Rows of ministers in dark silk bowed low in silence, only the sound of the fanbearer's sleeve was audible.
On top of the golden throne, the new emperor sat, barely fifteen years old, dressed in embroidered gold robe.
His mother, the Queen Dowager sat to his right in a royal blue robe with phoenix embroidery on them.
He joined in the silence as the head eunuch announced.
"His Majesty, the son of Heaven, ascends the Dragon Throne by the Mandate of Heaven. The mourning period has ended."
The ministers chorused. "Long live the Emperor."
The head eunuch unrolled another scroll.
"By the decree of Her Majesty, the Queen Dowager, to preserve the harmony within the inner palace, Concubine Liu is to retire to the Monastery of Everlasting Tranquility to offer prayers for the departed soul of his majesty"
A subtle ripple went through the court.
"Prince Qi, step forward to receive the decree."
The young boy came out and knelt in front of the throne.
The teenage Emperor who sat on the throne looked upon him with weary eyes. He looked like he wanted to speak but didn't.
The eunuch continued.
"By Her Majesty's grace, Prince Qi, son of their late emperor, shall be dispatched to the northern border.
He is to learn service and bring honor to the country. He is not to return to the capital unless summoned by decree."
There was silence. No one dared to speak or object.
Giving a bow, the young boy accepted the scroll with his two hands.
"This humble servant accepts the mandate."
His eyes remained fixed on the floor. The drums sounded and the ministers gave a unified kowtow.
"Long live the Emperor. Ten thousand years"
****************************
The wind outside the command tent hissed, sweeping cold air off the ground of the northern front.
Inside, lamps flicked over a map of drawn borders and conquered territories.
A man stood at the head of the table, his armor hung on the wooden stake behind him.
He leaned forward, a finger tracing the boundaries near the capital.
"Five hundred soldiers will leave at first light with the imperial flag and the enemy's surrender flag," he said. "The rest will stay here at the border. Even though the war is over, we can't be too relaxed."
One of the generals mentioned. "Those damn Northerners are known for their barbaric behaviors. I wouldn't put it past time to make trouble."
The man at the head of the table threw a question to one of the generals. "Is there enough food for the soldiers remaining and for travel?"
"There is enough for travel. There will be a batch of food and clothings arriving in three days, which should last for three months."
"Good." He glanced up, a sharp gaze sweeping the circle of men around him. "I'll be returning to the capital also."
There were grunts of agreement.
One man scratched behind his ear and spoke. "And the capital, Commander Cai? Are we still setting up a base outside the city gates?"
"Yes," Commander Cai Ruwen said with a nod. "Let the people see its army standing guard even in peace."
He points at a place on the map already circled, a smirk on his face. "We'll set up here."
Just as the discussion wound down, a voice cut through the tent.
"Commander… Liu Jiangjun is missing."
"I didn't notice he wasn't here." Another voice said.
Another said. "I did"
Cai Ruwen clicks his tongue and laughs. A few chucked too.
"Of course he isn't," Commander Cai said, "Don't worry about him."
Cai Ruwen added. "Get the men together and prepare to leave."
"Yes Commander!" They chorused.
*******
Ministers fill the hall, lined up in solemn rows, their robes swaying softly.
The emperor sat on the Dragon Throne and beside him, veiled by a silk screen, rests the Queen Dowager.
Commander Cai Ruwen strides in, his armor polished but slightly worn, sword at his waist. He kowtows, forehead touching the ground.
The Head Eunuch walked forward, unraveling a scroll.
"By the Mandate of Heaven, His Majesty decrees: For valor on the northern front and victory, the Jinyan Battalion, shall be recognized for its triumph.
Commander Cai is hereby granted the title of Marquis of Yichang, with 300 acres of land under his name. A reward of 50 yards of imperial brocade, 300 teaks of gold and a jade tiger tally shall be bestowed to him.
Let every officer of the Jinyan Battalion receive rank promotions and silver according to merit, and let their names be recorded in the official war records."
He rolls the scroll closed. Commander Cai bows deeply, his voice firm,
"This subject thanks your Majesty for the boundless grace. Long live the Emperor."
The Emperor surveyed the court before speaking. "The northern campaign has shown the might of our people. You have held the front for years now."
"It is my duty, Your Majesty."
A voice, soft but cold, glided from behind the screen. "Minister Cai must be proud to have raised such a son. The Zhang family have held the frontier for years. A river does not truly forget his source. "
The Minister in question, bowed his head sheepishly in acknowledgement.
