's wait to see if I can even win this Mongolian princess!"

No one ever found out what words were exchanged between Yongqi and XYZ. XYZ resisted any and all efforts to get her to reveal the contents of their conversation. ZiWei and Qing-er could only hold XYZ as she cried. When the next morning dawned, however, it was as though the previous evening's events never happened, XYZ was as spirited as always. ZiWei and Qing-er looked at each other, worried, but neither felt comfortable prying. As for Yongqi, he only shook his head when his friends asked. Even with Benjamin, he would only say, "Qing-er was right…ErTai may be able to help this time, but I can't promise XYZ that there won't be future times…all I've ever wanted is for her to be happy…I think, I think both of us need to think about our situation." To ErKang and ErTai, he only smiled, "But it won't disrupt our plans, I promise."

And so they returned to BeiJing. Qing-er lost no time in speaking with LFY about the truth that she had learned. LFY had been shocked, even more so when Qing-er spoke about her request to HuangShang.

"LFY," Qing-er insisted, "Qing-er truly likes ZiWei and XYZ…but Qing-er also made the request for HuangShang and LFY's sake."

"For our sake?"

Qing-er nodded, "Only through my suggestion can we save face."

LFY thought about Qing-er words. Yes, she did have a point, "Hmm…in that case, I see I have no choice but to agree to it…"

"LFY," Qing-er smiled winningly, "LFY, get to know ZiWei…Qing-er has never met someone so intelligent, so talented…Qing-er must admit to envy…"

"You? Envious?" LFY laughed at her ward, "That is high praise indeed. Alright, alright! For you, I'll get to know this grand-daughter!"

With Qing-er's help, ZiWei soon succeeded in making a more favorable impression on LFY. Indeed, by the time the Mongolian delegation arrived in BeiJing, it wasn't an uncommon sight in the palace to see LFY accompanied by both young ladies. As for XYZ, XYZ knew her part in the plan…and that was not to make trouble for ZiWei. She remembered Benjamin's words from months ago, about how the three people in the world who could make ZiWei cry were HuangShang, ErKang, and XYZ herself. She owed it to ZiWei…and so she kept out of the way. That was not to say that she was quiet…she still made every effort to help the little Ah Ge's and Ge Ge's smile and laugh. She knew better than to play the trick with the shoes again, but she, along with the four loyal eunuchs, often hosted reenactments of Xi You Ji (Journey West) in the Royal Gardens to the great enjoyment of the Royal Children. One day, she even got Benjamin to help her perform the drum dance that they had done during their trip south. The earnest claps from her audience truly brought her joy. In their company, she could forget a little bit about Yongqi and the thoughts that still weighed on her.

Seeing Princess SaiYa hop and yell during the martial competition touched a sore spot and XYZ couldn't help but yell right back. She could feel Qing-er's worried glance and ZiWei's tug on her arm, but XYZ felt that she needed to take the opportunity to get rid of all her frustrations. When she yelled out for someone to challenge the Mongolians' winning representative, she didn't see ErKang's determined expression. Fortunately, ErTai did.

Quickly grabbing hold of his brother's arm, ErTai said, "Ge…you can't stand out, remember? Let me."

ErKang looked at ZiWei, who was still trying to calm XYZ, and nodded, "Are you sure you can beat him?"

ErTai shook his head, "I know I'm not as good as you, but brother, I think I may have a way…"

ErKang nodded at his brother.

With a smile, ErTai flew into the arena…he knew he couldn't beat the strength of the Mongolian representative, but he was quick. With a series of flips and turns, he made sure always to stay out of reach to the great frustration of his opponent.

Princess SaiYa watched as ErTai taunted her country's warrior and grew impatient. With a cry for the warrior to stand aside, she grabbed hold of her whip and entered the arena. ErTai let her show off for a few moments, to get the measure of her skills. Then, striking quickly, he grabbed hold of her whip and called for a sword. ErKang and Yongqi nodded at each other and made sure to throw one to ErTai. Princess SaiYa stared at him wide-eyes but instead of cutting the whip, he released it.

"Princess SaiYa…it didn't seem fair that you should have a weapon and I didn't…now that we're even, we can begin competing in earnest."

"In earnest?!" the Princess was indignant, how dared he suggest that he hadn't been putting forth all effort to beat her! "Fine, having a sword won't help you! I'll still beat you落花流水!"

ErTai only smiled tauntingly at her, "Is that so? Then let us start!"

He let her move, always playing the defensive. When he could tell that her impatience was making her lose form, he struck. With a few swift flips of his wrist, he cut shapes of flowers into her skirt, "Princess, did you mention something about flowers?"

She stared down at the pattern and then glared at him, "How dare you!"

She raised her whip and was going to attack again when the emperor's laugh stopped both of them.

"ErTai! Princess SaiYa is our guest, how can you be so impolite? Besides, she is also a lady; surely it's not appropriate for you to ruin her dress?"

ErTai bowed, "ErTai apologizes." He also bowed to the princess, "ErTai also apologizes to Princess SaiYa."

The princess only glared at him again and, turning around with her nose in the air, walked back to her father's side.

"I think," the emperor declared graciously, "that the day has ended in a draw. Come, let us retire to the feast!"

The princess's father took a considering look at ErTai before following the emperor.

"HuangShang, was that young man one of your sons?"

The emperor laughed again, "No. ErTai is the second shouyou (young master) of the Fu family."

Neither noticed the princess's clenched fists. Fu Er Tai was it? She'll show him!

The next day, she told her father that she wished to ride her horse. Her father of course wanted someone to accompany her to protect her. She pouted but then relented, "Fine. But I want to name the person."

Her father, thinking she would name one of their warriors, nodded.

"I want Fu Er Tai to accompany me."

"Fu Er Tai? My daughter, he is but the second son of one of HuangShang's chengzi…surely you can at least pick one of the princes?"

"He's not even a prince and yet he dared to embarrass me. I will show him, I may not be able to beat him yesterday in the arena, but I will surely beat him at horseback riding." She stamped her foot for emphasis.

Her father only shook his head, "Fine, fine, I'll speak with HuangShang."

When the summons came to the XueShiFu, ErTai just smiled to himself.

ErKang caught him before he departed, "Er Tai…thank you."

ErTai laughed, "Last time, the lot of you tried to push me and Qing-er together and that didn't go anywhere…but this time…Brother, Princess SaiYa isn't so bad…she may be spoiled, but that just makes her more fun to tease. And she is very beautiful, even when she's glaring at me!"

ErKang could only shake his head as he watched his brother leave. Who would have thought?

---

After declaring ErTai a beizi in preparation for his marriage with SaiYa, the emperor thought it was time to speak with his mother.

"Huang E Niang, no doubt Qing-er has spoken to you about XYZ and ZiWei?"

LFY nodded, "Yes. ZiWei, she really is as graceful and knowledgeable as any of the princesses born and raised in the palace. And my Qing-er has planned it well…since HuangShang has already declared XYZ his daughter, then surely you cannot do the same for ZiWei. But to allow ZiWei to be Qing-er's sister…yes, that I can permit. It'll have to be done discretely, of course, but the story of how Qing-er has made ZiWei her sworn sister and the tale of how ZiWei took a knife for HuangShang during the trip south are both already widely known in the palace. These days, Qing-er and ZiWei are also both always at my side."

The emperor was relieved. "And what about XYZ?"

"XYZ?" LFY shook her head, "Who doesn't know about the items XYZ brought with her onto the hunting ground? About the name of XiaYuHe? Who doesn't know that for all she is named foster daughter, XYZ is HuangShang's blood? Since HuangShang declared her Ge Ge, since she paraded through this city…how will HuangShang look to the common people if you all of a sudden name her as your niece? Yes, it was a mistake for her to be HZGG in the first place, but it's one that, for the sake of HuangShang's reputation, we will have to pretend is truth forever. No, XYZ cannot be Qing-er's sister. Not when she is already HuangShang's daughter. Besides, being HZGG is certainly XYZ's good fortune."

"Huang E Niang, don't you think it's unfair to ZiWei?"

"Unfair? Hardly! I've gotten to know ZiWei…a more docile child I have yet to meet…ZiWei surely has raised no qualms about Qing-er's plan. No, ZiWei is a good girl, she has only been grateful. Qing-er told me that ZiWei never even meant for HuangShang to find out! ZiWei herself has apologized to me for bringing so much trouble and inconvenience…when the fault really isn't even hers!"

The emperor sighed, "Then it shall be as Huang E Niang says."

LFY nodded, "Now then, we do need to talk about where ZiWei will live. We can't let her keep living at ShuFangZhai with XYZ…yes I know she and XYZ are close, but at ShuFangZhai, she is still a gong-nu (maid/servant). If she is truly to be my Qing-er's sister, then it makes more sense for her to live here as well. Having her here, I can also better help HuangShang protect her against all the gossip and rumors."

"Thank you Huang E Niang."

"HuangShang, you are my son; my job will always be to protect you. All those times when you were a prince and traveled through the country…of course I suspect there are other children like ZiWei. Thanks to Qing-er, we can at least resolve this problem and not set a dangerous precedent. Still, we'll have to wait until the spring. Winter is almost here, it won't do to let the Mongolians brave the cold to return home. What I say is, we'll have them stay the winter and then let ErTai and SaiYa marry in the spring. Have ZiWei sent to me too, so that it won't be a surprise in the spring when everyone has to address her differently. Even if there is gossip, well, we can always say that I like ZiWei and accepted her as my ward!"

That winter proved to be an interesting one. Despite the animosity that marked their initial meeting, XZY and SaiYa found each other to be kindred spirits. Because she was in SaiYa's company, XYZ found that her usual loud and boisterous ways weren't frowned upon as much. Indeed, when HHNN remarked snidely as the youngsters were having a snowball fight in the Royal Gardens that XYZ was acting like a common ruffian, but that what could on expect from a ming jian Ge Ge, SaiYa was quick to defend her friend.

"Hmmp," she walked right up the empress, who took a step back at the anger on the princess's face, "well I am a true princess, and I enjoy snowball fights! Are you saying that I'm a ruffian too?"

Rong Mo Mo spoke up, "Begging the princess's pardon, HHNN was only trying to help HZGG be more proper."

"Proper?" SaiYa glared at RMM, "HZGG is being a proper hostess and making sure that I enjoy my stay here in BeiJing. Besides, HuangShang himself has declared that neither I nor HZGG need to follow all the stupid rules in the palace. Do you dare to contradict the emperor himself?!"

RMM found that she didn't know what to say. The empress, knowing she couldn't insult the visiting princess, just said, "RMM, let's go."

After the two departed, XYZ turned large, admiring eyes on SaiYa, "That was…SaiYa….that was amazing! In all the time that I've lived in this palace…no one has ever dared to talk to them like that!"

SaiYa just smirked, "Well, they deserved it! I would have thrown a snowball at them too if they didn't leave!"

"SaiYa…we must become sworn sisters!"

"Sworn sisters? What does that mean?"

The other youngsters had also by then recovered from their shock.

Qing-er smiled at the two, "XYZ, you want to be sworn sisters with everyone! First ZiWei, then me, and now SaiYa too!"

"Oh?" SaiYa turned to the other two girls, "all three of you are sworn sisters?"

ZiWei nodded, "Sworn sisters means that we declare to heaven, earth, and our witnesses that we will treat each other as true sisters. We will enjoy our triumph together while also helping each other bear our burdens."

