I was a mineral prospector in Chengdu, who transmigrated into the body of a mortal sword immortal.

The footsteps outside the courtyard gate gradually faded into the distance, disappearing at the end of the alley. Duan Qiniang stood behind Li Bai, her breathing slightly rapid. Night completely enveloped the courtyard, with only a sliver of candlelight emanating from the side room, flickering in the autumn wind. Li Bai slowly opened the courtyard gate. No one was there, only a few crushed leaves on the bluestone slabs, gleaming pale in the moonlight. He bent down and picked up a leaf; it was dry, its veins clear as the lines on a palm. In the distance came the sound of the watchman's clapper; four strikes, it was already Hai hour (9-11 PM). He looked up, gazing towards Xingqing Palace. In the night, only a huge black outline remained of the palace, like a lurking beast. Tomorrow at Si hour (9-11 AM), side hall. Gao Lishi. Li Bai crushed the withered leaf in his hand, the powder falling softly from between his fingers. He turned to Duan Qiniang and said, "Prepare a clean set of clothes for me. Tomorrow, I will enter the palace."

***

The next morning, before dawn.

Duan Qiniang placed a brand-new moon-white round-necked robe in front of Li Bai's bed. The robe was made of Shu brocade, its fine texture gleaming with a warm luster in the morning light. The collar and cuffs were embroidered with delicate cloud patterns in silver thread, understated yet elegant. She had retrieved it from the silk shop the night before—the shopkeeper, upon hearing that Li Bai was going to the palace, had immediately brought out her best fabric and personally cut and sewed it.

"She said it's something she owes you," Duan Qiniang said softly. "She feels guilty about what happened with Eunuch Liu."

Li Bai didn't speak, but simply ran his hand over the surface of the robe. It felt smooth and slightly cool to the touch, carrying the distinctive scent of new cloth after washing. He took off the blue robe he had worn for several days and put on this new garment. The robe fit perfectly; the shoulder line and waist were just right, as if tailor-made.

"You look good in this," Duan Qiniang said, standing to the side with a slightly dazed look in her eyes. "You look like a real...scholar."

Li Bai straightened his clothes in front of the bronze mirror. The person in the mirror had a thin face and deep-set eyes, but his eyes were unusually bright. He remembered his past life, when he wore a geological team's work clothes and was breaking rocks in the desolate mountains. At that time, he never imagined that one day he would wear such clothes and walk into the imperial palace.

"I went," he said.

Duan Qiniang nodded, took out a purse from her bosom, and stuffed it into his hand: "There's some loose silver inside, and... this too."

Li Bai opened his purse and found a few taels of silver and a small jade pendant. The jade was of ordinary quality, carved into the shape of a lotus flower, the petals of which were somewhat worn.

"This was left to me by my mother," Duan Qiniang said softly. "She said that the lotus rises from the mud unsullied. Take it with you, just as... just as a keepsake."

Li Bai gripped his purse tightly, the sharp edges of the jade pendant digging into his palm.

"I will come back," he said.

***

At the beginning of the Si hour, in the side hall of Xingqing Palace.

Led by two eunuchs, Li Bai passed through palace gate after palace gate. The palace walls were very high, their vermilion surfaces dazzling in the autumn sun, almost blinding. The bluestone path beneath his feet was spotless, not a single weed growing in its cracks. The air was filled with a mixture of scents—sandalwood, floral fragrance, and some indescribable, oppressive aura of power.

The side hall was small, but exquisitely furnished. Thick Persian carpets covered the floor, making no sound underfoot. Landscape paintings adorned the walls, their brushstrokes masterful, clearly the work of a renowned artist. In the center of the hall stood a long table made of rosewood, upon which lay the Four Treasures of the Study (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper), and a bronze incense burner from which wisps of smoke rose. The smoke was of sandalwood, its aroma rich and mellow, yet it made Li Bai feel somewhat suffocated.

Gao Lishi sat behind a long table.

He looked to be in his fifties, with a fair complexion, no beard, and long, narrow eyes. He wore a dark purple eunuch's robe and a black gauze turban. He held a cup of tea in his hand, gently stirring the tea leaves floating on the surface with the lid. His movements were slow and steady, as if he were doing something extremely important.

"Li Taibai," he said, his voice not loud, yet carrying a peculiar penetrating power, "Sit."