All eyes turned to the shadowed figure seated behind the veil.
The older man stepped forward from among the rows of ministers and bowed towards the throne. "My family and I are honored to serve His Majesty."
She continued. "I hear you have two daughters. Your first, Third Lady Cai Ruyi, is quite exceptional, even the Imperial Consort holds her in high esteem. The Third Lady must be of age to be married now?."
Both father and son were frozen with shock. Cai Ruwen snuck a suspicious look at his father.
Minister Cai's head remained bowed.
"Your Majesty's concern honors my humble household. We dare not trouble Your Majesty with such small matters."
The Emperor interjected, shifting the topic. "Commander Cai, did the general return with the rest?"
From behind the screen, a light but sharp cough was heard. The tension was palpable.
Lowering his head respectfully, Commander Cai didn't falter as he replied without lifting his head.
"Your Majesty, he did not return with the main force."
After a pause, the emperor nodded. "And the army?"
"Only 500 returned while the rest stayed at the border." Cai replied.
"We shall establish a temporary barracks outside the gates of the capital, ready in service of Your Majesty and to protect the city."
The Emperor exhaled.
"Very well then."
********************
The soft rustle of silk precedes the eunuch's voice as he spoke outside the entrance.
"The Third Lady Cai has arrived."
Ruyi drew in a breath. The familiar scent of osmanthus clung to the air, soft and subtle.
Inside, the Imperial Consort sat on a raised couch draped in cool-toned embroidered silk clothing. She set her cup of tea down without turning her head towards the entrance.
She simply lifted a hand. A maid quickly hurried out to fetch the visitor.
"Fetch the tea I received this morning from Suzhou," The Consort said to the maid at her side.
The maid obeyed at once, bowing and hurrying off.
Ruyi stepped in, led by the maid.
She had a few gold hair ornaments in her bun, her lilac blouse and dark blue skirt swallowed under her large fur coat.
She knelt, pressing her forehead to the floor.
"Cai Ruyi greets Your Ladyship."
The Consort looked at her handmaid who stood by her side, her gold phoenix crown tingling with every movement.
The handmaid voiced. "Third Lady Cai, you may sit."
Only when the handmaid at the Consort's side lifted a hand did Ruyi rise, with the help of Hua.
Ruyi obeyed, taking the seat beside the Consort.
She turned to Hua, who handed her a small box. Ruyi put the box on the table and opened it.
"I hope Her Ladyship would accept this little gift of mine."
Inside was a handmade embroidered herbal sachet.
"This humble sachet is something I embroidered in my spare hours. Inside are herbs to calm the mind and steady the spirit. I only wish to ease Her Ladyship's burden."
The Consort looked at it for a moment and then away.
The warmth of the cushion failed to reach her heart, especially with the unreadable expression of the Consort.
A tea tray was laid between them, delicate porcelain cups filled with golden tea. Beside it, plates of pastries and bean cakes.
The hot stove filled with charcoal was brought closer to warm her up.
The room fell into silence.
The Consort lifted her cup, the jade ring on her finger glistening as she took a slow sip and her eyes flicked towards Ruyi over the rim.
Ruyi straightened instinctively, hands interlaid in her lap.
Did I really do something wrong? I don't think…so…
Finally, the Consort set the cup down with a soft click.
"Why have you come today? Everytime I sent for you, you never came. You only seem to know your way to the palace when you need something from me."
Those words loosened the tension in Ruyi's chest instantly.
Ruyi rose, circling lightly to the Consort's side with a mischievous glint in her eyes. She leaned slightly against the woman's shoulder.
The handmaid from earlier finally let slip a small smile and shared the same look with Hua.
"Aunt, can't I miss you?" She said with childlike sweetness.
The Consort gave her a side glance and the corner of her lips betrayed her. The faintest smile appeared on her red lips.
"You are too old to speak like that."
"You're not too old to be called 'Aunt', are you?
The Consort pinched the tip of Ruyi's nose. "You naughty child."
Ruyi scrunched her nose. "I know Her ladyship missed me. But you know I can't leave the house that easily…"
"Mmm."
The Imperial Consort brushed a stray strand of hair from Ruyi's cheek. "I understand."
She studied her niece's face before she added, "But I also know you didn't come all this way only to see me."
Caught.
Ruyi's lips curled. Her aunt's smile mirrored hers.
"Your brother," the Consort said.