"And HHNN and RMM are two of my biggest burdens!" XYZ declared to everyone's laughter.

"XYZ," ErTai begged, "please don't become sworn sisters with SaiYa…I would hate to have to face you too if she gets it into her head that I'm one of her burdens!"

On hearing his teasing words, SaiYa playfully hit him, "In that case, XYZ, I must become sworn sisters with you too!"

"Uh oh," ErKang said, "ErTai, you're in trouble now!"

"Benjamin, you'll help me, right?"

Benjamin only shook his head, "Oh no…I know better than to make an enemy of XYZ!"

"Ah, if only Yongqi were here. He'd support me!"

At the mention of Yongqi's name, ZiWei looked worriedly at XYZ. Ever since their return from the trip, XYZ and Yongqi avoided each other whenever they could. And when they were together, they were polite, but there was no sign of the friendship that had previously existed between them.

XYZ only grabbed SaiYa's hand, "Come on! Let's go to Shu Fang Zhai and gather the supplies. Since you agree, there's no time like the present!"

Sticking out her tongue at ErTai, she ran off in SaiYa's laughing company.

"Xiao Yan Zi! Wait up!"

Such a scene had of course drawn the attention of the various eunuchs, guards, and maids. So it was that as XZY and SaiYa knelt in front of a makeshift altar, the emperor was announced.

"XYZ, what are you doing?"

"Huang Ah Ma! Perfect, you can be witness to our ceremony."

"Ceremony?"

"HZGG and I are going to become sworn sisters," SaiYa declared.

"Again?" the emperor could not help but laugh, "don't you have enough sisters, XYZ?"

"One can never have too many sisters," XYZ smiled cheekily.

"SaiYa, are you sure you want to do this? It's not reversible, you know, you'll be stuck with this one as your sister for all of eternity!"

"Huang Ah Ma, what are you saying? I'm sisters with ZiWei and Qing-er too and they've never complained!"

"That's because ZiWei and Qing-er have manners and are too polite to do so!"

XYZ pouted as her friends laughed at her.

"There, there," ZiWei soothed, "I can't speak for Qing-er, but I know I am glad to have a sisters like you, always trying to find ways to make everyone smile."

Qing-er agreed, "XYZ, I never knew how exciting life could be until I met you…I still remember the day you literally burst into my life! You scared LFY half to death and made me break out into a cold sweat. But I too am glad to have a sister like you!"

On hearing their words, the emperor commented, "XYZ, now I know why you want so many sisters! It's so they can speak up for you!"

SaiYa spoke up then, "Well, come on, what do we do next?"

The news that HZGG and Princess SaiYa had become sworn sisters soon spread throughout the palace. When Qing-er and ZiWei told the story to LFY that night, the dowager empress could not help but shake her head, "That XYZ…what will she do next?"

"LFY," Qing-er said, "It's a good thing. ErTai and SaiYa will go to Mongolia for a year after they marry, but they will return to BeiJing after that. It'll be good for SaiYa to have a friend here."

ZiWei nodded, "I know XYZ must be lonely since I've moved to Ci Ning Gong. I'm glad that she has SaiYa to keep her company."

LFY just smiled at the two girls. "I'm only afraid that when SaiYa comes back, we won't have another quiet moment!"

Qing-er and ZiWei looked at each other, yes, that was a distinct possibility!

After the ceremony, SaiYa started to address ZiWei as ZiWei Ge Ge. When ZiWei protested, SaiYa only shook her head stubbornly. "You said, didn't you? That sworn sisters are true sisters? Well, we're both XYZ's sworn sisters. So that makes you a princess too."

"SaiYa, it doesn't work like that."

"Well, I say it does." SaiYa declared firmly.

Qing-er only grinned. Princess SaiYa had just unknowingly helped them. "ZiWei…LFY was going to name you Ge Ge in the spring anyways. I say you just accept it."

ZiWei looked at her friends helplessly and could only nod.

Soon enough, SaiYa's name for ZiWei became the norm in the palace. The story of the sworn sisterhood among ZiWei, XYZ, and Qing-ge-ge was told again and again.

HHNN heard and immediately sought an audience with LFY.

"LFY…as mistress of the inner palace, I must bring this matter to LFY's attention. It's enough that HuangShang could declare XYZ Ge Ge, but now ZiWei too!"

To her surprise, LFY only laughed, "HuangHou, you need not be so upset. I had intended to declare ZiWei Ge Ge in the spring…SaiYa only rushed the timeline!"

"LFY!" HHNN exclaimed.

"Oh, you must not mistake me…ZiWei will not be like HZGG. She saved HuangShang's life and my Qing-er truly enjoys her company. Indeed, I also enjoy her company. So, I have made up my mind to do as Qing-er requested and name her Qing-er's sister. They are both my wards."

"LFY, do you think it wise? ZiWei is but a gong-nu (servant/maid)."

"Wise? HuangHou, ZiWei almost lost her life, her bravery needs to be rewarded. Besides, it's not like she's a son, what's another daughter? Who knows, the time may come when we may need her to settle another alliance through marriage. You've seen how reluctant HuangShang is to allow 3-Ge-Ge leave BeiJing even though she is technically married into a Mongolian clan. ZiWei will be but a relative of the family and can thus help spare one of the true princesses."

"LFY has it all thought out."

The dowager empress nodded, "Huang Hou, I must caution you to be careful of your jealousy…HuangShang favors the two of them, especially after the trip south, and now that XYZ has Princess SaiYa as her sister…Remember, it was I who elevated you to the title of empress years ago, do not disappoint me."

Though the empress nodded, inside she seethed. No, she can't let those two girls win. She didn't know what trick they had used, to have won over both HuangShang and LFY…but she will not simply accept it!

The spring came and with it came ErTai and SaiYa's wedding. That SaiYa requested XYZ, ZiWei, and Qing-er to be her bridesmaids came as no surprise. But her request to the emperor did catch everyone off guard.

"XYZ," ZiWei and Qing-er had both rushed to ShuFangZhai on hearing the news, "Are you really going to agree?"

XYZ used her foot to stop her swing, "I don't know."

"Don't know?" Qing-er frowned, "XYZ, Mongolia is so very far away…and you'll be among strangers."

"I know."

"XYZ, are you really going to leave all of us?"

"It would only be for a year."

"You're really considering it." ZiWei said in shock.

XYZ looked at the two of them, "Qing-er, ZiWei…I have always wanted to see the world. SaiYa…she is my sister now…and she's offering me a chance to do so! You know I'm a xiao yan zi, I need to fly."

"But what about us? Qing-er and I are your sisters too!" ZiWei held on to XYZ's hand and looked at her beseechingly.

"I don't want to leave you two either! But…ZiWei…I've returned your father to you…you'll be a Ge Ge soon too! Certainly not as you should be, but still! The plan we put into motion…we've almost completely succeeded…just a little more time and you and ErKang will surely be married too…then, then wouldn't we be parted anyways?"

"What about me?" Qing-er asked.

"Oh Qing-er…you and ZiWei can keep each other company."

"What about…what about Yongqi?"

At ZiWei's words, the tears that XYZ had been pushing back finally broke free of her control. "Yongqi…ZiWei, I know it's impossible now. Both LFY and HAM know that I'm not truly HAM's daughter, but no one else does, no one else can…I can understand now, a little better, why it must be so…but it also means that I can forever only be Yongqi's sister…Besides, Qing-er, you're right…to be with Yongqi…it would not suit me. Can you see me be all proper all the time? No, I don't want to be boxed in like that. I need my wings."

"So you're really going to go?"

XYZ held her friends', no, her sisters' hands, one on each side, "I've always wanted to have an adventure…but I'll fly back. It's only for a year."

"So you've decided."

Through her tears, XYZ nodded.

On hearing her decision, Benjamin spoke first with ErTai and then sought an audience with the emperor to ask for a favor. As an artist, he would like this opportunity to see new sights and paint new scenes. Besides, he argued, someone needed to protect XYZ and he was the only one of the四大护卫 who could go. To his surprise, the emperor agreed.

The wedding of ErTai and SaiYa thus proved to be a bittersweet occasion. The friends let XYZ plan all the events, knowing that it would be a while until they could experience her special brand of madness again.

Soon after ErTai, SiaYa, XYZ, and Benjamin left for Mongolia, ZiWei's new status was officially proclaimed. The story of how she had taken a knife wound for the emperor was told throughout the palace again. On hearing it, Qing-er was reminded of the man who had saved her. And so, she sought another audience with the emperor and asked that XiaoJian be found as well and properly rewarded. With ErKang and Yonqi's help, she was able to recreate the pattern they had seen on his family sword.

Meanwhile, though they were short three members, the friends continued to carry forth their plan.

One day, ErKang found ZiWei in the pagoda by the lake. He watched as she wrote and could not help but smile.

"ZiWei, what are you writing?"

She looked up, "It's such a beautiful day today…I couldn't help but be moved."

He came closer and read her poem. "May I?"

She handed him her pen and he wrote his own poem, starting with the last word of her poem.

Smiling at him, she took the pen back and continued their game.

Another day, ZiWei and Qing-er were playing tag with the other little Ah Ge and Ge Ge's just like XYZ had done. Blind folded, ZiWei didn't see as ErKang gestured to the children to move and put his fingers to his lips as he approached her. Qing-er smirked to herself and helped move the children out of his way. So, when ZiWei reached out blindly, it was to fall into his arms. The blindfold slipped off her face and she could only stare at him before the giggles of the children made her remember herself.

Yet another day, ZiWei was gathering rose petals for a dessert she was making for LFY when ErKang decided to join her. She explained the types of blossoms that were needed and laughed at him as he did his best to follow her instructions. The maids who accompanied her whispered among themselves and also laughed at the sight.

As intended, little moments like these soon attracted the attention of the emperor and LFY.

Qing-er was re-learning how to play the guqin one day when the emperor was announced.

"Qing-er? You haven't touched the guqin for many years."

"HuangShang," Qing-er and ZiWei curtsied.

"ZiWei is a good teacher," Qing-er added.

The emperor laughed, "Yes. ZiWei. I haven't heard the sound of your music for a long time! Why don't you play a song now?"

ZiWei smiled and nodded.

When she finished, she blushed at the way intent ErKang was looking at her.

"ZiWei, I remember your songs from the trip south…they are still as moving as ever. HuangShang has truly been correct in calling you a 才女." For ErKang, putting this part of the plan into motion was the easiest step…how relieved he felt finally to be able to show his admiration for ZiWei!

ZiWei, though she knew moments like these were part of the plan, still felt her heart quicken at his words.

The emperor looked between the two of them…hmm…it was time for ErKang to be married, wasn't it?

LFY, though, had her own ideas. Sure, she had come to like ZiWei, but she couldn't forget about her Qing-er.

"Qing-er," she said, "I asked ZiWei to make some more of those cakes for me today so I could be sure to speak with you alone."

"Yes, LFY?"

"HuangShang has indicated that he intends to appoint a marriage between ErKang and ZiWei."

"He is? Oh how wonderful!" Qing-er smiled…finally!

"Hmm…yes…but Qing-er, I can't forget that four years ago, you and ErKang…"

"LFY…why must you bring it up now?"

"Well, since you and ZiWei are already close as sisters, I thought it only logical that…"

"Oh no, LFY!" Qing-er protested, "you mustn't! LFY, ZiWei and I are sisters, how can you make me fight with my own sister?"

