Cining Temple was a royal temple of considerable scale, lavish in its construction materials, situated to the south of the capital within the outer city district.
In autumn, the skies were high and clear, and the low mountains that were not particularly elevated felt unusually cool. Lush greenery stretched across them, casting layer upon layer of deep, overlapping shade upon the ground.
The Emperor, accompanied by several inner attendants, stood in the temple square. The abbot stood respectfully at his side, speaking with utmost deference on matters of Buddhism and Daoism.
When the Emperor turned and saw them approaching, he signalled for the abbot to continue their discussion another day, and looked over at them from a distance.
This was the first time Gu Yun had seen the Emperor of the Xuan dynasty.
In films and written accounts alike, emperors were always described with overwhelming imperial authority. This one did possess it, but only faintly; more noticeable instead was a sickly air, as though he might be preparing for his own funeral at any moment.
He wore a dark crimson informal robe. His complexion was sallow, his skin slightly slack. His bone structure was actually not poor, but it was entirely overshadowed by his sunken, darkened eyes.
The Emperor’s gaze fell first on Chao Yan, sweeping over him briefly before settling on Gu Yun.
It was a severe, probing look, as though he intended to pick out a hundred faults from Gu Yun’s person alone.
Gu Yun felt intensely uncomfortable under that scrutiny. A wave of nausea rose from his stomach, so strong he nearly retched.
Chao Yan stepped forward, blocking the Emperor’s line of sight, and bowed.
“Father.”
Gu Yun felt slightly better. Recovering himself, he stepped back a little, positioning himself behind Chao Yan’s right side, and performed a composed formal bow.
“This humble woman, Gu Yun, greets Your Majesty.”
The Emperor smiled faintly at Chao Yan and said, “No wonder you asked me for a title for her. She is indeed exceptional.”
Chao Yan gave a slightly bashful smile.
Gu Yun, still kneeling, did not see this. When the Emperor gestured for them to rise, he lifted his gaze slightly and happened to catch that fading, restrained smile. It was so faint it was almost imperceptible. It was less a smile than a tightening of nerves.
Gu Yun recalled what had been said in the carriage. As Chao Yan helped him up, he subtly pinched his arm. Chao Yan lowered his eyes and met his gaze.
He did not understand the intent, but from Gu Yun’s expression he sensed unease, and lightly patted his back in reassurance.
Gu Yun assumed he had understood and let out a breath of relief… too early, as it turned out.
The Emperor walked towards an inner courtyard of the temple, speaking as he went:
“Miss Gu, are you settling in well in the Eastern Palace?”
Gu Yun replied cautiously, “Your Majesty, the Eastern Palace is very good. I was not accustomed at first, but I have adapted.”
The Emperor asked, “Is the Crown Prince still as considerate towards you as before? If you suffer any grievance, you may tell me and I will reprimand him.”
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern, but His Highness has treated me very well. I have no grievances,” Gu Yun replied, thinking inwardly: this can be taken with a grain of salt. Who knows what he is really plotting.
Before departing for Cining Temple, Chao Yan had told him that when the Emperor asked questions, there was no need to judge right or wrong, only to answer in the most favourable terms possible, and as briefly as possible.
The Emperor nodded.
Chao Yan then smiled and said, “Father, you have only just met her and you are already showing favouritism?”
The Emperor looked at him. “She is your intended bride. What are you then?”
“Your son,” Chao Yan replied.
