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A lone rider pursued the stars and moon, as beacon fires blazed across the sky.
Outside the palace gates, the dust on the horse path had yet to settle when footsteps were heard inside Fengtian Gate.
“Report! Report!” A seventh-rank eunuch, holding an urgent dispatch, ran towards the Imperial Study.
His distant mountain-like brows slightly raised, his peach blossom eyes wore a half-smile: “Hmph, interesting.” Scanning the inked characters on the urgent report, Ling Yiran said lightly, his emotions unreadable.
A gentle breeze wafted a burst of water vapor through the window. Several trusted ministers stood rooted, secretly pondering the King’s thoughts.
Kites flew fiercely in the sky, fish leaped in the abyss. What kind of sky now loomed above them?
Just as they were lost in thought, they saw the King slightly raise his hand. Liu Yao, understanding his unspoken command, took the letter and presented it for them to read.
This is...
Yu Ning paused his rapid scanning, then meticulously read word by word.
What a Marquis of Mianzhou! Knowing the King intended to use General Han to restrain his Azure Dragon Cavalry, he unexpectedly turned around and captured eleven strategic towns bordering Jing and Qing. His actions were swift and decisive, like a sudden storm, forcing the King of Jing to send out a plea for help. And all of this was for that person.
A moment of silence, the ink characters on the letter had blurred in his eyes.
When he learned of her safe return, how joyful he was, how ecstatic. But despite several invitations, she refused to see him. He understood that her ruthlessness was merely to sever his affections, because Han Yuexia would become the supreme beauty. Yet, even knowing this, he couldn’t control himself. Every time he heard the bells under the eaves, he couldn’t help but recall—the dreamlike first encounter, the joy of standing side-by-side in court, the pleasant surprise of their first meeting in spring.
“Ding... ding...”
The wind softly rose, stirring the verdigris bells on the eaves.
At present, his thoughts spread like overflowing water.
“Minister Yu... Minister Yu?”
A frantic whisper from beside him pulled his mind back. He composed himself slightly, looking up to see her knowing, smiling eyebrows.
“It’s rare for Yuanzhong to lose focus, ah.”
“I am ashamed, your humble servant.”
“The Ghost Month is approaching, Yuanzhong, you should be more careful.” Although his peach blossom eyes were smiling, a chilling coldness lurked in their depths.
The Ghost Month would begin the day after tomorrow, and that day also happened to be the King’s auspicious wedding day. It was not advisable to marry during the Ghost Month, so the King’s decision to set the date for the last day of the sixth month must have been out of fear. Fear of things changing over time, so even while still in mourning, he was willing to bear the reputation of unfilial piety to marry her.
Just thinking about tomorrow, he couldn’t help but feel jealous, jealous of the King’s good fortune.
“This servant understands.”
Glancing at the still-smiling Yu Ning, Ling Yiran casually sipped his tea: “What do you all think of the urgent letter from Jing Kingdom?”
Unlike the late king, the new ruler never said “my lords.” It seemed that the word “lord” must be extremely precious in the King’s heart. If one day he could be called “my beloved minister,” then his day of rising again and achieving great success would not be far off, Shangguan Mi thought. From his ability to endure many setbacks and still stand firm in the court, it seemed the new ruler still had expectations of him.
As for what expectations...
His cunning eyes darted around. He cautiously glanced at the throne. After pondering for a long time, he suddenly had an epiphany: “This humble servant has some thoughts.”
“Oh?” Seeing his fawning smile, Ling Yiran’s tone was smooth and tinged with playfulness.
“Between a beautiful woman and an empire, which does Your Majesty find more beautiful?” Shangguan Mi did not state his opinion first, waiting for his master’s stance.
Sunlight steeped in his dark pupils, Ling Yiran propped his chin on his hand. Occasionally, his gaze would drift, landing coincidentally on Shangguan Mi.
Believing he had received a hint, Shangguan Mi, secretly delighted, couldn’t help but declare, “No matter how beautiful a face, it will eventually age. How can it compare to the eternal splendor of this everlasting empire? Our King harbors the world in his heart, his spirit commanding rivers and mountains, how could he be bewitched by a delicate flower?” He spoke volubly, completely ignoring the dangerous glint in Ling Yiran’s eyes. “Though Mianzhou’s cavalry is inferior to our heavenly army, it still possesses some strength. Now that the late king has just passed and the court is newly settled, and with the Yong Kingdom in the west lurking menacingly, the national situation can only be described as critical.”
Though his tone was overly impassioned, his words expressed the common sentiments of the officials. Except for Yu Ning and Luo Yin, all the other cabinet elders nodded in agreement.
“Rather than continuing to be at odds with Mianzhou, why not...”
“Why not what?” His captivating eyes remained calm, like two deep pools, bottomless to the gaze.
“Why not agree to Mianzhou’s last request, to exchange a woman for Mianzhou’s lifeline? It’s truly a good deal, only profit and no loss.”
His handsome face was faintly smiling. Though it was the warm transition from late summer to early autumn, there was not a trace of sunshine in his expression.
“Shangguan Sima.” His voice was incredibly soft, so soft it made one’s hair stand on end.
“This humble servant is present.” Cold sweat beaded on his forehead as he bowed subserviently.
“You haven’t forgotten what day tomorrow is, have you?”
“This humble servant wouldn’t dare.” No matter how much his voice trembled, it couldn’t compare to the trembling in his heart.
“If it were as you suggest, whom would I marry tomorrow? Hmm?” He leaned back in his seat, his expression rather languid.