"Fight? I don't see why you would fight."

"LFY, please, Qing-er doesn't want to marry ErKang."

"But Qing-er, I can think of no better choice for you.

Qing-er shook her head, "During our trip south, XYZ had once remarked that it wasn't fair for a man to have more than one wife. The four of them, ErKang, ErTai, Yongqi, and Benjamin, they all vowed to only have one wife in this lifetime. I even asked ZiWei to help me make sure they adhere to this vow. LFY, how can ask me to be the one to force ErKang to break his vow?"

"They really vowed that? Even Yongqi?"

Qing-er nodded.

"Well, then, since this vow is so important to all of you…why don't you marry Yongqi?

Qing-er didn't know if she wanted to laugh or cry, "LFY, I couldn't!"

"Why not?"

"Because…because…LFY, I don't think of Yongqi in that way…he's like a brother. LFY, Qing-er is still waiting for that person to appear…the person with whom I can be 生生世世…LFY, will you spoil Qing-er one more time?"

"You're certain?"

Qing-er nodded.

"Alright then…but when you do meet that person, you must tell me, you can't be shy, hear me?"

Qing-er gladly gave her promise.

As with ErTai, ErKang was given the title of beizi in the setting of his betrothal with ZiWei.

ErKang and ZiWei were ecstatic. They couldn't believe that their plan had come to fruition.

Still… ZiWei sighed even as she leaned her head on ErKang's shoulder as they studied the koi in the pond, "I wish so much that XYZ could be here to celebrate with us."

He wrapped an arm around her, "Benjamin is with her, to protect her and keep her company."

ZiWei nodded, "I know…this path…it hasn't been easy. But we have walked it to the end…we're about to have our happy ending…but XYZ…"

"I still can't help but think that her story hasn't quite ended yet."

"No?"

"Maybe it's intuition, or maybe it's simply a fool's hope."

"You're not foolish, ErKang."

He smiled at her, "Then we'll trust that my intuition is correct."

She nodded and again laid her head on his shoulder.

ZiWei's happiness, however, was also tinged with sorrow. JinSuo, after ZiWei's engagement was announced, asked that she be allowed to leave the palace to help Liu Qing and Liu Hong with their new restaurant.

"XiaoJie," she said to a saddened ZiWei, "I know you're safe now…TaiTai, up in heaven, can surely rest easy…HuangShang has recognized you as Ge Ge. I have fulfilled my promise to her to help keep you safe. Now that you and ErKang shaoye are to be married…you'll have no use for me."

"JinSuo, how can you say that? We've grown up together, we're close like sisters."

JinSuo just smiled sadly, "XiaoJie, while you and XYZ were gone, I've had lots of time to think…you have other sisters to help you now. Qing-Ge-Ge has the power to protect you in ways that I cannot. Besides, now that everything is resolved and I can be sure that you'll live a happy life…I think it's time for me to live for myself."

At such a comment, ZiWei could only admit defeat. "But you will keep in touch, won't you? If you, LiuQing, or LiuHong ever need anything…"

"I know, I know." JinSuo said with a brighter smile, "we'll still go bother ErKang shaoye!"

---

The empress, on hearing about the betrothal, decided that enough was enough.

In a private audience with LFY, she revealed that she knew that XYZ wasn't the true Ge Ge but rather that ZiWei was.

"Can't you see, LFY, they've all lied to you?! I've always thought that XYZ was suspicious…And I bet the Fu family is involved in this conspiracy as well! That XYZ and ZiWei…they're so close to LingFei…and now I hear ZiWei is even going to marry ErKang? That relationship cannot be simple!"

LFY just looked at the empress in disappointment, "HuangHou…how did you find out?"

"LFY, I only wanted to protect HuangShang from these liars!"

"Have you considered, HuangHou, that we already knew?"

"Already knew?" No, it couldn't be…the empress felt faint.

"My Qing-er already found out the truth, just as I tasked her to before their trip last year. I have also spoken to ZiWei and XYZ…did you know that ZiWei was content to remain a gong-nu her whole life? Just so that she could fulfill her promise to her dying mother to look after her father? ZiWei…her wants are so simple…only Qing-er's intervention saved her…yes, I know all about the actions that you took to malign ZiWei's character…you're lucky that HuangShang has decided to be lenient on your for my sake!"

"LFY…"

The dowager empress sighed, "HuangHou…I warned you, to leave well enough alone. What were you going to do with your knowledge? Don't you realize that making it known would hurt HuangShang? He would be a laughingstock if this knowledge is made public! Why do you think I let Qing-er have her way? Now…get out of my sight…I am sorely disappointed in you."

The emperor, notified by Fu Lun about activities in JiNan, was also aware that the empress had discovered the truth. But after learning that LFY had already spoken about the matter to Huang Hou, he let well enough alone. He also assigned Fu Lun a different task.

Soon enough, FuLun reported that the family to whom the sword pattern that Qing-er had provided belonged had been found. The supposed crime of that family was also noted. When nothing could be found in the capital's records about the supposed treasonous acts of Xiao Zhi Hang, however, the emperor ordered a full investigation.

ErKang and ZiWei's wedding was postponed by the arrival of yet another visiting delegation. This time, Qing-er didn't need to remind ErKang and Yongqi of the dangers…so, even though Princess HanXiang proved to be beautiful and her dance entrancing, the two young gentlemen were careful not to draw attention to themselves. They were to be surprised when the princess's father declared that his daughter was to be a gift for the emperor. Qing-er and ZiWei, sitting on either side of LFY, traded curious looks…the princess didn't look to be any older than they were!

When ErKang told ZiWei about the incident with the stranger who had tried to abduct Xiang Fei Niang Niang when she was first arriving in BeiJing, ZiWei found herself even more intrigued.

"Though, how do you know about it?" ZiWei asked.

ErKang replied, "LiuQing told me"

"LiuQing?" ZiWei was surprised.

ErKang nodded, "LiuQing and LiuHong's business wasn't doing as well as they had hoped, so I organized a little entertainment to help them drum up business."

"You did?" ZiWei looked at him with grateful eyes.

ErKang smiled, "Well, JinSuo was the one who sent the message…You know LiuQing, he has his pride …though, if you ask me, I think JinSuo has done quite well managing him."

"ErKang…are you saying…?"

ErKang, seeing that ZiWei was beginning to understand, nodded, "ZiWei, I think at last LiuQing will count me as 自己人!"

"When JinSuo told me that she was ready to live for herself…I didn't think she would mean…Oh, but I am so very happy for her!"

"I am only happy that I don't have to worry about LiuQing as a competitor for your affections anymore."

ZiWei blushed but said, "You've known all along that there was never any competition."

"Do I?" He asked playfully.

Embarrassed, she turned away from him and ran to the water's edge.

He chased after her and caught her in his arms. "I'm sorry…only…I do so enjoy hearing you say that you're mine…"

"ErKang," ZiWei pushed at his arms, "we're in the Palace…not the flower field…what if someone sees?"

"Let them see! You're going to be my wife, HuangShang himself has declared it!" Nonetheless, he did release her.

"You're certainly very possessive." ZiWei said as she perched on one of the rocks on the shore.

He sat down next to her, "I think I have a right to be…I still marvel, that someone like you could love someone like me…"

"Someone like you?"

"ZiWei…though we have been successful through this new plan, I worry that you will realize…for all that I claim to be disgusted by what others will do for power and prestige, I too am capable of 心计."

ZiWei shook her head, "I know you only do it to protect me. You and Qing-er both. And me…I'm not so innocent, not anymore. Just as XYZ had to grow up, so did I. Though my time at LFY's side has been brief, I can easily see the perils of living in this palace. I am only grateful, so very grateful, that we will soon have our own home, our own haven."

Mindful of her earlier admonishment, ErKang settled for kissing her on her forehead.

"Now then," ZiWei said, "tell me about Xiang Fei Niang Niang."

"LiuQing said that he found Meng-er-Dan near death one evening…he had thought it was a thief and almost hit Meng-er-Dan some more. He is severely wounded…most are skin and muscle but I fear there's internal bleeding that is beyond LiuQing's skills… With the whole city knowing about the diplomatic visit, LiuQing didn't dare call for a physician and so contacted me."

"So you've met the man?"

ErKang nodded, "He had at least told his name to LiuQing before he lost consciousness. But when I saw him…he doesn't respond…only when I mentioned XiangFei Niang Niang did his body seem to convulse."

"There must be a story…I'll speak with Qing-er, we'll figure out a way to speak with XiangFei Niang Niang." She rose, "I have to return to LFY…before she wonders where I've gone."

He held her hand a moment more, "Soon, ZiWei, soon we won't have to part ever again."

She smiled at him and squeezed his hand in return before leaving.

---

Qing-er was all for meeting XiangFei Niang Niang when ZiWei told her the story. And so, on pretense that they were going to pay respects to the newest Niang Niang, the two set off. When they arrived at Bao Yue Lou, ZiWei and Qing-er were not surprised to see HanXiang in tears. With gentle coaxing and ZiWei's reassurance that Meng-er-Dan was being cared for, they eventually learned the story of her and Meng-er-Dan.

"Xiang Fei Niang Niang," Qing-er said, "thank you for trusting us."

"Please," the newest concubine shook her head, "if you don't mind, please call me HanXiang. You two look to be about the same age I am."

"Then you must call us ZiWei and Qing-er."

HanXiang nodded. "MengDan and I…we have saying, in my homeland…it roughly translates to…You are the wind, I am the sand…the sand goes with the wind wherever it blows. But…I'm afraid no wind can reach me here."

"How beautifully poetic…" ZiWei murmured.

Qing-er nodded in agreement.

HanXiang smiled at their appreciation but then grew somber again, "I know…when my father brought me here, that my presence is to assure peace. Though my heart yearns for Meng-er-Dan, I also know that I have a responsibility to our people. It would be selfish and irresponsible, to risk their wellness just for my own happiness."

"But it's one thing to know this fact logically, and quite another to act accordingly, isn't it?"

Qing-er's words just caused HanXiang to cry again. ZiWei and Qing-er looked at each other helplessly.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to ZiWei…what would XYZ do?

"HanXiang…you danced so beautifully the other day…would you mind teaching me and Qing-er?"

HanXiang and Qing-er both looked at her in surprise.

"Whenever I'm sad, I play the guqin. Watching you dance the other day…I can tell that it's something you genuinely enjoy. Even though things look bleak…you have gained Qing-er and I as your friends."

HanXiang dried her tears. "Friends?"

Qing-er smiled, "If XYZ were here, she'd probably want you as a sworn sister too."

"Who is XYZ?" HanXiang asked curiously.

"XYZ is HuangZhuGeGe," ZiWei explained, "and our dearest friend and sister. She is visiting Mongolia at the moment, but I know she would be your friend too if she were here."

"Although I think ZiWei and I will prove to be easier students!"

"You really want to learn?"

ZiWei nodded, "When we took a trip last year, we learned to dance the common people's drum dance…neither Qing-er and I are any good at it, for it requires a bit too much spirit…but your dance, it's so graceful, I think we can manage to learn at least a little."

"You really want to be my friends?"

Qing-er smiled. Ah, that was HanXiang's real question, wasn't it? "Yes, yes we do."

With a smile on her face, HanXiang nodded.

LFY of course became curious where her two charges disappeared to so frequently.

