by Fynn Chen
Wanwan returned a slanted smile and a half shrug to the maid who in turn gave Wanwan a meek smile and a tiny nod before she went to join Juanxin and the rest of the palace maids. Once they were left alone again, Wanwan seized this opportunity and stood herself before Yexuan.
“Princess Yexuan, I am going out with my brothers and sister to view the city, would you like to come along?” Wanwan asked gallantly with an outstretched hand.
Yexuan’s surprise was expressed with the widening of her eyes. “You are asking me to come along with your siblings?”
The smile on Wanwan’s face grew wider as she continued to explain fervently.
“Yes. This is your country, but I bet you have not even seen much of your own capital. Since you are coming along with my brothers and myself, it will be a perfect excuse for you to roam about your city and enjoy its beauties. Besides, we are all good at martial arts, so you do not have to worry about secret attacks, we will protect you.”
“I am not worried about attacks,” Yexuan said defensively.
Putting a finger to her chin, Wanwan asked in befuddlement, “then why do you look so surprise.”
“Y-You’ve never asked me to accompany you with your royal siblings before. I thought you did not like me hanging out with them, or vice versa,” Yexuan spoke in a very soft tone, nonetheless, Wanwan caught what she said.
A low laughter escaped from Wanwan’s lips as she beckoned again with the opening and closing of her palm. Yexuan took it with slight hesitance.
“My royal siblings don’t even come to the palace often, your observation is not valid. Let’s go, I already told them that I would be inviting you along.”
More surprise was reflected in Yexuan’s eyes but in it, there was joy too. Wanwan took it as a good sign, and she clutched Yexuan’s hand tightly as they went to convene with her siblings by the Western Gate where they would depart from.
The Bo’er royal siblings were like what Yexuan had imagined them to be. Harsher with words, fiercer in their actions, and louder when they speak, but that made them seem even more affectionate and they made Yexuan’s heart feel warmer. They had departed from their palace with their Bo’er entourage, their guards intentionally wearing heavy furs and animal skins to distinguish themselves from the Pei imperial guards. It was also a message for the rebels to not come close to them. This was the first time in many years that Yexuan had ridden an open carriage but Yexuan felt utterly safe as she sat alongside Wanwan.
Princess Yanyan and Adviser Miying were in another carriage whilst Prince Zhenyin and Prince Zhenxun rode on their steeds, keeping pace beside them. The civilians parted way without much hassle for the royal entourage to pass through.
Yexuan smiled sincerely at the civilians. Some of them waved back with happy faces whilst a handful threw scornful looks, cupping their hands over their mouths to whisper into their acquaintances’ ears. Perhaps they were speaking ill of Yexuan’s proposals. Perhaps they were badmouthing the entire Pei royal family. Perhaps they were simply jealous that Yexuan was in the presence of the Bo’er entourage with a fine-looking Bo’er princess by her side. Wanwan squeezed Yexuan’s hand to remind her to pay no mind to those unpleasant attitudes. Returning a shrug, Yexuan patted Wanwan’s hand in assurance that she was unaffected.
Food stalls lined a particularly wide road that they have ventured into. Their noses were immediately assaulted by the aroma of street food. Steam rose from bamboo baskets containing buns and dumplings, filled with paste of different flavours and varied meats. Sticks of candied hawthorn were placed on large plates attracting children who tugged at their mothers’ sleeves, imploring for one of those sweets. Stacks of crispy pancakes were on the chopping board, each the size of a man’s face. Yexuan felt her empty stomach stirring at the sights of them.
The Bo’er princes truly had big appetites, and they halted at almost every food stall to patronise them. Yexuan watched as food were bought in such large bags that it seemed almost impossible to finish. The bags were passed amongst themselves and the royal guards like they were a big family. Soon after, Yexuan felt so stuffed with food that she had warned Wanwan that she would vomit if she were to eat another lotus paste bun or meat dumpling.
“My brothers are big eaters, and it is not often they get to try out street food in your capital. They were also too busy cooped up in your palace and building up political connections with your ministers.”
Yexuan nodded understandingly. Almost forgetting that they were in public, Yexuan had wanted to clasp Wanwan’s hand and scolded herself internally for her lack of restrain.
