Chapter 23 Snow Like Stars
Many years later, I, Xiao Huai An, became an emperor the history books praised as one for the ages.
I governed with diligence, lightened corvee and taxes, and opened a prosperous age.
Only, I never appointed another Lord Consort for the rest of my life. The rear palace stayed empty. I never even took in a single beauty.
I often climbed Moon Gazing Tower alone, that broken Qilin Pendant in my hand, and stood for a whole day.
Peach blossoms outside the tower bloomed and withered, looking very much like Jiangnan.
One winter, a rare heavy snow fell on Changan.
I, Xiao Huai An, stood at the upturned eaves of Moon Gazing Tower, like that falling figure from many years ago.
The eunuchs dropped to their knees in fright, shivering.
"Your Majesty, it is cold. Please return to the palace."
I, Xiao Huai An, smiled instead, smiled like a child.
"Look. This snow looks so much like stars. Wen Yan once said that when snow fell in the hair, it was like starlight over the whole body."
I spread my arms, like a bird with a broken wing, and leapt down.
That day the snow fell very hard. It covered every corner of Changan.