A Fish Longing for the Old Pond

Part 8 [End]

21

Sure enough, in the ladies' section, all the other madams greeted me politely.

The Princess saw me and immediately had a maid bring me over:

"This is the first time the Marquis of Xuancheng has brought you to a palace banquet. How is it? No one gave you a hard time, right?"

I shook my head and told the Princess that last night I had stayed up reading storybooks to catch up, even neglecting Chi Yan Chi.

The Princess laughed heartily and said that if anyone dared to be rude to me, I could simply mention her name and it would be effective.

Midway through the banquet, I needed to change clothes because I had drunk quite a bit of wine.

On the way back, a maid gently bumped into me.

Suddenly, a piece of paper was slipped into my hand.

【At the third quarter of the hour of Xu [1], by the back lake of Chonghua Hall.】

At the end of the message was a strange symbol, like two arcs joined together.

It was rather pretty, actually.

I had the maid fetch Chi Yan Chi immediately.

As soon as he arrived, I handed him the note.

His face turned cold as he read it, but when he looked at me, he resumed his usual gentle demeanor:

"I will handle this matter. There is no need for you to worry. Return to the banquet and drink less wine."

My husband was indeed very considerate.

Half an hour later, news spread that Prince of Cheng, formerly the Fourth Prince, had been caught offending a concubine by the back lake of Chonghua Hall.

A dagger was found in his sleeve.

Everyone knew that weapons were forbidden at the banquet.

Especially someone of his rank; his treasonous intent was clear.

The Emperor immediately ordered his titles revoked and placed him under house arrest.

22

Under the gentle moonlight, Chi Yan Chi held my hand as we walked towards the palace gates:

"Was this your doing?"

"Yes."

"Over the past ten years, he has continually caused trouble. Keeping him around was to give that demon a glimmer of hope, preventing her from becoming too desperate. Now that he's useless and dared to provoke you, having his titles revoked and being placed under house arrest is the best outcome for him."

I nodded silently.

Suddenly, Chi Yan Chi tightened his grip on my hand:

"Madam, do you think I've changed?"

I glanced around and saw the palace servants walking with their heads down.

I beckoned him with my finger.

Chi Yan Chi obediently leaned in.

With a mischievous smile, I kissed him with a "mwah."

This time, it was his turn to blush.

In truth, whether he had changed or not, he was still him.

......

Later that night, back in our room, I was a bit tipsy.

Taking advantage of Chi Yan Chi's indulgence, I started acting out scenes from storybooks with him.

As things escalated, the room was filled with my cries and pleas for mercy.

Annoyingly, Chi Yan Chi still whispered in my ear, "Madam, haven't you written many storybooks? Although seven days and seven nights is a bit exaggerated, we have plenty of time in the future, so why not try them one by one?"

Sob sob, I'm done writing, never again.

......

One day, while tidying up the study, I found an old, dusty box containing an unfinished storybook from ten years ago.

I casually flipped through a few pages and found a small line of text at the end of the book.

【I have been cold by nature all my life, with little to love. Only Chen Yu holds my heart and captures my affection. Whether in the highest heavens or the deepest underworld, I wish to never betray this bond.】

The ink was old, and the book's edges were frayed.

Ten years of life and death stretch endlessly apart; though I do not think of it, it is impossible to forget. [2]

Chi Yan Chi, Chen Yu feels the same for you.

Whether in the highest heavens or the deepest underworld, I will never betray you.

(The End of Main Story) 

________
Footnote:

[1] Hour of Xu (戌时), one of the twelve double hours in ancient times, corresponds to modern time from 7 PM to 9 PM.
[2] This is a Chinese poem. The original text is: 十年生死两茫茫，不思量，自难忘

The meaning is: We, as husband and wife, have been separated for a full ten years. Though I have tried to suppress my longing, it is ultimately impossible to forget.