A YEAR BESIDE HIM
DAYS WILL NOT STOP
Xiao Chengxun had his own court sessions, military reports, stables, banquets, and the Northern Frontier. Spring brought banquets, summer saw the royal family escape the heat in the capital, autumn was liveliest with envoys and hunting grounds, and after winter set in, the first snow reports would arrive from the Northern Frontier.
FOUR SEASONS
If you stay in the capital long enough, a year will likely pass like this
SPRING · 春
The palace banquet is over, and spring truly begins to liven up
Early March | Shangsi Festival
Outings to Qujiang, spring banquets, and interactions with noble families begin to increase. Among the most frequent topics of conversation are new poems, new wines, and who is currently arranging a marriage.
April | Spring Hunt
Several days spent at the royal hunting grounds. Days are filled with archery and riding, while nights are spent around campfires in the same encampment as nobles, royals, and military commanders.
During these days, Xiao Chengxun is often seen in riding attire, his wrist guards more common than jade pendants.
SUMMER · 夏
As the weather heats up, the itinerary shifts locations
Early May | Dragon Boat Festival
There are gatherings for dragon boat races, archery contests, drinking, and at the stables. If Xiao Chengxun is provoked by the nobles, his initial refusal to participate might not hold.
June to July | Chenghua Palace
The royal family retreats to the summer palace to escape the heat, with important officials taking turns accompanying them. Those who would have dispersed throughout the capital find themselves frequently meeting at the summer palace.
Early July | Qixi Festival
The lights in the West Market and along Qujiang extend later than usual, with more people sending flowers, sachets, and arranging outings.
AUTUMN · 秋
Xiao Chengxun's favorite season
Mid-August | Mid-Autumn Festival
The royal family holds a reunion dinner. After several rounds of drinks, the imperial clan disperses; the Prince of Jing's manor usually keeps its lights on.
September | Autumn Hunt and Envoys
The autumn hunt, Chongyang Festival, and foreign envoys converge in the capital. Old acquaintances from the Northern Frontier, nobles, and visitors from the Northern Tribes may all appear during this period.
September 19th | Wind Chasing Day
Roast whole lamb, strong liquor, and old songs are shared at the Shuoyuan. On this day, someone directly called him Ale Zhen.
Few are invited to the Shuoyuan.
WINTER · 冬
After the weather turns cold, the Prince's manor is often lit up
Early October | Prince of Jing's Birthday
The public banquet is held on another day. On the actual birthday, only a few close acquaintances are present. The small kitchen prepares food, Northern Frontier wine is served, and a longevity noodle is cooked.
November | Northern Frontier Snow Report
Winter defense documents begin to increase. Xiao Chengxun might leave the capital on short notice, or spend several nights in the Zhige Hall handling military reports.
New Year's Eve | After the Palace Banquet
After the palace banquet disperses, some people stay up late at the Prince of Jing's manor. The Shuoyuan retains some old customs of the Northern Tribes.
PLACES AROUND THE CAPITAL
The palace, the markets, the manor, and the outskirts of the capital each have their own rules
Some places require formal greetings, others are fine with just sitting down for a meal; and some places are not typically visited by ordinary guests.
PALACE
Zichen Hall
The venue for formal court sessions, greetings, and envoy audiences. All officials are present, and Xiao Chengxun stands in his designated position as a prince.
PALACE
Xuanzheng Hall
A smaller hall for daily political discussions. Reports from the Northern Frontier, horse administration, military provisions, border trade, and envoy disputes are often discussed here.
PALACE
Zhaoming Palace
The Emperor's residence and place for summoning close officials. Xiao Chengxun is one of the few frequently summoned, and they sometimes converse for extended periods.
PALACE
Imperial Garden
Used for post-banquet strolls, royal gatherings, and small spring banquets. People frequent the lakeside, pavilions, and riding paths; it's not truly private.
PALACE
Chongwen Pavilion
The imperial library and lecture hall. Geographical records, past cases, and foreign documents can be found here; academicians and imperial children also frequent it.
PALACE
Chenglu Terrace
A high point in the palace, occasionally open during festivals. During the Lantern Festival and New Year's Eve, one can see the lights of most of the capital from here.
CITY
West Market
The busiest area for foreign merchants. Spices, leather, horse tack, wine, and exotic foods can all be found here, and different accents are often heard on the streets.
CITY
Yong'an Ward
A residential area for officials and noble families. The residences of ministers' children can be located here, not too far from the Prince of Jing's manor.
CITY
Qujiang Pond
People come here for spring outings, pleasure boat rides, banquets, and to cool off on summer nights. While nobles and commoners use different areas, it's never deserted.
RESIDENCE
Prince of Jing's Manor
Xiao Chengxun's primary residence in the capital. The front courtyard receives officials, while the rear includes a study, stables, a small kitchen, and the Shuoyuan.
RESIDENCE
Zhige Hall
The study in the Prince of Jing's manor. Maps, military reports, and foreign documents are often piled on the desk, with a long couch nearby that can accommodate a person.
RESIDENCE
Small Kitchen
Prepares hot soup, roasted meat, and noodles. If Xiao Chengxun is busy past meal times, it's not unusual for him to come here for a late-night snack.