Li Bai sat down on the chair opposite the long table. The chair was made of hardwood, without any cushion, and was cold to the touch.

Gao Lishi put down his teacup and looked up at him. His gaze was calm, as calm as a deep pool of water, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

"He Jian recommended you to His Majesty, saying you are a poetic prodigy," Gao Lishi said slowly. "His Majesty read your poems and liked them very much. Therefore, he specially granted you permission to attend the banquet at Xingqing Palace tonight."

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty, and thank you for your guidance, Eunuch Gao." Li Bai bowed.

Gao Lishi smiled, but it was a very faint smile, almost imperceptible.

"It's not really advice," he said. "I just have a few words I'd like to say to you before you go to the banquet."

The hall fell silent. Only the smoke from the incense burner continued to rise silently.

"You come from Shu and are new to Chang'an, so there are some things you may not know." Gao Lishi's voice was gentle, as if he were instructing a junior. "Chang'an is under the emperor's nose, with many rules and taboos. There are some things you can do; there are some things you cannot do. There are some people you can befriend; there are some people you must not touch."

Li Bai remained silent.

"For example, that young lady Yang in the Yichun Courtyard." Gao Lishi picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "His Majesty has already made a decision about her. After the banquet tomorrow, he will issue an edict to bring her into the palace."

Every word was like an icicle, piercing into Li Bai's heart.

"I know you met her once." Gao Lishi put down his teacup, the bottom of which made a slight "click" as it touched the table. "Young man, it's easy to be moved when you're just starting to fall in love. But some relationships are destined to have no future. Forcing it will only hurt yourself and others."

He paused, looking at Li Bai.

"Prime Minister Li Linfu has already taken notice of you," he said. "Yesterday he sent someone to Yichun Courtyard to warn Eunuch Liu. I invited you here today for the same reason—to know when to stop."

Li Bai's fingers tightened slightly.

"Eunuch Gao," he began, his voice slightly hoarse, "is Lady Yang...will she be willing to enter the palace?"

Gao Lishi looked at him, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

"What if she's willing? What if she's not?" he retorted. "She's a member of the Yang family, and the Yang family needs this honor. If she enters the palace, the Yang family can expect wealth and prosperity, and her parents and brothers can all live a good life. Isn't that a good thing?"

"But if she doesn't want to—"

"Unwilling?" Gao Lishi interrupted him, his voice still gentle, but with a hint of coldness. "Li Bai, you are a smart man. You should understand that some things in this world are not a matter of willingness, but of whether it is right or wrong, and whether it is possible."

He stood up, walked to the window, and pushed it open.

Outside the window lies the garden of Xingqing Palace, its autumn colors at their peak. Maple leaves blaze like fire, ginkgo leaves glow like gold, dazzlingly vibrant in the sunlight. In the distance, the faint sounds of string and wind instruments drift in; musicians are rehearsing for tonight's banquet.

"Look at this garden," Gao Lishi said slowly, his back to Li Bai. "Every blade of grass, every tree, every brick, every tile belongs to His Majesty. If His Majesty likes them, they are here; if His Majesty doesn't like them, they will be moved and replaced with others. People are the same."

He turned around and looked at Li Bai.

"Lady Yang is the one His Majesty has chosen. This is her fate, her destiny. You, a commoner, can offer her nothing more than a few poems and romantic words. But His Majesty can offer her wealth and honor, family glory, and a place in history." He paused. "Tell me, who should she choose?"

Li Bai opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

Gao Lishi walked back to the long table and sat down again.

"Make a good impression at tonight's banquet," he said. "His Majesty favors talented people. If you can win his favor, your future will be bright. As for Lady Yang... forget about her. It's better for both of you."

Silence fell once again in the hall.

The scent of agarwood grew stronger and stronger, so strong that it was hard to breathe.

After a long while, Li Bai stood up and bowed.

"Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch Gao."

Gao Lishi nodded and waved his hand.

"Go. At three-quarters past dusk, wait outside the main hall of Xingqing Palace. Someone will lead you in."

***

At 3:45 PM, outside the main hall of Xingqing Palace.

As darkness fell, Xingqing Palace remained brightly lit. Hundreds of palace lanterns hung under the eaves, in the corridors, and on the trees, illuminating the entire palace as if it were daytime. The lanterns were made of glass and burned with specially made whale oil, producing a steady flame without a trace of smoke. The light reflected off the vermilion palace walls, casting a warm and ethereal glow.

