AU if Xiao Yan Zi had told ZiWei to go to another official to help find ZiWei's father.

Story

"Thank you!" XYZ said with a smile, the bundle of red cloth still clutched in her arms.

ZiWei returned her smile, "You'd better go, while the coast is clear."

XYZ nodded as she came out of the basket. A thought, however, made her pause, "Why were you at Liang Da Ren's anyways?"

ZiWei and JinSuo looked at each other. Since XYZ seemed genuinely curious, ZiWei decided to tell her the truth, "I wanted to ask for his help to find my father."

"His help?" XYZ snorted, "I'm sure you've seen; he's the last person in this city who would help someone for no reason. As pretty as you are, how do you know he won't force you to marry his son?"

ZiWei frowned, "How did you know I'm a girl?"

XYZ snorted again, "The two of you…you certainly dress the part, but it's so very obvious that you're both ladies…"

ZiWei frowned.

"Xiaojie…" JinSuo tried to offer some comfort.

ZiWei took but a moment to collect herself before asking, "XYZ…you're from this city, who would you recommend that I go to for help?"

"Me?! I'm just a commoner, what would I know about such things?"

Still, ZiWei insisted, "Can't you think of anyone?"

XYZ thought for a moment before saying finally, "Well…I overheard someone say once, that Fu Da Ren of Xue Shi Fu has a reputation for being just."

"Fu Da Ren?"

XYZ nodded, "But it was only a passing remark…I really don't know much more about it."

"Do you know where Xue Shi Fu is?"

XYZ shook her head, "But…he must be an important official, I'm sure his residence will be easy to find."

"Thank you." ZiWei said.

XYZ just grinned, "Well, I'd better go now. The two of you, do be careful?"

"I'll take good care of xiaojie," JinSuo promised.

XYZ just nodded and soon disappeared into the crowd.

JinSuo turned towards ZiWei, "Xiaojie…are we going to try to find Xue Shi Fu?"

ZiWei nodded, "JinSuo, we've come all this way… I know our resources are limited...but Liang Da Ren cannot be trusted…so we must try again."

It took a few days, but JinSuo and ZiWei successfully found the location of XueShiFu. During their investigations, they had also learned a little more about the reputation of Fu Da Ren. He really was a very important official, but there were no rumors that he was like Liang Da Ren. ZiWei was very much relieved.

"Xiaojie, you really plan to approach as we are tomorrow?"

ZiWei nodded, "XYZ was right…we don't pass off as young gentlemen all that well. Besides, we want Fu Da Ren to believe us…to disguise ourselves when we tell him our story…well, that would certainly give the wrong impression."

And so the next morning found the two ladies approaching Xue Shi Fu. The guards, however, would not budge.

"Please, sir," ZiWei begged, "I only wish to see Fu Da Ren."

"Fu Da Ren? What can you want to see Fu Da Ren for? Don't you know what kind of place this is?"

"Fu Da Ren's reputation for being a just official precedes him; I only wish to see if he can help me."

"Help you? Who are you to ask for his help?"

"Please, sir, just give me chance?"

Despite ZiWei's pleading, the guards refused to move.

"Xiaojie…we'd better go find a different way." JinSuo finally spoke up.

ZiWei allowed herself to be led away from the doorway. As she walked off the bottom step, however, she looked back and then shook her head, "JinSuo…I know we can't afford to stay in BeiJing much longer…No…this might be my last chance."

So saying, she knelt on the ground.

"Xiaojie, what are you doing?"

"I'm going to kneel here, until someone will see me."

"Xiaojie!"

"JinSuo, you don't have to stay with me."

"How can you say such a thing? Since the day I came to your family, we have never been parted. If you must kneel, then I will kneel with you."

The guard watched as the two young ladies made no sign of leaving and approached them, "Just what do you think you're doing?"

ZiWei said earnestly, "I mean no harm, I only wish for an audience with Fu Da Ren."

The guard frowned, but he was trained not to use force unless absolutely necessary, and these two ladies…they certainly seemed harmless enough. "Fine. Do as you will. We'll see how long you last."

The day passed, the sun beating down on ZiWei and JinSuo.

"Xiaojie," JinSuo begged as she saw ZiWei sway a little in the heat, "let's find another way…it's not worth it to make yourself ill."

"No," ZiWei said, and set her chin stubbornly, "I can do this."

JinSuo just sighed and kept quiet.

The evening brought some relief from the sun's heat. Still, ZiWei knelt.

One of the guards turned to the other one, "She's really knelt all day…maybe we could…"

The original one, who had the most seniority, shook his head, "No. If word got out that we gave entrance to XueShiFu so easily, do you think Da Ren will ever have another day's peace?"

The sun completely set and the stars were clearly visible. Still, ZiWei knelt.

Even at the sound of a horse approaching, she did not budge.

"Da shao ye (First Young Master)!" One of the guards made to go into the manor to fetch a servant for the horse.

The gentleman called out as he dismounted, "No need! I'll take him to the stables myself."

"Shao ye," the most senior guard said, "HuangShang must have had a busy day for shao ye to return so late."

His words finally made ZiWei react. She glanced at the young gentleman…HuangShang? Could that young man truly see HuangShang?

"JinSuo…" she murmured as she turned towards her companion.

"Xiaojie."

"Did you hear that guard?"

JinSuo nodded.

ZiWei smiled, "Our day has not been in vain."

Her movement must have caught the notice of the young gentleman, because the gentleman asked the guard, "What's going on there? Why are those two young ladies kneeling?"

"Shao ye, we don't know who they are exactly either…they only requested a meeting with Fu Da Ren…but since we've never seen them before, we couldn't just let them in. They've been kneeling there since morning."

"Kneeling there all day to see Ah Ma?" The young gentleman frowned. "You'd better call a servant for my horse after all." So saying, he handed the reins to the guard and walked towards ZiWei and JinSuo.

"Gu niang…why do you wish to see my Ah Ma?"

ZiWei turned her hopeful gaze on him, "Shaoye…I wish to ask him to deliver two items to HuangShang."

"To HuangShang?"

ZiWei nodded, "My mother, on her deathbed, made me promise to return them to my father."

"Your father? You're saying that your father is…" the gentleman was shocked.

ZiWei just looked at him, hoping that he would believe her.

He studied her…such a claim…it must be investigated…if true, then surely he could not let her wander throughout the city…if false…then he had a responsibility to find out her true motives.

"Gu niang…what you say…"

"I know," ZiWei said, "I know it's difficult for you to believe….but please, give me a chance to tell my story."

"My xiaojie has also brought proof." JinSuo added.

"Proof?"

At ZiWei's nod, JinSuo handed over the package.

The gentleman opened the two items.

"My father personally drew and wrote these, for my mother."

He looked from the items to the ZiWei and finally made a decision. "Gu niang…you have been kneeling all day…the least we can do is listen to your tale. Please, rise."

ZiWei stared at him in disbelief, "You believe me?"

"I don't know…I am more used to dealing with facts….at the very least, because of the magnitude of your claim, I cannot afford not to listen."

ZiWei nodded even as grateful tears fell down her cheeks, "Thank you, thank you." Unsteadily, she rose to her feet. On attempting to take the first step, she stumbled.

"Gu niang!" He quickly steadied her.

"Xiaojie!" JinSuo had cried out at the same time.

ZiWei took a moment to allow her legs to recover, "I am well…JinSuo, you've knelt with me all day too…you need to recover as well. Just give me a moment, I can walk well enough."

No matter the truth of her claim, ErKang felt a small degree of admiration for her actions. "Gu niang, both of you must be fatigued. Here, let me help."

JinSuo shook her head, "Shaoye, I'm only a ya tou, I am used to physical labor…please, help xiaojie."

ErKang nodded and, keeping hold of ZiWe's arm, helped her up the steps and into XueShiFu.

Once over the threshold, ZiWei swayed and would have fallen but for ErKang's support.

"Gu niang!"

"Shaoye…can we trouble you for some water, maybe a little food? Xiaojie hasn't eaten or drank anything since breakfast…her health…it has never been strong."

"JinSuo, don't make a fuss…we're here to beg for help…I'm fine."

ErKang shook his head, "Gu niang, you are most certainly not fine. Whatever story you must tell, it will surely be long and complicated. My Ah Ma will no doubt also have many questions. I'm certain you wish to do your story justice. So, please, do rest a little."

ZiWei looked at him gratefully, "Thank you."

He merely nodded and, seeing that JinSuo could support the young lady, directed the servants to show them to one of the sitting rooms and provide some refreshments.

He waited until the items were brought before departing. Before leaving, he turned again to ZiWei, "Gu niang, I will go speak with Ah Ma. With your permission, I would like to take these items to him."

ZiWei merely nodded her assent.

After ErKang left, JinSuo turned towards ZiWei, "Xiaojie, do you really think we can trust him? What if he destroys those items?"

ZiWei shook her head, "We have no choice but to trust him…still, I have a feeling that he truly will take them to Fu Da Ren."

"Xiaojie…you trust too easily."

"Perhaps…but JinSuo, he led us into XueShiFu and even provided nourishment…even if he doesn't believe me, these gestures are surely signs that he is an honest and upright individual."

"Xiaojie is determined to think on him as a savior."

"Savior? Maybe. I do know though, that he's given me a chance, I cannot waste it."

Later, after Fu Da Ren listened to ZiWei's story and asked her all the question he could think of, he said, "Xia gu niang…the hour is late…all that you have shared tonight…I must think carefully. Please, allow me to continue to be your host."

"Fu Da Ren, thank you…I have already inconvenienced you enough. JinSuo and I have taken a room at a local inn, there's no need for us to trouble you by remaining at XueShiFu."

"No, no," Fu Da Ren insisted, "it'll be no inconvenience. Your story…Xia gu niang, surely you can see that I cannot just let you leave? Tomorrow, I will send someone to fetch your belongings and settle your accounts at the inn. I must insist, for your protection, that you remain here."

"Fu Da Ren…this debt, ZiWei will never be able to repay you."

In lieu of answering, Fu Da Ren just summoned a maid to show ZiWei and JinSuo to their rooms for the night.

After the ladies left, ErKang turned towards his father, "Ah Ma, what do you think?"

"Her story…it's either the truth or a well fabricated lie…add to it these items…the handwriting certainly very closely resembles HuangShang's."

"Then…"

"We must investigate thoroughly. It's a good thing you're not working tomorrow…go to the inn that the two were staying at and see if they've come into contact with anyone else in this city. I will go see if I can't discretely find out who had traveled with HuangShang during this trip. Such an event…someone must recollect something."

ErKang nodded obediently. He then thought of something else, "What about ErTai and WAG?"

"ErTai will certainly need to know, as Xia gu niang will be staying here, but we cannot tell WAG. Not until we're certain…if Xia gu niang is truly HuangShang's daughter, then it is our family's honor to host her. If she is not…we cannot forget that we must protect Ling Fei Niang Niang."

ErKang nodded again, "Yes, Ah Ma."

Fu Da Ren also spoke with his wife. Fu Jin nodded in understanding. The next morning, she arranged for one of the longer term guest quarters to be made ready and personally went to greet ZiWei.

Her first impression of the young lady was favorable. On learning who Fu Jin was, ZiWei had immediately curtsied and given her thanks. No matter who she was, Fu Jin thought to herself, she was obviously polite.

"Xia gu niang, if you'll come with me, I've arranged for more comfortable quarters for you."

"FuJin, you didn't need to...we are very comfortable where we are."

FuJin just shook her head, "Since you're to stay here until everything is sorted, then you are our guest."

ZiWei thus had no choice but to follow the older lady. Her new quarters were more lavish than the room she and JinSuo stayed in the previous night.

"There's a study here, a sitting room, and the bedroom is in the back and so more private." FuJin explained, "As young ladies, I think both of your will be more comfortable. If you need anything else, please don't be afraid to let one of the maids know."

"There's no need to trouble your own maids," JinSuo spoke up, "I can attend to xiaojie."

FuJin nodded, "Then I'll have one of the maids show you around so you know where you can fetch things for your xiaojie."

JinSuo nodded and then thought to ask, "FuJin…if it's not much trouble, would you happen to have a guqin available?"

"A guqin?"

"Whenever xiaojie is troubled, playing the guqin always helps her."

FuJin turned to ZiWei, "Xia gu niang, you really play?"

"My mother had taught me a little."

"A little? Xiaojie, truly you're too modest." JinSuo said.

ZiWei just shook her head, "JinSuo, we mustn't boast. FuJin has surely seen talented musicians."

JinSuo looked chagrined but the brief conversation did add to FuJin's impression that ZiWei was a well-bred young lady.

"I'll see what I can arrange…but only if you would not mind playing for me so that I can judge your abilities?"

"Please, Fu Jin, you need not go to so much trouble…"

FuJin just smiled, "I was not blessed to have daughters and though my sons are dear to my heart, it would be good to have female companionship."

"Then ZiWei will be honored to play for FuJin."

A moment later, ErKang knocked on the door.

"E Niang, Xia gu niang. I was wondering if I could borrow JinSuo, to help gather the belongings from the inn?"

"Surely we cannot trouble da shaoye with so simple a task," ZiWei said.

"It's no trouble. In truth, JinSuo's presence is not necessary. Only, I wanted to ensure that we did not leave behind anything that was precious to you."

ZiWei shook her head, "I have little that I would mind losing. The truly precious items are already in your keeping."

ErKang nodded in understanding, "Still, if Xia gu niang doesn't mind lending me JinSuo?"

ZiWei readily gave her assent.

After ErKang and JinSuo left, ZiWei observed quietly, "Fu da shao ye is very detail oriented."'

FuJin agreed proudly, "ErKang is a credit to the family. The Fu's have served the emperor for three generations now and ErKang has continued that tradition. HuangShang has shown more favor to him and ErTai than to any of their forbearers."

She then turned to ZiWei, "Since ErKang has borrowed JinSuo, would you mind taking a turn around the estate with me?"

"FuJin, you're being so kind…" ZiWei could not help but feel emotional.

FuJin looked at her thoughtfully, "Growing up cannot have been easy for you…"

ZiWei shook her head, "My mother…she was the best mother I could ask for…"

Still, FuJin felt pity for this child. As a woman, she knew well the lot of unwed mothers in their society. "Then you must tell me about her as we walk."

ZiWei wiped away her impending tears and nodded.

Over the subsequent days, FuJin found herself growing fonder of ZiWei. She had spoken truthfully in that she was very proud of her sons. Still, she had always wished for a daughter. The heavens were cruel in giving her one only to snatch the babe away when she was but three months old…the child did not even have a full hundred days on this earth. ZiWei seemed to fill that missing hole in her heart. ErKang's practical mind made him detail oriented, but ZiWei's considerations for those around her stemmed from a more intuitive nature. JinSuo's devotion to ZiWei was also obvious. FuJin rather thought that it spoke well of ZiWei's temperament that she was able to inspire such loyalty.

Fu Da Ren was able to obtain confirmation that the emperor had indeed met Xia Yu He during a trip south. Though Ji Shi Fu would not outright describe the precise relationship the emperor had with Xia Yu He, the emperor's tendencies, the timing of his meeting with Xia Yu He, and the timing of ZiWei's birth made her story plausible. Still, Fu Lun was a careful sort.

"ErKang, I have decided that a visit to JiNan must be made."

ErKang nodded, "Xia gu niang and JinSuo kept mostly to themselves since they've been in BeiJing. I could find no one who would know of her story."

FuLun nodded, "At the very least, she is discrete."

"Should I ask for some leave?"

"No, this matter…I must go myself. Besides, HuangShang has been looking forward to watching you, ErTia, and WAG compete during the spring hunt. I can easily make some excuse or other."

"Ah Ma intends to go himself?"

"This task is too sensitive for me to trust anyone else with it."

ErKang nodded, "Ah Ma, you'll be certain to stay safe?"

Fu Lun looked at his son, "I will. While I am gone, you must be sure to keep our family safe as well."

ErKang knew his father's meaning, "Of course."

ErKang had always enjoyed the spring hunt, not so much for the killing of the animals as for the thrill of the chase. The challenge exhilarated him. The friendly rivalry among him, his brother, and WAG was also a cause for gladness. That he had won the bet for successfully getting the most prey that day only further added to his excitement.

On returning to XueShiFu, ErTai went to rest, but ErKang found himself restless. He wandered around the estate. He didn't think on any particular destination until he overheard the sound of singing. How sad the tune was! What a contrast to his own heightened spirits. Still, he followed the sound until he came to a closed door. Yes, this is where Xia gu niang was staying.

Pushing open the door, he saw her seated behind the gu qing, tears shining in her eyes. How expressive her song had been! How much emotion she had managed to instill into her voice.

On seeing him, however, she wiped away her tears and settled once more into a carefully polite manner, "Fu da shao ye. I am sorry if I have disturbed the rest of the household."

"Disturbed?" ErKang shook his head, "surely not…you play and sing so beautifully."

"Da shao ye is too kind." ZiWei murmured.

"The words though…I'm afraid I did not hear all of them…would you mind writing them down for me?"

JinSuo quickly went to prepare the paper and ink.

ErKang looked at the page. How elegant her handwriting was. No matter the truth of her story, she must at least come from a scholarly family. Reading the words, such an impression only deepened.

"Did you write these words?"

ZiWei shook her head, "No. My mother did."

ErKang read the words one more time, "Why did your mother choose to wait?"

"My mother…" ZiWei fell silent a moment. Still, the initial feeling she had that she could trust this particular young man compelled her to answer, "My mother was an only child, she came to my grandparents when they despaired of ever having children. The shame of my existence…they never truly recovered. My grandfather went first, when I was but five. My grandmother, who had never been strong after having my mother, never recovered…my mother was her caretaker until I was fifteen. And then…my mother also fell ill."

"The shame of your existence? Surely not…looking at your calligraphy, listening to your music, surely they could be proud of so talented a grand-daughter."

ZiWei blushed at his praise but nonetheless shook her head, "My mother wasn't married…to have me…she brought shame to the whole family. Our relatives, they cut off all dealings. My grandfather had been a well-respected local scholar. When my existence became known…what prestige our family had was lost."

ZiWei felt a tear trickle down her face again. She wiped it away. "I am sorry. I should not speak so openly of such things."

"Please, don't apologize. I was the one who asked and brought you pain." He looked at the paper once more, "Xia gu niang, with your permission, may I keep this sheet?"

"Of course," ZiWei answered, "the paper and ink are yours after all. As your guest…I do not know how I shall repay the kindness your family has shown me."

ErKang carefully folded the lyrics and tucked them away, "Repay us? Xia gu niang, your story…it is our honor to have you stay here."

"You believe me?" ZiWei looked at him in disbelief.

In lieu of answering, ErKang said, "But if you would begin to repay us, would you mind taking a walk with me?"

"Are you not tired after the hunt?"

ErKang smiled a little, "I ought to be, but I find that with such clear skies and such a bright moon, I could not rest yet."

"Fu da shao ye has the soul of a poet."

ErKang laughed, "On such a beautiful night, even the most stubborn soul would surely be moved. Xia gu niang, will you walk with me?"

ZiWei studied him for a moment. She really did owe this family much. Finally, she nodded.

The two were quiet as they walked around the estate. Seeing the moon reflected in the pond, ZiWei couldn't help but murmur a line of poetry. To her surprise, her companion responded in kind.

She paused and turned to look at him, "And you say you are not a poet."

ErKang paused as well, "My role as bodyguard may be a martial oriented one, but my education has not been lacking in other matters."

She nodded in understanding, "I should have expected nothing less. FuJin told me that you and your brother are both favored by the emperor."

"The emperor's favor…it brings with it prestige, but also responsibilities and pressures…so many eyes are on us, so much ill-will is felt towards us. Add to it that my aunt is currently competing for favor with the empress…such favor is also dangerous."

"I wonder sometimes," ZiWei admitted softly, "had the emperor kept his promise to my mother, if she could truly have been happy."

At his questioning look, she smiled a little grimly, "I am not so naïve as to believe that the emperor's love can last a lifetime. My mother…she would have been but one of many…indeed, she was one of many." She paused before apologizing again, "So beautiful a night, I fear I am poor company. You should not let my melancholy affect your enjoyment."

"I wonder that you came to BeiJing at all."

ZiWei shook her head and said simply, "It was my mother's dying wish."

He watched as she resumed walking. She was a puzzle, a contradiction in so many ways. But her thoughts, the little that she had chosen to reveal…how they reverberated with his own uncertainties.

She must have sensed that he had not continued walking for she stopped and turned around, glancing at him questioningly. And in that moment, all the admiration, pity, and intrigue he had felt since he brought her into Xue Shi Fu seemed to hit him all at once. He would have staggered under such an onslaught had she not been watching him. Still, as he saw her frown slightly, he knew something must have shown in his expressions. He quickly settled himself; for someone with her origins…he must not frighten her.

He quickened his steps to catch up to her, "I am sorry, to have caused you to remember your grief."

She shook her head and made to absolve him of any crime.

He smiled a little at her, "Let us speak of other things. You had quoted Li Bai's poetry earlier, I wonder what works and other poets you know."

"Fu da shao ye wishes to test me?"

He was proud of himself for having brought even that small smile onto her face. "If you will indulge me."

Though their conversation did not stray far from works of literature, ErKang felt himself marveling at her optimism. In listening to ZiWei's opinions and interpretations of various works, ErKang again felt the sense that she was a kindred spirit. When he walked ZiWei back to her rooms, he could see the considering look JinSuo gave him. ZiWei, though, gave no indication of her own thoughts and only quietly and politely bid him good night. Walking towards his own quarters, ErKang grew even more certain that her story must be true.

When Fu Da Ren returned from Ji Nan, ErKang was unsurprised that his father's investigations only provided further proof.

"What does Ah Ma plan to do?"

Fu Da Ren sighed, "That poor girl. Did you know her mother's maternal cousin had pressured her mother to betroth ZiWei to his own son just so that he could gain the family properties? The Xia's were not precisely rich, but old man Xia was a diligent and careful sort and had ensured that the women in his family would be well supported even when he himself passed. That poor child surely never mentioned that she sold all her worldly goods after her mother died rather than be forced to marry?"

"I saw that she and JinSuo had little luggage at the inn, but she has not made mention…"

"No…I didn't think she would…her uncle had the audacity to show up at her mother's funeral to demand Xia gu niang's obedience. It's a credit to her strength and intelligence that she escaped being so entrapped. Still…her road to BeiJing…she did not even have a proper chance to mourn her mother properly."

"No wonder she has seems so sad." ErKang murmured.

Fu Da Ren nodded. "Xia gu niang is a filial daughter."

"What of the Xia property?"

Fu Da Ren snorted, "So rushed to be rid of it, of course she did not receive a fair price. Even when I arrived, her great uncle had contested the sale."

"How did Ah Ma settle it?"

"I bought it. Under a false name, of course…but I suspect HuangShang will not want it falling into the wrong hands."

"Xia gu niang will surely be glad to hear of it."

"Xia gu niang…she will surely not remain with us long."

"Ah Ma means?"

"Tomorrow, I will go speak with HuangShang and share with him all that I have discovered."

"And Xia gu niang?"

"If HuangShang chooses to recognize her, then she is a Ge Ge. If he does not…" Fu Da Ren shook his head, "the poor girl has no home, no true family…"

"E Niang has grown fond of her," ErKang thought to say.

"Your E Niang…" Fu Lun thought on his wife's sorrow at the passing of their baby daughter. Their marriage had been arranged, but he did care for his companion of many years, "if HuangShang will not recognize her…then, I shall ask permission to adopt her."

ErKang nodded. Still, as he left his father's study, he couldn't help but hope more for the former…because…

He had not declared himself. Not yet. Given her sensibilities about her mother and her own origins, the shame she felt despite knowing her birth was not something within her control, how could he give her another burden to bear? Still, since that night after the spring hunt, he had not tried very hard to hide his regard for her. Even if he wanted to, he didn't think he would have been successful. JinSuo, he knew, understood. As for ZiWei…he wondered sometimes, in rare moments when she let her guard down, in little looks and occasional smiles, if she knew. He suspected she did, that he did not need to give voice to what she had come to mean to him. Now though, now that his father had found proof…he had believed her wholeheartedly, perhaps from the moment he saw her kneeling in front of XueShiFu, the moment he heard her hint at her story. Had the time come, to let her know? But surely…his father was planning to reveal everything on the next day. Surely he could wait another day. Falling for her had been outside his control, but saving her from additional worries was within his power.

The emperor's reaction to the items that Fu Lun presented was eye opening for the official. He knew, of course, that the emperor was someone of quick and sometimes uncertain temper. But never had he seen the emperor look so regretful. The emperor stared at the two items a long moment before looking up at Fu Lun.

"How came you to be in possession of these?"

"HuangShang, a young lady from JiNan entrusted them to me."

"A young lady?"

"Yes. She told me that her mother had given them to her and, on her death bed, made her promise to bring them to her father."

If the emperor had been anyone else, Fu Lun would have said the emperor looked ashamed.

"On her death bed…" the emperor repeated and closed his eyes. Was that pain in his expressions?

Taking a moment to collect himself, the emperor opened his eyes, "And this young lady, what is her name?"

"Xia Zi Wei."

The emperor looked piercingly at Fu Lun, "ZiWei?"

"Named for the flowers that bloomed at the time of her birth."

