Chapter 8: Spring Encounter

  As the days gradually warmed up, I, due to the peaceful and uneventful life, also gradually reduced the frequency and dosage of taking medicine, and my body relaxed a bit. Flowing Vermilion privately told me: "Miss often eats that medicine and lies in the house, her complexion has become much paler, she should also go for a walk under the sun, and her complexion will be better."

  In the spring, the scenery in Shanglin Garden is the best. The pear blossoms and crabapple blossoms in Tongli Palace have only grown leaves, without even a bud. In contrast, many flowers in Shanglin Garden have already bloomed, filling the air with fragrance. The trees are thriving, and the flying springs and water features add to the beauty of the scene, making it seem like a painting. It's quite lovely.

  The palace particularly likes to plant eight types of flowers: jade orchid, crabapple, peony, osmanthus, bamboo, banana, plum blossom, and orchid. The names of these flowers have auspicious meanings: "jade hall wealth and nobility", "bamboo announces peace and safety". They are called the "Eight Fragrances of Shanglin" and symbolize good fortune in the palace.

  Tongli Palace is located in the southwest corner of Shanglin Garden, which is a place with few visitors. The surrounding area is also rarely visited. Therefore, I can walk around Tongli Palace without being disturbed or restricted by others.

  The Taoye Pool is not far from the Lychee Palace. The Taoye Pool's emerald waves are like a mirror, with ripples shimmering in the distance, and the water and sky seem to blend into one color of lake blue and green, reflecting light. In the pool, several islands are scattered, on which tall and elegant pavilions and kiosks are built, surrounded by rare flowers and grasses that evoke a unique charm. The scenery of Taoye Pool in March and April is particularly beautiful, with willows and green poplars along the shore swaying gently, their branches and leaves stretching out in fresh yellow and green hues, like the delicate eyebrows painted by palace maidens. Thousands of strands of green jade-like silk ribbons seem to dance in the breeze, like a fairy's skirt fluttering lightly. Even the usually stoic Concubine Lin couldn't help but smile: "The green jade makeup is complete on one tree, with thousands of strands of green silk hanging down." It turns out that this is what good scenery looks like. So many willows, truly a majestic sight only found in palaces. The new willow flowers and the cool breeze blowing along the pool's edge are filled with the fragrance of water and flowers, making one's heart feel carefree, as if standing amidst morning dew and dawn mist.

  I stayed for a while and loved it, so when I got back, I told Xiaolian and Xiaoyu to set up a swing on the tree. Xiaoyu was thoughtful and deliberately entwined the swing with purple wisteria and honeysuckle, which opened into small fragrant purple flowers, soft leaves, and a pleasant fragrance that wafted far away. When the wind blew, the scent was subtle, as if it were in the clouds.

  The weather was exceptionally good that afternoon, with a clear sky like a quiet lake, and the sun shining brightly like a piece of glittering gold. Delicate white willow catkins danced in the air, floating gently on the breeze. I sat alone on the swing, kicking off the fallen flowers that had landed on the lush grass with my feet. The warm wind blew softly, like a hand slowly stirring the dense apricot blossoms on the tree beside me, and the thin petals fell onto me, as gentle as my mother's fingers touching my cheek when I was a child.

  I involuntarily raised my head to look at the flowers, and the blossoms were densely packed, crowded together in a half-sky of pink, with only a glimpse of blue sky visible through the gaps. "Apricot blossoms sparse shadows, flute blows till dawn", it seemed that someone had written this before. I suddenly felt interested, turned my head to instruct Liu Zhu: "Go get my fan." Liu Zhu responded and left, I swung alone on the swing for a while, when I suddenly felt a shadow behind me, which made me jump in fright, hastily jumped down from the swing and turned around to look. It was then that I saw a young man standing behind me, wearing a sea-green robe with bat sleeves, a crimson gold hairpin on his head, tall and slender, with a bright and clear face, extremely handsome, but his eyes were piercing as he stared at me, yet I couldn't tell what his status was.

