Musings

by snowberryrose

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

19. Divergence

NHZGG AU in which ZiWei's near death experience left a more profound effect on XYZ.

Divergence

The Emperor awoke to hear that XYZ had been kneeling in his study since dawn. Frowning, he went to see her as soon as he could.

"Huang Shang!"

The way she addressed him startled him but it was her expression that truly shocked him. Never had he seen Xiao Yan Zi look so serious.

"XYZ, what is the meaning of this?"

"XYZ begs to have a private audience with HuangShang."

"XYZ, get up, what can you say that you can't say standing up?"

XYZ only shook her head stubbornly, "Please. If HuangShang won't agree, then XYZ will continue to kneel."

Exasperated, the emperor dismissed the servants.

"Now will you get up?"

XYZ shook her head and kowtowed instead, "XYZ came here to 请罪."

"请罪? What crime could you have committed?

"Though my actions, I have caused direct harm to a member of the Royal Family. Qing-er taught me that such a crime must be brought to HuangShang's attention."

"Oh? And who have you harmed?"

"ZiWei."

The Emperor frowned, "XYZ…I know you, Qing-er, and ZiWei are close and that your friendship is deep and abiding…I have been lax while we've been on this trip, but once we return home, you must remember that ZiWei is not truly the same as the two of you."

"HuangShang is mistaken."

Just then, Qing-er burst into the room, "Xiao Yan Zi! What are you doing? You can't just…" She turned to the emperor, "Qing-er is sorry to have interrupted. Please, Huang Shang, XYZ has not been in her right mind since ZiWei's injury."

"Qing-er, stop it! Stop trying to protect me. It's my fault that ZiWei almost died. My fault that HHNN tortured her. My fault that she almost lost her ability to play her zither. My fault that she can't even have the recognition of her own father! HuangShang. Xiao Yan Zi is a thief. I grew up an orphan, would steal to stay alive. But I never regretted any of it, not until…not until I stole ZiWei's father."

"XiaoYanZi!" Qing-er turned towards the emperor fearfully.

The emperor looked between the two girls. What did XYZ say? "Stole ZiWei's father? What nonsense are you saying?"

XYZ took a deep breath and declared, "HuangShang, ZiWei is Xia Yu He's daughter."

Utter silence met her words.

The emperor, dumbfounded, looked between the two girls in front of him. At XYZ's grim expression and Qing-er's fearful one.

"Say that again."

XYZ stared him straight in the eyes, "ZiWei is HuangShang's true daughter."

"And that makes you…"

"A thief," XYZ said again.

"HuangShang…" Qing-er started to speak but stopped when the emperor held up his hand.

"You are saying that you are not my daughter but that ZiWei is."

XYZ nodded.

"You do know that lying to the emperor is a death sentence?!"

XYZ nodded again.

"Aren't you afraid that you'll lose your head?!"

"HuangShang…" Qing-er tried again, no doubt to remind the emperor of his promise to ZiWei, but was stopped again.

"I asked Xiao Yan Zi!"

XYZ trembled but said, "I deserve it…if ZiWei had died this time…as it is, the fault is mine and mine alone."

"Yours alone? Impossible!"

XYZ shook her head, "No, Huang Shang must punish the truly guilty one."

"Even now you lie! No. This type of secret…no, Er Kang, Er Tai, Benjamin, Yongqi, even Qing-er must all be part of it…XYZ! You always did make trouble but this time…this time you've outdone yourself!"

XYZ kowtowed, "XYZ is ready to accept willing any punishment."

"Punishment?!" The emperor looked at her prone figure. "Hmmp…XYZ! You're lucky we're not back in the palace yet! You can be sure that you would be imprisoned! As it is…you will go to your room and stay there! You hear me?"

"HuangShang?" Even Qing-er was surprised.

"I don't have the energy to hear your story. I can't even look at you right now! Get out of my sight before I do something drastic!"

Quickly, the two girls left.

When they were out of earshot, Qing-er turned to XYZ, "XYZ…what possessed you to…didn't we talk about waiting until the time was right?"

XYZ just stubbornly shook her head, "Qing-er…ZiWei has been hurt, almost died, way too many times because of me. I'm afraid…I'm afraid when we go back, that everything will still just be the same as before. I couldn't protect her in the past, couldn't protect her this time…how am I to protect her in the future?"

"Where are you going now?"

"To my room. Like HuangShang said."

"XYZ…don't you think you should discuss your actions with everyone else?"

XYZ shook her head again, "No. HuangShang said to go to my room so I will. Qing-er, I leave ZiWei's care to you. And…please warn the others too."

"XYZ!"

XYZ just stepped into her room and closed her door.

"XYZ!"

When no response came, Qing-er sighed and turned to find the others. Yes, they really did need to be warned.

---

"XYZ did what?!" Yongqi looked like he was going to run to speak with the emperor himself before Qing-er stopped him.

"WAG! XYZ behaved without thinking, we don't have the luxury!"

"And ZiWei? How's ZiWei?" ErKang also seemed to be on the verge of running.

"ZiWei is sleeping," Qing-er reassured him, "I looked in on her before coming to find all of you."

"What are we going to do?" Er Tai asked.

"We can't just let XYZ take responsibility for everything!" Benjamin added.

"Of course not!" Qing-er agreed, but before she could elaborate, a servant came.

"HuangShang requests the presence of WAG, Fu da shouye, Fu er shouye, Ban Huan Shi, and Qing-Ge-Ge."

The youngsters looked at each other.

"Nothing we can do now," Er Kang declared resignedly, "Only the truth will do."

When the youngsters arrived, Er Kang and Er Tai were further concerned to see their father kneeling on the floor.

"Ah Ma!"

The emperor looked up at the youngsters.

"Good, you're all here. Now, I want the truth from all of you. What did XYZ mean when she said ZiWei was my daughter?"

The youngsters looked at one another, not certain where to begin.

The emperor looked at them and said impatiently, "Well?! Er Kang, usually you're the one with all the answers, speak up!"

Er Kang, seeing no other course, took a deep breath and spilled the whole story.

"Ah Ma," Yongqi added when he finished, "XYZ told me and Er Tai first…she had been so confused, so overwhelmed with everything when she first woke…she truly didn't intend…"

"Didn't intend!" The emperor's voice rose, "Is this matter something that a simple 'didn't intend' could explain or fix?!"

Silence fell again.

"Er Kang! Your plan was certainly audacious! You know that your marriage is not something you have power over! You know very well that LFY had intended Qing-er for you! I am sorely disappointed in you!"

ErKang lowered his head.

"All of you…all of you has lied to me. How do you think I should punish you?!"

Fu Da Ren kowtowed in panic, "HuangShang. Please. HuangShang, I only have these two sons. Our family has served HuangShang for three generations…"

"FuLun! Don't think to plead on their behalf! You and FuJin also lied! I won't be surprised if LingFei is also involved!"

"HuangShang!" ErKang kowtowed as well, "HuangShang! The fault is mine and ErTai's. Ah Ma and E Niang…it's because of us that they became embroiled. As for Ling Fei Niang Niang…she truly doesn't know about any of this!"

"HuangShang," Benjamin also spoke up, "we are all at fault, not simply XYZ. We are all willing to take responsibility."

"You dare to threaten me?!"

The group all kowtowed at the anger in the emperor's voice.

"XYZ won't escape her punishment…but don't think for a moment that I won't hesitate to behead all of you!"

"HuangShang," Qing-er finally said, "our crime is certain deserving of such and more. But we are still at the Ding's. And with ZiWei still recovering…HuangShang, please be mindful of your image, mindful of losing face for the whole Imperial family."

"Losing face?" The emperor turned towards her, "You dare bring up losing face at a time like this?!"

Still, Qing-er bravely persisted, "I know everyone would willingly go to prison for this crime, but with the recent assassination attempt, surely HuangShang will not leave himself unprotected while the perpetrators are still being rounded up."

The emperor stared at her. Even in the midst of his anger, he knew that her words were not without merit. Trust XYZ to pick such an inconvenient time!

"Fine, I will save your heads for until we return to the Palace. Meanwhile, I will have this matter investigated. With everything that has been said, I don't trust any of you!"

"HuangShang," ErKang threw caution to the wind and dared to ask, "what about ZiWei?"

"ZiWei? ZiWei is wounded. Until I know who she is, none of you are to see her! I will not have you all coming up with more lies to confuse me! So, as of this moment, all of you will be confined to your rooms! We may not be back in the Palace but even the Dings' guards must obey me!"

---

ZiWei woke with a gasp. Just as she had felt strongly that something had gone wrong with XYZ that day in the flower field, she had a sense of foreboding, this time even stronger than the last.

"ZiWei gu niang, you're awake."

ZiWei blinked, "ShuangXi, why are you here?"

"You woke just in time; it's time for your medicine. Here, let me help you."

ZiWei allowed herself to be propped up slightly so that ShuangXi could help raise the bowl to her lips. When ShuangXi returned the bowl to the table, ZiWei tried to ask again, "ShuangXi, where is XYZ?"

"Huang Shang said that HZGG has had too much of a shock these past few days and told her to go rest."

ZiWei nodded but still couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. "And…and everyone else?"

"ZiWei gu niang, you shouldn't worry so much. WAG as well as Fu Da Ren and his sons are busy helping Ding Da Ren with routing out all the assassins."

ZiWei nodded again but still frowned…why did she feel as though ShuangXi was lying?

"ZiWei gu niang. Here, let me change the dressing on your wound."