"And where is she now?"

"HuangShang," Fu Lun kowtowed, "please forgive cheng for making decisions without consulting HuangShang. Only, her story was so fantastic, her claim so daring…I did not dare bring her straight to HuangShanag without further investigations. These days, she has been at Xue Shi Fu."

"And your investigations?"

Fu Lun brought forth the report he had prepared and gave a quick verbal summary of what he had found.

The emperor glanced through the report, "Her uncle…I trust you have dealt with him."

"HuangShang, I took the liberty of purchasing the Xia ancestral home, but I did not dare delay returning to BeiJing to share with HuangShang the details of my findings."

"To treat one of royal blood so abominably…I will think of a suitable punishment for him."

The emperor looked at his official again, "I applaud you, Fu Lun, for your thoroughness."

"My purpose is to protect HuangShang and serve HuangShang's interests."

The emperor nodded and turned again to the papers and items on his desk.

FuLun, concerned that he was being dismissed, dared to ask, "HuangShang… about Xia gu niang?"

The emperor looked up, "Yes… I had let my anger get the best of me. YuHe's daughter…I wish to meet her. Bring her to me tomorrow."

Understanding that he had been dismissed, FuLun returned home.

"Well?" FuJin asked her husband, "What did the emperor say?"

ErKang also looked at his father curiously.

FuLun shook his head, "HuangShang...he was difficult to read. His reaction to those two items Xia gu niang had given me…Xia Yu He meant something to him…he was also truly angry against her uncle on ZiWei's behalf."

"And his response to Xia gu niang herself?"

FuLun turned towards his son, "HuangShang has requested a meeting with her tomorrow."

"That is good news, isn't it?" Fu Jin asked.

FuLun shook his head again, "I'm not certain…"

"Not certain?" Mother and son looked at one another.

"I think…I think much will depend on the meeting."

Silence fell at his pronouncement.

"ZiWei is a sweet child…she is so easy to like," FuJin murmured.

ErKang also agreed, "Ah Ma…Xia gu niang is talented and intelligent. HuangShang has ever prized education…Xia gu niang has only to be herself."

"I also have confidence in her," Fu Da Ren admitted finally. "We shall see what tomorrow brings."

ZiWei herself took the news of the impending meeting with her practiced calm. Still, both JinSuo and ErKang noticed the trembling of her hands as she thanked Fu Lun for the opportunity. So, ErKang was not surprised to find ZiWei wandering around the banks of the pond that evening.

"Xia gu niang," he greeted her.

She smiled distractedly at him, "Surely our acquaintance has been of long enough duration that you can call me by name."

He shook his head, "You are by rights a Ge Ge. I cannot address you in so familiar a manner."

"A Ge Ge?" ZiWei shook her head, "the emperor has yet to recognize me."

"But he will."

"How are you so confident?"

"Because I have gotten to know you... your gracefulness, your intelligence, you musical talents…the nobleness of your bearing…you are royalty whether or not you have an official title."

She looked away from his earnest gaze and busied herself with settling on one of the rocks on the banks of the pond, "Fu da shao ye, you need not exaggerate so."

"Exaggerate?" He sat down next to her, "don't wrong me! Every word I say is the truth."

She looked across the water. The ensuing silence was not uncomfortable; still, ErKang wished that she would say something.

As though hearing his thoughts, she spoke, "My mother…she only wished for me to find my father. But…these days, I've had a chance to think…he is not merely my father, is he? The way you and Fu Da Ren speak of him…I can never forget that he is the emperor. Even Fu Jin, indirectly… for all that Ling Fei Niang Niang is an Imperial Concubine…he cannot be thought of merely as a husband…he may accept me, out of guilt, out of obligation…because of forgotten promises, but I…"

"You must not think so." How much he wished he could hold her hand to give her reassurance and strength. Instead, he could only rely on his words. "HuangShang…in my world, he is my liege…but…I have also seen other sides of him. You mustn't forget, ErTai is best friends with Wu Ah Ge. Having seen the way the emperor treat Yongqi…he does not take his fatherhood lightly."

When she remained quiet, he added, "And you…Xia gu niang, I can promise you that he will rejoice in having a daughter such as you."

"You really think so?" There was so much hope in her gaze.

He smiled at her and nodded, "I don't merely think so. I know so."

She looked at him a moment longer, "Thank you."

"I only speak the truth."

She smiled slightly at his repetition, "Not only for your words today…but for believing me, for letting me into Xue Shi Fu, for giving me a chance to share my story…JinSuo had called you my savior, and…for all your kindness, you are a true hero."

"Hero?" He considered her words, "It is expected for a hero to save a beauty (英雄救美人), is it not?"

She looked away from him again at those words.

"I'm sorry." Despite his words, however, he felt no repentance.

She just shook her head and stood, "Good night, Fu da shao ye. All that I owe you…I do not know how I will be able to repay you."

"If my purpose in helping you was for repayment, then I am no true hero."

She looked at him then, her gaze searching. He made no effort to hide his true meaning and intentions from her. Flushing, she finally looked away. With a soft murmur of "good night," she walked away from him.

He watched her go and fought his instinct to run after her. No, she had been through too much…thinking on his father's discoveries, about how she was almost forced into a marriage not of her choosing…no, he could not tell her, could not let her need to repay him be the reason she chose to stay at his side.

Fu Lun watched as father and daughter looked at one another.

"So you are ZiWei."

ZiWei knew that the emperor's phrase was not a question.

"Do you know…how much you look like your mother?" The emperor cleared his throat and raised the two items on his desk, "do you know the contents of these items?"

ZiWei nodded as she quoted the poem that was written.

"YuHe…did she speak of me?"

"Not until she was too ill to leave her rooms…"

The emperor sighed, "I do not blame her…I broke my promise to her."

ZiWei shook her head, "My mother said…though she waited her whole life, blamed her whole life, hated her whole life…still, she thanked the heavens for giving her someone who was worthy of her wait, her blame, and her hate."

The emperor studied his daughter. "Did she have any last words for me?"

"She told me to ask, should I be able to meet you, if you still remembered, nineteen years ago, on Da Ming Lake's banks, Xia Yu He."

The emperor closed his eyes a moment. "Remember her? Of course I remember her…that rainstorm, your grandfather had offered shelter. And in return, I had caused his daughter's ruin."

He looked at her again, "My dear daughter…"

At those words, ZiWei felt tears gather in her eyes.

"My dear daughter…" the emperor rose then and walked towards a kneeling ZiWei and helped her to her feet. Gathering her into his arms, he repeated a third time, "My dear daughter."

Though he had not been dismissed, FuLun quietly withdrew.

When he was summoned back into the study, he knew not to remark on the tearstains on the emperor's face.

"FuLun. We would like to reward you and your family for your care of ZiWei Ge Ge. You will arrange for her maid to be brought into the palace to serve as her head gong nu. Until Shu Fang Zhai is made ready, ZiWei will be under the care of the empress to prepare her for her rightful role."

"Huang Ah Ma…with Huang Ah Ma's permission, ZiWei would like to return one last time to XueShiFu, to bid Fu Jin a proper farewell. Her kindness has not been less than that of Fu Da Ren's."

The emperor smiled at his daughter, "You are a courteous one, 有情有义. Very well, the Fu's, they are not outsiders. But tomorrow, tomorrow you will return to your rightful home. We have missed you for eighteen years, we have no wish to miss you a day more than we must."

ZiWei smiled back, "Yes, Huang Ah Ma."

The smiles on both Fu Da Ren and ZiWei's faces made their verbal report of the meeting's success superfluous.

FuJin made to greet ZiWei properly as a princess only to be stopped by ZiWei.

"Please, FuJin, do not stand on such ceremony. These days, you have treated me as you would a true daughter. From clothing and jewelry to books and musical scores, you have procured everything I could want to feel comfortable. You and your whole family are my saviors. I cannot have you bow to me. Instead…" She knelt on the ground and, despite protest from the Fu family, kowtow'd formally, "I must offer my gratitude."

FuJin raised her to her feet, "ZiWei…though I am glad that you are to return to your true family, still, I know I will miss your company."

"FuJin. You must be sure then to visit me."

FuJin wiped away a tear, "Of course. Of course."

"I will also bring Wu Ah Ge to visit," ErTai said, "now that I no longer have to hide the truth from him…I know he will wish to meet his sister."

ZiWei smiled and nodded, "Thank you, ErTai."

"I know when I speak for all of us," ErKang commented, "when I say that you will be sorely missed."

ZiWei looked at all of them, careful not to let her gaze linger where she knew it should not, "Huang Ah Ma has already decreed rewards on my behalf, but I would also like to play a song, to thank everyone for the care I have received."

After ZiWei left Xue Shi Fu, with ever faithful JinSuo at her side, ErKang thought to ask his Ah Ma a question that had been bothering him.

"Ah Ma, why did HuangShang say that ZiWei was to be under the empress's care? I thought that surely he would have chosen Ling Fei Niang Niang…"

Fu Da Ren nodded; he had also wondered at that detail, "ZiWei had requested it be so."

"What?"

"She had mentioned that as the mistress of the inner palace, the empress was the best person to teach her all the rules."

"But…"

"Such a request was a show of intelligence and made in self-preservation. Your E Niang has surely made ZiWei aware of the fight between the empress and Ling Fei Niang Niang. ZiWei's connection to our family will surely not remain a secret. To be under the care of Ling Fei Niang Niang, ZiWei would have only made herself more of a target of reprisal…"

ErKang thought a little more, "It was your suggestion, wasn't it, for ErTai to have Wu Ah Ge meet her?"

Fu Da Ren smiled, "As you say, ZiWei has become dear to each of us. Wu Ah Ge is no stranger to balancing the emperor's favor and the empress's animosity. In truth, I had been worried that ZiWei's kindness would put her at a disadvantage, but it seems she has already grasped what it means to be part of the royal family. Still, having Wu Ah Ge's protection will only help her attain a firm footing."

"Huang Hou, we leave ZiWei in your care. We trust that you will act truly as mother of this nation and help her adjust to life in her new home."

"Of course," the empress curtsied, "cheng qie thanks Huang Shang for the show of faith."

The emperor turned to ZiWei, "Life in the palace is not like the life you had known before. Still, with your intelligence, we trust you will soon learn the rules. We will return in a few days to check on your progress. Besides, you still owe us a game of weiqi."

ZiWei returned her father's smile, "Huang Ah Ma…ZiWei will do her best."

After the emperor left, the empress's smiled disappeared as she stared at the young lady.

"So you are the reason for all the fuss in this palace. I hope you remember, though the emperor has determined you to be Ge Ge, you are not like the rest of the proper princesses…you mother, I don't know how she had bewitched the emperor, but you are under my care now, and I will not have you bring such wildness into the palace."

JinSuo frowned at such insult but ZiWei maintained her calm and kept her eyes downcast respectfully. "I will do my best to be worthy of Huang Ah Ma's recognition."

"See that you do." The empress turned to her most trusted servant, "Rong Mo Mo will start your lessons right away. First, with the proper dress. We cannot have you looking like such a commoner."

ZiWei just nodded obediently.

As JinSuo helped her xiaojie into the new clothing, she could not help but mutter resentfully, "Mother of the nation indeed…she's no more than a jealous shrew."

"JinSuo," ZiWei reprimanded, "Huang Ah Ma was right. Life in the palace is not like the life we had known. Huang Hou Niang Niang is by rights the mistress of this place."

"Still, must she be so mean?"

ZiWei shook her head, "What has she said that we have not heard in the past? Her words have no power to hurt me…you need not be so upset on my behalf."

JinSuo sighed, "Xiaojie, you are too docile…even should you master all her instructions, I don't think she'll like you anymore."

"I don't need her to like me, only tolerate me. Remember what FuJin said; survival in the palace is a matter of delicate balance. Besides, have we not had enough strife within family?"

JinSuo only shook her head as she helped her young mistress with her headdress.

That evening, the empress made sure to ask Rong Mo Mo, "Well, how is the girl?"

"Niang Niang. She is not un-teachable."

"Hmmp."

"Niang Niang. If you'll listen to my opinions, we should do our best not to antagonize this new Ge Ge."

"What do you mean?" The empress demanded impatiently.

"She obviously has HuangShang's regard. For HuangShang to entrust her to Huang Hou and not some other Niang Niang…it's an opportunity."

"Opportunity?"

Rong Mo Mo nodded, "Did not HuangShang say he would return in a few days to look in on her? Niang Niang, we can use her to gain the upper hand on Ling Fei."

"Have I sunk so low as to depend on a bastard for favor?!"

"Niang Niang!" Rong Mo Mo made a shushing motion. "Niang Niang must be careful…nu bi knows of course that Niang Niang is angry and hurt. These years, though Niang Niang is in name the empress, Huang Shang has surely not shown Niang Niang the favor such a position demands. When LFY was still in the palace, he at least made an attempt at pretense. Since LFY has been away…" Rong Mo Mo stopped at the warning look from the empress.

"Still…Niang Niang, do not think of the girl as a burden…at least while she is with us, we can be assured of the emperor's attention. We need not be overindulgent but simply accomplish the task we have been assigned."

"You think we can truly use her? You must not forget who it was that brought her into the palace in the first place. Fu Lun is known for his thoroughness. I cannot doubt that this girl is truly the emperor's daughter. The connection between Ling Fei and the Fu family…"

Rong Mo Mo nodded, "Of course we cannot forget such a connection. The girl also does not seem the sort to forget such a debt. She will surely not knowingly act against Ling Fei. But we need not use her in such a way. I refuse to believe that with Niang Niang's abilities, Niang Niang cannot gain back HuangShang's attentions. We only must use the girl to gain opportunities for Huang Shang to look in Niang Niang's direction."

The empress thought on her servants' words. "Rong Mo Mo…these years, I am grateful to have you at my side. I know my temper is one of my worst faults. I am not like the rest of them; I will not lower myself to simper and say pleasantries just for the emperor's enjoyment. Without you at my side…my position would not be as secure."

"Niang Niang, I only live to serve. Niang Niang must also not forget, we still have 12-Ah-Ge."

"Yongji…" the empress sighed, "that child…all my hopes and dreams…yet he still does not excel as he ought."

"Niang Niang, 12-Ah-Ge is young. Give him time."

"But when 5-Ah-Ge was his age…"

"Niang Niang, have patience. 12-Ah-Ge is a good child, he will not disappoint. To help him, Niang Niang must retain Huang Shang's regard."

The empress sighed, "Everything I do, I do for that child."

True to his word, the emperor did return in a few days' time to check on ZiWei. Watching her go through the proper greetings and pour the tea for him, he nodded in approval.

"Huang Hou, you have done well."

The empress curtsied, "Cheng qie could not betray Huang Shang's trust."

The emperor smiled at her, "You and Rong Mo Mo will both be well-rewarded."

"Thank Huang Shang for the honor; though no reward is necessary," Rong Mo Mo replied, "it was nu bi's privilege to mentor ZiWei Ge Ge."

"Of course you must be rewarded! Like her father, my ZiWei is clever and a fast learner, but she also needed capable teachers."

He turned to his daughter, "Now then, ZiWei, it is rare that we are not behind on paperwork. What say you to a game of weiqi?"

ZiWei smiled, "I am at Huang Ah Ma's disposal."

"Wonderful! Huang Hou, We are sure you have things you must attend to…there's no need for you to remain. We will keep our daughter company."

The empress wanted to protest, but at the warning look from Rong Mo Mo, quietly withdrew.

"Have patience, Niang Niang." Rong Mo Mo whispered.

The empress looked back with a frown at the enthralled expression on the emperor's face as he studied the chess board but nonetheless nodded.

When dinnertime came, the emperor was still playing weiqi with ZiWei. The empress dared to approach father and daughter.

"Huang Shang. Will Huang Shang stay for supper?"

The emperor looked up from the game, "Is it time for dinner already? But we are still in the midst of a game. ZiWei, you are surely talented… I would hate to interrupt so spectacular a challenge."

"Huang Ah Ma exaggerates. I am the one who has had to think deeply just to keep up with Huang Ah Ma. Even if Huang Ah Ma is not tired, at least take pity on me."

The emperor laughed, "Alright, alright! But after dinner, we will continue!"

"Yes, Huang Ah Ma."

Though the topic of conversation revolved around ZiWei and though the emperor departed quickly after eating to resume the game, still the empress felt that her earlier patience was worth the trouble of having the emperor at her table.

As the night stretched on and the emperor showed no sign of abandoning the game, the empress turned to Rong Mo Mo.

"Should I go caution HuangShang? He still has court in the morning…"

"Nu bi will go."

Rong Mo Mo arrived just as another game was ending.

"ZiWei! I demand that you stop letting me win!"

"Huang Ah Ma, how can you say such a thing?" ZiWei protested, "it has been all I can do not to lose by too much."

"Too much? My daughter…you've lost by at most one and a half pieces…no wonder you are so tired; you must not only pay attention to the game but also ensure that we maintain our dignity. But enough of that now, you will not restrain yourself in this next game! That is a royal command!"

ZiWei just smiled and nodded. Still, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Rong Mo Mo approaching.

"Huang Ah Ma…ZiWei is honored that Huang Ah Ma thinks so highly of my skills…but as Huang Ah Ma says, I have reason to be fatigued. The hour is also late and Huang Ah Ma still has a country to manage. See, Huang Hou Niang Niang is worried enough to send Rong Mo Mo to remind Huang Ah Ma to rest."

The emperor looked up from the board and saw Rong Mo Mo as well.

"Huang Shang, Huang Hou Niang Niang wishes for nu bi to caution Huang Shang to be careful of his health."

"Huang Ah Ma, Huang Hou Niang Niang is so considerate. She has surely stayed up all this time to ensure Huang Ah Ma's well-being. Though ZiWei wishes to play another game, I cannot be so selfish as to keep the whole household awake."

"You? Selfish?" The emperor laughed, "what you really mean is that we have been selfish! Still, you did well to remind us that you are still a guest here. Very well, for your peace of mind, for your conscientiousness, we will retire for the night. But next week, when you move to Shu Fang Zhai, do not think to use a similar excuse!"

ZiWei smiled, "Yes, Huang Ah Ma."

"Well, Rong Mo Mo, is your mistress ready to receive me?"

"Huang Shang wishes to stay the night?"

"Well of course! We had not realized until both you and ZiWei reminded us, but the hour truly is late. What, Huang Hou is not prepared?"

"Huang Shang…Huang Hou Niang Niang did not wish to presume."

"Well then, you'd best go inform her while we bid ZiWei good night."

"Of course!" Rong Mo Mo went as fast as she could.

The emperor turned towards ZiWei, "My daughter, it's a credit to your intelligence that you have shown your ability for self-preservation."

"ZiWei has no wish to cause Huang Ah Ma trouble."

He nodded, "These many years…you have surely learned to be independent. We were not there for your mother when she needed us. Nor were we there for you when you needed protection against those who would harm you. But now, now you have returned to our side. If you ever find that you are belittled, always be sure to remember that you still have your father to offer you aid."

"Yes, Huang Ah Ma."

He smiled at her, "I see so much of your mother in you. But you are also of my blood. The strength you have shown…Ji Shu Fu truly named you correctly. Huan Zhu Ge Ge…you truly are a treasure that has been returned to us."

"Huan Zhu Ge Ge?"

"Do you blame us, ZiWei, for only naming you as a foster daughter though you are a true daughter?"

ZiWei shook her head, "Huang Ah Ma…it is enough that Huang Ah Ma has recognized me." She then repeated, "ZiWei has no wish to cause trouble."

The emperor patted her hand in approval, "You are a good child, ZiWei."

The next afternoon, ZiWei was sitting in the courtyard reading a book when she heard a sound. She looked around but, seeing nothing, went back to her book. A flash of color at the edge of her vision made her look up again. Placing a bookmark in her book, she set it on her table and stood up to check around the bush. A boy, a shy expression on his face, met her gaze.

"ZiWei jie jie…"

She knelt down to his level, "Are you 12-Ah-Ge?"

The child nodded.

She asked gently "What are you doing hiding behind the bush?"

"I didn't know…didn't know if I should bother jie jie."

"Bother me? You call me sister, which means we're family." She reached out a hand, "Why don't we go sit and you can tell me your reason for visiting?"

12-Ah-Ge looked at her kind expression, at her outstretched hand, and then back at her encouraging smile. Taking a deep breath, he placed his hand in hers and allowed her to lead him to the table.

"Now then, will you tell me what troubles you?"

12-Ah-Ge looked at her earnestly, "ZiWei jiejie, will you teach me to play weiqi?"

"Play weiqi?" ZiWei blinked at him in surprise.

He nodded, "I know, I know Huang Ah Ma had spent hours playing with jiejie yesterday…I know Huang E Niang has always wished I could attract the same attention…but I…I have always failed her. But if jiejie will teach me…"

Ah. "Surely your other masters have taught you to play?"

12-Ah-Ge looked discouraged, "They tried to…but I'm afraid I'm not clever enough."

"Surely not. Why don't we play a game now so that I can gauge your skills for myself?"

"Jiejie is not too busy?"

ZiWei smiled at him, "Of course not. If you'll wait a moment, I'll have someone fetch the board and pieces."

The game proved to be a short one. 12-Ah-Ge looked even more discouraged, "You see, jie jie…"

"My mother always said that there are certain things that cannot be taught. I'm afraid that weiqi is one of those things for which a natural proclivity is needed."

12-Ah-Ge sighed.

ZiWei studied him a moment, "12-Ah-Ge, if I'm not mistaken, you also do not truly enjoy playing weiqi."

He fiddled with one of the pieces.

"If you do not enjoy it, why still pursue it?"

The child did not answer and just looked more troubled. Still, ZiWei felt that she understood.

"What do you enjoy?"

He looked at her in surprise. Such a question, he had never been asked.

ZiWei's patience was rewarded when he went back to the bush behind which he had been hiding and brought out a booklet. Opening it, he showed her a sketch. Looking at it, ZiWei marveled at the remarkable details of the drawing. It truly was like looking into a mirror.

At her praise, he quietly said, "All the poems that Ji Shi Fu has me memorize…I have difficulty remembering the words. But pictures…pictures are easy."

"May I?"

At his nodded, ZiWei flipped through the booklet. Scenes of palace life greeted her, each image wrought with care, revealing an observant nature to their creator.

"Has Huang Ah Ma ever seen these?"

12-Ah-Ge shook his head, "Huang E Niang says drawing is a pursuit more suited for ladies. Instead, I should focus more on my martial training and impressing Ji Shi Fu with my knowledge during lessons."

"Have you ever thought to draw pictures based on the various poems?"

He looked at her in surprise again.

"Poetry…poetry is but painting with words. The poet only wishes to capture what they see and, sometimes, what they feel. Take Li Bai's poem…can you not see the scene in your mind? The poet glances through his window and is moved by the beauty of the moon to think of his home."

12-Ah-Ge listened and, taking a piece of charcoal from his sleeve, drew a rough sketch of the scene and then recited the poem.

ZiWei smiled at him encouragingly, "See."

Tentatively, he smiled back at her.

"And words themselves are pictures as well. Take the word for umbrella, for example." With his permission, she borrowed his charcoal and drew the character, "do you see the people hiding from the rain underneath a covering?"

His smile broadened as he nodded in understanding.

Returning his charcoal, ZiWei said, "Next time Huang Ah Ma asks after your school work, I think you should show him your sketchbook."

His smile disappeared as he shook his head, "Huang E Niang won't like it."

She tilted her head, "Then…would you mind gifting me with the drawing you had made of me?"

He clutched his book close, "What does jiejie plan to do with it?"

"With your permission, I would like to show it to Huang Ah Ma. I think he would appreciate it very much."

"You really think so?" ZiWei could clearly see the child's internal conflict. He wanted so much for his father to notice him but at the same time feared disappointing his mother.

She nodded, "I do. Huang Ah Ma is a connoisseur of art. I have heard it said that he would travel with paintings just so that he could compare the original scene with the artists' renditions. And your drawings…you may not have a natural proclivity for weiqi, but truly you are in possession of a natural talent for art."

12-Ah-Ge studied her, trying to decide if he should trust her. How very careful, how very serious he was, ZiWei marveled to herself. Were all the royal children thus?

"12-Ah-Ge!" The distant cry made the boy startle.

"My nai niang is looking for me. She is the only one who has ever supported me in my hobby…Only one that is, except you."

"12-Ah-Ge!" As the sound of his nai niang's voice grew louder, the young prince seemed to make a decision. Quickly, as though not trusting his own judgment, he tore out the newest drawing and handed it to his sister. "ZiWei jie jie…"

ZiWei took the paper, "I'll be careful. Go on now, before your nursemaid becomes too frantic."

12-Ah-Ge quickly stood and made for the doorway. Before crossing over the threshold, he looked back at his sister. ZiWei smiled encouragingly at him. He nodded at her before disappearing from view.

"Xiaojie, do you really intend to show the drawing to Huang Shang?"

ZiWei wasn't surprised that JinSuo had quietly watched the preceding events. "Of course. He is my brother."

"But he is also Huang Hou Niang Niang's son…"

ZiWei sighed, "He is but a child. I cannot help but think that the root of his problems is a lack of self-confidence. The weight of pressures on his young shoulders…"

"Xiaojie sees herself in him."

