Chapter Twelve: Difficult to Wear a Happy Face

November 10th. Empress Wu issued a decree: Monk Huaiyi, who oversaw the construction of the Bright Hall, was promoted to General of the Left Guard and granted the title of Duke of Liang. The Bright Hall was renamed the Palace of All Phenomena. Quan Ce, previously Junior Commander of the Thousand Ox Guard and Feathered Forest, was promoted to Senior Commander of the Thousand Ox Guard, dispatched to the Eastern Capital to oversee the Palace of All Phenomena. He was authorized to select his own subordinate officers, including bodyguards and attendants, following the precedents set in Chang’an.

On the same day, the Office of Heavenly Affairs issued an order appointing Quan Yi, the Imperial Son-in-law, as Magistrate of Luoyang. He was to assist in organizing the grand ceremonies at the Palace of All Phenomena and the relocation of merchants, with permission for Princess Yiyang to accompany him to his post.

At the residence of Princess Yiyang, upon receiving the imperial edict, Quan Yi felt as if he were dreaming. He had served the princess for nearly twenty years, bearing the title of Imperial Son-in-law without real duties, occasionally appointed to provincial posts but never allowed to take office. His attempts to relocate to Luoyang and gain support from the Li clan were not without ambition for official position, hoping to realize his aspirations. Yet, the Li family had sternly rejected him, leaving him desperate and at a loss—until, suddenly, the clouds parted and his hopes were fulfilled.

He owed this turn of fortune largely to his eldest son, Quan Ce.

Turning to look, Quan Yi saw his eldest son gently comforting his mother. His wife, overwhelmed with emotion, wept bitterly. Raised in the cold palace, she had led a life of hardship and isolation, and he had treated her merely adequately, sometimes even resenting her for her lowly birth and the burden it brought him. It was no wonder she was so eager for wealth and possessions.

To escape the confines of Chang’an, without regard for future achievements, was ultimately a blessing for his family.

Feeling his burden lighten, Quan Yi relaxed his stern expression. “Eldest son, settle your mother, then meet me in the study.”

“Yes, Father,” Quan Ce replied. He thought it remarkable that his father had waited until now to speak with him.

“Big brother, is the Eastern Capital far? Is it farther than the Xiangji Temple? Will we ride in a carriage?” Quan Zhu clung to his brother’s leg, his face alight with excitement as he fired off questions.

“It’s very far. We’ll need to travel by carriage for three to five days,” Quan Ce patted his younger brother’s head, instructing him carefully, “Second brother, Mother’s health is delicate. As her eldest son, you must help her care for our little sister and not be mischievous.”

Quan Zhu nodded vaguely, then ran to the nurse, eager to see his sister. The nurse knelt, letting him gaze intently at the swaddled Quan Luo, who was lost in pleasant dreams and paid him no mind.

Quan Ce laughed softly, then remembered something. “Mother, our little sister should have a pet name.” He and Quan Zhu had never had pet names; it mattered little for boys, but for girls, it was less proper.

Princess Yiyang, her emotions gradually calming, took her son’s arm as they walked toward the inner courtyard, her face tinged with sorrow. “Your father has no time…”

“Mother, don’t worry. You have your son,” Quan Ce realized he had touched upon her pain and quickly moved on. “Our little sister is the youngest in the family, arriving so late and making Mother wait so long. Why not call her Chichi—Late Arrival?”

Princess Yiyang smiled, covering her lips. “We’ll do as you say. Our little lady shall be called Chichi.”

After settling Princess Yiyang in her quarters to rest and recover, Quan Ce was about to return to the main study when she suddenly took his hand. “My son, your mother is timid and useless and can do nothing to help you. Beware the palace; it is a place of treachery. Do not stray from the right path.” Tears still stained her face, and fresh ones fell as she spoke. The shadows of over twenty years spent in the forbidden palace had left this noble woman in constant fear.

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Quan Ce felt an aching sorrow he could not express. Kneeling by her bedside, he said, “Mother, rest assured. I will be cautious, avoid disputes, and not covet wealth or rank—so that I may serve you under your knee for years to come.”

“My fate is thin, and I have burdened my son.” Princess Yiyang, moved by his words, embraced him and wept aloud.

Quan Ce did not try to comfort her further, nor did he struggle. He let her hold him, knowing that release would bring relief.