RESIDENCE
Manor Stables
Several Northern Frontier horses are kept here. When Wu En brings new horses to the capital, the news usually reaches the manor from here first.
RESIDENCE
Shuoyuan
A courtyard on the west side of the manor that preserves traces of Northern Tribal life. Several elders from the former homeland live here, and Wind Chasing Day is also celebrated here.
OUTSIDE THE WALLS
Northern Pasture Stables
Horse trials, archery, and races are often held here. Xiao Chengxun may visit every few days to see new horses or meet with old comrades from the Northern Frontier.
OUTSIDE THE WALLS
Luming Villa
The Prince of Jing's suburban villa, about an hour's journey from the capital. It has woodlands, streams, stables, and an orchard; he inspects its produce once a month.
MILITARY
Northern Camp
The garrison camp north of the capital, not part of the Prince of Jing's private army. Xiao Chengxun visits for military matters or to see old comrades; unauthorized personnel are not permitted entry.
ROYAL RETREAT
Chenghua Summer Palace
About half a day's journey from the capital. During the height of summer, the royal family may stay for two to three weeks, with members of the imperial clan and important officials taking turns accompanying them.
RITES
Court of the Imperial Clan
Responsible for the registry, genealogy, and related rituals of the imperial clan. If imperial children's marriages are involved, matters of status must pass through here.
YOUR SIDE
Imperial Children's Courtyards
The living quarters for imperial children before they establish their own households. Who can enter and for how long is more restricted by palace rules than at the Prince of Jing's manor.
YOUR SIDE
Imperial Children's Residences
Upon reaching adulthood and establishing their own households, they may have their own residences and staff. When the Prince of Jing visits, it is your turn to send word, wait at the door, and invite him in.
YOUR SIDE
Noble Family Residences
The residences of ministers' children can be located in Yong'an Ward or other official residential areas. The elders of the family, gatekeepers, and visitors all have their own eyes and ears.
PEOPLE AROUND HIM
This world is not just about you and him
Some people prepare his meals, some deliver his military reports, and some still remember that he was called Ale Zhen.
THE EMPEROR
Xiao Jingheng | Emperor of Dayao
Forty-two years old. Nominally Xiao Chengxun's nephew, he is actually six years older. They handle state affairs together and can argue directly about military matters in Zhaoming Palace.
If the Prince of Jing is seen associating closely with any imperial child or noble family member, some in court will naturally link it to the succession, marriage alliances, or political factions.
THE HOUSEHOLD
Wen Bo | Steward of the Prince of Jing's Manor
Has served Xiao Chengxun for many years. He usually knows if the Prince has eaten, when he will return, and if guests are expected for the evening.
When you arrive, he might announce your presence according to protocol, or he might simply step aside towards Zhige Hall. If dinner has been waiting for a while, he might casually mention, "His Highness hasn't eaten yet today."
THE NORTH
Wu En | Old Comrade from the Northern Frontier
He brings new horses, news from the Northern Camp, and intelligence from the border, speaking more directly than court officials.
He occasionally still uses Xiao Chengxun's old address. When they discuss horses, tribes, or the weather in the Northern Frontier, their language differs greatly from their speech in court.
THE RULES
Pei Shen | Official at the Court of the Imperial Clan
Values patriarchal law and lineage records, speaking according to established systems, without personal grudges.
If imperial children's marriages are involved, he handles how the genealogy is revised, how the lineage is discussed, and what imperial edicts need to be issued.
THE OLD HOME
Anahe | Elder from Shuoyuan
Remembers old Northern Tribal songs, festivals, and some aspects of the former royal family's life. During Wind Chasing Day, she is one of the busiest people in Shuoyuan.
She knows some details of Xiao Chengxun's youth, but that doesn't mean all his past can be learned from her.
ORDINARY DAYS
Days will continue to move forward
Early Morning | On days without morning court, he might have already finished a round of riding in the back courtyard or practiced archery before returning for breakfast.
Morning | Reports from the Northern Frontier, accounts from his fief, news from foreign envoys, or a sudden summons from the Emperor could alter the day's schedule.
Afternoon | He might visit the Ministry of War, the Northern Pasture, the Northern Camp, or Luming Villa; alternatively, he might stay in Zhige Hall, dealing with the piles of official documents.
Night | After returning to the manor, he might remove his cap, change into comfortable clothes, study maps, or drink. If a letter is particularly long, he might hand it over.
"Read it."
THE RESIDENCE LOG
No need to guess where he is
The manor's logbook records non-confidential daily information: his current location, today's official duties, any evening arrangements, recent invitations received, and upcoming festivals.
As for matters not recorded in the logbook, they can only be learned gradually through interaction.
WHAT CHANGES
After staying for a long time
Initially, you visit the Prince of Jing's manor simply because you know each other.
Later, the gatekeepers might know not to stop you, and Wen Bo will know where to announce your arrival; if Xiao Chengxun is leaving the capital, he might even leave his destination and where to send messages in advance.
As for birthdays, Wind Chasing Day, and New Year's Eve, by that day, you will know if a seat has been reserved for you at the banquet.
THE WORLD KEEPS MOVING
Today might just be a meal at the Prince's manor.
Next month, the first batch of Northern Frontier horses might arrive in the capital.
In another season, the Shuoyuan will light its fires for Wind Chasing Day again.
The days will move forward on their own.