When ZiWei remained quiet, JinSuo continued, "I remember taitai's disappointment when xiaojie did not master the guqin as quickly as she had wished. Taitai had given up on teaching xiaojie, but xiaojie continued to practice. How surprised taitai had been when xiaojie played for her!"

"Huang Hou Niang Niang, despite her position and title, she is not unlike my mother. All she does is for her child. And 12-Ah-Ge, he tries so hard to please."

"Though I doubt Huang Hou Niang Niang will thank xiaojie."

ZiWei smiled, "I know she is using my presence here to obtain Huang Ah Ma's attention. But as long as I remain useful to her, I am not in danger. It is not for her sake I help 12-Ah-Ge; I genuinely feel sorry for the child."

The first guest ZiWei hosted at Shu Fang Zhai was her father.

"Huang Ah Ma," she greeted as she brought out a cup of tea, "ZiWei knows Huang Ah Ma especially like tea made from the dew drops from lotus leaves. ZiWei had saved some especially to thank Huang Ah Ma."

"To thank us?"

"For providing such a wonderful palace for me."

The emperor laughed, "So you approve of Shu Fang Zhai?"

ZiWei nodded, "Of course. Huang Ah Ma was so very thoughtful to have ziwei flowers planted and large vats in the courtyard for lotus flowers. I didn't have to go far at all for the water for Huang Ah Ma's tea. The paintings depicting scenes of Da Ming Lake are also much appreciated."

The emperor nodded in satisfaction that she had noticed these particular details.

"But my favorite item must be the guqin."

"Yes. Fu Lun had told us how you had played for his family. Now, will you play for your father as well?"

ZiWei gladly complied. As the emperor listened to her play, his gaze fell upon a drawing on one of the side tables.

"ZiWei, who gave you that drawing?"

ZiWei paused and followed his gaze, "12-Ah-Ge gifted it to me."

"Yongji?"

"It took some coaxing, but he also showed me other sketches he had made. He is very talented."

"It is a remarkable likeness…"

"Huang Ah Ma has surely had one of the court painters instruct him."

"In truth, we have not."

"No?"

"We had not been aware that Yongji could draw."

"Oh, then his abilities are even more remarkable."

"Hmmm." The emperor studied the drawing a moment longer before turning back to his daughter, "Go on, finish the song."

When she played the last note, the emperor nodded in approval. "Fu Lun said you sang as well?"

With a smile, ZiWei began another song.

When silence fell again, he said, "It was the sound of your mother's guqin that first made us notice her. It blended so perfectly with the sound of the rain; it was as though nature itself was her accompaniment. On learning her name…how fitting it was that her name should contain the word for rain as well."

"Huang Ah Ma…" ZiWei murmured quietly.

He looked at her then, a sad tinge to his smile, "We are glad that she was able to pass on her skills. We are also thankful that she has given us such a wonderful daughter."

ZiWei didn't know how to respond and so merely started another song, hoping that the soothing tune would help her father's heartache.

The second visitor to Shu Fang Zhai was 12-Ah-Ge.

"ZiWei jie jie!"

ZiWei smiled. He did seem happier.

"12-Ah-Ge."

"Please, call me Yongji."

"Yongji then."

He shyly handed her a scroll, "I wished to thank you."

She carefully unrolled it. Her smile broadened at the ziwei flowers he had painted.

"Huang Ah Ma gave permission for me to visit Ru Yi Guan for lessons!" he declared, "it's my first attempt with colors…do you like it?"

She looked at his anxious expression, "Of course I do! I am also honored."

He smiled shyly, as though his face wasn't used to holding such an expression.

ZiWei's heart ached.

"Huang Ah Ma also said that Ji Shi Fu told him my school work has improved as well."

"Did he?"

12-Ah-Ge nodded, "ZiWei jie jie…do you think…would you…that is…could I come to Shu Fang Zhai when I need more help with my assignments?"

His clear nervousness made ZiWei's heart ache more, "Of course Yongji."

"Thank you!"

The third visitor was much welcomed.

"FuJin!" ZiWei grinned widely, "Oh, welcome!"

"It does my heart good, ZiWei, to see you looking so well."

"And how is everyone at Xue Shi Fu?"

"Busy as ever, of course. I have to nag at all of them to rest, as you well know."

ZiWei smiled, "But FuJin manages."

"Not as well as when you were at XueShiFu," FuJin admitted, "but well enough."

"FuJin is too kind."

FuJin just smiled at her, "Your absence is keenly felt."

ZiWei blushed.

"Still, you are in your rightful place. You have been well?"

ZiWei understood to what FuJin alluded and nodded, "Huang Hou Niang Niang seems to tolerate me, if only for Yongji's sake. And thanks to FuJin, Ling Fei Niang Niang has not misunderstood me."

FuJin nodded.

ZiWei added, "Ling Fei Niang Niang has a maternal heart. She has been all that is kind. 7-Ge-Ge and 9-Ge-Ge are both absolutely darling."

"Yes, Hejing and Heke both take after their mother. Unlike my sons at their age, they are angels in how well-behaved they are."

"Surely not?"

FuJin just chuckled, "ErKang settled once ErTai was born. But ErTai…he was always moving. Even sitting, he would fidget. Why, he had even accidentally struck ErKang when he was practicing archery. Fortunately, the arrow was blunted so the accident left no scars. And once he met Wu Ah Ge…the two of them were thick as thieves, still are. This one time…"

ZiWei chuckled at FuJin's stories as the two women passed the afternoon in idle chatter.

A few days later, WAG himself came to visit. As always, ErTai followed at his heels.

"So you are my new sister!" Yongqi exclaimed, "I have heard so much about you…it's so good to meet you at last."

ZiWei smiled, "Likewise, Wu Ah Ge."

He waved a hand at her, "I'm only a little older than you, no need for such ceremony. Call me Yongqi."

ZiWei nodded. Looking at ErTai, she teased, "Had I known you were coming, I would have prepared some plum cakes."

"Plum cakes?" ErTai looked surprised and then narrowed his eyes at her, "I see that E Niang has been telling you tales again. She is too partial; she only tells you such stories about me but not ErKang."

ZiWei and Yongqi both laughed at him.

"Oy," ErTai protested, "Yongqi, don't you enjoy my suffering. If E Niang told ZiWei stories about me, you can be sure that that she told stories about you too."

"Fu Jin did say the two of you have been joined at the hip since you were little."

Yongqi looked at her with a mock horrified expression, "ZiWei! I had been told that you were the most gentle of ladies..."

ZiWei just smiled serenely, "You should know not to believe all that you hear."

ErTai shook his head, "To think that my brother had been worried about you."

"Worried about me?"

"Of course. Who do you think told Yongqi about your kindness and sweetness?"

ZiWei blushed.

"ErKang may not be wrong in his assessment of you," Yongqi said thoughtfully, "but he may have mistaken kindness and sweetness for meekness. You, my sister, are not meek."

"No?"

"No," he said confidently, "you may project such an image, but it serves as a mask to hide your intelligence. Surely that is how you escaped Huang E Niang's clutches unscathed."

"You make Huang Hou Niang Niang sound like such a monster." ZiWei gently chided.

He only looked knowingly at her, "You and I are not dissimilar…we must survive in this palace without the benefit of having E Niang's to shield us."

"Huang Ah Ma's favor is not without consequences." She agreed readily.

He smiled at her. "We do understand one another."

ErTai looked from brother to sister, "Well, I'm glad you understand one another. But don't forget that there's a third person present as well!"

Yongqi and ZiWei shared another look before laughing.

ErTai just looked more cross, "Had I known the two of you would gang up on me, I would have never brought Yongqi to meet you, ZiWei."

"Alright, alright!" ZiWei soothed, "Fu er shao ye, I have been a poor hostess in ignoring you. What would Fu er shao ye care to discuss?"

"That's more like it!" ErTai exclaimed to his companions' amusement.

"ZiWei is merely being polite. ErTai, you can't forget, both ZiWei and I technically outrank you."

ErTai looked incredulously at Yongqi, "Really, now you're going to pull rank?"

Yongqi couldn't keep a straight face, "You know I wouldn't, not seriously. You and I have been friends, have been brothers, too long for that."

"And I have yet to be formally made a Ge Ge." ZiWei added.

"Oh that's only a matter of time. Huang Shang has put my brother in charge of security for the day."

"Oh," ZiWei said ever so eloquently.

"With ErKang at the helm I will rest easy," Yongqi commented.

ErTai smiled proudly, "Yes, ErKang is always careful; this time, even more so."

ZiWei blushed again as Yongqi asked, "What do you mean?"

"Nothing, nothing," ErTai quickly changed the subject, "12-Ah-Ge has started lessons at Ru Yi Guan. ZiWei, why do I get the feeling you had a hand in that development?"

Recovering quickly, ZiWei chuckled and told her side of the story.

"Ah, that explains much!" Yongqi smiled, "I had wondered at the cause for Yongji's improvements during lessons. ZiWei, you'd best brace yourself."

"Brace myself?"

"The other Ah Ge's will surely fight with Yongji for so helpful a tutor."

"Then I must apply to my older brother for aid."

"To me?"

ZiWei nodded, "You also have a reputation for being knowledgeable, do you not? Surely you would not hesitate to help our younger brothers."

"Huh." Yongqi looked thoughtful, "they have never asked me for assistance."

"Only because you intimidate them."

"Him? Intimidating?" ErTai chuckled.

Still, ZiWei maintained her opinion, "ErTai, you have the privilege of many years of friendship. But the other Ah Ge's, they're all younger and have probably heard about Wu Ah Ge's successes since they were old enough to understand speech. Of course they would be intimidated."

"I've never thought of it that way…" Yongqi murmured.

ZiWei just smiled, "Then you'll help me should they come seeking help? After all, I may be able to help explain Ji Shi Fu's lessons, but I know very little of martial arts. I may need your help keeping the unruliness under control."

"Oh, you can always call on Gao Yuan and Gao Da for that."

"Gao Yuan and Gao Da?"

ErTai nodded, "My brother has some authority among the guard assignments for the palace and made sure Shu Fang Zhai was especially well guarded. The two of them are well-trained to stay hidden; it's no wonder you haven't noticed their presence."

"Oh," ZiWei found herself saying again.

"If they're supposed to remain hidden, then it makes little sense for ZiWei to call on their aid." Yongqi said, "ZiWei, if our brothers truly come to you for help, I will offer my aid as well."

The day that ZiWei paraded through the city as an official Ge Ge was overwhelming. Still, having seen the proud look on her father's face, ZiWei smiled and waved as graciously as she could. It also helped to know that somewhere behind her, ErKang rode on his horse, his sharp eyes observing the crowd closely for any sign of trouble. They did not have a chance to speak to one another, but ZiWei had smiled at him gratefully before entering her carriage. From his returning smile, she felt certain that he understood. Still, that night, as she watched the moon rise, she could not help but feel bereft.

She felt certain that she was not wrong in her interpretation of ErKang's words and actions. She also appreciated that he wished to spare her further worries. As uncertain as her fate had been, she dared not allow herself to think too much. But now…she was officially, unmistakably, a Ge Ge. She allowed herself to wonder if he was looking at the same moon.

Her whole life, she had been so careful. Wu Ah Ge was right about one thing; ZiWei was an expert at hiding. She had to be, to protect herself. The lewd remarks that had been made towards her mother and, as ZiWei grew older, towards herself had lost their shock value but not their ability to hurt. ZiWei knew that in her heart, she wished for support, for a protector. And oh, how well ErKang fit those hopes. She hadn't thought, though, that she craved for someone to understand her. From their brief interaction, she could tell that Yongqi did to some extent. Would he tell ErKang? Would ErTai? What would ErKang think of her then? The way he had looked at her, it was obvious he put her on a pedestal. It was flattering, gratifying, exhilarating. But ZiWei had also learned to be practical. She was flawed, same as everyone else.

She smiled wryly. Ah, but had she not put ErKang on a pedestal too? It was so easily done. He was the pride of the Fu's, a trusted guard of her father. Dependable, thoughtful, gifted. Those are the adjectives she had often heard used to describe him. ErTai had been right to bemoan his mother's unwillingness to share stories of ErKang's youth. Was it on purpose? Did FuJin suspect?

And yet…she thought on the conversations they had shared. Had ErKang himself not revealed his internal conflicts? Both of them had been brought up with ideals and principles that their experiences have contradicted. She knew herself to be optimistic, unrealistically so at times, as JinSuo would say. And he…he was in search of beauty, of wholesomeness.

"Xiaojie?"

ZiWei turned towards JinSuo with a smile, "The moon is so very beautiful tonight, is it not?"

"Taitai, in heaven, she can surely rest easy now."

ZiWei nodded, "Yes."

"Xiaojie, you've had a long day, it's time to rest."

"You go ahead, JinSuo. I'd like to enjoy the scenery a few moments longer."

JinSuo obediently withdrew. ZiWei turned back to the moon. Her mother…what would her mother say about ErKang, ZiWei wondered. Would she caution ZiWei not to be stupid? To guard her heart and her virtue closely? Or would she understand?

There was still so much about her mother that she never knew. The emperor, in moments of nostalgia, had let slip small details about their courtship. Did her mother truly understand the consequences of her actions? Or was she caught up in the thrill of having the admiration of such a man as her father?

ZiWei leaned her head against a post. Did it matter? Her mother was an innocent, the beloved, sheltered child of a scholar. And her father…he was the emperor. Who could truly deny his will? Did her mother feel foolish afterwards, waiting for him? Did such thoughts motivate her with her last breath to tell ZiWei not to become a second Xia Yu He? Or was her warning merely words of bitterness after a lifetime of regret? Still…she must have cared for him, with the headiness of a first love, the recklessness of youth.

And ZiWei…since she was little, she had been told that she was like her mother; in looks, in temperament, in skills. Was it within her to lose herself in a similar manner as well? If ErKang were to declare himself, would she remain level-headed?

Ah, but ErKang was not her father. Self-confident he may be, but he understood the value of restraint. To survive at court, to continue holding the emperor's favor, neither were trivial tasks.

"And mother, I am not you." ZiWei whispered, though whether to the moon or to herself, she couldn't truly say. "I will be careful. It is the last of your wishes that I need to fulfill."

ZiWei was strolling through the imperial gardens when she overheard a conversation between two maids on the other side of the hedge.

"That ZiWei Ge Ge…do you know about her mother? She was no more than a commoner who somehow entrapped the emperor…"

"If I were her, I wouldn't show my face outside of Shu Fang Zhai."

JinSuo frowned and would have reprimanded the two but for ZiWei's hand on her arm. ZiWei just shook her head and made to resume walking. Another voice, however, made her pause.

"Who are you to talk about Huan Zhu Ge Ge in such a way?"

"3-Ge-Ge ji xiang."

"Ji xiang?! Hmmp. I should think that the two of you have better things to do than gossip about a princess. Huan Zhu Ge Ge is formally recognized as Huang Ah Ma's foster daughter. It matters not her background or origins. She is a princess. You wouldn't say such things about Qing-Ge-Ge, would you?"

"Nu bi apologizes…"

"Apologize? What good is your apology to me?"

The two maids stayed quiet.

"Get out of my sight."

ZiWei walked around the hedge, "Heqing jie jie had no need to be so upset my behalf; they were merely words."

"Merely words?" 3-Ge-Ge lifted an eyebrow, "meimei is too tolerant. Your title is not an empty one. If Huang Ah Ma knew..."

ZiWei just shook her head, "There is no need to trouble Huang Ah Ma; such gossip will pass once the novelty fades."

3-Ge-Ge just sighed, "That meimei can 忍 is to your credit. But meimie must never forget that you are a princess and does not have to sit back and let those lesser than you say such things."

Seeing ZiWei nod, 3-Ge-Ge gestured, "Come, walk with me."

The two ladies continued their journey through the gardens, pausing here and there to admire a blossom.

"Has jiejie come to visit Huang Ah Ma?" ZiWei asked.

"No. Hejia."

"Oh?"

"You know of course that she is to be married."

ZiWei nodded, "Fucha LunAn and 4-Ge-Ge are childhood friends, 青梅竹马 (childhood sweethearts). I am happy for her."

"Yes. I came to offer my congratulations. My mother was of the Fucha clan."

"Empress Xiaoxianchun was known for her virtuous nature. Jiejie has a reputation for being very much like her, including her disdain for jewels."

Heijing reached up to touch the flowers in her hair, "Zhu'er is kind to ensure that I have a ready supply of blossoms, even the midst of winter."

"Surely Hejia will be as happy as jiejie in marriage."

"Huang Ah Ma is kind to his daughters as he could not be to his sons. 6-Ah-Ge has been made a beile, to enable him to inherit great uncle Yunxi's title. On the surface, it is a great honor, but who does not know that Huang Ah Ma has never forgiven Yongzhang (AN: 3 Ah-Ge, same mom as 6 Ah-Ge) for his perceived lack of mourning for my mother?"

"Huang Ah Ma surely wished to avoid the conflicts he witnessed as a child."

"And again you show your optimism, meimei. In naming Yongrong as great-uncle's grandson, Huang Ah Ma effectively removed him from the line of succession."

"Surely not every prince wishes for the throne."

"Does Yongqi?"

"Jiejie?"

3-Ge-Ge looked at ZiWei shrewdly, "By virtue of age, you and Yongqi are close. Of all the princes…Huang Ah Ma has always shown Yongqi the most favor to the great frustration of Imperial Noble Consort Shujia. Of the six princes still living, she is mother to three of them. 4-Ah-Ge is the oldest but despite his military successes has not the noble bearing necessary for a successor. Yongxuan and Yongxing are both still young. "

"Yongqi and I do not speak of such things."

"He must truly be fond of you, to protect you from becoming entangled."

"Huang Ah Ma is young and hale; surely such talk is unnecessary."

"Within the emperor's family, such consideration is ever present…but you are right to reproach me. We are but his daughters, to be married off for the sake of ensuring dynastic peace or as reward to a favored family. "

"And yet jiejie said that Huang Ah Ma is kind to his daughters."

"So I did. By rights, Zhu'er and I should have removed to his homeland when we married. But Huang Ah Ma has given us a residence in BeiJing instead and has shown little sign these many years of changing his mind. "

"Huang Ah Ma knows jiejie would have been homesick."

"Huang Ah Ma still mourns my mother, just as he mourns yours. Like you, I am my mother's only surviving child."

"Heiqing jiejie," ZiWei protested, "Empress Xiaoxianchun was his proper wife."

Heqing just smiled, "What of it? His love for your mother does not take away from his for mine. My mother always said that a man may have more than one love, but it is the obligation of a woman to stay true to her husband. If Huang Hou Niang Niang understood such logic, she would be treated with more favor."

"Jiejie!"

"You have no need to warn me; I am not afraid of her. Lao Fo Ye might have helped her gain her present position, but in Huang Ah Ma's heart, my mother will always be the only true empress."

Seeing the persistently worried look on ZiWei's face, however, 3-Ge-Ge decided to change the topic, "And you, meimei, surely Huang Ah Ma will look for a bridegroom for you too."

"Jiejie, I am in no hurry to marry."

"Nonsense! You are already beyond the age that most young ladies marry. Before you found your way to Huang Ah Ma, it was because no one could possibly match you. Now though, you are where you should be…add to it Huang Ah Ma's obvious favor, he will find a good match for you. By age…it may well be ErKang or ErTai. How fortuitous! Did you not stay at XueShiFu before entering the palace?"

"Jiejie," ZiWei protested in embarrassment.

At last, Heqing took pity on her sister, "Alright, I will leave well enough alone. We have also walked long enough. Thank you for keeping me company, meimei."

"Would jiejie like to stop at Shu Fang Zhai for refreshments?"

Heqing shook her head, "No. Zhu'er wished to take me riding; I promised I would not tarry long."

"Jiejie and jiefu (brother-in-law) have so happy a marriage."

Heqing laughed, "As will you, someday soon, meimei."

She was still laughing as she departed, leaving a blushing ZiWei in her wake.

Once back in Shu Fang Zhai, JinSuo dared to say, "Xiaojie, 3-Ge-Ge's words were not without reason."

"JinSuo, I am happy as I am."

"But xiaojie, the way ErKang shao ye looks at xiaojie…"

ZiWei looked at her companion sharply, "The way he looks at me?"

"Xiaojie, do you really need me to explain?"

ZiWei sighed, "JinSuo, enough. The focus is on Hejia, though the wedding is not to occur until next year. We must think of a suitable gift for the occasion."

"Xiaojie…"

At the look from ZiWei, however, JinSuo held her tongue. "4-Ge-Ge is a connoisseur of tea."

"Yes…" ZiWei looked out her window at the buds on the plants whose name she bore. That's it!

She smiled. A teacup for each of the princesses: peony for Heqing as the daughter of an empress, ziwei for herself, chrysanthemum for Hejing's elegant nature even at the age of three, lotus for Heke's innocence at the age of one, and orchid for Hejia herself, the bride-to-be. (AN: yes I shamelessly stole this idea from Bu Bu Jing Xin. Such beautiful teacups.)

"Xiaojie?" JinSuo was glad to see the happy look on ZiWei's face.

ZiWei quickly went to her table to sketch her ideas. "JinSuo, what do you think? I'll have Yongji take a look, to see if the designs need to be refined. And Yongqi will have to help me find someone to make them."

"I think 4-Ge-Ge will treasure them very much."

ZiWei nodded and went back to revising her drawings. JinSuo smiled at ZiWei's enthusiasm. Still, she wished her xiaojie would consider more for her own happiness as well.

The emperor, ErKang at his side, watched and listened carefully as Ji Xiao Lan gave his lessons to the royal princes. Yongqi of course excelled, but his other sons were also doing well. After the day's lessons concluded, he was sure to praise their instructor.

Ji Shi Fu only shook his head, "A large part of the credit must also be given to Huan Zhu Ge Ge."

"To ZiWei?"

Ji Shi Fu nodded, "I had wondered at 12-Ah-Ge's improvements and he had told me that Huan Zhu Ge Ge had been helping him with his schoolwork. He also dragged 11-Ah-Ge to Shu Fang Zhai with him. The other Ah Ge's won't admit it openly, but I know they go to Ge Ge for aid as well."

"Is that why they all headed off in the same direction?" ErKang asked thoughtfully.

Ji Shi Fu nodded, "Though not to study, leastwise, not today…Wu Ah Ge tells me the princes have a surprise planned for Huan Zhu Ge Ge's birthday."

"ZiWei's birthday? Yes, that is today, isn't it? We had forgotten! ErKang, let us go see what this surprise is!"

They found Shu Fang Zhai a riot of activity as the servants and children helped decorate the courtyard in colored streamers and lay out plates of snacks.

"Huang Ah Ma!" 3-Ge-Ge exclaimed.

"Heqing, you are here as well?"

3-Ge-Ge nodded, "It's all Yongji's idea. He asked Yongqi for help and Yongqi thought it was good to have all ZiWei's siblings gather. It's her first birthday with her rightful family, after all."

The emperor laughed in gladness, "Yes, so it is."

Just then, a breathless Xiao Deng Zi entered the doorway, "Ge Ge's coming!"

"Alright," Yongqi's voice was heard, "you know your places!"

The Ah Ge's lined up as directed.

"If you'll excuse me, Huang Ah Ma," Heqing said with a smile as she went to gather little Heke into her arms and help Hejing into her place. Hejia sat at one end, her pipa in hand, as Yongqi brought out a xiao.

"ErKang, it seems we are superfluous."

ErKang shook his head, "See, there, Huang Shang, Wu Ah Ge has left a chair for you."

The emperor looked again, "So he has!"

As ZiWei came through the doorway, she was greeted by the sight of her siblings' wide smiles as they sang a song wishing her happy birthday.

"Oh!" She felt tears rise to her eyes.

"ZiWei jiejie," Yongji quickly ran towards her as soon as the song was completed and tugged on her sleeve, "don't cry. We meant to make you happy."

ZiWei wiped at her eyes and smiled broadly down at him, "Yongji, these are happy tears. Thank you." She looked at everyone gathered, "Thank you to each of you."

Yongqi smiled, "It was all Yongji's idea."

ZiWei looked again at her youngest brother, "Was it?"

Yongji shyly nodded.

ZiWei gathered him into her arms for a big hug, "Then thank you especially, Yongji."

"Presents!" Hejing's cry made everyone laugh, the emperor the loudest.

ZiWei looked up, "Huang Ah Ma, you are here as well! Such a small birthday…to have disturbed Huang Ah Ma…"

"Disturbed? ZiWei, your birthday is a cause for celebration. We almost missed this happy occasion if not for Ji Shi Fu. It does our heart good to see all our children come together like this. But we know that you won't be at ease with us here. ErKang, we'd better let these youngsters celebrate."

ErKang nodded. "Happy birthday, ZiWei Ge Ge." He looked like he wanted to say more, but as the emperor had already started walking, could only turn and follow.

"Hejing is right though…presents!" Yongqi said decisively, bringing ZiWei's attention back to her siblings.

ZiWei smiled and let herself be drawn towards the small table.

"Alright…which one shall I start with?"