This relaxed tone made Shangguan Mi unable to help but suspect he had been mistaken just now; the King clearly didn’t care. He thought and thought until he suddenly realized that the King was afraid of losing face—so that was it!
“Your Majesty need not worry about this point. Let alone one woman, even a hundred or eighty, this humble servant can produce!” The implication was that there would certainly be a ceremony tomorrow.
“Heh heh,” the wind grew stronger, and a smooth chuckle slowly spread. “It seems Shangguan Sima has decided this is a good deal.”
“My King is brilliant!” He squeezed out a fawning smile.
“An empire for one woman, is it worth it?”
Seeing the King’s face still hesitant, he nodded forcefully, wishing he could break his neck: “It’s worth it!”
“Can Shangguan Sima do the same?” Ling Yiran squinted, his expression growing even more eerie. “To win me a beautiful empire.”
Cold sweat broke out again; he was stunned.
“What one woman can do, Shangguan Sima cannot, ah.” He sighed rather painfully, his eyes sweeping like lightning. “In that case, what use are you to me?”
“Your Majesty...”
“Liu Yao.”
“Your humble servant is here.”
“See Shangguan Sima out.”
“This servant knows his mistake! Please, Your Majesty, grant mercy! Mercy!”
Official hats and pheasant feathers lay scattered on the ground. A crimson carp knot, symbolizing the first rank, rested quietly on the ground, its red tassel gently swaying in the wind. The Imperial Study was eerily quiet; the King’s might, like a mountain and snow, overshadowed the sky, completely suffocating the remaining few hearts.
The person before them was no longer the Ninth Prince, but the King.
Even with prior knowledge, the sight and direct experience were more shocking. This display of unexpected power—perhaps this was why the master had kept Shangguan Mi.
Luo Yin thought as he leaned on his staff, his brows slowly relaxing.
Good, this was truly the King, the King whom Luo Wuju would assist with all his heart, for his entire life.
Thinking of this, he released his staff and bowed, his knees hitting the ground directly in front of Yu Ning’s level gaze. Both men exchanged knowing smiles, then bowed their heads, saying, “Congratulations to our King on his great joy.”
Perhaps this was the best outcome for him. At least when she sat beside the King, he could still gaze upon her every time he looked up. A bitter smile played on his lowered face. Yu Ning subtly glanced sideways, his eyes catching the image of a swaying bell.
With that, he was content.
Outside the hall, the clouds flowed gently like water. The summer sun seeped through the half-open window, quietly casting light upon the throne. Gazing at the kneeling ministers at his feet, Ling Yiran curved his beautiful lips.
Tomorrow.
He closed his eyes, his heart pounding like a drum, threatening to burst from his chest.
Such a tremor, uncontrollably, her stubborn little face appeared in his mind, her tightly closed lips written with rejection. Just thinking about it, he couldn’t help but curl his lips, his heart like a spring pool, imbued with abundant spring warmth.
Qingqing would one day reciprocate his full affection. And this day might be today, or tomorrow, or a lifetime from now.
Just thinking about this challenge made his heart pound faster, filling him with eager anticipation.
As zithers played, her elegant silhouette was as graceful as the moon.
________________________________________
The moon’s shadow drew near the western tower. In the winding corridor, scattered candlelight flickered. In the General’s mansion, filled with auspicious red decorations, several figures in plain white moved, unable to hide in the night.
Her waist-length hair was slightly damp, carrying the scent of a recent bath. The several palace maids accompanying her, rather than being mere matchmakers, were more like escorts. The goods being escorted, unfortunately, were herself.
The five of them walked, each lost in their own thoughts. With every step, a festive lantern behind them extinguished.
She subtly turned her head, glancing at the dark path behind her. Her dark eyes were deep and sorrowful, reflecting no light.
Cleansing and offering sacrifices to ancestors the night before leaving the family, and not walking the family’s path a second time—was this to remind her that she had no retreat?
“It is the custom for a bride not to look back when walking to her marriage; please be mindful, Miss.”
The palace maid’s words were assertive, forcing her to turn her head. Tonight, she would fulfill her duty as “goods.” Yuexia mused mockingly, her thick eyelashes casting faint shadows.
“Qingqing!”
As if struck by a paralysis spell, she froze in place.
“Qingqing!”
She spun around abruptly, pushing away the obstacles and rushing towards the source of the voice. As if with all her might, she plunged into a broad embrace, her hands clutching the newcomer’s lapels: “Brother...”
“Qingqing...” Yuexiao was slightly surprised.
“I thought I would never see you again, brother,” she murmured softly, softly.
“Silly girl.” A tender light bloomed on his resolute face. He gently stroked her soft, dark hair, and unexpectedly caught sight of a few strands of a different color.
Her hair had faded.
“Miss, please compose yourself.” From not far away, four palace maids knelt on the ground. Yuexiao then realized that their posture was unusual.
“Qingqing.” He tried to pull her away, but she only embraced him more tightly. He smiled helplessly; his sister, who rarely acted spoiled, was exceptionally clingy tonight. “Qingqing, you’re a grown woman now,” he subtly reminded her.
“How old was I when Brother last hugged me?” the person in his arms asked hoarsely.
“On your sixth birthday, when we were fleeing from Qianzhou.” Her pigtails were neat, but her childhood, which should have been innocent, was already soaked in hatred and blood.
“Then I am only six years old.”
“Qingqing.” This was the first time she had ever been so childish, from growing up until now.