A large crowd had already gathered outside the hall. Officials, dressed in court robes, chatted in hushed tones in small groups. The women, on the other hand, were gathered on the other side, their gorgeous dresses and jewels shimmering under the lamplight. The air was filled with the sweet scent of cosmetics, the aroma of food and wine, and the various complex smells emanating from the people.

Li Bai stood at the edge of the crowd.

He wore a moon-white brocade robe, which stood out remarkably against the backdrop of crimson and purple. Curious glances occasionally fell from the crowd, but no one approached to speak. He was like a drop of water in oil, completely out of place.

"Brother Taibai!"

A familiar voice came from behind.

Li Bai turned his head and saw He Zhizhang walking towards him. He Zhizhang was wearing a dark scarlet official robe and a Jinxian hat tonight, and looked very energetic. He was accompanied by several other people, all of whom were court officials, most of whom Li Bai did not recognize.

"Congratulations, Supervisor." Li Bai bowed.

He Zhizhang walked to his side and lowered his voice: "What did Eunuch Gao say to you?"

"Let me stop here," Li Bai said calmly.

He Zhizhang sighed and patted him on the shoulder.

"I've done my best," he said, "but this matter... involves too many people. There aren't many in the government willing to speak out."

Li Bai nodded. He had expected this.

"Tonight you'll sit at the last seat," He Zhizhang pointed to the hall, "The seat I arranged is the furthest from the throne, but the view is still acceptable. You... take a good look and think it over carefully."

After saying this, he led the officials into the main hall.

Li Bai stood there, watching their figures disappear into the palace gates. From inside the palace came even louder music, along with faint sounds of laughter and conversation. The sounds were lively and festive, yet they felt incredibly distant to him.

"Young Master Li, please follow me."

A junior eunuch walked up to him and bowed to lead the way.

Li Bai followed him into the main hall of Xingqing Palace.

***

The main hall was larger than Li Bai had imagined.

The hall was over ten zhang high, its dome painted with the sun, moon, and stars, resembling a real night sky under the lamplight. Four massive golden pillars, each adorned with a coiled dragon whose eyes were inlaid with luminous pearls, supported the roof. Inside, dozens of long tables were arranged according to rank. At the very front stood the throne, high above, covered with bright yellow brocade. On either side of the throne were seats for the empresses, concubines, and princes.

Li Bai was led to the corner of the very last row.

His position was right next to a pillar, almost entirely shrouded in shadow. From here, one could only see a blurry outline of the throne. But the view was indeed, as He Zhizhang had said, acceptable—he could see the entire hall, every long table, and the expression on everyone's face.

He sat down. Wine and dishes were already laid out on the table. The wine was imperial wine, served in a white jade pot. There were nine dishes, all served on exquisite porcelain plates, arranged in the shape of flower petals. But he did not touch his chopsticks, he just sat quietly.

More and more people were entering the hall.

Officials took their seats one after another, according to their rank. Li Bai saw Li Linfu sitting in the first seat to the lower left of the throne, chatting and laughing with the officials beside him. He looked to be in his fifties, with a thin face, three long wisps of beard, and eyes as sharp as an eagle's. Occasionally, his gaze would sweep across the entire room, lingering on Li Bai for a moment before casually looking away.

Yang Guozhong sat opposite Li Linfu. He was slightly younger and a bit overweight, with a smile always on his face, but his eyes were somewhat unfocused. He frequently toasted those around him, laughing loudly and exaggeratedly.

Gao Lishi stood beside the throne, hands at his sides. He was expressionless, like a statue.

At the hour of You (5-7 PM), bells and drums sounded in unison.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

The hall fell silent instantly.

Everyone stood up and bowed.

Emperor Xuanzong walked out from behind the palace.

He appeared to be in his sixties, tall and imposing with a dignified face. He wore a bright yellow dragon robe and a towering crown, his steps steady and deliberate. Despite his advanced age, his eyes remained sharp, radiating a natural air of authority as he swept across the hall.

He sat down on the throne.

"Rise."

His voice was loud and clear, full of energy.

Everyone expressed their gratitude and sat down again.

Emperor Xuanzong looked around the hall and a smile appeared on his face.

"Today, the autumn air is crisp and clear, and it is a great pleasure for me and my ministers to gather here together." He raised his wine cup. "Come, let us drink this cup together."

