Prince Han ran his finger across the delicate stitches of his scent pouch as he stared out into the night through the open window. The peaceful sound of the chirping crickets did nothing to soothe his nerves. Truthfully, being idle in the Forbidden City always set his teeth on edge. Usually, it was because Prince Han longed to prove his usefulness to His Majesty. The more battles won and the more criminals caught, the closer His Majesty kept him and The Empress in his heart. Tonight, however, he was restless for a different reason.

"Please relax, my lord," Sang'er said as he fanned his master, "Lingxiu gege is returning as fast as he can,"

"Gege?" Prince Han said with a snort, "Are you best friends now?"

"My lord, Lingxiu gege has been serving you for some time now, and you still don't like him? I feel like he's done his job well,"

Prince Han rolled his eyes and turned his gaze to the scent pouch. Chang Lingxiu was a good enough guard, but he was too friendly. It would only take one word for things to become troublesome.

A eunuch stepped inside to announce Chang Lingxiu's return.

"Speak of Cao Cao*..." Prince Han muttered as the guard stepped inside.

"The books you've asked for, My Lord," Chang Lingxiu said, presenting the neatly wrapped stack.

"Finally," Prince Han said before standing up, "I was near falling asleep waiting for you,"

"Apologies, my lord," Chang Lingxiu replied, "Next time, I'll be sure to commandeer a horse,"

"No need. Just spend less time chatting with Molan on your way back next time,"

Chang Lingxiu's cheek grew ruddy red under his beard before he quickly excused himself.

Chuckling, Sang'er said to Prince Han, "Heading to bed, my lord?"

Prince Han nodded and withdrew into the bedroom. He untied the scent pouch from his waist and placed it under his pillow before letting Sang'er undress him for bed.

"Shall I call for something light, my lord? It's still early in the evening," said Sang'er as he pulled back the bedsheets.

"No," Prince Han replied, carrying the books to the mattress and sitting down, "You can withdraw,"

Sang'er nodded and did as he was told.

Prince Han loosened the ropes binding the aging books together. One by one, he flipped through each one in search of a folded piece of parchment stuck between the pages.

Jiayi wasn't particularly fond of this method of communication, but Prince Han was fraying at the seams waiting for a moment to see her in person. Their luck seemed to have run out, and their pockets of snatched time behind corridors and empty courtyards had come to an end. Prince Han couldn't sustain himself with the glances he stole when Jiayi was with Yiqiang. He had, unfortunately, become quite spoiled.

The books were a mixed collection of topics. If someone came across Jiayi holding them, it would look like she was bringing Xiang pin something to read. In the hands of Chang Lingxiu or Sang'er, a stack of military literature for their lord. The books were arranged for the proper attendant when the stack was picked up from its hiding place and ferried away.

Today, there were four crisply folded pieces of parchment. Prince Han unfolded them all and settled into bed to read.

'Thunder destroyed Sixth Prince's tiger kite. They're no longer on speaking terms,'

'I asked the hothouse to prepare a bouquet of asters for Xiang pin. She thought they were so beautiful she wants a fresh vase delivered every day,'

Below was a simple, but still beautiful sketch of the flowers. He wouldn't admit it, but he was blushing fiercely at the thought of Jiayi filling Chengqiangong with a symbol of their lo–

Affection.

He went back to reading.

'My lord, have you heard of a Li daren? He patrols near the ice house. He's got all the maids nearby very flustered...'

Prince Han sunk into his pillow, letting himself be pulled into the petty squabbles that never seemed to cease in the back palace. Most of Jiayi's letters were like this. Filled with small observations or interesting happenings. The sort of silly things you would chat about before crawling into bed.

He slammed his eyes shut. What was the point of letting his mind wander into such dangerous territory? He tried to reign himself in, but it was too late. Prince Han opened his eyes and a gossamer thin vision of Jiayi was sat at the vanity, running a comb through her hair.

No, that wasn't right. If they married, she'd have a maid.

The vision corrected itself.

