Chapter Fifteen: Side Story – Bai Qingye’s First Encounter with Fu Hua

In July, when fireflies flicker and the breeze is gentle without rain, midday finds the White residence's boudoir awash in elegance. The ornate flowered canopy is draped over a pearwood bed, where a young maiden in her prime age leans absentmindedly upon a delicately carved dressing table.

Lady White gently pushes open the door and approaches her daughter, speaking softly, “The weather is stifling. Why not go to the waterside pavilion to cool off?”

Hearing her mother’s voice, Bai Qingye snaps out of her reverie. She draws her mother to sit beside her on the bed, her face wan with fatigue as she parts her red lips slightly, “It makes no difference where I am. There’s no need to trouble ourselves.”

Lady White, face full of concern, clasps her daughter's hand. Mothers know their daughters best; how could she not discern Bai Qingye’s thoughts? She asks, “Are you thinking about the imperial marriage decree?”

Caught off guard, Bai Qingye does not conceal her worries. “Why did Emperor Nan Sheng suddenly bestow this marriage? Does the Fifth Prince know?”

“The matter of the Fifth Prince slaying Qin Gun has been settled, but your father says more ministers have been impeaching him recently. The imperial decree for marriage is likely…” Lady White trails off, hesitant to finish.

Hearing this, Bai Qingye withdraws her hand. She knows that once the edict is issued, it is as irrevocable as wood carved into a boat, leaving no room for negotiation. She forces a bitter smile. “I understand, but I won’t be able to fulfill my filial duties before you and father anymore.”

Bai Qingye, well-read and sensible since childhood, has never caused her family worry. Her skills in music, chess, literature, and needlework are both admirable and proper.

Thinking on this, Lady White’s sorrow overwhelms her, forcing her to turn away and choke back tears. No matter their reluctance for her to marry the Fifth Prince, they are powerless to resist. After all, the emperor’s command must be obeyed.

“Mother.” Bai Qingye’s eyes glisten with tears as she wipes her mother’s cheeks.

Just then, a maid in pink calls softly from outside, “Miss, your cousin has arrived—she’s waiting for you in the back garden.”

Lady White gently pats Bai Qingye’s slender hand. “You haven’t seen Qiyi in a while; go to her.”

Bai Qingye and her cousin Bai Moqi have been close since childhood, their families closely entwined and often visiting each other.

She tidies her appearance and heads to the garden.

There, a woman sits in a pale lavender gauze dress, a white silk sash at her waist, her elegant black hair adorned with a jade hairpin. Two or three maids stand nearby.

As Bai Qingye approaches, the fair, oval-faced woman beams a charming smile like a gentle breeze.

She waves a blue round fan embroidered with red plum blossoms, calling out, “Come quick!”

Bai Qingye’s previous gloom melts away. She laughs and hurriedly joins her cousin. “How do you have leisure today? Usually, I have to beg you to visit, but you refuse.”

Bai Moqi laughs at her teasing and then addresses the maids, “Leave us—let the sisters speak alone.”

Once the maids depart, Bai Moqi’s expression turns earnest and concerned. “As soon as I heard you’d been given to the Fifth Prince, I came to see your reaction.”

“Now you know,” Bai Qingye forces a smile.

“Your temperament is gentle; even if you’re unwilling, you’ll think of the family’s safety and accept this marriage. It’s unfortunate we’re born daughters, unable to choose our own husbands. Besides, it’s an imperial decree. Rather than mourn, it’s better to accept fate.”

“You’re right, but the Fifth Prince is not a worthy man,” Bai Qingye sighs.

“In the past, Emperor Nan Sheng selected many noble ladies for him, but he was too proud to marry. Now, he must have come around. He is exceptional in talent and appearance, favored and respected—he will surely accomplish much. You should rest assured and be a good consort.”

“All royal sons are handsome. The Fifth Prince has someone he loves. If I marry him, how will I live?” Bai Qingye’s heart aches at the thought of marrying a man whose heart belongs to another.

“You mean the courtesan from the Crimson Sleeve Pavilion?” Bai Moqi dismisses it with a slight pout. “You needn’t worry. Her status is entirely different from yours. Even if the Fifth Prince cherishes her, he cannot take her as a concubine.”

…

The two converse in the garden for a long while, and Bai Qingye feels much better.

Suddenly, a crisp youthful voice rings out, “Sister, sister~”

“Is that Jiu’er?” Bai Moqi smiles gently.

Bai Qingye nods, somewhat helpless. “Yes, who else could be so lively?”

Her younger sister, almost of age, still behaves like a child.

No sooner had she spoken than Bai Jiu sneaks up behind Bai Moqi and covers her eyes, speaking in a mischievous tone, “Guess who I am?”

Bai Moqi fondly removes her hands, “Jiu’er, you’re such a rascal.”

“Little sister,” Bai Qingye can only pull her to her side and feign admonishment.

“Cousin, see? Sister always scolds me. What have I done wrong, waah~” Bai Jiu’s innocent expression makes it impossible to truly reprimand her.

Her capriciousness is well-known; had she been a boy, she would have caused endless trouble. Luckily, Bai Tiankuo holds high office and can protect her for half a lifetime.

