In Chang'an City, the waning moon hung like a hook. The deep palace, illuminated by starlight, appeared even more secluded. The city, rebuilt on the foundations of the former Han Dynasty capital, had endured years of war, leaving its walls crumbled and its palaces in ruins. Sewage flowed freely underground, and even Emperor Yang Jian's bedchamber was filled with a pungent stench. After ascending the throne, Yang Jian's top priority was to construct a new capital. In the second year of the Kaihuang era (582 AD), once the political situation stabilized, Yang Jian issued an edict to build a new city south of Longshou Plateau, southeast of the old Chang'an. The project was overseen by Gao Jiong, the Left Deputy Director of the Department of State Affairs, and designed by Yuwen Kai, the Assistant Supervisor of the New Capital and Left Tutor to the Crown Prince. Skilled craftsmen from across the nation were summoned, and construction proceeded day and night. By the spring of the third year of Kaihuang, the new city was completed. Spanning approximately 3,000 zhang (about 10 kilometers) from east to west and 2,500 zhang (about 8.3 kilometers) from north to south, with a perimeter of 72 li (about 36 kilometers), the city walls stood 1.8 zhang (about 6 meters) high and 3.6 zhang (about 12 meters) wide. The city was divided into the palace city, the imperial city, and the outer city, more than twice the size of the old capital. Since Yang Jian had previously been enfeoffed as the Duke of Daxing and harbored grand ambitions to revitalize the empire, the new capital was named Daxing City.
In the dead of night, Yang Jian tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Though only forty-three, years of military campaigns had left him with numerous ailments, and his hair had already begun to gray. He had just had a dream in which a golden-armored deity descended into the palace, bowed to him, and said, "I shall be reborn into the Yang family." After speaking, the deity vanished. When Yang Jian awoke, the dream remained vivid in his mind. He sat up on his imperial bed. Beside him, Dugu Jialuo slept soundly, drooling slightly.
According to imperial protocol, when an emperor ascended the throne, in addition to appointing an empress, he was also expected to select concubines. However, due to the agreement Yang Jian had made with Dugu Jialuo to have no children outside their marriage, this custom was effectively nullified. After Ouyang Shi, the mother of Yuan Tiangang, was poisoned to death, Dugu Jialuo truly became the "Lonely Empress," the sole occupant of the imperial harem. Every night, she still shared a bed with her husband.
The empress was roused by the faint noise and sat up within the silk curtains. "Husband, what troubles you?" she asked, still using their old, familiar terms of address within the bedchamber.
Yang Jian replied, "I just had a dream. A deity descended from heaven and said he would be reborn into the Yang family. Are you pregnant, A'Luo?"
The empress chuckled. "Liang'er is already eight. How could I be pregnant again? I wonder if there's any news from Yong'er's Eastern Palace?"
Yang Jian said, "I'll send someone to inquire at dawn to put my mind at ease."
Seeing his seriousness, the empress asked, "Does this dream hold some significance?"
Yang Jian replied, "I rarely dream. This dream was so vivid—it must be a sign from the heavens that our Sui dynasty will have a worthy successor."
Dugu Jialuo's heart skipped a beat. This implied that whoever in the royal family was pregnant would bear the future heir to the throne. Although Crown Prince Yang Yong was capable, Yang Jian had never been particularly fond of him. She resolved to send someone to check if there was any news of a pregnancy in the Eastern Palace at dawn.
Dugu Jialuo was well aware that her actions in killing Ouyang Shi and pursuing the illegitimate child had displeased Yang Jian. However, to secure the future of her five sons, she could not allow any potential threats to remain. Yang Jian had never mentioned the matter, and she naturally did not bring it up either. Though they still used familiar terms in private, the man beside her was now the ruler of the empire, and even as his wife, she had to tread carefully.
The next day, the eunuchs reported that there were no signs of pregnancy among the Crown Prince's consorts. A few days later, news arrived from Jinyang that Princess Consort Xiao of the Jin Prince was pregnant. Yang Jian calculated the dates and found it coincided with the night of his dream. He issued an edict: the Jin Prince would continue to oversee affairs in Bingzhou, while Princess Consort Xiao was to return to Chang'an and reside in the newly built Daxing City for her health. At the same time, the old palace and government offices began relocating to the new capital.