"I couldn't wait," Ruyi admitted.
"So impatient." The Consort shook her head. "You could have waited to see him at home."
"I know," Ruyi murmured, lowing her gaze to the tea between them. One hand slowly spinning the porcelain cup from side to side on the table. "But… still, I couldn't wait."
The Consort watched her for a moment longer with suspicion in her eyes but she let the matter pass.
"There will be a banquet soon at the palace, to celebrate the victory. Your brother's name will be praised before the court."
Ruyi's finger stilled. Her fingers folded neatly in her lap
"I figured as much. Father mentioned that the night we heard about the victory."
"Will you be attending?"
Ruyi turned to her, "You know Father wouldn't agree."
A small huff escaped from the Consort.
"That timid man? He wouldn't dare refuse me."
Ruyi only shook her head, a wry smile on her lips.
She could tell that her aunt had chosen the least insulting word in her vocabulary, because on a typical day, the word "spineless" would have been her first choice.
Just then, one of the inner maids stepped in quietly and bowed low.
"Your Ladyship, the imperial meeting has ended."
Ruyi rose at once, adjusting her coat over her shoulder. "I should be going now, Your Ladyship."
The Consort nodded. Ruyi could tell that she was reluctant for her to leave.
"Go on, then. But send someone when you get home. I want to know if anyone acts difficult."
Ruyi smiled, taking the Consort's hand briefly.
The Consort suddenly lifted her hand, gesturing to her personal maid. "These tea leaves just arrived from Suzhou. Take some with you."
Ruyi gave her a deep, graceful bow. "Thank you, your Ladyship."
The Consort's lips softened into a small smile.
"Go. And be careful."
At the eastern gates of the palace, the stone path stretched boarded by tall red walls.
Ruyi's steps echoed softly as she walked, her fingers curled tightly in front of her.
Her heart twisted with anticipation and an ache that she had carried almost without noticing.
Voices drifted ahead.
As she neared the gates, she slowed.
Her gaze fixed on the tall figure beside her father, dressed in his official attire.
Her breath caught.
"Ge'…"
Eight years.
Her eyes took in his entirety. He was dressed in his military uniform and his hair tied in a high knot covered by a dark headwrap.
Ruwen had always been tall, but there was a command in the way her stood now.
She bit the inside of her cheek lightly. She had imagined this moment many times and now it was real.
Her brother was home.
Not the small child that used to lift her on his back to watch fireworks in summer. It wasn't just the uniform. It was his stillness.
And yet…
He was her brother and he was back.
Her steps quickened. Before she could think, she threw herself into his chest.
Commander Cai caught her with a grunt of surprise. He could barely recognize his little sister. Has he been gone that long?
"A'Yi?"
Minister Cai stepped back, startled. "Ruyi…what are you doing here?"
Ruyi only held her brother tighter, burying her face against his cold armor.
"Gege..."
"You've grown," Ruwen murmured, drawing back to take a good look at her. "But you still don't know how to dress for the cold."
Tears threatened to fall from her eyes as she saw a thin scar on his left brow.
The palace gates loomed tall behind them, but Ruyi still held onto her brother's hands as if letting him go will send him back to the battlefield.
They had both changed.
But he still felt like home.
Ahead, the Cai family carriage rolled into view.
"Gege," Ruyi whispered, looking up. "Let's go home together."
Ruwen smiled gently, resting his hand atop her head.
"I can't, A'Yi. I have to lead the men to the new camp to get settled."
"Then I'll go with you." She said without thinking.
"Ru Yi!" Her father cautioned.
Ruwen chuckled softly and shook his head. "I'll come back home tomorrow. Just wait for me."
She pressed her lips in frustration, before suddenly,
"Tonight."
He paused. When did his timid little sister become so bold?
"Ge'…"
"Tonight." He echoed. "I'll be back. Now, go with father."
She nodded, but her gaze was fixed on him even as he guided her into the carriage.
As the horses pulled them forward, she leaned close to the open window, eyes still locked on his figure.
Suddenly, she was small again, standing on at the entrance of the Cai Manor, watching him ride north.
"Promise to come back soon," she had begged then.
And today, he kept his promise.
Her eyes rung, but no tears fell. She refused to look away until he was completely gone from her sight.
The carriage swayed gently as the hooves of the horse clacked against the stone-paved road.
Silence stretched between father and daughter for a long while until Minister Cai spoke.
"You shouldn't have come to the palace."