  My face involuntarily flushed, and I knelt down to pay my respects. Not knowing how to address him, I could only maintain the posture of paying homage. After a long silence, my face was burning like fire, and my knees were slightly sore. I had no choice but to ask awkwardly: "May I ask how you should be addressed?"

  The man didn't make a sound, I didn't dare to raise my head, and asked again in a low voice. He seemed to have just woken up from a dream, lightly said "oh" and said: "Please get up."

  I slightly raised my eyes and noticed his attire, he seemed to have realized it, saying: "I am... Qinghe Wang."

  I knew it was Qinghe Wang Xuanling, and I felt even more embarrassed. The concubines were alone with the king, which seemed improper. So I took two steps back, slightly bowed my head and said: "Your humble servant is Hou Gong's consort, Zhen Shi, greeting Your Majesty."

  He thought for a moment, "Are you that nobleman who has been ill?"

  I suddenly felt something was wrong and a huge doubt arose in my heart. I asked: "The trivial matters of the inner palace, how did your highness know about them?"

  He slightly stunned, immediately smiled and said: "I heard the emperor... sister mentioned that on New Year's Eve, the emperor brother asked a question, I happened to be beside him." Only then did I put my heart at ease.

  He asked with a smile: "Is your body better? The chill of spring is still here, why don't you wear more clothes?"

  "Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. I'm much better now." Just as I was about to take my leave, Flowing Vermilion hurried over with a fan in hand and saw the unfamiliar man standing beside me, she too was startled. I hastily said: "Don't you greet Prince Qinghe?" Flowing Vermilion quickly knelt down to pay her respects.

  He glanced at the emerald-green flute and asked with a smile: "Can you play the flute?"

  I nodded slightly, "Bored at home, just passing the time."

  "Would you play a tune for me?" He felt a bit abrupt and added: "I, the king, love to appreciate the Xiao."

  I hesitated for a moment and said: "I am not skilled in zither art, I'm afraid it would be an insult to your refined ears."

  He looked up at the sky with a smile and said, "With such beautiful spring scenery, if there is a zither accompaniment, it would not be a waste of this garden full of green willows and red flowers. Please don't refuse, noble sir."

  I pushed it back, but had to retreat a zhang away, concentrated my mind and thought for a moment, then played a gentle tune of "Apricot Blossom Sky Shadow" (1) on the flute, "Where is the jade flute, the sky is like water, the crystal flower is white as ice in one night."

  Green silk gently sweeps the Mandarin Duck Bay, thinking of peach leaves, calling for a ferry at that time. Again, with sorrowful eyes and spring breeze, waiting to leave; leaning on the railing, even less staying.

  Golden Ridge Road, oriole's song and swallow's dance. Calculating the tide, I know people's hardships are the most bitter. The fragrant grass on the shore cannot be returned to, at dusk, moving the boat again, towards where?

  When I was young, my aunt who lived in Jiangnan taught me to play this tune with a sheng. It was very elegant and refined. Now playing it with a xiao, the sorrowful mood of the song is reduced, and it has a wonderful flowing snow and gentle breeze. When the song ended, Qinghe Wang was silent, lost in thought.

  I remained silent for a moment, then softly called out: "Wang Ye." He finally came to his senses. I said in a low voice: "I have made a fool of myself, please don't blame me, sir."

  He looked at me and said, "You played extremely well. However, when you reached the sentence 'Man Ting Fang Cao Bu Cheng Gui', the sound of the Xiao was slightly stagnant and not very smooth, with a hint of sobbing. Are you thinking of home?"

  I was seen through by him and felt slightly embarrassed, my face red as I said: "I once heard someone say, 'A wrong note in the music brings the king to his feet,' but I didn't think Your Highness had such a good ear for music."

  He paused for a moment, smiled slightly and said: "I haven't heard such good sheng sounds in a long time. Since... Empress Chunyuan passed away, no one's sheng sound has been able to move... my ears." Although he was not far from me, his voice seemed to come from afar, full of emotion.