---
Xiao Meiniang sat in a spacious carriage, escorted by a military contingent led by General Yuwen Shu, the Right Guard Grand General. This was by Yang Jian's decree. Yuwen Shu, thirty-seven years old, was a brave and skilled warrior who had distinguished himself in assisting Yang Jian in quelling internal rebellions. He had been exceptionally promoted to Grand General, awarded the title of Supreme Pillar of State, and enfeoffed as the Duke of Baoguo, making him a rising star in the court.
Yuwen Shu was adept at reading the emperor's intentions. While most court officials aligned themselves with Crown Prince Yang Yong, Yuwen Shu favored the Jin Prince. This fifteen-year-old prince, appointed as the Governor of Bingzhou, Left Martial Guard Grand General, and Chief Executive of the Hebei Circuit, was seen by many as being sent away from the capital to avoid conflict with the Crown Prince. However, Yuwen Shu believed the emperor intended for the second prince to gain experience in the northern frontier.
Indeed, after Yang Guang took charge of the north, there were frequent changes in the appointments of regional officials, yet Yang Jian was highly satisfied. Yang Guang had meticulously studied the new imperial policies and dismissed any officials who failed to implement them, with Yang Jian's approval. Naturally, some officials were removed due to factional disputes or personal vendettas. Li Jing's father, Li Quan, was dismissed as the Governor of Zhao Commandery for this reason.
When they reached the Yellow River at Longmen, it was already evening, and they would have to cross the river the next day. Yuwen Shu arranged for Princess Consort Xiao to stay at a posthouse. Though it was early April, a cold wind blew along the river. After dinner, Meiniang retired to her room and ordered her maid, Xue Zhi, to close the windows and doors tightly. Xue Zhi exited and stood guard at a distance. Since serving Meiniang, Xue Zhi had rarely seen her mistress smile or speak much, and she both respected and feared her.
Meiniang sat on the silk-covered bed, lost in thought. The changes over the past six months had truly astonished her. Yang Guang treated her with great affection, but the young prince was a different person in private. In public, he was benevolent, humble, and courteous; but alone with Meiniang, he could be gloomy or even violent. He was obsessed with her body, sometimes losing control and becoming rough, only to regret it afterward and apologize profusely. Meiniang, who had never received much affection from her parents and had always been neglected, now found herself as the esteemed Princess Consort of the Sui dynasty. Compared to her previous life, it was like heaven and earth, and she couldn't help but feel secretly pleased. Besides, how could she speak of such intimate matters? And even if she did, to whom could she confide? Her parents were far away in Jiangling, and their relationship was icy at best. Empress Dugu was domineering and intimidating, even the emperor feared her, and she doted on Yang Guang. Speaking out would be futile.
However, after months of close interaction, Meiniang's admiration for the Jin Prince grew. Yang Guang was knowledgeable, skilled in both civil and military affairs, and meticulous in his judgments, far surpassing the princes of Jiangling. As for Li Jing, this mature and handsome young man still occasionally appeared in her thoughts, faint and elusive. From the depths of her heart, she wished to be with Li Jing. He was like a clear spring, untainted by the world, chivalrous and tender, and his love for her was genuine. If it were just a matter of living a peaceful life, he would have been the perfect choice. That was why her vow at Star Pool had been sincere. At that time, Meiniang, chastised by her father and burdened by her "ill-omened" birth, had been overjoyed to have a young hero like Li Jing accept her.
On the other hand, marrying Yang Guang was not entirely against her will. She wanted a man who treated her well, but more importantly, she wanted a husband who could provide security. Years of hardship had taught her that only by being strong herself could she avoid being bullied!
Thus, she gladly accepted Yang Guang, for only he could give her complete security. Since following him to Jinyang, she no longer woke from nightmares. This prince, two years her junior, was reserved and disciplined, frugal and respectful of talent, filial to his parents, and amiable with both civil and military officials. Among the five princes, he was the least conspicuous—because he never competed.