A faceless maid appeared at Jiayi's back and took over the task as she turned her head to look at him.

'...so now they're taking shifts to see if they can catch his eye. It's very civilized,'

Jiayi's specter hummed softly as the maid braided her hair and pinned it away. She dipped a cloth into the copper basin by her side and patted her neck and face. It would be rose water and ginger. Jiayi mentioned how much she loved making it for Xiang pin once.

'Did you know that Chang Lingxiu sent Molan another gift? She's been doing nothing but powdering herself with the perfume since it was delivered! When Xiang pin helps De gui fei with Second Princess's wedding planning, Molan gets so distracted by the wedding gifts. How long do you think Chang Lingxiu will wait before asking his parents about her?'

The bowl and the maid vanished before Jiayi's visage padded over to the vacant space at his bedside. She stared down at him, and Prince Han waited for her to continue before realizing that there was nothing left to read. He put the page to the side before unfolding the second.

'I miss you,'

In a blink, Jiayi was lying on her side, head pillowed on her hands, peering up at him.

Jiayi's vision put a hand on his arm.

'I miss your voice. I thought the letters would help but they've only made things worse,'

Prince Han stared at the words, his breath catching as Jiayi's specter came into sharper focus beside him. Her soft, phantom touch on his arm felt almost real, nearly overwhelming the room's lonely quiet.

"I miss you, too," he whispered as if she could truly hear him.

The vision of Jiayi smiled softly, and there was a sorrowful warmth in her eyes as if she understood his longing. Knowing their newfound distance wasn't any easier on Jiayi was a bittersweet comfort.

Jiayi's figure leaned in closer, resting her head on the pillow beside his. Prince Han closed his eyes, allowing himself to indulge in the fantasy for a moment longer. If they were still in the capital, this could be real. Jiayi could be next to him, rosy and sweet with sleep. They would drift away and wake in each other's arms.

He opened his eyes, and the vision shimmered, fading as the reality of the empty room pressed in on him once again. The warmth of her hand vanished, replaced by the cool, crisp silks beneath his fingers.

He folded the letter with care, placing it atop the others. Prince Han sighed and leaned back against the headboard, staring at the ceiling. He had planned to write back immediately, not wanting to forget a word, but now he was in no mood for it.

✺

A step behind. Shen huang gui fei always had to be a step behind the Empress in all things, even waiting at the Meridian Gate for Huabao's return. This was her daughter–her triumph, finally returning to her rightful place in her mother and father's arms, and Shen huang gui fei couldn't even stand next to The Emperor to do it. Honestly, it didn't matter. The Empress could have this small win. Shen huang gui fei had proved victorious in the end. The entirety of the Forbidden City was put on hold to welcome Huabao. The concubines and servants wore their best clothes and stood in the blazing hot sun to give Hubao the reception that a princess of the Great Qing deserved.

And not just any princess.

A first-rank princess.

When Shen huang gui fei wasn't caring for Yizhong and Yiru or preparing for Huabao's wedding, she was campaigning for Huabao's newest title. It was only right. The girl was to be married soon. How could she enter her husband's manor and hold her head high without a title? It was absurd. Under the guise of chatting and congratulations, Shen huang gui fei had gathered the wives of chief ministers in court. With a generous gift, she suggested that their husbands bring up the topic of Huabao's title to the Emperor. Shen huang gui fei would have done it herself, but His Majesty was unavailable to her these days.

Shen huang gui fei, glanced behind her at the crowd of concubines as they fanned themselves. Xiang pin stood in her rightful place behind the Noble Consorts, surrounded by her gaggle of first and second-class attendants. When she and Xiang pin locked eyes, the harlot's pink lips curled into a smile. Shen huang gui fei huffed and turned back around.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Xiang pin had practically tethered His Majesty to her bed. It was disgusting. Even worse, when she wasn't seducing him, a giggling fool was always willing to entertain him on her behalf. Shen huang gui fei didn't know why she was so shocked. It could only be natural that Xiang pin treated the Forbidden City like a brothel. It was all she knew.