“I am only six years old...”
“There’s no child this big,” he was about to smile when he heard soft sobs.
“This is the last time...”
That’s right, no matter who she married, this would be the last time he held his sister. His Qingqing had grown up, from a precocious child to a graceful young woman. Now, even though he was extremely reluctant, he had to give his precious sister away. And he wanted to give his sister to a loving and devoted husband, only then could he feel at ease, at ease watching his Qingqing blossom into a beautiful young woman.
Thinking of this, he hugged Yuexia back, whispering in her ear: “Run, Qingqing. If the sky falls, your brother will bear it.”
The sobbing in his arms suddenly stopped. She looked up, her eyes slightly red.
“I defied orders to come back this time, just for my only sister.” His calloused fingers wiped away her tears. “You must be happy.”
Tears surged like a flood, one wave after another. Yuexiao wiped them away in a flurry, but they just kept flowing. Her slender hand pressed against his anxious wiping, and Yuexia revealed a refined smile, her eyes filled with fragmented silver light: “Brother.”
Leaning on the railing, one can approach the lonely moon’s shadow. Light clouds obscure the boundless azure sky. The late summer night brought a touch of coolness, but it didn’t reach the heart.
“I will be happy.” Gripping his hand with renewed strength, Yuexia said solemnly, “Brother, sister-in-law, and my three nephews are also part of my happiness, so you will all be happy too.”
He seemed to understand and misunderstand her words, but the only thing he clearly understood was his sister’s heart, so firm.
“You don’t have to blame yourself for what comes next, Brother, because I’m pursuing happiness.”
Next? His hearing was excellent; he caught the incredibly bizarre word. Just as he was about to ask, she hugged him again.
“Brother.”
“Hm?”
“For the past ten years, Brother never doubted my survival, did you?”
“Yes,” he answered without hesitation. Whether it was the first year, the second, or that long, difficult tenth year, he had always firmly believed.
“Please, Brother, continue to believe.”
His doubts fell into her eyes, transforming into shimmering, flowing water.
“Never doubt.”
She came like summer fire and left like a clear breeze. In the blink of an eye, her snowy white figure drifted into the distance. The emptiness in his arms made him regret not holding her tighter just now. Selfishly, he truly didn’t want his sister to marry. Who could be worthy of his Qingqing?
A father-like emotion filled his heart, making him temporarily forget his earlier doubts, making him ignore the damp spot on the lapel of his robe.
But when he realized, all he could do was believe.
The sound of the flute under the moon choked, a song of sorrowful parting.
Phoenix, oh Phoenix...
The red door behind her made a dull sound. She gazed longingly at the place where the lights faded. Only when the door closed shut did she slowly withdraw her gaze.
Pushing open the second door, rows of white candles lined both sides. The ancestral hall, without wind, felt a bit stuffy. The high flames danced alluringly, and the candlelight fell perfectly on the two ancestral tablets in the center.
“Father, Mother, your daughter has come to see you.”
Coiled incense hung in the air, the exhaled white smoke like a mist tightly enveloping her.
Lighting the incense, bowing in worship—her movements were slow and full of emotion. She knelt on the prayer mat, wanting to speak but holding back. Her throat was choked, and the incense sticks in her hand burned down in sections.
Long like a season, lingering like autumn. Father, Mother, your daughter misses him so much.
“Xiuyuan...”
She sighed softly, her eyes shimmering with captivating moisture. Love gathered in her chest, surging like a tide, wave after wave washing over her delicate face, a warm, alluring heat. She smiled slightly, casting captivating moonlight across the floor.
This “moonlight” was shallow and long, causing the shadows behind the door to ripple.
The incense in her hand was almost burnt out. Just as she was about to stand up, she felt a throbbing pain in her forehead. It felt as if something was trying to drill out of her brow. She held back with all her might, instinctively clenching her fists.
Inch by inch, the sandalwood incense shattered at her feet.
On the fourteenth night, every night, she couldn’t stop thinking of him. Her abundant love nourished the ephemeral flower on her forehead. Every pang of longing tore at her heart, and the budding filaments of the flower bloomed alluringly.
Counting now, this must be the last petal.
Her endurance was exceptional. Even with cold sweat on her face, her body remained only slightly stiff. She sank softly onto the prayer mat. Beneath her bangs, the clear white flower slowly unfurled, trembling with exquisite allure, finally blooming completely.
Infatuation for fourteen nights, scattered in a single evening. Her days were numbered.
Cold sweat dripped from her hair. She picked up an intact stick of sandalwood incense. Even with strong willpower, it couldn’t overcome her body’s honesty. Her clasped hands trembled uncontrollably. She couldn’t steady herself; she couldn’t light the incense stick.
Don’t tremble, stop trembling, time is running out.
Perhaps it was pain or fear, but her trembling legs turned weak, and her heart felt sour and bitter, filled with despondency.
No, she couldn’t.
The moment her wrist drooped in despair, a familiar sensation permeated the surroundings. Her heart inexplicably quickened, and she held her breath. A pleasant medicinal scent drifted from behind her, and her helpless hands fell into warm palms.
With such peace, she no longer trembled, and all fear vanished from her heart.
Close to the candle, she lit the incense and offered prayers to her parents.
Then, before she could even react, she was turned around, her cherry lips pried open, and then forcefully kissed.
The candlelight in the ancestral hall flickered erratically, causing the palace servants outside the two doors to feel suspicious.
“Miss?”
No sound.
“Miss?”
