Lonely Men and Women on New Year's Eve

Zhang Bitong sat on the soft couch, sweeping her gaze over us before speaking. “I can’t say for certain whether it was you who betrayed me, or if that wretched woman simply had such good fortune and stole my thunder. But on this New Year’s Eve, I am the most aggrieved woman in this entire harem. If any of you dare to spread word of this matter and make me the laughingstock of the palace, I will not forgive you.”

“We wouldn’t dare speak out of turn, Your Highness,” we replied in unison.

Zhang Bitong leaned back against the couch, clearly still upset over what had happened. After a moment’s thought, she said, “There’s no way for me to enjoy this New Year’s Eve now. What mood could I possibly have left? You useless lot, seeing me like this and not a single one of you can help. Truly, I’ve raised a group of good-for-nothings. Enough, none of you shall have a peaceful holiday either. Go kneel at the door and repent.”

Xiao Luzi and Lanyan exchanged glances, on the verge of tears. Only Yunqing kept her composure, stood up, and said to the others, “Let’s go.”

The five of us reached the doorway, straightened our robes, and knelt down. Just then, a figure in purple entered our line of sight—Jiang Xuan had arrived.

He cast a cool glance at us, then stepped inside.

We heard Zhang Bitong call out, “Xuan’er, what brings you here?”

“I’ve come to keep Mother company on New Year’s Eve.”

Zhang Bitong sighed. “Your mother is useless. All these years, I’ve never managed to persuade your father to come to Cuiwei Palace, so our family of three could properly celebrate the New Year together.”

Jiang Xuan lifted his robe and sat on a stool. “Father is the Emperor of all under heaven, husband to many consorts, and father to the princes and princesses. I cannot monopolize him. Don’t be troubled, Mother. I am here to keep you company.”

Zhang Bitong was visibly moved, dabbing at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. “My good Xuan’er, come here to your mother.”

Jiang Xuan did not rise, but instead turned his gaze on us and said, “Since we are keeping vigil for the New Year, we should do so together. Whatever happened today, Mother, why not let it go for now?”

Zhang Bitong regarded us for a moment, then relented. “Fine, for your sake, Xuan’er, I’ll let it go today. You may all come in.”

“Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you, Ninth Prince!”

Yunqing led us inside. She asked, “Your Highness, you hardly ate anything at the palace banquet. Did the Ninth Prince have anything to eat?”

Zhang Bitong replied, “I’m full from anger alone.”

Jiang Xuan asked, “Aunt, do you have any suggestions?”

Yunqing smiled. “On New Year’s Eve, it’s customary for us to eat dumplings. Why don’t Your Highness and the Ninth Prince chat here, and I’ll take Hongxiu and Xiao Luzi to the kitchen to make dumplings? We can keep vigil and eat at the same time.”

Lanyan eagerly nodded in agreement. “That’s a wonderful idea. Your Highness, may I cut some paper window decorations as well? It would be more festive.”

Zhang Bitong waved her hand. “Do as you like.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

So Yunqing took Hongxiu and Xiao Luzi off to the kitchen, Lanyan went to gather materials, and I remained in the room.

As I looked down at my boots, I suddenly realized that the pair Long Zhan had held earlier were in the same style worn by palace eunuchs. Had he prepared a pair of shoes for me?

With the winter snow, my shoes were already soaked through, and my feet were always icy cold. I’d become used to it, since it was the same at home. Perhaps Long Zhan understood the plight of palace eunuchs and had prepared a new pair for me. He was so thoughtful, yet I had questioned him so harshly—was I too severe with him?

“Xiao Xiaozi!” Zhang Bitong’s displeased voice startled me from my thoughts.

I hurriedly looked up. “At your service, Your Highness!”

“What are you daydreaming about? I’ve called you several times and you didn’t hear.”

“I beg your pardon, Your Highness. What do you require?”

“Close the door, add some charcoal, and pour a cup of hot tea for the Ninth Prince.”

“At once!”

I followed Zhang Bitong’s instructions, setting everything in order, and brought a cup of hot tea to Jiang Xuan.

By now, Lanyan had come back with scissors and colored paper and was sitting off to the side. Zhang Bitong asked, “The annual riding and archery ceremony is coming in March. Have you made any progress in riding and archery, Xuan’er?”

Jiang Xuan replied coolly, “I’ve never had much interest in such things. Let Third Brother and Fourth Brother shine at the ceremony.”

“You—” Zhang Bitong was ready to scold him, then pressed her forehead. “I won’t argue with you. But Xuan’er, you must make your mother proud!”

“Mother, let’s not talk of this today. I only wish to keep vigil with you tonight.”

Zhang Bitong was momentarily speechless, then nodded slowly. “Very well, I’ll say no more. Lanyan, come over here and let me see your paper cutting.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Lanyan sat down before Jiang Xuan with her materials. As Zhang Bitong watched Lanyan focus intently on her paper cutting, her interest was piqued. “Xuan’er, after tonight, you’ll be seventeen. I should think about finding you a consort. In the blink of an eye, you’re grown. Is there a girl in the palace who’s caught your eye? What do you think of Lanyan?”