"Your Highness!' A'Fang said, pointing into the distance, "I see her! I see First Princess's carriage!"

Shen huang gui fei heard Jingse scolding A'Fang for shouting but barely paid attention. A'Fang was right; Shen huang gui fei could see Huabao's litter coming closer and closer! When Huabao's carriage stopped in front of The Emperor and The Empress, Shen huang gui fei was vibrating out of her skin.

The carriage door opened and Shen huang gui fei froze. The girl, no, the woman who emerged, looked like she was wearing Huabao's face. Her face was sharp-cheeked and tan, the tilt of her brow weighed down by her heavy Mongolian garb. She was taller than Huabao ever was, as well. Shen huang gui fei was startled by the knowledge that her daughter had become almost unrecognizable after nearly a year apart.

"Your Highness, are you alright?" Jingse whispered as Huabao and the litter who transported her kneeled to greet The Emperor and The Empress.

Shen huang gui fei said nothing, continuing to stare as anger filled her belly. The Empress had taken so much from her.

"Royal father," Huabao said, rising to her feet, "I've returned,"

Shen huang gui fei looked at The Emperor. There were tears in his eyes. Shen huang gui fei suddenly realized how selfish she had been. When The Empress forced her daughter to stay behind in Mongolia, she was also stolen from His Majesty. He only had two living princesses left, and only Huabao was as precious to him as this. Huahuan was fine but could never compare.

"Let me look at you," he said, cradling Huabao's shoulders in his hands, "You've grown,"

"Yes," said The Empress as she placed a hand on Huabao's arm, "Our little pearl has blossomed into a fine flower,"

"Huabao," Shen huang gui fei burst out at last, her skin crawling at the sight of The Empress touching her daughter.

"A-niang!" Huabao cried, running towards her, "A-niang!"

Shen huang gui fei let her daughter nearly bowl her over from the force of her hug.

"Huabao! Huabao!" She kept saying, "You're back!"

"I'm back!"

"My goodness, you're taller now!" said Shen huang gui fei, holding Huabao's face close to hers, "What have they been feeding you?!"

"I almost couldn't recognize her. Huabao looks like such a proper woman now!" said Lian fei.

Lian fei's compliment opened the floodgates, and soon Huabao was surrounded by well-wishers and branch climbers, all clamoring to make sure their voice was heard in front of The Emperor. They buzzed around Huabao like annoying little gnats.

"Huabao's had a long journey," The Empress said, "Let's not keep her standing out here in the hot sun. I'm sure she wants to meet Yizhong and Yiru,"

"Yes, Your Highness," the women chorused.

Shen huang gui fei stopped The Empress before she turned away.

"Your Highness, I know that it's the 15th and His Majesty is meant to spend the night with you, but as Huabao's just come home, would it be possible for him to visit Zhongcuigong instead?"

The Empress smiled, "His Majesty has a prior arrangement with Xiang meimei this evening. Perhaps she'll be willing to reschedule for you,"

The Empress truly never let up, did she? She was desperate never to let Shen huang gui fei have even a moment of happiness that she was willing to sacrifice her rightful night with The Emperor just so Shen huang gui fei had to lower herself and beg Xiang pin to share.

Shen huang gui fei lobbed a winning smile right back at the Empress, "It's no matter; Huabao should rest this evening anyways,"

"Rest well then,"

✺

Jiayi got off the ground, twisting her sore waist from side to side. No matter how long she looked, once again, the stack of books didn't appear. Jiayi tried not to feel upset. It had only been a week since their last letters. He was a prince; of course, he was busy.

Jiayi glanced around the hiding spot one more time before shrugging. She'd come back and check tomorrow. She picked up her decoy embroidery basket and began her trek back to Chengqiangong.

A tall eunuch turned the corner, startling her, his chin tucked deep into his chest.

"Are you alright, guniang?"

"Just fine,"

"If you're looking for something, I can help you,"

"No, thank you," Jiayi said, inching away, clutching the basket close to her chest.