That evening, before going home, ErKang made a detour. Stepping quietly into Shu Fang Zhai, he was surprised to see ZiWei alone in the courtyard, her head turned towards the sky. She looked so peaceful; he almost didn't want to disturb her. And indeed, he quietly watched her for a moment. She did look well. He had known, of course, through his E Niang, through ErTai, even through HuangShang. But today, seeing her siblings all gather together for her sake, seeing her interact with them, he finally felt his worries settle. He was unsurprised that she should have won her siblings' admiration, was proud that she had carved out a place for herself in this palace. Looking at her now, he was reminded again of how much he missed her company.

At that moment, ZiWei sighed a little and made to turn back to her book. Her gaze caught on his presence and she was startled into speech, "ErKang."

How right his name sounded coming from her lips.

"I mean…Fu da shao ye, did Huang Ah Ma wish for you to deliver a message?"

He shook his head, not yet trusting himself to speak.

"Then…" She looked at him curiously.

"May I?" He finally asked as he gestured to the other seat at the stone table.

"Of course. I'm sure you are fatigued from standing guard all day. Would you care for some refreshments?" She made to call for one of the servants, but he declined.

"No. Ge Ge. I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday."

"Oh. But you did that already, earlier."

ErKang reached into his pocket and brought out a package, "I also wished to give you a present."

"You had no need to…"

He shook his head, "Even had Huang Shang not come by Shu Fang Zhai, I would have wished to deliver it."

"You remembered?"

"How could I forget?"

Instead of returning the intentness of his gaze, she unwrapped the package. It was a hairpin. She turned the delicate stem in her hand and marveled at the craftsmanship that made the blossoms at the end look so life-like.

She set it back down and looked at him, "Thank you."

"I know…you probably have a lot of items made in the shape of myrtle flowers. Only…I had designed this one, when you first came into the palace, and only looked for the correct occasion to gift it to you."

"I must add artist to the list of your accomplishments then."

"I have never tried in the past…"

"Then I am honored to have helped you discover a hitherto unknown talent."

He smiled back at her and dared to gesture to the pin, "May I?"

She did not answer right away but his patience was rewarded when she finally gave a small nod.

ErKang was amazed that his hand remained steady as he placed the pin in her hair. He was reluctant to pull away but knew that he had to.

"How does it look?" She asked quietly as he resumed his seat.

"The beauty of its wearer ensures that it looks pleasing."

She flushed but did not look away from his gaze.

The sound of a eunuch crying out the hour as he passed by Shu Fang Zhai interrupted the moment.

"You should head home, before Fu Jin worries."

He nodded though made no move to stand.

"I really am well," she insisted, "surely Gao Yuan and Gao Da have given you favorable reports?"

"How did you know…"

"ErTai." She replied simply.

"Ah."

"He and FuJin, surely they've reassured you as well?"

"Still…I would rather see with my own eyes. You had said once that I was a hero. As the person who saved you, I continue to be responsible for your well-being."

"As you have seen, I really am well."

He nodded and looked at her another moment before standing, "Happy birthday, ZiWei Ge Ge."

"Thank you, for your well-wishes and for your gift."

He nodded and left Shu Fang Zhai.

ErKang berated himself for not saying more. He wasn't sure what had stopped him. He didn't want so much to be a hero as he wanted to be her hero. He had always thought of himself as some who was always certain, always courageous. But where she was concerned…he had never felt such emotions, had little previous experience to guide him. He could only follow his instincts.

Even so, his practical nature continued to advise caution. Their initial encounter had been on uneven footing. Such a truth certainly did not keep him from caring for her. Now, though, seeing evidence that her family had accepted her, surely they were well matched. His mother, ErKang knew, would rejoice in having a daughter-in-law such as ZiWei. His father would appreciate the prestige but he also enjoyed ZiWei's company. ErTai had already settled into an easy camaraderie with ZiWei, even without Yongqi's influence. And for himself…he felt certain that he would be the happiest man on earth with her at his side.

How had it happened? How had she come to mean so much to him in so short a time? Influence, prestige, responsibility…how it all paled in comparison to a look or a smile from her. These months, he had fought against his internal drive to come to Shu Fang Zhai to see her. To visit her, even if all her servants remained present, wasn't proper. More importantly, mindful of her sensibilities, he dared not act in any manner that may cause gossip or besmirch her reputation. But oh, how difficult it had been to control himself. Still, ErKang was by nature a protector and ZiWei, ZiWei was precious, was worthy of his self-discipline.

A few days later, ErKang returned to ShuFangZhai, though this time in the emperor's company.

"What brings Huang Ah Ma to visit today?"

"ZiWei, we wished to give you a belated birthday present."

"Huang Ah Ma has already sent jewels aplenty…"

The emperor shook his head, "Those were impersonal trinkets; any Ge Ge would receive them. But you are special. No, we wished to give you an even better present."

"Huang Ah Ma…ZiWei is very happy to have been able to celebrate with family. Huang Ah Ma did not need to trouble himself."

The emperor laughed, "It's no trouble for us! Rather, it'll be more work for ErKang!"

ZiWei glanced curiously at both of them.

"ErKang has been planning for a southern inspection tour. We were to leave at the end of the next month. We would like you to accompany us."

"Oh!"

"What, you would decline?"

ZiWei smiled, "Of course not! Thank you, Huang Ah Ma."

"You'll have to bring JinSuo of course. ErKang, I trust it will be easy to arrange?"

ErKang smiled, "No trouble at all, Huang Shang. I had planned for us to travel as merchants. HuangShang will be be LaoYe, Wu Ah Ge will be shaoye, and Ge Ge will be xiaojie. Of course the young lady of the household must have a maid with her during her travels."

The emperor nodded in satisfaction.

"Who else is to accompany us, Huang Ah Ma?"

"ErKang?"

"Ah Ma, ErTai, and I. Ji Shi Fu, Fu Liu Shu, and E Ming. And of course Hu Tai Yi."

"Hu Tai Yi?" ZiWei asked in surprise.

"In case of surprises; plans are never fool-proof."

"ErKang is very thorough," the emperor praised, "now then ZiWei, you had promised to play weiqi with us. Properly this time, yes?"

ZiWei smiled, "Yes, Huang Ah Ma."

ErKang watched as the game unfolded and marveled at ZiWei's skill. The careful but deliberate way she thought about her moves…surely the game revealed the reasons she has been able to thrive in the palace.

"Ah!" the emperor exclaimed at the game's end, "you see, ZiWei, we knew you were hiding your skills last time!"

"Huang Ah Ma, I was only lucky."

"Lucky? Then we shall play another game, to see if your luck holds!"

ErKang cleared his throat, "HuangShang has a meeting with the generals this afternoon."

The emperor looked disappointed, "Yes, the border-lands have not been restful."

"Huang Ah Ma must take care of his health."

The emperor smiled at his daughter, "Then we will come to Shu Fang Zhai more often, it is always an oasis of calm."

"ZiWei thanks Huang Ah Ma for the praise."

With a last smile, the emperor departed.

A few days before the journey south was to start, 12-Ah-Ge came to Shu Fang Zhai. His visits were not an anomaly, but the petulant expression on his face was.

"Yongji, what's wrong?"

"ZiWei jiejie, you're really going to go with Huang Ah Ma?"

"It's only for three months."

Yongji made a face.

JinSuo smiled at the child, "12-Ah-Ge, if you can't be separated from Ge Ge now, what will you do when she marries?"

Yongji's frown deepened.

"Don't listen to JinSuo's nonsense," ZiWei said kindly, "I will return safe and sound and tell you about the trip in so much detail, you'll be able to draw pictures for me."

"Promise?"

"Of course."

Yongji seemed mollified, "Well, even when you marry, you'll still be in BeiJing."

"What?"

"I overheard Huang E Niang speaking with Rong Mo Mo. Huang Ah Ma wishes to choose between the Fu brothers for you."

ZiWei was speechless at such a revelation.

"And who do you think Huang Shang should choose?" JinSuo asked.

"Whoever jiejie likes better of course."

JinSuo smiled and gave the young prince another piece of cake for such an answer.

ZiWei shook her head at the two, "Enough nonsense the two of you. Yongji, how goes your studies in architecture?"

Yongji perked up, "I met the two foreign gentlemen in charge of renovating the Summer Palace. The plans they draw are so very precise. They may be foreigners, but they are so very clever."

"As are you," ZiWei remarked.

Her brother smiled at her, less shy with praise than he had been in the past, "I'm excited to learn from them."

"Not at the expense of your other lessons, I hope."

"No, jiejie, I would not disappoint you so."

"Yongji, it's not for my sake…"

"But for my own. I know. Still, jiejie is the first person to ever find ways to help me rather than merely make demands of me."

"We are siblings," ZiWei reminded him, "you have no need to be so serious."

Yongji just shook his head stubbornly, "Yongji will never forget such kindness."

The weather could not have been more cooperative for the inspection trip. Outside the confines of the palace, ZiWei felt that she could be less careful and freer with her emotions. ErKang discovered that she had a teasing sort of humor and would make understated remarks that caught others off guard. ErTai and Yongqi were the only two who didn't seem surprised. But, ErKang supposed, they surely had the benefit of more frequent interactions with her.

When the emperor expressed wish for a picnic, ZiWei gamely volunteered to go to the nearby farmers' to borrow supplies.

"You can cook?" the emperor had asked in surprise.

ZiWei just smiled, "Not as well as JinSuo, and mostly just vegetable dishes."

"No worries!" E Ming spoke up, "Fu Liu Shu and I are military trained. We will hunt for some wild rabbits and water fowl. If LaoYe doesn't mind eating as the soldiers do, we will roast them as we would on military campaigns."

"Hmmm," the emperor replied, "I have been spoiled with all sorts of complicated and heavily flavored dishes. Perhaps a change of palate will be best!"

Hu Tai Yi added, "Sometimes, simplicity is best, to obtain the optimum nutrition from foods."

"Well then!" the emperor declared, "since we have Hu Tai Yi's blessing. ErKang, ErTai, Yongqi, the three of you go with ZiWei and JinSuo, to protect them and to help them carry the supplies."

Their small patch of the grassland soon wafted with delicious smells.

"Xiaojie is a lady of many talents," Ji Shi Fu could not help but remark as the dishes were arranged on the makeshift picnic blanket.

"Ji Shi Fu, the names are certainly pretty, but you have yet to taste them." ZiWei said modestly.

"Oh, the dishes have names?"

"But of course!" ZiWei smiled, "surrounded by such a beautiful environment, we must appeal to all our senses." She pointed to each dish and shared their names to the great enjoyment of the party.

"My, they're so well named, I am almost tempted to just look at them!"

"Ah Ma, you may be able to curb your hunger with your eyes, but my stomach certainly would like to be filled with sustenance! That roast duck there…E Ming, I must have a taste of your handiwork!"

"E Ming has discovered your weakness, Yongqi!" the emperor laughed as he raised his chopsticks, "alright, let's all dig in!"

"Hu Tai Yi," Fu Lun remarked as the group sat resting after sating their hunger, "you spoke rightly; these dishes retain the original flavor of their ingredients. I feel refreshed and energized rather than lethargic!"

The royal physician chuckled, "Perhaps I should have ZiWei Ge Ge name our medical concoctions. Such pretty names she has come up with, they surely helped our enjoyment of our meal."

"Hmm, but they were for such appetizing dishes to begin with. Medicines are rather different." Ji Shi Fu gestured to the remnants of the duck carcass, "Can xiaojie make something like this more appealing?"

ZiWei thought about it and did come up with a satisfactory answer.

Ji Shi Fu laughed, "I should have expected nothing else from you!"

"What about this plate?" Fu Liu Shu asked.

ZiWei proved more than up for the challenge as each of the more elderly members of the group gestured to the different leftovers.

"Alright, alright!" the emperor at least declared, "we have shown without a doubt that my daughter is a cai nu! To have her company on this trip is everyone's honor."

ZiWei blushed but smiled broadly at her father's praise.

The trip continued on in high spirits. ErKang found that a happy ZiWei was even more attractive than a thoughtful or moody ZiWei. Indeed, having seen this carefree aspect of her personality, he felt a need to keep her in such a state. That she had begun to call him by name was another victory. He felt certain that all members of the group could clearly see his regard, but he cared not. His Ah Ma had guessed at the emperor's intent and ErKang was determined to grasp this chance. And so he made sure to be at ZiWei's side; maintaining enough distance for propriety, but close enough so that she could have no doubt of his intent. ZiWei herself gave no indication that she minded his actions.

Indeed, when they came upon a busy street, she had smiled sweetly at him as he tried to shelter her from the jostling crowd.

"I wonder what the fuss is," ErTai said as he glanced curiously about them.

"Sir," Yongqi stopped a passerby, "what is happening?"

"You must not be from around here! Miss Du, the famed beauty of the city, is tossing a colored ball to find her husband today!"

"Isn't that risky?" ZiWei asked.

"Perhaps. But that Miss Du is already 22. Because she's so pretty, she's been so picky about her suitors. Master Du is determined to marry her off this year and had that ball especially blessed at YueLao's temple." So saying, he left to join the rest of the gathering throng.

"How curious," Yongqi said, "Ah Ma, shall we go take a look?"

"Using a colored ball to find a bridegroom? That is certainly refreshing!"

"Laoye, be mindful of your safety," FuLun reminded.

"There!" ErTai pointed towards the raised front area of the property across from the building, "we should be able to see well from such an elevation."

The sound of a gong indicated that Miss Du was making her appearance.

"She really is quite beautiful," ZiWei murmured.

"But not more so than someone." ErKang responded back just as quietly.

She turned towards him, blushing, but with that same sweet smile.

Yongqi and ErTai looked at each other and smirked.

A cheer from the crowd alerted the group that the tasseled ball had been thrown.

The group watched, fascinated, as the ball bounced around the crowd.

"Curious," Yongqi said again.

"What's curious?" ErTai asked him.

"Well, you'd think that the young men would all want to catch the ball."

"What? You think she's pretty enough to be shao nai nai?" ErTai teased.

Yongqi just laughed, "Don't be ridiculous."

Watching carefully, ErKang explained, "the young men are more focused on preventing each other from catching the ball."

Just then, a young lady was seen to reach high above the crowd and hit the ball towards a particular young man.

"Oh!" JinSuo exclaimed as she tugged on ZiWe's sleeve, "Xiaojie…doesn't she look familiar?"

ZiWei watched as the young lady in question gleefully maneuvered the ball towards the ever increasingly annoyed young man, "I do think that's the girl from that botched wedding!"

"I wonder what she's doing here, and who that young man is!"

"Most likely one of her relations, maybe her brother based on the similarities of their facial features." ErKang observed thoughtfully.

"You know her, meimei?" Yongqi asked the same time that ErTai said, "botched wedding?"

ZiWei chuckled, "It's a rather amusing story actually…"

Before she had a chance to tell it, however, the ball disappeared from view and a female voice was heard to cry, "The groom is Qi Zhi Gao!"

Miss Du's father was seen to hurry down the steps. The group watched as an argument of some sort ensued. The previously annoyed looking young man had gathered close to the young lady. He still looked upset, but his displeasure was no longer targeted at his companion. He was also seen to trade words with Mister Du.

"What do you think, FuLun?" the emperor asked.

"Laoye…it seems that Mister Du may not be too happy with heaven's choice for his daughter."

"Hmm…let us get closer, I would like to hear what the reason is."

"Laoye," Ji Shi Fu said, "surely Laoye has no need to go personally."

"FuLun, ErKang, ErTai, Yongqi, the four of you accompany me."

"JinSuo and I would like to go as well," ZiWei spoke up, "we think we recognize that young lady. In truth, she owes us a debt. Perhaps we can use it to sooth everyone's tempers."

Accompanied by the youngsters, the emperor strode forward through the crowd.

Ji Shi Fu sighed as he remarked to his companions, "Lao ye does have zhi ye bing (职业病)…even away from the palace, he must interfere."

"Alas, that is an ailment for which I have no cure," Hu Tai Yi lamented.

E Ming just said, "With shou ye and the Fu brother protecting him, he should be safe enough. Besides, we all still remain close at hand should he have need of us."

They watched as the emperor approached the situation. The unknown young lady seemed surprised to see ZiWei and JinSuo but then had smiled widely. At ZiWei's questioning, she gesticulated wildly as she made her explanation. The young man at her side also spoke, though his mannerisms were calmer. The emperor was seen to laugh as he spoke with Mister Du. Fu Lun, nodding at the emperor's instructions, was seen to withdraw something from his sleeve, give it to Mister Du, and then whisper something into the man's year. At the dumbfounded look on the man's face, the emperor had laughed and led the group back to the platform.

"He's really your father?" The waiting group heard the unknown young lady ask.

ZiWei smiled and nodded.

"Wow! No wonder you wanted to find him! He must be very well-off…such a large gold piece, I thought Miss Du's father would faint dead away!"

The emperor laughed, "I am merely a merchant who has been fortunate to have smart advisors to guide my investments."

"Are these your advisors?" the unknown young man asked.

"Not all. Fu Lun is one. His sons, ErKang and ErTai, you have met. Ji Shi Fu is my children's tutor. Hu Tai Yi is our physician."

"Wow, you've found a brother too!" the young lady exclaimed.

ZiWei nodded, "As have you, it seems."

The young lady grinned broadly, "XiaoJian is the best brother in the world! We were separated when we were little, but he came and found me!"

"I can tell," the emperor said with a laugh, "that you have a story just like ZiWei. FuLun, I think we shall rest in this town tonight."

"If Ai Lao Ye doesn't mind, I can recommend the inn Xiao Yan Zi and I are currently staying at."

At the emperor's nod, FunLun left in the young man's company to make the necessary arrangements.

"Now then, ZiWei, will you tell us the story of your initial meeting with Xiao Yan Zi here?"

ZiWei laughed and commenced the tale.

Dinner was a glad affair. Xiao Yan Zi proved an animated storyteller; her high spirits were infectious as the youngsters learned about each other. Her brother proved quieter and had retired early.

Later, ZiWei was walking along the zo lang when she heard the sound of a xiao. Following it, she saw XiaoJian who paused at her presence.

"Please, do not let me interrupt you. It is a beautiful song."

XiaoJian nodded his thanks and completed his tune.

"I thought you had gone to rest."

"Playing my xiao is restful."

She smiled, "I feel the same way about my guqin. A pity that it was too cumbersome to bring along."

"I would have been honored to play a duet."

ZiWei smiled but then said thoughtfully, "XiaoJian…that cannot be your given name."

"It is not," he agreed simply, but made no further attempt to explain.

"Xiao Yan Zi told me the two of you are traveling to HangZhou to visit the graves of your parents? For the calamity that had befallen your family, I am sorry."

"Why are you apologizing for the fault of others?"

She sat opposite him, "I only seek to offer my sympathies. Though I was not an orphan like Xiao Yan Zi, still, I know the joy of having found a caring brother."

"We have only just met, how can you be certain that I am a good brother?"

"Xiao Yan Zi is an open person, what she feels is easily seen in her expressions and mannerisms. Besides, did she not declare earlier today that you were the best brother in the world?"

"I did little to protect her for eighteen years of her life."

"Such guilt weighs on you."

He nodded, "My sister… as you say, she is so open a person. It is her saving grace but also the characteristic that makes her most vulnerable. She does not speak much of her life, but I gathered enough from Liu Qing and Liu Hong, the siblings who helped raise her, that it has not been easy. Such experiences…she should be bitter, suspicious of others. Instead…she is so open hearted. Helping that young man, surely she did not even need to think about it."

"Resilience is surely an innate tendency that is nonetheless reinforced and honed through experience."

"And you…you are surely resilient as well."

ZiWei looked at him, puzzled.

"The road from JiNan to BeiJing is a long one."

"The journey home never seems as long once the destination is reached."

"Home," he murmured to himself, "I have always thought of the whole world as my home."

"Oh?"

"As you say, XiaoJian is not my real name. But it has suited my way of life." So saying, he recited the poem he had created for himself.

ZiWei tilted her head as she listened, "It surely sounds like a romantic way of living, but I fear I am someone who needs roots."

"It can be lonely," he admitted, "and though my sister has indicated that she would willingly follow me, still, I'd like to give her a true home."

"And you doubted that you are a good brother."

Xiaojian laughed, the first time he had shown such open emotion, "Ai xiaojie, your father is lucky to have you as a daughter."

Before ZiWei could correct him, they heard a voice cry, "Brother! So this is where you've been hiding!"

The two looked up to see Xiao Yan Zi leading the rest of the youngsters in their direction.

Xiaojian's expression softened at the sight of his sister, "I wasn't intentionally hiding."

Xiao Yan Z's expression spoke clearly of her doubt, "But if you'll play the xiao, I think I can forgive you."

"Very well." Xiaojian raised the instrument to his lips one more time.

"Are you a master of the sword as well?" ErTai asked.

"Of course he is!" XYZ exclaimed, "give them a demonstration, brother!"

"Xiao Yan Zi, what did I say about unnecessarily showing off?"

"That was only because I overestimated my abilities and was at risk of making a fool of myself. But you are a true master, brother."

"Please do," ErKang asked, curious as to the measure of the man.

"Pretty please?" It was his sister's pleading that finally won over Xiao Jian.

As they watched his movements, Yongqi couldn't help but say, "Xiao Yan Zi, you certainly did not exaggerate. Your brother is truly talented."

As XiaoJian ended his performance, the group heard the sound of clapping.

They turned and saw the emperor, flanked by Fu Lun and Hu Tai Yi, approaching the clearing.

"Well done! Though, my son is not without talent either. Yongqi, show him!"

"If I may?"

XiaoJian's grasp the handle of the sword tightened minutely.

At his hesitation, Xiao Yan Zi rolled her eyes, "For heaven's sake, I know this sword is precious to you, brother, because it is a family heirloom, but surely you can't be so stingy either."

Yongqi took the sword from Xiao Yan Zi with a smile and initiated his own performance.

At the end, he handed the sword back to XiaoJian, "Thank you; it is a good sword. I don't blame you for being careful with it."

XiaoJian, however, didn't smile and merely put the sword back into its scabbard.

The emperor laughed again, "This trip has truly caused me to open my eyes! To think there is a master like you hidden in the jianghu!"

"Laoye exaggerates my talents."

"Hmm…I may be a merchant by trade, but I am not ignorant of the art of swordplay. XiaoJian, you are aptly named!"

Hu Tai Yi spoke up suddenly, "Young sir, may I examine that sword?"

The emperor looked at the physician in surprise, "Hu Tai Yi, all these years, I never knew you had an interest in swords."

Hu Tai Yi shook his head, "Having spent my whole life analyzing medicines, herbs, and poultices, I know nothing of swords. But this sword…I believe I have seen it before. Young master, did your sister say it's a family heirloom?"

XiaoJian nodded.

"If I may?" Hu Tai Yi asked.

Reluctantly, XiaoJian handed it to the physician who handled it carefully and, upon examining it more in detail, reverently.

"Ah! Yes! I do recognize this sword! This sword and its bearer had saved my life! Young master…do you know Fang Zhi Hang, Fang Da Ren?"

"How did you…" XiaoJian took the sword as it was returned.

The emperor likewise turned to the physician curiously.

"Laoye, years ago, I had traveled to JiangNan because of an outbreak of pestilence. Against my guards' recommendations, I had been stubborn and determined to venture outside the cities into the neighboring villages. A group of robbers had been taking advantage of the situation and, on seeing our well-stocked carriages, had thought to take the goods for themselves. But Fang Da Ren arrived in time with his household guards and rescued us. I found out that the higher authorities would not release governmental resources for those villages so Fang Da Ren had been using his own personal funds to do what he could for those poor souls."

"Wait…" XiaoJian frowned, "my godfather had told me the story…only, the physician was sent by the emperor himself."

"Yes. I was rather headstrong in my youth and though I was still but an apprentice to my master, I insisted on going."

"Though on your return, you were made a Tai Yi in your own right in recognition of your hard work in ending the epidemic." The emperor recalled.

"Then that means…" XiaoJian looked between the two men.

"I am Hu Tai Yi." the imperial physician owned.

"I am still Ai Laoye," the emperor insisted.

"I see." And indeed, XiaoJian did see. He had suspected, since meeting this particular group of travelers, their true identities. But now that he had confirmation…he gripped his sword tightly.

"If this sword is truly a family heirloom…dare I guess that you are Fang Da Ren's son?"

XiaoJian did not trust himself to speak and only nodded.

"The last time I saw you…you were but a babe in your mother's arms! And this young lady…yes…I can see traces of your mother in her. But…Fang Da Ren, though he was a minor official, was well-loved by the people. His reputation was one of righteousness. He truly treated the locals as his own family. How can it be that you and your sister were separated?"

"My father…" XiaoJian finally gained control of himself to say in an emotionless voice, "when I was four, when Xiao Yan Zi was but six months old…my father was killed for treason. My mother saw with her own eyes the execution. She returned home, arranged for her children's safety, set the estate on fire, and then…with this very sword…she ended her life."

"Treason?!" Hu Tai Yi, "No. LaoYe…you had read my report and had decided that Fang Da Ren's position was to be elevated as reward…no…treason…that is simply not possible."

"Treason?" XiaoYanZi turned big eyes on her brother, "brother…you never mentioned..."

"Xiao Yan Zi…I had no wish to burden you…"

FunLun, who had listened thoughtfully, spoke up, "LaoYe, with your permission, I would like to investigate this matter. I cannot but feel that this story is incomplete."

