Chapter 53 Borrowing Books

They walked along the mountain path toward the temporary imperial palace. The weather today was exceptionally fine, much better than the rainy or threatening skies of the previous few days. One could only wonder how the wild flowers blooming in the forests of Jianye were faring today.

Having gone to sleep late last night, she had originally intended to return to her quarters and have a thorough, long sleep once the ritual ended. However, since she could be with Ke Mingxu at this moment, she naturally had no desire to rest.

She asked Ke Mingxu, "What is Lord Ke planning to do this afternoon? I haven't decided what to do yet; perhaps you can give me some inspiration."

He thought for a moment. "I have nothing special in mind. Just stealing half a day of leisure from the floating world to read a scroll."

Jinghu began to boast shamelessly, "Did Lord Ke bring many books along? I have nothing to do in my quarters either. I wonder if I might borrow a few books to read."

Ke Mingxu smiled, as if seeing right through her intentions. "So the little Princess is also fond of reading?"

Jinghu nodded with a solemn expression. "Naturally. I once attended the classes of Lady Jin in the palace, and I hold her esteemed ancestor, Master Jin Hui, in high regard."

The Jin Hui whom Jinghu mentioned was a renowned talented woman of the Yan Liang dynasty, who had served as a palace lady during the reign of the Founding Emperor. Afterward, successive generations of her family also served as female officials in the palace.

Not wishing to expose her bluff, he said, "In that case, when we return, I shall have Huifeng select a few books and send them over to the little Princess."

Jinghu hurriedly waved her hand. "There is no need to go to that trouble. I shall accompany Lord Ke back and pick out a few myself."

Her main desire was simply to stay with him a little longer, and he understood her thoughts entirely. He had just spoken of seeking tranquility—a truth that had taken him so many years to realize; to expect her to understand it now was perhaps asking too much.

Had she not pestered him this afternoon, he surely would have found himself inevitably dwelling on recent events. Matters that filled him with too much anger, vexation, and a profound sense of helplessness.

Once they returned to Yanjing, they likely would not see each other for a long time. So while they were in Jianye, he would let her have a happier time.

"Very well. In that case, please move to my quarters and sit for a while, little Princess."

Jinghu smiled, her radiance outshining the sunlight of the day.

They dismounted before the gates of the temporary imperial palace and walked side by side toward Ke Mingxu's residence. Most of the people who had come to the palace today were either down at the foot of the mountain or hunting in the dense forests of Jianye. Apart from the passing palace servants, they encountered almost no one.

Not a single one of the young ladies on good terms with Jinghu had come. The Manor of the Marquis of Dingguo had sent the Heir and his wife, while the only princess favored by the reigning emperor was Princess Zhenjing, and the Marquis of Zhongwu's Li family simply lacked the qualifications entirely.

Li Yi’s grandfather had passed away very early, leaving his grandmother to raise his father. It was only later, owing to his grandfather’s military achievements, that the family was granted this peerage.

Accustomed as she was to walking within the palace walls, Jinghu had originally felt that, aside from the surrounding green mountains, the temporary palace—being much simpler than the imperial palace—held little amusement. Yet walking beside Ke Mingxu, everything was naturally different.

The temporary palace retained the architectural style of the Former Yan dynasty, and Ke Mingxu surprisingly understood these as well. Whenever she casually pointed to an auspicious beast on the eaves, he could clearly explain its origins and historical allusions.

Being in the company of a knowledgeable person always brought a unique kind of reward. No matter how dull a subject might be, listening to his explanations made it seem fascinating.

Although he was only coming to Jianye for ten days or so, Ke Mingxu’s bookshelf still held a neat row of volumes. She casually pulled a few out and flipped through them; while she recognized the characters, they were written in such dense classical prose that she could not comprehend their meaning at all.

Some of the books had titles far too abstruse and obscure for her to grasp. How could she ever have thought of asking to borrow his books? He was, after all, Yan Liang’s youngest top scholar, while she probably lacked even the literary attainment of a local school student.

Shameless, truly shameless.

Ke Mingxu pulled a volume from the bookshelf, flipped through a few pages, and handed it to her. "Many of the principles discussed in these books are beyond even my understanding; the little Princess need not trouble herself over them."

"The style of this collection of lyrics, *Pearls and Jades*, is delicate and bright, which I have always favored. Reading Song lyrics on occasion leaves a lingering fragrance on the lips and teeth; the little Princess may read it when she has leisure."

Jinghu reached out and accepted the volume. "Then many thanks, Lord Ke." With that, she walked straight over to the couch by the window and began to read with earnest concentration.

In truth, she was merely pretending to be focused. Now that she had borrowed the books, she feared he might find another excuse to send her away.

Upon turning the page, she came across a to the tune of *Huan Sha Sha*: "For a long time, the span of youth is limited; casual parting easily shatters the soul. Do not refuse frequent cups at banquets of song and wine. Before our eyes, mountains and rivers vainly prompt thoughts of distance; falling blossoms amid wind and rain stir an even greater grief for spring. Better to cherish the person right before our eyes."

Ke Mingxu sat down beside her, picked up a celadon cup, and poured her a cup of tea. "Does the little Princess find any profound meaning in this?"

Ordinarily, she would never have dared to discuss literary insights with him, fearing he would see through her empty pretense, laugh at her, and grow to dislike her.

Yet looking at these lyrics, she truly did feel a sense of sorrow. "The first half speaks of wine banquets and song; though youth is limited and partings are inevitable, there is still joy to be found. But by the second half, it grows somewhat desolate."

"Though it urges people to cherish time, the finest days are so often squandered in vain. Falling blossoms in wind and rain always evoke melancholy."

Ke Mingxu was silent for a moment. "I had thought the little Princess was someone who would never be troubled by such matters."

Jinghu replied, "We are all merely mortals; how could one be without troubles? However, my worries are nothing more than trivial matters of daily life, quite unlike those of Lord Ke."

Over the past few days, she had constantly hovered around him, showing him the utmost concern. How could she fail to see that he was actually troubled by something recently? Otherwise, he would not have spoken those words to her at the foot of the mountain—words he knew full well she could not truly comprehend.

Seeing a subtle shift in his expression, Jinghu continued, "Whatever troubles Lord Ke has been carrying recently, perhaps speaking of them will make you feel better. Lord Ke need not worry; I probably won't understand it anyway."

She knew she likely lacked the ability to solve his problems, but with many matters, simply venting one's grievances could lighten the emotional burden.

A person as clever as he probably didn't need anyone to untie his mental knots. Precisely because she wouldn't understand, he might feel safe enough to speak freely.

Jinghu’s gaze, filled with expectation, fell upon him, and he naturally felt it.

In truth, he did not need to pour his heart out to anyone. There was far too much injustice in the world, and holding worries in life was simply the norm. Furthermore, just as she had said, even if he were to speak of it, she could hardly offer any useful advice.

Yet precisely because of that, perhaps it was a good thing—something more suited to him. He did not need anyone’s counsel; he was fully capable of deciding his own affairs. But having someone willing to listen so quietly was not a bad thing after all.

And so, after a moment of thought, he spoke, "I wonder if the little Princess has happened to see my junior fellow apprentice, Qi Yuanfang, during these days in Jianye?"