"Qing-er, ZiWei...I know you young people would much prefer to spend time with someone who can keep up with you…but you mustn't forget that I can get lonely too. ZiWei, you're going to marry ErKang soon, I would wish to enjoy your company while I still can."

"LFY, I am sorry." ZiWei was abashed.

"But LFY" Qing-er added, "Xiang Fei Niang Niang has been teaching us to dance!"

"To dance?"

Qing-er nodded, "LFY, Qing-er hears that XinRong Ge Ge is to visit with her Ah Ma soon…Qing-er only wished to welcome her properly."

"Oh?"

"Qing-er remembers XinRong Ge Ge from our childhood, and how much LFY enjoyed her company…I remember she in particular loved to dance. I know she would have truly appreciated Xiang Fei Niang Niang's mastery…what better way than giving her a chance to see it too?"

"But to have a FeiZi perform like that…"

"LFY…hence Qing-er and ZiWei will be the ones performing!"

"You and ZiWei?"

Qing-er nodded again, "ZiWei must play the music for me, of course."

"And you'll be dancing?"

"Does LFY not trust me?"

LFY only laughed, "Qing-er, I know you can master anything you set your mind to! Since the two of you are working so hard at it…I will eagerly await your performance!"

Later that evening, ZiWei waited until LFY had retired for the night to ask Qing-er the questions that had been on her mind.

Qing-er heard the knock on her door and dismissed ShuangXi. "I think ZiWei will keep me company tonight, just like during the trip south." ShuangXi obediently nodded.

"ZiWei, I know you must wonder at what I meant."

ZiWei settled herself and nodded.

"WAG came to speak with me today."

"How is he?" ZiWei asked. Since XYZ, ErTai, and Benjamin had left, Yongqi seemed so lost and had withdrawn into himself.

Qing-er sighed, "As you would expect. But he asked for a favor."

"And it has to do with XinRong Ge Ge."

"Just so. After your engagement with Er Kang was announced, Yu Fei Niang Niang has been dropping all sorts of hints that it was time for Yongqi to be married as well. I think she's given up on the thought about me, but XinRong…XinRong also has LFY's favor."

"Who is XinRong?"

"Her father, YuShi Da Ren, has accomplished much for the emperor. XinRong also lived for two years with LFY."

"You sound like you don't like her very much."

"XinRong is…XinRong is a younger version of YuFei Niang Niang and LFY. Her Ah Ma and E Niang are both very ambitious. She knows how to play the game and play it well."

"What do you plan to do?"

Qing-er smiled grimly, "Play it better."

---

ZiWei and Qing-er both went with LFY to welcome XinRong Ge Ge and her family. Aside from the basic polite greetings, ZiWei kept quiet and let Qing-er take the lead. XinRong also didn't seem to notice ZiWei all that much beyond a surprised look when Qing-er introduced ZiWei as her younger sister. But then, with LFY fussing over her like that, why would XinRong think about anything else?

That evening, ZiWei watched as XinRong danced. She wasn't as observant as Qing-er, but she was more sensitive to the feelings of others. She could sense Fu Jin's feeling of triumph, could sense Yu Fei Niang Niang's enjoyment, could sense WAG's nervousness.

When XinRong ended her dance, Qing-er nodded at her. That was the cue. ZiWei gripped her handkerchief for a moment. Her words to ErKang resounded in her head…no, she was no longer as naïve as she had been. There was a certain ruthlessness about the way the women of the palace treated each other. And Qing-er…Qing-er chose to avoid confrontation when she could, but she was no stranger to such behavior. As for ZiWei, she didn't think she ever could become accustomed to it. Still, the bonds of friendship, of sisterhood, called to her.

Qing-er clapped for XinRong and then rose to speak, "HuangShang, Qing-er and ZiWei have also prepared a performance to wish YuShi Da Ren and his family a good journey."

"Oh?"

Qing-er nodded, "Qing-er remembers when XinRong mei mei lived with LFY…the two of us spent many a day learning from each other. Why Qing-er remembers early thinking that only a true Qing Wang could hope to win XinRong meimei. In memory of our childhood friendship, Qing-er would like to dance as well."

The emperor laughed, "Very well!"

When the gathered group applauded at the end of Qing-er's dance, ZiWei also spoke up, "HuangShang. Both Qing-er and I have lost our mothers…to see XinRong Ge Ge being so doted upon by her parents…ZiWei must admit to envy. Though today is but our first meeting, ZiWei would like to sing a song for XinRong Ge Ge and FuJin. ZiWei hopes that XinRong Ge Ge will never know the pain of being parted from her mother."

The song she sang, just like the words she spoke, had been purposefully chosen. Qing-er, listening to it, found it easy to let a few tears drop from her eyes.

Seeing her tears, LFY quickly pulled her close. FuJin, hearing the song, knew that she had no choice but to pull XinRong close to herself.

When ZiWei finished her song, LFY sighed, "ZiWei's song reminded me of something my Qing-er said to me recently…how she wishes that she could have had longer to stay by her parents' side! XinRong…I had thought to keep you with me while your parents travelled, but you're young yet, I think you'd better stay a little longer with your parents."

The emperor, looking at ZiWei's teary eyes, also agreed, "Yes…FuYi Da Ren, you have such good fortune, to have such a good daughter at your side…enjoy it while you can."

At those words, ZiWei could feel FuJin's disappointment, YuFei's resignation, and WAG's relief.

In celebration of the success of Qing-er's plan, HanXiang had Qing-er and ZiWei dress in the manners of her people and the three girls danced in the Imperial Gardens. As they swayed and twirled, butterflies seemed to collect from everywhere, drawing the attention of much of the palace. Qing-er and ZiWei stopped their dance to exclaim in delight. HanXiang just continued laughing and twirling.

ErKang, accompanying the emperor, found himself entranced at the sight of ZiWei's happiness and her gentle manners as butterflies landed on her outstretched hand.

LFY, watching her two wards smiling with the newest concubine, felt her reservations about letting HanXiang keep her native garb diminish…it really was a beautiful sight!

The empress, watching the emperor's expression, felt jealousy stir again.

As for the emperor, he found himself drawn closer to HanXiang.

"HuangShang!" Qing-er's gasp caused HanXiang to stop, though the butterflies still lingered.

"Now I know why your father said you were a national treasure! You are like one of the fairy maidens!"

The possessiveness in his voice did not escape ZiWei's notice. Oh dear. She traded nervous looks with Qing-er.

HanXiang, however, seemed emboldened by the butterflies. "HuangShang," she said, "Qing-Ge-Ge and ZiWei Ge Ge have provided me with friendship and companionship. HanXiang is glad to dance for them."

The meaning of her words was not lost on him. He took it as a challenge. Never before had a woman defied him like this…but he could be patient. He was determined to win her.

Because of what had happened when they first came to BeiJing, HanXiang's father forbade her from leaving the palace to see him depart. So, HanXiang relied on Qing-er and ZiWei's company to help her through the day.

"How is Meng-er-Dan?" She couldn't help but ask.

ZiWei hesitated, not knowing how to tell her friend about Meng-er-dan's death.

"ZiWei?"

ZiWei could only shake her head, "HanXiang…I'm so sorry…"

And HanXiang understood. Tears fell from her eyes as she clung to her friends for support.

Qing-er waited until HanXiang had quieted to ask, "HanXiang, the emperor…"

Knowing what Qing-er was asking, HanXiang answered, "He has ordered all sorts of constructions, to replicate elements of my homeland…I have been able to stave him off by emphasizing my homesickness…but I fear…I must reconcile myself to my fate."

ZiWei, however, was still hopeful, "Oh, but surely if HuangShang knew about you and Meng-er-Dan and your grief, he would be touched!"

Qing-er shook her head, "ZiWei…I know you saw it too…the way HuangShang looked at HanXiang that day in the gardens. ZiWei, the emperor, his one fault is perhaps his love of beauty...your very existence shows it. Not only is he possessive, but he is the emperor and has the power to be so."

At her words, ZiWei thought of her mother's lifelong wait…she had always thought, that the love between her parents must be unique, but...Qing-er was right. There were more than 25 concubines alone in the palace itself. She also thought of ErKang's possessiveness...how grateful she was that he was different in that he truly only cared for her!

HanXiang wiped her tears, "I thank you, both of you, for comforting me. But I know that some things are beyond the power of mortals. Perhaps it's Allah's will… will you tell me about the other consorts? If I am to become one of them…I can't imagine that they will not be like my Father's wives. I'd best be prepared"

When HanXiang heard that Ling Fei Niang Niang was experiencing severe nausea from her pregnancy, she went to her shelves and brought out a packet of scent.

"One of my sisters experienced much the same and she found this scent to be particularly helpful."

"HanXiang, why do you have so many scents with you?" Qing-er asked curiously.

"Meng-er-Dan and I …each time we tried to run away, we had to find a way to cover up my scent. We were never successful, but it became a hobby."

"One of the TaiYi's will have to check it. LFY is very protective of this child."

HanXiang nodded; she had expected nothing less.

"Is there a scent that can make HuangShang less…possessive?" ZiWei blushed as she asked the question.

"Perhaps…" HanXiang said thoughtfully.

Qing-er, though, was quick to remind her, "Even if there is…you must be careful…to use scents like that in the palace…it's a death sentence."

"With Meng-er-Dan gone…my heart has already died. It no longer matters what happens to my body, except… I will stay to true to his memory as long as I can."

---

For a little while, peace seemed to have descended upon the palace. LFY still didn't like HanXiang very much, but for HuangShang's sake, she tolerated the newest concubine. At least HanXiang knew enough to persuade HuangShang to check on poor Ling Fei. She had also heard that the scent that HanXiang had sent to LingFei had helped more than any tonic the TaiYi's prescribed. Instead, LFY chose to focus on the marital prospects of the grandchildren. Her plans for XinRong and Yongqi had been thwarted, but she wasn't willing to give up. To her surprise, when she brought the matter up to her son, the emperor only shook his head.

"Yongqi came to me the other day. He insisted that he did not want any distractions right now and wanted to help me manage matters of the nation. I already spoke with Ji Shi Fu and he thinks Yongqi is ready as well."

"Yongqi has always been a hardworking child."

The emperor nodded, "He and ErKang both...Huang E Niang knows that I have entrusted Fu Lun with the matter of the Xiao family. Er Kang has proven invaluable in reviewing the documents his Ah Ma has sent back to BeiJing."

LFY nodded. Speaking of ErKang... "HuangShang, now that things have calmed down, don't you think it's time for ErKang and ZiWei to marry?"

The emperor sighed, "ZiWei and XYZ have become like my hands…with XYZ gone…"

"HuangShang can't mean to wait until XYZ is back?"

"And why not? ZiWei will surely want her sworn sister at her side."

"Ridiculous! HuangShang can't forget. ZiWei is Qing-er's sister."

"Huang E Niang is determined that there be a wedding this year." HuangShang said knowingly.

"My Qing-er is clever, but I fear she revealed too much of her thoughts when she interfered with XinRong."

"Oh?"

LFY only shook her head. She would keep her speculation about Yongqi and Qing-er to herself for now. "Now then, about ErKang and ZiWei? I've already picked out a few dates."

