Chapter One: Ball Lightning in the Bridal Chamber

In the first year of Zhiping of the Northern Song, in May, the residence of the Prince of Guangyang in Kaifeng was festooned with lanterns and streamers, and the sound of firecrackers was unending. In front of the gates guarded by two stone lions, carriages were parked in rows, and countless servants stood by the carriages, waiting for their masters to attend the banquet. Each servant wore a beaming smile, for they had all received generous tips today.

Today was the wedding day of the Prince of Guangyang. Those who could enter the prince’s residence to offer congratulations were all renowned dignitaries of Kaifeng; even officials below the fourth rank were not qualified to attend the banquet. Thus, being able to enter the prince’s residence was itself a symbol of status. Not only did the guests feel honored, but even the family servants waiting outside stood tall and looked at the onlooking commoners with a hint of disdain.

The Prince of Guangyang was named Henry Clark, the third son of the current emperor, only fifteen years old this year, and infamous throughout Kaifeng as a playboy. He spent his days brawling, gambling, and indulging in debauchery with a gang of disreputable friends. Among both the nobility and the commoners, the Prince of Guangyang was synonymous with wantonness.

Although Henry Clark’s reputation was unsavory, he was, after all, the son of the Emperor of the Song. So, on his wedding day, all the prominent figures of Kaifeng had to come and pay their respects. The current emperor was named Edward Clark, the fifth emperor of the Song, known in history as Emperor Yingzong. There is little written about Emperor Yingzong in the history books, as he reigned for only four years. This year was the first year of Edward Clark’s reign. His eldest son was the future Emperor Shenzong, William Clark, who supported Wang Anshi’s reforms. The groom, Henry Clark, was William Clark’s younger brother by the same mother.

In the main and side halls of the prince’s residence, a lavish wedding banquet was underway. The most prominent nobles and officials of Kaifeng, along with their families, were gathered, many of them already drunk and staggering. Attending someone else’s wedding should be a joyous occasion, but if one looked closely, many of the young noblemen at the banquet showed no sign of happiness. Some drank with anger, some with jealousy, and some in dejection. The imperial wine, bestowed by the court, tasted bitter in their mouths.

In contrast, most of the women attending the banquet in the side halls wore smiles. The noble ladies with sons were happily discussing marriage arrangements for their children. Sons who had refused to get engaged in previous years would surely give up now, and the mothers could look forward to having grandchildren soon. The young ladies of noble families gathered together, blushing and whispering about which young gentleman was the most talented and what kind of husband they should choose in the future.

The stark contrast between the men’s and women’s banquets was all because of the new Princess of Guangyang. The princess’s surname was Foster, given name Emily, daughter of the most prestigious military family in the Song, the Cao clan. Not only was she stunningly beautiful, but her needlework and learning were unmatched among the daughters of generals. It was said she also knew medicine. Moreover, the Cao family was the foremost military family in the Song; the current Empress Dowager Foster was from the Cao clan, and Emily Foster was the daughter of Empress Dowager Foster’s nephew—her lineage could not be more distinguished.

A woman like Emily Foster was naturally the ideal match for countless families. Many young nobles in Kaifeng had proposed to the Cao family, but all were rejected, reportedly because Miss Foster had high standards and looked down on all her suitors.

While many young nobles nursed secret heartbreak over the proud Miss Foster, none could have imagined that the notorious Prince of Guangyang would succeed in proposing to Empress Dowager Foster. With Empress Dowager Foster’s approval, her grandniece was married to Henry Clark, forging another alliance between the Cao family and the royal family.

One was a talented and beautiful noblewoman, the other the son of the emperor. Although Henry Clark’s reputation was lacking, outsiders still saw it as a good match. However, the new bride Emily Foster in the bridal chamber clearly did not think so.

The red candle flickered, the gauzy curtains were warm, and the newlywed Princess Emily Foster had already had her veil lifted by the matchmaker. Dressed in a grand ceremonial gown with floral hairpins and wide sleeves, she sat alone on the red-lacquered wedding bed. Originally, two maids who had come with her were supposed to keep her company, but she had sent them away. There was no trace of joy on Emily Foster’s face. In her left hand she gripped a delicate short sword, her right hand on the hilt, repeatedly drawing and sheathing the blade. The polished sword gleamed coldly, its light flickering in the candlelit bridal chamber.