"Lady, this way please," the servants of Tai Furen guided her through the secret passage leading to Tai Furen's courtyard. Tai Furen awaited her arrival.
"Tai Shen, after three years, here is my niece. You look so refined and elegant. I received your note," Tai Furen greeted warmly. She was seated gracefully in her hall, wearing a light purple gown with a peony flower hairpin in her hair.
On the table before her was a medium-sized white ceramic tea basin, filled with green tea leaves and adorned with a pink lotus flower. Tai Furen picked up a delicate ceramic teacup and a small silver tong with a dragon design. She transferred some tea leaves into the teacup and then used a wooden ladle to pour the green tea from the basin into the teacup.
With elegant movements, she placed the teacup in front of Tai Shen. After a moment, Tai Furen revealed a blank piece of paper snow.
"Aunt Furen, I came because of an urgent matter," Tai Shen said, signaling for her aunt to dismiss the servants.
Tai Furen made a discreet gesture, and the servants, understanding the signal, retreated and closed the door behind them.
"Speak," Tai Furen said, her gaze unwavering and her eyebrows elegantly arched.
"Tai Shan is currently tracking the Green Hills Courtyard."
"It's nearly impossible to breach the Green Hills Courtyard. If he attempts it, it will likely be a one-way trip," Tai Furen replied, taking a sip from her teacup.
Tai Shen's tears began to flow uncontrollably.
"What's the matter?" Tai Furen asked, her expression softening with concern.
"Tai Shan took my baby and is trying to get him to Master Yuwen Hao."
Tai Furen's eyes widened slightly as she studied Tai Shen. "Is the child Qinghai's?"
"Yes," Tai Shen said, her tears making her skirt damp.
Tai Furen was visibly shocked. She stood up abruptly, her anger evident. "What have you done?!"
"Father advised me to act quickly since we had no other options," Tai Shen explained, her voice heavy with despair.
"If Yuwen Hao sees the child tonight, the baby's fate is sealed."
"Father hoped the child's fate could be different. Yuwen Hao desperately needs an heir to the Eyes of God," Tai Shen continued.
Tai Furen paced, deep in thought. "We need to retrieve the child and hide him—if he's still alive by tonight."
Tai Shen's crying intensified as Tai Furen's determination grew.
"You cannot stay here. This place has dangerous connections. The master of the Red Hills Courtyard is ruthless and depraved. You wouldn't survive here. I'll send you to a secluded spot in the northwest corner of the Red Hills Courtyard."
"What about you, Aunt Furen?" Tai Shen asked, worried.
"I'll find a way to protect you and your child," Tai Furen assured her. She quickly moved to open the door and instructed her servants.
Shortly after, Tai Furen returned, dressed in a red flowy dress. She wore a black mask and had her hair styled in a high ponytail, prepared to take action.
"No, I can't let you do this, Aunt Furen."
"And I can't just wait while the Moon and his Star are in danger tonight," Tai Furen replied, her eyes fierce and determined.
"We need to act quickly. We'll use the main inner gate of the Yuwen household—it's the fastest route to Castle Peak. There are a few traps, but it's better than navigating the illegal channels. My servants will create a distraction to divert the master of the Red Hills Courtyard. This will give us the opportunity to sneak out of the Jile Pavilion and make our way past Yuwen Hao's Hall."
Tai Furen's plan was precise, reflecting her resolve to ensure their escape.
Tai Furen hushed her niece and said, "I am the third concubine of the Yuwen Household. Yuwen Hao will recognize me, just as you did when you presented your jade stone. He will know me as the concubine of the Third Branch."
Tai Yue Shen, feeling a glimmer of hope, wiped her tears. "I want you to have this." She handed Tai Furen a sword wrapped in a dark cloth.
Tai Furen's eyes widened in surprise. "The Canhong Sword?"
"Yes, please take it," Tai Yue Shen insisted.
Tai Furen accepted the sword and, with a determined nod, prepared to leave. Together, they slipped out of the Jile Pavilion and began their urgent escape.
