ATNCF: Chapter 135 Memories (Part One)

 On the thirtieth of November in the twenty-third year of Longqi, the first winter snow finally arrived in Luoyang.

Empress Dowager Li woke up early, half-leaning on the bed weakly. As Shu Niang had the doors and windows of the hall opened for ventilation, she smiled when she saw the silver-clad scenery outside. "The snow has finally come this year."

The north wind, carrying a chill, seeped into the room, breaking through the warmth of the charcoal fire, causing her to cough involuntarily, covering her mouth.

Shu Niang hurriedly approached with slightly unsteady steps, adding another thin blanket over the tightly wrapped quilt around her and offering warm tea to her lips. "Your Highness, drink some hot tea quickly, don't catch a cold."

Empress Dowager Li took two sips of warm tea, warming her throat, suppressing the itchiness, and then leaned back on the pillow again, waving her hand. "I'm fine, don't worry."

Shu Niang carefully observed her complexion, seeing no abnormality, she got up to bring the breakfast table that had been prepared and served her bit by bit.

Just as she finished eating, a palace maid announced, "Her Majesty the Empress has arrived."

After rinsing her mouth, Empress Dowager Li waved her hand to have the breakfast table removed. Li Zhi had already entered, smiling as she greeted her mother with a curtsy before sitting by the bed, asking, "Mother, did you sleep well last night?"

Empress Dowager Li lacked strength in her body, but her face was gentle as she softly replied, "I'm fine, nothing serious, you all worry too much."

Li Zhi didn't directly respond, just lowered her eyes and said, "As children, it's natural for us to be most concerned about our mother's health. Yuan Ying also notified us yesterday that she's on her way back to Luoyang. She's thinking of her grandmother too."

Yuan Ying was her daughter conceived that year in Taiyuan. She got married only last year and followed her husband to Yangzhou, where he was transferred. Now upon hearing that Empress Dowager Li was seriously ill, she hurried back.

Empress Dowager Li's illness began a month ago at a palace banquet.

That day was supposed to be the birthday celebration of the Crown Prince Yuan Lang, with the designated Crown Princess. Empress Dowager Li was delighted and invited the bride's family and several relatives to gather in the palace. However, halfway through the banquet, the Empress Dowager, who had been laughing heartily, suddenly fainted in public.

Fortunately, the imperial physician arrived in time. After repeated examinations, it was diagnosed as exhaustion due to old age. They advised her to rest more, and she would be fine. However, in the following month, the Empress Dowager remained bedridden, and her originally healthy body weakened day by day.

Several imperial physicians repeatedly diagnosed and discussed, but in the end, they attributed the cause to old age and bodily decline.

If it were an ordinary illness, no matter how dangerous, there would be medicine to cure it. But for old age, medicine was useless.

Empress Dowager Li had already passed the age of sixty this year, and in the eyes of ordinary people, she could be considered fortunate. The imperial physicians reassured everyone that the Empress Dowager could still support herself for some time, but for her loved ones, it was still difficult to accept.

Seeing that it was about time, Shu Niang closed the open doors and windows tightly again.

Seeing this, Li Zhi reached out to remove the thin blanket that had been added later and took away the warm stove.

Empress Dowager Li heard that her only granddaughter was eager to come back and no longer tried to comfort others. After all, she knew her own body best.

Back when they bid farewell to Empress Dowager Pei, it seemed that it was her turn now.

When people reach old age, they always tend to think of the past. Somehow, upon hearing about her granddaughter, she naturally recalled her youth.

She half-laid down, gazing at the embroidered pattern on the bed canopy, and suddenly said, "Child, have I not told you about your father and me?"

Li Zhi gently held her hand on the bed edge, smiling. "No, why don't you tell me quietly today before Sanlang arrives?"

Empress Dowager Li nodded, a loving and nostalgic look appearing on her face.

"At that time, I was just like our Yuan Ying, still a princess cherished by my father and elder brother in Chang'an City."

...

In the twelfth year of Zhaocheng, in the Furong Garden south of the city.

Today is the Crown Prince's birthday. With the emperor's permission, a banquet is set up by the winding waterside of the Furong Garden, inviting young gentlemen and ladies from noble families in the city.

With no elders present, the atmosphere in the Furong Garden should have been lively and relaxed. However, after drinking two cups of wine, the Crown Prince's complexion turned sour. Naturally, those accompanying him dared not laugh freely.

"Those barbarians are truly insolent! Just because they have a few good horses, they dare to boast to the great Wei! A barbarian who still feeds on raw meat and blood, unenlightened as they are, dares to demand that a princess of Wei be married off to them!"

The Crown Prince was overwhelmed with anger. He slammed the wine cup heavily onto the table, making a sudden noise that silenced everyone around him.

It was just a good day, and someone unintentionally mentioned the rumors of the previous dynasty's princess marrying off, which ignited the anger that the Crown Prince had been holding inside.

Half a month ago, Ashina Silu, the new Khan of the Turkic Khaganate, not only frequently plundered the border civilians but also declared that the Emperor of Wei should marry his beloved Princess Shouchang to him for marriage. Otherwise, he would launch a massive invasion to the south.