Everyone raised their glasses and drank them down in one gulp.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually became lively.

The musicians began playing the "Rainbow Feather Garment Dance." The melodious and graceful sounds of the strings and bamboo instruments were like celestial music. Dancers emerged gracefully from both sides of the hall, dressed in colorful feather garments, their movements as enchanting as clouds and rosy mist.

Li Bai watched all of this, but felt as if he were watching a play.

A play with a pre-written script.

He was just an audience member who shouldn't have been in the play.

***

At the beginning of Hai hour (9-11 PM), the banquet reached its climax.

Emperor Xuanzong put down his wine cup and looked at Gao Lishi.

"I've heard that there's a woman named Yang in the Yichun Palace, whose beauty is unparalleled and whose singing and dancing are both superb," ​​he said. "Have you brought her with you today?"

Gao Lishi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, we are waiting outside the palace for your decree."

"Announce."

"Announcement—Madam Yang, to come to court—"

The sound traveled out layer by layer.

The hall fell silent.

Everyone looked toward the palace gate.

Li Bai's heart suddenly raced.

The palace doors slowly opened.

A figure walked in, illuminated by the palace lanterns.

She wore a pale purple palace gown, its hem trailing on the ground, embroidered with large peonies in gold thread. Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with hairpins and pearl ornaments that shimmered under the lamplight. Her face was lightly powdered, her lips painted vermilion. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn waters, her nose straight, and her lips full. Every step she took was extremely steady and slow, as if she were walking on clouds.

Yang Yuhuan.

Yang Yuhuan at the age of fifteen.

Dressed in her finest attire, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

But what Li Bai saw was not her beauty.

It was the faint sorrow between her brows.

That sorrow was faint, almost imperceptible. But Li Bai saw it. Just like the resentment and helplessness he saw in Yang Xiaohuan's eyes in his past life. Exactly the same.

Yang Yuhuan walked to the throne and gracefully bowed.

"This humble woman, Yang Yuhuan, kowtows to Your Majesty."

The sound was clear and melodious, like pearls falling onto a jade plate.

Emperor Xuanzong looked at her, a look of amazement flashing in his eyes.

"Rise," he said. "Raise your head."

Yang Yuhuan raised her head.

The light shone on her face, revealing her snow-white skin and captivating eyes.

"Truly a beauty," Emperor Xuanzong exclaimed. "I've heard you're skilled in singing and dancing. Would you be so kind as to perform for me today?"

"This humble woman obeys your command."

The music started again.

This time it's "Lingbo Qu".

Yang Yuhuan walked to the center of the hall and began to dance slowly.

Her dance was completely different from the dancer from before. There were no elaborate movements, no deliberate coquetry. Every turn, every gesture, was natural and fluid, as if it were her birthright. Her skirt fluttered with her movements, like a blooming purple lotus. The pearls and jade ornaments on her hairpins gently clinked together, producing a crisp sound that harmonized with the music.

She danced and sang at the same time.

The singing was clear and melodious, like the babbling of a spring or the wind rustling through a bamboo grove.

"The fragrance lingers as the silk sleeves flutter, and the red lotus sways gently in the autumn mist."

A gentle breeze stirs the clouds on the ridge, and tender willows brush the water's surface by the pond...

The hall was completely silent.

Everyone stared at her, mesmerized.

Li Bai was also looking at her.

But what he saw was neither dance nor song.

It was the growing sorrow in her eyes.

It was the forced smile on her lips.

It was the involuntary stiffness in every movement she made.

The song ended.

Yang Yuhuan stopped, slightly out of breath, with fine beads of sweat on her forehead.

The hall was silent for a moment, then erupted in enthusiastic applause.

"Excellent! Excellent!" Emperor Xuanzong clapped his hands and laughed, "This dance should only exist in heaven; how often can one hear it on earth!"

He looked at Yang Yuhuan, his eyes full of admiration.

"Please take a seat."

Yang Yuhuan expressed her gratitude and sat down in the seat to the lower right of the throne. That seat was very close to Emperor Xuanzong, but far from Li Bai.

Li Bai watched her sit down, watched her pick up her wine cup, and take a small sip. He watched her respond to the compliments of those around her with a polite yet distant smile. Everything about her seemed so perfect, so poised.

So perfect it's heartbreaking.

***

The banquet continued.

