Chapter Twenty-three Who Grants the Mortal Realm a Glimpse of White Hair (II)

　　He said:

　　"I have someone I miss, the one before my eyes day and night.

　　I have something I feel, knotted deep within my heart."

　　Li Xian, upon hearing Shangguan Wan’er’s reminder, sought to please the Empress. Thus, after handling state and military affairs each day, he lit the lamp and began annotating the Book of the Later Han.

　　This Book of the Later Han was written by Fan Ye of the Southern Dynasties. The text contains ten annals, eighty biographies, and eight treatises (derived from Sima Biao’s Continuation of the Han Book). It begins with Emperor Guangwu of Han in the first year of Jianwu (AD 25) and ends with Emperor Xian of Han in the twenty-fifth year of Jian’an (AD 220), covering one hundred and ninety-five years of history.

　　To make a long story short: one day, the work was finished, coinciding with an auspicious date. Li Xian then presented it to the Empress.

　　The Empress, upon seeing the book, felt joy in her heart though her face remained calm. She only said softly:

　　“Though you annotate books, my son, do not forget the affairs of the state.”

　　No one knows a mother better than her son. Hearing this, Li Xian understood somewhat and replied:

　　“I understand, Mother. I shall handle all matters with care.”

　　This moment was one that had not occurred between Li Xian and the Empress for many years since he had come of age. For a while, they indulged in joy, conversing for hours in the Palace of Immortal Residence.

　　Before long, a palace maid entered and reported:

　　“Your Highness, memorials from the court have arrived. May you return to the Eastern Palace to review them.”

　　Thus Li Xian bid farewell to the Empress and departed.

　　Shangguan Wan’er watched his fading figure, her heart filled with delight, a smile unconsciously spreading across her lips as she thought:

　　“How fortunate it is that Brother Xian’s relationship with the Empress is no longer strained. May it remain ever so.”

　　This scene did not escape the Empress’s notice. After Li Xian left, she summoned Shangguan Wan’er and said:

　　“Though my son annotated the Book of the Later Han with great devotion, how did he know I was reading it? Was it not you who told him?”

　　Shangguan Wan’er immediately confessed:

　　“Empress, forgive me. I was at fault in telling the Crown Prince of your recent reading. Yet, had it not been for his filial heart, all would have passed like the wind.”

　　The Empress gently stroked Shangguan Wan’er’s hair and smiled:

　　“I am thinking of my daughter Yue. The palace has many affairs; I would have you visit her for me.”

　　Shangguan Wan’er bowed and answered:

　　“As you command, I shall go at once.”

　　Seeing that the Empress bore no grudge, Shangguan Wan’er left the Immortal Residence joyfully, heading straight toward the Temple of Great Peace. Along the way, she skipped and hopped like a maiden in her youth.

　　When she reached the Gate of Heavenly Inheritance, she found Pang Tongshan on duty. He noticed her joy and asked curiously:

　　“Why is Lady Shangguan so delighted? Did the Empress reward you with treasures?”

　　Shangguan Wan’er replied:

　　“Can treasures bring such happiness?”

　　Pang was even more puzzled and pressed further. She laughed and said:

　　“You wouldn’t understand. Another day I’ll tell you. For now, the Empress has sent me to visit the Princess. Please grant me passage without the usual questioning.”

　　Pang Tongshan laughed, shook his head, and admired her youthful spirit. He ordered the gate opened.

　　Shangguan Wan’er dashed out swiftly.

　　“Wait, Lady Shangguan!” Pang called after her. “The Temple of Great Peace is not far, yet not near either. How will you get there on foot?”

　　He summoned a fine steed and offered it. Shangguan Wan’er mounted, thanked him:

　　“When I return, I shall treat you to wine!”

　　And with that, she galloped away.

　　At the temple, she dismounted and entered, finding the National Preceptor in a pavilion game of chess. She bowed:

　　“Revered Master, I come by order of the Empress to visit the Princess. Might I ask where she is?”

　　The Preceptor pointed the way. Before going, Shangguan Wan’er asked:

　　“Could you divine something for me, to ease my heart?”

　　He smiled:

　　“Why not? What is it you wish to know?”

　　She replied:

　　“There is one I hold dear. I wish to know—will this affection come to fruition in this lifetime?”

　　The Preceptor asked for a coin. She handed him one from her pouch. He tossed it into the air. Moments passed, yet it never fell. Puzzled, she asked:

　　“What does this mean?”

　　The Preceptor answered:

　　“Your fate lies in your own hands. By asking me, it vanishes. Fate begins and ends with cause and consequence. Treasure it while you can.”

　　She suddenly understood and said:

　　“I was foolish. Thank you, Master.”

　　She then went happily in search of Li Lingyue.

　　As she departed, the Preceptor sighed to himself:

　　“Though fate follows cause and consequence—what truly is love?”

　　Following his direction, she found Li Lingyue with Lin Chaoyang nearby. Lin excused himself politely, leaving the two women alone.

　　Shangguan Wan’er teased:

　　“Is he the one you have long pined for?”

　　Li Lingyue smiled:

　　“Yes. At last I see him again, and my heart is overjoyed.”

　　They walked together in the pavilions. Shangguan Wan’er said:

　　“Back then, when I saw you longing in sorrow, I thought it silly. Now that I am in it myself, I finally know what love is.”

　　Li Lingyue laughed:

　　“And who has captured Sister Wan’er’s heart?”

　　Shangguan Wan’er blushed, whispered into her ear:

　　“The Crown Prince.”

　　Li Lingyue was shocked, then delighted:

　　“Since when? Why have you never told me?”

　　Shangguan Wan’er laughed:

　　“That is my secret!”

　　She danced ahead, turned back with a radiant smile. Truly as the verse says:

　　A beauty gives her heart without regret, smiling in joy for her beloved.

　　Li Lingyue teased again:

　　“Then why do you have time to come see me?”

　　Wan’er replied playfully:

　　“First because I miss you, second because the Empress misses you, third because the Crown Prince misses you, fourth—”

　　“Since when did you chatter so?” Li Lingyue interrupted. “Just say Father and Mother miss me and sent you to fetch me back!”

　　Wan’er laughed:

　　“The Empress only asked me to visit you. But indeed, you should return to see them.”

　　Li Lingyue agreed, promising to tell her master and return with her.