  I took two steps forward, smiling and said: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your excessive praise. But how dare I compare myself to the virtuous Empress Yuan?" I bowed slightly and said: "The hour is late, I will take my leave and return to the palace first. Please, Your Highness, take care."

  He nodded and smiled, and then he left.

  Li Zhu supported me all the way back to the palace, and as soon as we entered the Yingxin Hall, I immediately called out for Jing Qing: "Go and find out if the King of Qinghe has come to the palace today? Where is he now?" Jing Qing nodded and left.

  Li Zhu doubted: "Miss, don't you think that the person who played the Xiao with you today is Qinghe Wang?"

  "It's better to be more careful."

  Jingqing went out for half a day and came back to report: "Today I entered the palace, now in the Yuanyuan Hall with His Majesty appreciating paintings." I nodded secretly and felt at ease having my meal.

  After a day, I still went to that swing to spend time. The air on the spring morning was very fresh, with the moisture of the lake's misty waves, the soft willows on both banks, and the fragrance of freshly opened flowers, making people feel invigorated. The purple wisteria and clover on the swing ropes still had sparkling dew that hadn't been dried by the sun, and as the swing swayed gently, it fell coolly on my face and shoulders, like a sprinkle of tiny raindrops. There were birds perched in the trees, chirping happily. If you want to enjoy the morning light, this moment is the best.

  Suddenly, I felt someone stretch out their hand and give my swing a strong push. The swing's amplitude increased instantly, and I was startled, hurriedly grasping the rope with both hands. The swing flew high into the air, the wind blowing forcefully across my face, carrying my skirt flying like a giant butterfly. I burst out laughing: "Liuzhu, you naughty maid, how dare you play tricks behind my back!" I giggled: "Push it higher! Liuzhu, higher!" As soon as the words left my mouth, the swing rapidly swung backwards, quickly passing by someone's shadow. The further back I looked, the clearer it became, and I cried out in surprise: "Your Highness!" Who else could it be but Qinghe Wang, being so unseemly? My heart was filled with great fear. My grip loosened, and I almost fell off the swing.

  Qinghe Wang raised both arms and smiled at me, saying: "If you're afraid, then come down."

  A surge of shame and anger rose in my heart, I was even more indignant, gripping the rope tightly and shouting loudly: "Let the prince push the swing, I'm not afraid!"

  His eyes were full of laughter, and as he approached the swing, he gave it a big push forward. All I could hear was the sound of the wind whistling past my ears, blowing my hair straight back and forth. The more I was afraid, the harder I tried to keep my eyes open, staring with eyes wide like apricot pits. The swing flew straight towards that old apricot tree with its profuse flowers, and in a mischievous mood, I stretched out my foot to kick those apricot blossoms that were blooming like warm clouds. As soon as I did, the flowers fell down like a sudden rainstorm, startling the oriole on the tree into flight, stirring up the bright sunlight that filled the sky.

  Petal-like raindrops gently fall, and one of them floats over and hits me right in the eye. I feel a stinging pain and involuntarily reach out to rub it, but as soon as my hand loosens its grip, I lose balance on the swing and plummet straight down. My heart is filled with terror, and I'm so scared that I close my eyes tightly, thinking to myself "I'm done for!"

  I landed but didn't feel much pain, just didn't dare to open my eyes. I felt a coolness and warmth on my forehead, which was someone's breath, gently brushing against me like the chilly yet warm morning breeze of this season. It was quiet and soundless, with the softness of fallen flowers landing on my collar. I secretly opened my eyes and saw a pair of dark pupils in front of me, as warm and smooth as black jade, containing a light and shallow smile. I didn't turn away because in that instant, I saw my own face reflected in those pupils. For the first time, I saw myself in someone else's gaze. I couldn't move my line of sight, only staring at the reflection of myself in his eyes. My line of sight shifted slightly, and I caught a glimpse of Qinghe Wang's face, as gentle as a spring breeze, with his pupils smiling and gazing at me. Only then did I realize that I had fallen into his arms. My heart panicked, and I quickly jumped down to the ground, feeling so embarrassed that I wished I could find a hole in the ground to crawl into. In a tiny voice: "I've seen you, Your Highness."

