Chapter Fifty-Six: The Joy of No Worries

Xiangxue gathered a lock of her dark hair at the back of her head, dressed in a pale green gown that trailed along the floor. Hualiu, meanwhile, parted her hair down the middle at her forehead, letting it fall to her temples, and wore a dress of peach blossom pink. The two young women walked toward him with graceful poise, truly more exquisite than flowers in bloom.

It was, in part, a matter of age. Xiangxue was twenty-two, Hualiu twenty-one. Who could say what standard this era held? At such ages, their bodies were fully matured, which suited Li Wei's own aesthetic. Yang Min and Xu Li, though strikingly beautiful, were somewhat younger.

Both girls had been strictly trained since childhood; even the way they walked was refined and elegant.

As Li Wei gazed at the two maidens, Bi’er, ever mischievous, nudged his elbow and whispered, “They’re so lovely!”

“Silly girl!” Li Wei fondly patted her head.

A girl like Bi’er would be a rarity in future generations, almost extinct, but in this era, there were still such as she—like Empress Changsun, who was not the jealous type. Yet, even in these times, such girls were as rare as pandas.

“Your Highness, we come to pay our respects. We heard you were unwell and beg your forgiveness,” the two girls said, bowing gracefully. Whether or not it was directly their doing, the fact remained that Helan Minzhi had sent men to pursue the crown prince, a culmination of various grudges in which they had played a part. In recent days, they had been overcome with shame and anxiety.

They were not only beautiful and well-mannered, but also willing to accept responsibility. Li Wei sighed inwardly and found himself all the more favorably disposed toward them.

“I am well,” he said. “It’s not as you imagine. I called you here because there is something I wish to discuss.”

“Please instruct us, Your Highness. We are willing to die a thousand deaths, if need be.”

“It’s nothing so dire. Since I’ve already extended a hand to save you, I would never cast you into the fire again. Still, you know it’s not quite appropriate for you to remain in the Eastern Palace.”

“Then we shall leave at once,” Xiangxue replied. Both girls immediately stood up.

Yet their eyes reflected deep sorrow. Leaving the Eastern Palace meant returning to their respective establishments, where Helan Minzhi, still smarting from her face being slashed by the crown prince and with nowhere else to vent her anger, would surely take it out on them. If not for this, they would have already taken their leave.

“Sit down,” Li Wei said. “Let me finish.”

Sensing a change, the two girls sat down again.

“In the capital, I have become acquainted with the legal officer of Bingzhou, named Di Renjie—a man of integrity and great ability, whose future is limitless. I plan to entrust you to his care. But unlike other officials, he is not given to corruption or bribery. Life with him will be austere.”

Though both girls were of good character, in their own establishments they were the leading courtesans. Apart from an ill reputation, they wanted for nothing—clothes and meals provided, with maids to serve them. Entrusting them to Di Renjie was a fine solution, but Li Wei feared they might not be accustomed to such a plain life.

Xiangxue lowered her head and murmured, “If that is Your Highness’s arrangement, we are willing to go.”

Her tone was still sorrowful. Was she unhappy? As Li Wei was about to speak, Xiangxue added, “Before I leave, may I play a song for Your Highness to express my gratitude?”

“Certainly. Bi’er, bring the jade zither,” Li Wei said. Since he had brought them into the Eastern Palace, letting them play a song was a small thing.

“Your Highness, may I paint a portrait for you?” Hualiu asked.

—

“What’s the matter with you both? Di, the legal officer, is a man of great talent and will surely rise in the capital sooner or later. Why do you act as if parted by life and death?” Li Wei asked, immediately regretting it. What was he saying? Did he expect to meet them again after Di Renjie entered the capital?

Xiangxue shook her head and sat down to play. The notes were melodious yet tinged with a certain melancholy. Li Wei had never heard this melody before. When the song ended, he asked, “What is that piece?”

“It is ‘Song of No Sorrow’ from the ‘Qingshang Music.’ Of the Ten Departments of music in our dynasty, most derive from the Hu tribes. Our court’s music is martial and grand, so the capital favors Hu customs—such as ‘Yan Music,’ ‘Goryeo Music,’ and ‘Western Liang Music,’ especially ‘Yan Music,’ which comes from the music of Kucha. Its seven modes are all suitable for main melodies, complex and varied, and thus much loved by people today. In the past, however, court music was based on palace tones, while ‘Qingshang Music’ uses the shang tone. It’s less changeable but clear and serene, which suits my temperament. I am not skilled in other styles, but of the sixty-three surviving pieces of ‘Qingshang Music,’ I am fortunate enough to play a few.”

“This is the first time I’ve heard it. It has a delicate, refined charm,” Li Wei said. It was not as if he had never heard it before—the former crown prince had—but for Li Wei himself, it was new.

“Indeed,” Xiangxue continued. “‘Qingshang Music’ was obtained by Emperor Wen of Sui after conquering Chen in the south. During the transition from Sui to Tang, some pieces were lost—many famous songs are gone. Of Zhou music, only the score of ‘White Snow’ remains. ‘Song of No Sorrow’ was originally ‘Shicheng,’ composed when Zang Zhi, Governor of Jingling under the Southern Song, watched the city from the walls and heard youths singing. The lyrics went, ‘Born beneath Shicheng, open the door to the city tower; handsome youths in the city, come and go as companions.’ Later, a girl named No Sorrow, famed for her singing, appeared in Jingling. Her song went, ‘Where is No Sorrow? West of Shicheng; row the boat with two oars, hasten to bring No Sorrow here.’ People then reworked the melody, creating ‘Song of No Sorrow.’ Over time, the story became a tragic legend, spreading throughout the region, and the song itself grew ever more plaintive.”