"I remember…was it not Fang Da Ren himself who sent a letter to the capital requesting aid? The audacity of such a minor official to address me directly…I remember I wished more officials had the gumption to argue so passionately on behalf of the people." The emperor looked at Xiao Yan Zi's subdued expression and XiaoJian's anguished one, "the point of this trip is to right injustice, is it not? FuLun, you have our permission. Still, that's no reason for us not to follow our itinerary. XiaoJian, Xiao Yan Zi, will the two of your travel with us until the truth is discovered?"

Brother and sister looked at one another.

"We can go with Fu Da Ren to HangZhou," XiaoJian at last said, "I still wish to have Xiao Yan Zi pay her respects to our parents, even if only at their graves."

"Hmm…and you would not rest easy knowing that your father might have been unjustly punished. Very well."

At first light, the trio, accompanied by Fu Da Ren's personal guard, departed.

ZiWei was surprised, after ErKang went to settle their accounts, when he returned with an object in hand.

"Is that a guqing?"

ErKang nodded, "XiaoJian left it for you."

"Oh! That explains it!" JinSuo continued at ZiWei's questioning look, "I saw him cutting his horse's tail…he must have used the hair for the strings."

ZiWei examined the instrument. It was sanded, though not yet painted. Though seemingly roughly made, the finer details of craftsmanship were obvious to her expert eye. As ErKang held it, she plucked at the strings experimentally and smiled, "That XiaoJian, he is a man of many talents. To have built this instrument in one night…I truly do owe him a duet now."

Taking the guqing from ErKang with JinSuo's help, ZiWei missed the odd expression that flashed across his face.

As the three young men rode led the way forward, Yongqi turned to ErKang, "What is wrong with you today?"

"Wrong? Why would you say something is wrong?"

"You're awfully pensive."

"Am I usually not pensive?"

"Well, yes." Yongqi admitted, "But today…you're positively sullen."

"Don't mind my brother," ErTai remarked, "he's just jealous."

"Jealous?" Yongqi looked startled, "I didn't think ErKang was capable of jealousy."

ErTai just shook his head, "Don't let his high and mighty shao ye image blind you. I'm his brother, I can read his moods. Not as well as ZiWei perhaps…but still."

At ErKang's involuntary frown at the mention of ZiWei's name, ErTai felt even more certain of his assessment.

"Brother, really, you have no claim on ZiWei."

ErKang did his best to ignore his brother's words, "It has nothing to do with ZiWei…that Xiao Jian, I can't help but think that it's too much of a coincidence for us to meet him."

"Coincidence or fate?" Yongqi asked. "You mustn't forget, ZiWei had met and even saved Xiao Yan Zi in the past. I'm sure that gu qing was only Xiao Jian's way of thanking his sister's rescuer."

"That Xiao Jian though…ZiWei was right, he really is a man of many talents. He may even give you a fair competition, brother."

ErKang's expression only seemed to darken at ErTai's words.

"It'll be good for you," Yongqi declared, "none of the princes or noble sons of similar age can hope to match your talents. XiaoJian's appearance can keep you from becoming complacent."

"When have I ever been complacent?"

ErTai smiled a little at his brother's tone, "Not a good word choice, surely, but Yongqi is not without reason. The way Laoye praised him; if Ah Ma finds evidence that can exonerate Fang Da Ren, who's to say we won't gain two more to our party on our return home?"

ErKang looked darkly at his brother but did not speak. Instead, he spurred his horse forward and galloped ahead.

Yongqi shook his head, "I never thought I'd see the day when ErKang let his emotions gain the control over his reasoning."

"英雄难过美人关; my brother is no exception. I almost feel bad for teasing him."

"Just almost?"

ErTai laughed, "It's rare that I can. As you say, ErKang is unmatched in his talents among his peers."

When the group stopped at their destination, ErKang seemed to have recovered his equilibrium.

"LaoYe," he said, "this town is small, but there is a locally famous waterfall in the nearby mountains of which LaoYe possesses a painting. I had planned for us to rest tonight and then hike towards it tomorrow."

"Then we'd all best eat well and rest well tonight!"

The hike was a long one, but the beauty of the falls more than made up for the effort. The roar of the water, however, made conversing difficult, and so the group gazed their fill and then followed the river further downstream.

"JiShiFu, did you see the rainbows in the spray?" The emperor then commanded, "Come, compose a poem to describe such a view."

Ji Xiao Lan laughed, "LaoYe is feeling inspired again."

"Ah Ma is not the only one," Yongqi declared as he shared his composition.

Not to be outdone, ErTai also took his turn.

"JiShiFu, you have been teaching your pupils well!" the emperor praised.

The Royal Tutor smiled, "They are my star pupils, though surely not for much longer. They are both of age to help LaoYe with tasks of state."

The emperor laughed again and nodded, "Yes, and both of age to have their own households!"

Fu Liu Shu spoke up, "LaoYe must not forget about ErKang then. ErTai is the younger brother after all."

"Oh, I haven't forgotten! But enough of such serious talk…I've thought of a riddle. ZiWei, do you think you'd be able to answer?

Before she could answer, however, a young girl's cries for help distracted the group.

"Please! Save my father!" She cried on bent knees when she saw them.

Soon enough, they heard the sound of more yelling.

"Daughter, why did you stop? Run! Don't mind me, run while you still can!" Even as he said it, the girl's father tripped and fell.

"That doesn't look right," Yongqi pointed out, "all those people chasing after a girl and an elderly man."

Sharing a nod with ErKang and ErTai, Yongqi stepped forward and addressed chasers, "We are but travelers passing through, would you enlighten us to the reason for such treatment of the defenseless?"

Meanwhile, ZiWei and JinSuo had quickly helped the girl and her father to their feet and brought them closer to the rest of the group.

"Please help us," the girl said, "those people…they're going to kill my father! He's only trying to protect me!"

While the old man explained their predicament, Yongqi, ErKang, and Ertai were finding that the group they were facing were less willing to talk.

"We don't want any trouble," ErKang said, "merely to understand."

"Understand?" the seeming leader of the group said, "what is there to understand? The old man owes Luo Da Ren money. Huh. It's a compliment to them that Luo Da Ren even thought about taking the girl for a concubine."

"The girl doesn't seem all that willing," ErTai observed.

"So what? Luo Da Ren was magnanimous enough to offer them a way out! Now, are you going to get out of the way or not?"

"Absolutely not," ErKang declared resolutely, "such behavior…Luo Da Ren is a shame to his position!"

"Who are you so say such things?! Lads, let them have it!"

The fight that ensued was very much one-sided as the ruffians soon found themselves thoroughly beaten in a pile.

"Is Luo Da Ren the local official?" the emperor asked.

The leader picked himself up, though he stumbled, he kept his sneer, "Luo Da Ren's cousin is an important official in BeiJing. Just you lot wait!"

"Important, huh? Who is it?!"

At the name that was uttered, ZiWei and JinSuo exchanged glances.

"Can it be?" ZiWei asked, "that there are so many coincidences in the world?"

"ZiWei, you have heard of Liang Da Ren?"

ZiWei nodded, "The wedding for which Xiao Yan Zi had helped the bride escape, the groom was Liang Da Ren's son."

The emperor's face grew stern, "Both Liuo Da Ren and Liang Da Ren must be punished!"

"Laoye," Fu Liu Shu said, "Laoye must be mindful of his health. I will go and deal with this situation."

"Such a wonderful outing, ruined!" The emperor lamented but agreed.

Later, the emperor paced in agitation.

"Ah Ma," ZiWei entered with JinSuo in tow, "Ah Ma need not be so angry. I know we brought Hu Tai Yi, but I should hope we would have no need of his services."

"Such selfishness! Such self-importance! How can I rest easy knowing that the officials the court spend so much care picking cannot be trusted?!" The emperor lamented.

"Ah Ma. There are good officials too; only they create peace and calm, neither of which are noisy. Ah Ma. I made a cup of tea; I brought the tea leaves all the way from home. The water here cannot compare to the dew drops Ah Ma prepares but the staff here assured me the well water was good."

Meanwhile, JinSuo set up the guqing.

The emperor sighed and allowed himself to be coaxed into a seat.

"Ah Ma cannot go to Shu Fang Zhai for peace and calm, but thanks to Xiao Jian, I can bring a little piece of Shu Fang Zhai to Ah Ma."

When ZiWei departed, leaving behind a calmer emperor, she was surprised to see ErKang waiting for her.

"ZiWei, could I trouble you for a moment?"

JinSuo looked between the two of them and dutifully curtsied, "Xiaojie, I'll just go make sure the guqin is stored properly."

"Did you wish to talk here?" ZiWei looked at ErKang curiously.

"No" ErKang shook his head, "I found a smaller waterfall, more a cascade really, would you care to join me?"

"Is it far? It'll be dinner soon."

"It's in the back gardens; the innkeeper has an eye for aesthetics."

"Then lead the way," ZiWei said.

The path was mostly deserted, though ZiWei did not mind the silence.

"You had failed to mention," she said as they climbed the steps towards the pagoda, "that the stairs have been built around the water; what a harmonious blend of nature and man's planning."

"You have an eye for such things."

"Yongji shares a little of his lessons."

Looking from the top, she exclaimed, "What a wonderful view of the entire garden!"

He sat down next to her but did not follow her gaze.

"ZiWei."

At such a serious uttering of her name, she turned back towards him, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," he quickly said, "I just…just wanted to share this view with you, is all."

She smiled a little at him, "And what a view it is."

"It pales in comparison, though, to my You-You-Gu."

"You-You-Gu?"

"A hidden place within the mountains near BeiJing with waterfalls of its own; the place I go when I need to center myself or when I need to recharge my spirits."

"It does sound peaceful."

"I meant to take you there, when you were staying at XueShiFu, but it never seemed the right time. And then…then it was too late."

"Take me? But then it wouldn't be your secret place anymore."

"I…I had promised myself once, that should I find the most important person in my life, I would share it with her."

When she stayed silent, he dared to take her hand in hers, causing her to turn her gaze back to him.

"ZiWei. I told myself to wait, until you returned to your right place and we were on more equal footing. I did not want you to feel that you owed me anything. The way Laoye spoke today reminded me I need to know. If he should appoint you to me, would you be happy?"

ZiWei looked at him a moment before saying, "let go of my hand, people can see."

He did as she requested but repeated, "I need to know."

She answered with a question of her own, "Why wouldn't I be happy?"

He could only look at her teasing smile for a long moment.

"I think …" as he started to smile back at her, "I think you will like You-You-Gu very much."

"For now though…supper; before we are missed." She reminded him as she stood.

She had already gone down a few steps before she realized he hadn't followed. Turning back, she looked perplexed, "ErKang?"

"I just…how can you be so calm?"

She smiled at him, "You are the reason for the end of my anxieties, the conclusion of my search for my father. You have enabled my present. To know that you are to be my future as well…it's a steadying thought."

She blushed as he continued to look at her intently. "ErKang?"

He at last joined her on the steps, "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For…for your trust, for your belief in me, for… for choosing me."

She looked again at the rushing water next to them and quoted a line of poetry.

He smiled as he remembered the first time they had truly conversed about something other than her story and replied in kind.

And so their game continued as they made their way back to the inn.

Yongqi and ErTai noticed that something seemed to have changed between the two and took full advantage to tease ErKang as the group continued their travels. JinSuo had only smiled at her xiaojie knowingly and let the blush on ZiWei's face speak for itself. The emperor, being an observant man, was not unaware of the development. ErKang's particularly care to protect ZiWei from the rain during the storm that interrupted their journey made him determined to make the pairing official on their return to BeiJing.

As ZiWei fussed about caring for him, the emperor felt content but also a sense of loss.

"ZiWei," he said as she changed the cool cloth on his forehead, "I am fine. I've just caught a little chill. With Hu Tai Yi's prescribed medicine, I will be ready to travel again in no time!"

ZiWei sat down in the stool by her father's bed, "Ah Ma, I am glad ErKang thought to include Hu Tai Yi."

"Yes, ErKang is very thorough." The emperor then sighed, "I know I could not choose anyone more worthy for you. Still…my daughter, it seems unfair that you should return to my side only for me to marry you off."

"Ah Ma, I am in no hurry..."

The emperor shook his head, "No. ErKang's marriage cannot wait any longer. I had always meant for him to marry into the family though sadly none of your sisters were of similar age. You had a cousin who could have, but she passed from illness."

"I had wondered," ZiWei murmured.

"Yes. It is unusual for a nobleman of ErKang's age not to be married already. But perhaps he was simply waiting for you to appear."

"Ah Ma…" ZiWei blushed.

The emperor just smiled and patted her hand, "I have many regrets when it comes to your mother. But our meeting led to your existence…ensuring your happiness is my way of repaying her for granting me such a wonderful daughter."

"Mother never truly blamed you in her heart."

"She would not have sent you to me if she did," the emperor agreed.

Father and daughter sat in companionable silence before the emperor sighed, "Will you play a song for me, ZiWei?"

"Of course, Ah Ma."

To the soft tunes of her guqin, the emperor fell asleep. When next ZiWei checked her father's forehead, she was alarmed that it was much warmer to the touch. Though he looked so very peaceful, she still went to fetch Hu Tai Yi.

As for the emperor, he dreamt of YuHe. Though this time, his dreams were a blend of memory and might-have-been's. He saw not her tears as he bid her farewell, but her smiles as they wrote poetry together and as she played and sang for him. He dreamt of her happiness as she placed his hand on her rounded abdomen and they both felt the life she carried within her. He dreamt of a little girl proudly showing him her first tries at calligraphy, of YuHe's patient guidance as she taught their daughter the guqin, and then of an older YuHe's happy tears as she watched the bridal veil be placed over their daughter's head. These images of his mind's concoction were surely heaven's way of telling him that he had been forgiven.

In the waking world, Hu Tai Yi reassured a worried ZiWei. Still, even after the physician left, ZiWei kept vigil.

The candles burned low when the emperor opened his eyes and saw her sleeping, her head pillowed on her bent arms as she continued to sit on the stool at his side.

ZiWei stirred a little and rubbed her eyes sleepily, "Oh. Ah Ma, you've woken."

Feeling his head, the tension in her body disappeared as she sighed in relief.

"Why haven't you gone to your own room?" he asked.

"You had a fever," she said simply.

Despite all the children he had, he had never felt his heart so touched. He smiled at her, "I saw your mother."

She stilled, "Did you?"

"I think she was trying to tell me she's at peace."

Unbidden, a tear ran down ZiWei's cheek.

"You miss her very much." He stated softly.

ZiWei nodded as she wiped away her tears.

"My position and responsibilities means I cannot merely be a father. Indeed, I do not think I have ever allowed myself to be simply a father, not until meeting you. I see so much of your mother in you…but also so much of myself."

She looked at him, startled.

"Do not lose your optimism, my daughter, the hope that the world can be brighter. Though we know our ideals may not always be attainable, still, we must still strive for them, to make things right."

"Yes, Ah Ma." ZiWei knew the honor she was given for the emperor to reveal his private thoughts to her. Such belief must serve as his guide in his role as emperor.

"Go rest now. Properly."

She understood his words were not a request but a command. "Yes, Ah Ma."

When she closed the door behind her, she saw ErKang standing guard.

"How long have you been standing there?"

"This post is surprisingly comfortable against which to lean."

"Even on a trip, you continue to protect Ah Ma."

"E Ming will come relieve me soon enough. Besides, I have someone else to protect as well."

She walked towards him but looked up at the sky, "The moon is beautiful tonight."

"Yes."

She turned her attention back to him, "You are not looking at the sky."

He smiled, "No, I am not."

"Good night, ErKang." So saying she turned to go to her own rooms.

He caught her arm and brought her into his.

Startled, she stiffened before relaxing into his embrace.

Slowly, he let go. "I am sorry."

"Would you think less of me," she glanced up at him shyly through her eyelashes, "if I say I did not truly mind?"

His wide grin was answer enough.

"Good night." She said again. She glanced back once, as she rounded the corner, to see his gaze still on her. Blushing, she quickly turned and returned to her own rooms.

The happiness of the trip, however, was rudely interrupted by the assassination attempt on the emperor. Despite their best efforts, the group had found itself fractured by the crowd of people as they gathered around different performances. ErKang, true to his words, stayed close to ZiWei and the emperor. Using his own body, he did his best to shelter ZiWei from the flying hot coals. She looked at him in concern but a flash of movement over his shoulder made her cry out his name. Quickly turning, he saw the old man approaching the emperor with a long knife in hand. It took but a moment for him to deal with the incoming threat, but the panic in JinSuo's voice made him turn back towards ZiWei. The sight that met his eyes seemed to make his heart stop. With one well-placed kick, the emperor had sent the old lady flying, but ZiWei was still held in his arms, a knife sticking out of her chest.

"Xiaojie!" JinSuo cried distraughtly.

"ZiWei!" ErKang yelled and fought as he had never fought before to protect her and the emperor from further threats.

Alerted by his cry, the rest of the group soon found themselves facing their own opponents.

The next moments were once of chaos as the crowds quickly dispersed in the face of such violence. ZiWei, fighting through the haze of pain, gasped as she saw a knife slice through ErKang's sleeve.

"ErKang," her voice sounded weak even to herself.

"ZiWei," the emperor still held her tightly in his arms as he maneuvered them to a relatively safe spot. JinSuo did her best to follow and not be a hindrance.

The sound of fighting soon faded away as Yongqi went to greet the official who arrived with guards.

"Ding Da Ren, spare your explanations," Yongqi said, every inch the prince, "my sister has been wounded and requires immediate medical attention."

"ErKang…" ZiWei managed to say, "your arm…"

"At a time like this, stop worrying about others!" the emperor said frantically, "Hu Tai Yi! Where are you?!"

JinSuo hovered, fighting the urge to burst into tears. "Xiaojie…"

Ding Da Ren took in the scene and quickly snapped to action as he barked orders at his servants.

Soon enough, the group were brought to the Ding estate and ZiWei laid on a bed. Hu Tai Yi quickly examined her.

"HuangShang. I must pull the knife out. It has not pierced Ge Ge's heart but is near enough to a major blood vessel that such an act is not without risk. Ge Ge has already grown weak from loss of so much blood."

"Do…it…" ZiWei whispered even as JinSuo wiped at the sweat on her forehead.

"ZiWei…" the emperor said helplessly.

"Ah Ma…" ZiWei tried to smile, "Ah Ma is Heaven's son. In Ah Ma's presence, ZiWei is not afraid."

"Ge Ge is exceptionally brave," Hu Tai Yi praised.

At the emperor's nod, the physician rolled up his sleeves and placed his hand on the knife.

ZiWei gave him a nod and he pulled. The emperor did not expect to be spattered with ZiWei's blood but he cared not, for his daughter had at last lost consciousness.

"ZiWei!"

Hu Tai Yi continued to keep pressure as he entered into professional mode, "Huang Shang, I must ask that everyone clear the room, to lower the risk of infection and to keep Ge Ge's modesty."

"Fine. But I will stay."

"As will I." ErKang insisted.

"Your arm…" ErTai started, but stopped at ErKang's stubborn shake of the head.

"It's but a scratch. I need to stay with her."

The emperor looked at him but a moment before giving his commands, "JinSuo, you will assist Hu Tai Yi. ErKang, go get your arm sorted before coming back. Yongqi, go ask Ding Da Ren for report about the assassins. I want every single one of them found, captured, and dealt with!"

When everyone but ErKang went to follow his orders, the emperor added impatiently, "Even in her state, ZiWei was worried about you. How do you think she'll feel when she sees that blood on your sleeve when she wakes?"

ErKang finally relented but returned as quickly as he could. The amount of servants running to and fro and the shear amount of bloodied bandages greatly alarmed him.

Hearing his footsteps, the emperor waved his hand at another seat at the table.

"ZiWei…" ErKang started.

"Has lost a lot of blood. But she is my daughter, she is a fighter, she will live. She must."

ErKang found his attention fixed on Hu Tai Yi's back. When the royal physician finally straightened, ErKang also stood.

"Huang Shang," the physician approached them and spared a quick head dip for ErKang, "Ge Ge is weak but out of danger."

The emperor nodded, "You have done well."

"I cannot take all the credit. JinSuo ya tou has a steady hand and follows instructions well. I will go prepare Ge Ge's medicine to help her recover her lost blood and strength."

The emperor nodded again before going to ZiWei's side, ErKang at his heels.

JinSuo was just tucking the comforter around ZiWei when they approached. Seeing the concern on their faces, she quietly followed the physician out of the room.

The two men watched ZiWei. Her breathing was regular and she was no longer covered in sweat, but her face looked so colorless.

They knew not how long they waited, were barely aware as JinSuo, a cleaning rag in her hand, bustled about aimlessly.

Finally, ZiWei opened her eyes. She looked confusedly about her for a moment before her gaze fell on the two men hovering over her.

"Ah Ma."

At the sound of her voice, JinSuo finally paused, put down the rag, and ran to find Hu Tai Yi.

She tried to smile, "See…Ah Ma…I said, didn't I? With Ah Ma here…there was nothing to fear."

She turned to ErKang and the smile disappeared, "ErKang, your arm…"

"I'm fine," he was quick to reassure her, "compared to your wound, it's truly nothing."

"What possessed you" the emperor asked, his voice choked with emotion, "to do something so stupid?"

"I didn't have time to think," ZiWei murmured, "could only act on instinct."

"My daughter…" the emperor could only shake his head.

Yongqi saw JinSuo's hurried steps as she led Hu Tai Yi back to ZiWei's room and feared the worst.

Fortunately, Hu Tai Yi nodded as he felt ZiWei's pulse. "Ge Ge must rest but she will recover."

"You're certain?" Yongqi asked, "she's still so pale…"

"Ge Ge has lost a lot of blood; I'll oversee her diet over the next few weeks, in addition to medicines."

"Weeks?" ZiWei frowned, "but that will disrupt our travels…"

The emperor shook his head again at her selflessness, "ZiWei, your health is our priority. You just focus on getting better, you hear me? That is a royal order!"

ZiWei could only nod.

Satisfied, the emperor turned towards his son, "Yongqi, let's go, I need to hear your report about those assassins."

"Yes Ah Ma." Yongqi smiled at his sister in relief before following his father out of the room.

"Hu Tai Yi," JinSuo remarked quietly, "I'll help prepare xiaojie's medicines."

And so, ZiWei found herself alone with ErKang.

"Your arm…" she said again.

He immediately clasped her raised hand in his and nestled it against his cheek, "I'm fine. Really. But you…don't you ever scare me like that again."

She smiled a little, "I'm fine."

She wiped at his tears, "ErKang. Don't cry."

"I was so afraid that I would lose you…I'm so useless…"

"No." She said firmly, "you ensured that both Ah Ma and I were safe."

"Safe?" He shook his head, "how can you utter the word without blaming me?"

"Why would I blame you? You chose to shelter me even though your first duty is to Ah Ma."

"No. My first duty, ever since you've set roots down in my heart, has ever been, will ever always be, to you."

"You haven't lost me," she said after a moment of silence.

"Promise me," he repeated, "promise me you won't scare me like that again. I had always thought I was someone brave but at the prospect of losing you…I can be fragile too."

She looked at him and felt overwhelmed with the knowledge of just how much she meant to him. "Shan wu leng, tian di he, cai gan yu jun jue."

He kissed her hand, still grasped tightly in his, "It's a vow. I will hold you to it."

ZiWei's recovery was faster than Hu Tai Yi had predicted. As she strolled through the gardens of the Ding estate with JinSuo ever faithful at her side, she felt invigorated. Seeing two small children struggling to fly their kite, she immediately offered her services.

"Xiaojie, let me," JinSuo insisted.

ZiWei just laughed, "Stop treating me like an invalid. Hu Tai Yi even said some light activity would help with my recovery."

She ran some steps to allow the kite to catch an upward draft and then handed the spool of string to the cheering children.

"See," she turned to JinSuo with bright eyes, "I'm none the worse."

JinSuo studied her critically. Still, even she could not deny that the color seemed to have returned to ZiWei's cheeks.

"ZiWei!"

The two ladies turned as they saw ErKang, ErTai, and Yongqi approaching.

ErKang reached them first and laid hands on ZiWei's shoulders, "Should you be walking around?"

ZiWei moved out of his grasp, "I'm fine, really! Hu Tai Yi gave me leave. See, I can even twirl without any problems!"

She then glanced at Yongqi and ErTai. The identical smirks on their faces made her blush.

ErKang, though, didn't seem to care, "Alright, alright, don't get dizzy now."

"Goodness," ErTai commented, "who knew my brother could hover like a mother hen?"

"Future little Fu's will be fortunate indeed to have such attentions from both their parents."

Though ZiWei's blush deepened, ErKang did not look apologetic. "HuangShang has not yet made an official edict, but he has already spoken to me in person and will speak with Ah Ma when he returns."

"Still…" ZiWei paused and thought to ask, "has any word come from Fu Da Ren?"

Yongqi nodded, "He should arrive any day now."

"And the Fang siblings?"

"Will surely wish to offer their gratitude in person." Yongqi replied.

"Gratitude?" ZiWei thought carefully, "the story will be another exciting one I'm sure."