Master Yuwen Xi was hosting one of his notorious nightclub gatherings at the Jile Pavilion. The scene was chaotic: young women, some in various states of undress, darted about like frantic sheep. A few lay sprawled, drunk and semi-conscious, in the pool, while others were dressed in grotesque costumes and heavy makeup. The air was thick with the heady aroma of drugs and steam from the T-shaped pool. In the center of it all, Yuwen Xi lounged, languidly attending to a young woman who appeared nearly unconscious, her body barely responding as he kissed her.
From her concealed vantage point, Tai Furen watched in disgust. The sight before her was repugnant, and she spat on the ground in revulsion. Tai Yue Shen, overwhelmed by the scene and the oppressive steam, struggled to keep her composure. The grim reality of the situation hit her hard, causing her to feel faint. She had to close her eyes, unable to bear the sight of the depravity unfolding before her.
However, when she opened them, her eyes were already caught in a dreamy state. She tried to look at her surroundings it was like a trance of nightmare. She could not distinguish if it is real or not. She saw all the young girls dead-like bodies. Some were laughing to death, other's were naked. Looking at the opposite direction, Tai Yue Shen saw Yuwen Xi like a monster licking the floating bodies found at the Jile Pavilion. Not so long, Tai Yue Shen cannot hold any longer, she went blackout.
Tai Furen was too late to know that her niece passed out. She looked at her back and finds her niece is not following her back. She tried to call her name: "Tai Yue Shen, where are you?" But no one, responded and she became nervous.
Meanwhile, Tai Furen took off her mask. She tried to look for Tai Yue Shen at the Jile Pavilion. She stayed longer than she should have not. Now, even the Third concubine of the Yuwen household was already caught in the hellish night of Yuwen Xi's Jile Pavilion.
The next day, Yuwen Hao's maidservant walked through the bustling market street and spotted a middle-aged woman buying seven jade stones at a jewelry shop. From a discreet distance, she assessed the woman, noting her composure and the steady, authoritative way she interacted with the vendor. "She seems resolute and free-spirited," the maidservant thought to herself.
The maidservant followed the woman as she made her way to a nearby restaurant. There, she was surprised to see the woman greeted by six children, who were chatting eagerly among themselves. The maidservant approached, slipping into view in front of them.
The woman noticed her and asked, "What can we do for you?"
The maidservant presented her jade stone, a rare and unmistakable emblem of the Yuwen family. Recognizing the significance, the woman's expression shifted to one of understanding. She inquired, "What can I do to serve the master?"
The maidservant replied, "I cannot discuss details here, but I need you and your six sons to accompany me to the Yuwen household today. The reward will be substantial for both you and your children. If you prefer not to accept, you may leave unharmed."
The woman pondered for a moment before asking, "How can I be assured of our safety and that of my sons if we choose not to take the job?"
After a brief pause, the maidservant, unable to come up with a more convincing answer, handed the woman her tassel. The tassel, a symbol of collateral, indicated that if anything went wrong, she would be held accountable, risking severe punishment from the Palm of Green Hills courtyard.
With a nod of understanding, the woman and her six sons followed the maidservant to the Yuwen household. They arrived at the Red Hills courtyard as the afternoon waned, the light dimming towards twilight. Before they could proceed to the Green Hills courtyard, they had to pass through the guards' interrogation.
The maidservant, employing her silver tongue and captivating charm, managed to persuade the guards despite their initial disinterest. Her beauty and persuasive skills bypassed the usual protocols, and the guards allowed them through without triggering any of the surrounding stratagems.
They proceeded to the Green Hills courtyard, where Yuwen Hao awaited them. The maidservant, having led them successfully, stood beside him and bowed deeply. Yuwen Hao remained facing away as he dismissed her with a nod.
As the maidservant left, Yuwen Hao turned to face the woman and her six sons. He studied them closely, his demeanor shifting to one of measured interest as he assessed the new arrivals.
The woman and her six sons approached Yuwen Hao, bowing deeply in the traditional kowtow position. She was dressed in a neat, earth-toned outfit: a canvas-made, long Chinese collared shirt with traditional buttons, light beige pants, and black flat shoes. Her sons, dressed similarly, mimicked her bow with earnest effort, their small faces full of concentration.
