Chapter Nine: Summer Retreat in the Southern Garden

The imperial carriage proceeded grandly toward the Southern Garden, with the royal guards flanking both sides, bearing the heavy responsibility for security. The Southern Garden, warm in winter and cool in summer, boasted a pleasant climate, making it the ideal retreat from the heat. Gentle breezes swept through, dispelling any trace of summer’s oppressive warmth, leaving only serenity and a refreshing clarity of mind.

Gu Li resided in the “Spring Dawn Residence,” situated near the Empress Dowager’s quarters. Since Princess Jin An accompanied the entourage with an equal status, the Empress Dowager purposefully arranged for them to stay together.

Gu Li had no objections. Though she felt a vague, inexplicable aversion toward Jin An, a sentiment she had harbored since childhood and could never quite explain, she didn’t openly dislike her or act against her. They simply kept to themselves—each living her own life, neither interfering with the other.

By the time they arrived at the Southern Garden, dusk had fallen. The Emperor instructed everyone to return to their respective lodgings. After a long day and a simple evening meal, they were sent off to rest early.

Gu Li, however, was not ready for bed. She lingered in her garden for a while, sipping tea, then led her maids out for a stroll.

Every corner of the Southern Garden was guarded by soldiers, likely thanks to General Chang’an, who had already assigned duties to all. As for himself, he remained at the Emperor’s side, occasionally patrolling with the guards.

Gu Li wandered for some time, admiring the scenery. The walk was pleasant; she never felt hot, and the evening breeze was delightfully cool. Eventually, feeling tired, she settled against a stone table.

Soon, she heard a peal of laughter, bright and silvery, followed by the childish plea, “Brother, brother, catch the butterfly for me!”

She turned to see, behind a rockery not far away, a little girl of four or five playfully waving a net, eager to catch butterflies. A cluster of maids followed nervously, fearful that any mishap might cost them dearly.

Beside them stood a young man in a brocade robe, handsome and serene, watching the play unfold. He was the son of the Noble Consort Shu, Gu Li’s second brother, Prince Wen Shu.

The little girl was his full sister, Princess Chen He, a chubby child of four or five.

Though surrounded by attendants, Princess Chen He darted about so quickly that her short, plump legs failed her, and she tumbled to the ground, bursting into tears.

The maids rushed forward to comfort her, but Prince Wen Shu was the first to pick her up, gently cradling her and promising to help her catch butterflies. The princess quickly returned to laughter.

Gu Li observed the scene and felt a pang of emotion.

Jasmine, standing nearby, noticed her princess's wistful expression and immediately asked with a smile, “Your Highness misses the Crown Prince, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Gu Li replied, resting her delicate chin in her hand and sighing. “Watching this, I remember how the Crown Prince brother used to dote on me when I was little.”

She and the Crown Prince Wei Chu were twins, born of the same mother, dragon and phoenix twins. In truth, Wei Chu was only a few minutes older, yet he had carried the title of elder brother and cared for her for more than ten years.

“The Emperor has come to the Southern Garden to escape the heat, so state affairs are entrusted to the Crown Prince. Although he cannot accompany Your Highness for leisure, this is a great boon for his future ascension and shows the Emperor’s trust and esteem.”

Gu Li understood this well. Her affection for her brother was deep, and she naturally wished him the best.