Still no one answered. The four exchanged glances, then held up red gauze lanterns and swayed them towards the east wall. Immediately, dense black shadows flickered out. Nodding slightly, the palace servants were about to step forward when a low, hoarse female voice from inside the door asked, “What’s wrong?”
Ah, she’s still here.
Weapons were put away, people hid. In the blink of an eye, the surroundings were once again quiet and peaceful.
“A daughter is destined to marry, Miss, don’t be sad.” She had thought so; a delicate, pampered daughter of an official wouldn’t need such strict guarding. Being alone in the gloomy ancestral hall in the middle of the night, let alone the sadness of parting from loved ones, she would have cried from fright.
Exchanging smiles, the palace maids returned to their posts under the eaves.
The candlelight flickered, bright and dim, due to warm breaths. Dark shadows were etched on the ground, like a heart’s trace, passionately intertwined were their fused silhouettes.
She leaned softly against his chest, her ears hearing his equally intense heartbeat. Her slender white hands slowly moved upwards, tracing his broad shoulders, his neck, then stopping at the corners of his slightly downturned lips.
Her eyebrows twitched slightly, and she nervously looked up: “Xiuyuan, are you angry?”
His phoenix eyes were sharp, staring at her, making her heart flutter with unease.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have acted on impulse.” Afraid to meet his gaze, Yuexia buried her face in his chest.
The grip around her waist tightened, and she was almost embedded into his body.
“I miss you.” The throbbing in her forehead intensified. She smiled through tears, murmuring repeatedly, “Xiuyuan, I miss you.”
Her affectionate words warmed his chest and softened his heart.
He smiled faintly, a very restrained tenderness.
“We’ll leave tonight.” Ye Jinglan kissed her long hair, but felt the person in his arms stiffen, and his elegant brows couldn’t help but furrow slightly.
She took a deep, deep breath, wanting to memorize his scent. It was truly hard to part; the moment she straightened up, she began to regret not lingering longer in his embrace.
She gazed at him affectionately, her eyes clear to the bottom, rippling with emotion. Staring at him like that, as if to bewitch his soul, so beautiful it made him feel intoxicated.
Her eyes held only him, and wasn’t it the same for him?
After a moment, Yuexia smiled sweetly. As he came back to his senses, she tightened her grip on his hand.
“Father, Mother, this is Xiuyuan, your daughter’s beloved.”
His heartstrings vibrated, his sword-like eyebrows rose. He looked up at the main hall.
Mother-in-law, Father-in-law.
“Father, Mother, I once envied your unwavering love through life and death. Now, Qingqing no longer envies it.”
Turning their heads, they gazed at each other for a long time, their love as boundless and intricate as silk spun by spring silkworms. Entwining, winding, making it impossible to escape, and not wanting to escape.
“Father, Mother,” her voice was solemn yet gentle. Though speaking to her parents, her eyes were fixed only on him. “Han Yuexia can be yours, his, or the world’s, but I will only belong to one person.”
His phoenix eyes trembled, like ripples stirred in a thousand-year-old secluded lake by a flying bird. His face remained somewhat cold, yet his palms burned as if about to ignite.
“Though life and death may part us, I pledge to be with you. Holding your hand, we shall grow old together.”
His proud self-control instantly crumbled. He embraced the woman who was so generous with her love, kissing her passionately beneath her parents’ ancestral tablets, again and again. Deeply and lightly, densely and sparsely.
Such a profound and fervent emotion, difficult to erase in this life.
“Trust me, Xiuyuan.”
“Mm, I trust you.”
With that one sentence, her heart was no longer adrift.
Phoenix, oh Phoenix, neither envying the phoenix tree nor desiring sweet wine, in this life, I only wish to return to the mountains and forests.
________________________________________
The dim, indistinct horizon. A crescent moon merged with the faint light, sinking into a clear spring.
Night’s charm faded.
“First comb, comb to the end; second comb, eyebrows align.”
The pale light of the sky couldn’t contain the vibrant red. The fourth watch was usually a time of deep slumber, but now, not just her, but perhaps the entire Yun Capital was awake.
Yuexia sat quietly before her dressing table, letting a propitious-faced official’s wife comb her hair.
“Third comb, children and grandchildren abound; fourth comb, wealth and nobility arrive.”
It was said that a new bride could gain blessings from the woman who combed her hair. It was said that this lady was personally chosen by Yunzhi. So, was she truly blessed?
Yuexia thoughtfully raised her eyes. Though the reflection in the bronze mirror was somewhat distorted, she could still see a plump, prosperous woman. This woman wore a smile, her round eyes slightly wrinkled; she must have been quite beautiful in her youth, inspiring imagination. She kept smiling, was everything in her eyes truly so wonderful?
Yuexia lowered her gaze with a soft sigh. When she was an official, she had heard of this woman’s husband’s family. Although their lineage was prosperous and they had many children and grandchildren, in her eyes, this Lady Qi could not be considered blessed; she could even be called unfortunate. To serve one husband alongside over ten other women, and still have to pretend to be generous and virtuous—what was so good about that?
She was still observing carefully when she saw the person in the mirror attempting to remove her forehead pendant.
“Just like this.” Yuexia pressed her hand over the crescent moon on her forehead.
“Yes,” the lady disguised her surprise, a smile quickly reappearing. “This servant has never seen such a unique hairstyle. Your Highness’s thoughts are remarkably ingenious; His Majesty will surely like it.”
