Whispers from the Vermilion Throne

The moon hung low in the night sky, casting a silvery glow upon the ancient, cobblestone streets of Beijing. In the heart of the imperial city, amidst the vermilion walls of the Forbidden City, a young official named Liu Yi walked with a heavy heart. The capital was a maze of palaces, each one a testament to the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty, but Liu Yi’s mind was preoccupied with the recent news that his mother had taken ill.

As he meandered through the bustling marketplace, the air was thick with the scent of grilled meat and the sound of merchants hawking their wares. Amidst the chaos, a curious shopkeeper beckoned him over with a knowing smile. The official, ever the diligent servant of the empire, paused in his duties to comply with the shopkeeper’s request.

“Mister Official, have you ever heard the tale of Princess Jing'er, the daughter of the previous emperor?” the shopkeeper asked, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.

Liu Yi shook his head, intrigued. The story of Princess Jing'er was one of the many ghost tales that had been whispered among the people, but he had never taken it seriously. “What of her?” he inquired.

“The princess,” the shopkeeper began, “was a woman of great beauty and grace, beloved by her people. But her fate was a tragic one. On the night of her eighteenth birthday, she was found dead in her chambers, her face as pale as the moon.” The shopkeeper’s voice grew somber as he continued, “It was said that her spirit haunts the palace to this day, seeking justice for her untimely death.”

Liu Yi’s curiosity was piqued. He had heard of the princess’s legend, but the story had always seemed like mere superstition. Yet, as he stood there in the dim light of the market, a cold shiver ran down his spine. The shopkeeper’s words had a ring of truth to them, and Liu Yi felt a strange compulsion to learn more.

That night, as Liu Yi lay in his bed, the story of Princess Jing'er would not leave his mind. He dreamt of the vermilion throne, the opulent chambers of the palace, and the haunting eyes of the princess herself. The next morning, he decided to visit the palace to uncover the truth behind her mysterious death.

Arriving at the palace gates, Liu Yi was met with the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty at its zenith. The vermilion walls glowed in the sunlight, and the scent of incense filled the air. As he made his way through the corridors, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone—or something—was watching him.

In the depths of the palace, Liu Yi discovered the chamber where Princess Jing'er had lived. The room was a study of elegance, with intricate tapestries adorning the walls and a vast library of ancient texts filling the shelves. He paused, taking in the serene atmosphere, until the sound of whispering voices drew his attention to the floor.

Crouching low, Liu Yi peered through a crack in the floorboards, his heart pounding in his chest. To his shock, he saw a vision of the princess, her face etched with sorrow and despair. Her voice was a soft echo, barely audible above the distant hum of the palace.

“I was betrayed by my own family,” she whispered, her eyes filled with tears. “They wanted the throne more than they wanted me alive.”

Liu Yi's mind raced. The story the shopkeeper had told him was true; the princess had indeed been betrayed by those she trusted most. He knew he had to uncover the truth, no matter the danger it posed to him.

With newfound determination, Liu Yi set out to investigate the palace's inner circles, seeking out clues and allies. He questioned the palace guards, the eunuchs, and even the imperial concubines. Each person he spoke to offered a snippet of information that led him closer to the truth.

The climax of his investigation brought Liu Yi face-to-face with the culprit, a courtier who had been envious of the princess’s influence over the emperor. The courtier had orchestrated her murder, hoping to take her place and gain power for himself. But in a twist of fate, the courtier’s plot was foiled, and the princess's spirit was finally at peace.

The ending of Liu Yi's journey was not without its perils. The courtier, now desperate, attempted to kill the young official, but Liu Yi's quick thinking and bravery ensured his survival. As he stood in the princess's chamber, the ghostly figure of Jing'er appeared once more, her face now filled with gratitude.

“I have found my peace, Liu Yi,” she whispered. “Thank you for your bravery.”

With the princess's spirit now at rest, Liu Yi returned to his duties as an official. The story of the vermilion throne and the haunting echoes of the past had come to an end, but the memory of Princess Jing'er would forever remain etched in his heart.