Chapter One: Princess Danqing

Year eighteen of Tianyuan, summer.

The palace walls towered majestically, the sky was flawless, but the air was thick with waves of heat, stirring a restless agitation in the heart.

Within the Cloud Mist Hall of the imperial palace, a girl of exquisite beauty reclined upon a rocking chair beneath the shade of garden trees. She wore a jade-green smoky blouse, a pleated skirt of misty floral green, and a sheer shawl as delicate as water vapor. Her shoulders were slender, her waist graceful as if measured by silk, her skin creamy as jade, her breath fragrant as orchids, and her loveliness seemed almost ethereal.

Yet her willow brows were knitted in impatience, her face flushed from the oppressive heat, and a fine sheen of sweat covered her. Behind her stood rows of maids, disciplined and attentive. One personal maid, Jasmine, stepped forward and asked gently, “Princess, the heat is unbearable. Should we return indoors to rest?”

“No,”

Gu Li shook her head stubbornly. “The scenery here is delightful, but inside feels stifling.”

Jasmine sighed, knowing her princess’s obstinate nature, and said no more.

Gu Li ordered, “Hurry, go to the Imperial Kitchens and bring me some chilled mung bean soup.”

Jasmine quickly bowed. “Yes, Your Highness.”

With that, she led several maids away in haste.

In less than half a quarter hour, Jasmine returned with the maids, each carrying a large bowl of iced mung bean soup.

Gu Li drank several mouthfuls, finally dispelling some of the oppressive heat. Nearby, a maid continued to wave a fan, but under the sun, there was only warmth and no hint of coolness.

Frustrated, Gu Li stood up and exclaimed angrily, “This is maddening, maddening!”

The maids were terrified and dropped to their knees, pleading, “Forgive us, Princess, forgive us!”

Gu Li ignored them and strode out of the palace gates.

Jasmine hurried after her. “Princess, it’s so hot. Where are you going?”

Gu Li snorted, her tone spoiled and petulant. “I’m going to ask Father when we’ll go to the Southern Gardens for respite! I can’t bear this heat any longer!”

Chengkun Hall.

The Emperor of Li Dynasty sat upright at his desk, one hand grasping a brush, the other sweeping bold characters across a sheet of fine paper, while Eunuch Fan ground ink beside him.

“Your Majesty, Princess Danqing requests an audience,” a eunuch reported from outside.

“Gu Li?” The Emperor smiled, pausing his writing. “Such scorching weather—what brings her here?”

Though he spoke thus, there was not a trace of displeasure in his voice.

After a moment, the Emperor smiled knowingly and nodded. “Let her in.”

Soon, a coquettish, girlish voice called, “Father!”

Looking up, he saw Princess Danqing stomping her feet and pouting as she approached. Skipping any formal greeting, she flung herself at the Emperor’s arm, clinging and acting spoiled. “Father, Gu Li missed you.”

The Emperor laughed, clearly used to her lack of propriety. He was not annoyed; rather, he indulgently patted her head. “You don’t shower me with affection for nothing. You must be up to something. Braving this heat to come see me—is it really just to miss your father?”

Gu Li pouted with a huff. “Father, didn’t you say you’d take the consorts and children to the Southern Gardens for summer retreat? Summer’s half gone and there’s still no sign of it.”

The Emperor smiled. “Lately, state affairs have kept me busy. Besides, the army that triumphed over the border kingdom is returning in victory and will arrive in the capital soon. Once the troops arrive and the banquet is held, we’ll set out for the Southern Gardens for respite.”

Hearing that she had to wait for the triumphant army to return before heading to the summer resort, Gu Li was a little displeased. But she reasoned that the army’s victory was indeed worth celebrating, so she did not throw a tantrum and merely asked, “How much longer will it be?”

“At most three to five days.”

Gu Li was satisfied, smiling brightly and saying no more.