When ZiWei clenched the bed sheets in pain, ShuangXi immediately stopped. "I'm sorry, let me go retrieve some more of the pain relieving medicine."

ZiWei's hand on her wrist however, stopped her, "No, ShuangXi, no need. I can bear it…that medicine makes my mind feel all muddled."

Against her better judgment, ShuangXi nodded, "I'll try to be gentle, ZiWei gu niang."

ZiWei winced and sweat beaded on her forehead, but not once did she cry out as the bandage was changed.

"You are so very brave," ShuangXi could not help but comment with some admiration as she wiped at ZiWei's forehead with a towel.

ZiWei just smiled faintly, "Not at all. I am just glad that HuangShang is safe."

ShuangXi nodded, "Hu Tai Yi said you must rest, I'll return when it's time for medicine again."

"Thank you ShuangXi."

ShuangXi just smiled before leaving.

ZiWei stared at the canopy above her…she knew she should rest but sleep continued to elude her. The feeling that something was wrong only continued to grow.

When three days passed without the appearance of any of her friends, her unease reached a peak.

"ShuangXi…something's wrong. I know it."

"ZiWei gu niang, what could possibly be wrong?"

ZiWei shook her head, "ShuangXi! Please, stop lying to me."

When ShuangXi wouldn't answer, ZiWei pleaded again "Please, ShuangXi…something's happened…I can't rest well until I know what it is."

"It's time for your medicine again."

"No," ZiWei insisted, "I won't drink it. Not until you tell me."

"Please, ZiWei gu niang. HuangShang sent me to ensure that you recover your strength...if you don't take your medicine, how will I face him?"

"HuangShang sent you?"

ShuangXi froze, realizing her mistake.

"ShuangXi, please…please tell me."

When ShuangXi still wouldn't respond, ZiWei gathered her strength and threw the comforter to the end of the bed. Grabbing hold of the bed frame, she made to stand up.

ShuangXi, startled out of her stupor, immediately tried to stop ZiWei, "ZiWei gu niang, what are you doing? You must rest!"

"HuangShang sent you…I will go seek an audience with him myself."

"ZiWei gu niang! Please don't! You'll just cause more trouble for everyone! They're already in so much danger!"

At these words, ZiWei gasped and stopped her struggles.

"What danger?! Who's in danger?! ShuangXi, you must tell me!"

ShuangXi burst into tears, "I can't…HuangShang said that you're not to know. On pain of death….I can't say!"

"Pain of death…" Oh no!

"ShuangXi…at least tell me…the others…"

"They're safe for the moment."

"For the moment?"

"I…I've already said too much. ZiWei gu niang, please, they're merely under house arrest…until, until Fu Liu Shu returns from JiNan."

"From JiNan?!"

ShuangXi eyes widened again, "Please, please don't ask anymore!"

Seeing the distress she was causing ShuangXi, ZiWei relented, "I won't. I promise. I'm sorry ShuangXi, if I placed you in a difficult situation. I do want to thank you for taking care of me."

Relieved, ShuangXi merely shook her head, "I can tell that XiaoJie and you have become friends. XiaoJie has been so very lonely, I am glad that she can call you friend."

"Even though it seems I have brought her and everyone else nothing but trouble…" ZiWei muttered to herself. Still, she obediently took the medicine that ShuangXi provided.

The days passed and ZiWei gradually grew stronger. Still, the only people she saw were ShuangXi, some of the maids at the Ding manor, and Hu Tai Yi. When she was deemed strong enough to stand and even encouraged to walk around to rebuild her strength, she tried to leave her room to go seek her friends. To her surprise, when she opened the door, she found guards blocking her way.

"I'm sorry gu niang," the guard said, "but by orders of the emperor, you must remain in this room."

"By orders of the emperor? Did he say why?"

The guard only shook his head, "We do not ask questions, gu niang, but merely follow our orders."

ZiWei thanked him and closed the door again. She paced the room, her mind thinking of all the possible worst case scenarios. If only there was a way to communicate with the others! But she didn't even know where they were or if…or if they were still alive…She shook herself. No, ShuangXi said they were safe for the moment…she had no choice but to trust ShuangXi. Still…if only there was a way to know for certain…this silence was truly maddening.

She stopped suddenly. Of course! Silence…She could not pass any messages but perhaps…

When ShuangXi entered with dinner, ZiWei asked, "ShuangXi, being stuck in this room is very dull…do you think I would be allowed to have a guqin to pass the time?"

ShuangXi hesitated, "I will have to ask."

"Please do," ZiWei pleaded, "I think I'll go mad from inactivity soon."

ShuangXi nodded.

The next day evening, ZiWei had her instrument. Thanking ShuangXi profusely, ZiWei set to making sure the instrument was cleaned and well-tuned. That evening, she opened a window and began to play. Her fifth time through the group's song, she heard it…the faint sound of a violin answering her…

Tears poured down her face as she felt relief engulfed her spirit. If Benjamin was alright then surely…surely the rest of them were as well!

---

The emperor stared at a spot in the air right in front of him, as though lost in thought.

"HuangShang," Fu Liu Shu asked after the three commoners had been dismissed, "What other orders does HuangShang have?"

When the emperor didn't ask, Fu Liu Shu tried again, "HuangShang?"

The emperor startled, "How trustworthy were those three?"

"HuangShang…the midwife has no reasons to lie. As for the other two…they have a reputation for being nasty in temperament, are prone to acting in self-interest, and have a few outstanding complaints against them locally…still, cheng does have other witnesses who can corroborate their testimony."

"Indeed?"

"Only a few shopkeepers would deal with Xiao Yu He and even then, never directly…Aside from a maid, the family had two other servants who ran errands. Xia Yu He hardly ever left her home and refused to see any visitors, not even instructors for her daughter. Instead, she taught her daughter everything herself. When Xia Yu He died, her daughter sold all their property, gave generous portions to the family servants, and left JiNan."

"Where are the servants now?"

"The two older ones had served the Xia family since Xia Yu He was a child…they have since both passed away."

"And the maid?"

"The maid left with Xia Yu He's daughter."

"What was her name?"

"The maid, HuangShang?"

"No, Xia Yu He's daughter."

"As the midwife said, Xiao Yu He named her daughter for the flowers that bloomed at the time of the birth…"

"ZiWei."

Fu Liu Shu nodded, "HuangShang…"

"The couple…you said there were outstanding complaints against them?"

"Yes."

"I want them persecuted to the full extent…no, even more so."

"HuangShang?"

"I will not have loose ends in this case."

"Cheng understands…and the midwife?"

"She will bear careful watching. If she keeps this secret, then she may keep her life."

"It shall be as HuangShang commands."

"You have done well."

"Forgive cheng's audacity, but what does HuangShang plan to do about…"

The emperor understood his meaning. "That is not of your concern."

Fu Liu Shu nodded and, knowing that such a reply was a dismissal, took his leave.

---

That evening, the emperor took a walk around the Ding estate. Subconsciously, his steps led him towards ZiWei's room. As he drew near, he heard the sound of her guqin. Closer, and he heard her voice as she sang the group's song. He made shushing motions to the guards and simply stood a moment outside door and just listened. How daring the lyrics were! Did the children write these lyrics?

He pushed open the door.

ZiWei looked up and froze.

As the emperor walked into the room, she remembered her manners, "HuangShang."

"ZiWei. Your song…did your E Niang write this one too?"

"No. Benjamin composed the tune and the rest of us helped fill in the lyrics."

"The rest of you?"

ZiWei nodded and explained which of the youngsters had come up with which lines.

The HuangShang repeated the first few lines. "Those are the vows you and ErKang made to each other, aren't they?"

ZiWei's eyes widened and she immediately knelt, "ZiWei knows that she should not have, that she does not have the qualifications…"

"Qualifications…and what qualifications would those be?"

"ZiWei knows…knows that ErKang is meant to marry a Ge Ge."

"Yes…yes…he was…it's why you followed his plans, isn't it?"

"HuangShang?"

The emperor sighed, "You are still recovering. Don't kneel anymore."

ZiWei hesitantly stood.

"I once made promises too, though I did not keep them."

ZiWei stayed silent, her heart pounding.

"I promised to go back for your E Niang, but I didn't…had I known that you existed, nothing would have kept me away! You believe that, don't you?"

"HuangShang?"

"XYZ confessed."

"Confessed?"

"ZiWei, all this time, you have been at my side…yet again and again I came so close to losing you…can you forgive your Ah Ma? For not protecting you?"

ZiWei felt tears well up. Surely he didn't mean…"HuangShang…"

"HuangShang? Don't you think it's time you finally called me by the correct title?"

"ZiWei doesn't dare."

"Doesn't dare? Oh my daughter! Now that I know the truth…I am asking you, despite everything, do you still want to acknowledge your Huang Ah Ma?"

ZiWei's tears turned into sobs, causing the emperor to gather her into his arms, "My dear child…how you have suffered…"

ZiWei finally gathered enough control of herself to murmur, "Huang…Huang Ah Ma."

The emperor sighed as a tear fell from his eyes, "What precious words! What a wonderful gift you have given me."

When ZiWei quieted, the emperor asked, "ZiWei, will you play that song for me, one more time?"

Wiping away her remaining tears, ZiWei moved to comply.

In the silence that ensued, she dared to ask, "Huang Ah Ma, what is to become of everyone?"