Her words were prophetic for the next week, Fu Lun did return with the Fang siblings in tow. XiaoJian seemed much friendlier than he had been the last time the group of youngsters had met him. As for Xiao Yan Zi, her good spirits had returned and she was often seen playing with the Ding children. The friendship that sprung up between her and ZiWei surprised the others, for the two young ladies were so different in temperament.

"Will you and your brother join us on our return trip?" ZiWei asked her as the two girls set their flower lanterns in the creek that flowed through the Ding properly.

Xiao Yan Zi watched as the lantern floated away, "I never thought to do this for my parents in years past. Growing up, I had always thought that I was abandoned. I had felt adrift, like those lanterns, going where the tide of life would take me…"

As she felt silent again, ZiWei observed quietly, "You are more thoughtful than you first appear."

"Learning the truth, knowing that that I was wanted…getting to know XiaoJian, I want him, want my parents, want my ancestors, to be proud."

"Of course we're proud."

The ladies turned and saw XiaoJian approaching with his own lantern. He set it into the water carefully before turning to smile at his sister. "Xiao Yan Zi. You have such joy within you, a great propensity to light up a room with gladness. How can we not be proud? Our parents…now that the truth has been uncovered, they can surely rest easy now."

"May the lanterns guide their way to their well-deserved rest," ZiWei murmured.

XYZ wiped away a tear determinedly before offering a small prayer, "Mother, Father, your names have been cleared of wrong-doing. But I know you must surely be gladder of the fact that brother and I have been reunited. We are both alive and well."

XiaoJian brought out his xiao and played a tune. ZiWei could sense that it was his way of offering his own prayer.

"You reminded me." ZiWei said quietly when his song ended, "I still owe you a duet for making me a guqin."

"I would be honored."

"Let's go fetch it then!" Xiao Yan Zi grinned widely as she recovered her usual spirit.

Chuckling, ZiWei and Xiao Jian followed her lead.

The sound of the music drew the other youngsters who listened with smiles on their faces. ErKang, watching as ZiWei and Xiao Jian complimented each other on their instruments, felt jealousy stir again. When ZiWei met his eyes and smiled, however, he felt ashamed of such pettiness. How very proud he was that she had chosen him.

"XiaoJian, have you decided?" Yongqi asked when the song concluded.

XiaoJian traded a smile with his sister before declaring, "I must ensure that such duets will have a chance to reoccur. Besides, BeiJing has been Xiao Yan Zi's home these many years."

"Though I think I'll have to get used to living in the lap of luxury."

At ZiWei questioning glance, Xiao Yan Zi grinned widely, "Hu Tai Yi has decided to adopt us, in gratitude for our father saving his life."

"Fu da shao ye, I'm afraid I must trouble you to show me the ropes about being an Imperial Guard."

"Call me ErKang, I think I can safely say that we are all friends here."

XiaoJian nodded. "I know not if it was coincidence or fate…but I am glad to have met all of you."

"Coincidence or fate? Brother, it was of course all my doing!"

"What do you mean?"

Xiao Yan Zi laughed, "If I hadn't caused that ruckus, ZiWei wouldn't have noticed us, you know."

JinSuo chuckled as well, "And if you hadn't caused that ruckus at that wedding, xiaojie and I wouldn't have met you in the first place!"

"See!" Xiao Yan Zi exclaimed to everyone's amusement.

After the others dispersed after a glad evening of music and chatter, ZiWei saw that ErKang lingered a moment in the walkway and so quietly told JinSuo to return to their room first.

Sensing her approach, ErKang turned towards her, "I find myself torn."

"Oh?" ZiWei asked as she sat next to him.

"I wish to return to BeiJing, so that Huang Shang can officially announce our betrothal. At the same time, I dread returning to BeiJing where, for propriety's sake, I can't so easily see you every day."

"I see your dilemma."

"ZiWei…I've always thought, shan wai you shan, ren wai you ren…"

ZiWei understood at once, "But of course. The world is too big a place not to be filled with many gifted people. Whether coincidence or fate, though, I am thankful for the power that led to our meeting."

"Thank you." He said earnestly.

"Though perhaps Xiao Yan Zi is fate personified. She was the one who told me your father's name, after all."

ErKang chuckled a little at her quip but then looked at her intently again.

"What?" ZiWei looked back at him, puzzled, "have I something on my face?"

"No. Just…you have made me so very happy." So saying, he reached to hold her hand.

Instead of pulling away, ZiWei sighed in contentment.

"I should have lit a lantern for your mother."

At her smile, ErKang continued, "To ask for her blessing and to tell her how grateful I am to her for bringing you into this world and sending you into my life."

"She knows, I think," ZiWei murmured.

"She must have also known that you're too bright a jewel to be safely hidden in JiNan."

ZiWei frowned a little.

"I know," he said quickly, "that you do not wish to speak of it, of your uncle and your cousin…"

"That is all in the past," ZiWei said quietly but firmly.

"I do not wish to make you recall painful memories. Only…seeing XiaoJian's honest admiration, I am reminded of my good fortune. And it makes me marvel…despite all that you experienced, just how much goodness you possess."

"The attitude of a few does not represent the whole of mankind."

"But no one is immune to selfishness, not even me…"

At her questioning look, he admitted, "ZiWei, I do not wish to overwhelm you, but what I feel for you…sometimes, I fear that I must frighten you…"

"Why would you frighten me?"

"Because…because I am only a man and my thoughts…my thoughts are not always pure."

"Oh." She flushed.

"I am sorry. I should not speak of such matters. But I have no wish to be dishonest with you."

"You are not like them," ZiWei said.

When he stared at her, her voice gained more strength as she repeated, "You are not like them."

"You are not like my uncle, who thinks only in terms of silver and gold. You are not like my cousin, who is a weakling who only knows to follow his father's orders…You are not…"

She paused before continuing, "You are not like Huang Ah Ma, who gives his admirations freely but who cannot afford to give his whole heart."

"ZiWei…thank you." He said again.

Her smile returned. Though his words were simple, she understood his meaning. "JinSuo says I trust too easily. And I admit that I do look for the good in others. But actual trust implies a certain level of reliance on someone else; that is something I have had to be careful giving. You had asked me, if I could be happy. I have given you my vow; it was not lightly given."

"It was unfair of me, to ask for reassurance in a moment when I should have been the one to offer you comfort."

ZiWei just shook her head, "In letting me see your vulnerability, you told me more about your thoughts and feelings than any words could. Since the day we met, every look, every action has been your vow to me."

Throwing caution to the wind, caring not who might be watching, ErKang wrapped arm around her.

When she laid a head on his shoulder, he decided, "I think my dilemma has been solved."

"Oh?"

"The sooner we return to BeiJing, the sooner I can marry you."

He could not see her smile, but could feel her laughter.

"I am in earnest," he insisted.

"I know." She replied simply.

ZiWei wasn't surprised that Yongji was the first to come to ShuFangZhai after their return.

"ZiWei jiejie!" the child's face was full of panic, "I heard you had almost died!"

"Almost died? Certainly not. Yongji, open your eyes wide, can't you see that I'm standing in front of you, safe and sound?"

Still, the young prince did not seem convinced, "I thought you would be so well protected with both Fu brothers as guards, but you still got hurt."

"Don't blame them," ZiWei gently admonished, "if you had been in my place, you would have done the same, to protect Huang Ah Ma."

Yongji sighed, "I don't know if I would have been as brave."

"Of course you would have." ZiWei insisted.

Yongji just shook his head and changed the topic, "Are you really to marry soon?"

"Wasn't it you who told me that Huang Ah Ma wanted me to choose? Do you think poorly of my choice?"

"No," Yongji admitted, "not when jiejie is so happy."

"I've only just returned, how can you tell whether or not I'm happy?"

"I overheard Heqing jiejie say it about Hejia jiejie; that a woman's beauty blossoms when her heart is happy."

"A most apt phrase to apply to xiaojie," JinSuo smiled as she brought tea and snacks.

"JinSuo!" Despite her protest, however, ZiWei could not help but smile. She really was very happy.

Yongji studied his sister and at last seemed to accept that she was well. "Jiejie, will you tell me of your adventures now? I've brought along my sketchbook."

Glad for the distraction, ZiWei nodded, "Of course."

The entire trip of course could not be told in one afternoon. Over the next few weeks, Yongji was a regular visitor to hear his sister tell the stories. One such day, however, he insisted on showing her a few sketches first.

"Is that Princess SaiYa?"

Yongji nodded.

"She seems in possession of a willful personality."

"Her father does admit to spoiling her."

"Ling Fei Niang Niang says this state visit is important for peace."

Yongji shrugged, "Yongqi ge ge seems very anxious."

ZiWei thought a moment, "He and 4-Ah-Ge are the two princes of corresponding age. Of the two of them, 5-Ah-Ge is not yet married. The princess's father will surely not wish for his daughter to be a lesser wife."

Yongji shrugged again, "Jiejie, will you continue your story?"

ZiWei shook her head to clear her thoughts, "Now…where were we?"

"At the part with Miss Du."

"Oh yes. Miss Du was the local beauty…"

ZiWei was interrupted, however, as a voice rang out from the doorway, "Oh goodness, ZiWei, it was much more exciting than that!"

With a laugh, Xiao Yan Zi bounded into the courtyard and gave demonstration of how she had made attempts to hit the tasseled ball towards her brother. She then launched into an animated telling of the subsequent events, particularly her exaggeration of Mister Du's reaction to the gold piece that Fu Lun had offered him. Seeing that his sister was chuckling freely, Yongji also felt free to laugh.

"And so, I failed to find a bride for my brother…but did finally become friends with my rescuers!"

"Rescuers? Xiao Yan Zi, you do exaggerate."

When Yongji tugged on his sister's sleeve, ZiWei remembered her manners.

"Oh! Yongji, this is my friend, Xiao Yan Zi. She is Hu Tai Yi's adopted daughter. XYZ, this is my youngest brother, 12-Ah-Ge."

XYZ grinned widely at 12-Ah-Ge as she insisted, "Yes, rescuer. It happened like this…"

At the tale's conclusion, Yongji turned admiringly to his sister. "ZiWei jiejie, you are absolutely amazing!"

ZiWei shook her head, "Xiao Yan Zi dramatizes events too much."

"And your sister, 12-Ah-Ge, is too modest," XYZ stage-whispered.

Yongqi, unused to such familiar treatment from a stranger, shyly grinned back.

"How are you settling into your home?" ZiWei asked.

XYZ sighed loudly as she made a face, "When I was little, I had been so jealous of others who had wealth and privilege at their fingertips. But now I realize how boring such a life can be!"

"Boring?"

XYZ nodded, "Growing up, I would perform in the streets with Liu Qing and Liu Hong to earn money. I wasn't the only orphan they took in, you know. We didn't always have much, but at least I was doing something. But now…as the young lady of the Hu household, I can direct the servants to fetch me whatever I wanted. At first, it was exciting, but now…"

ZiWei smiled, "Xiao Jian is not a fan of you roaming the streets by yourself?"

XYZ made a face, "Brother worries too much. He knows I'm not helpless, he's been teaching me martial arts when he's not working."

"He worries because he cares." ZiWei reminded her friend.

"It's odd to have someone in my life that does," XYZ admitted.

"You could still do something, though." ZiWei said thoughtfully, "I'm sure XiaoJian would accompany you in the city if you asked him. And, it's not rare for the houses of the wealthy to find philanthropic opportunities."

"Huh." XYZ propted her chin on her hands as she reflected on ZiWei's words.

"Your sister is very smart." She said at last to 12-Ah-Ge. Turning back to ZiWei, she added, "I know Uncle Hu still runs a clinic in the city that charges people on their ability to pay. He'll even accept goods instead of coin…maybe I should speak to him as well."

ZiWei smiled encouragingly, "It's still strange to remember that you have family on which to rely, isn't it?"

XYZ nodded her agreement. "I had only myself for so long…well, now that I've decided, I think I'll go bother brother and Uncle Hu. I'll come visit you another day, ZiWei!"

With a wave, she departed.

ZiWei just shook her head at the quickness of her friend.

"Is she always like that?" Yongji asked his sister, still somewhat taken aback at the whirlwind that was XYZ.

ZiWei smiled, "In the short while I've known her, yes. 说风就是雨, that's just the type of person she is." She glanced at her brother's newest drawing, "You've captured her animated ways quite well."

Yongji relaxed again in the company of his favorite sister.

"I will miss you, jiejie, when you marry."

"But as you had said, I will remain in the same city. Xue Shi Fu is also not somewhere you're forbidden to visit."

Yongji perked up at her reminder and nodded.

A few days later, Yongqi came to Shu Fang Zhai.

"Where's ErTai?" ZiWei asked in surprise.

"Despite what Fu Jin says, the two of us are not really Siamese twins," her brother replied said, a bit more crossly than usual.

ZiWei frowned, "I know that…only…I thought the two of you were to accompany the princess into the city today."

"We did already."

"You're back, so soon?"

Yongqi sighed, "The princess decided she didn't want to see the city so much as she wanted to go riding."

"Then…"

"ErTai is with her."

"Ah." ZiWei tilted her head at the frown on Yongqi's face, "and that troubles you?"

"No…" Yongqi shook his head, "I insisted that he accompany her. He would never ask for the opportunity himself."

"Then…"

"ErTai is a good friend. He knows I have no wish to marry the princess."

ZiWei waited patiently.

Yongqi sighed again, "To have a friend, a brother like ErTai…I have been fortunate. I tell myself, marrying the princess will be good for him. It'll give him status, freedom. His fate will no longer be tied to mine. He deserves that. But I want him to be happy too. And I know…I know he never intended to pursue his own feelings for my sake."

"His feelings?"

"We haven't spoken of it. But since our trip, I know that I am not the only one who was glad that XiaoJian decided to bring his sister back to Beijing."

"Oh."

Yongqi looked at his sister sharply, "You cannot tell her."

"I wouldn't." ZiWei reassured him, "Xiao Yan Zi…though we are the same age, she is still in some ways a child. She treats you, ErTai, ErKang, all the same. The sort of feelings between men and women…it would never occur to her to think in such a way about either you or ErTai."

"I know." Yongqi seemed even glummer. "Her naiveté is one of the things that draw me to her."

"XYZ does appear to approach the world in a straight-forward manner. I cannot help but think, though, that such simplicity has become her way of protecting herself. She will do onto others what they do onto her."

"Duplicity is not a word in her vocabulary."

To his surprise, ZiWei laughed at his comment.

"I'm afraid you're wrong, brother. XYZ and I had a discussion once, about the nature of lies and truths. She is of the opinion that everyone lies. To her, in this world, it's better to be the liar than be the one who's been lied to. Duplicity is but a way of survival."

"Perhaps she and I are not so different."

ZiWei shook her head, "XYZ sees the world in black and white, good and bad. But you know that yin and yang must coexist."

"How is it that you seem to understand her?"

"XYZ…she's easy to understand in the context of her past. She and I…we've both had to become self-reliant. I had the benefit of my mother's guidance, my grandfather's teachings when I was young. Still, we're both fragile in our own ways."

"Fragile? That is not a word I would use to describe her."

ZiWei shook her head again, "Her pride is easily hurt. She projects an image of self-confidence and self-assurance, but inside, within her core, there is a little girl who fears abandonment."

Yongqi looked thoughtful at his sister's words. "I had thought that ErTai could be comforted in the similarities SaiYa and XYZ shares. Considering your perspective, however…SaiYa has all the arrogance of a favored princess."

"Good thing ErTai has plenty of practice dealing with favored royal children." ZiWei couldn't help but tease.

"Don't forget," Yongqi pretended to be offended, "I am your brother by blood whereas ErTai will only be your brother through marriage."

"I meant only that I am also a favored daughter," ZiWei said serenely.

At her comment, Yongqi finally gave free reign to his amusement.

In the spring, shortly after ErTai departed with his new bride to spend a year in her homeland, XueShiFu held a wedding for its elder young master. ErKang, riding on his horse, could not help but repeatedly glance back with a silly grin at the carriage that followed behind him.

Shrouded in red, ZiWei clutched at the apple in her lap. FuJin had made no secret of her joy at the match. ErKang had even bemoaned to ZiWei that his E Niang seemed to favor her future daughter-in-law more than her own son. ZiWei knew she would be happy with her new family.

Still, she could not help but feel nervous. ErKang's intentness as he removed the covering from her head made her lose her equilibrium. The verbal instructions with respect to the sacred wine gave her a small reprieve but soon, too soon for her comfort, she and ErKang were alone. In her mind, she scolded herself; it wasn't as though she and ErKang had never been alone. Only, this time…she heart skittered in her chest. Nonetheless, she could not look away; his gaze seemed to hold her prisoner.

"ZiWei…"

She had never heard him say her name in such a way.

"Do I frighten you?"

She wanted to reassure him but found that she couldn't find the words. She remained frozen as he dared to move closer.

"ZiWei…may I?"

How could he make her tremble so with such a simple question?

He must have seen acceptance in her eyes. Her eyes fluttered close as she felt his lips on hers. Despite the intensity of his gaze, his kiss was so gentle. He drew away again, but ZiWei felt as his lips caressed her forehead and her flushed cheeks. She smiled a little as she felt him kiss her nose.

"ErKang…" she finally breathed his name.

At her utterance of his name, he claimed her lips once more, this time with more urgency. She could feel herself trembling again, as his arms clutched her to him.

Reluctantly, he broke away, "I'm sorry."

She opened her eyes and saw that his face was as flushed as hers felt. "For what?"

"I don't mean to frighten you."

"You had warned me." She said after a pause.

"Still…"

"Heqing jie jie had been most frank in her explanations." ZiWei murmured.

"What advice did she give you?"

"To trust you."

"And do you?"

"You know that I do." She smiled a little, "She also told me to trust myself."

"And do you?" he repeated.

"I admit; putting that part of her advice into practice is a more difficult task than I had anticipated."

He reached into a pocket then and brought out a small drawstring purse, "Do you remember?"

She extricated the paper within, unfolded it careful, and glanced at him in shock.

"I kept it with me. All this time." He answered her unasked question.

The way she looked at him, he couldn't resist kissing her again. The paper, ZiWei's neat script on it, fluttered to the ground and was soon forgotten as the two sufficiently distracted one another.

When ErKang next woke, his gaze immediately fell on the face of his still slumbering wife. His wife. She was utterly, completely, rightfully, his wife now. Unable to resist, he raised his hand and traced her features. His beautiful, lovely ZiWei. What had he ever done to deserve her?

When she stirred, he quickly drew his hand back, but did not stop looking at her possessively.

She blinked the sleepiness from her eyes and smiled at seeing him next to her.

He bent his head and reveled in the ability to kiss her again and again.

"I had planned," he whispered breathlessly, "to show you You You Gu today…but I think that'll have to wait another day."

"ErKang…" ZiWei found that she didn't have much of a chance to speak. When he made to draw away, however, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled. Her action earned her an amused chuckle from her husband.

Some time later, she lay snuggled in his embrace, her ear against the steady beat of his heart. She could feel his fingers running through her hair.

"What are you thinking of?" She asked softly.

"How very content I am. A year ago, I could not have imagined such happiness."

"A year ago…" she murmured, "I could not have thought of such a happy ending to my story."

"Ending? No, ZiWei, our story is just beginning."

She smiled at his answer and softly pressed a kiss to his chest, above his heart.

She felt his breath hitch and dared to lift her head to glance up at him.

"ZiWei…英雄难过美人关…I am powerless to resist you."

"Good thing you have no need to…we're bound together now, forever."

ErKang wasn't sure how he resumed his regular duties after a week spent blissfully with ZiWei as the sole focus of his attentions. The knowledge that he was coming home to her at the end of every shift was still a cause for marvel.

For her part, ZiWei found that she had been correct in that she was happy in her new home.

Xiao Yan Zi, who could visit Xue Shi Fu more freely than she could the Palace, was a frequent visitor.

Through her, ZiWei also met the Liu siblings who had in part raised her friend.

"I took your words to heart," XiaoYanZi explained as she grabbed a cymbal from behind the front desk, "Liu Qin and Liu Hong gave everyone in Da Za Ruan a home. With Uncle Hu's help, they now have a steady source of income. Brother has also met them."

"Where are you going?"

"To drum up business of course!" Xiao Yan Zi said with a grin.

ZiWei and JinSuo watched as Xia Yan Zi used her cymbal and her improved martial arts skills to attract attention to the restaurant.

"I don't know where she gets all that energy," JinSuo observed.

ZiWei chuckled, "I admire her for her lack of self-consciousness. To perform with so many eyes on her…"

"Xiao Yan Zi is someone who thrives on the attention."

"Unlike the two of us," ZiWei turned to her companion, "what say you to going to see if Liu Hong will let us help as well? I can't help but think that with Xiao Yan Zi out front, business will not be lacking."

On returning to Xue Shi Fu, ZiWei was tired but also filled with contentment.

That night, ErKang watched as she combed her hair.

"What has you so cheerful today?"

She stood and, joining him on their bed, told him about her day, "Like Xiao Yan Zi, I like to be useful."

He kissed her brow, "Your generosity is moving, but if someone should know your true identity…"

He wrapped his arm around her, "Some part of me will always worry that you will come to harm."

"Like Huang Ah Ma, you also have zhi ye bing (职业病)." ZiWei scolded.

"Considering for everyone's safety has long been my responsibility." He agreed.

She snuggled close, "I will not make a habit of it, to spare you worries."

The couple rested in restful silence a moment before ZiWei spoke again, "I think Heqing jiejie would like Xiao Yan Zi."

"Oh?"

"The Manchu value freedom, even among their women. Despite having Manchu blood, my upbringing is all Han. Xiao Yan Zi, though, adheres not to the Confucian ideals of a virtuous, passive lady. I am content with home and hearth, with reading and sewing. Xiao Yan Zi, like Heqing jiejie, is someone who prefers to spend her time galloping across open fields."

"Perhaps like 3-Ge-Ge, Xiao Yan Zi should be included in the spring hunt this year."

"Perhaps." ZiWei agreed.

"Xiao Jian will surely be distracted enough to ensure my victory in our wager."

ZiWei laughed, "Yongqi will surely not sit back and let you win again this year."

"Who's to say XiaoJian will be the only one distracted?"

ZiWei wasn't surprised that her husband could see her brother's inclinations, "I did not think you could act so underhandedly."

"Underhandedly? My dear ZiWei, need I remind you that the idea is yours?"

"I only made comment of Xiao Yan Zi and Heqing jiejie's commonality."

ErKang laughed, "But your real meaning is not lost on me."

She just caught his eye and grinned broadly, "I do like to be useful."

He laughed again before bending down to kiss her.

Heqing Ge Ge paid ZiWei a visit shortly after the spring hunt.

"Meimei, I'm on to you," she said bluntly.

ZiWei, eyes focused on the teapot in her hand, just continued to pour tea serenely.

"Jiejie enjoyed the hunt then?"

"Xiao Yan Zi wouldn't hear of anyone hunting swallow birds. Huang Ah Ma was much amused."

Setting a cup in front of her sister, ZiWei looked up and smiled, "He did call her kai xin guo on our trip."

"Huang Ah Ma wasn't the only one to enjoy her company."

"Jiejie approves of my suggestion of a riding companion then."

Heqing lifted an eyebrow even as she took a sip of her tea, "Meimei knows well of whom I speak."

ZiWei inclined her head.

"Though Hu Tai Yi is a valued physician and XiaoJian a favored guard…"

"Jiejie should not underestimate our brother's stubbornness."

"What has he said to you?"

"Enough."

"To be a prince…he cannot afford for his heart to be a weakness." Heqing reminded her sister.

"You and I and Hejia, we are happy. Why should Yongqi not be so?" ZiWei argued.

"And what of Xiao Yan Zi? Yongqi is a prince."

ZiWei inclined her head to show her understanding but said, "Sooner or later, as the young lady of the Hu household, she will need to marry."

Heqing nodded, "You would have her walk into any marriage with open eyes."

"I am her friend," ZiWei said simply.

Heqing took another sip of her tea as she considered. "She can ride passably well and has a good eye for shooting. Still, I could tell she had done little of it in the past. I will coach her."

ZiWei nodded.

Her sister continued, "She is delightful company. Though I appreciate her blunt honesty…though I think Yongqi could benefit from someone who is willing to challenge him… she does need to learn restraint. Meimei's influence will be needed."

"Of course."

Heqing returned her sister's smile. "Now then, meimei, how has marriage been treating you?"

"Jiejie's advice was invaluable."

Heqing laughed at her sister's blushing admission. "Hejia said much the same…I am glad to have been of service to my sisters."

ZiWei's continued attempts to elicit some interest from Xiao Yan Zi in literature and poetry were often met with failure. She did make some headway in having Xiao Yan Zi participate in riddles. An opportunity, however, presented itself when one day, Xiao Yan Zi came to Xue Shi Fu with a younger girl in tow.

"ZiWei! Now I not only have a brother, but also a sister!"

"Oh?" ZiWei glanced curiously at the girl hiding behind Xiao Yan Zi.

"Uncle Hu named her YaLuo, for one of his herbs, but I've nicknamed her Xiao Ge Zi!"

ZiWei smiled gently at the shy child, "Little swallow, little dove, what appropriate names for sisters!"

Xiao Ge Zi tentatively returned her smile.

"Aren't you curious how we came to be sisters?"

ZiWei turned back towards her friend, "Of course! But I presumed you would tell me anyways."

