Are you an attendant in the palace?

Night had fallen over the capital, and in a quiet alley of the city, a girl of seventeen or eighteen strolled leisurely. The Kingdom of Glorious Sun bordered closest to the Snowland Realm, lying to its east; it was a country of four distinct seasons. (For those curious about the Snowland Realm, consult my completed novel “Encounter, Abide!”)

In the blackness of night, this girl walked at ease, her demeanor neither stunningly beautiful nor strikingly alluring, but she possessed the gentle charm of a girl-next-door. She stood about one meter sixty-eight, her figure gracefully curved, her delicate face rosy and smooth, two long braids draping over her shoulders, with crescent-shaped eyes, slender brows, a high nose bridge, and small red lips. She wore a red tunic, a black belt cinched at her waist, and loose red trousers. Were she to dress up, she would surely be a beauty, but her family ran an escort agency, and she spent her days escorting caravans across the land. Naturally, she could not draw undue attention by dressing too flamboyantly, and she often had to disguise herself as a man. Merely to wear women’s clothing was already a luxury for her. This was Hui Yue’er, the young chief escort of the Hui Family Escort Agency.

Since her father’s death a few years back, fifteen-year-old Yue’er had taken it upon herself to lead the agency so her scholarly brother could prepare for his civil exams in peace. Now at an age where talk of marriage was common, those around her found her too formidable, and none dared propose. Yue’er herself was in no hurry, for she knew she still had her mother and brother to care for—marriage was simply impossible.

That evening, her mother had arranged a matchmaking meeting for her. Understanding her mother’s intentions, Yue’er went to make things clear to her would-be suitor: if he wished to marry her, he must accept living together with her mother and brother. The man would not agree, so Yue’er returned home alone. Humming a tune as she walked—“la la la…”—she found herself enjoying the solitude. She was accustomed to being on the road by herself, and her personality was twofold: tomboyish among her escort brothers, but gentle and reserved when alone. It could not be helped; had she not adopted such a persona, how could her brothers have obeyed the commands of a mere girl?

Suddenly, a figure appeared before her, lantern in hand—a stranger of about twenty-three or twenty-four, not particularly tall, but handsome. Yue’er first suspected an ambush and prepared to act, but then noticed the man’s arm was bleeding. Judging by his attire, he seemed to be a wealthy scion. Yue’er’s business instincts flared; perhaps helping him would secure a lucrative deal. She glanced at the injured man and asked, “Are you all right? Is someone after you?” The man sized her up in turn, but said nothing. Irritated, Yue’er rolled her eyes and snapped, “If you won’t answer, then I suppose you don’t need my help. Farewell!” Without a backward glance, she strode past him, ever decisive in her actions.

The injured man’s face showed surprise—no one had ever dared speak to him so. As he watched her receding figure, he glanced at his bleeding wound, hesitated, then finally called out, “Miss!” Yue’er had expected as much and, smiling to herself, turned back, tearing off a strip of her sleeve to bandage his arm. He watched her all the while, thinking: I have met countless beauties, but never such a forthright girl! With so many concubines in the palace, he probably hadn’t met each one. Allow me to formally introduce him: he was none other than Xuanyuan Ren, sovereign of Glorious Sun. This was his first time venturing among the people in disguise, and fate had not favored him—having tried to save a girl, he was now wounded and separated from his attendants, truly the unluckiest of emperors.

Yue’er found Xuanyuan Ren’s attitude most displeasing; she was helping him, yet he looked as if she owed him hundreds of taels—a fact that irked her greatly. She quickly finished bandaging his injury, shot him a glance, and turned away. Despite her usual boldness, she felt a trace of unease beneath his gaze. She consoled herself: “Saving a life is a greater merit than building a seven-story pagoda. I’m not doing this for business, but for a good deed!” She had meant to advertise her escort agency after helping him, but under Xuanyuan Ren’s scrutiny, the words caught in her throat.

As she walked away, Xuanyuan Ren called out loudly, “Miss, could you tell me how to get to the palace from here?” It was his first time wandering such alleys and the first time he’d been wounded by blades. The day had been full of surprises, not least of which was meeting this girl.

Hearing he wished to go to the palace, Yue’er was taken aback. Studying him, she laughed, “Are you a palace eunuch? I bet you wanted to see more of the city, got separated from your companions, and ran into some trouble, didn’t you?” Making up stories as she went, Yue’er watched as Xuanyuan Ren simply nodded—he could hardly admit he was the emperor, could he? That would be far too humiliating. Yue’er patted her chest and declared, “Luckily you ran into me! I’m known as the living map of the capital—Hui Yue’er!” Xuanyuan Ren was amused. He couldn’t recall the last time he had laughed. Yue’er, seeing his smile, quipped, “Actually, you’re not so scary when you smile!” Just as she was about to give directions, a group of people approached with lanterns—clearly searching for someone. Yue’er chuckled, “Looks like your companions have found you. No need for my directions. Farewell!” Before Xuanyuan Ren could react, Yue’er had melted into the night. He looked down at the strip of fabric bandaging his arm and smiled.

The group approached Xuanyuan Ren, and the leader, recognizing him, immediately knelt and cried in a high-pitched voice, “Your servant begs forgiveness for arriving late to your rescue, Your Majesty!” This was the Emperor’s personal attendant, Grand Steward Rong.

Xuanyuan Ren nodded solemnly and said, “I’m unharmed. Let’s return to the palace.” The others rose and cleared a path for him. As he glanced back, Xuanyuan Ren wondered: Will I ever meet her again? Surrounded by his retinue, he made his way home.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those neither young nor old—shower me with your gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Spare nothing, let the storm rage on even more fiercely!