And so, ErKang and ZiWei were married. The day passed in a blur for both the bride and groom. As the carriage brought her closer to Xue Shi Fu, ZiWei could not help but remember all that she and ErKang had experienced. Though it all, he had been ever constant. As they bowed to heaven and earth, to his parents, and to each other, she remembered the first time he openly declared his feelings. "I won't let you." he had said. Won't let her leave, won't let her doubt herself, won't let her doubt him. His strength of will had made this day possible. And soon…soon he will be her husband. As she sat down on their marriage bed, she blushed at she thought on the conversation with LingFei Niang Niang about what was to happen. When the red cloth was removed, she could feel ErKang's gaze on her. The cup trembled in her hand as they leaned close and drank the sacred wine. And then, they were alone.

"ZiWei…" how gentle his hand holding hers was, as though he was scared she would disappear.

She looked at him then, raising her eyes to meet his, and her nervousness disappeared. Everything he wanted to say, she already knew. He was her ErKang and she was his ZiWei. She smiled at him…it was as simple as that.

---

That night, when HanXiang returned to her residence after the feast for ZiWei and ErKang, she dismissed her servants and stood underneath the jujube tree. She had heard that the empress had suggested it to the emperor and he, eager to find ways to please HanXiang, had had it brought from her homeland. She studied the golden fruits on its boughs…she had learned, as the palace prepared for ZiWei's wedding, that the fruit was placed in the newlywed's bedroom as a good luck charm for fertility. She wondered if the emperor hoped that with this tree, she would let him claim her at last. She plucked a fruit and held it in her hand. How was he to know that she was deathly allergic to it? But HuangHou knew; she felt certain of it. After Qing-er had told her about all the consorts in the inner palace, after ZiWei had specifically told her to be careful of HuangHou Niang Niang, she had had her servants, the two who had come from her homeland with her, keep an eye out for RMM. She wasn't surprised when they told her about how RMM loitered near her residence.

She let a tear fall. She had been so thankful for Qing-er and ZiWei and had wished that she could repay them somehow for their friendship. And so, she had taken advantage of RMM's presence, had let slip the detail about this particularly type of fruit. She had known, since ZiWei told her, that she would want to join Meng-er-dan. She had planned carefully and now, it seemed that she could accomplish both goals. Besides….she was so very tired… "Meng-er-dan," she whispered, "the wind has blown away, now, let the sand follow."

HanXiang's death plunged the palace into mourning. Those who had lived in the palace whispered that the emperor was as desolate as he had been when his first empress had passed. HanXiang's servants, when the emperor interrogated them, revealed the fact about the jujube fruit and the fact that RMM had been often seen near Xiang Fei Niang Niang's residence. The emperor, in a rage, had cared not for reason, cared not for RMM's and HHNN's professions of innocence. He reacted, not as the ruler of a realm, but as a man with a broken heart. HHNN was placed under house arrest and only LFY's pleading saved her from losing her position.

As for ZiWei and Qing-er…ZiWei had rushed into the palace at the message Qing-er sent. She had tried to be patient as she went through the remaining traditions for the day after her marriage, but really, she just needed to speak with Qing-er.

"Qing-er! What happened?"

Qing-er, tears running down her face, just handed ZiWei a letter that HanXiang had written. In it, HanXiang thanked them for their friendship, wished ZiWei all the happiness, confessed her plan, and asked that they not grieve her death, for she was with her Meng-er-Dan at last.

"But…oh, how could she?!"

ErKang, for once, didn't know what to say and simply hugged his crying wife.

Qing-er shook her head, "ZiWei…of all the sorry things I've ever seen in this palace…ZiWei…I've always just been an observer, but now…how deeply I feel the hurt!"

ZiWei left ErKang's arms and hugged her sworn sister. "I know, Qing-er, I know…"

After a long moment, Qing-er sniffled, "ZiWei…we have to burn this letter. If HuangShang finds out HanXiang's plan...that she…" Qing-er couldn't complete the sentence.

ZiWei nodded and together, with one last sad look at each other, the two girls jointly watched the letter turn into dust in the incense bowl.

"LFY says that we can only declare that HanXiang died of a sudden illness."

"To avoid war," ErKang commented.

"War?" ZiWei asked, shocked.

"HanXiang was left as an offering of peace…if word gets out that she…well, her father would surely assume that we had been unkind to her."

ZiWei sighed. Yes, what they said made sense. Still…

ErKang noticed that ZiWei was quiet as they rode in the direction of home. And so, he called for the carriage to stop. She looked at him, confused. He just hopped out, spoke a few words with the servants, and detached one of the horses.

ZiWei hopped down from the carriage, "ErKang?"

"I had planned to wait, but…ZiWei, I have something to show you."

"Now?"

He nodded, "Now."

When they arrived at the lake within the mountains, ZiWei felt her eyes widen… "ErKang…the house…"

ErKang just smiled at her, "The house, the dock…I had it all fixed. Nothing extravagant, or else it would ruin the aesthetics…but I thought it could be our little haven."

"Oh!"

"The first time I brought you here, we talked about the pursuit of an ideal, about my wish for a quiet, restful life. I know that such an idea is impossible given our obligations and circumstances…but, at least here, we can pretend for a little while, that the outside world doesn't exist."

"I…ErKang, I feel guilty at having such happiness."

"I know," he said as they walked towards the house, "given your sensitive nature, you cannot but feel grief for XYZ and Yongqi, for Han-Xiang and Meng-er-Dan…these last few months, you've also seen the ugly side of life in the palace…how can you not be affected?"

"How did you…"

"If I can't even tell these thoughts, how could I dare call myself your 紫微郎?"

"The first time you brought me here…you told me that you wanted to protect me, to hide me in your secret locations…you spoke of seeing too much competition and how it made you angry…after these months, I understand your meaning. In the past, I had merely thought it unfair, that HuangHou Niang Niang could be so mean to XYZ and I. But…HHNN has her own pain too. And HanXiang...she had seemed so young, so innocent, but for her to have carried out such a plan…I still want to believe that people are inherently good, that circumstances shape them and bring out the darkness within them…but the world isn't just good or bad, is it?"

"No," ErKang agreed, "people are not so simple. We all make mistake and have moments where we act selfishly…"

"It scares me, that sometimes, love isn't enough."

"ZiWei, don't let that scare you. Rather…we must treasure our happiness even more, for we're the exception."

They had reached the door.

"Would you like a tour?"

She smiled at his enthusiasm and nodded. Grinning, he opened the door, but rather than going through it, he lifted her into his arms, bridal style.

"ErKang! What are you doing?"

"Benjamin once told me that in ancient Roman tradition, it was awfully bad luck for a bride to trip as she entered her new home, and so, it was the groom's job to ensure safe passage."

He crossed over the threshold and smiled down at her, "Now, we can be assured that our life together will be blessed."

When she smiled back at him, he found that he could not help but lean down and kiss her. The tour could wait.

---

In the somber atmosphere that had befallen the palace since HanXiang's passing and HHNN's fall from favor, the return of Er Tai, SaiYa, Benjamin, and XYZ was an occasion of joy and celebration. Though the women of the palace were usually not included in such state occasions, the emperor made an exception for ZiWei and Qing-er. And so, the two girls stood next to the emperor as they waited for their friends.

They heard XYZ before they saw her.

"ZiWei! Qing-er!" XYZ was a blur as she rushed at her two sworn sisters. "Oh how I've missed you!"

Caught in her hug, ZiWei and Qing-er could only laugh. Trust XYZ to ignore all decorum!

"Hmm…XYZ, it seems that this year has not changed you."

XYZ turned towards the emperor and made a proper curtsy, "HAM."

The emperor found that he could not help but laugh as well. How much he had missed hearing her call him that!

Just then, ErTai, SaiYa, and Benjamin had caught up and offered the proper greetings.

"HuangShang, I think you will find that XYZ has changed this year."

"Oh?"

Benjamin and ErTai just smiled at one another while SaiYa said, "HuangShang. HZGG and I have a special performance we would like share with everyone."

"Special performance? Well XYZ, I see that LFY was right after all! Now that you two are back, we won't have another quiet moment!"

The performance turned out to be a martial dance as the two girls expertly handled their whips.

As they bowed to the applause, the emperor laughed, "Yes! Benjamin, you were right. XYZ, you must have learned discipline to have shown such expertise."

XYZ, returning to the emperor's side, just smiled, "I have found a good shifu."

"Indeed? I must meet this shifu! Anyone who can get you to focus must be a true master."

"HAM, if you'll wait but another minute…I know I missed ZiWei and ErKang's wedding, so Benjamin and shifu agreed to help present the next performance as a belated wedding present."

"Well then, don't keep us waiting!"

As if on cue, the sound of Benjamin's violin playing the group's song (dang) rang out. ZiWei and ErKang turned to each other and smiled. The familiar sound of a xiao joining that of the violin, however, made Qing-er startle. She looked around, trying to find the source and…there! She stared wide-eyed as XiaoJian walked to Benjamin's side.

"XiaoJian!" she heard ErKang exclaim when the song ended.

The emperor turned to ErKang, "ErKang…do you know this person?"

ErKang nodded, "HuangShang…Qing-Ge-Ge had wished to find her savior. In doing so, we uncovered the truth about the Xiao family. We now know that they were wronged most egregiously. HuangShang has been most generous and wished to compensate the family's heirs. HuangShang, XiaoJian is the son of XiaoZhiHang!"

Silence met his explanation.

XiaoJian looked confused…the truth about his family?

XYZ also looked puzzled…who was XiaoZhiHang and what did he have to do with her shifu? Benjamin, ErTai, and her had been delighted when they ran into him in one of the inns they stayed at during their trip to Mongolia. Unlike the last meeting, however, he had agreed to travel with them and had been a good instructor for both her and SaiYa.

Benjamin and ErTai exchanged glances…it seemed like they had missed new adventures.

The emperor looked curious, "Indeed? You are Xiao Feng? Yet why did ErKang call you XiaoJian?"

XiaoJian bowed, "HuangShang, XiaoJian is the name I bear as I have traveled in the jianghu."

"Xiao…Jian…" the emperor said thoughtfully, "We have already heard your xiao, where is your jian?"

XiaoJian bowed again, "HZGG has informed me that weapons are not allowed in the palace without permission."

The emperor turned towards XYZ, "HZGG told you, did she? XYZ, when did you start caring about rules?"

"HAM!" XYZ exclaimed, "I might not like rules very much, but even I know to follow them when they're for HAM's safety!"

The emperor laughed again, "Hmm…yes, Benjamin was right…you have changed! Alright, XiaoJian, another day, you must show me your mastery of the sword. If you wield it as well as you play the xiao…yes, XYZ, you have truly found a good shifu!"

LFY watched the scene…she still didn't approve of XYZ's lack of manners. But watching her make HuangShang laugh like that…after HanXiang's death, the emperor had been solemn. Even when ZiWei visited, he would only smile. But now, he was laughing again and seemed to be taking an interest in something besides state matters. Perhaps…perhaps XYZ did have some merits.

Qing-er watched the exchange as well. She thought back to the two times that XiaoJian had saved her and felt certain that the emperor would be impressed with XYZ's shifu.

Later that night, as the youngsters gathered in ShuFangZhai at special permission of the Emperor, XiaoJian finally got the explanation about the matter with his family. Yongq was conspicuous in his absence.

"You're saying…that my father was framed?"

ErKang nodded, "AhMa found irrefutable evidence. The perpetrator of the crime was not well liked. Once his servants knew AhMa was investigating on the emperor's orders, they wasted no time in telling AhMa all they knew…"

"What about…what about my sister?"

"We traced her to an abbey in BeiJing, but the abbess said that she disappeared when she was seven years old."

