Chapter 3

The resolute words still echoed in her ears, leaving Mu Ning momentarily speechless. Their intersecting gazes spread an eerie silence.

It was not until Ji Fang’s flamboyant voice rang out, “Marshal, how come you personally came to welcome the princess? I’ve been away for two months; I hope all is well in the palace and the capital?”

“Ji Gong truly worries for the country and its people—no wonder the emperor relies on him so much,” Pei Shao replied, never once taking his eyes off the carriage. “The task was handled flawlessly; neither the departure nor the return was delayed by even half a day.”

Ji Fang, not daring to take credit, quickly waved his hand and said, “It’s all thanks to the princess’s cooperation. It must have been tough traveling through the mountains and rivers all this way—Princess, uh—” He paused, following Pei Shao’s gaze, raised an eyebrow, suddenly realizing something, stepped back a few paces, and whispered, “Princess, Princess!”

Following Ji Fang's line of sight, everyone looked toward the person in the carriage.

Mu Ning snapped back to reality, casting a numb glance at Ji Fang before calmly dismounting from the carriage. Her tone was gentle as she said, “I didn’t expect the marshal to personally welcome me today. It’s been a long time; I haven’t yet had the chance to congratulate you on your promotion.”

Despite having spent three years in a harsh and desolate place, the elder princess remained poised and graceful. Even her facial expression was natural and appropriate, the slight curve at the corner of her lips betraying no hint of the coldness and resoluteness she once bore.

Pei Shao stared at her and faintly curled his lips. “Princess, you flatter me. We all serve before the emperor—there’s no such thing as promotion. It is you, the princess, who returns bearing great responsibility and honor—that is truly something to celebrate.”

Everyone tacitly understood the reason Cheng Zheng summoned Mu Ning back to the capital at this moment. The words “bearing great responsibility” carried a biting sarcasm from Pei Shao. Mu Ning knew that in his eyes, no matter what she did now, it was just a cunning ploy replayed.

Yet she had no defense, for it was true. When she first approached him years ago, her motives were indeed questionable. And now, they were not entirely free of intent.

Under Pei Shao’s oppressive gaze, Mu Ning’s voice grew even more conciliatory. “Marshal, you are now the emperor’s trusted aide. From now on, I will rely on your guidance.”

Her words were part trial, part goodwill. Yet Pei Shao rejected them outright, releasing a cold snort. “Princess, you flatter yourself. Under the emperor’s watchful eyes, anyone can come and go as they please. Who else in the realm has your authority? There’s no need to rely on others.” With that, he stepped aside and said haughtily, “Please, Princess.”

Mu Ning hesitated, but knowing his lingering resentment and that this was not the time to argue, she swallowed her words and entered the sedan chair.

Pei Shao mounted his horse as well. The two of them were like strangers.

Ji Fang stood dumbfounded on the side, utterly confused.

What was going on? They had promised that a brief separation would be like a new marriage, yet now they were so distant. Could it be that three years was... simply too long?

...

The imperial guards cleared the way ahead as the princess’s procession slowly passed through the bustling streets.

No matter how turbulent the court, the emperor’s capital remained prosperous. At this hour, the streets were crowded with people, the clamor of carriages and horses filling the air. Mu Ning sat quietly inside the carriage for a moment, then lifted the curtain. It was only when the city’s grand thoroughfares and markets came into view that she truly felt the sensation of returning home.

Three years in a capital city was not enough to cause great change. Mu Ning casually glanced around but found little of interest. She then looked toward Pei Shao riding beside her. He seemed to notice and turned his head to meet her gaze briefly before coldly looking away again.

...

The windows of nearby taverns were packed with spectators. A glance from Mu Ning revealed several familiar faces—noble youths enjoying the spectacle. It was much like the day she left the palace years ago.

She gave a slight, bitter smile and lowered the carriage curtain.

Half an hour later, the buildings along the street grew taller and more imposing. When they reached the towering city walls, the carriage slowed. Five grand palace gates, open wide, stood before them. Palace attendants awaited outside to receive the princess. Leading them was an elderly eunuch, his steps unsteady, supported by others. Upon reaching the carriage, he knelt deeply with a loud thud. “Princess, your humble servant greets you. It has been three years—how have you fared?”

Mu Ning bent down to steady him. “I am well. Elder Zheng, you are aging. Why such ceremony? Please rise.”

Zheng Chang was the senior eunuch who served the late emperor. After the late emperor’s passing, he naturally tended to the young emperor. Though loyal to Cheng Zheng, as someone who had watched the siblings grow, Zheng Chang held a special affection for Mu Ning. She knew that if not for his discreet mediation back then, Cheng Zheng, that fool, might have been easily swayed to treat her harshly. Hence, she was very kind to him.

Ji Fang called out “Godfather” and helped him up.

Zheng Chang adjusted his hat brim. “Princess, please accompany your humble servant to greet His Majesty. The emperor has been unable to eat or sleep these days, waiting anxiously for your return.” He bowed again. “Thank you, Marshal, for your efforts. The Cavalry Department just delivered dozens of horses for the imperial guards, and they await your inspection.”

Mu Ning turned and noticed Pei Shao standing behind her under the blazing sun, his tall shadow looming over her. He glanced down at her once, then strode away.

Mu Ning watched his retreating figure, gathered herself, and smiled. “Elder Zheng, let us go.”