In this dynasty as in the last, it was common for young masters of noble families to have a few personal maids before marriage. Zhang Bitong’s meaning was clear—Jiang Yun and Jiang Ye’s marriages were not yet arranged, and several older princes and princesses had yet to wed, so it was not yet Jiang Xuan’s turn. But even in the palace, having a few trusted maids was not unheard of, though it was never spoken of openly.

Lanyan understood and was so startled her hand shook, the scissors nicking her finger. Blood welled up immediately.

She hurriedly knelt. “Forgive me, Your Highness.”

Zhang Bitong scolded her. “Useless girl. Even if I wished to help you, you’d never make anything of yourself. Get up and bandage your hand; blood on the window decorations is inauspicious.”

“Yes!” Lanyan quickly withdrew.

Zhang Bitong looked to Jiang Xuan. “Xuan’er, what do you think of your mother’s suggestion?”

Jiang Xuan slowly raised his head. “I haven’t taken a liking to any palace maids, Mother. I am still young. But if you must reward me with a servant, let it be him.”

His gaze fell lightly upon me.

I was startled and quickly knelt, bowing my head in silence.

“Xiao Xiaozi? He’s just a eunuch. Why are you always slower than everyone else, Xuan’er? Never mind—your mother worries herself sick over you.”

Not long after, Yunqing and the others came in with steaming dumplings. Yunqing smiled. “Your Highness, fresh dumplings from the pot. Ninth Prince, please come and eat.”

“Xuan’er, sit here and keep Mother company. Yunqing, serve me a few more. I wasn’t hungry before, but the sight of these hot dumplings makes me ravenous.”

“Yes, Your Highness, just a moment!”

Because it was New Year’s Eve, not only did Zhang Bitong and Jiang Xuan eat dumplings, but we servants each received a bowl as well. Though far from home, in this palace so devoid of warmth, eating these dumplings filled my heart with an unexpected sense of comfort. In my fourteen years, I had never eaten hot dumplings on a family holiday like this.

The steam from the dumplings curled before me. I looked at Yunqing and gave her a grateful glance. Then I took in everyone’s faces, memorizing their expressions on this special day—my one cherished memory of warmth.

Everything that happened later in Cuiwei Palace would ensure that warmth never returned.

After the vigil, Jiang Xuan rose to take his leave.

Zhang Bitong called, “Xiao Xiaozi, the Ninth Prince came alone. Go with him to see him back to his quarters, then return.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“The rest of you may go. Leave only one to stand guard outside. I am tired and wish to rest early.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Jiang Xuan donned a great cloak himself, and I followed him out. As the door opened, a cold wind carrying flecks of snow swept in, making me shiver.

Leaving Cuiwei Palace, our feet crunched on the snowy ground. My feet, just warmed inside, were once again soaked and chilled to the bone as snow seeped into my boots.

At first I just followed Jiang Xuan, not paying attention to the path. But after a while, I realized we weren’t heading toward his residence.

“Your Highness, are we on the wrong path?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Just follow me. Don’t talk so much.”

So he knew exactly where he was going.

Soon, he led me into another palace, up the stairs, and then up a ladder—he was heading for the rooftop.

He really did mean to climb to the roof. After last time, I was still wary he might leave me stranded up there.

Once he’d climbed up, he looked down at me. “Come up.”

“Your Highness, if I come up, will you let me come down first?”

“You’re bargaining with me?”

“I wouldn’t dare. I just fear for my safety.”

“Fine, I promise you.”

Only then did I dare follow, asking, “Your Highness, what are we doing up here? This roof is much higher than your own residence.”

“Are you afraid?” Jiang Xuan raised an eyebrow at me.

“I’m not afraid—I just worry for your safety, Your Highness.”

“I know what I’m doing. Enough chatter.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

I ascended to stand beside him, and when I turned to look, I was stunned.

From here, the entire palace lay spread beneath us—the soaring eaves, the glazed tiles all shining in the night. But that wasn’t what amazed me most. What truly took my breath away was the view of the distant mountain. I had no idea how far it was, but under the night sky, its snowy cliffs gleamed so brightly it seemed the heavens themselves were alight. The tranquil, majestic beauty left me speechless, as if I stood among the clouds, unsure of where I was.

“Is it beautiful?” Jiang Xuan asked from beside me.

I nodded silently, unable to speak.

He chuckled softly. “If we have the chance, I’ll take you to that mountain to see the snow one day.”

His words floated in the vast night, making my heart race so fast I forgot to reply.

Lost in thought, I was startled by a sudden gust of wind. My thin body shivered violently. Jiang Xuan suddenly pulled open his cloak and wrapped me tightly inside. The cloak was dusted with snow, and I trembled, struggling to breathe, nearly fainting from the sensation.

Snowflakes drifted gently from the sky, like tiny blossoms. The white mountain reflected their glow, and the small flames behind red gauze flickered softly, casting a luminous glow over the entire palace lane.

It was a beauty that almost hurt.

“Your Highness!” My voice sounded distant, barely my own.

“Xiao Zhi!”

It was the first time Jiang Xuan called me by my name. I slowly raised my head to look at him.

“I want you to remember tonight,” Jiang Xuan said, his tone commanding.

But even if he hadn’t said so, how could I ever forget such beauty as this?