The more they drank, the more lively the atmosphere became.

Officials took turns toasting Emperor Xuanzong and saying auspicious words. Emperor Xuanzong was in a good mood and accepted all the toasts.

Li Bai sat in the corner, drinking one cup after another.

The liquor was strong, burning his throat. But he needed this pain to suppress the pain in his heart.

After an unknown amount of time, he suddenly stood up.

Holding his wine glass, he walked toward the throne.

All eyes immediately turned to him.

Li Linfu squinted.

Yang Guozhong put down his chopsticks.

Gao Lishi frowned slightly.

He Zhizhang watched him nervously from a distance.

Li Bai walked to the throne and bowed in respect.

"This humble subject, Li Bai, pays homage to Your Majesty."

Emperor Xuanzong looked at him with a smile on his face.

"You're Li Bai? The rising star of the poetry world recommended by He Jian?"

"Exactly."

"Very well." Emperor Xuanzong raised his wine cup. "I have read your poems; they are magnificent in spirit and expansive in meaning, truly extraordinary. Meeting you today, I can confirm that you are indeed a man of exceptional talent."

The two drank together.

Li Bai put down his wine cup and took a deep breath.

"Your Majesty, I have a poem to present to you."

"Oh?" Emperor Xuanzong became interested. "An impromptu composition?"

"Yes."

"Read it aloud."

Li Bai straightened up and looked at Yang Yuhuan.

Yang Yuhuan also looked at him, her eyes filled with a hint of doubt and unease.

He spoke, his voice clear and resonant, echoing throughout the hall.

"Clouds resemble her clothes, flowers resemble her face; the spring breeze caresses the balustrade, and the dew is heavy."

"If we don't meet atop Mount Qunyu, we'll meet beneath the moon on the Jade Terrace."

The hall fell silent.

The poem is beautiful, so beautiful it's breathtaking.

But some people heard the hidden meaning.

"Clouds yearn for her clothes, flowers for her face"—a praise of Yang Yuhuan's beauty.

The spring breeze caresses the balustrade, and the dew is heavy—a subtle reference to her youthful beauty.

If not seen atop Mount Qunyu, then met beneath the moon on the Jade Terrace—Mount Qunyu and the Jade Terrace are both celestial realms. This means that such a beauty should belong to the celestial realm, not remain in the mortal world.

It is even more inappropriate for them to remain in the palace.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Xuanzong clapped his hands in praise.

"What a fine poem! What a perfect line, 'The clouds remind me of her clothes, the flowers of her face!'" He turned to Gao Lishi and smiled, "This young man's poetic talent is indeed well-deserved."

Gao Lishi bowed: "Your Majesty has discerning eyes."

Emperor Xuanzong then looked at Li Bai with admiration in his eyes.

"However," he changed the subject, his voice still gentle but now carrying an undeniable air, "a beautiful woman is meant to be paired with an emperor. Li Bai, your poetry is excellent, but there are some things that are not your concern."

In short, it's all very superficial.

But it was like a knife, severing all possibilities.

Li Bai stood there, feeling as if the blood in his body had frozen instantly.

He looked at Emperor Xuanzong. Emperor Xuanzong still had a smile on his face, but the appreciation from before was gone, replaced by a condescending tolerance.

He looked at Li Linfu. Li Linfu was holding a wine glass, a faint smile playing on his lips, his eyes as cold as frost.

He looked at Yang Guozhong. Yang Guozhong lowered his head, pretending not to hear.

He looked at Yang Yuhuan one last time.

Yang Yuhuan was also looking at him.

Eyes facing each other.

At that moment, Li Bai saw the deep helplessness hidden in her eyes.

I saw a faint glimmer of tears.

I saw that same despair as Yang Xiaohuan in her previous life.

***

The banquet is about to end.

Emperor Xuanzong rose from his seat, and the crowd respectfully saw him off.

Yang Yuhuan, supported by palace maids, rose and withdrew. As she passed Li Bai, she paused slightly.

Their eyes met again.

Only for a moment.

Then she turned and disappeared behind the palace gate.

Li Bai stood there, watching her retreating figure, feeling something inside him shatter completely.

"Young Master Li."

A deep voice sounded in my ear.

Li Bai turned his head and saw a young eunuch standing beside him, bowing and whispering.

"Eunuch Gao would like to ask you to stay after the banquet; he has something to ask you."