Yuwen Hao regarded them with a composed demeanor. Though he did not smile, his eyes softened slightly at the sight of the children's sincere attempts. Despite his aristocratic facade, a flicker of warmth showed as he acknowledged their presence.
"Please, rise," Yuwen Hao instructed in his gentle, authoritative tone. The family straightened, their expressions a mix of relief and nervous anticipation.
Yuwen Hao summoned his kitchen staff by pulling a string, which rang the bell in the kitchen. The staff quickly mobilized to prepare the meal.
The family was led to the dining area, where a lavish spread awaited them. The table was adorned with an impressive array of Chinese dishes:
Steamed Herb Chicken Feet
Braised Beef
Cuapao (small steamed buns)
Wonton Soup with Cantonese Noodles
Stir-Fried Seafood
Steamed Fish with Herbs and Spices
Black Mushrooms
Delectable Sauces served in tiny dishes
Steamed Siomai in a small bamboo steamer
Hainanese Rice
Pickled Fruits like cucumber, pears, and plums
Fresh Fruits such as persimmons, passion fruits, and star apples
Green Tea served fresh
The children's eyes widened with wonder at the diverse and enticing spread before them. Their initial nerves eased as they tasted the delicious array of foods, each dish a testament to the culinary skill of the Yuwen household. The meal was a warm, generous gesture, marking the beginning of their new chapter in the Green Hills courtyard.
After the meal, the woman was escorted back to Yuwen Hao's hall, while her six sons continued playing joyfully in the courtyard. Inside, she saw Yuwen Hao engaging with a baby.
"Master, I am deeply grateful for the exceptional meal you provided for me and my sons," she said sincerely.
Yuwen Hao replied, "If you accept the task I have in mind, such hospitality will continue."
The woman asked, "What is the task, Master?" After a brief pause, she added, "And if I decline, your maidservant gave me this token." Her shrewdness was clear.
Yuwen Hao looked at the baby he was holding and said, "Your task will be to care for my son. Do you accept?"
With a respectful bow, she responded, "It is a great honor, Master, but I do not believe I am worthy of such a responsibility, given my humble origins compared to your noble status."
Yuwen Hao, noting her humility and self-awareness, replied, "You will not be directly caring for my son. Instead, you will serve as a maid to one of the Ladies of the Green Hills courtyard. Your presence will help balance her aristocratic demeanor with your own modesty. Will you accept this role?"
Concerned, the woman asked, "And what will happen to my six sons?"
"They will remain here and grow up alongside my son. I will ensure they are well-educated and trained to serve as future attendants to the heir of the Eyes of God. Their future will be secure and prosperous," Yuwen Hao assured her, speaking with gentle authority.
"Master, your generosity and kindness are truly remarkable. May the heavens bless you for your benevolence," the woman said, deeply touched by his offer.
"We have nowhere else to go. Our home was destroyed, and we're barely surviving by doing small chores for others. Without a steady job, my sons might not even get a meal," the woman said, her voice filled with despair.
Understanding her dire situation, Yuwen Hao seized the opportunity to formalize their arrangement. He presented her with a contract outlining the terms of their service.
"Do you fully understand what you and your sons are committing to?" Yuwen Hao asked, making sure she was aware of the implications.
"Yes, my Lord," she responded, performing a deep kowtow.
"Rise," Yuwen Hao instructed, signaling that the contract was accepted.
This agreement meant she and her six sons would serve the Green Hills courtyard for the rest of their lives.
That night, Yuwen Hao made the necessary arrangements. He wrote a letter to his father, Yuwen Gao, explaining the situation and ending with a heartfelt plea: "Grant it, Father, consider it my final wish."
Unknown to everyone, if Yuwen Gao did not approve, Yuwen Hao was prepared to relinquish his title and nobility, returning the Eyes of God to his father's care. Driven by his desperation for a son, he was determined to do everything possible to secure the child's future and fulfill his own goals.
Yuwen Gao responded favorably that same night. The old Yuwen Master also informed the Lady residing in the inner temple of the Yuwen ancient palace—Yuwen Hao's elegant grandmother and Yuwen Gao's mother.