Seeing that the woman misunderstood, Yuexia merely smiled faintly and offered no explanation. Because, from a certain perspective, she had cut her bangs for him too, though their purposes differed.
“Good wind like water, a thousand artful nights, in Juyue Hall, unseen by all.
Ten years of stirred emotion, a dream not yet awakened, sleeping among flowers, cradled by the moon, together we dance.”
The women excitedly gathered, vying to recite this bridal poem personally composed by the King.
“Such royal favor!” they said.
But the urging chants, though expressing his feelings, did not convey her wishes. Yuexia’s expression remained unchanged, betraying neither sorrow nor joy.
Lady Qi secretly sighed at her ungratefulness. Picking up the jade hairpin bestowed by the King, she prepared to remove the overly simple white phoenix hairpin from Yuexia’s hair. Suddenly, the slender figure abruptly moved.
“Enough.” Her clear eyes narrowed sharply.
“Yes, yes...” Her scalp tingling from the gaze, Lady Qi’s skirt trembled slightly, and she unconsciously lowered her head.
Her wide skirt flowed like water over the ground; the brilliant bridal gown almost consumed the morning light. Walking on and on, she moved against the wind. The phoenix hairpin gently chimed, its delicate sound rising with a sense of calm composure amidst the fervent, vibrant festivity. A few light-colored strands of hair occasionally danced into her vision. She didn’t frown, instinctively tucking them back into her dark hair.
Entering the main hall, her heart was no longer calm. Her brother and sister-in-law on the seats still frowned; she knew they didn’t approve of this choice. That morning, when she walked out of the ancestral hall, her brother, who had been waiting for a long time, was quite surprised. At that moment, she knew that the simultaneous appearance of her brother and Xiuyuan was no coincidence.
So it was, the two most important men in her life had already paved a path for her. But she couldn’t take this path, because they would have to pay too much for it. And such a price was precisely what she cared about most.
So, let her be willful one last time.
“Brother, Sister-in-law.” She knelt and offered tea. “Qingqing lost her parents young; in my eyes, my brother and sister-in-law are like parents.”
Yuexiao bypassed the tea, reaching out to help her up.
“Brother, let me finish.” She looked up, her eyes full of emotion, momentarily stunning the couple. “This is the path I chose. You absolutely... must not blame yourselves.”
“My sister...” His affection deepened, he embraced her. “You’ve been wronged...”
“Sister-in-law, Brother has always been thin-skinned since childhood; he can’t say mushy words, so please don’t blame him.”
“Mm, I understand.” Through tear-filled eyes, Danong saw her smiling faintly.
Gently, Yuexia stepped out of the fragrant embrace, placing her brother’s and sister-in-law’s hands together: “Brother, you must protect Sister-in-law and this family. The tragedy of Father and Mother must not happen to you again.”
“You two?” Her words sounded a bit strange, giving Yuexiao a jolt of alarm. “Qingqing!”
“My future will surely be good, Brother, you must continue to believe.” Her eyes curved, not looking like a mere perfunctory remark.
“Your Highness, the auspicious time is approaching.”
Yuexia glanced behind her, then lowered her voice: “No one is lonelier than an emperor, but Brother, you will be even lonelier than Yunzhi.”
His thick eyebrows, already close to his temples, raised slightly.
“Those who wield great military power and still meet a good end, only through a path of solitude.”
Her words awakened him from his dream. The woman before him overlapped with the precocious child in his memory. Although her appearance had changed, those intelligent eyes were still as clear as ever. Yuexiao sighed in belated realization; it turned out he had always been the one being protected.
“Fortunately, Sister-in-law is there to share your loneliness.” He clasped his hands repeatedly. After a long moment, as if having made up his mind, she abruptly let go, her movement so swift it seemed she was refusing herself rather than others. “Farewell, Brother. Farewell, Sister-in-law.”
No turning back, absolutely no turning back.
She rushed to the doorway, her bangs hanging over her forehead, casting a shadow between her eyes.
“Auntie!” A tiny figure rushed towards her.
“Yan’er...” She looked down at the child kneeling at her feet, her eyelashes clearly glistening with tears.
“So beautiful!” The little one looked up in admiration.
She gently curved her eyes, and the teardrops instantly fell.
“Your Highness, the auspicious time has arrived.”
The matchmaker urged again. The little one vigilantly clung to her knees: “Auntie, don’t go.”
“Auntie won’t go.” She squatted down and lovingly kissed his little cheek. “Today is the temple fair. Auntie is just going to play the role of a heavenly maiden.”
“Really?” His eyes widened, and his admiration grew.
“Really.”
“Mm, Auntie, go. Yan’er will wait for you at home,” the obedient child released her hands. “Come back early!”
She turned back with every step, looking at the childish smile, and for a moment, she was choked with sobs.
Yan’er, I’m sorry...
Crimson spread across the ground, and her heart felt desolate.
She had thought she could face it calmly, smiling as she said goodbye, but she didn’t expect...
The beaded curtain covering her face tinkled. As she stepped over the red threshold, clear water was splashed behind her.
“Married! Married!”
The matchmakers chanted loudly. A basin of water symbolized an unavoidable end; from now on, she would no longer be a Han family member.
Outside the door, the people assisting her changed. As close friends, Rumeng and Ruyuan stood to her left and right. “It’s not too late to turn back now.”
She smiled at the words: “Sister, thank you for sending me off.”
“Qingqing, don’t do anything foolish.” The festive music and firecrackers diverted others’ attention. Rumeng supported her, leading her step by step towards the elaborately carved and painted Phoenix Terrace.