The emperor sighed, "Yongqi is my son; how can I bear to hurt my own child? Similarly, you are my daughter; how can I harm ErKang or any of the Fu's? LFY will surely protect Qing-er. As for Benjamin, I promised his master to bring him back safely."

"And Xiao Yan Zi?"

"Yes. Xiao Yan Zi. She willingly admitted her crime and volunteered to pay the price."

"But HAM! You promised!"

"So I did. But though she may escape the death penalty, I cannot allow her to continue living a lie. You are the true, the only, Huan Zhu Ge Ge. And she…as she said, she is a thief. Someone must take the fall for this situation."

"Take the fall?" What hope ZiWei had felt at the emperor's initial words were dashed.

"She had always wanted to be released from the Palace. Well, I will grant her wish."

"HAM…you mean…"

"The official records will say, of course, that the imposter was killed. But I left enough promises to your E Niang unfulfilled. I will not repeat the same mistake with you. I will allow XYZ to leave with her life intact."

ZiWei felt tears return, "HAM…please, remember our song; all of us, we can no longer be parted. Just as you wouldn't harm ErKang because of me, surely you can forgive XYZ for WAG's sake?"

"It's precisely because of Yongqi that I must do this! Yongqi is meant for great things, a different future! I will not have him throw it all away for a youthful fancy!"

"HAM…" ZiWei pleaded.

"Enough. ZiWei. You are my daughter. You should also learn that being a part of the Royal family involves sacrifice. Count yourself lucky that I can approve of you and ErKang."

"May I…may I at least say goodbye?"

"No. It's better this way. Rest well, ZiWei. Once Hu Tai Yi gives his blessing, we will return to BeiJing."

ZiWei watched as the emperor left and felt her heart break. She had thought, had thought that she only wished for her father's recognition, for a chance to be with ErKang. And yet… now that she was to have both…

Though the emperor had made his decision, he also did not trust himself to say goodbye to XYZ. For all her faults, he had come to think of her as a true daughter. But no…he was the ruler of a realm. Qing-er had been right. This whole matter, he needed to preserve face for the whole Royal family.

Fu Liu Shu was sent in the emperor's stead to tell XYZ her fate. She was provided with a horse and enough moneys and jewels to live quite comfortably. XYZ had been uncharacteristically quiet as she listened to the instructions and merely nodded in acquiescence. Fu Liu Shu, who had also become fond of the girl during this trip south, could only sigh. Still, the emperor had made his will known; he could only follow his instructions.

As Fu Liu Shu was about to step over the threshold on his way out, however, XYZ finally spoke, "Fu Liu Shu, please… if you'll give ZiWei a message for me. Please."

He turned around to see her on her knees, tears brimming over in her big eyes. Against his better judgment, he nodded.

XYZ inclined her head in thanks, "Please, please tell her that she needs to be happy. XYZ will always, always remember our sisterhood."

"Do you have any other messages you wish to impart?"

XYZ's tears spilled down her cheeks, "Tell all of them…XYZ is thankful to have been able to been their friend. And…and tell them not to forget to laugh."

Fu liu Shu sighed and nodded, "XYZ…I will pass along your messages."

And so, before the sun had a chance to chase away the remaining darkness, a side door of the Ding manor opened and a young lady stepped out, leading a horse. She took one more look behind her before hoisting herself up into the saddle and riding off. Behind her, Fu Liu Shu shook his head and closed the door. Had he waited a moment longer, he would have seen another rider appear on the empty streets and follow XYZ.

It was a somber group who returned to BeiJing. The emperor had kept all the youngsters under close watch so that they were never unchaperoned. And so, though Yongqi wanted to, he had no opportunity to chase off after XYZ. Instead, he and Benjamin could only trade sorrowful looks. As for Er Kang and Er Tai, the ramification of ruin for their parents and Ling Fei Niang Niang was a heavy burden. Besides, the fear that the emperor would not spare ZiWei either remained in the back of ErKang's mind. Within the carriage, Qing-er tried to carry the conversation, but neither the emperor nor ZiWei seemed willing to talk and so she too soon also lapsed into silence. Qing-er was not naïve as ZiWei and so she had found the emperor's decision easier to bear. Still, seeing the sadness among her friends, she could not but also share a little in their heartache.

Once back in the palace, the emperor made his edicts. XYZ, the imposter, had been justly punished and ZiWei was declared the true Ge Ge. As her carriage rolled through the streets of the city after she had received the official seal, however, ZiWei could not but feel detached. Was it really so recently that she had chased after the carriage holding XYZ? Where was XYZ now? She was deeply frustrated when she overheard the gossip in the palace, that XYZ had held her knowledge of ZiWei and ErKang's romance as leverage to make sure that ZiWei remained downtrodden and afraid to voice the truth. But she found that she was powerless to make such blackening of XYZ's character stop. She was, after all, no match for the well-practiced vindictiveness of HuangHou Niang Niang. Only at Qing-er's urgings did she stop trying. Dear Qing-er...Qing-er stayed true to their friendship and made ZiWei see that she needed to learn to protect herself. And so, ZiWei learned to smile even when she would rather cry, learned to project an image of sweetness even when she would rather scream in frustration, and learned to lift her head high even as the words of others hurt her sensitive nature. Only with ErKang did she let down her guard, and that was only because of ErKang's persistence. He wouldn't let her close in on herself, wouldn't let her be swallowed by her grief and guilt. She found that though she could not forgive her father for his decision regarding XYZ, still, she appreciated that the emperor kept his promise and appointed her marriage to ErKang.

The rumors that Princess SaiYa was to be betrothed to Yongqi reminded ZiWei that she was not the only one suffering. She wondered if it was more helpful or harmful that the Princess was so much like XYZ. She was not surprised that he should come to ShuFangZhai to seek a moment of peace. Brother and sister had sat across from each other in the courtyard, each alone with their thoughts.

Finally, ZiWei asked, "WAG, about Princess SaiYa…"

"I can't marry her. I won't." His hands were clenched into fists.

"WAG…"

"It's not fair!" His fist slammed onto the table.

ZiWei shook her head, "Yongqi…I have come to realize…we do not have such power. Besides…XYZ, she lives, she is free, as she's always wanted to be. Should we not celebrate that she is not entrapped like we are?"

Whether it was her use of his given name or the uttering of XYZ's name, Yongqi finally broke down and cried.

ZiWei passed him her handkerchief, "Remember her message to us. She would want us to keep laughing."

Yongqi quieted and said, "I know…if not SaiYa, HAM will find someone else…sometimes, sometimes I wish I could leave this all behind."

"But you can't."

"No. The concepts of filial duty, it's too deeply ingrained. My E Niang…"

ZiWei nodded in understanding.

"Even HAM," Yongqi admitted after a moment, "despite everything…he is not simply a father, but a ruler."

ZiWei nodded again. Yes. She had been so naïve, to think that the emperor of the country could merely be her father. Still... "HAM is not made of stone. I can tell he is also hurting."

Yongqi sighed and returned her handkerchief, "Thank you, ZiWei."

"I only do as a sister should."

"While I have not behaved as a brother should…for that, I am sorry."

ZiWei just smiled, "XYZ's spirit is as dazzling as fireworks…WAG, this palace, it would have destroyed her. HAM's decision…he meant to save her."

"You are not meant for this palace either, meimei. I am glad that at least you and ErKang will have your happiness."

---

ErTai surprised everyone by turning Princess Saiya's attention to himself. When Yongqi approached him to offer his thanks, ErTai merely shrugged, "All of us, we have been through too much to need thanks. After everything, the lesson I have learned is that there is no perfect timing, there is no plan that's foolproof…when provided with an opportunity for happiness, we must waste no time in seizing it."

Shortly after ErTai left for his bride's homeland, HuangShang felt that it was time for ErKang and ZiWei to marry as well. When the date was announced, HHNN made a last ditch effort to discredit ZiWei. Fortunately, the frightened midwife had been in contact with Fu Liu Shu. She followed the instructions she had been given and played along, up to the point that she was brought before LFY. The emperor arrived to see the midwife huddled in a miserable heap, ZiWei kneeling with tears in her eyes, and JinSuo shielding her mistress from the fury on LFY's face.

"What is the meaning of this?!" He demanded.

"HuangShang," HHNN said, "has HuangShang never considered that ZiWei and XYZ were both lying?"

"HuangDi," LFY also spoke up, "you had reassured me that you had ample evidence but this woman's testimony…"

The emperor turned to the midwife, "Who was it that found you?"

"Pu gong gong."

The emperor turned to his mother's chief eunuch, "Is that true, Pu gong gong?"

"Your servant only lives to serve."

The emperor stared at Pu gong ong until the eunuch felt uneasy. Turning, the emperor personally went to ZiWei's side and raised her to her feet, "ZiWei, my daughter. Forgive me for letting you suffer another injustice."

"HuangShang!" HHNN's voice rang out, but the emperor just ignored her.

Instead, he turned towards the midwife, "You have done well. Fu Liu Shu will see to your rewards."

The midwife, knowing she had been dismissed, left in relief.

"JinSuo," the emperor continued, "thank you for protecting your mistress, please take ZiWei Ge Ge back to Shu Fang Zhai. Qing-er, go with them, I don't trust these two not to think of other ways to harm ZiWei! Gao Yuan and Gao Da are outside waiting to guard all three of you."

"HuangShang, you can't just let them go so easily!" LFY spoke up.

The emperor turned towards his mother, "I can and I will."

Turning back to the young ladies, he smiled encouragingly, "Go now."

ZiWei and Qing-er looked at each other and then hurried to obey.