  He chuckled: "Now how come you're shy? Weren't you fearless just now? You were like a heroine."

  I hung my head in shame and said softly: "I was impolite. I didn't know that Your Highness likes to stand silently behind people."

  "He said in a loud voice: 'This is the strange king.' He stretched out his hand to support me and said: 'Originally, I came unintentionally. Walking nearby, I remembered the noble's whistle that day, so I specially had someone bring the whistle here, hoping to meet the noble again and let the king listen to it once more.'" He handed me a blue田玉 whistle, its entire body pure white, with faintly visible shallow purple patterns on the whistle tube, and a deep red silk tassel tied at the end of the whistle in a knot, what a beautiful jade whistle!

  "I received it," I said, "but what would Your Highness like to hear?"

  "The noble person can choose the instrument they like."

  Calmly, I picked up a set of "Liu Chu Xin" (2) to play: The eastern suburbs face the dawn star. Reporting to the emperor, spring has arrived. The willow tree's smoke-like eyes, the flowers' dewy faces, gradually feel the green and red tenderness. Adorned with fragrance, the tower is priceless.

  Another Yao's steps have been tried. The new husband, a perfect picture. The apricot garden is gentle, the peach blossoms are warm, and they are eager to move and transform. All over the nine streets, they will take you on a pleasure trip. Suddenly, the fragrance of dust, precious saddles, and proud horses.

  "Liuchu Xin" was originally a song praising the beauty of spring scenery, prosperous and peaceful, with an extremely bright and cheerful tune. He listened to it and indeed felt delighted, his mouth curled up in a smile as he said: "Xingyuan Feng Xi? Again it's apricot blossoms, do you really like apricot blossoms that much?"

  I looked up at the apricot tree and said, "When the apricot blossoms are in full bloom, they are crystal clear and translucent. When they are still in bud, they have a slight hint of pale red. They are not as showy as peach blossoms, nor as cold as plum blossoms. They are warm and gentle, like a shy young girl, very elegant and refined." His gaze lingered on me: "People are like flowers, and flowers are like people. Only those with elegant and refined natures will appreciate flowers that are also elegant and refined."

  I hesitated for a moment: "But I dare not like apricot blossoms."

  "Oh?" He raised an eyebrow and asked with great interest: "Tell me about it."

  "Apricot blossoms are beautiful, but the apricots they produce are extremely sour, and the apricot kernels are even more bitter. If one's actions always start well but end in failure, what is the point? It's better to be like pine trees, which remain green all year round, without flowers or fruits."

  He raised an eyebrow, "Really... I've never heard such a view before, it's really fresh and unique."

  She smiled and said: "I'm talking nonsense, making Your Majesty laugh. I only hope that after hearing this song, you won't scare me again."

  He clapped his hands and laughed loudly: "Today I was indeed abrupt. I have two music scores, tomorrow afternoon bring them to you, and we will appreciate them together. I hope the noble one will definitely come."

  His smile was so wonderful, like that one stroke of golden light that cut through the thick clouds and fog, lingering above the lush spring colors in the garden, it made me unable to refuse. I hesitated for a moment, then said softly: "It's better to obey than to pay respects."

  She took two steps back, then suddenly remembered something and turned around again, saying: "I have a request to make of Your Highness, please grant it."

  "You said."

  "It's already improper for me to meet with Your Highness, so I beg of you, please don't let others know about it, lest we both lose our reputations."

  "Oh, with such a good reputation, who can ruin it?"

  I shook my head and said, "Your Highness is unaware. I am upright and honest with you, although it is said that 'nothing cannot be spoken to others', but within the harem, there are many mouths and tongues that can stir up trouble. In the end, it would only lead to unnecessary disputes."

  He slightly frowned but readily agreed.