chapter 5

To celebrate the ascension of the New Emperor, Nanzhao presented several camellia trees, named Zhaodian Red.

They bloom in the snow, their color blazing like fire, brilliant and passionate.

Along with the flowering trees, they also sent the fugitive Grand Tutor, Gu Yan.

He was once the teacher Xiao Qi respected most.

I do not know what he and Xiao Qi spoke about.

I only know that after Gu Yan was escorted back to the Heavenly Prison by the Guards,

Xiao Qi sat alone in the hall for a long time.

So long that night fell, and he covered his face, laughing loudly in the darkness.

He never sheds tears. In this state, perhaps he was crying.

I walked over quietly, letting him clutch the hem of my sleeve.

A compassionate ferry in a sea of suffering. Unable to grasp the fickle hand of fate, he could only hold onto a soft sleeve that hung before him.

He was a solitary boat adrift; my sleeve was the rope to pull him to shore.

“Ah Ling.”

He lowered his eyes, his expression hidden in the shadows, indistinct.

“I want to eat steamed buns.”

I said, “I will instruct the Imperial Kitchen to make some.”

“I want the ones from Chunfeng Pavilion.”

“Your Majesty-”

“I want them now.”

He looked at me steadily, with a hint of pleading in his gaze.

“…” I was silent for a moment. “Yes.”

I carried a few steamed buns, just about to cross the last palace gate.

When I saw a young Eunuch from Weiyang Hall running toward me in terror.

“Aunt Yunling, something has happened to His Majesty-“