Once the three young ladies were gone, the emperor finally turned towards the empress, "HuangHou…I've ignored the lies you've been spreading about XYZ, ignored the insults you throw at ZiWei, ignored the way you continuously try to poison LFY against her grand-daughter. But this time…this time you have gone too far!"

"Cheng qie was only trying to protect HuangShang."

"Protect me? Against what?! Did you not think that I would have been thorough in my investigations? ZiWei is my daughter; that is a fact. That midwife's testimony…Pu gong gong, don't think I don't know how much money you offered her! If I hadn't asked Fu Liu Shu to keep tabs on her, then my poor ZiWei would have been forced to die just like XYZ was! HuangHou, is it not enough that I already lost one daughter?!"

LFY gasped as the events of the day were placed into context, "HuangShang…you're saying…"

"Well, HuangHou, will you be honest now?!"

RMM quickly knelt, "HuangShang. Please! Niang Niang doesn't know anything about this! It was me! It was me who planned it and convinced Niang Niang that we could deal with ZiWei."

"Deal with ZiWei?! She is a Ge Ge! How dare you address her so informally! ZiWei is one of the gentlest, kindest, most honest people I have ever met…to have you say her name is to sully it! Don't think I forgot how she almost died at your hands when she first came to the palace! I wouldn't punish you then, because ZiWei was forgiving. But she's not here to speak for you this time! Guards! Take RMM for immediate beheading!"

"HuangShang!" HHNN was at last moved to kneel, "Please. RMM has served cheng qie for many years…please, HuangShang, spare her life."

"Spare her life? You are not in a position to beg for anybody's life! Since you're so attached to her, then why don't you keep her company in the afterlife?!"

"HuangShang," LFY spoke up then, "I know HuangShang is angry. I am upset as well, at having been lied to…HuangShang can take RMM's life, but HuangHou is still Mistress of the Inner Palace..."

The emperor looked at his mother. Truthfully, he had expected the dowager empress to speak up for the empress. "Very well. Since Huang E Niang has spoken. Huang Hou! From this day on, you will be on house arrest. You will have no visitors and pay no visits. You will live, but this palace is no longer yours to manage! Guards! Escort Huang Hou back to her residence!"

When the cries of HHNN and RMM faded away, the emperor spoke again to his mother, "LFY. Pu Gong Gong is your servant. I will leave his punishment to you. I trust that LFY will give ZiWei justice."

With one last disgusted look at Pu Gong Gong, the emperor left to check on his daughter.

LFY looked at the eunuch and sighed, "Even after all these years…even my servant can still be bought. Guards, take Pu Gong Gong. His fate will be the same as that of RMM."

---

Seeing that ZiWei and Qing-er were shaken but unharmed, the emperor gave a succinct summary of the events of the day and then departed.

Qing-er, seeing that ZiWei was quiet, asked worriedly, "ZiWei, you're not thinking of asking HuangShang to forgive HHNN, are you?"

ZiWei shook her head, "No. No I'm not. Perhaps…perhaps at one time I would have. But now…now I just feel vindictive. She deserves it. For all she said about XYZ and about my mother…she deserves it."

Still, tears fell from her eyes, "Oh Qing-er, does that make me an awful person? I want so much to be the bigger person, to forgive…but I can't do it, not this time."

"Your reaction is only human, ZiWei."

"I keep thinking of how XYZ would have reacted…surely even she wouldn't have wanted death!"

"XYZ…" Qing-er sighed, "there now…ZiWei, I am glad ErKang will soon take you away from all of this…"

As though her words had summoned him, ErKang entered the courtyard. Seeing ZiWei's teary face, he immediate went to her side, "ZiWei? What happened?"

"ErKang!" ZiWei could only sob and cling to him.

ErKang looked helplessly at Qing-er, "HuangShang told me to come to ShuFangZhai when I arrived for my shift, but he didn't say the reason."

Qing-er just sighed and told him what she knew.

"Ah." ErKang turned to the still weeping girl in his arms, "There now, ZiWei. You are not a terrible person for not stopping HuangShang. Stop feeling conflicted, alright?"

ZiWei raised her head to look at him, "How did you…"

ErKang just smiled gently and wiped at her tears, "I'm your Zi Wei Lang, remember?"

Qing-er, seeing that ZiWei was in good hands, quietly left the two alone.

As she walked through the palace, she couldn't help but feel wistful. To have someone care about her, treasure her, like ErKang did ZiWei…but what use was wishing? She was too realistic, too practical, to let such dreams occupy her thoughts. No, LFY was no doubt shaken by the events of the day as well. She had to attend to her own duty.

Still, that night, in the privacy of her own room, she couldn't help but bring out the piece of fabric that she had saved…if only…

With HHNN's punishment, the balance of power shifted. Ling Fei, though young, proved more than capable. The first major event under her management was the wedding of ZiWei and ErKang. With great ceremony, the wedding party made its way from the palace, through the streets of the city, and towards XueShiFu. Beyond the cheering crowds, there were two cloaked figures hidden in the shadows.

When the carriage finally entered its destination, the taller of the two figures said quietly to the smaller one.

"XiaoYun, you've seen with your own eyes now, your sworn sister is happy."

The shorter figure nodded. "Ge (big brother), thank you for bearing with me."

"We can't tarry long in this city…you're supposed to be dead, remember?"

"Yes. Yes you're right. Let's go home."

He sighed, "Not yet."

She turned towards him in surprise, "I thought you were impatient to go. And Da Li is so very far away. Coming here…it was already a risk."

Her brother just shook his head, "You will always wonder if they all are safe and happy. I'll try to find out for you…only then, will you truly be able to call Da Li home."

XiaoYun wiped away a tear, "Thank you, ge."

"Come now…I'll introduce you to my friends in the country. They have plenty of space, so we can continue your martial arts training."

---

XiaoJian kept his promise. Knowing that getting news of the Inner Palace would take time and more planning, he decided to take a room at HuiBingLou. He watched as brother and sister worked hard at their business. Yes. These two were honesty, diligent folks. He was glad that his sister had such good caretakers in her youth. He wasn't prepared to see another young woman join them. From the way they reacted, neither were Liu Qing and Liu Hong.

"JinSuo! What are you doing here?"

JinSuo just laughed, "What? You don't trust me to be of help?"

"Of course we trust you!" LiuHong said, "Only…how can you be here?"

"Since XiaoJie married…there's not much for me to do at XueShiFu. The Fu's have more than enough maids you know! And Laoye even had the six servants from ShuFangZhai move there as part of XiaoJie's dowry. Not to mention that Fu Da Ren, Fu Jin, and ErKang shouye are all very attentive and ensure that XiaoJie could want for nothing. So I talked it over with XiaoJie…I wanted to feel useful."

"Well, we could certainly use the help! Since Benjamin has decided to visit and play tunes on that violin of his, business could not be better!"

JinSuo nodded, "Even with XYZ gone…we are all still friends!"

LiuHong looked a little sad at the mention of XYZ's name. Not one for melancholy, however, she soon perked up, "Well then, let's put you to work!"

JinSuo just laughed and joined the bustle.

When LiuQing saw JinSuo, XiaoJian was amused to see the slight awkwardness between them. Ah, his sister will appreciate this little tidbit!

He continued to keep watch. Yes, the three of them were a good team, surely his sister can rest easier now. Based on LiuHong's words, he also waited. His patience was rewarded when he heard the sound of a violin. Smiling, he took his xiao in hand and walked down the stairs towards Benjamin.

"XiaoJian!" Benjamin was delighted when their duet ended. "What are you doing here?!"

"I didn't think my travels would take me here either, but perhaps it was fate!"

"Qing-er will be so glad to hear that I've found you!"

"Qing-er?"

Benjamin nodded, "She told us all about how you saved her, both times! Now that I've found you, I'm sure she'll want to speak to Laoye so that you can be rewarded."

"Really, Qing-er gu niang is too kind…"

"Nonsense! It was a stressful day for everyone. Of course…we've had a lot of stress after that day too…" His expression sobered for a moment before he grinned again, "but yes, you're right, this must be fate! I must tell ZiWei and ErKang as well."

"And how are your friends?"

"They are your friends too, XiaoJian! ZiWei and ErKang are married now, though after ErTai was married first."

"Oh? The younger brother married before the older one?"

Benjamin laughed at XiaoJian's obvious amusement, "Yes, you can be sure that we teased ErKang about it! But he's a good sport and, seeing him and ZiWei so happy…well, it's difficult to continue teasing him."

"Goodness, are the rest of you to be married as well?"

Benjamin laughed again, "I fear I'm destined to be alone in this lifetime! But AiQi and Qing-er…well…"

"Ah, are they a couple as well?"

"Not exactly…though our elders have that intent."

Seeing that Benjamin was hesitant to say more on the matter, XiaoJian decided to ask, "What about XYZ?"

"XYZ…" Benjamin's smile definitely seemed strained, "XYZ…I'm afraid she passed from illness not soon after we returned."

"Oh no! Such a spirited young lady! It really is a shame!"

"Yes…yes…a most definite shame."

"Benjamin!" The young man was visibly relieved when LiuQing came up to him, "will you be making your Italian noodles again? The man who ordered it last time has been sorely disappointed that we only offer it when you come visit!"

"Someone's been asking for my Italian noodles?!"

LiuQing laughed, "Multiple someone's in fact! The dearth of supply has surely made it popular!"

"Yes!" Benjamin's smile had returned, "then I cannot disappoint! XiaoJian, since you are staying here, we will have plenty of time to catch up!"