XYZ grinned widely, "You do know me well!" She quickly launched into the tale of rescuing the young girl from her abusive 'father' during their street performance. "Those chairs…they were so high! Uncle Hu examined Xiao Ge Zi and told me all about the bruises, old and new, she had. It's a miracle she hasn't broken any bones!"

Xiao Ge Zi looked at once embarrassed and grateful, "Xiao Yan Zi jiejie and XiaoJian gege have both been very kind."

XYZ smiled at her new sister before turning with a serious expression to her friend, "But I wanted her to meet you too, ZiWei. Only with your help can I help Xiao Ge Zi become a proper young lady. She should not grow up to be like me."

"What's wrong with being like you?"

XYZ just shook her head, "I know I am not much for manners…I know that other young ladies think me uncultured, which is fine, since I think they are all perfectly boring. But I really can't read or write well because I never had the opportunity to learn. Xiao Ge Zi is different. Since I've saved her…I do not wish for others to look down on her in the future."

ZiWei's expression softened, "It's not too late for you to learn too, you know."

XYZ laughed, "You will find me a poor pupil!"

"Xiao Yan Zi jiejie, you can accomplish anything!" Xiao Ge Zi protested.

The chlid's obvious admiration for her adopted sister made ZiWei smile. "See, we both have faith in you."

XYZ made a face at their hopeful expressions, "I suppose I can give it a try…only because I want to keep Xiao Ge Zi company!"

"Of course," ZiWei agreed readily while trading conspiring looks with Xiao Ge Zi.

Xiao Ge Zi proved a diligent student. Xiao Yan Zi, being in possession of her own pride, felt keenly her own deficits. Still, when Xiao Ge Zi looked so excitedly at her big sister whenever ZiWei gave the girl praise, Xiao Yan Zi grew more determined that she would be worthy of the child's admiration.

As the months passed, Xiao Ge Zi took to reading Hu Tai Yi's medical books. The Royal Physician, excited to answer the child's curious questions, soon began to impart some of his knowledge.

"I think Uncle Hu intends to Xiao Ge Zi to be his assistant."

"Xiao Ge Zi is very clever."

"She also doesn't faint at the sight of blood, unlike me."

"But during the Spring Hunt…"

"Human blood." Xiao Yan Zi specified.

"Ah…I thought you weren't afraid of anything."

"Afraid? It's not so much fear," Xiao Yan Zi tried to explain, "Uncle Hu says it can be a natural reaction. I do hate to be so weak though."

ZiWei laughed, "We all have our weaknesses. It's good to know that you're not infallible though."

"What?"

"You are one of those people…tian bu pa, di bu pa…you even talk back to Huang Ah Ma. It's good to know you're human just like the rest of us."

Her comment made Xiao Yan Zi laugh, "I am all too human…unlike you, ZiWei! I have never met someone so genuinely kind and selfless like you."

"Bi ci, bi ci."

"Hey! I understand that now!"

"Xiao Jian was a genius for finding a book you would actually enjoy."

"Yes, I never knew reading could be so exciting!"

"And you had teased of me for sitting still in one spot for so long."

"I take it back. I understand now…I understand a lot of things better than I used to."

ZiWei smiled at her friend, "What else do you understand?"

"That being a lady is hard work."

ZiWei laughed at the rueful expression on Xiao Yan Zi's face.

Xiao Yan Zi continued, "You make it looks so easy, ZiWei, but only in trying to learn to modulate myself have I realized how difficult it is."

"You have no need to change who you are." ZiWei commented in surprise.

"My conduct reflects on my brother, on Uncle Hu, even on Xiao Ge Zi. The price of having family is that I must also consider for them. I am no longer a lonesome bird."

"Swallow birds are symbols of feminine grace."

Xiao Yan Zi chortled, "What a misnomer for me then!"

"I saw your performance during the Mid-Autumn Festival, there is grace in the way you wielded your sword."

"All thanks to brother's teachings." Xiao Yan Zi said dismissively.

"Swallow birds are also known to nest in pairs. The house that plays host to such birds is blessed with good fortune."

"Pairs…" Xiao Yan Zi fell strangely silent.

ZiWei tilted her head, "What's wrong?"

Xiao Yan Zi shook her head and rested her chin on her hands. "ZiWei…I understand some things better now…but…there are still things that are foreign to me…Seeing 3-Ge-Ge with her husband, and you with ErKang…what is being in love like?"

"I cannot speak for Heqing jiejie but for me…it's like finding home. To know that I can depend on ErKang, to know that he depends on me just as much, it grounds me, gives my life meaning."

Xiao Yan Zi looked thoughtful, prompting ZiWei to ask, "Why do you ask?"

"No reason."

ZiWei frowned at the forced nonchalance of Xiao Yan Zi's reply. Still, she knew Xiao Yan Zi well enough not to press.

Her patience was rewarded when Xiao Yan Zi sighed.

"Uncle Hu says Chen Da Ren had hinted that he meant to ti qin (提亲:propose marriage) on his son's behalf."

"Ti qin?"

"I'm as shocked as you are, ZiWei. I'm hardly wifely material."

"I am not surprised at the prospect that Hu Tai Yi should be receiving offers for your hand."

"You're not?" Xiao Yan Zi gaped openly at her friend.

"You're of the proper age."

"But…"

"The House of Hu also has its prestige. Hu Tai Yi never married but as his adoptive children, you and XiaoJian are both part of that lineage."

"I never thought of it that way…" Xiao Yan Zi admitted.

"As you had said, having family brings responsibilities as well." ZiWei reminded.

"Wait…offers?"

"You can't think that Chen Da Ren would be the only one?"

Xiao Yan Zi just looked dumbfounded again.

ZiWei couldn't completely hide her amusement, "Huang Ah Ma's obvious favor of your brother and enjoyment of your own abilities have not gone unnoticed."

"But…"

"But nothing…Xiao Yan Zi, your close friendship with me, with Heqing jie jie…they are not without consequence."

"I…" Xiao Yan Zi groaned.

"Don't hurt yourself!" ZiWei cautioned as Xiao Yan Zi dropped her head onto the table with an audible thud.

Xiao Yan Zi lifted her head slightly to look at her friend petulantly, "Maybe I'll go ask JinHui Shi Tai if I can become a nun instead."

"Is there no one who you would wish to marry?"

"I…" Xiao Yan Zi frowned again, "I…I never thought I'd have need to think about such a matter."

"Then I suggest you start." ZiWei advised, not unkindly.

Xiao Yan Zi still looked unconvinced.

"You can't make all the offers go away simply by ignoring them." ZiWei added.

"Brother said much the same." Xiao Yan Zi grumbled.

"What else does Xiao Jian say?"

"That though he knows it's the practice for fathers and brothers to arrange such things, he would never force me to marry against my will. He managed to convince Uncle Hu as well."

"Xiao Jian cares for your happiness." ZiWei observed.

"And I care for his." Xiao Yan Zi admitted, "ZiWei, can you think of someone for brother?"

ZiWei laughed, "Matters of the heart…it's not right for me to interfere."

Xiao Yan Zi sighed again. "It really is too bad that ErKang took advantage."

"Took advantage?"

"Of meeting you before brother did, of course. I would have so enjoyed being sisters."

ZiWei laughed again, "I am honored you think so highly of me. Though…if you marry one of my brothers, we could still be sisters."

"One of your brothers?"

"Yongji has become less intimidated by you now, I believe."

"ZiWei!" Xiao Yan Zi retaliated to her friend's teasing by making moves to tickle her.

ZiWei laughed and bore her punishment.

Xiao Yan Zi stopped suddenly. "It would bring prestige to Uncle Hu, wouldn't it?"

ZiWei made no effort to hide her surprise.

Xiao Yan Zi just shrugged, "I am no longer just Xiao Yan Zi. Uncle Hu has treated brother and I as his blood children, such kindness…I wish to be deserving of it."

"Xiao Yan Zi…"

Xiao Yan Zi just smiled, "Even I have to grow up sometimes. Just a little anyways. Enough now…Oh! I did mean to ask you, has LiuQing come to speak with you yet?"

"LiuQin?" ZiWei blinked a moment at the sudden change in topic.

"You mean he hasn't?!"

"Why would…"

Xiao Yan Zi stopped her tirade of exasperated mutterings about LiuQin's uselessness to ask, "Where is JinSuo?"

"At HuiBingLou. She and LiuHong have become close friends and as I have little for her to do at XueShiFu, I let her go help as much as she wished."

"Would you say her and LiuHong are as close as sister?"

"Well…" ZiWei paused, "oh."

"Yes. Oh."

ZiWei's grin widened, "I am happy for her."

"If that fool ever gets around to speaking with you!"

ZiWei laughed at Xiao Yan Zi's impatience. "I am certain Liu Qing will…you're so eager to play matchmaker for your brother and now for Liu Qing, what about for yourself?"

"Maybe when I succeed for my brother too." Xiao Yan Zi said evasively.

ZiWei knew better than to push her friend more.

The return of the Dowager Empress to BeiJing was an occasion for pomp and circumstance. ZiWei's attention, however, was not on her grandmother but the young lady at Lao Fuo Ye's side. Qing-Ge-Ge. She truly was lovely. Weeks ago, after hearing a passing remark from the empress, ZiWei had sought clarification from Ling Fei, Fu Jin, and her sisters. She had not been sure what to feel, to know that her husband had at one time been intended for someone else. Though she and ErKang had little secrets from one another, this time, she could not bring herself to ask.

Now, looking at the other princess, ZiWei could not but feel…threatened? Jealous? She wasn't certain the exact name for her emotion, only knew that she felt uneasy.

Some days later, ZiWei felt her unease grown when the Dowager Empress summoned her for a more private meeting. Even EKang's presence next to her did not have its usual steadying effect.

"So you are ZiWei." The dowager empress stared at the newest princess critically.

ZiWei kow-tow'd.

"I have been told that you saved Huang Shang's life."

"ZiWei only did what a daughter should."

"Hmmm." The dowager empress made a noncommittal sound. Her next words were made in reference to ZiWei but she turned to her son as she said them, "Huang Shang surely acted quickly in arranging for your marriage."

The emperor just laughed, "Huang E Niang knows that I have long had my eye on ErKang to be an E Fu. ZiWei's appearance was surely auspicious! Besides, it was FuLun who helped us reclaim ZiWei, such a pairing was surely fated."

"Fated?" The dowager seemed unsatisfied with such a word.

"Cheng is grateful for the favor shown to my family…and to me."

"To you?"

ErKang's affection for his wife was obvious in the smile he gave her before he turned back to answer the dowager empress's question.

"Yes. To me. Huang Shang has been indulgent in granting me such happiness."

Lao Fuo Ye frowned as she spared a glance at her companion.

Qing-Ge-Ge shook her head slightly before she turned to the still kneeling couple, "Such happiness is surely an inspiration. A true cause for celebration. I am only sorry to have missed such a momentous occasion and can only now offer my well-wishes belatedly."

Taking advantage of the emperor's presence, Qing-er also slipped away to follow after ZiWei and ErKang after they had been dismissed.

"ErKang…if I may speak with you a moment?" Qing-er saw clearly the apprehension on ZiWei's face. She also saw ZiWei's valiant efforts to hide such apprehension from her husband.

"It will only be a moment."

When ErKang hesitated, ZiWei spoke up, "The Imperial Gardens are just ahead; ErKang, I'll wait for you in the padoga by the lake."

ZiWei hid her clenched hands in the folds of her skirt to hide their trembling as she walked away.

"You really are very happy." Qing-er said without pre-amble when ZiWei was out of earshot.

"Yes…Qing-er…"

She interrupted him, "I wish to be frank with you. I am not one of those women…all that I have seen growing up in the Palace…I honestly wish the two of you joy."

"Thank you."

"I must ask you to trust me. With regards to Lao Fuo Ye…"

"Thank you." ErKang repeated.

Qing-er simply nodded.

"Qing-er."

His voice made her turn back questioningly.

"If you ever find yourself in need…"

She smiled slightly, "I know."

Later, on their carriage ride home, ErKang noticed ZiWei's silence.

"ZiWei?"

She turned towards him and he noticed that her smile seemed strained.

"Do you not wish to know what Qing-er wished to say?"

"You are allowed your privacy." She wouldn't meet his eyes.

ErKang opened his mouth to explain but found that he did not know how to begin. Intead, he said, "Lao Fuo Ye is not by nature a warm individual."

"Yes, I have been told that she is a traditionalist." If she felt disappointed, ZiWei made no signs.

"But she has ever been indulgent with the emperor."

"Yes."

ErKang frowned at her curt reply, "ZiWei?"

"She is also indulgent with Qing-Ge-Ge." ZiWei dared to admit, "ErKang…I know that…had I not appeared, that…"

"Oh ZiWei." ErKang gathered his wife into his arms.

"ErKang…" she whispered, somewhat ashamed, into the folds of his clothing, "I…I understand Huang Hou Niang Niang better now. I do…and I…I do not know if I can be as gracious as Ling Fei Niang Niang…"

"What do you mean?" ErKang let go of her enough to look at her teary eyes incredulously.

"I've heard the rumors…now that Qing-Ge-Ge is back…though we are married, if Lao Fuo Ye truly wished to…she can still appoint Qing-Ge-Ge to you."

"What?! ZiWei, what silliness have you been thinking?"

"Silliness? Is it truly so silly? Even Huang Ah Ma pays mind to Lao Fuo Ye's opinions."

"My dear ZiWei…you have ever been kind and generous…"

"There are limits even to my generosity."

ErKang wiped away her tears, "I have also heard the rumors. But Qing-er…she is a step ahead of both of us. When she asked to speak with me…ZiWei, she wishes to have no part of it."

"What?"

He kissed her forehead, "You are the only wife I need."

"ErKang…"

"I mean it."

"And Qing-Ge-Ge?"

"She agrees."

"I have misjudged her."

To her surprise, ErKang laughed, "Just as you had once reassured me so must I reassure you. That day, when I saw that XiaoJian had left you a guqin…I surely judged him even more harshly."

"You never said…"

"I did not wish for your estimation of me to lessen."

He returned her fond smile. "The world is a large place, but you and I, we are fated. Even Huang Ah Ma says so." So saying, he wrapped his arms around her again and kissed her softly.

Glad for the privacy the carriage afforded them, ZiWei felt her heart settle. Truly, she was very fortunate.

The winter proved to be a cold one, but the happy reception of the news ZiWei imparted to her family kept her warm.

ErKang, who thought he could not possibly love his wife more, found that he was wrong. ZiWei protested at his hovering initially but then gave up what she knew to be a lost cause and let him fuss. Besides, as her mother-in-law pointed out, ErKang's attentiveness surely bodes well for his capabilities as a father.

ZiWei practically glowed with joy at the new life growing within her. The sullen expression on her brother's face thus stood in sharp contrast.

"ZiWei…Lao Fuo Ye intends to name a ce Fu Jin for me."

"So soon?"

Yongqi sighed.

"Who has she chosen?"

"Lady Socolo."

"Huang Ah Ma trusts her father's capabilities as Imperial Advisor."

"Yes."

ZiWei thought on the matter a moment more, "I must apologize."

"Apologize?" Yongqi made no effort to hide his surprise.

"Lao Fuo Ye must be feeling the frustrations of being thwarted in her plans for Qing-er."

Yongqi just sighed again.

ZiWei studied her brother's resigned expression a moment, "Heqing jiejie reminded me that as a prince, you do not have the luxury of…"

"I know," Yongqi interrupted his sister.

"I know," he repeated.

After a pause, ZiWei revealed, "I told jiejie that you deserved to be happy too."

"Happy?" Yongqi shook his head, "I cannot be happy if I know that my selfishness should make her unhappy."

ZiWei knew well her brother did not refer to his intended bride. "She still does not know…"

"No," Yongqi cut in, "and she won't. I will not be the one to clip her wings."

"Huang Ah Ma would not refuse you."

Yongqi just shook his head, "she deserves someone whole."

"You have decided."

"I have been brought up to adhere to my duty. This marriage…" He fell silent again.

"Lady Socolo has the reputation of being a gifted and gentle young lady." ZiWei commented.

"A fitting bride for a favored prince."

ZiWei looked doubtfully at her brother.

"It will be well."

ZiWei wondered who he was trying to convince, her or himself.

When ErKang found her plucking listlessly at her guqin, he knew that she must have heard the news.

Sitting next to her, he waited patiently for her to recognize his presence.

Sparing a glance at him, she sighed and laid her head on his shoulder.

He unknowingly repeated Yongqi's words, "It will be well."

She smiled sadly, "Heqing jiejie said that Huang Ah Ma is generous with his daughters as he cannot afford to be with his sons. Just as I could not forget that Huang Ah Ma is the emperor, so I cannot forget that Yongqi is a prince."

He wrapped an arm reassuringly around her.

"Xiao Yan Zi may surprise you."

"Hmmm?"

"I always thought that she was the type of person who does not conform to expectations. You and Yongqi expect her to balk at being one of many but I think she sees the world too clearly to expect anything else."

"But she is also capable of petty jealousy."

"Yes. Both you and Yongqi, you try to protect her. Xiao Yan Zi is not so fragile. In protecting her, you limit her growth. Besides, neither of you should choose for her."

ZiWei thought a moment longer, "For better or worse, she is no longer that poor orphan."

"No," ErKang agreed readily.

ZiWei lifted her head then and smiled at him, "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For your objectivity."

"I only do not wish to see you frown so."

"No more frowns...Heqing jiejie and I…and, more recently, Qing-er too…we have done what we can to prepare Xiao Yan Zi. She is not so indifferent to Yongqi, I know it. Only, she has not admitted it to herself, let alone to any of us. She has to make a choice."

"Thank you for bringing the herbs from Hu Tai Yi, though, Xiao Yan Zi, you didn't have to brave the cold yourself."

"It was no trouble…besides, I was feeling restless." Xiao Yan Zi busied herself with the plum blossoms she had also brought with her.

"You have a good eye for such arrangements."

Xiao Yan Zi just shrugged, "It's something to do."

She set the vase on a side table and then sat next to her friend.

"ZiWei…" Xiao Yan Zi bit her lip, not knowing how to begin.

ZiWei waited patiently.

"Yongqi and I had a fight."

"What?"

"He and brother have been investigating a series of missing young ladies in the city and traced the epicenter to a chess shop. I volunteered to serve as bait…well, not really bait, more like undercover agent."

"It sounds dangerous."

"But I'm well trained. It's not the first time I've assisted brother either."

"Though not in so risky a role."

Xiao Yan Zi just shrugged, "I will never be a truly proper lady. Helping brother dispense justice, it gives me an outlet for my energies while also staying true to my father's legacy. But I know I can do it. Besides, brother will surely plan for as many contingencies as he can."

"XiaoJian is allowing it?"

"He worries, of course, but objectively, he knows I can do it as well. But Yongqi…he…he should trust me. I know this matter is serious, I would not jeopardize it with ungrounded boasts."

"His worries about your well being is not less than Xiao Jian's," ZiWei then added softly, "surely you can sense it?"

"I…" Xiao Yan Zi worried at her lip again. "I told him…he has no right to decide for me. He's not my father, not my brother, not my anything."

"You didn't!" ZiWei's voice was full of reproach.

"I was angry!" Xiao Yan Zi exclaimed.

After a moment of silence, she sighed, her anger seemingly spent, "I know I shouldn't have said that. Since our initial acquintance, his patience, his support, his kindness...I do value his friendship."

"What will you do?"

"Do?" Xiao Yan Zi sighed again, "I should apologize."

"That's very generous of you."

"Generous? Not at all, I simply wish to ensure that no more innocents are harmed. Each moment that we tarry is another unneeded moment for the criminals to continue."

ZiWei made to speak but was interrupted by a knock.

Seeing that it was Yongqi, Xiao Yan Zi determinedly turned her back and focused on the flowers instead.

"Oh." Yongqi turned to go again, "I didn't realize you had company. ZiWei, I'll visit you some other time."

"It's cold out, at least warm yourself with a cup of tea."

"No…I…I should go."

"Just take the tea," Xiao Yan Zi said sharply, though she still refused to look at him, "or ZiWei will worry for your health. And Hu Tai Yi said she should not worry so in her state."

Yongqi hesitated but a moment more before he sat down at the table.

Xiao Yan Zi turned towards her friend, "I'll visit you another day, ZiWei."

Without waiting for a reply, she left.

"I think you should go after her," ZiWei told her brother.

"I doubt she would wish to see me."

"Then you don't want her apology?"

"Apology?"

"Xiao Yan Zi was just telling me that she would apologize for certain words she said in anger."

"She said that?"

ZiWei smiled encouragingly at her brother, "you can't expect news of your betrothal to have no impact."

"I…"

"Well, are you going or not?"

Yongqi drained his cup, as though for fortitude, and turned to go after Xiao Yan Zi.

ZiWei, moving the vase of blossoms to a more conspicuous table, just smiled to herself.

Weeks later, once the investigation was concluded most satisfactorily, Xiao Yan Zi visited ZiWei once more.

"What, no gloating?

Xiao Yan Zi shook her head as she picked at the different colored threads within ZiWei's basket, "Writing the required reports is a task that saps all the glory from our victory."

ZiWei laughed at her friend's woeful expression.

"ZiWei…" Xiao Yan Zi frowned as the thread in her hand became hopelessly tangled. Muttering a curse underneath her breath, she set about untangling it.

ZiWei watched her friend carefully, such patience and focus she was showing. Yes, ErKang was right; Xiao Yan Zi was capable of growth. But was it enough?

The comfortable silence was at last broken by Xiao Yan Zi's exclamation of triumph as she returned the now straightened thread to the basket. Without her task, however, Xiao Yan Zi seemed lost before she began to twirl her teacup.

"Those shoes are so tiny," she at last remarked.

ZiWei just smiled contently, "Babies do tend to be small, though E Niang tells me they grow fast."

"Hmmm…" Xiao Yan Zi said noncommittally.

Silence fell again before Xiao Yan Zi heaved a great sigh, "ZiWei…I…urg!" She groaned in frustration at her own inability to express herself.

ZiWei put aside her sewing and turned her full attention to her friend, "Did you and Yongqi fight again?"

"Fight? No…"

ZiWei tilted her head…was it possible…

Xiao Yan Zi flushed at her friend's scrutiny, "What?"

"If you didn't fight…"

"We didn't! I swear it!" Xiao Yan Zi quickly interjected.

"Then…"

"ZiWei…Yongqi…he…he's going to be married soon."

"Yes, but you have known for a long time."

"I…" Xiao Yan Zi fixed her gaze on the teacup still held in her hands, " …it never seemed real…not until…he…he told me he doesn't want to…"

"It's a bit late for…"

"I know!" Xiao Yan Zi exclaimed. "I know." She added in a quieter voice. "Well…he said… it's not so much marriage he's against, rather the identity of his intended bride."

"Oh?"

"ZiWei…we were drunk, or at least tipsy…in celebration of the success of the investigation. I may have managed to find one of brother's special vintages…you know brother's fond of especially potent drinks… Yongqi and I…we really don't have brother's abilities to hold our alcohol…and he said…surely he didn't mean what he said. It must have been the drink…yes…it must have been..."

Xiao Yan Zi looked pleadingly at her friend.

Rather than provide the agreement her friend sought, however, ZiWei asked, "Xiao Yan Zi…what was it that he said?"

"He said…he said he's rather be marrying me…" Xiao Yan Zi's voice was barely above a whisper.

"Did he?" ZiWei asked just as quietly.

"I'm sure he doesn't remember. He hasn't made reference to it at all."

"When did this happen?"

"Three days ago…I would have come visit you sooner, but I was…indisposed. Brother figured my suffering was punishment enough and so allowed me to leave home today."

"Oh Xiao Yan Zi," still, ZiWei couldn't hide her own amusement.

"I will never steal from brother's supplies again," Xiao Yan Zi vowed. She grew somber once more, "What am I to do? I can't face him…even if he doesn't remember, I do…he can't mean it, can he? It must be the drink that addled his mind…"

"Do you want him to mean it?"

Xiao Yan Zi looked startled, "What?"

And so ZiWei repeated her question.

"I…" Xiao Yan Zi shook her head, "he's going to be married."

"As a prince, he always was going to have multiple wives."

"Yes…" Xiao Yan Zi sighed as she placed the cup on her table and wrung her hands instead, "ZiWei…he…I think he was going to kiss me…"

ZiWei had to strain to hear the last words. "Did he?"

"No! But…ZiWei…I…I wanted him to."

Xiao Yan Zi hid her face in her hands at such a bold declaration.

ZiWei set aside her sewing and reached across to pull at her friend's wrists, "Xiao Yan Zi, do you mean it?"

"I…" Xiao Yan Zi looked lost, "I…I don't know…"

"Don't you?"

Xiao Yan Zi met her friend's eyes, "ZiWei…that's not fair…I am happy, helping brother with different cases. If I…as a wife, I would not be able to…"

"Yongqi wouldn't stop you."

"No…" Xiao Yan Zi reluctantly agreed, "but…"

"Lady Soccolo is surely proper enough for the both of you."

"Don't joke, ZiWei."

ZiWei shook her head, "I'm not…What is it that you want, Xiao Yan Zi?"

"Something impossible," Xiao Yan Zi muttered.

"But within the realm of the possible?"