When Princess Yiyang finally fell asleep, Quan Ce quietly left her chamber. In the outer room, the four maidservants—Qin, Qi, Shu, and Hua—were waiting.

“Has Mother heard any news lately?” he asked.

Siqin bowed in greeting. “Eldest son, the mistress heard two days ago that Princess Taiping’s household received imperial favor, and she has been troubled since.”

So that was it. Though she had long resigned herself, her heart was still uneasy. Quan Ce took a deep breath. “Thank you, sisters. Please comfort her frequently, and send my second brother and little sister to keep her company.”

All four acknowledged his instructions, watching him depart. Siqin glanced toward the inner room and murmured softly, “Mistress is truly blessed.”

In the study, Quan Yi listened as Quan Ce recounted the entire imperial audience.

“To isolate oneself from the Empress is to sever oneself from the world,” Quan Yi repeated thoughtfully. He knew this was not mere rhetoric from his son; he had not persuaded him otherwise. Quan Ce still believed the Empress would return power to the Li clan—a path quite different from his own. Quan Ce had urged him to leave Chang’an not for convenience, but out of concern for his safety.

“So be it,” Quan Yi said, weary and dispirited. Looking at his son, whose features had grown more defined and resolute, he could not feel joy. “The Li family is your mother’s kin. Unless absolutely necessary, do not stain your hands with blood.”

“Yes, Father. The Empress has authorized me to select subordinates; there are one hundred and twenty-four vacancies. Do you have any advice?” Quan Ce was focused on survival and could not concern himself with his father’s feelings.

Quan Yi glanced at him. “You must have your own plans.”

“My intention is…”

“Enough. Do not tell me. Act as you see fit. If you need to use the family name, ask Quan Fu to make arrangements.” Quan Yi cut him off, unwilling to hear more.

Quan Ce paused, then silently bowed and left the study.

Quan Yi sat with closed eyes in silence for a long time. Father and son were not of one mind; the more he knew, the greater the divide. Better to let him go his own way. He hoped his son would weather storms and stand on his own. As for who was right or wrong, that would be for Heaven to decide.

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Quan Yi was swift and decisive, settling family affairs with utmost speed. He departed for his new post, taking his household—young and old—by carriage, leaving the vast Princess’s residence behind, with only Quan Ce and the servants remaining.

Quan Ce was not lonely. The Thousand Ox Guard was a respectable and easy path to advancement. Soon, people seeking favor and connections crowded his door. Wang Hui and Liu Tong came together, bringing a list. “We hope you will look after these young men. They have little opportunity and idle at home. Better to take them to the Eastern Capital for experience.”

Quan Ce looked troubled. “Cousin, Lieutenant Liu, it’s not that I lack courtesy, but there are difficulties I cannot speak of. I ask for your understanding.”

Liu Tong was displeased, and Wang Hui tried to smooth things over. Both left empty-handed.

Wu Youji arrived, bringing many Wu clan relatives, but he too left with nothing.

Lai Chong and Han Zhai also visited, recommending members of the Longxi group, including the Tianshui branch of the Quan family. Quan Ce accepted twelve capable and astute men, adding Lai Chong and Han Zhai to his ranks. He then took the initiative, instructing them to seek out relatives and acquaintances—any reputable family sons, especially those from scholarly or landowning backgrounds, could apply.

Word spread, and his residence was soon bustling. Fortunately, the Princess’s estate had a large training ground. Quan Ce used written and oral exams to select a hundred men—not the best, but those of average ability. Observant people would notice these were all secondary sons, not eldest or legitimate heirs, but those who had failed to achieve distinction.

Seven days later, the Office of Summer Affairs sent waist badges, official credentials, and uniforms. The framework for the Thousand Ox Guard in the Eastern Capital was established. Quan Ce entered the palace to bid farewell to Empress Wu.

She asked, “There are still twelve vacancies in the Thousand Ox Guard. How will you fill them?”

Quan Ce replied, “My unit is stationed in the Eastern Capital. It must include local sons.”

Empress Wu’s expression was inscrutable; she waved him off.

At Princess Taiping’s residence, she cradled her infant daughter, mourning her late husband. Remembering the hint given her—her nephew who had sent her husband across the River of Forgetfulness—she felt a twinge of irritation. “Where is Quan Ce?”

“Your Highness, three days ago he departed for the Eastern Capital to guard the Palace of All Phenomena.”

Princess Taiping snorted coldly.