"Oh? You two know each other?" LiuQing looked from one to the other.

"Yes. Our recent performance wasn't the first time we had played a duet!" XiaoJian answered.

Benjamin nodded, "And hopefully not the last either! LiuQing, XiaoJian is one of us…we met him during our travels with LaoYe."

"Ah," LiuQing said simply, "well then, XiaoJian, well met!"

XiaoJian smiled, "Benjamin, see, I was right…the group of you are special!"

"Special?" Benjamin genuinely seemed puzzled.

"With your open-hearted camaraderie and friendship." XiaoJian explained, "This friendship, I will take!"

Benjamin just laughed and nodded before departing to make his Italian noodles.

"Since you are a friend," Liu Qing said, "please don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything."

XiaoJian just nodded.

He watched as LiuQing went back to work and then as Benjamin brought out his noodles personally to the small table that had ordered it. Benjamin presented the plate with a flourish, causing XiaoJian to smile. It had almost been too easy. His sisters' friends…they were all truly good people. He felt a little guilty at lying to Benjamin. Still…his sister came first. Especially after what she had experienced, he must protect her.

Later, he and Benjamin had a chance to chat more in depth.

In the privacy of his room, XiaoJian felt more comfortable asking for more details about his sister's friends.

"Benjamin, how are your friends, truly? XYZ's death…it cannot have been easy."

Benjamin sighed, "No, it hasn't been. LiuQing and LiuHong have always supported each other. ZiWei fortunately has ErKang. Yongqi and I have been like brothers since our youth. But Qing-er…"

"Surely Qing-er has Yongqi just as ZiWei has ErKang?"

Benjamin shook his head, "No…Qing-er and Yongqi…no."

"But I thought you said…"

"It's merely the wish of our elders."

"Neither Qing-er nor Yongqi wish for matrimony?"

"No…I fear, Yongqi and I are similar in that…" Benjamin paused, as though realizing he had said too much. He smiled sadly, "Qing-er's guardian had wished for her to marry ErKang. But Qing-er, in consideration for ZiWei, refused."

"She refused?"

Benjamin smiled a little, "You shouldn't underestimate Qing-er. She has a mind and will of her own. Of all the ladies back home, she is one of the strongest."

XiaoJian was silent as he thought on the brief encounters he had with Qing-er. Yes. Surely Benjamin spoke truly.

"She will be so glad that I've encountered you!"

"I do not wish for reward. Besides, I did not intend to stay in BeiJing long."

"Oh? That reminds me. I never asked, what did bring you to BeiJing?"

"I am seeking my younger sister." XiaoJian wasn't sure why he decided to tell Benjamin the truth.

"Your sister?"

XiaoJian nodded, "We had been separated when we were younger…I traced her to a nunnery in BeiJing but sadly, she disappeared and her guardian was never able to find her."

"Which nunnery? Maybe we can help."

"I would not wish to trouble you."

"It'll be no trouble at all!" Benjamin insisted, "Since you will not take monetary reward, then think of our help as repayment for saving Qing-er."

"I appreciate your offer, but it's a matter of more than a decade ago…the trail has long gone cold. Who's to say that my sister is still in BeiJing? The fate of lost children…"

Benjamin frowned, "Still…we are not without resources of our own. You are not a BeiJing native…please, will you let us try?"

XiaoJian continued to shake his head, "I can't ask you to waste your time and energy on my personal matter…"

"Waste? It would not be a waste! Besides, if XYZ were here, she'd demand to help whether you like it or not. In her memory, will you accept our help?"

XiaoJian shook his head. His sisters' friends were surely as stubborn as she was. "Very well."

Benjamin smiled widely, "Wonderful! Now, what's your sister's name?"

"XiaoYun."

"Yun like the clouds?"

XiaoJian nodded.

"How old would she be now?"

"Nineteen."

"Nineteen?"

"I am five years older than my sister. The last time I saw her…she was but six months old."

"Is there anything that can be used to identify her should we find her?"

"She has a particular birthmark on her right shoulder…in the shape of a swallow bird."

"A swallow bird." Benjamin fell silent before he seemed to shake himself, "It surely is fate…now then, what's the name of the nunnery?"

And so XiaoJian told him the basics of what he knew. In truth, he had visited the monastery already after he and XYZ first arrived in BeiJing. Though he had believed in his own intuition, still, he needed to know…the story he was told matched well what XYZ had remembered of her childhood. He never thought to ask XYZ about her birthmark, just as he hadn't told her about visiting the nunnery. He didn't think there was a need. He had already identified her as his sister. And in turn, she had accepted him as her brother. It was enough.

"I'll tell the others too."

"Thank you."

Benjamin just clapped his shoulder, "We're friends, no need for thanks! Now then, I must return. If I don't finish the painting on time, I fear my master will draw circles on my face again."

"Circles on your face?"

Benjamin just shook his head, "Oh no. It's too shameful! Just promise me…don't leave BeiJing yet, not without letting us try?"

XiaoJiang smiled, "Alright, my friend."

In retrospect, XiaoJian should have expected ErKang to find him. From what he had observed, ErKang was the group's leader for all that Yongqi was the one with the highest title.

"XiaoJian! Benjamin tells me that you're looking for your sister?"

"He surely wasted no time."

ErKang just laughed, "You're our friend…your search is important. But I do have a few more questions."

"I'm afraid I don't know much more than what I've told Benjamin."

"Not about the nunnery..."

At XiaoJian's questioning look, ErKang continued in a more serious tone, "Your story…it's incomplete. Why were you and your sister parted? Where is your home? What happened to your parents? What calamity could have befallen your family that you waited nineteen years to seek her?"

"Those are all valid questions."

"But you do not intend to answer them."

XiaoJian inclined his head.

ErKang studied him, "Then why did you accept our help?"

XiaoJian was quiet.

"Because Benjamin used XYZ's name. Because…because you had already found your sister."

XiaoJian face revealed enough of his shock for ErKang to feel comfortable about his own hypotheses.

"You cannot forget that my wife was XYZ's sworn sister. The birthmark…it belonged to XYZ. It wasn't purely coincidental that we crossed paths. Nor was it accidental that you spoke with Benjamin."

"You sound very certain."

"I admit, these thoughts were but conjectures. But your silence is enough to convince me of their truth."

"You powers of deduction surely make you much valued to the emperor. It is not surprising that he had you marry his daughter."

ErKang merely nodded. He had suspected that XiaoJian knew their identities.

XiaoJian asked, "You don't seem surprised either."

"The story of Huan Zhu Ge Ge…it has been a source of gossip in this city. It's not surprising that you should know of it. I also made no effort to hide my last my name from you. It would be easy for you to find out who I am, who all our friends are."

"What are your true questions?"

"What are your true plans? Hearing of your sister's death from Benjamin, you would surely want revenge."

"You are an Imperial Bodyguard. Why would I admit such plans to you?"

"Because I also have people I must protect. Not simply Laoye."

"You refer to your wife."

"Not just ZiWei…. XiaoJian. You are not lacking in intelligence. Even should you succeed…Laoye has not indicated an heir as yet, his death would throw the country into chaos. You are well-educated; can you not remember what we have been taught about the war among the princes? Who was it that truly suffered during that time of upheaval and uncertainty? Laoye has ruled these many years and brought peace and prosperity to the land. He is a good emperor. He cares for the people. Surely you saw for yourself as you followed our journey south that he wants to right wrongs, to appoint good officials, and to ensure that the common people can live well?"

"My grief and anger towards your Laoye is not just because of XYZ."

"XYZ? XiaoJian. Laoye's decision…don't you see, it allowed her to live."

"But if it weren't for him, my sister would never have been in danger! If it weren't for him, my family would still be whole!"

"What?"

XiaoJian turned towards ErKang, "You had asked me to complete my story…My family hails from HangZhou. My father was XiaoZhiHang. Our family was not lacking in wealth, but my father was also known for his just and righteous character. He was a true jianghu hero. But your Laoye…he had him killed. My mother split up her children, for our safety. I was sent south, to Da Li, while my sister was sent north, to BeiJing. My godparents brought me up, ensured my education, found me a good master who taught me lessons in forgiveness. I didn't understand, not until two years ago, when they finally told me the truth about my family. Since then, I've been searching for my sister."

"What was your father's crime?"

"Treason."

"On what grounds?"

"Grounds?"

"Such a crime requires a thorough investigation, requires involvement of officials in the capital. If your father was truly killed for treason, then there should be records."

"You don't believe me."

"I do…but during our trip south, on one of our first stops, we had seen a case where the local official's brother abused his authority and framed the local landowners with supposed treason. The family killed themselves, leaving the peasants and farmers vulnerable. Having met you…I can easily imagine that your father must have been an impressive man. I want to ensure that something similar did not happen to your family."

"I…I never thought…"

"Why would you? Your spirit is righteous."

"As is yours."

ErKang inclined his head in thanks but said, "I am no stranger to the lengths people will go for power and to obtain their selfish goals. In addition, Qing-er had similar suspicions."

"Qing-er?"

"Qing-er is clever. Like me, she has also seen much."

"I am surprised that you would discuss this matter with Qing-er and not ZiWei."

As always, ErKang smiled as he thought of his wife, "I have no secrets from ZiWei…she was present for our discussion. But ZiWei…ZiWei's nature is optimistic. Her eyes have been opened to the darkness within man, but her inherent goodness ensures that she still remains hopeful. She is not yet jaded; she keeps me from becoming jaded."