“Sister.”
“Hm?” Her five fingers clasped Rumeng’s wrist. Rumeng clearly felt the calluses on her palm, completely unlike the soft, delicate hands of an official’s pampered daughter.
“Lei Lifeng is someone who can be entrusted with a lifetime,” although she couldn’t see the beautiful face behind the curtain, her gentle voice allowed one to guess her expression at this moment.
“We’re getting married next month.” When speaking of him, Rumeng couldn’t hide her tenderness.
“Then little sister is relieved.”
This path wasn’t long, but they walked extremely slowly, as if wanting it to continue forever.
“Your Highness, it’s time to get into the carriage.”
She turned around, slowly releasing Rumeng’s supportive grip.
“Qingqing...”
“After Yunzhi ascends the throne, tell Lei Lifeng to resign.”
The words caught in Rumeng’s throat. She stared blankly at the piercing eyes behind the curtain. When she came to, the cloud-embroidered, phoenix-patterned border had already flowed past her.
“Why?” Rumeng murmured lowly.
The embroidered shoe paused slightly: “It’s not suitable.”
What?
“You’ll understand then, Sister.”
“Then...” She was about to catch up, but saw that the wedding procession had already set off. “Where’s Qingqing?”
Gazing at the red silk, like clouds, Rumeng was speechless for a long time.
No farewell, only a fragrant dust separating them.
Will I ever see you again, Qingqing...?
Precious carriages and fragrant chariots filled the road, adorned with carvings. The faint morning light hung on trees draped in brocade. Everywhere she looked, people bowed their heads.
A ten-li stretch of crimson adornment—who could marry with more splendor than Han Yuexia?
It seemed, it seemed someone could compare.
She tilted her head, thinking, completely ignoring the congratulations and bows from the roadside.
That’s right, it was her.
Beneath Dream Lake, she dreamt a grand illusion. Five hundred years ago, that woman’s marriage was just as grand.
Closing her eyes, Yuexia could almost see those lifeless eyes.
Shuimian Yue married in despair, but Han Yuexia felt no sorrow.
She suddenly opened her eyes, the brilliant morning glow reflecting within them. Her eyes, like those of her previous life, no longer held any shadows.
Indeed, destiny must be held in one’s own hands.
Her hands clenched, clenched tighter, but the ephemeral flower on her forehead was withering...
She was the first, and likely the last, queen to enter the palace through the main gate.
Stepping down from the Phoenix Terrace, she walked on the central imperial path, carved with dragons and phoenixes.
She was all too familiar with this path. In the past six months, she had risen four ranks, practically second only to one person and above all others. At first, she thought Yunzhi forced her into court because he valued her cleverness. But after experiencing much, she understood that he was actually trying to ignite her interest in power.
Beneath the boundless azure sky, the palace was majestic and magnificent.
He must have seen it ten years ago: she was not a woman content with the inner chambers. So he lured her to disguise herself as a man, letting her stir up trouble, merely wanting her to become greedy. If it weren’t for her childhood experiences, she might truly have fallen into the trap, constantly striving between influencing others and being influenced.
Stepping into the main hall, all the civil and military officials in the court knelt. The person on the imperial throne had already stood up the moment she entered.
She walked unhurriedly, her heart as still as water, gazing at the high platform.
What a pity, Yunzhi, your calculations are undone.
“Yunqing.” A suppressed call came from by his feet.
Her hearing was excellent, but even if she heard, what then?
Yuanzhong, this is for the best for both of us.
She lowered her gaze and walked past, ignoring the hand near the hem of her long skirt that longed to grasp but was desperately restrained.
“Yunqing...”
Ascending the steps, she drew closer to the person with the spring-like face. Before she could take the last step, her right hand was grasped with an undeniable force.
“I’ve finally waited for you, heh heh,” a suppressed voice whispered beside her ear. He hooked his arm around her waist, and Ling Yiran looked down with her at the kneeling court below. “Do you feel it?”
The wind caught their robes, their billowing garments intertwining, so brilliantly.
“This is the taste of the heights, ah.” His five fingers threaded through her hat’s veil, lifting her delicate chin. “But it’s not high enough here, Qingqing, do you see? The floating clouds in the sky will one day be beneath our feet.”
“Yunzhi.” She turned her face away, escaping his grasp, a touch of pity in her eyes. “The higher you stand, the colder it gets.”
“With you and I together, how could there be coldness?”
He didn’t understand, she sighed.
“In this life, I grant you an empire. No matter how many beauties there may be, only you can stand by my side.”
When would he understand that she was not his weak water, and he could not only drink from this one ladle?
________________________________________
The south wind intentionally swayed the green lanterns, and the Milky Way in the west seemed about to descend.
The palace lanterns were first lit, and joy filled every corner. His steps beneath the yellow robe were somewhat hurried, his peach-blossom eyes filled with infinite charm.
The closer he got to the imperial bedchamber, the stronger the scent of wine on his chest became. A tingling numbness spread from his muscles to his heart.
On such a night, under such a moon, he was already slightly tipsy after only two sips.
Eagerly, he strode into the palace gate, instinctively searching.
“Yunzhi.”
At this moment, he was already intoxicated.
Ling Yiran gazed deeply at the beauty leaning by the window, admiring the moon. He took steady steps, but his slightly trembling fingertips still betrayed his mood.
“Qingqing,” he called out possessively. Just as he was about to embrace her slender waist, he saw Yuexia step aside.