Wanwan was right, Yexuan had rarely got to appreciate her own capital city of Jing’Yuan. Every sight and smell had piqued her. From the wearied dapple horses pulling carts stacked high with provisions like sacks of rice or potatoes, to the children who would be chided by adults whenever they strayed onto the main path during their games. Yexuan found herself marvelling as they made turn after turn, trotting along streets that were bustling with people. Street artists showed off their talents, and teahouses on either side of them beckoned their patronage. They had winded down quieter lanes which sold crafts, accessories, and other arts. They had crossed the famed stone bridge arched over a river that flows from one city to another and witnessed longtail boats pass under them. Yexuan wondered why there were so many flower decorations along the rails of the bridge, and they had spied more than dozens of lovers dallying their time along the riverbanks.
Inspecting the couples’ behaviours more closely, Yexuan began to wonder if there was some sort of event going on. Admittedly, the men and women were very much better dressed than the townspeople whom she had interacted with in the outskirts. Yexuan had attributed the disparity due to affluence gap between the capital-dwellers and the villagers. However, she spied many of the couples sharing candies shaped as human figures, and she truly believed that this could be part of the tradition of a festival which Yexuan could not quite recall.
Even though she was boggled, Yexuan was too embarrassed to ask the Bo’er royal siblings about the happenings in her own capital. Returning her attention to the tour, Yexuan realised that the Bo’er royal entourage were extremely good explorers. It was as though the Bo’er siblings had already mapped out the entire city of Jing’Yuan before they set out. They had just passed through the Three Fates lane, Four Seasons street, and turned into the Five Blessings avenue, coming to a short stop by the Haughty Immortal’s teahouse. They had already gone down more streets in this city than she had ever done in her entire lifetime and felt dizzy at the thought of it.
“Are you tired?” Wanwan asked suddenly.
Yexuan was in fact feeling fatigue seep in but she had wanted to see more, with Wanwan. This was Jing’Yuan, her own capital city, it was a pity that Yexuan had not properly seen its beauty. Yexuan shook her head in answer.
“I wish to see more places.”
Wanwan flashed that signature lopsided smile of hers again.
“Then sit tight, widen your eyes, and sharpen your hearing. We will pick up speed and stop less frequently to explore more.”
Biting her bottom lip with anticipation mounting in her heart, Yexuan did as she was told while Wanwan relayed their requests to her siblings. In the next moment, they breezed past even more places and before they realised, they were almost near the edge of Jing’Yuan. Yexuan knew because she could see the high city walls looming up before them.
Then, she caught a glimpse of what she dreaded to see most; beggars and homeless people. They loitered around the city walls, going up to any man that look wealthy enough to be a merchant, for food, or to employ them. Prince Zhenyin and Prince Zhenxun had ridden up to them to spare a few coins and the rest swarmed around them within moments.
“Reminds me of the time when we veered into the alley four years ago, except that this time round, the situation seems less contained,” Prince Zhenxun said with disgust when he returned.
Wanwan shot her brother a warning glare but Yexuan ask
ed anyway. “What alley?”
Prince Zhenxun raised a brow as if in taunt. “Princess Yexuan, do you not know? Well… you know… the alley full of people living in rags and sustaining on rotten food?”
Enlightenment struck Yexuan. Of course she knew. Four years ago, Wanwan and herself had gotten themselves into their greatest quarrel and it all began with the mentioning of that alleyway.
Prince Zhenxun’s mention of the place has ignited Yexuan’s curiosity.
“I have only heard tales of this alley, but I would most certainly like to see the place in person. Could we visit that mentioned place?”
Prince Zhenxun smiled widely, showing all his pearly white teeth. “Really, Princess Yexuan? You want to go to that place? Fair warning, it is really not a pretty sight to behold, especially not for a courtly princess like you.”
“Oh, Princess Yexuan has initiated and participated in several relief programs in smaller towns and villages in squalid conditions. Brother, I am certain Princess Yexuan would be able to withstand any ugly sights that you worry she might chance upon,” Wanwan countered fiercely.