Crown Prince Yang Yong, on the other hand, often displayed the demeanor of a future emperor, living extravagantly and indulging in luxury. Besides his primary consort, Lady Yuan, he had four concubines: Lady Gao, Lady Wang, Lady Yun, and Lady Cheng, which greatly displeased Empress Dugu, who valued emotional purity. Prince Qin, Yang Jun, at thirteen, was handsome and brave but already showed signs of extravagance and arrogance, often berating his subordinates and neglecting his studies. Prince Shu, Yang Xiu, at eleven, was bold and loved archery and horseback riding, earning the favor of many military officials. Prince Han, Yang Liang, only eight, was exceptionally bright and his father's favorite, almost to the point of indulgence.
However, when she learned that her husband intended to kill Li Jing, she felt an indescribable fear. This had happened a month ago in the Jin Prince's residence. Meiniang had waited in the bedchamber for Yang Guang, but when he didn't return, she went to the council hall. The bedchamber and the council hall were connected by a garden, and one could enter the hall through the back door. Normally, Meiniang never went to the council hall, as it was where the prince's advisors and Bingzhou officials conducted their business. Even as the Princess Consort, it was improper for her to appear there. Late at night, Meiniang walked alone through the garden and entered through the back door. Only two candles illuminated the hall, casting a dim light. Yang Guang sat at the head of the table, with Lai Hu'er standing respectfully before him.
Meiniang was very satisfied with Lai Hu'er. He was loyal, efficient, and had been instrumental in escorting her back to Jiangling. What pleased her most was that he never spoke out of turn, not even a single unnecessary word. Why had Lai Hu'er followed the Jin Prince? Initially, Meiniang didn't know, but later she discovered that the general had been sent by Yang Guang to serve under General He Ruobi. Last year, when Yang Guang secretly traveled south, Lai Hu'er had been at his disposal. Now, she didn't know why he had come to Jinyang.
She was about to enter the hall to thank Lai Hu'er for escorting her the previous year when she heard Yang Guang say coldly, "It's time to pluck the tiger's whiskers! That boy Li Jing knows about the Wang Ship Manual and escorted that little bastard to Shu. He must be eliminated!"
Lai Hu'er bowed and said, "Understood. However, Li Jing is General Han's nephew. Without clear charges, it would be better to deal with him discreetly."
Yang Guang said coldly, "The Emperor rules with virtue. Why act in secret? According to the newly enacted *Kaihuang Code*, can't we find charges against him?"
Lai Hu'er replied, "Of course, we can."
Yang Guang said, "Charges come first, evidence follows. Li Quan's dismissal was justified due to negligence. General Han is guilty of military negligence. As for Li Jing, in my view, harboring a fugitive, arson, killing officers, colluding with foreign powers, and leaking military secrets—all these major crimes have witnesses and evidence. They align with the 'Ten Abominations' enacted this spring. You handle it personally."
Lai Hu'er knelt on one knee to accept the order. Meiniang, listening from behind the hall, trembled slightly and quickly retreated to her room.
Not long after, Yang Guang returned to the bedchamber. Seeing Meiniang already in bed, he kissed her cheek and went to bathe. The young prince was fastidious; no matter how busy he was with official duties, he always bathed before bed, a ritual that took at least half an hour.
Once Yang Guang left the bedchamber, Meiniang acted without hesitation. She quickly got up, went to the door, and whispered to Xue Zhi, who was standing guard outside. She then walked through the corridor to the main gate of the residence. Lai Hu'er was about to mount his horse when he saw Meiniang approaching. He immediately stopped. Meiniang held up a letter and said, "General Lai, if you're heading south, could you deliver a letter to my family?"
Lai Hu'er quickly approached. As she handed him the letter, she leaned in and whispered, "That man must not die! Find a way to handle this." Then, in a normal voice, she added, "If my father asks, tell him I am well."
Lai Hu'er said nothing, bowed, and left.
---
Meiniang was meticulous in her actions. Knowing Lai Hu'er as she did, she understood that while he would carry out Yang Guang's secret orders, he would not ignore her instructions entirely. However, even if Lai Hu'er wanted to save Li Jing, military law was unforgiving. If he let Li Jing go, even if Yang Guang didn't punish him, he would never be entrusted with important tasks again. Lai Hu'er wouldn't risk his career for this. At most, he could only delay the inevitable.