She recounted the history with gentle elegance, adding to her charm.

Her learning was remarkable, Li Wei thought. No wonder she was called one of the three famed courtesans of the capital—not just for her beauty, but for her knowledge, character, and bearing, all of which enhanced her allure.

But he also felt a drop of cold sweat. So this No Sorrow was not the later one of Nanjing, but the one from what would become Hubei—how had the story migrated to Nanjing? Fortunately, he had studied many maps for his escape and avoided making a blunder by interjecting.

Xiangxue continued, “Though both use the shang tone as the main key, ‘Shicheng’ is more lively and bright, while ‘No Sorrow’ is slightly slower but clearer and more delicate. Your Highness, listen to the difference.” She placed her hands on the strings again and played. This time, the music was indeed different—like a happy youth, singing on horseback, sweeping away the earlier sadness.

Li Wei, however, grew displeased. “If you’re unwilling, I won’t force you,” he said.

“We would not dare. We are merely courtesans—if we are fortunate enough to serve as the legal officer’s maidservants, it is already a blessing earned in a past life.”

Li Wei suddenly burst out laughing. No wonder they acted as though parting forever. Not only he, but even Bi’er laughed, leaving the two girls puzzled. When he finished, Li Wei said, “I was at fault, not making myself clear. This legal officer is upright, not as you suppose. Moreover, I’m not sending you to be his servants, but to be adopted as his daughters.”

“Truly?” the two girls asked in delighted unison.

A Bingzhou legal officer was nothing in the capital, but in the provinces, it was a significant post. More importantly, this would give them a new life, their past washed clean.

At this, Li Wei grew embarrassed. “But I’ve run into a problem. I wish to redeem you both, but I have no money.”

It was vexing—a crown prince unable to afford the ransom for two courtesans.

Their hearts at ease, seeing Li Wei’s expression, the two girls embraced, laughing merrily. When they’d finished, they said, “You should have said so sooner, Your Highness. Though our savings are modest, we have more than enough to redeem ourselves. It’s just that in such places, we’d never met the right person and had to endure for so long.”

Had they not spoken, Li Wei would have felt better. Now, though a problem was solved, he was even more embarrassed—he didn’t even have as much money as a courtesan!

...

“Master Di, Master Yao and Master Ximen have already been appointed as Dialogues of the Institute of Letters,” Wei Yuanzhong reported, with a trace of envy. They were about the same age as the crown prince; as long as they persevered until the prince ascended the throne, a glorious future awaited.

Yao Yuanchong and Ximen Chong both bowed. “We must thank you both for your support.”

—

“Please sit,” Di Renjie gestured for them to take their seats, then said, “Now that you are Dialogues at the Institute of Letters, I have a word of advice.”

“We are eager to learn.”

“The Institute is filled with erudite, upright scholars. This is praiseworthy, as they instruct the crown prince in morality and literature. Yet, they often lack flexibility—remember this well, and mind your own discretion.”

“We will remember your teaching.”

“I have high hopes for both of you. As it happens, I am leaving the capital tomorrow, but I have heard good news.” He turned to Wei Yuanzhong. “Did you get it?”

“It was no easy task, but here it is, Master Di.” Wei Yuanzhong handed over a bundle of case files. “On the day of the incident, three people came forward at Duke Zhou’s residence. The one who met with General Liu was Zhang Bangyan, confirmed to be from Duke Zhou’s household. The Court of Judicial Review wanted to issue a warrant for his arrest and have him interrogated, but was stopped by General Liu Rengui, who seemed to be shielding him. But now, Zhang is definitely not in the capital.”

He frowned. “But as you suspected, there are many oddities in this case. The person who tipped off the prince was also from Duke Zhou’s estate, named Liu Hansan, and another called Zhong Dacui—by their names, both of humble origin.”

At this time, most people were illiterate. Some children were given rustic names—Wang Ermazi, Zhang San, Li Si, and so forth. Those of good birth would never be named Liu Hansan or Zhong Dacui.

Wei Yuanzhong continued, “Afterward, the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice searched Duke Zhou’s estate, but found no such servants. To be sure, they cross-checked descriptions and comings and goings, but still found nothing suspicious. However, there was one important adviser, Liu Lu, who masterminded most of these schemes—including the abduction of the crown princess in Zhongnan Mountain. Yet after the event, he vanished. Now the Ministry of Justice has issued a nationwide warrant for his arrest. This remains a mystery in the case.”

“Could it be someone else?” Yao Yuanchong asked.

“That seems unlikely. The crown prince is kind-hearted and has made few enemies. Besides, Wu Minzhi has gone mad—apart from him, who else would dare such a thing?” said Ximen Chong.

“Not necessarily. Perhaps they lacked the courage, but if someone learned that Duke Zhou’s people had kidnapped the crown princess, they might try to exploit the chaos. If they succeeded in harming the prince, all blame would fall on Wu Minzhi, who could not even defend himself,” Di Renjie said, flipping through the file.

He had long harbored suspicions and so had Wei Yuanzhong procure the case documents.

“Then who could it be?” Wei Yuanzhong asked, a little nervously.

“It’s only a theory of mine, Wei. No need to worry.” After reading, Di Renjie shifted tone: “Even if such a person exists, if they wish to harm the prince, they’ll have to get past me first.”

It was, after all, just a hypothesis. The three let out a sigh of relief. They had all pledged their loyalty to the crown prince and hoped no more harm would befall him...