Yexuan bit her bottom lip as she sensed the mounting hostility from Wanwan towards Prince Zhenxun. Chiding herself for being a catalyst to their tense exchange of words, Yexuan had wanted to speak more. Fortunately, Prince Zhenyin had intervened with reasonable words instead.
“I would advise against visiting that alley not because I underestimate Princess Yexuan’s tolerance for the image of sufferings but because it is dangerous. From what I have gathered, it is where most rebel activities take place at. Children who grew up in the alley tend to take up arms with the rebel groups and whatnot. There is too much risk and too little protection we can afford with the men we have brought with us. Princess Yexuan, we cannot have you visit that alley now, not on our guard.”
Yexuan looked to Wanwan and saw her nodding in agreement to Prince Zhenyin’s words. “Brothers, we shall not go to that alley, safety is of utmost importance. Anyway, we have been ambling along far slower than usual. Can we go along faster to catch the festive spirits of the city?”
Prince Zhenxun cocked a brow. “Talks about safety coming from our Princess Wanwan? Have you really grown up?”
Prince Zhenyin stifled a laughter but Yexuan could not hold hers in and had to shield her face as she laughed. Wanwan shot them a glare and turned her head away in childishness as she gave a grunt. Stroking the back of Wanwan’s hand inconspicuously, Yexuan let out a tut.
“Seems like Princess Wanwan is still not fully grown. Fret not, princes, you still have room to show your younger sister the way.”
Prince Zhenxun bellowed a laughter as he slapped his thigh. “Come on, Wanwan, don’t be mad, I was merely teasing you, all of you. Princess Yexuan, I apologise for belittling your appetite for unpleasantness and seek your understanding that it was merely a taunt.”
Dipping her head in acknowledgement of the Bo’er prince’s apologies, Yexuan gave a small nudge to Wanwan once again.
“Fine, I will not be mad, but you shall pay for the sugared figurines and candied haws.” Wanwan said and Prince Zhenxun acquiesced to the request without argument.
Glad that the tension between the two siblings had dissipated, Yexuan stole a glance at Wanwan and was treated to her slanted smile. It was as if the Bo’er princess had something more up her sleeves. Wanwan’s requests for the sugared figurines had reminded Yexuan of the couples who were eating the treat by the river, but she had not found the opportunity to clarify as Princess Yanyan had called over to them from her carriage.
“Did we miss something? Why have we stopped for so long?”
“No, sister, you did not miss anything. Okay! Where to next?!” Wanwan shouted as she attempted to bury the earlier topic behind and usher the party along.
They made their final stop at one of the largest and luxurious teahouses in the capital city that was built right beside the river, the Garden of Peach Blossom, famed for serving tea and wine of the highest grade, and for their beautiful hostesses.
Upon learning that they were from the palace, they were welcomed with extraordinary hospitality. The teahouse owner, a wiry man dressed in expensive silk robes had personally led them to a table at the private deck on the topmost level of the establishment.
The princes were pleased by the view that was unobscured by other buildings and which overlooked the beauties of the thick foliage of flowering trees as well as the river that winds through the city. Princess Yanyan and Adviser Miying also exchanged a couple of phrases in their Bo’er language. According to Wanwan’s translation, those melodic phrases sang praises to the beauty afforded by this place and of the fine company that they were fortunate enough to enjoy.
Yexuan finally realised that they would be staying out longer because there would be Qixi celebration in the city at night. How could she have been so dull? Had she not read countless of novels about this day? Why had she not foreseen Wanwan’s arrangements? This was a day of celebration for couples, and it was especially significant since Wanwan and her had just exchanged promises of a lifetime of companionship.
Worrying her lips between her teeth, Yexuan’s vision swept across their large party, an intimate day like this would make their large party look odd. However, perhaps it was intentionally planned in this way by Wanwan. Yexuan directed a look towards Wanwan who returned it with a smile confirming the wildling princess’s conspiracies. Feeling her heart jolted by Wanwan’s meticulous plans, Yexuan had to reign in her emotions.
Their party drank excellent tea and wine with the finest side dishes the teahouse could offer until it became dark. A whistle sounded as a firework shot up into the air before ending in a beautiful spray of coloured sparks, nearly causing Yexuan to spill tea on her tunic.