This move undoubtedly challenged the dignity of the Wei Emperor.

In the past, the Emperor would have resolutely refused without fear and even sent troops to show the might of Wei.

But today's Wei Dynasty was not the same as before.

Since a natural disaster two years ago, large areas of land in the Central Plains had been plagued by famine for half a year, the population had sharply declined, and starving people were everywhere. After more than a year of recuperation, they had just begun to catch their breath. At this time, it was not suitable to start a large-scale war.

From the Emperor to the courtiers, everyone knew it well. Although they cursed the shamelessness of the barbarians in the court, few advocated for direct war. There were even a few civilian officials who privately discussed whether it was really necessary to let Princess Shouchang marry off.

The Crown Prince, young and hot-blooded, naturally burned with anger.

Seeing this, people exchanged glances secretly, and someone immediately stood up to agree, "Your Highness is right. These mere barbarians, unenlightened as they are, dare to demand the hand of Princess Shouchang. They are truly overestimating themselves!"

"Yes, overestimating themselves! Princess Shouchang’s noble status is beyond their reach, how could they dare to covet her?"

Amidst the clamor, the Crown Prince coldly swept his eyes over everyone. "Since you all think this is overestimating themselves, does anyone dare to lead the army into battle and dampen their spirits?"

As soon as the words were spoken, silence fell again, and everyone looked at each other, but no one was willing to be the first to step forward.

Even though the Crown Prince had anticipated it long ago, he couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

In the court, these young gentlemen and ladies' ancestors were all like this—silent in response. His father-in-law, Minister Du, asked the Emperor to lead the battle, but instead, he faced opposition from other courtiers.

"Hmph, it turns out they're all just blustering mouths." The Crown Prince sat on the main seat with his eyes downcast, his displeasure evident.

Seeing the atmosphere stagnant, Crown Princess Du couldn't help but look around, and finally, her gaze fell on her side, on Princess Shouchang Li Hua Zhuang.

"Hua'er, today is your brother's birthday. We should be happy. Persuade him." She pinched Li Hua Zhuang's sleeve, leaned over, and whispered.

Hua Zhuang was a bit absent-minded, but only then did she notice that many people at the banquet had already set their eyes on her. It seemed they were expecting the protagonist of the ongoing discussion to say a few words.

She felt a hint of helplessness and discomfort in her heart, but quickly adjusted her mood and smiled lightly, "Taizi gege, today is your big day. Don't say such angry words. Everything is still uncertain. I'm not worried yet."

She had always been of a hearty and open-minded nature. At first hearing of this matter, her heart couldn't help but be filled with fear and worry, resisting it all. But now, after more than half a month with no conclusion in sight, she gradually calmed down, no longer excessively fretting.

She thought, if it really couldn't be avoided, then she should cherish the present moment even more.

However, speaking of her own marriage in public, especially in such an awkward situation, she, a sixteen-year-old young bride, still felt somewhat bewildered. After saying a few words, she unconsciously turned her gaze away.

Little did she know, as she turned, she met the gaze of a pair of dark and deep eyes diagonally across from her.

She paused, blinked, staring at the silent young man who met her gaze without flinching, feeling subconsciously both unfamiliar and familiar.

The young man appeared to be in his early twenties, tall and robust, with well-defined features. Among the other young noblemen of about twenty years old, he stood out with a restrained and deep aura.

After Hua Zhuang took another glance and then shifted her gaze away, she gradually recalled. The man's name was Pei Yan, the son of Hedong’s Military Governor, Pei Shao. He had been stationed in Taiyuan for a long time, seemingly serving in the military and rarely returning to the capital. This time, he had returned with his father who came to report to the court.

Coming from the military, it was no wonder he was different from the other noble young men who enjoyed leisure.

With a sigh in her heart, Hua Zhuang didn't dwell on it any further.

Following her earlier words, the others tried to continue chatting and laughing, but then Liu Qilang, the son of the Minister of Rites, suddenly hesitated, "In my humble opinion, resolving the princess's matter might not necessarily require a large-scale mobilization of troops."

As his words fell, the Crown Prince looked up, signaling him to continue, and others followed suit, casting their gazes over, causing a faint blush to appear on his slightly immature face.

"Dadu Khan clearly stated his desire to marry Princess Shouchang. However, if Princess Shouchang is already married, he will naturally have to give up... At that time, we can bestow another princess to marry the Turks, which will not only save the face of our Great Wei, but also avoid a war."

He finished speaking, looking a bit nervous at the Crown Prince, as if hoping for some approval.

However, the Crown Prince kept his eyes lowered and remained silent. The others also looked at him with complex expressions.

Such a method, where else wouldn't others think of it? But ultimately, it was a last resort. Until it was absolutely necessary, no one would actively suggest it. If a princess of the court hurriedly married off just to avoid a barbarian's proposal, how weak would that appear in the eyes of the people?