Meiniang had pondered this for over a month but could find no solution. Now, unable to sleep at the posthouse by the Yellow River, she got up, put on a robe, and opened the window. The cold wind blew into the room, clearing her mind. After a while, she sneezed and quickly closed the window. As she turned back to the bed, she was startled to see a young man in black standing in the room, his cold eyes fixed on her.
Meiniang was not surprised. She had seen many skilled fighters and knew that screaming would only make things worse. She forced a smile and said, "Did the wind blow you in?"
The young man replied, "I brought the wind in."
"I know someone who can also bring the wind into a room," Meiniang said, finding the young man intriguing. "His name is Wuying Guishou (Shadowless Ghost Hand)."
"I've heard of him," the young man said, still staring coldly into her eyes. "If you scream now, Yuwen Shu will come running."
"I assume such recklessness would be pointless?"
"Absolutely pointless."
"Yuwen Shu is a seasoned general, one of the Sui's finest. His martial skills are unmatched."
"I could kill him in ten moves."
Meiniang fell silent. She knew this young man wasn't lying. Yuwen Shu, tasked by the emperor to escort the Princess Consort, had tight security. Yet this young man had appeared in her room like a ghost, silent and undetected. If he wanted to kill her, it would be effortless.
Seeing her silence, the young man snorted. "The maid outside is already 'asleep.' You're a smart woman. Don't you want to know why I'm here?"
Meiniang said, "I don't think you're here to kill me. I have no enemies."
"Not yet," the young man said. "But if you don't agree to my terms, you will."
"State your terms," Meiniang said, meeting his cold gaze.
"I want you to blow some wind," the young man said seriously. "Pillow wind."
Meiniang didn't understand.
The young man explained, "The Jin Prince has been frequently replacing regional officials in the north. However, the Governor of Yuyang Commandery must not be replaced."
Meiniang frowned. "You must know I have no such authority. Even if I speak to the Jin Prince, he won't listen to a woman's advice."
The young man ignored her response and continued, "Governor Wei Yingzhong of Yuyang is diligent and beloved by the people, both in the previous dynasty and now. Please persuade the Jin Prince to let him remain in office."
Meiniang was at a loss, but then she realized that this young man, with his extraordinary skills, could save Li Jing! She said, "If I can accomplish this, how will you repay me?"
The young man said, "I will do one thing for you in return."
Meiniang said, "I have a young friend who will soon be captured and executed..." Before she could finish, the young man interjected, "No need to say who. I already know. This is easy, but I need to accompany Lai Hu'er south. If you agree to my request, I will risk my life to save him."
Without hesitation, Meiniang nodded, even though she had no confidence in fulfilling the young man's demand.
The young man struck out with his palm, extinguishing the candle. His figure vanished into the darkness along with the flame.
Outside, Yuwen Shu's voice rang out. "General Yuwen Shu on night patrol. Is the Princess Consort resting?"
"All is well, thank you, General," Meiniang replied, lying down fully clothed. "Rest early. We'll depart at first light."
After Yuwen Shu left, Meiniang had a sudden flash of inspiration. She decided to write a letter to Yang Guang, claiming that when the monk Sengcan had treated her illness the previous year, he had mentioned that Governor Wei Yingzhong of Yuyang was a great benefactor who had once saved Sengcan's life. He had asked Meiniang to repay Wei in the future. Yang Guang had met Sengcan at Liu Village, and the monk had indeed cured Meiniang's illness. Moreover, after becoming pregnant, Meiniang had told Yang Guang about Sengcan's prophecy—that she would become the mother of a nation. Yang Guang had frowned at the time, telling her not to speak of it, but his trembling fingers betrayed his excitement. With this "connection," even if Yang Guang didn't favor Governor Wei, he wouldn't hinder him. The mysterious young man had promised to save Li Jing, and with Lai Hu'er's cooperation, the odds were good. With this plan in mind, Meiniang fell asleep peacefully.
As for why she wanted to save Li Jing, Meiniang couldn't explain it. She only knew that Li Jing had given her the truest love, the deepest affection. Though fleeting, it was enough to warm her for a lifetime.