The back of her neck was beginning to itch with unease. She was a palace maid now; surely there wouldn't be a repeat of Su gonggong? Right.

"Jiayi," the eunuch said, "It's me!"

The eunuch raised his head, and suddenly, it was no longer a eunuch. It was Prince Han. Jiayi grimaced.

"Ew," she said, the words spilling out before she could stop herself.

Prince Han huffed, "Ew? I go through all this trouble to talk to you, and all you can say is 'ew'?"

Blushing, Jiayi grimaced, "I'm sorry, my lord, it's just...this outfit..."

"What about it?" Said Prince Han, looking down at himself, "I think Sang'er got the proper size,"

"You are a Prince of the Great Qing, my lord," Jiayi said, "This look doesn't suit you,"

The sight of Prince Han in the eunuch's clothes made Jiayi's skin crawl. It was just...Jiayi wasn't particularly prejudiced towards eunuchs because of Su gonggong, but the sight of her Prince Han in the getup looked too wrong.

"You really don't like it?" He asked.

Jiayi shook her head.

"Fine, then," he said before calling for Chang daren.

Chang daren popped out from around the corner, "Your servant is here,"

"Give me your clothes,"

"W-what?" Chang daren asked, mouth agape.

Jiayi felt his reaction was perfectly appropriate. What in the world?

Prince Han clasped his hands behind his back and stared at the guard, "Are you suddenly hard of hearing? Give me your clothes,"

Chang daren's lips flapped like a fish, his cheeks pinking, "My lord, I cannot. We're out in the open. Jiayi is right there!"

"Jiayi says these clothes don't suit me, so I don't want to wear them anymore. Stop whining, go over there and change,"

"My lord, Jiayi is muddled and blinded by your great beauty. Every bolt of fabric that touches your body is blessed beyond belief. Nothing would dare be unsuitable for you! Right, Jiayi?"

Perhaps Jiayi had grown cruel and unfeeling because the sight of Chang daren's fretful plea had her pressing her lips to stifle her laughter.

"Why are you crying?" Prince Han asked with a roll of his eyes, "You can wear these eunuch's clothes. Don't tell me you've never been naked in public before. Haven't you been on a campaign or two at your age? Hurry up!"

"B-but-!"

"What? You want me to strip you?"

Chang daren locked eyes with her, his eyes pleading once more for help. She'd have to help him. Prince Han looked serious enough to strip the poor man bare!

Jiayi stepped before Chang daren, who happily cowered at her back, "I misspoke, my lord. This outfit looks very dashing on you,"

"You're sure?" Prince Han asked, "It's no matter to me to wear Chang Lingxiu's clothes,"

"Perhaps," Jiayi began, stepping closer to him, "Lose the hat?"

She reached up, slid it off, and pressed it into his hands.

"I'll take my leave, my lord," Chang daren announced,

"Coward," Prince Han said with a shake of his head.

He sat down under a shady tree and beckoned her to his side.

"Do you need to go back quickly?" He asked.

Jiayi shook her head, "It's her afternoon rest, right now, and I told Molan I was dropping by the storage department to pick up some things to embroider,"

"So I have you all to myself?"

"Only for an hour more," she replied, fighting a blush, "What about you? Sixth Prince has been complaining that you've abandoned him and Lightning,"

"It's not my fault," he replied, his voice sounding suspiciously close to a whine, "Now that Huabao's returned..."

Jiayi tried to focus on the words coming out of Prince Han's mouth, but her guilt muffled in her ears. As the months passed, Jiayi shamelessly put what she did to First Princess to the back of her mind. Now that she was back, Jiayi tried to comfort herself. No one was talking about the rumors anymore, and First Princess would have a grand wedding to a man of great standing. Not only that, but Second Princess said that First Princess had nothing but good things to say about her time in Mongolia. It had all turned out alright in the end, but Jiayi couldn't shake the sadness that overcame her at the mention of First Princess.