Ruyi kept her gaze low, already expecting a reaction like this. "Her Ladyship sent for me."
He hummed, his expression guarded.
After a moment, he added, "Ruyi, I've told you before, be careful of those who reside within the palace walls. Their favors come with heavy weight."
His mind wandered to the Queen Dowager's sudden remark that morning. But he said nothing of it.
"And why did she summon you?" He asked.
"She said… she thought I'd want to see Gege sooner than later."
A quiet grunt.
Ruyi turned her face towards the narrow window. The city blurred past and she is reminded of him.
Did he come back with the troop? Why had she not received any news of him?
*****************************
Behind a low table sat the Imperial Consort, her fingers holding open a letter bound book, while two maids silently folded the bed curtains.
She had changed into her nightwear robe ready to retire for the night.
Suddenly, the doors parted.
"His Majesty arrives."
The maids dropped to their knees without hesitation. Even she lowered herself in silence, forehead touching the polished floor.
Bootsteps entered the room, neither hurried or slow. He didn't speak at first.
"Leave us."
No hesitation. The room emptied leaving just the two of them, while she remained bowed.
His hand guided her off the floor by the elbows, until they stood at eye level. Her eyes lifted just slightly.
His face was thinner than last time, a shadow beneath his eyes. His crown was absent, replaced by a gold headpiece around his bun.
He led her by the hand to sit on the brocade crouch and they both sat down. He must have just come from reviewing memorials directly to her place.
"What brings you here, Your Majesty?" Her voice was even, yet soft.
The Emperor leaned back slightly. "I see that Minister Cai's daughter came to see you today."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Her lashes lowered.
"I know she is your niece," he said quietly. "But you must be careful. Now that Commander Cai has returned to the capital, eyes will be on them. Especially the Queen Dowager's"
The consort was aware of this.
The arrival of Commander Cai will shine a spotlight on the Cai family. Many would want to curry favor with the fortunate.
At that, her gaze lifted. "Did Her Majesty say something?"
He gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable. "During court this morning. She mentioned the Third Miss. You are aware she doesn't just speak without reason."
The Consort's posture remained straight, but the hands tightened over each other on her lap.
The Queen mustn't have eyes on Ruyi. She mustn't.
Her lips pressed in a thin line.
She sent Ruyi back to the Cai family that year because of this reason.
"I don't know what her plans are, but they can't be good." He said, voice softer now. "Take care of your family. Ruyi also isn't getting any younger."
The Imperial Consort knew the moment Commander Cai returned to the capital, tides would shift in the capital.
She had tried to keep her Ruyi out of the public's eye, most especially the Queen Dowager's. She couldn't afford to lose anyone anymore.
When she finally spoke again, her voice held steadiness despite her shaky hands.
"I understand, Your Majesty."
*********************
In the visitor's hall, Minister Cài and Concubine Shen sat waiting. Shen's smile was impeccably arranged, though her fingers tightened around her sleeve when the servant rushed in.
"Commander Cai has arrived."
Concubine Shen straightened her robes, smoothing her expression into something warm.
The doors opened.
Ruwen stepped inside, still in his military uniform, tall and straight-back. He bowed slightly to his father.
"Father."
His gaze slid past Concubine Shen with a curt nod.
Her smile faltered for the length of a blink before she forced it wider.
"Commander," she greeted quickly. "Your victories have shaken the nation. You must have missed the warmth of the capital after all these years in the north."
Ruwen didn't answer her flattering attempt at a conversation.
Minister Cài cleared his throat.
"Since you're here, stay for dinner."
Concubine Shen nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, we prepared a feast to welcome the young master home."
Ruwen's expression didn't shift. "Where is Ruyi?"
Concubine Shen's smile froze.
Before either could answer, footsteps sounded from the side corridor..
Ruxin glided in, hands folded gracefully.
"It isn't always easy for jie-jie to leave her courtyard," she said sweetly. "But surely even she knows that our brother deserves a proper welcome."
Ruwen turned to her, brows faintly lifted.
"…And you are?"
Ruxin's smile fell. Her fingertips dug into her sleeves.
Concubine Shen stepped forward quickly, voice overly bright.
"Commander, you truly have been away too long. This is the fifth miss, Ruxin."
She gave Ruxin a pointed look. "Ruxin, greet your brother properly."
Ruxin pouted at first but then began to curtsy reluctantly. "Da—"
Soft steps. A gentle voice.
"Ge'."