"I…" Xiao Yan Zi sighed and was a silent.

At last, she looked up at ZiWei again, "swallows need a nest. And I…ZiWei…he's my home."

"Oh, Xiao Yan Zi." ZiWei hugged her friend; she knew just how much it took for Xiao Yan Zi to utter such words out loud.

"It's not fair…" Xiao Yan Zi muttered again. She wiped tiredly at her eyes as she drew herself away from her friend's embrace. "But…I don't have the luxury of thinking in term of all or none, do I?"

"Xiao Yan Zi…"

To ZiWei's great admiration, Xiao Yan Zi stood and, with purpose, drew on her cloak.

"Where are you going?" ZiWeo asked.

Xiao Yan Zi turned back in the doorway, "To ask for an explanation, to get the facts."

"You mean…"

Xiao Yan Zi merely took a deep breath and left.

"How reckless," ZiWei muttered to herself, though with no small amount of admiration for her friend. But it was rather like Xiao Yan Zi, wasn't it? To forge ahead no matter the consequences? Reckless but also so fearless.

Xiao Yan Zi, taking in big gulps of the wintry air for fortitude as she stood outside Yongqi's study, felt anything but fearless. She had silenced the servants before they announced her arrival. She chewed on her lips in a moment of uncertainty as she gripped the basket in her hand tightly. Well, she had come this far. Taking one more deep breath, she entered.

"How's your head?"

Yongqi looked up at in surprise and quickly set aside his brush.

"Xiao Yan Zi!"

She drew closer and set her basket on the table, "Xiao Ge Zi took pity on me and snuck me a remedy for my headache without brother's notice."

"And you brought some for me?"

"Well, you can't have fared better than I did."

"But I could summon other TaiYi's without anyone to stop me."

Xiao Yan Zi just pouted at him, "And you didn't think to send some to me?"

"Where do you think Xiao Ge Zi got her supply?"

Xiao Yan Zi gaped at him in surprise. "You…"

He prepared a hand warmer for her with coal from the center of the room and approached her with a smile, "But I do want to thank you for thinking of me."

"Yongqi…" she shivered as she felt his fingers wrap around hers.

When he made to draw away, however, she blurted out, "Wait."

When he looked at her questioningly, she added, "kiss me."

"What?"

Xiao Yan Zi looked at his shocked expression and flushed, "You almost did."

"I…"

Xiao Yan Zi only knew how to be blunt, "Was it just the drink that made you say you wanted to marry me?"

"I…"

She set the hand warmer aside and took a step closer to him, "You do want to kiss me, don't you?"

"Xiao Yan Zi…"

"Well?" she took another step.

"I'm to be married." He said softly.

"I know."

He raised a hand to her cheek, "Xiao Yan Zi…I…"

He stared at her, his bold, brash little bird. This close, he could see her individual eyelashes, could feel the coldness from the outdoors that still radiated from her body. Heavens forgive him but…he bent down and finally gave in to his yearnings. He meant for it to be gentle, to be brief, but when he felt her wrap her arms around his neck, he became lost. Only the necessity of breathing alerted him to draw away at last.

"Oh," Xiao Yan Zi's soft voice broke the silence.

"Oh?" his arms were still wrapped around her waist and though he knew he should, he could not make himself let go.

She was silent and…shy? Yongqi marveled at this new side of Xiao Yan Zi. Still, she also made no move to loosen her hold on him.

"I do want to marry you." He admitted.

"Then why have you not asked?"

"You deserve someone whole."

She shook her head, "You should not have made the decision for me."

"I could not ask it of you…"

"And now?"

He sighed, "Xiao Yan Zi…"

"Ask me."

He studied her expression, looking for any sign of hesitancy. "You know that…"

She nodded as she repeated, "Ask me."

"Your brother, he would never…"

"Ask me." She repeated again, her chin lifted in a stubborn manner that was all Xiao Yan Zi.

He felt helpless as he stared at her determined expression, "Xiao Yan Zi…" He could only breathe her name because…now that he held her in his arms, how could he bear to let her go?

He leaned in close and saw as her eyes widened, heard as her breath hitched, and felt as her whole being trembled. Her lips were so close to his, it would be so easy to give in and kiss her again. But…

"Xiao Yan Zi…"

"Yes?" The breathiness of her boice belied the steadiness of her gaze.

"I don't deserve you. But I…I am selfish…what you are offering…Xiao Yan Zi, I want…" He paused and closed his eyes. Was he truly going to…if he asked, if he allowed those words to pass his lips, there would be no going back…

He didn't expect to feel her lips on his. It was no more than a peck but startled him enough to open his eyes again. How uncertain she looked. Gone was the defiance she had shown previously. ZiWei's words came to him then…at Xiao Yan Zi's core was a little girl frightened of rejection…

"Marry me." He declared. It was not a question and they both knew it. Still, it did bear repeating. "Marry me, Xiao Yan Zi."

When she made no reply, he continued his reassurances, "it wasn't just the drink…I meant it…every word… I want…Xiao Yan Zi…I have wanted for a long time…I need you."

He frowned as he wiped away the single tear that rolled down her cheek, "Xiao Yan Zi?"

She blinked once, as though waking from a stupor, and punched his arm.

"Ow! What was that for?!"

"You…you idiot!" she exclaimed before wrapping her arms around him and burying her face in his chest, "you absolute idiot."

He heard her muffled declaration and could only smile, "Yes…but…your idiot, I hope?"

She pulled back, "I have conditions."

"Anything." He smiled back down at her.

She frowned a little, "You haven't even heard what they are."

He sighed and, with great reluctance, released her from his grasp. Looking at her, seated across the table, he couldn't help but still reach across and hold her hand. "Xiao Yan Zi. You do understand what marrying me means?"

She nodded.

Still, he had to ask, "You are certain?"

She nodded again, "Heqing jiejie and Qing-er and ZiWei…in their own ways, they've all been teaching me. Only, I'm a slow pupil and I…it has taken me a long time to understand. And I know…" She bit her lip in a manner that should not be as distracting as it was. She looked down at the table and then back up again him, her mannerisms changing to the same briskness she used when helping her brother with his investigations. "ZiWei said Lady Soccolo is proper enough for the both of us. And…it's true. I will never be a proper wife, the kind of wife your position demands. I will not stop assisting brother. I will not stop my martial arts training. I will not remain closeted in a manor when I can be making a difference in the world…She can be mistress of the household; I do not want those responsibilities."

"I know," she continued, when he looked like he was going to speak, "I know that in letting her hold such a role, it would seem as though her position was higher than mine. But I know that you would not think that way and for me, that is enough."

"Your title will be no less than hers." He told her determinedly.

"But…"

"No buts. Xiao Yan Zi, I will protect you as much as I am able. Huang Ah Ma will not deny me this wish. While you were indisposed, Huang Ah Ma summoned me for a verbal report. He has alluded to an intent to reward the three of us, once he has had a chance to read our written reports."

When she continued to frown at him, he squeezed her hand, "LFY is not the only one who can appoint marriages."

"Well…" Xiao Yan Zi said at last, her expression clearing, "well then."

Still, he had to be certain, "Once I ask him, you will not be able to change your mind."

She seemed hurt, "You think I would?"

He sighed, "Xiao Yan Zi…"

She shook her head, "I am not choosing on a whim."

"I don't deserve you." He said again.

"But you've got me anyways." The look in her eyes, however, belied the nonchalance of her tone.

He smiled tenderly at her before a look of horror descended, "Your brother is going to kill me."

Xiao Yan Zi felt her lips quirk before laughter claimed her.

XiaoJian, to his credit, was less murderous than Yongqi had expected. He glared, certainly, but his sterness quickly turned into exasperation when Xiao Yan Zi stared right back at him.

"What am I going to do with you?"

Xiao Yan Zi grinned at her brother cheekily, "Support my decision, of course."

XiaoJian made a sound suspiciously close to a laugh even as he maintained his serious expression. Turning to Yongqi, he warned, "If you hurt her in any way…"

Xiao Yan Zi interrupted her brother with an unladylike snort, "Oh please. I'm more likely to hurt him. Brother, really."

XiaoJian coughed to hide a laugh, "Hmm…"

"Well, it's settled." Xiao Yan Zi declared, "I must go update ZiWei!"

The silence she left in her wake was broken as Yongqi spoke up, "I will do my best…"

XiaoJian raised his hand, "I know." He examined the prince and sighed at Yongqi's obvious earnestness, "My sister will always be headstrong; it is not an attribute neither you nor I can curb."

"I have no wish to control her."

XiaoJian smiled a little, "She would never let you."

Yongqi smiled back agreeably, "No."

XiaoJian nodded, "Now then, what do you think about the newest case?"

When Yongqi didn't answer, XianJian frowned, "What? Did you not receive my briefing?"

"I did…only…"

"You expected more opposition from me?" XiaoJian's expression softened, "Xiao Yan Zi is of a stubborn disposition. Even had I wished to, I would not be able to dissuade her."

"And do you wish to?"

"No," XiaoJian shook his head for emphasis, "she has chosen her path. Her friends, sisters of her heart, they have prepared her best they could. And I…" he smiled in a self-depreciating manner, "I have no authority over her, not really. Within the limits of the situation, I know you will endeavor to ensure her happiness."

"Thank you." Yonqi's words were short but filled with sincerity.

ZiWei, sharing the news with her husband, felt a shadow of doubt mar her happiness for her friend.

"Do you think we did right?"

ErKang thought he understood, "Xiao Yan Zi knows."

ZiWei bit her lip, "In the end, she is still the stronger one…she is walking a path I knew I could not."

ErKang drew his wife into his embrace, "She'll still need you, in the days ahead."

ZiWei nodded, "Yes."

And indeed, Xiao Yan Zi found that she was not without support as she became Wu Ah Ge's ce FuJin. Her heart felt gladdened as she noticed the familiar faces of the servants assigned to her; she wondered who had arranged for them to be reassigned from Shu Fang Zhai. Qing-er's company lessened the acute sense of loss Xiao Yan Zi felt that her husband was not at her side on the second day of their marriage.

"You are being very brave," Qing-er commented.

"I don't feel very brave," Xiao Yan Zi admitted.

Qing-er nodded knowingly, "To expect something is not quite the same as experiencing it."

Xiao Yan Zi sighed, "No. This restlessness I feel…"

Qing-er tilted her head, "If anything, she should be jealous of you."

"What?"

"You have his heart, without even trying, just by being you."

"I…" Xiao Yan Zi paused a moment, "I do not begrudge the kindness he shows her. I don't. He would not be Yongqi if he was not kind."

Despite her words, Xiao Yan Zi found that sleep did not come easy to her that night. Indeed, when she opened her eyes and noted that the sun had risen, she was surprised that she had fallen asleep at all. Blinking in the unexpected light, it took her a moment to notice her husband's presence.

"Yonqi…"

He wasted no words but gathered her into his arms.

"Don't be late to court," she whispered at last. She could feel him nod but still he didn't release her.

At last, he drew away so that he can look at her. "I know you're hurting."

She smiled a little at him, in what she hoped was an encouraging manner, "No matter what, I know you will always return to me."

He felt his heart clench at her attempted show of strength. "Xiao Yan Zi…"

"Go on now," she insisted.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead, "I…"

"Stop being so po po ma ma!" her smile seemed more genuine this time.

Relieved, he smiled back at her, "Yes, furen (wife), your humble husband obeys."

In reply, she threw her pillow at his departing figure. Grumbling to herself, but unable to keep her smile from spreading, she got out of bed to fetch the lost object. Straightening her shoulders as MingYue and CaiXia came into the room to help her with her morning toilette, she felt her mood brightening.

"ZiWei, do you think I ought to bother brother more about Qing-er?"

"You must be happy in your own marriage for you to worry so for your brother's prospects."

Xiao Yan Zi, having grown somewhat accumstomed to such teasing over the last few months, pointedly ignored her friend and continued fanning herself. "I was just thinking…since ErTai and SaiYa returned, we are all in pairs…except for brother. And he's the oldest of the four of them!"

"I wonder that he hasn't given you more difficult cases to distract you."

"Oh he's tried," Xiao Yan Zi snorted in an unladylike manner, "but I happen to have gotten very good at what I do."

ZiWei chuckled at her friend's self-confident tone.

Xiao Yan Zi grew serious again, "Really though, you should see the two of them…Qing-er blushes so, even I can't miss it. And brother…he remains stoically quiet, even when I try to wheedle it out of him, but I'm sure I'm not wrong."

"Xiao Jian has surely been busy with his recent promotion."

Xiao Yan Zi nodded, proud of her brother's accomplishments, "All the more reason he needs someone at home to make sure he's taking care of himself."

"The higher he rises, the better the chance of gaining LFY's approval." ZiWei reminded her friend.

"So you think…"

ZiWei tilted her head, "though he is not lacking in eloquence, your brother tends to say more through his actions than his words."

When Xiao Yan Zi did not respond, ZiWei added, "The two of you are not dissimilar in that aspect…we all underestimated you and how harmonious JinYang Gong would be."

"YuanJia is a dear," Xiao Yan Zi finally said, "she calls me jiejie and, well…I chose Yongqi, she had no say."

ZiWei just smiled.

Uncomfortable as she usually was with genuine praise, Xiao Yan Zi was quick the change the subject again, "So I shouldn't interfere with brother?"

"I think, as with anything else, your brother already has a plan."

Shortly before the birth of the Fu family heir, both Yongqi and ErTai were informed that they were to be fathers as well. Xiao Yan Zi was genuinely happy for her sister wife and minded not the attention that was given to her. She knew in the heart that she was not yet ready for motherhood. Besides, her own lack of pregnancy meant that she could accompany the emperor on another trip south. ZiWei had been reluctant to leave her son, so soon after he passed his 100th day, but ErKang successfully persuaded her.

During that trip, Xiao Jian succeeded in impressing LFY and finally winning Qing-er's hand. ZiWei, ErKang providing support at her side, paid an emotional tribute to her mother's grave. The empress made the mistake of angering the emperor and was sent back to the capital in disgrace.

Xiao Yan Zi, who initially found it odd to have Yongqi all to herself, soon learned to enjoy the opportunity she had been granted. Shortly after their return to Beijing, her adoptive father informed her that Jin Yang Gong would become home not to one, but to two, newborns. Xiao Yan Zi had a good panic over this news before her husband's steadiness calmed her.

Sadly, Wu Ah Ge's first two sons would both die shortly after birth. The grief that descended upon the white-shrouded palace seemed to rob Jin Yang Gong of all warmth. Yongqi felt at a loss at how to comfort either of his wives. YuanJia seemed to drift while Xiao Yan Zi grew silent. Never had he felt so helpless. To deal with his own grief, he threw himself into work. The state of things lasted until a frantic Xiao Deng Zi fetched Yongqi from his study towards YuanJia's quarters. Yongqi found Xiao Yan Zi holding a sobbing YuanJia in her arms.

"Meimei, how could you be so stupid?" Xiao Yan Zi murmured softly.

Spying the length of white clothe that still lay on the ground next to the two ladies, Yongqi understood.

"I'm sorry," Xiao Yan Zi continued in the same quiet voice, her own tears rolling down her cheeks, "I'm sory I have not been a good jiejie. I'm sorry to have forgotten that I am not the only one who have lost something precious."

Yongqi sank to his knees beside their huddled figures and felt his own throat become choked with tears.

And so the small family began to heal.

Tragedy would strike again soon after the birth of Yongqi's third son and then again after YuanJia gave birth to twin boys. With her last breath, YuanJia entrusted her surviving son to her Xiao Yan Zi jiejie.

Xiao Yan Zi held the precious bundle in her arms and let her husband help raise her to her feet. "I promise, meimei. I promise...how peaceful she looks, Yongqi." She added.

When MianYi turned a year old, his father was made Rong Qing Wang. Rumor also came that LFY intended to appoint a proper Wang Fei. Xiao Yan Zi, who was always more emotional around the time of Mian Yi's birthday, lashed out in her fear. Yongqi let her rage. He withstood her sharp words and her punches. Then, when she had exhausted herself, he wrapped his arms around her.

"No more." He said.

"What?"

"You, me, MianYi, it's enough. No more."

"But…"

"You are my Rong Qing Wang Fei, I will not have anyone say otherwise."

"But…"

"I have no wish to insult YuanJia's memory. Still, Xiao Yan Zi, this past year, I have become spoiled…I will not put you through it again. Never again."

Xiao Yan Zi surprised them both as she burst into tears, "Yongqi…"

He wiped away her tears, "Xiao Yan Zi, do you trust me?"

Not trusting her voice, she nodded.

He hugged her close again, "Then believe me. I will speak with Huang Ah Ma."

Xiao Yan Zi never found out what it was that Yongqi said to the emperor. But, soon preoccupied both with settling into a new manor and her second pregnancy, she found that it was easier just to feel grateful. The shadow of previous losses lingered so that she submitted to Yongqi's hovering and Uncle Hu's prescriptions with more patience than anyone expected of her.

When she held her daughter in her arms for the first time, she felt an overwhelming sense of joy and protectiveness.

"How beautiful she is…" she couldn't help but marvel.

"Just like her mother," Yongqi whispered.

Just then, their Nan-er gave a loud cry.

"Indeed, just like her mother."

Xiao Yan Zi was too content to bother glaring at her brother for his comment. Instead, she grinned proudly as she introduced her daughter to her various aunts and uncles.

Over the years, Nan-er stayed true to those first comments that had been made about her. Fortunately, MianYi proved to be a patient brother. In turn, Nan-er thought the world of him.

Xiao Yan Zi, watching as her children twirled in a shared sword dance, smiled contently.

"What has you so happy?"

Turning to greet her husband, Xiao Yan Zi's grin widened, "Let's see…another corrupt official has met his just desserts, brother's title has been elevated again, and Xiao Ge Zi has gained recognition for being a competence physician in her own right. I think those are enough reasons, no?"

He nodded but then added, "Speaking of Xiao Ge Zi…Yongji said he would visit today, after he's spoken with Hu Tai Yi and your brother."

Xiao Yan Zi grew somber.

"You knew this day would come."

Xiao Yan Zi sighed, "I know. And Xiao Ge Zi…I know the way her heart leans as well."

He wrapped an arm around her, "They will be happy."

She leaned her head on his shoulder. "Of that I have no doubt."

"Ah Ma!"

The couple broke apart and traded smiles as their children ran towards them.

"Did you see, Ah Ma?" Nan-er crowed proudly, "I finally learned all the moves!"

"She did do very well."

"As did you," Yongqi remarked, causing his son's smile to widen.

"So well in fact, I think I'll teach you both a new sequence!"

"Really?!"

"Only with your E Niang's approval of course; it is after all a Fang family secret."

"Oh E Niang, please?"

Xiao Yan Zi pretended to be stern as she turned towards her daughter, "only if you can recite the poem from yesterday."

Nan-er made a face but repeated it obediently.

"And what does it mean?"

Nan-er brows furrowed as she thought for a moment but still made a satisfactory answer.

"Very good." Xiao Yan Zi nodded and turned to exitt the courtyard.

"Where are you going?" Nan-er asked, somewhat frantically.

Xiao Yan Zi just turned around, fighting a laugh at the impatient look on her daughter's face and the knowning look on her husband's and son's faces, "why, to fetch the swords of course! I can't show you without my sword, can I?"

Nan-er squealed in delight even as her brother broke into laughter.

Xiao Yan Zi traded smiles with her husband. Yes. She had plenty of reasons to be happy.

A little something extra:

After his mother's fall from grace, 12-Ah-Ge seemed oddly relieved. He admitted to ZiWei, in private, that he felt lighter as the pressure to excel lessened.

"Jiejie, I know it's unfair to Huang Ah Niang, who tried so hard for my sake. And I fear I am an unfilial son…but…"

He fell silent a moment, grateful for his sister's supportive presence, "You had asked me, ZiWei jiejie, all those years ago, what it was I truly enjoyed…and now…now I feel like I can finally pursue my interests without guilt."

In the intervening years, 12-Ah-Ge did make a name for himself as an artist and architect. Despite his yong age, the emperor entrusted his son with overseeing the emperor's own vast personal collection. His official position never rose above that of a Prince of the Third Rank, which some, particularly those of the Ulanara clan, took as a deep insult. But Yongji himself was content. The fight for power and prestige held no interest for him. Instead, he felt more given to following his 5th brother's footsteps and search for true happiness.

Because of his closeness with his ZiWei jiejie, he had some brief encounters with the younger daughter of Hu Tai Yi. Their acquitance deepened over the last year of his mother's life. Despite Rong Mo Mo's pelading, the disgraced empress had refused to see any of the royal physicians. Xiao Ge Zi, who had overheard Hu Tai Yi's laments and the other Tai Yi's grumblings, had frowned to herself. She continued to call upon the empress and, when she was refused entrance each time, would leave a packet of herbs with carefully written instructions. Finally, her persistence caused Rong Mo Mo to meet the young lady at the entrance. Xiao Ge Zi remained the consummate professional as she asked after the empress's symptoms and continued to tailor different treatments. The empress, whose health continued to decline, nonetheless felt that her cough and pain had lessened.

Yongji, learning of Xiao Ge Zi's actions from his mother's loyal servant, had made sure to thank the young lady in person.

At the sound of a knock on the doorway, Xiao Ge Zi carefully set down the herbs she had been measuring.

"Yes?"

Yongji, who had never completely lost his childhood shyness, found himself tongue-tied in front of the pretty girl.

"Are you looking for my father?"

Yongji shook his head, "No…I'm looking for Hu Ya Luo."

"That's me."

"Oh."

She frowned at him, "Which palace are you from?"

"I'm from…I'm 12-beile."

"Oh, forgive me!" Xiao Ge Zi made to give the proper greetings only to be stopped at Yongji's next words.

"Please…I only wished to thank you."

"Thank me?"

"Rong Mo Mo tells me that she had followed your suggested soup recipes and Haung E Niang has regained some of her colors. Even better, she has finally been able to rest overnight without her cough waking her."

"Oh good." Xiao Ge Zi found herself telling the prince about the ingredients of the concoction and her thoughts on how they could help the empress. Suddenly, she stopped and seemed embarrassed, "I'm sorry; I forget sometimes that not everyone is like father and wishes to hear my opinions."

"No, I don't mind."

She studied him carefully and he smiled a little to indicate his sincerity. She nodded to herself, as though coming to a decision. "Well then, let me show you some of the herbs I used. If you learn a little about them, then you can help adjust the formula to suit Huang Hou Niang Niang even better."

She found him to be a dedicated pupil. Not trusting himself to remember her spoken explanations, Yongji had pulled out his sketchbook and made little notations next to each drawing.

"Thank you." He said again, when she returned from putting away the last of the herbs in the storeroom.

"Father always said that the first responsibility of a physician is not to cure but to heal."

"Is there a difference?" He asked her curiously.

"Oh yes! Curing implies that we do battle with the disease, but healing means we treat the patient. Unfortunately, not having had a chance to examine Huang Hou Niang Niang, I fear I can only treat symptomatically."

"Huang E Niang is stubborn." Yongji admitted, "and would not take anything she knows to be medicine. To add bolstering ingredients to her everyday food and drink…it's quite clever."

Xiao Ge Zi blushed a little at his honest praise, "It's the only way Dong-er and Nan-er would take their medicines when they're ill...not that I'm saying your mother is a child!"

He smiled again to show that he did not take offense, "Thank you."

Over the next year, whenever he had to travel to acquire artwork for his father, Yongji always made sure to return with an odd herb, strange talisman, or a book of regional medical lore for her. Having little medical background himself, Yongji often ended up purchasing items of absolute quackery and delighted in Xiao Ge Zi's amused laughter as she explained their deficiencies.

Shortly after his mother's death, he returned with a package that brought a frown to her face.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm not sure yet…I need to analyze the ingredients. But something doesn't seem quite right."

A few days later, he received a note from her requesting to meet at Rong Qing Wang Fu.

"Xiao Ge Zi and Yongji? Did you meet coincidentally?"

"No, Yongqi ge ge. Xiao Jian ge ge is away so I came to see you."

"Oh?"

She took out a package and set it on the table. Looking at it in distaste, she said "Most of the things that charlatans sell are harmless enough but this one…taken in the right amounts, this mixture could be poisonous and cause blindness, particularly in young children."

He looked at her in alarm.

"And you found this in the palace?"

She shook her head even as she handed him the list of ingredients she could ascertain, "No…Yongji had obtained it."

"Yongji?"

Yongji nodded and explained that he had stumbled upon it in his travels.

"Thank you for bringing it to my attention," Yongqi said at last, "I'll do my best to track down the source and stop its production."

Xiao Ge Zi nodded in relief.

"And now that you're here, do go see your sister. She's worried that you spend too much time with only old men, dry books, and drier herbs for company."

Xiao Ge Zi laughed at the familiar sounding words. Yongji made to follow her but was stopped at his brother's words.

"Wait, Yongji, I just have a few more questions."

Yongji dutifully waited until Xiao Ge Zi had left before turning back to his brother, "You don't wish to ask me just about this package, do you?"

"No…Yongji…I wish to remind you that your Xiao Yan Zi jiejie is very protective of her sister."

At his brother's nod, Yongqi added, "The time of mourning has just begun, but I suspect that when it ends, you and I will be having a very different conversation."