“Sit,” she invited him proactively.
Seeing her so natural, Ling Yiran raised an eyebrow, a hint of playfulness in his eyes: “Tea?”
“Lake mist and rain,” she poured a cup and placed it before him.
“Drinking tea on your wedding night isn’t a good idea, ah,” Ling Yiran glanced at it, smoothly tempting her.
Yuexia merely smiled faintly, pouring a cup for herself as well: “Please.”
Watching her leisurely sip her tea, Ling Yiran couldn’t help but narrow his eyes.
“Don’t worry, there’s no medicine in the tea.”
“Even if there were medicine, you couldn’t escape.” He scoffed lightly, taking a sip. “I wondered why you would marry so obediently. Turns out you had a hidden move.” He leaned closer, lovingly stroking her cheek. “But even if you’re always on guard and calculating, I’m still so devoted.”
Uncharacteristically, Yuexia did not avoid his touch: “I was present when the late king passed away.”
“Oh?” Ling Yiran responded absently, focused on her meekness.
“Your imperial consort was killed by the deposed empress. She was poisoned with Ephemeral Bloom.”
“Hmph.” Ling Yiran curled the corner of his lip. “Qingqing, if you want to change the subject, don’t tell me what I already know.”
“Ephemeral Bloom is incurable, Yunzhi knows that too?”
“It’s not incurable, but rather a matter of whether one is willing to cure it.” His finger slid to her lips, stroking them back and forth. “This is your hidden move? You’re a bit disappointing, ah.” Across the table, he leaned forward, his eyes fixed only on those flower-like cherry lips.
“Is Yunzhi willing to cure it?”
His brow furrowed; he was inches away from her.
“Nonsense.” He refused such a question.
“What if it’s true?”
Her eyes were too calm, making him feel a pang of guilt: “That’s not funny.”
“I agree.” She removed her forehead pendant, revealing the withered epiphyllum. “Not funny at all.”
He widened his eyes, but quickly reined in his shattered expression: “Hmph.” He laughed coldly, “This trick actually impressed me.” His stalled heartbeat hadn’t recovered; he instinctively resisted.
“Yunzhi,” she called softly, revealing a captivating smile.
In his eyes, that withered flower trembled faintly, one of its few remaining petals falling. So delicate, as if carried by the wind, incredibly tender.
“No...” He cupped her small face, glaring fiercely at her forehead. “Don’t play such tricks again!”
“Do you still want me to smile?” As she spoke, she was about to curve her lips, but he held her tightly.
“Don’t...” A mournful voice whispered in his ear, “Don’t smile again... Qingqing... Qingqing...” He muttered desperately, like a drowning person clinging to a log, fearing that letting go would mean death.
“Let me go, Yunzhi.”
“No...”
“Then, save me?”
His long body stiffened slightly. Even his breathing became extremely careful.
“You can’t. I understand you can’t.” Gently patting him, Yuexia rarely showed such intimacy. “Yunzhi’s heart holds thousands of mountains and rivers, and the divine Kun empire. You will be the greatest emperor.”
“Qingqing...”
“Let me go, Yunzhi.”
Burying his face in the crook of her neck, Ling Yiran stubbornly refused to let go.
First his imperial consort, then Qingqing—he had endured for so long. Finally, finally, things had turned for the better, but why was the outcome still like this?
Why!
Ling Yiran tightened his arms, his already dry tear ducts now overflowing again.
Why...
“Yunzhi, previously I stood by you out of gratitude for saving my brother. In truth, I don’t like court matters, I even despise them.”
“You should have told me,” he said hoarsely.
“Telling you, what would that change?”
“...” He wanted to argue, but found that she understood him better.
“It seems you let me have my way in everything, but in reality, you were always pushing. Feng Yunqing died because of you, and Han Yuexia’s tragedy is also tied to you.”
She pulled herself from his embrace, her gaze shallow, making him feel a little guilty.
“Yunzhi, I owe you nothing now.”
This time, it was he who was in debt. Such a beautiful face, such an intelligent woman, made him reflect again and again. She was the only person who could truly enter his heart.
No matter how deep the affection, it was ultimately just a dream.
He lowered his head, his hands clasped tightly at his sides.
Not incurable, but a matter of willingness to cure.
Remembering his own words, Ling Yiran couldn’t help but scoff. He had resented his imperial father for years, yet he himself was no different. Now, the only way he could surpass his imperial father was perhaps in one aspect.
“As you wish.” He didn’t even know how the sound escaped his lips, how his hands released her. “I’ll let you go, Qingqing.”
Upon hearing this, she rejoiced.
“Don’t smile anymore.” He turned away, forcing himself not to look at her. “You won.” His fingertips dug into his palms.
“Yunzhi, one last request.”
“Say it.”
“Please be lenient with my brother.”
He looked back abruptly.
“After you become emperor, please leave a way out for my brother, for the Han family, okay?”
“Hahahahaha,” he laughed with tears, doubling over.
Suddenly, he stopped laughing, staring intently at her, as if he couldn’t get enough of her: “Indeed, ah...” His throat trembled, unsure whether to be sad or happy, “Only you understand me.”
“Yunzhi...”
“I grant it.”
“Thank you.”
“Chengbi,” he suddenly raised his voice.
Outside the hall, shadows gathered like a dense, pouring rain.
“My Lord.”
“Let her go.”
“Yes.”
“Go, Qingqing.” Ling Yiran closed his eyes, almost gritting his teeth in endurance. “Any later, and I’ll change my mind.”