In the quiet of the night, Yuwen Hao remembered the black silk hidden in his secret repository. He retrieved it, admiring the luxurious texture.
As he handled the silk, he struggled to recall its origin but could not remember its significance. It was the finest silk in China, known for its exceptional quality. Unwrapping it, he discovered a solitary item belonging to the baby, who was peacefully asleep in his bedchamber.
Among the items, he found a sword that took him by surprise. It was unfamiliar, appearing to be of noble or royal origin.
When he removed the sword, a piece of snow paper fell to the floor. He picked it up and found it blank, with no discernible markings.
Yuwen Hao's suspicion grew stronger as he carefully examined the blank snow paper. He knew that the baby might not have been accidentally abandoned by the person who had secretly left him at his doorstep. Determined to uncover more, he retrieved a small bottle of celadon powder and gently sprinkled it over the paper. As the powder settled, characters began to emerge:
上帝眼中的主人宇文豪
这是我的儿子，我正在照顾你，因为我相信你是一个配得上我儿子血的继承人，他的名字叫悦。 剑是他的，不应该出鞘，直到他的时间来统治你的家庭来。 这是我最后的愿望。
岳神夫人
The message revealed itself:
Master Yuwen Hao, of the Eyes of God,
This is my son. I am caring for you because I believe you are a worthy heir to my son's bloodline. His name is Yue. The sword belongs to him and should remain sheathed until the time comes for him to rule your household. This is my final wish.
Madam Yue Shen
Yuwen Hao's initial relief at discovering that the baby he was caring for was of royal lineage was tempered by lingering uncertainty. Lady Yue Shen's background and origins remained shrouded in mystery. Despite the significance of the baby and the sword, the details of her empire and her identity were unknown.
As Yuwen Hao examined the sword's sheath, he noticed its complex locking mechanism, which prevented him from drawing the blade. Determined not to damage the precious weapon, he refrained from forcing it open. The intricate design of the mechanism was clearly intended to keep the sword secure until the appropriate time.
A smile of anticipation spread across Yuwen Hao's face as he contemplated the future. He planned to present the sword to the baby, Yue, on the occasion of his 30th day at the Yuwen household. This celebration, a cherished tradition, marked the child's formal introduction to the world. It was a time when family and friends would offer gifts of silver and money to support the child's upbringing.
Yuwen Hao was eager for this milestone, looking forward to the day when the baby would be honored and celebrated. Until then, he was resolute in his commitment to provide the care and respect befitting the child's noble heritage.
The Lady at the temple was instantly captivated by the sight of the baby boy. Eager for a grandchild, she took him from Yuwen Hao's arms with an unmistakable tenderness. Her usual aristocratic and somber demeanor melted away as she cradled the child, her face brightening with a rare, genuine joy.
Ignoring Yuwen Hao's instructions and the hired servant mother, who was gently set aside, the Lady's focus remained solely on the baby. With a warm smile and a playful glint in her eyes, she said, "We'll call him Master Ice Cube." Her chuckle and the affectionate glances she exchanged with the baby created a moment of light-heartedness and warmth in the otherwise formal setting.
Thirty days had passed, and Yuwen Hao's plan was set into motion. During the grand family gathering, he introduced the child as his son, born of a mother unknown to the Yuwen family. The narrative was crafted to protect the child's true origins, but the family's focus quickly shifted. The moment they laid eyes on the baby, they were utterly captivated. Their attention was drawn away from family matters, mesmerized by the child's almost divine presence.
The celebration was filled with exuberant joy, and the baby was showered with silver wares and coins, a symbol of the family's delight and acceptance.
After the festivities, Yuwen Hao discreetly presented the Po Yue Jian sword to the child. In a quiet moment, he whispered, "You will be the master of snow—strong and unyielding, yet gentle within. You will come to understand the depth and responsibility of being the heir to the master of the Eyes of God. This sword, a gift from your mother, is bestowed upon you to uphold the master's code and the expressions you will develop under your upbringing."
Yuwen Hao carefully rewrapped the sword in its black silk, returning it to its secret repository.