“Oh, it has begun,” Prince Zhenxun spoke with a smile of anticipation on his face.
One by one, they got up from their seats and stood by the railings of the deck to admire the brilliant firework display against the backdrop of the dark night sky. Yexuan had unknowingly let out a gasp.
Numerous times, Yexuan viewed fireworks from within the palace when she had been younger. But those fireworks were not half as spectacular as these ones that were set over the river; with couples milling about the bridge, boats rowing under them, and with Wanwan standing right by her side on this deck. This was a scene that brought tears to her eyes as she admired the vitality of life even in the darkness of the night.
Each time the firework shot up and exploded in the night sky like a blooming flower, Yexuan’s body would also jerk involuntarily. Wanwan must have noticed Yexuan’s sensitivities right from the beginning and laughed heartily. Yet, Wanwan had not forgotten to offer Yexuan comfort, winding her arm around Yexuan’s waist discreetly.
Knowing that her cheeks must be flushed red, Yexuan was thankful that the deck was dim, and no one would notice. Everyone else’s attention was on the fireworks but Yexuan keenly felt Wanwan’s attention to be solely attuned to her and it made Yexuan’s heart feel so warm. So warm, like a hearth, like a family.
Surrealism was thickly suffused in this moment. Yexuan had the brief illusion that she had a warm and loving family. Yexuan would never have dared to wish for all of these to happen before Wanwan came into her life, and now that Wanwan did, she prayed to the heavens that Wanwan would never disappear from her life. As the next round of fireworks shot up into the sky, Yexuan found herself leaning her head on Wanwan’s shoulder as the wildling princess shifted herself slightly to accommodate her.
“Do you feel uncomfortable?” Wanwan asked and despite it being a soft whisper, it sounded even louder than the fireworks in the sky.
Yexuan shook her head as she snuggled herself deeper and closer to the nook of Wanwan’s neck. Her lips nearly touched Wanwan’s ears as she whispered back. “I feel very comfortable, just like this. Forever, like this.”
Wanwan’s shoulder tensed a little before it relaxed even more, and when the next few words tumbled of Wanw
an’s lips, Yexuan thought there were fireworks in her heart too. “You are so beautiful, Princess Yexuan. You are my princess, my companion for life. Let us be like this forever.”
That night when Yexuan returned to her own quarters, she found herself tossing and turning, unable to sleep as those words from Wanwan replayed in her mind, like a broken melody. The new palace maid had come in to check on her several times, thinking that the princess was kept up because she was unwell. However, it was only because her mind was full of thoughts, thoughts about Wanwan. Yexuan knew that Wanwan and her was not only not meant to be, but it was also a taboo to begin with. Yet, Yexuan could not help but indulge herself in thoughts that they would eventually make it to the end of their lives with one another. Wanwan would likely be married off to some Bo’er prince in future whilst Yexuan…
Previously the Emperor has not decided on any marriages for her because the imperial physician believed that she would not live past the age of sixteen. Now that she was already sixteen, it was likely that her Father Emperor would be deciding a match for her. Yexuan shook her head vigorously, she did not want that, she only wanted to grow old and have Wanwan as her sole companion. Yexuan squeezed her eyes shut as she tried to clear her mind but failed.
Across from her quarters, Wanwan had not slept either. Instead of lying in her bed however, she had gotten out into her courtyard and peered up at the dusky sky. A smile played over her lips as she thought about the day’s events, but a frown soon made its appearance when she thought about her sister’s words.
“Wanwan, your relationship with Princess Yexuan may be deep but… you have to remain politically objective.”
Wanwan closed her eyes lightly as she exhaled a long, slow sigh. The line that segmented political objectives and personal emotions had long been crossed with Yexuan. There were so many things that would come in between them, political marriages, possible wars, and their… gender. Who knew it was possible for someone to be romantically attracted to the same gender but it happened regardless. First, with her elder sister Yanyan and adviser Miying, then now herself and Yexuan. Wanwan knew that she should have been worried, but she did not want to feel that way. Who determined that individuals of the same gender could not fall in love with one another? There would always be ways to work things out, Wanwan believed.