“Take care, Yunzhi.”
He abruptly opened his eyes; his side was empty.
His gaze swept across the high, distant sky. He stood alone, looking for a long time. He didn’t know how long he watched before he sat down with a bitter smile, pouring and sipping the cold tea.
Tonight, the moonlight in his cup was so mellow, yet it couldn’t intoxicate him.
“Better not to have met such captivating beauty.”
His mind space was continuously reducing the words.
It turned out, there was a kind of loneliness called fulfillment.
________________________________________
Yuexia pondered, thinking of whom? And who thought of her?
Now, the person she longed for was not far away, yet she felt a little timid.
Twenty thoughts are one instant, twenty instants are one finger-snap. (Mahāsaṃghika Vinaya)
Secretly watching his back, it felt like a dream, as if a thousand years had passed.
Lost at the ford by moonlight, the lingering man finally discovered her. Embraced tightly, at this moment, her gentleness found its home.
“Xiuyuan,” she smiled meaningfully, her words resolute, “Now I only have you.”
His hands ran through her hair, and Ye Jinglan kissed her tenderly, his soft lips seeming to imprint her on his heart.
The night wind swayed the green algae, rippling the clear blue water. On the bank, the two leaned against each other, like an immortal couple.
The old boatman gave a push with his oar, as if urging them. She felt a pang of sadness; it was time to part.
“Are you relieved?” She looked up, feigning ease and casualness.
His phoenix eyes curved, spilling spring’s beauty onto the ground.
Though he didn’t know her plans last night, since she was so certain, he would never doubt her. Before dawn, he had stood by this Peach Blossom Ferry.
Finally, she came, not letting him wait in vain.
“Xiuyuan, it’s time to get on the boat.”
According to the plan, tonight they would both depart simultaneously. He would go upstream to Mianzhou, while she would travel downstream by boat to the fishing village... the place where they had agreed to spend the rest of their lives together.
“I’ll be back after I’ve entrusted everything,” he said softly, impressing a kiss on her forehead through her bangs.
“Don’t rush on the way; I’ll wait for you at home.” She lowered her head, not daring to look at him.
“Mm.” The word “home” stirred ripples in his eyes. His phoenix eyes swayed and glimmered, his affection gently stirring as if it would never cease.
Silently, they walked hand in hand to the water’s edge. A gentle breeze stirred light waves, and the small boat bobbed up and down on the water’s surface.
“You go first,” Yuexia pushed him onto the boat.
“Qingqing.”
“I’ll only feel at ease watching you go.” She lowered her gaze, her eyes already welling up.
“I’ll be back within five days.” Feeling her reluctance, sweetness overflowed in his heart. Ye Jinglan coaxed her softly, his voice low and lingering.
“Mm.” Clenching his lapels, Yuexia choked, unable to speak.
“And then we’ll never be separated again.”
“Mm...” She bit her lip, suppressing the piercing pain.
Ye Jinglan sighed, then embraced her and carried her onto the small boat next to theirs: “Together.”
“Can we...” She looked up, her smile captivating a city, then a nation. “Not part?”
Her crescent moon-like beautiful eyes were filled with sorrow, startling him.
Just then, the river wind became wild, scattering the dust that had settled all day. His eyes were blurred for a moment, unable to see clearly, only feeling his feet sway. The small boat seemed to have been intentionally pushed away, and the embrace in his arms suddenly felt empty.
“Qingqing!” Against the wind, Ye Jinglan stared, searching.
The small boats grew distant. He went east, she went west. One at the bow, one at the stern, they gazed at each other.
To follow against the current, the path is obstructed and long. To follow with the current, it is as if in the midst of water.
“Xiuyuan!” She held her bangs, standing on the gunwale of the boat, “If you go home and can’t find me, I must be lost!”
“What!” The wind was too strong; he heard only intermittent words.
“Lost! You must come find me!” She shouted again and again, accompanied by the clear chirping of the phoenix in her hair.
“Qingqing!” Without hesitation, he flew to the bank, chasing the fishing light, wildly moving with the wind.
“You must come find me!”
Her red wedding dress billowed in the night, the small boat sailed downwind, disappearing into the horizon in an instant.
But even so, that shadow in the night still desperately pursued, heading west all the way.
Sailing against the harsh west wind, the broken moon in the water was heartless.
She lay on the gunwale, the river wind lifting her bangs, blowing away the last petal of the ephemeral flower.
“Thank you, Master, for fulfilling it.” Her refined eyes gradually lost their light.
The old fisherman took off his straw hat, revealing sorrowful eyes.
Drip by drip, scalding water droplets fell on her face. She gazed blankly at the sky, her fiery red wedding dress spread around her, so brilliant it seemed to burn away her life.
“It’s raining,” she softly sighed.
“Yes...” Feng Huaijin’s voice was a little hoarse, his lowered old eyes filled with mist.
Child, you can’t see it.
“Master, where are we going?” She blinked very, very slowly, as if using all her strength.
“Phantom Sea, Liaowu said it’s your blessed land.”
“Blessed land, ah...” She smiled exquisitely, more beautiful than a thousandth of the elegant moon in the sky. “He mustn’t find me before I wake up.”
“Mm, Master promises you.”
Xiuyuan, Xiuyuan...
Her... beloved...
The sky full of stars melted into the spring waters, finally transforming into two lines of clear tears slowly falling.
________________________________________
If you get lost, I will search and search. Day and night, just to find you.
And I will live for you, year after year, never giving up.
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