He turned serious again, "XiaoJian, I would like to inform Laoye of this matter."

"What?"

"Laoye…he misses XYZ. We all do. If he can help return honor to XYZ's family…I think he would. It will bring him peace. And…and it will buy both WAG and Qing-er some time."

"Time?"

"Surely you heard from Benjamin that our elders wish for him and Qing-er to marry. They have successfully avoided a betrothal thus far, but we all know time is not on our side. If WAG volunteers to investigate this matter, however, it will help delay the inevitable."

"And it will give him an opportunity to seek my sister as well."

ErKang nodded, "Yes. Yongqi's feelings for XYZ…"

"I won't let him find her."

ErKang was surprised again, "You know where XYZ is."

XiaoJian nodded. "Even if your Laoye is not at fault…I will not let my sister return to that gilded prison. Not when she's finally free."

"I cannot fault you," ErKang admitted, "When I had sent ZiWei into the Palace, I thought I knew the dangers…but time and again, I was caught off-guard…now that she's finally at my side, I will do all in my power to ensure that she remains protected."

XiaoJian nodded in understanding. "You may speak to your Laoye. But I am leaving and taking XYZ with me. We had stayed because she wanted to ensure everyone's safety. I will inform her that I have spoken with both you and Benjamin. I would give her that peace of mind."

ErKang nodded. Perhaps it was for the best.

"If…if my father was truly framed…then I must offer my thanks in advance."

"ZiWei and XYZ are sisters. You are thus family; there can be no debts between us. ZiWei will be glad to know that XYZ is safe."

"And shaoye?"

"Will also know that XYZ is safe…he will still insist on searching for her, I know he will. But you never did tell me where you and XYZ were going."

The two young gentlemen shared a look. XiaoJian knew very well that ErKang had deduced that he was taking XYZ back to Da Li.

Inclining his head, XiaoJian just said, "Thank you."

---

ZiWei was indeed ecstatic that not only was XYZ safe, but that she had found true family. ErKang felt his own unease lessen as ZiWei's smiles and laughter returned more often; the lightening of her spirit also increased his own happiness. When ZiWei went into the Palace to visit Qing-er and tell her the news, Qing-er was also happy for her friend. Still, as she thought on XiaoJian, she could not but feel wistful. She wondered, if circumstances had been different…

"Qing-er?" ZiWei dared to ask her friend a question that had been on her mind since the group's journey south, "Are you…that is…now that Benjamin has found XiaoJian…"

Qing-er just shook her head, "ZiWei. I admit, I am curious about him. But…I know that the distance between us is too great."

"Then why did you keep the fabric?"

Qing-er looked at her friend in shock, "What?"

"ShuangXi mentioned it in passing, when she had waited on me."

"I…"

"I am sorry Qing-er. But ErKang said XiaoJian was determined to leave, to keep XYZ safe."

Qing-er shook her head, "I know it's foolish…LFY is determined that I marry well. I suspect she and YuFei Niang Niang has discussed it, just has she had discussed the matter with Fu Da Ren and Fu Jin in the past."

"Oh Qing-er!"

"It will be well, ZiWei. I can stall well enough. And, as long as the idea exists in their minds, Yongqi is protected against other efforts to match him with a fitting bride."

"WAG has already asked permission to seek the truth of XYZ's birth family."

"Has he?"

ZiWei nodded, "ErKang told me."

"All the better."

---

Qing-er words also proved prophetic. XinRong Ge Ge's visit with her parents served as a distraction for LFY. But without any princes of marriageable currently available in the palace and LFY's own intent for Qing-er to marry Yongqi, the dowager empress had little reason to keep XinRong at her side. Qing-er was thankful; she had seen YuFei Niang Niang's considering look and XinRong's mother's calculating one. She knew she needed to tread carefully, to ensure that the reluctance she showed was attributed more to her maidenly sensibilities about speaking so openly about her own marriage than her true motivations of helping Yongqi avoid any marriage not of his own choosing. It was truly exhausting.

So, she was grateful when the visit of another delegation from one of the border regions helped provide further distraction. HanXiang was beautiful and her dance superb. Qing-er, standing at LFY's side, however, felt only pity for the young lady as her father gifted her to the emperor. She could tell, from the way emperor looked at the young princess, that there would be drama. Fortunately, Ling Fei Niang Niang, unlike HuangHou Niang Niang, was of a more generous spirit. Besides, Ling Fei had her own pregnancy on which to focus. Qing-er, who truly liked Ling Fei for the older lady's kindness, was happy for the concubine. Still, she was honest enough with herself to admit that her joy also had a selfish source. The child, after all, served as yet another distraction for LFY.

Qing-er could see it in ZiWei's expressions that her friend did not approve of the way the emperor neglected Ling Fei Niang Niang in favor of the newest Xiang Fei. Still, ZiWei was intelligent enough to know that as a bride of the Fu's, protecting Ling Fei was one of her priorities. Though she was a favored daughter, ZiWei knew when to keep her opinions to herself.

XiangFei Niang Niang surprised everyone when she came to visit with Ling Fei herself. Bringing along a basket of scents, she insisted that she only wished to help Ling Fei control her nausea. After the TaiYi's examined her present and deemed them safe, Ling Fei decided to try them. After all, what had she to lose? And she truly did feel miserable. To her surprise, the scents worked like a charm. Grateful, she summoned Xiang Fei to her palace and the two ladies gradually became friends.

ZiWei, who was a frequent visitor to Ling Fei Niang Niang both with and without her mother in law, thus also came to know her father's newest concubine. Her earlier feelings of ill-will were quick to recede as she witnessed the impact of HanXiang's actions, her initial unfavorable impressions completed resolved as she realized that the emperor was much more attentive to Ling Fei as a result.

And so, one day while Fu Jin and Ling Fei were chatting, ZiWei took the opportunity to speak to HanXiang.

"Xiang Fei Niang Niang, I wish to thank you."

"Thank me?" HanXiang genuinely looked confused.

"For drawing HAM's attentions to Ling Fei Niang Niang."

HanXiang just smiled, "We are both concubines, sister-wives. I am in a strange land but Ling Fei has only ever been kind and welcoming. I simply wished to repay her."

"You must be very lonely." ZiWei murmured to herself.

HanXiang studied her for a moment and then spoke in a louder voice, "Ling Fei Niang Niang, do you think I could borrow ZiWei Ge Ge? I wondered if she would accompany me for a walk?"

LingFei smiled, "Of course! It does give me the opportunity to whisper secrets with my sister."

HanXiang smiled and led a confused ZiWei in the direction of the gardens.

After a bit of small talk, ZiWei tentatively asked "Niang Niang, what thoughts weigh on you?"

"My father will be leaving soon."

ZiWei nodded, yes, ErKang had been assigned the responsibility of ensuring HanXiang's safety after she accompanied her father to the city limits, "You will surely miss your father very much."

HanXiang smiled sadly, "Yes. I suppose."

"You suppose?" ZiWei frowned, something about HanXiang's tone didn't seem quite right.

"My father…I know that I am an offering of peace. My father, though he favors me, must still consider for the benefit of our people." HanXiang left it unsaid that her father could little afford to think on her personal happiness.

ZiWei, thinking on her own father's decisions, nonetheless thought that she might understand, "HAM…HAM is also a great leader, a kind father."

"But his abilities as a husband might leave much to be desired."

ZiWei looked at her companion in shock. To utter such words in the palace!

HanXiang shook her head, "Forgive me."

ZiWei was silent a moment before she also quietly admitted, "My mother waited her whole life. And, seeing Ling Fei Niang Niang…I cannot help but wonder if it was a boon that he didn't go back for my mother. Though my mother pined and blamed and suffered, still, she could cling on to her image of HAM…But, Xiang Fei Niang Niang, you must be careful of saying such things."

"It matters not. My heart…it has already died, leaving behind but a shell."

"You are brave for sharing these thoughts with me."

HanXiang smiled faintly, "Your reputation preceded you, ZiWei Ge Ge. I know you will keep my secrets."

"How are you so certain?"

"Your kindness, Ge Ge, is well-known. Besides, I know, within your core, you are a romantic."

ZiWei found that she could not refute HanXiang's claims. "Still…"

"Please."

ZiWei's heart was moved at the hopeful look on HanXiang's face. "What troubles you, Niang Niang?"

"In my home country, we have a saying…you are the wind, I am the sand…the sand goes wherever the wind blows…"

"HAM is not your wind."

"No. My Meng-er-dan…we grew up together…we tried to run away, seven different times. Before we arrived, he tried to rescue me from my fate. But my father…he had him killed, right in front of me. I begged, how hard I begged, but my father's patience finally ran out."

At ZiWei's horrified expression, HanXiang continued, "My father's action also killed my heart…yet I know I must smile and dance and be gracious; for the sake of peace, for my people. It is a heavy burden."

"And HAM?"

"I will tell him that I have taken a vow of chastity."

ZiWei shook her head, "HAM will not stand for it."

"Then let him try to win me. Surely a man such as he would like a challenge."

"You are choosing a dangerous path."

"If you were in my shoes, would you not do the same?"

ZiWei stopped on the path and stared at her companion. If she should lose ErKang…had HAM not kept his promise…would she be as brave?

"I did not choose to confide in you simply because of your kindness."

"You wish for me to help you?"

"No." HanXiang shook her head, "as you say, I am choosing a dangerous path. I only wish…should I fail, I just wanted one other person to know…so that someone in this world can still celebrate that wind and sand can be reunited."