"Was it…was it…" and he named the abbey that ErKang had visited.

ErKang looked surprised, "How did you…"

"I must be honest now," XiaoJian said, "I didn't meet all of you by accident. I had been following you during your trip because…because I thought maybe you could lead to my sister…I had been in BeiJing and spoken with the abbess as well and she told me the same story. And then, when I heard that HuanZhuGeGe was to be leaving for Mongolia, I knew I had to follow, to protect her."

"Protect me?" XYZ asked.

"XYZ," XiaoJian turned towards her, "do you remember JinShi Shi Tai?"

XYZ blinked at him… "I…yes…"

"Are you saying," Benjamin asked, "that…XYZ is your sister?!"

XiaoJian nodded, "I strongly suspected…but when XZY said that ZiWei and Qing-er were her sisters…I doubted…how could my sister, an orphan, have sisters? This past year that we've spent in Mongolia…XYZ is the Qing dynasty's princess, representative of the whole country while in the Mongolian court, how could I ask her then? But now…"

"Is there a way to prove it?" ErTai asked thoughtfully, "after all, so many years have passed…'

"My mother, before she had my sister taken away for her safety, had shown me a birthmark, on the right shoulder, in the shape of a swallow bird…"

"I've seen that birth mark," ZiWei gasped. She trembled a little as everyone turned towards her, "I had asked XYZ once, how she gained her name…and she showed me..."

XiaoJian looked at XYZ, "I had hoped…when I learned your name, that I wasn't wrong…"

XYZ had been staring at him wide eyed, "You're saying…shifu…you're saying…I'm not an orphan? I wasn't abandoned because no one wanted me? I really…really have family?"

"XYZ, you are not an orphan, our parents, they loved us very much, and you still have me, your brother."

"Oh!" XYZ burst into tears.

Alarmed, ZiWei quickly stood and wrapped her arms around her friend.

SaiYa spoke up then, "Shifu…this whole year…"

XiaoJian nodded, "I am sorry to have lied to you, to all of you…but…"

Qing-er understood, "If Fu Da Ren and ErKang hadn't found out the truth…then, the emperor would be your mortal enemy. You became close to XYZ, not just because you suspected she was your sister, but also…also to get close to the emperor."

XiaoJian was surprised at her deduction but nodded.

"What a close call…" ErKang muttered to himself.

XiaoJian looked at everyone assembled, "I had been so full of anger, so set on revenge…but this past year, getting to know XYZ…she idolizes the emperor and truly sees him as her father…I told myself, I had found my sister…she was cared for, even loved…it was enough…"

"Are you going to tell the emperor?" ErTai asked.

"Why would I? He is convinced that XYZ is his daughter, isn't he?"

The youngsters looked at one another, should they reveal everything?

XYZ, now calmer, spoke up, "Brother, HAM knows I'm not his daughter."

And so their story unfolded…from ZiWei and XYZ's meeting, to the original plan for ZiWei to enter the palace, to the edited version that finally succeeded.

XiaoJian listened and marveled, "I had always thought…that there were two types of people in this world…those who watched as stories occurred and those who wrote the stories themselves…all of you…you are of the latter group. ZiWei. You and ErKang…no wonder XYZ was so ecstatic to know you two are finally married"

ErKang reached to hold ZiWei's hand.

"SaiYa and ErTai…I had thought that yours was a political arrangement…but I have also seen your happiness this past year."

SaiYa and ErTai also turned and smiled at one another.

"Benjamin…you have been a friend to all of them." Benjamin only ducked his head, embarrassed.

"And Qing-Ge-Ge," he turned his gaze to her.

"Call me Qing-er," she insisted, "you've called everyone else by name…I will feel awkward if you single me out like this."

He nodded, "Qing-er…I said, on our first meeting, that you appeared like a prim and proper lady. But you…you are so full of spirit."

Qing-er blushed at his words but said, "Then you must give the credit to XYZ and ZiWei…like you said, there are two types of people in the world…I had always been of the former group. After meeting them and especially after becoming their sister…they are the ones who woke that spirit."

ZiWei looked between the two of them and smiled to herself. A clear sky indeed.

For the time being, XiaoJian stayed with ErTai and SaiYa. HuangShang had decided that ErTai, as a beizi, and SaiYa, as a princess, needed their own residence. Still, it was close enough to XueShiFu that the Fu family still often dined together. XiaoJian was thus introduced to FuLun and FuJin. Fu Da Ren, in his conversations with the young man, was much impressed. He had also seen XiaoJian training SaiYa and even giving ErTai pointers and felt that XiaoJian was someone who could be a boon for the nation and the emperor. When he made mention of his observations to the emperor, the emperor was reminded of his own comment on first meeting XiaoJian.

And so, the emperor decided to test the young man.

The meeting took place in the training grounds of the Imperial Guards. XYZ, hearing about it, had wheedled until the emperor agreed to let the group of friends all attend.

The emperor turned to the XiaoJian, "XiaoFeng, I would like to see your skill with the sword. I have gathered here some of our best warriors."

XiaoJian nodded and turned to meet his challengers. One by one, he succeeded in beating them. The emperor watched, impressed. Yes, FuLun was right; this individual was surely worthy of attention.

"HAM," XYZ said, "isn't my shifu the best?"

The Emperor laughed at the pride on her face, "Yes, XYZ. But, 山外 有山, 天外 有 天. ErKang! Among your generation, you are one of the most skilled in martial arts, see what you can do!"

ErKang grinned. Ever since meeting XiaoJian, he had been awaiting a chance to spar with the man.

So the two faced each other and found that they were evenly matched. Even as they both had to concentrate on their opponents' moves, however, both young men felt exhilarated at the challenge.

ZiWei and Qing-er both watched from the sidelines. ZiWei, who had always known that ErKang was a master, nonetheless felt herself seeing him as though for the first time…during their trip south, he had come up against those who did not stand a chance. With XiaoJian…there was beauty in the way the two moved. To think that he was her husband…surely, men were not the only creatures capable of possessiveness! As for Qing-er, her heart pounded. She was equal parts anxious that XiaoJian might be hurt, impressed that he was so firmly holding his own, and something else that she was afraid to acknowledge.

The fight ended in a draw and the two young men bowed to one another.

The emperor laughed in approval, "XiaoFeng! You are too skilled to be left only as XYZ and SaiYa's shifu! Since ErKang has begun to help his AhMa with civic affairs, we have been looking for someone to replace him…how would you like to have that position?"

The youngsters turned to him in surprise. Such a position was usually reserved for the sons of noblemen.

"HuangShang, I fear I am not worthy."

"Not worthy? XiaoFeng. I have continued the practice of yearly examinations so that advancements can be based on merit, not merely heredity. You have surely proven your worth today!"

"In that case," XiaoJian bowed again, "XiaoJian is honored."

XYZ was of course ecstatic. Not only did she have a brother, but he was someone so skilled! And with his new position, he could come visit her at ShuFangZhai and continue her lessons!

Qing-er, visiting with XYZ one day, was surprised to see her in the study.

"Qing-er!" XYZ put down her brush and jumped up to greet her friend.

"XYZ, what are you doing?"

"Practicing calligraphy of course."

"What? I thought you had no patience for such things?"

XYZ had the grace to look embarrassed, "That was the previous me…now that I know I have a brother as talented as XiaoJian, how can I cause him embarrassment? Besides, he tells me that both our parents had been well-educated, I cannot bring shame to our family name."

Qing-er smiled…yes, XYZ, though still spirited, had truly changed.

"Soon," XYZ continued, "I'll be able to be just as verbose as the rest of you!"

Qing-er laughed at her comment, "Ji Shi Fu will surely be glad of your improvements."

XYZ made a face, "Well, now that both Yongqi and ErTai have their own tasks and no longer attend school with me, I have less help. There's still Benjamin of course, but even he is missing more days than not as he helps his master design the new Western style buildings in the Summer Palace."

At the mention of Yongqi's name, Qing-er dared to ask, "XYZ…about Yongqi…"

"Yes…where has he been all this time? I'd have thought for sure that he'd want to greet us and meet my shifu."

Qing-er looked at her strangely, "I thought, you and Yongqi…"

XYZ blinked at her, "We're still friends, aren't we?"

"I don't think Yongqi thinks that way."

"Well, that's his fault!"

She suddenly thought of something, "Oh! Qing-er! I almost forgot, I brought presents for YuFei Niang Niang! Let's go deliver it."

"What? Now?"

XYZ nodded eagerly and called for the four eunuchs of ShuFangZhai.

They nodded at her instructions and went to fetch the pots of plants she had brought back from Mongolia.

"These…these are your gifts?"

XYZ nodded, "ErTai said YuFei Niang Niang collects bonsai trees…When I saw these, I knew I had to bring some back for her. The gardener was awfully stingy and wouldn't let me bring back that many…I hope these will be enough for YuFei Niang Niang."

"Enough?" Qing-er looked at XYZ consideringly, trying to figure out her motivations.

XYZ just blinked at her, "What? Do I have dirt on my face?"

"Did you learn to care for these plants?"

XYZ nodded, "Well of course, how else would they have survived our return trip? Come on now…let's go!"

Qing-er allowed herself to be pulled along, her mind still preoccupied.

YuFei Niang Niang could not help but be surprised when HZGG and Qing-Ge-Ge were announced. She was even more bewildered as the servants filed into the courtyard with the plants.

"XiaoYanZi, are you looking for Yongqi?"

XYZ shook her head, "No, YuFei Niang Niang. I was looking for you."

"For me?"

XYZ nodded, "When I was in Mongolia, my shifu said that it would be good for me to learn to take care of something so that I can learn patience. Neither ErTai nor Benjamin would trust me with a pet, so I had to choose plants instead. The gardener was a gruff old man and hard to please, but he did teach me a lot."

She gestured to the individual pots, "I know Niang Niang is very knowledgeable about the care of bonsai plants so I had to bring them to give to Niang Niang."

"XYZ…you're giving them to me?"

XYZ nodded eagerly, "This one here, it's a maple, the easiest to care for. This one, it's a Siberian elm, much more sensitive as it's highly susceptible to insects. This one, it's a pea shrub, which is supposed to have medicine properties for women, though I think I'll have to ask Chang TaiYi about that. This last one…it's not a tree, but it is my favorite…it's a thistle flower." She went on to explain the care of each plant.

Qing-er and Yu Fei both looked at XYZ in surprise; XYZ's knowledge seemed to be very thorough.

"If you've learned to care for them, wouldn't you rather keep them?" YuFei at last asked when XYZ grew quiet.

XYZ just smiled, "I have a few of my own in ShuFangZhai."

"Why are you choosing to give them to me?"

XYZ looked ashamed, "YuFei Niang Niang…before, XYZ had caused all sorts of trouble and had also dragged WAG into them. But I really didn't mean to! It's only…I grew up without much discipline and so didn't understand how to behave properly. But this past year…my shifu, Benjamin, and ErTai had all explained that my behavior is a reflection of how others view the Qing dynasty. And I realized…I've not been a very good representative. For all the past mistakes and misunderstandings, XYZ would like to apologize."

YuFei stared at her a moment more before saying, "Well then, XYZ, would you like to see some of my own plants and learn about their care as well?"

XYZ looked up, surprised, before a huge smile crossed her face, "XYZ would like that very much!"

Qing-er, watching the conversation unfold, felt rather superfluous. So, she quietly excused herself, saying she had to return to LFY.