“Well then, Jiu’er, what did you come for?” Bai Qingye gently pinches her rosy cheek.

“Sister, will you take me out for a walk? I’m so bored here in the mansion,” Bai Jiu pleads.

“This…” Proper ladies, bound by strict etiquette, rarely venture out or show themselves in public.

Thus, Bai Qingye hesitates.

Bai Jiu pouts, her voice sweet and clear. “Please, mother said you’d want to go out too.”

“Just accompany Jiu’er outside. Dress plainly—it’s fine,” Bai Moqi encourages.

“Yes, yes!”

Bai Qingye still hesitates, but cannot resist their persuasion. She smiles, “Alright, let’s go.”

Bai Jiu, still childlike at heart, beams when Bai Qingye agrees, grabbing her hand and tugging her along. “Cousin, will you come with us?”

Bai Moqi shakes her head. “No, I must return home.”

“You two sisters enjoy yourselves.” With that, Bai Moqi departs.

After seeing her cousin off to her carriage, Bai Jiu and Bai Qingye change clothes, take two attendants, and set out.

Shops line both sides of the street, and the fading light of dusk casts a gentle glow over red bricks, green tiles, and vibrant eaves, adding a touch of hazy poetry to the bustling capital of Nan Sheng.

People stream by—vendors shouting, donkey carts delivering goods, others browsing wares—a lively scene.

Once out of the mansion, Bai Jiu is like a wild horse, skipping and hopping, gazing everywhere as if it’s her first time on the streets.

“Sister, look at this, and that’s beautiful too…” Bai Jiu points excitedly at the goods on the stalls, waving her hands and feet in excitement.

“Jiu’er, don’t touch other people’s things,” Bai Qingye chides, though her face shows a smile.

The three are careful not to let Bai Jiu slip away, following closely.

Gradually, Bai Qingye too delights in the street’s bustle, playing along with Bai Jiu. After living so properly for so long, she longs for the freedom that brings such joy.

Bai Jiu runs ahead, and Bai Qingye chases her, perhaps too quickly, failing to notice the person approaching.

Suddenly, with a thud, Bai Qingye falls to the ground. Bai Jiu and the two attendants rush to check on her.

Seeing Bai Qingye’s arm scraped, Bai Jiu clenches her teeth and stands protectively before her, glaring fiercely at the one who caused her fall.

The man is dressed in dark robes with a gold crown and black hair. Beneath his sharp, swordlike brows, his eyes are keen as a soaring eagle. He is tall and slender, with an air of cold aloofness and commanding arrogance. At this moment, he looks upon Bai Qingye and her companions with disdain.

“You’re so rude! You must apologize to my sister!” Bai Jiu stands with hands on hips, unafraid.

The man’s attendant snarls, “Where did this brat come from? Mind your manners.”

“Hmph.” The man sneers, intending to leave.

Bai Jiu, furious, spreads her arms to block their path. “Trying to escape? No way!”

“Jiu’er, I’m fine—it was my fault for bumping into this gentleman,” Bai Qingye says, having been helped up, worried that the crowd gathering might make matters worse. She can only accept her misfortune and apologize.

But when she looks up and sees the man’s face clearly, she trembles inside, her cheeks flushing.

“Sister, it was obviously him—”

Bai Qingye pulls the indignant Bai Jiu aside, clearing the way. The surrounding onlookers point and whisper as if watching a dull play.

Suddenly, someone points to the beautiful woman beside the man. “Isn’t that Hua Yan, the courtesan from Crimson Sleeve Pavilion?”

“Yes, it’s her. Then the man beside her must be…”

“Greetings, Fifth Prince!” At once, the crowd kneels in respect.

Bai Qingye’s heart skips a beat, and she quickly kneels, signaling Bai Jiu to do the same. Reluctantly, Bai Jiu follows suit.

“Rise.” His cold voice rings out, sending chills down their spines.

A single word, yet it inspires deep fear.

He is no ordinary person; best to avoid him.

The previously crowded street, once the citizens rise, instantly clears a path wide enough for three to walk side by side.

As he passes Bai Qingye, Fu Hua glances at her. Seeing her slender brows and clear eyes lowered, he flicks his sleeve and ignores her.

Only after he has gone does Bai Qingye lift her gaze, watching him and Hua Yan’s departing figures, a sudden bitterness swelling in her heart.

This is her first encounter with the Fifth Prince, Fu Hua, and the first time she sees him in public with another woman.

It is just as the rumors say—he treats that woman exceptionally well, always bringing her wherever he goes.

To thirteen-year-old Bai Jiu, there has never been a distinction between ruler and subject, or between men and women. But if her kin are bullied, she will stand up for them, no matter what—it’s only a matter of time.

She clutches Bai Qingye’s sleeve, her clear eyes sparkling as if little stars ignite within.

“Sister, does your arm hurt? Let’s go home and treat it.” She looks at Bai Qingye’s injury, frustrated and upset.

“It’s just a scrape—I’m fine. Let’s go.” Bai Qingye, remembering her own reaction upon colliding with him, feels the pain of the imperial marriage decree once more.

Is the man she is soon to marry a blessing or a curse?