As ZiWei looked at the concubine, she was put in mind of something Qing-er had said. All the Niang Niang's in the palace, how many of them are truly happy?

HanXiang sighed, "I know… I know you don't deserve this burden, but…"

"But you are so very lonely."

HanXiang knew that ZiWei's reply was an acceptance. "Yes."

ZiWei smiled sadly, "I will keep your secrets. Only…not from ErKang."

At HanXiang's frown, ZiWei insisted, "ErKang and I had long ago promised not to have secrets from one another. You need not worry. Neither of us will breathe a word, nor will we interfere with your plans."

"Thank you, ZiWei Ge Ge."

"Please, just ZiWei will do. For surely we are friends?"

HanXiang nodded. She hadn't been wrong to approach this princess. "Then I am HanXiang to you."

---

When ErKang returned home that evening, he was surprised when ZiWei hugged him tight. Such a display of affection was unlike his usually shy wife.

"ZiWei?"

She only shook her head, "Please. Just let me be grateful."

After a moment, she drew away.

"Did something happen during your visit into the palace?" He guessed.

ZiWei nodded. "ErKang…you had said, that we must treasure what we have been allowed to have…and oh! Today I was reminded again of our good fortune! For all the times in the past when I pushed you away…I am sorry."

"ZiWei…"

She raised a hand to smooth the wrinkle between his brows, "Don't frown, ErKang."

"ZiWei…I can tell something is weighing on you…"

She sighed. "ErKang…this story…will you let me sing a song?"

"You know I always enjoy listening to you play and sing."

ZiWei smiled at him and moved to sit behind her guqin.

When she stopped, he murmured, "You are the wind…I am the sand…"

ZiWei nodded. "Xiang Fei Niang Niang told me about the saying from her homeland. Her wind…her wind will never blow again." And so she told him about what she had learned.

"No wonder you were shaken. First, XYZ and Yongqi. And now…Xiang Fei Niang Niang and her Meng-er-Dan." ErKang stood up and came to her side; he knelt so that he could look into her eyes, "ZiWei. We are not them."

"I know." She grasped his hands in hers, "ErKang…you need not worry. I am only grateful. So very grateful."

He could only raise her hands to his lips and lay soft kisses on them.

---

Months passed. ZiWei heard about the various construction projects the emperor had ordered. HanXiang delighted in showing her friend the replica mosque, miniature oasis, and bazaar. Grateful for the song that ZiWei had composed, HanXiang choreographed a dance and even taught ZiWei the steps. ZiWei, glad to see smiles on her friend's face, humored HanXiang and did her best to learn.

As Ling Fei's pregnancy progressed, however, LFY insisted that she temporarily delegate her management duties. So, Qing-er's original prediction came true as other concubines took the opportunity to show their displeasure at the favor HanXiang received from the emperor.

HanXiang never made mention of what she experienced with ZiWei. Still, ZiWei could sense that something had changed. When news came that Xiang Fei Niang Niang had fallen ill from poisoning, ZiWei finally understood the sense of foreboding she had felt.

The day she received news that Xiang Fei Niang Niang had passed, ZiWei donned the clothing that her friend had given her and danced in her friend's memory. ErKang, understanding that it was ZiWei's way of paying tribute to the wind and the sand, sang the song for her.

When ZiWei's tears prevented her from completing the dance, ErKang was there to hold her and offer her support.

---

Shortly after HanXiang's death, ZiWei did experience a glad event that did much to raise her spirits.

"LiuQing? What brings you to visit today?"

LiuQing looked distinctly uncomfortable as he looked at ZiWei and ErKang, "LiuHong said…LiuHong said I should."

ZiWei frowned, "Has something happened at Hui Bing Lou?"

"No…I mean yes…but no…"

ZiWei and ErKang traded amused looks.

"No but also yes but no?" ErKang repeated.

LiuQing looked, if it was possible, even more uncomfortable.

"Did you need more help? I can send the Si Da Cai Zi with JinSuo next time."

LiuQing shook his head, "No! No. We have plenty of help…"

"Then…?"

LiuQing muttered something under his breath.

ErKang, having seen the way LiuQing flushed at JinSuo's name, suspected he knew the reason for the visit. "LiuQing. Please speak up. We are all friends here."

LiuQing took a deep breath, "ZiWei, I was wondering…if …if I could have…could have a cup of tea?"

ZiWei blinked while ErKang began to smirk.

"Well, certainly."

When the cup of tea was poured, however, LiuQing made no move to drink it.

ErKang finally took pity on LiuQing, "You can't have come to XueShiFu just for a cup of tea. LiuQing, I think you'd like to ask ZiWei for something else…or should I say, someone else?"

"Someone else?" ZiWei frowned. "LiuQing?"

"Go on, LiuQing," ErKang encouraged, "I doubt ZiWei will deny you this request."

"ErKang?" ZiWei turned her confused gaze to her husband.

ErKang just kept looking encouragingly at LiuQing.

Finally, LiuQing blurted out, "ZiWei, I'd like to ask for your permission to marry JinSuo!"

Though LiuQing said everything in one breath, still ZiWei understood.

"My permission to marry JinSuo?" A big smile crossed ZiWei's face, "Oh!"

Still, she couldn't help but ask, "But surely the person you must ask is JinSuo herself."

"JinSuo…she already said yes."

ZiWei's smile widened, "Did she?"

LiuQing nodded, "But…LiuHong said that since you are JinSuo's only family, I needed to do it properly."

ZiWei laughed, "Of course I gladly give my permission!"

"Congratulations!" ErKang added.

LiuQing turned an amusing shade of red. Still, his happiness was obvious in the huge grin on his face.

Later, after LiuQing had departed, ErKang turned to his wife, "ZiWei. I think, at long last, LiuQing will count me as zi ji ren!"

"Oh you!" ZiWei's laughter was interrupted as her husband bent to kiss her.

She blushed but looked at him in happiness.

At such a look, what could he do but kiss her again?

---

In time, Yongqi returned to BeiJing with evidence of XiaoZhiHang's innocence but without any news of XYZ. His experiences with the case had also inspired him to uncovering other cases of injustice. For his hard work, he was made Rong Qing Wang.

YuFei Niang Niang was proud of her son but his new position only made her more determined to find him a fitting wife.

And so, Qing-er found that for all the delays, she still had to face LFY.

"I always hoped you would marry well, my Qing-er."

"LFY, Qing-er only wishes to serve at LFY's side."

"Nonsense! I cannot be so selfish. A woman needs to have her own family."

"Then will LFY allow Qing-er to be selfish? Qing-er has no wish to share her husband. And Rong Qing Wang…Qing-er knows the hopes that LFY and HuangShang both have for him."

"What have you to fear? You will be his principal wife. I know you're clever enough to retain that position. And even should someone dare to give you trouble, there's always me to back you up!"

"Please, LFY, Qing-er only wishes to have the kind of happiness ZiWei has."

"The kind of happiness…Qing-er, don't be foolish! Since you know our hopes for Yongqi…surely you know that you would become the empress should they come to fruition?"

"Qing-er is aware."

"Then…"

"Qing-er cares not for an empty title. Qing-er only wants…LFY, I have grown up seeing all the competitiveness in the inner palace. There is no true happiness."

"No true happiness…I thought I brought you up to know better than to fixate on these romantic notions."

The look of disappointment on LFY's face saddened Qing-er. Still, she could not comply.

"LFY. Please…"

"No." LFY raised her chin stubbornly, "I will not have you throw away such a bright future. Qing-er, you will go kneel in the chapel for the next three days. You will think about your decision carefully."

Qing-er, seeing that LFY was determined, simply nodded. "As LFY commands."

Qing-er's punishment soon became the topic of gossip in the palace. Benjamin, hearing of it, immediately went to find Yongqi. The two had a long conversation before Benjamin went to XueShiFu to inform ZiWei.

"LFY did what?!" ZiWei could not hide her surprise, "But she had always favored Qing-er."

"I fear…" Benjamin shook his head, "that there's no escape this time."

"What does Rong Qing Wang say?"

"Yongqi…Yonqi says that he'd rather it be Qing-er than anyone else the elders might pick."

"He's not…he's not agreeing to the betrothal?!"

"Yongqi also said…uprooting corruption is a dangerous business."

"What?"

Benjamin sighed, "Yongqi is going to do something reckless. But I cannot find it in my heart to stop him."

"Reckless?"

"He made me promise not to tell. He wants to protect you and ErKang should he fail. He just asked that no matter what happens, for you to trust in his commitment to XYZ."

"I don't understand."

Benjamin smiled grimly, "You will."

ZiWei sighed, "I don't have much choice, do I?"

"Just…believe in Qing-er too."

"But of course!" ZiWei exclaimed.

"Good. I must go. There is much to arrange."

ZiWei stared after her friend, puzzled and concerned.

When she spoke with ErKang, she found that he did not know any more than she did.

"Yongqi only asked that I keep you safe in case..."

"In case of what?"

"He wouldn't say."

Seeing ZiWei's worry, ErKang could only say, "We can only trust him."

---

LFY was surprised when Yongqi came to seek an audience.

"LFY. Yongqi would like to speak with Qing-er in private."

"Qing-er is praying at the moment; she's not allowed to see anyone."

"LFY, please. I know the reason for Qing-er's punishment. I think I can convince her to follow LFY's wishes."

"What can you possibly say to change her mind?'

"Will LFY let me try?"