As she walked through the palace, she could not help but marvel at this turn of events. That XYZ…she continues to be a source of surprise!

"Qing-er!" Hearing her name, she paused in her path, giving XiaoJian a chance to catch up to her.

"XiaoJian," she smiled, "is your shift over?"

He nodded.

"And how do you find life as an Imperial Bodyguard?"

At his hesitation, she couldn't help but laugh, "I'm not surprised that you're bored."

When he looked at her, surprised, she elaborated, "You are a man of action, used to adventure. I still remember your poem, 一箫一剑走江湖…you still have your xiao, still have your sword, but the jianghu is now a thing of the past. Your current position, though important and prestigious, consists mostly of standing and keeping watch."

"It's not all restful," he protested, "I have gotten to oversee the training of some of the guards and vanguards."

"Responsibilities that no doubt you sought out for yourself."

"HuangShang has been generous," he admitted.

She only laughed at him again. "XYZ is fortunate, to have a brother like you."

"XYZ?"

"I assumed she was the reason you stayed?"

"The Emperor's offer is not easily refused."

She just looked at him knowingly, "No. But you would have, had you truly not wanted to stay."

"You are truly frightening."

"Frightening?"

"No one has ever seen through me so clearly."

She just laughed, "Remember what I said…before I became a maker of stories, I was a long-time observer."

Still, he marveled at her before saying, "XYZ…I have almost two decades of missed time to make up for."

She nodded agreeably, "XYZ is lucky, to have three young men of such different temperaments look after her well-being."

"Three?"

She hesitated, knowing that she had made a blunder.

"There's Benjamin, of course. I can tell that he helps provide guidance and clarity for my sister. I'm also not blind…if circumstances were different, if Benjamin was not a foreigner and my sister not a Ge Ge, I can easily imagine that they would be happy. As her brother, I am the second one. But the third…I don't think you mean ErTai."

She shook her head. It really wasn't her place to say.

"Qing-er…will you tell me? I can't ask XYZ…She may trust me but there are some things that even as her brother, I can't ask."

"I…I can't…not here. XiaoJian…" she felt a sudden jolt of panic as she realized her other blunder, "I shouldn't have even mentioned your true relationship with XYZ…in this palace, you must remember, XYZ is HZGG and you, you are an Imperial Bodyguard and her shifu."

He frowned at her.

"Promise me," she clutched his arm.

He looked at her hands, causing her to release him, but her blush still didn't hide her worried expression.

"I promise."

Still, he wondered.

A few days later, he was standing guard when the fifth prince arrived to meet with the emperor. In itself, such a meeting wasn't odd. XiaoJian had observed, since becoming a guard, that the emperor trusted the fifth prince and WAG himself seemed a serious sort who approached the tasks that were assigned to him with careful thought and deep consideration. XiaoJian had also heard ErTai speak of Yongqi, as the two had been book companions. From all opinions, WAG was studious, hard-working, and dependable. XiaoJian, however, was most impressed at the care for the common man that the prince showed in his various conversations with the emperor. XiaoJian rather thought that he would enjoy getting to know the prince. But WAG seemed to have few friends and seemed solely focused on his assignments. His dedication was surely to be commended, and XiaoJian believed in the whispers that the prince was to be made QingWang soon, but he could not but also feel some pity for such a lonesome existence.

This time, however, when WAG exited the study, he paused and turned towards XiaoJian, "You're XYZ's shifu, aren't you?"

XiaoJian hid his surprise at being addressed and replied simply, "Yes."

The prince stared at him, as though to get his measure, before speaking again, "XYZ has a tendency to overestimate her abilities. I hope, as her shifu, you can give her pointers without destroying her sense of self-confidence."

"WAG knows his meimei well."

"Meimei…" a strange look passed over the prince's face. "Just…protect her well."

And with those words, the prince left again.

XiaoJian frowned. Why did those words sound so familiar? He thought back to the stories he had been told…wasn't the fifth prince also on that trip south? Yes…and the arrow that had initially brought XYZ into the palace, it was also from WAG's hand. And each time that XYZ had run into trouble, it was Benjamin and Yongqi both who tried to help her. Qing-er's words came to him then…no wonder she had been so adamant that she could not tell him. In the palace, WAG and HZGG were siblings. But in reality…

"XiaoFeng!" the emperor's voice distracted him from his thoughts.

XiaoJian entered the study, "HuangShang."

"Come, walk with me. I think it's time for me to inspect XYZ's education again."

XiaoJian felt his lips twitch, "E Ming and ErKang have both warned me about these visits."

The emperor laughed, "I'm sure they have…but JiShiFu says that XYZ is much improved as of late. I must go see for myself."

Class was in full session when the two arrived.

XYZ, as she answered a question from Ji Shi Fu, had stared wide-eyed at both the emperor and her shifu.

The emperor, putting on a stern face, then brought out a piece of paper, "XYZ, I have here your latest essay. I think you should read it out loud."

"Do I have to?" XYZ asked nervously.

"Yes, yes you do."

"But…HAM, I don't want to embarrass myself in front of my shifu…"

The emperor raised his eyebrow, "So you do know to be embarrassed! Still, I say you must read it!"

XYZ nodded meekly and picked up the piece of paper. Seeing that the emperor was determined, her shoulders slumped. Clearing her throat, she read.

Utter silence fell when she finished. She peered over the top of the paper, "HAM…is it…is it really that terrible?"

"Terrible?!" At last, the emperor laughed, "XYZ! When Ji Shi Fu told me about your progress, I couldn't believe it! Terrible? Not at all! Indeed, I think I agree with Ji Shi Fu's assessment…I think you can finally be released from school!"

"For good?"

The emperor nodded, "For good."

A wide smile spread across XYZ's face as she jumped up and down, "Oh, thank you! thank you!"

The other Ah Ge's laughed at her enthusiasm.

"HAM," XYZ asked, "can I go out with everyone to celebrate?"

"Oh? You've traveled for a year and it's still not long enough to cure you of your wanderlust?"

XYZ pouted, "Please, HAM? Besides, I'll only be going to visit ZiWei!"

"And probably fight with SaiYa too!"

"HAM is wise!"

"Alright! Alright! Go! But only to XueShiFu!"

"Yes, HAM! XYZ obeys!"

As soon as school was dismissed, XYZ ran to Ci Ning Gong to tell Qing-er the good news.

"Congratulations!" Qing-er laughed at her friend's excitement.

"Oh, but Qing-er, you must come with me!"

"Come with you where?"

"To visit ZiWei of course!"

"XYZ, you know I'll have to ask LFY for permission."

"Ask me what?" LFY had just entered.

XYZ curtsied, "LFY ji xiang…LFY, may I please take Qing-er with me to visit ZiWei?"

"To visit ZiWei?"

XYZ nodded, "HAM said I could celebrate not having to go to school anymore with everyone."

LFY laughed, "In that case…of course! Qing-er and ZiWei are sisters are after all."

"Oh! Thank you LFY!" Impulsively, XYZ hugged the dowager empress.

Then, as though realizing what she had just done, XYZ stepped away, "XYZ is sorry for breaking protocol."

To her surprise, LFY just chuckled, "Go on now, before I change my mind!"

---

When his shift was over, XiaoJian decided to take a detour before departing for home.

"XiaoFeng, did HAM have a message for me?"

XiaoJian shook his head. "WAG…I wanted to speak with you about HZGG."

Yongqi's expression became blank, "What about HZGG?"

"In private, please," XiaoJian insisted.

Yongqi looked at him a moment but then nodded, "If you'll follow me…"

"This is my private study, I like to work in quiet so no one is allowed to disturb me except for cases of emergency. Now…what about HZGG?"

"Is HZGG truly your meimei?"

"What a strange question. We both call the emperor HAM, do we not?"

"But if she's your meimei, then how can she be mine too?"

Yongqi almost spilled his tea. He took the moment it required to set the cup and saucer down to collect himself.

"XYZ is truly your sister?"

"Her name should be XiaoYun."

Yongqi took a deep breath, "Since she's been back…it's been shifu this, shifu that…I thought…I thought that…"

"Qing-er had said, that there are three young men who wish to protect XYZ. She didn't say who. But I think I've figured it out: Benjamin, as her best friend. Me, as her brother. And you…"

"Yes. And me…the one who wishes so much to give her a lifetime of happiness."

"Then why have you kept your distance?"

"Why?" Yongqi laughed humorlessly, "everyone probably already told you the story…"

XiaoJian nodded.

"Then you should know why. Though HAM knows the truth, though LFY knows the truth…XYZ and I can only be siblings. Even if by some miracle I'm allowed to marry her, she deserves to have someone whole. As a royal prince, there are expectations…"

"So you let her go."

"XYZ is named aptly; I released her so she can fly."

Into the ensuing silence, Yongqi added, "I didn't want to, everything within me fought against this decision, but…XYZ said, that being with me came at too high a price…and she's right. It's a price she shouldn't have to pay."

He laughed again, "When I heard about you, I was so jealous. XYZ called it my 'Ah Ge bing.' She refers to my sense of entitlement, of course. But I also comforted myself that at least, at least she could be happy."

"I offered to take her away."

Yongqi looked up, "what?"

"Once she knew we were siblings. I offered to take her away from all of this…to DaLi, far, far away. She refused."

"She did?"

"I thought it was because of her sisters…ZiWei, SaiYa, Qing-er…or even HuangShang, who has become her father. But…I should have realized…she's staying for you too."

"For me?"

"XYZ is open and blunt about everything except her feelings. But what she does not say in words, she shows through her actions. Did you know, HuangShang declared today that she wouldn't have to go back to school anymore?"

"Did he?"

XiaoJian nodded, "I knew she had been studying, I thought it was because she wanted to honor our parents. But I see now that she also did it for you."

"She's really been studying?"

"And she's even tried to repair her relationship with your E Niang."

"My E Niang?"

"I had wondered at the source of her interest in botany."

"Botany?"

"Did you not know that she and Yu Fei Niang Niang have bonded over their plants?"

"I…I did hear, but I thought…"

"Thought that she was merely learning how to survive in this palace, thought that Qing-er had been helping her, teaching her."

"Yes."

"Qing-er no doubt explained facts to her. But my sister…she is too stubborn to change who she is unless…unless she has a good reason."

"And you think that I'm the reason?"

XiaoJian sighed, "As her brother, of course I want only the best for her. But…I told Qing-er, I missed almost twenty years of her life. In my absence, she has become her own person. She has already made her choice, though she may not be consciously aware of it…"

"You really think…"

"WAG, I only ask that you be patient with her."

Yongqi was quiet as he thought on XiaoJian's words. Finally, he said with a small smile, "Call me Yongqi."

XiaoJian smiled back, his sister had not chosen poorly, "Only if you call me XiaoJian."

---

When XYZ arrived back to Shu Fang Zhai that night, she didn't expect to see Yongqi waiting for her.

"XYZ," he said.

"What are you doing here?" she asked him with a frown.

"I...I never welcomed you home."

"Of course you did. I saw you standing with all the Ah Ge's behind HAM."

"Did you?"

In lieu of replying, XYZ pulled at one of her braids.

Yongqi coughed and walked over to her, "I also wanted to congratulate you. I heard about your graduation today."

"Thank you."

He could see how white her knuckles were as she clenched her fists.

"I won't stay long…I just wanted to give you this basket."

"What's in it?" She asked suspiciously.

