001 The Little Figure Beneath the Cherry Blossom Tree

Perhaps no one would ever guess that, just beyond the palace gates, along a small path, there stood a great tree scattering its blossoms. The petals, a delicate shade of pink, resembled cherry blossoms, though perhaps they were not; for convenience, let us call them cherry blossoms. I sat upon a large stone beneath the tree, cradling a small book in my hands, reading intently.

Every day, I would come here and linger for an hour or two. The people in the palace were surely searching for me now. Though they had grown accustomed to my daily disappearance at this very hour, they still looked for me. Who could have imagined that the princess of Lingyun would dig a secret tunnel from her own chambers to the outside world, slipping out of the palace each day?

I wondered if the adults would be astounded to see me holding a copy of “Governance and Order” in my hands—after all, who could picture a five-year-old girl so engrossed in a treatise on statecraft? The sound of voices grew clearer in my ears, convincing me this was no illusion.

“Who’s behind the rock? Come out now.”

A boy of about seven or eight, head bowed, shuffled out sheepishly. He was dressed in fine, well-made clothes—surely the child of some wealthy family. He glanced up at me with cautious curiosity.

He was half a head taller than I was, slightly plump, with a perfectly round and endearing face. His eyebrows were thick, his eyes bright and lively, and though his features were still that of a boy, they bore a striking depth. When he smiled, the corners of his mouth lifted, revealing a hint of charm. I was momentarily stunned—how could I find a boy of seven or eight charming? Perhaps loneliness and solitude had warped my senses.

That was the first time I met Li Yexuan, and his striking features left an impression on me all the more profound.

“I mean no harm. Please, don’t call anyone,” he said, tugging at my sleeve. Perhaps my long stare had frightened him, though at least he didn’t take me for a lovesick girl.

I nodded woodenly. He exhaled in relief and released my sleeve.

By some strange fate, we ended up sitting side by side on the stone beneath the cherry tree.

I clutched my book tightly to my chest, holding it between us, afraid he might glimpse the title and be startled. My legs were short and couldn’t reach the ground, so I swung them gently, tapping the stone.

“Why are you alone out here in the wilderness? Where is your family?”

“I… I snuck out to play,” I replied.

“Same as me,” he said.

I looked at him, puzzled.

“I miss home very much,” he said.

Could it be he wasn’t from Lingyun?

“I’m about to leave home for somewhere far away. I haven’t even arrived, yet I’m already homesick.” He gave me a bittersweet smile. He had a lovely smile—surely his parents must be extraordinary people.

“Will you go back?” I asked.

“Yes. I certainly will.”

“….”

“What book are you reading that you treasure it so much? Let me see…” To my surprise, he reached out to snatch it.

Caught off guard, I let the book slip into his hands.

“‘Governance and Order’? You can actually understand ‘Governance and Order’?” This renowned book delved into the principles of rulership and politics—few could truly grasp its depth.

“I don’t really understand it… I’m just curious…” If I told him I had a photographic memory and had already read half of it, would he fall off the stone in shock?

“I suppose so… How could you possibly understand…”

“….”

We exchanged words, though I no longer remember what we talked about. I glanced up at the sun slanting westward and retrieved the book from his hands.

“The sun is setting. I have to go.”

“Shall I walk you back?”

“No need. Goodbye.” Clutching my book, I ran off.

I heard his voice behind me: “I’ll be waiting here for you again tomorrow…”