Behind the red walls and green tiles, the palace was heavily guarded. Zheng Chang spoke quietly of changes in the palace over the years, especially the harem. Since her departure, Cheng Zheng had forged numerous political marriages to stabilize the court. Now, the harem held more than twenty consorts, housed in the eastern and western palaces. The palaces that once stood empty under the late emperor were now fully occupied.

As they passed the Pan Yu Palace, Mu Ning suddenly stopped.

Zheng Chang followed her gaze—it was the residence of Princess Yong Zhao.

The elder princess’s final break with the emperor sibling had been sparked by the matter of Princess Yong Zhao’s marriage alliance. To avoid stirring old grudges, Zheng Chang urged, “Princess, please move on. His Majesty is waiting.”

Mu Ning withdrew her eyes and continued forward. The Hall of Political Affairs was located deep within the palace, far from where the consorts resided. The main gate was closed, but voices carried from inside, rising and falling.

Zheng Chang halted. “I imagine there is urgent business. Please wait a moment, Princess.”

Mu Ning’s expression grew thoughtful as familiar voices reached her ears—the voice of her trusted uncle, Xu Jingqing.

“The army of Prince Yin is not even a thousand miles from the capital. If we don’t deploy troops soon, do we really intend to let him recruit and march all the way here?”

“The front lines are tight, and the treasury can barely last through the year. If we send troops now, where will supplies and horses come from? Minister Xu, you don’t know the price of rice and oil. Even if we sold the entire Ministry of Revenue, we couldn’t raise that much money,” said Zhang Ji, the Minister of Revenue, his voice tinged with despair.

“Special circumstances require special measures,” Xu Jingqing’s voice sounded quietly. “Each province and county will lend grain and horses. At worst, the court will issue IOUs. When the nest is broken, no egg remains intact. If the court falls, how can they remain unharmed? As for generals, Pei Shao commands the imperial guards. Half of the twelve capital garrisons answer to him. If he doesn’t fight, who will?”

Zhang Ji sneered. “It’s easy to say with words, but if borrowing grain was so simple, why would the Ministry of Revenue worry?”

Xu Jingqing replied, “Minister Zhang, it’s because your influence isn’t broad enough. Generals stationed outside don’t always obey court orders. But if Pei’s family intervenes—Pei Gong has long dealt with local provinces, and Pei Shao is the second son—he is the best choice to negotiate for grain and horses.”

This passing of responsibility silenced everyone in the hall.

But the question remained: who could persuade Pei Shao to take on this hot potato?

Mu Ning glanced at Zheng Chang and understood. This was Cheng Zheng’s deliberate plan for her to overhear—to seek her counsel. After all, her smooth return owed much to the old ties with Pei Shao.

While Mu Ning was silent, a sudden violent coughing broke through from inside. The Minister of Revenue cried out, “Your Majesty—!”

At the same moment, an attendant hurriedly pushed the door open, panic-stricken. “His Majesty has fainted! Call the imperial physicians immediately!”

Mu Ning froze for a moment. As she stepped forward, a thought struck her, and she stopped abruptly. Zheng Chang and the others rushed inside, while the courtiers retreated. They unexpectedly crossed paths in the chaos. The scene was disorderly, but from a distance, Mu Ning nodded slightly to them and silently moved into the shade of a tree. Dappled shadows fell over her face, revealing no hint of emotion.

After the turmoil, Mu Ning saw Cheng Zheng only by evening.

Zheng Chang led her into the bedchamber and spoke softly, “His Majesty has been ill for over a month. The imperial physicians say it’s excessive worry that has damaged his lungs and heart. He suffered a severe illness recently but refused rest, waiting for the princess to return. Who would have thought... perhaps the stress over the grain and horses has worsened his condition. You are now his only reliable person, Princess. Please comfort His Majesty; his health is paramount.”

Behind the curtains, Cheng Zheng was already awake, dressed in a bright yellow robe, propped against the bed. He drank the medicine the palace maids fed him spoon by spoon. Hearing the sound, he struggled to sit up. “Sister...”

The twin siblings bore a striking resemblance. Compared to Mu Ning’s serene and ethereal demeanor, Cheng Zheng’s features were more profound. Yet, that depth held no sharpness; his eyes revealed uncertainty, making him seem weak and lacking authority.

Mu Ning was about to kneel, but Cheng Zheng hastily stopped her. “Sister, no need for formalities!”

As he tried to rise from the bed, Mu Ning helped steady him. “Your Majesty is ill. Don’t move around. Drink your medicine first.”

Cheng Zheng coughed several times, his eyes reddened. Grasping Mu Ning’s hand before she could withdraw it, he spoke plainly, “It’s been three years. Do you still hate me? Back then, I acted rashly, judging you by my own faults, wrongly blaming you. The current situation is also my fault. Sister, you can scold me.”

On his wrist was a string of agarwood beads, wrapped twice around his fair wrist, clinking softly with his movements. Mu Ning had never seen it before and glanced at it curiously. She withdrew her hand and adjusted his soft pillow. “Why are you still so childish, Your Majesty? We are siblings, the closest in the world. There’s no such thing as grudges lasting overnight, no room for hatred. But how do the people around you let you deteriorate like this?”

She glanced around gently; the palace attendants lowered their heads.

Mu Ning’s tone was as caring as ever, as if nothing had changed. Cheng Zheng studied her expression and seemed to relax slightly. His voice choked with emotion, “It’s not their fault. The imperial physicians are helpless. You just heard it yourself—I have no other options. You are my only hope now, sister... I have only you.”