Chapter Eight: Shy and Timid

Still, it made sense—after all, his beloved had returned after so long, and his eagerness to find the right moment to see her was understandable. Yet, for reasons she could not explain, Gu Li felt a faint unease in her heart. This General of Chang’an, who appeared as gentle and upright as a clear spring, could it be that he, too, was a man who would act impulsively and recklessly for the sake of a woman he loved?

Though these thoughts flickered through her mind, Gu Li was not one to stir up trouble. Realizing her presence was an intrusion, she turned to leave. Unfortunately, under the dim moonlight, she hurried and her skirt caught on something, causing her to stumble sideways toward the steps.

Startled, Gu Li’s heart leapt in her chest. Just as she lost her footing, a pair of warm, strong arms swiftly encircled her waist, steadying her and pulling her back from the brink.

Though she managed to stand upright, her heart was still racing. She pressed her hand to her chest, breath coming in short, rapid bursts.

“Princess, are you all right?”

Jasmine, too, was badly frightened. Everything had happened so quickly that she hadn't even managed to react in time. Only now, feeling the cold sweat on her back, did the full weight of her fear hit her—had anything happened to the princess, she would never have been able to atone for it.

“I’m fine, I’m fine,” Gu Li replied, regaining her composure as she patted her chest. She stole a glance at the man who still protected her, their proximity so close it seemed she was nestled in his arms, breathing in the mellow fragrance of wine that lingered on him.

Never before had she been so near to a strange man. Her cheeks flushed crimson, her palms grew clammy, and her heart pounded furiously in her chest.

“Thank you... Thank you, General.”

The young woman in his arms looked up, her delicate face tinged with a rosy glow, eyes like limpid autumn water gazing at him with shyness and uncertainty. Liet Changan’s heart skipped a beat. Only then did he realize his hand was still around her waist. As though burned, he quickly stepped back to a respectable distance. His expression remained calm, and he saluted with a composed grace. “Forgive my offense, Your Highness. The situation was urgent.”

“It’s nothing. I was careless. I should be the one thanking you for your help,” Gu Li replied, shaking her head. The blush on her face faded, but her heart still pounded so forcefully she feared he might hear it in the quiet night.

She lowered her gaze and spoke softly, “I won’t trouble you further, General. I’ll return to the banquet.”

Liet Changan said nothing more, only bowing politely in farewell.

He watched her graceful figure disappear into the distance, then turned and made his way back to the feast as well.

Not long after, Princess Zhen’an, delayed by some matter, finally arrived with her maids, only to find the pavilion empty. The sight filled her with regret and a sense of desolation.

A few days later, it was time for the Emperor to take the concubines of the inner palace to the Southern Garden for the customary summer retreat.

The list of those traveling to the Southern Garden had long been decided: the Empress Dowager, the Empress, a few favored concubines, and several princes were all to attend. Princess Danqing was naturally included, but for some reason, the Empress Dowager decided at the last moment to add Princess Zhen’an as well.

It was then that everyone remembered the Princess Zhen’an, who had come of age the previous year. Because of the circumstances surrounding her mother, the Empress Dowager had never been especially fond of her. Still, she was of imperial blood, and at her age, marriage was a matter that could not be ignored forever. Seizing the opportunity of the summer retreat, and with the Emperor in high spirits after a recent military victory, some nobles and their families were also invited to escape the summer heat. It was hoped that among the young men present, a suitable match might be found for Princess Zhen’an, thus settling the matter of her marriage.

After all, the princess’s current standing in the palace was precarious—her father despised her, her mother was long dead. If the Empress Dowager did not make arrangements for her, she might simply grow old in the palace, uncared for and forgotten.