Do you like the gift I gave you?

Early Morning, Imperial Palace, Imperial Garden

On the second morning, Madam Li gathered the young ladies in the imperial garden to compose poems inspired by the flowers. In truth, autumn blooms were not scarce; among the ten most famous flowers, three blossomed in this season—chrysanthemums, osmanthus, and camellias. There were also autumn begonias and roses that bloomed throughout the year, among a dozen other varieties. If this were the modern era, there would be even more. Hui Yue’er gazed at the flowers and recalled the day she listened to the rain with Zhao Chengxian. It was the first time she felt he was actually rather pleasant. She thought of the little daisies at the Prince Jun’s manor—compared to those, the famed blossoms of the imperial garden paled in comparison.

As she listened to the others recite their verses, a young lady with a hint of chubby innocence looked elegantly at the crimson chrysanthemums and declaimed:

“Wayward poet’s spell, from dusk till dawn invades,
Circling the fence, leaning on stones, the sound fades.
At the brush’s tip, talent blooms, written in frost’s embrace,
Lips holding fragrance, verses sung to the moon’s face.
Pity fills the page, a plaintive heart in white,
Who can understand, in brief words, autumn’s plight?
Since Tao Yuanming’s gentle judge proclaimed,
Through ages, noble spirit by chrysanthemum is named!”

She did not appear so melancholic outwardly.

Another girl with an egg-shaped face also recited about chrysanthemums:

“With hoe in hand, transplanted from autumn’s patch,
By the fence and courtyard, carefully placed to match.
Last night, rain came unexpected, revived the roots anew,
This morning, frost’s delight, blossoms with a crystal hue.
Cold verses celebrate autumn, a thousand poems in play,
Drunk on the chilly fragrance, a single cup today.
Spring water nourishes, clay seals with diligent care,
Well-trodden paths, dust banished from the air!”

Once autumn arrived, everyone seemed to have a quarrel with chrysanthemums, describing how to plant them.

Li Wanrong pondered. Since everyone else chose chrysanthemums for their verses, she decided not to follow suit. After all, autumn held more than one kind of flower. She looked up at the osmanthus overhead and said:

“In the Moon Palace, the goddess dwells as friend,
Wind carries fragrance, thousands of miles it sends.
Among autumn’s blooms, it reigns as king,
Renowned throughout the land, its skills outstanding!”

It was osmanthus, after all—a spice, a dessert ingredient, a medicinal herb. Wasn’t that skillful?

Just then, Xuanyuan Ren, who had just finished court, watched them from a corner. He noticed Hui Yue’er’s distracted demeanor and wished to inquire, so he instructed Eunuch Rong, “Bring Lady Siyue over here.” Eunuch Rong bowed his head, walked over, tapped Hui Yue’er’s shoulder, and gestured toward Xuanyuan Ren. Hui Yue’er, seeing no one was paying attention, quietly walked over. She was about to bow when Xuanyuan Ren raised his hand to stop her.

Xuanyuan Ren regarded Hui Yue’er and asked, “Do you like the things I sent you?”

Before Hui Yue’er knew his identity, their conversations had been light and easy. Now it seemed a wall had sprung up between them, as if this was the cost of being emperor.

Yue’er thought for a moment and finally replied, “They’re all right. Nothing I particularly like, nor anything I especially dislike.” She had meant to say, "I don’t like them, Your Majesty. You know I am not a refined lady—why make things difficult for me?" But she kept it to herself.

Xuanyuan Ren observed that Hui Yue’er no longer resembled her carefree self outside the palace, and softly asked, “Are you uncomfortable here? If you need anything, seek out the Empress—she will help you.” He trusted Du Haiju implicitly, perhaps because he loved her.

Hui Yue’er gave a graceful curtsy. “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well in every respect.” She realized they had nothing to talk about—not that topics were lacking, but that Hui Yue’er did not wish for any. She wanted Xuanyuan Ren to give up on her; she could not afford to be too familiar with him.

Xuanyuan Ren recalled the time at Prince Jun’s manor when Hui Yue’er asked if he was familiar with palace rules. Wanting to grow closer to her, he asked, “Why did you want to know about palace rules that night?”

Hui Yue’er was startled; she had not expected the busy emperor to remember such a trivial detail. Xuanyuan Ren smiled, “I remember every word you say.”

If he remembered, why had he summoned Hui Yue’er to the palace?

Hui Yue’er smiled faintly. “No, Your Majesty, if you truly remembered every word, you would not have brought me into the palace. I told you very clearly once—I do not wish to enter the palace. You must have forgotten, haven't you?” Now, whenever she saw Xuanyuan Ren, she felt frustrated. If only she waited to find her brother, she could return home to her mother. If she communicated better with Zhao Chengxian, perhaps she could return even sooner. But now, not only was she unable to see her mother, she couldn’t see Zhao Chengxian either.

Hui Yue’er did not want to speak further with Xuanyuan Ren. Glancing at the other young ladies, she said, “I shall take my leave, Your Majesty!” and hurried back to them. Affection cannot be forced.

Xuanyuan Ren, seeing Hui Yue’er’s attitude, regretted bringing her into the palace. He had thought that by rescuing her from a life exposed to the elements, she would come to appreciate this existence. He hadn’t expected this outcome. Some people are born to love the wild, untamed life—it cannot be changed by force. More importantly, Hui Yue’er felt nothing special for him, so she was unwilling to change for his sake.

Ladies, gentlemen, elders, youngsters, and those neither young nor old—quick, shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Hold nothing back; let the storm rage on even more fiercely!