Ruyi stepped inside. Just one word from her and Ruwen's attention shifted, his expression softened.
"A'yi."
Ruxin's hands knotted in her sleeves, her face darkening.
"Jie-jie really took her time, even on such an important day."
Ruyi blinked, her lashes trembling.
"I tried to walk faster, Meimei… truly. I wanted to greet Ge' properly."
A small, fragile sigh.
"But I've only just recovered. Even since I fell ill… I suppose I haven't regained my strength."
The room stilled.
Ruxin's breath hitched in outrage.
"…Ill?" His voice was razor-sharp. "A'yi, what happened?"
Ruyi shook her head quickly. "Ge', don't worry. I'm much better now."
Her eyes turned to Concubine Shen. "Just a little wind. I wasn't careful enough."
Concubine Shen stepped in, voice high and trembling.
"Since the Third Miss has arrived, shall we begin dinner? Commander, the servants have already cleared out your courtyard for tonight…"
"There is no need," Ruwen cut in, tone ice. "I will be staying in the barracks with my men."
Minister Cài stiffened. "Ruwen, you've been away from home for many years. Now that you've returned…"
Ruyi stepped in gently.
"Father, Ge' has just returned from the front. The barracks are where he commands, where his presence steadies the soldiers. If he rests there, the men will rest easier as well."
"Ruyi is right. I can't leave the men." Ruwen's gaze softened as he looked at her. "I returned tonight for Ruyi's sake. I can't stay the night."
He turned back to the others. "Before anything else, I will visit Mother."
Ruyi stepped next to him, her smile soft.
"Ge', allow me to accompany you. I am sure Mother will be happy."
Ruyi curtsied to her father and they both walked out together.
Behind them, Ruxin trembled with rage, and Concubine Shen's nails dug crescent moons into her palms.
********************
The siblings knelt before their mother's plaques. Ruwen on the right, Ruyi on the left.
He reached for the incense sticks with steady fingers, before burning the tip with the candle flame.
Ruwen raised the sticks and bowed deeply thrice. He placed the incense gently into the bronze burner, thine smoke surfing upwards.
Ruyi watched him from the corner of her eye.
He's here. Ruwen Gege is really here.
Ruwen bowed again, forehead pressing fully into the mat this time.
Her throat tightened.
Mother, I kept my promise. I brought him home to you. I did it.
When Ruwen finally rose, he stayed kneeling, hands on his thighs.
"Mother, your son has returned home."
Ruyi's breath shook. She pursed her lips, trying to hold the feeling down.
He glanced at her, before looking back at the plaques.
"Mother," he said softly, "don't worry about Ruyi. I'm here. I will protect her."
Ruyi's vision blurred, but she smiled anyway.
"Ge'…"
Together, they bowed once more, their movement in sync as though they had been doing this all their lives.
When they rose and stepped into the courtyard, the night wind howled. Their sleeves brushed lightly as they walked.
Slowly, they made their way out of the courtyard and along the stone path in silence.
Ruwen finally spoke.
"A'yi…" His brows furrowed. "Your illness. Tell me honestly. What happened?"
Ruyi looked at the bushes around and smiled. "It was just a cold. Nothing worth worrying about."
Ruwen's jaw tightened. "Have they been plotting against you?"
Ruyi's steps slowed, looking ahead. "They wouldn't dare. They wouldn't want to offend Her Ladyship."
She looked up at him. "I'm doing fine, Ge'. Really."
Ruwen studied her face for a long moment. His hand rose instinctively to pat her head… then stopped midair.
Ruyi blinked at the suspended hand.
Then she laughed softly, took his wrist, and placed his palm gently atop her head,
"Since we're alone, I'll allow it."
Ruwen let out a quiet laugh. "Still as cheeky as ever."
She straightened proudly. "Ge', don't you know a girl's feelings are as valuable as jade and gold."
Ruwen nodded. "My A'yi truly deserves all the best things in the world. His Majesty gave me some rewards. I'll have them delivered to your courtyard in the morning."
Ruyi immediately shook her head. "Ge', I don't deserve it. I have eno—"
"Ruyi," He cut in gently, "This older brother hasn't been able to spoil his only sister all these years. Accept them. I have no use for such things. Soldiers have no need for earthly possessions."
Ruyi sighed in surrender. "Then, I'll keep them safe for you until you need them. How about that?"
Ruwen nodded with a smile.
"Whatever you see fit best."
"Very well. I'll leave them in your care."
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