Farewell Gift

At dawn, the Quiet Study in the Prince Jun’s residence was brightly lit, its lamps burning since the deep hours of the night. Zhao Chengxian had not slept at all, holding something in his hand and gazing at it intently. It was a silver bracelet he had chanced upon on the street yesterday—a delicate piece adorned with many tiny stars and a crescent moon hanging amidst them. The moment he laid eyes on it, he knew he had to buy it, for it reminded him of Hui Yue’er. Zhao Chengxian had intended to gift it to Hui Yue’er last night, yet he hesitated, unwilling to demand any promise from her. Hui Yue’er was a woman of her word; a single vow might cost her life within the palace. So he wavered, uncertain whether to give her the bracelet—a sign of his love. Talking to himself, he muttered, “Had I known, it would have been better not to buy it at all, since I won’t be able to give it!” With that, he tossed the bracelet aside onto the floor.

At that moment, Lady Jade and her maid entered, carrying a bowl of sweet soup. Her voice preceded her arrival, “Your Highness, you haven’t slept all night. Come, have a bowl of sweet soup!” Upon entering and seeing the bracelet on the floor, she picked it up, smiled, and walked to Zhao Chengxian’s side, asking, “Your Highness, is this yours?” She wanted to ask whom it was meant for, but held her tongue—she was not one to speak carelessly.

Zhao Chengxian accepted the bracelet unhurriedly and replied, “Yes, it’s mine. Thank you.” His mood was poor, and his smile was tinged with coldness. With no sentiments engaged, he felt no need to explain anything to them—such was the difference between caring and indifference.

Seeing that Zhao Chengxian had no intention of conversing further, Lady Jade pressed on, glancing at the bracelet in his hand. “This bracelet doesn’t suit me or Lady Qin; it’s perfect for Lady Xiang. Lady Xiang’s elegance is understated yet noble—this bracelet would complement her perfectly!” Lady Jade well knew that Zhao Chengxian rarely bought trinkets to gift others, except for the old princess. Clearly, this bracelet was not meant for an elder, so it must be for one of them. She had once suspected something between Zhao Chengxian and Hui Yue’er, but after he had explained everything to them, her doubts were dispelled.

Zhao Chengxian ignored Lady Jade’s words, merely smiling faintly as he said, “I have official matters to attend to. You may go now.” Though he smiled, his tone was cold. Lady Jade, sensing the mood, withdrew sensibly. Once she had left, Zhao Chengxian resolved he must give the bracelet to Hui Yue’er. He called to Chen Gui outside the door, “Go and bring Qiqi to me!” He still did not wish to hand it to Hui Yue’er himself—perhaps lacking the courage to personally see her off to the palace carriage. Sending the girl he loved to another’s bridal sedan was not something a man could bear, even if it was only a carriage; a royal carriage was no different from a commoner’s bridal sedan. Once she entered the palace, who knew if he would ever see her again? He would rather keep the joy of last night locked in his heart than witness Hui Yue’er’s sorrow.

Qiqi entered, looking at Zhao Chengxian and asking, “Your Highness, aren’t you going to say goodbye to Sister Yue?” She did not understand the nature of the feelings between Hui Yue’er and Zhao Chengxian, but she had observed their pleasant interactions these days and could not fathom why Zhao Chengxian would not see Hui Yue’er off. Assuming he still disliked Hui Yue’er, Qiqi said, “Your Highness, please don’t dislike Sister Yue. She doesn’t want to enter the palace—she’s not the sort who seeks favor or power…” In truth, Zhao Chengxian understood this better than she did.

Zhao Chengxian interrupted her, “When did I ever say I disliked little Yue’er? I have things to attend to and won’t be seeing you off. Give this to little Yue’er!” He took out a square box and handed it to Qiqi. Seeing Qiqi’s puzzled expression, he explained, “Consider it a farewell gift for little Yue’er after her time at Prince Jun’s residence!” He hoped Hui Yue’er would not forget last night’s conversation about stars and moon—he had wanted to give it to her then, but after much deliberation, he refrained.

Qiqi, still young and ignorant, accepted the explanation without question, took the box without opening it, and smiled as she bid Zhao Chengxian farewell. “Your Highness, take care. Qiqi is leaving!” She was but an innocent child.

Zhao Chengxian smiled reluctantly, saying, “Yes, take care of yourself and Sister Yue. Don’t cause trouble for her. If you encounter any problems, seek Xiao Xi from the Service Bureau—he will inform me. Understand?” Qiqi nodded obediently. Zhao Chengxian smiled, “Alright, go now!” As Qiqi departed, Zhao Chengxian longed to see Hui Yue’er once more, but feared that if he did, he would never let her go. He knew that once Yue’er left, she might never return to his world, and he understood the consequences of keeping her—it might involve both Prince Jun’s residence and the Hui family’s escort bureau. If it were only between the two of them, he would never let Hui Yue’er enter the palace, but he could not implicate hundreds of others. Standing at the entrance of the Quiet Study, gazing at the sky, he forced himself to bear the pain and thought: Farewell, little Yue’er!

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those in between, quickly shower me with gold medals, red packets, and gifts—hold nothing back! Let the storm rage fiercer yet!