LFY studied her grandson; he did seem determined, "Very well."

Yongqi bowed and allowed a eunuch to show him the way to the chapel.

Only when he was sure that he was alone with Qing-er did he speak.

Qing-er's surprise at his presence was soon replaced by shock at his plan.

"Are you willing?" Yongqi asked.

"What about your E Niang?"

"I have been her filial son. I have been made a Qing Wang and, if you are willing, I will marry the lady of her choosing."

"You've really decided."

Yongqi nodded. "And you? I know you also have your filial duties to LFY."

Qing-er bent her head. After a long pause, she met his eyes, "Yes."

Still, he had to be sure, "You are certain?"

She nodded resolutely, "We cannot continue living for others. It's time to find our own path."

He smiled grimly, "Then let us begin."

He returned to speak with LFY, "Qing-er has agreed."

LFY was surprised, "What?"

"Qing-er told me to inform LFY that she would like to beg forgiveness of her momentary loss of reason."

LFY laughed, "I knew I couldn't have shown her so much favor over the years for nothing!"

"Yongqi would like to thank LFY for the honor."

LFY smiled benevolently at him, "Now, you be sure to take good care of my Qing-er."

"Yongqi promises."

---

ZiWei was one of the first to find Qing-er after the betrothal was announced.

"Qing-er…will you truly be happy?"

Qing-er smiled at her friend, "ZiWei…we've done our best to delay the inevitable. But…I'd rather marry Yongqi than a complete stranger. As for happiness…who's to say I won't be happy? Yongqi and I grew up together after all. And it brings so much happiness to LFY and Yu Fei Niang Niang."

"Still…"

"Oh ZiWei. Don't look so glum! I shall have a bright future."

ZiWei knew to what Qing-er referred, "I didn't think it would matter to you…"

Qing-er smiled sadly, "It'll be to my benefit that Yongqi and I are merely friends. I won't let petty jealousy interfere with my judgment. And Yongqi…he will always know that I seek no more than companionship from him. His destiny is meant to be a lonely one. This way, he will have a friend. I promise, ZiWei, I shall use Ling Fei Niang Niang as my example. If I show signs of deviating from such intent, then I must rely on you to set me straight once more."

"Qing-er, do you remember? You had tried, before you knew who I really was, to save me from such a fate. And yet now…"

"Oh ZiWei." Qing-er shook her head, "I was born and raised for such a position. You…you are too generous, too kind. No. I am still ever so glad that ErKang can protect you."

"I wish it could be different."

"I know…I know that Yongqi's heart will always, always be out of reach. Still…I am lucky, ZiWei. I know Yongqi to be a good man. I know that he will try, despite the responsibilities he will have to bear, that he will try to be a good husband. We shall support each other."

ZiWei sighed, "At the very least, once you marry, it'll be easier for us to visit with one another."

Qing-er smiled, "See. This arrangement is not without benefits."

And so, Qing-ge-ge became Rong Qing Wang Fei. She proved to be a good daughter-in-law and was filial towards Yu Fei Niang Niang. She was also a capable mistress of Rong Qing Wang Fu and the servants were devoted to the kindness of their master and mistress. One thing she insisted upon, however, was that she would accompany Yongqi on all his travels to investigate various cases that were suspicions for corruption or bribery.

"My E Niang had always followed my Ah Ma, even into areas of active battle." She had explained to ZiWei. "Having lived all my life in the palace, it's so good to have a chance to see the world!" She then added with a wry smile, "Besides, this way, I can avoid both LFY's and Yu Fei Niang Niang's questions about when they can expect a new little Ah Ge."

ZiWei had blushed but then laughed with her friend. "I am glad to see you happy, Qing-er."

Qing-er smiled, "I have discovered that there are different types of happiness...for me, it's enough."

Soon enough, ErTai and SaiYa also returned from Mongolia. Though surprised at the marriage between Yongqi and Qing-er, ErTai knew enough of court politics not to remark too much on it. As for SaiYa, her high spiritedness had not lessened even with her marriage.

"What is it like, having SaiYa as a sister?" Qing-er asked ZiWei curiously.

ZiWei had laughed, "There's never a dull moment! ErTai must have teased her about her lack of knowledge of traditional literature, because she insisted that she wished to learn from me. Her competitiveness ensures that she is a good pupil. I can tell though, that her and ErTai are well-suited."

"Your patience surely is a good indication for when you have children of your own."

"Qing-er!"

Qing-er just laughed at her friend, "The younger son married before the older one…surely you cannot allow the first Fu grandchild to be born to the younger son as well!"

"It's…it's not a race, Qing-er."

"No…it does remind me though, that is has been long since we all rode together. Remember when we had traveled south? What fun we had!"

ZiWei nodded, "Yes. Our husbands will surely enjoy such a break."

"And we must include Benjamin, of course! He has been working very hard on the design of the western style houses for the summer palace. I'm sure his master would allow us to borrow him for the day."

"As though he could refuse a request from Rong Qing Wang Fei!" ZiWei laughed.

"Now you're paying me back for my earlier comment!" Qing-er protested.

ZiWei just laughed again, "I know, I know you don't like to use your title."

"I suppose I do deserve it for embarrassing you," Qing-er admitted.

ZiWei just smiled, "Let's go now! While the day is still young."

ZiWei would look back on that day with great fondness. She hadn't known it then, but it was to be the last time that the seven friends were to be together. They passed the day in song and laughter. The sun shone brightly and their lives seemed so full of possibilities.

Shortly afterwards, Yongqi and Qing-er departed on another one of their trips. They did not return. Their ship had been caught in a storm and Yongqi had not hesitated to jump into the water when Qing-er had fallen overboard. Though the guards of the local magistrate searched, though the emperor sent additional manpower to look, their bodies were never recovered. Another year passed before the emperor finally gave up the search and announced the deaths of Rong Qing Wang and Rong Qing Wang Fei.

ZiWei had watched, that year, as LFY and Yu Fei Niang Niang both turned to prayer. She wasn't surprised when, at the end of that year, they both decided to depart from the palace and return to the monastery for good. Seeing their stooped figures enter the carriages, she hoped that they would find peace in their grief.

With Yongqi's absence, ErTai soon took over Rong Qing Wang's previous efforts. As with Qing-er, SaiYa also insisted on accompanying her husband. And, like Qing-er had done, SaiYa was always excited to tell ZiWei about her many adventures exploring the country.

As for ZiWei…she knew herself to be a homebody. With ErKang at her side, she was satisfied with the trips they continued to take to their secret destinations close to the city. Besides, she soon had own child to consider. She rather thought that Qing-er would have laughed to know that though the younger Fu brother had married first, the older one would have the first grandchild.

ErKang was delighted with his daughter, who he declared with pride was a miniature version of her mother. But it was Benjamin who would become the child's confidante. ZiWei, who often watched as Benjamin taught her daughter to paint, first with her little fingers and then, when QingYan was old enough, with a brush, felt that surely it was the heaven's way of repaying Benjamin for his losses.

When QingYan's younger brother turned two, an unexpected visitor came to XueShiFu. Claiming to be a business man from YunNan, the man had daringly approached the Fu estate and insisted on speaking with FuErKang.

Intrigued, ErKang had agreed to meet with the man. On seeing the man's face, ErKang gasped, "XiaoJian!"

"XiaoFeng now." XiaoJian laughed.

"Welcome! Welcome! What brings you back to BeiJing?"

XiaoJian smiled, "Truly, on business. But also, because my wife, sister, and brother-in-law insisted that I deliver their messages."

"Your wife and sister…you mean, XYZ…"

"XiaoYun." XiaoJian insisted.

"Yes." ErKang nodded, realizing that he needed to keep the secret, "But your wife…?"

XiaoJian's smile widened, "She is named very aptly, for the skies in Da Li are almost always clear!"

ErKang felt like he had an idea then, but still felt compelled to ask, "And your brother-in-law?"

"Is not a fool…while investigating the truth about my family, he was very thorough in learning about my father. I tried to hide my sister from him, for her sake, but he found her anyways. At first, it was also for her sake that I accepted him. But after these years…I can truly call him brother."

"I must call for ZiWei to join us…she will be so very happy!"

ZiWei was just as surprised as her husband, "XiaoJian?!"

"Now that my family name has been cleared, my sister and I have both reclaimed our given names."

ZiWei nodded.

"Though my wife does still call me Xiao Da Xia at times. She also wished for me to tell you that though she has found the fabric's owner, she still insists on keeping it close at hand at all times.

"The fabric's owner…" ZiWei's eyes filled with understanding, "She managed to find her own happiness after all."

XiaoJian nodded, "And my brother-in-law, he wishes to apologize to his meimei for his lies of omission."

"His meimei…"

"As for my sister, she wishes to say that she hopes that like her, you can continue laughing."

When ZiWei didn't speak, ErKang came to her side, "ZiWei?"

She turned shining eyes to him, "ErKang...Benjamin had said…he was going to do something reckless…I didn't think he meant…And Qing-er…oh I should have known that she wouldn't truly…"

"I would like to speak Benjamin as well, for I have messages for him too. Though, selfishly, I would also like to play a duet with him again."

ZiWei turned back to XiaoJian and smiled, "That can easily be arranged. Thank you, thank you so much for delivering these messages."

"I don't know how long your business in BeiJing will take," ErKang added, "but please, consider our home as your home."

"I couldn't…"

"No," ZiWei insisted, "you're family."

XiaoJian smiled at their earnest expressions. "Yes. Family."