A gentle touch to her hand brought her out of her thoughts.

"Jiayi. Is something wrong?"

"No," Jiayi said, "I just–ah, even Xiang pin is getting caught up with the wedding plans. It's why she's been taking so many naps lately! She and De gui fei are so busy now,"

"I still can't believe Huabao and Huahuan are getting married. I feel like it was just yesterday that I got to light the firecrackers at their 100th-day celebration. Ah. I'm getting old,"

"You're only 19!"

"Not for long. I'll be turning 20 soon. Officially an old man," he said with a sigh, "I can already feel my bones aching,"

"Perhaps you should ask Her Highness The Empress for a personal physician to help with your old bones for your birthday," Jiayi said with a laugh.

"Perhaps," Prince Han agreed, "What about you? What do you plan on getting me for my birthday?"

Jiayi began to fiddle with the smooth glass hanging from her ears. She knew Prince Han's birthday was on the horizon, but the thought of giving him a gift hadn't crossed her mind. Even if it did, what would've been the conclusion? Prince Han was, well, a prince. If there was anything he wanted, he could get it. If he couldn't, The Empress or The Emperor could. Besides a painting or another scent pouch, pathetically, Jiayi had nothing much to offer.

Other than, maybe, a kiss.

"I don't know," she burst out, furiously trying to escape the thought, "Is there anything you would like, my lord?"

Prince Han shrugged. He picked up his scent pouch and grabbed the coordinating one by Jiayi's waist, "Maybe another matching set? Or maybe a pair of boots? Or, you could paint me something with this,"

He reached into his jacket, pulled out a slim velvet box, and held it out to her.

Jiayi's stomach fluttered as she opened the gift. A paintbrush with a gleaming white handle and a mottled tapered tip was nestled in the silk lining.

"It's a Hubi,**" Prince Han said.

Jiayi gasped, "I never thought I would see one in real life,"

"The craftsmanship is grand. The bristles are goat and weasel hair, and the handle's ivory. What do you think?"

She turned to reply and was struck dumb by how close Prince Han suddenly was to her. He had moved in so close that Jiayi could feel his breath tickling her face. She gazed into his dark brown eyes as her heart began to race. Her eyes fell to his lips, and her pulse rushed through her ears.

"It's lovely," she whispered.

If she leaned in just a bit closer...

"My lord,"

Jiayi pulled her head back, Sang'er's soft voice bringing her back to her senses.

Prince Han's face grew ruddy before he cleared his throat and turned to Sang'er, "What is it?"

Sang'er grimaced, looking as if he wished to be anybody but himself at the moment, "Her Highness The Empress will be taking lunch soon and–"

"And I agreed to join her," Prince Han finished.

"Yes, my lord," Sang'er quietly agreed.

"I won't keep you," said Jiayi, tucking the paintbrush into the embroidery basket she had forgotten she had.

"Of course," he said.

He stood and dusted himself off, before offering Jiayi his hand, which she gladly took. His touch no longer threw her into a tizzy that made her want to run. Now, an incredible warmth drew her to him like a moth to a flame when they touched. She never wanted to let go.

"Thank you for the brush, my lord,"

Prince Han nodded his head and smiled, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles, "I look forward to seeing what you do with it,"

Jiayi pulled her hand away and bowed.

"Sending you off with respect,"

When she was alone again, Jiayi let out a gusty sigh. If Sang'er hadn't barged in, they would have–

They could have–

No!

She couldn't keep thinking about that. The day was getting late. Jiayi didn't have to look in the mirror to know her face was burning red. Hopefully, the walk back to Chengqiangong would cool her down.

––––––––

*Full proverb: Speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao will come. Essentially the Chinese version of Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Cao Cao was a warlord and the great chancellor of the Eastern Han dynasty who rose to great power during the time. He often portrayed as a cruel and merciless tyrant, and he also has been praised as a brilliant ruler and military genius character in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

**A type of famous ink brush that's been made in Huzhou, China since the Qin dynasty.