"You'll see. Just…promise me, wait until after I've left? And please, don't throw it away or burn it or destroy it in any other way. I worked very hard on it."

Taking the basket from him, XYZ just nodded, her eyes wide.

He smiled at her. "Good. I'll leave you now."

"Yongqi!" Her voice made him turn back in the doorway. "I…"

He just smiled at her one more time before leaving.

It took a week for XiaoYanZi to work up the courage to open the basket. Within it, she found only paper slips, tied up in bows. Confused, she turned the basket upside down to see if the paper was hiding anything. Seeing only more paper, she frowned. Reaching for a random one, she carefully untied it and unfolded it. There were words written on it…Yongqi's words to her …she read it and then turned to the next one and then the next...She ignored the servants' pleas that she sleep. Instead, she dismissed them and read through each slip of paper...they were all dated...the earliest ones from right after their trip south. The words made her laugh, made her cry, made her head and heart hurt. She read them, once, twice, she lost count of how many times.

When the eunuchs arrived in the morning to clean, she was still sitting there.

"Ge Ge! Let us clean up for you."

"Ge Ge, you're still working on poetry?"

"Ge Ge, don't forget, you don't have to go back to school today."

"Ge Ge, are you writing a new novel? Ge Ge's work will surely be better than even Xi You Ji!"

XYZ just looked at them and shook her head. When they reached for the papers, she yelled out, "No!"

At their confused looks, she said in a quieter voice, "No…let me…it's my mess. The four of you…why don't you go fetch me some breakfast?"

"Of course, Ge Ge!"

When they returned, however, they found that XYZ had fallen asleep. They tried to wake her so she would go to her bed, but she was too deeply asleep.

Fortunately, XiaoJian had come to visit and, seeing his sleeping sister, had simply picked her up, basket and all, and tucked her into bed. He tried to remove the basket from her grasp, but even in sleep, she held on tightly. Shaking his head at her stubbornness, he smiled down at her before leaving to attend to his own duties.

---

A few weeks later, XiaoJian was again walking through the palace after his shift when he saw Qing-er. When he called her name, however, she didn't seem to hear him. Frowning, he walked towards where she was sitting on the banks of the pond.

She was crying.

"Qing-er?"

She startled at the touch of his hand on her arm.

"Oh, XiaoJian." She tried valiantly to wipe at her tears.

Reaching quickly for his handkerchief, he offered it to her. She took it gratefully.

"Why are you crying?"

"Today is an anniversary of sorts."

"Anniversary?"

She nodded, "Of my E Niang's death."

"Ah. I had wondered how you came to be LFY's ward."

"My Ah Ma…he was killed in battle. When my E Niang heard the news…she decided that she did not want to live without him…I can still remember that white clothe..."

"How old were you?"

Qing-er wiped away more tears, "Five."

"I was five too." He said.

"I know, you told us," she answered.

"Your memory is very detailed."

She just stared at the handkerchief in her hand, "Last year, ZiWei had helped support me. But this year, I'm alone again."

"Much of your life has been spent alone, hasn't it?"

"Same as you." Qing-er responded.

"Well, neither of us is alone now."

She looked at him then, with an odd expression on her face.

"Will you tell me about your E Niang?" He asked.

"Wouldn't you rather go home and rest?"

"How can I abandon you to bear this burden alone? I am not as practiced at comforting others as ZiWei, but I will listen."

And so she told him about her E Niang. As she talked, she did indeed feel her grief lessening. He, in turn, also spoke to her about his childhood before tragedy had befallen his family. She found herself smiling and even laughing at some of the anecdotes.

"XiaoJian, thank you."

"It is I who must thank you." He responded.

"But you were the one who helped me with my grief."

"And you are the one who instigated the investigation to clear my family's name."

"Only because you had saved me."

"I think…" he said thoughtfully, "it is all of you who have saved me. My path had been of darkness. But now…"

"I don't think you would have done it." She said firmly.

When he looked at her questioningly, she explained, "Even had you not known the truth, you would have learned to let go of your anger."

"How can you know that?"

"For XYZ's sake, you would have."

"You sound very certain."

"I am certain," Qing-er replied, "you have already spoken with Yongqi, I know you have."

"How could you have…"

"Who else would have? XYZ and Yongqi…they're not as close as they were, not yet, but they're also not avoiding each other anymore. They're both more tentative this time, but I think being careful will suit them well. They've both changed in the last two years; they need to get to know each other again… You cannot refute that you would do much to ensure XYZ's happiness."

"I must repeat again, your powers of observation are truly frightening."

"I don't trust my observations about everything, though." Qing-er whispered softly to herself.

Still, he heard.

"Qing-er…would it help…in the future, if this date were to be associated with a happier memory?"

"It already is." Qing-er said earnestly.

He looked at her carefully. She really meant it.

"Qing-er…when I accepted HuangShang's appointment…you were right, I did it for XYZ…but there was also another reason…another person for whom I stayed."

"Was there?"

"Qing-er…I…I stayed for you too…though I think you already know it."

"I wanted to believe I was right, but then I wondered if it was merely my own wishes swaying my thoughts."

"Then let me confirm your suspicions." He reached across and held her hand.

"You were wrong." She said when she found her voice again.

"Wrong?"

"You are very good at providing comfort."

"Only to those about whom I care deeply."

"Do I still frighten you?"

"I have no more secrets to hide."

"And you won't be able to in the future either."

"Good thing I never intend to lie to you."

She nodded and then smiled. "You were also right."

"About?"

"We're neither of us is alone."

He squeezed her hand, "No…never again."

---

The next morning, Qing-er dismissed the other maids and personally helped LFY with her morning routine.

LFY waited until the final piece had been placed into her hair before asking, "Qing-er, what is on your mind?"

"LFY, Qing-er only wished to help LFY prepare for the day."

LFY just shook her head, "I think not."

Qing-er blushed, "LFY…you had asked me to… that should I meet that person, that I must tell LFY."

"So I did. And have you?"

"I…"

"There now, Qing-er, no need to be embarrassed. Who is it?"

Qing-er blushed, "XiaoJian."

"XiaoJian?" LFY thought for a moment, "ah! You mean XiaoFeng!"

Qing-er's blush deepened as she nodded.

"HuangShang has been very complimentary about him. He restructured the patrolling schedules to make the guards and vanguards more efficient without sacrificing safety. I hear he even took the annual examination and did very well on it…But my Qing-er, he is still only an Imperial Bodyguard…I had hoped for you to marry an Ah Ge if not a QingWang."

"LFY, you promised…"

"I had thought, the way you had interfered with XinRong, that you and Yongqi…"

"LFY. Qing-er had already said, Yongqi is like a brother to me."

"You are determined then?"

Qing-er nodded.

LFY sighed, "I did promise, didn't I?"

"LFY agrees?"

LFY patted Qing-er's hand, "Yes, I've agreed. I will need to speak with HuangShang about the logistics of course, but it is within my power to appoint this match."

"Thank you, LFY."

"Dear child, I only wish for your happiness."

---

Shortly before Qing-er and XiaoJian's marriage, Yongqi's title was also raised to that of a QingWang. He and XYZ had also reached a new understanding. So, Yongqi approached his HAM with a request.

"HAM. Yongqi would like to ask for a boon."

"What is it?"

"Yongqi would like to ask for an edict of marriage."

"Marriage? Yes, it should be about time. Now then, who is it?"

"XiaoYanZi."

"Yongqi…you know that HZGG is your sister…she can't…"

"Yongqi knows. But as XiaoYun, sister of Qing-Ge-Ge's Fuma, she can."

"Yes, XiaoFeng had told me that XYZ was his sister."

"Yongqi would also like to ask for another boon."

"Oh?"

"Yongqi had made a vow once, in front of YueLao's temple, to have only one wife in this lifetime."

"Yongqi, think carefully about what you're asking. Your E Niang's hopes for you…my hopes for you…"

Yongqi kowtowed, "Yongqi knows. But HAM…these past two years, I have performed my duty and it has not brought me happiness. I am proud for what I have accomplished, but I know that I am unsuited for the role that you and E Niang would hope for…I have neither the will nor temperament to make difficult decisions. I remain too ruled by my emotions."

"You have thought about this."

Yongqi nodded.

The emperor sighed. "Your E Niang will be disappointed."

"E Niang must celebrate that I will be a QingWang. And she has, though she will not openly admit it, grown fond of XiaoYanZi."

"People will talk."

"XiaoYanZi knows that HZGG must die so that she can be XiaoYun. As my Wang Fei, she will have her own manor, with servants who are loyal to her. She will not need to face the court except for a few required occasions. And even then, everyone also knows about my friendship with HZGG. That I should, in my grief, choose to marry a lady who so closely resembles her can surely be excused."

"And by loyal servants, you surely mean the six at Shu Fang Zhai."

"That I should choose to take them in after HZGG's death will surely be seen again as a sign of my fondness for my sister."

The emperor repeated his earlier sentiment, "You have thought about this."

"Yongqi is no longer a child…I cannot expect HAM or LFY to accept my choices simply because I could not keep my emotions in check. Only with a well planned out solution can I hope to gain the happiness I seek."

"You're right. You are no longer a child. Your plan is also well-thought out… So be it…"

"HAM agrees?" Though he had hoped for such an outcome, still Yongqi was surprised.

"I will grant you the boons you seek, on one condition."

"HAM has only to say what it is."

"When the time comes, I hope you will give me your honest opinion on which of your brothers can handle the position you have so easily given up."

"Yongqi obeys."

And so, shortly after Qing-Ge-Ge's marriage, the palace suffered a tragedy…HZGG had fallen ill from accidentally pricking herself with a poisonous plant. She would never wake. Qing-Ge-Ge's EFu who had, with the help of Royal Family, been searching for his missing sister, soon found her performing martial arts in an effort to attract customers for a local restaurant. XiaoYun was at once reunited with her brother. The whole city knew of it, for Qing-Ge-Ge's EFu had generously provided a feast for all who wished to partake in the celebration at HuiBingLou. It was said that XiaoYun also became fast friends with Qing-Ge-Ge's sister, ZiWei Ge Ge, which enabled her to meet Rong Qing Wang, who had been visiting with the Fu family to discuss a matter of state. RongQingWang, it was said, was reminded of his own sister who had also once been lost and then found. Within a month, he asked for and received permission to marry XiaoYun. XiaoYun, it was said, never forgot the years she spent as a commoner and was a good influence on Rong Qing Wang. Indeed, soon after XiaoYun became Rong Qing Wang Fei, Rong Qing Wang Fu began to host a day, once a month, where the common people knew they could seek an audience with Rong Qing Wang himself to air their grievances against the city's lesser nobles.

Within the Palace, the gossip told of a slightly different story…of how XiaoYun must have been HZGG's reincarnation, though XiaoYun proved to be of a quieter disposition and adhered more to protocol. Everyone thought she was simply intimidated because she had been a commoner for most of her life. Still, it was obvious that Rong Qing Wang was besotted, for he never took another wife or concubine. Those in the know held onto the secret and as HuangShang, LFY, and Yu Fei never whispered any story that was different than what the rest of the city knew, the matter gradually lost its novelty.

As for the youngsters who had set these plans into motion, each pair knew to savor their hard-earned happiness. Life so closely linked to the royal court was not without its difficulties, but the trust and friendship that had been built served them well. Though occasions came when their abilities to plan were still tested, still, they felt that they did each have a happily-ever-after.