Unfortunately, Liu Qilang was young and hadn't considered this thoroughly, unexpectedly blurting it out in public. Now seeing the others' expressions, he slowly began to regret his words.

Just as he was embarrassed and at a loss, Hua Zhuang stood up from her seat, bowed to Liu Qilang in front of everyone, "Thank you, Lord Liu, for your kind intentions. This is indeed a solution."

The crowd was stunned, thinking that the princess really had such intentions.

Little did they know, she changed her tone, "I understand that His Majesty, the Crown Prince, and everyone else are concerned for my sake, and I am deeply grateful. However, as a princess of Great Wei, besides enjoying honor and admiration from the masses, I cannot forget the responsibilities I bear. At present, Great Wei is in the midst of rebuilding after the disaster. It is not appropriate to mobilize troops on a large scale. If, in the end, His Majesty decides to negotiate with the Turks, as a princess, I will not shirk my duty. Even if it's a marriage alliance, I will go."

These words were the culmination of her wavering thoughts over the past few days, finally coming to a firm decision.

The crowd was somewhat shocked after hearing this.

This was the princess of Great Wei, upright and fearless, whose years of favor from His Majesty were not in vain.

In comparison, her integrity and courage made the others in the scene appear cowardly, lacking in spirit.

The crowd lowered their heads one after another, afraid to meet her gaze.

Only the young man named Pei Yan, sitting in the distance, remained unmoved, once again locking eyes with her with those dark eyes.

She had no time to spare, lowered her eyes back to her seat, ignoring the Crown Prince's hesitation. After a slight apology, she got up and left her seat, heading alone to a quieter corner of the garden.

In the midst of attempts by Crown Princess Du to ease the tension, the atmosphere was gradually returning to its former state. Hua Zhuang walked in silence for a long time, until she threw all her thoughts aside, stopping her steps by the waterside pavilion, leaning against the railings and gazing into the distance.

"Your Highness," Shu Niang, who had been following cautiously, was full of worry. Seeing her stop, she couldn't help but speak her mind, "How could you say such things just now? Once those words are spoken, they cannot be taken back..."

Although this wasn't a particularly formal occasion, with so many people present just now, her words would surely be spread soon. By then, everyone would know that the princess was willing to marry, and the courtiers would no longer hesitate. Considering everything, they might truly sacrifice her temporarily to focus on recovery and recuperation.

Hua Zhuang's grip tightened on the railing, then she let go, turned around, and smiled at Shu Niang, "What's there to fear? Those are the words I have spoken from the heart."

As she finished speaking, her eyes suddenly reddened, a sour feeling rising, prompting her to silently shed two tears.

Shu Niang looked even more distressed.

The princess might have a good temperament, but she was still a sixteen-year-old young lady who had been raised in luxury. How could she bear such a heavy burden all of a sudden?

Sniffling, Shu Niang frowned and said, "If only there were a brilliant general who could resolve the current crisis without the need to mobilize the entire nation's forces, how wonderful would it be? Then, the princess wouldn't have to suffer..."

Hua Zhuang wiped her tears with a handkerchief, looked up, and smiled, "If such a talent truly exists, it would indeed be a blessing for Great Wei."

"Your Highness, just now, what Liu Qilang said also has some merit. I heard that Her Majesty has been inquiring about Your Highness's thoughts lately... Perhaps His Majesty is also reluctant to let you go..." Shu Niang felt aggrieved and wanted to persuade her further.

But Hua Zhuang's expression turned serious, "Let's not speak of such things again. It's only because of my parents' love and care that I am like this. But I cannot avoid all of this just because of their affection."

"Your Highness!" Shu Niang was filled with sorrow, feeling choked up, and couldn't help stomping her foot.

"If someone could resolve the current dilemma and make the Turks submit, how would Your Highness react?"

A deep and unfamiliar voice suddenly came from not far outside the pavilion.

Hua Zhuang was startled and quickly turned her head to look, only to see that Pei Yan had somehow appeared by the artificial mountain at the side of the pavilion, looking at her expressionlessly.

For a moment, she felt bewildered, not understanding why this young man had followed her here, let alone why he was asking such a question.

"If there truly were such a talented individual, I would be endlessly grateful. Regardless of their request, as long as it is within my capabilities, I would never refuse."

As she finished speaking, their eyes met, and there was a silence in the air.

"You—"

Hua Zhuang hesitated to speak, wanting to break the silence, but Pei Yan had already bowed expressionlessly to her and turned to leave.

"This person, why does he seem a little strange..."

...

"Father asked like that, has he already decided to petition the emperor for war, to drive away the foreign enemies?" Li Zhi listened attentively, holding onto Empress Dowager Li's hand as she asked.

Empress Dowager Li smiled with emotion in her eyes, struggling to turn over in bed, nodding, "Yes, when he accompanied his father back to Chang'an that time, the two of them had already decided to petition my father for war. It's just that nobody knew at the time, and I didn't expect it either, until I heard that he had already knelt in front of my father during the audience, publicly pleading to lead the troops into battle. I couldn't help but go ask him myself."

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