Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 101: Spring Breeze

Chapter 101: Spring Breeze

Within the capital, the guests in the winehouses were still exchanging toasts, blissfully unaware that a massive army was gathering beyond the city walls. Suddenly, a thunderous roar shattered the laughter—the very earth trembled beneath their feet.

“What was that?” The guests poured out from their seats to gather at the balustrades, only to see signal fires flaring in the direction of the city tower. Civilians shrieked, fleeing for their lives toward the city’s interior.

A skyful of flaming arrows blazed overhead, illuminating the heavens.

“We’re under attack! The Prince of Jin is leading an assault on the city!” Panic erupted throughout the capital.

By the time the news reached the palace, a grand banquet was underway.

A junior soldier stumbled into the great hall, crying out: “Your Majesty, disaster! The enemy is attacking the city!”

A burly general surged to his feet from the banquet, roaring, “How could they attack tonight?”

To raise the troops’ spirits, His Majesty had summoned all the generals of the city for a banquet this night. Everyone knew that Qi Yan would soon arrive, but none expected it to be so soon.

The soldier’s face went white with fear, voice stammering: “The enemy came from the south—many cities along the way surrendered. The bandits wore our army’s armor, so the gate guards didn’t realize…”

A silencing stillness fell over the hall. The iron-willed generals who had moments ago brimmed with anger now dared not even glance toward Ji Yuan, having heard that word “surrender.”

Candles flickered atop golden stands, casting deep shadows over Ji Yuan’s angular features as he finally spoke. “The gate guards didn’t realize?”

“Yes, Your Majesty! The gates to the east are barely holding—the other city gates don’t look good either!”

Ji Yuan rose to his full, imposing height, eyes sweeping over the generals below.

“Tonight, the palace must be held at all costs! All of you, out of the palace—now!”

He stood tall and unwavering as stone. Drawing a three-foot steel sword from its rack, he handed it to the first man at his right: “Hu Fei, the main southern gate is yours.”

Prince Hu Fei of Chouyou gazed at the brilliant sword, his expression anxious and uncertain. “Your Majesty…”

Ji Yuan’s voice turned heavy and cold. “I released you to return to your kingdom, and Chouyou vowed to send troops to aid me. Your sister remains within my palace—do not forget, Prince.”

Hu Fei stared at the sword, hands trembling as he slowly accepted it. “Yes!”

Ji Yuan turned to the remaining commanders. “Go!”

They leapt up, racing from the audience hall. The situation was dire; even a moment’s delay could mean ruin. From the direction of the city gates, the clamor of chaos only swelled, tearing at the night like talons.

With a deafening crash, the southeastern gate collapsed.

Qi Yan led his dark-armored forces through the shattered gate. Once inside, they charged forward, banners of jet-black billowing in the wind.

Countless soldiers erupted in a thunderous cry: “The Prince of Jin has returned! Stand aside!”

The people in the streets panicked, bewildered at the chaos, fleeing for the safety of the alleyways.

Qi Yan’s army advanced at lightning speed, unstoppable, until an armored unit blocked their path. The enemy soldiers reined in their horses sharply, faces tight with fear.

“Form ranks!”

Qi Yan’s gaze was cold as steel, and as he drew his bloodstained sword, the aura of power radiated outward like an unsheathed blade.

The sounds of slaughter sang in the winds, echoing beyond the city.

On the desolate plain behind the main army, an elite squad watched over a carriage. A scout galloped back, approaching the carriage and reporting within: “Princess, everything proceeds smoothly—His Majesty has seized the southeastern gate. However…”

A slender, alabaster hand brushed aside the carriage curtain, revealing the strikingly beautiful features of a young woman.

“However, what?” she prompted.

“We have only taken one gate. For now, few of our people and horses can get through at once. If our army could secure the main southern gate, we could sweep in much faster—but that gate is heavily defended.”

Wei Zhen pondered for a moment and asked: “Who commands the southern gate?”

“It is Prince Hu Fei of Chouyou.”

Before his words had faded, the carriage suddenly jolted as the woman emerged, her pale dress unfurling layer upon layer in the night wind.

“Bring me my horse,” she commanded.

The guards panicked, urging her not to. “Princess?”

“Worry not,” Wei Zhen replied calmly. “If Prince Hu Fei guards the gate, then heaven is on our side.”

A slight smile curled at her lips.

With the army pressing on the capital, who couldn’t see that resistance was futile? How many defenders, weighing the odds, still truly wished to die for the city? Surely, few would willingly give up their lives.

When she had first come to the palace at Jin, she had once saved Prince Hu Fei from drowning. Later, while stranded in Chouyou, that debt alone allowed her to survive the queen’s wrath.

Wei Zhen was certain she could persuade Prince Hu Fei.

The guards brought her horse. She approached, mounted quickly, her robes swirling around her, and spurred her horse hard with a cry.

Beneath the black sky, a score of swift steeds followed her in a rush toward the city gate.

“Boom—boom—boom—”

Low, thunderous impacts reverberated through the palace.

A eunuch burst into the throne hall, pointing outside in terror. “Your Majesty, disaster! The enemy is at the palace gates—they’re already here!”

“The palace gates?” Ji Yuan frowned, rising to his feet. “Where are the commanders?”

The eunuch dropped to his knees, voice trembling: “They’ve surrendered! Prince Hu Fei opened the gates himself—the enemy has entered…”

Ji Yuan strode rapidly to the balcony, looking down.

Total chaos reigned in the palace—maids and eunuchs scrambled to gather their belongings and fled in all directions. At the gates, torches blazed, casting pillars of flame and columns of smoke into the sky.

The door-shattering blows echoed one after another, like a doomsday drum pulsing terror through every corner.

“Not just Prince Hu Fei. The southwest, west, and east gates—the soldiers there have all surrendered!”

Ji Yuan’s eyes went cold as obsidian. He gripped the rail tightly. “All of them?”

“Yes, yes! Your Majesty, you must consider your options!” The eunuch’s face slicked with sweat.

According to the original plan, the city’s defenders would hold the palace at all costs. If it was lost, Prince Hu Fei would escort Ji Yuan out and, seeking refuge to the north, find a chance to join forces with Jin loyalists.

Yet now, even Prince Hu Fei had turned to Qi Yan’s side. Ji Yuan was utterly out of options.

“What do we do, Your Majesty?” the eunuch pleaded, still hearing the pounding chaos at the gate. “Shall we seize Prince Hu’s sister as a hostage? Force him to withdraw?”

Ji Yuan gave a short, mirthless laugh. “That won’t be necessary.”

Not necessary? The eunuch stole a glance at Ji Yuan—did even he believe all hope was truly lost now? Drained of hope, the eunuch dashed out into the courtyard to fend for himself.

Ji Yuan slowly looked up, the distant blaze of flames reflected in his cold gaze.

Fire from the gates rolled hungrily along the wind, threatening to consume him at any moment.

The soldiers of the east gate had turned. The southwest gate had turned.

Every contingent within the city had betrayed him. Generals who once swore to defend the palace to the last man now, facing the overwhelming onslaught, defected—choosing to throw in their lot with Qi Yan.

Qi Yan advanced unopposed until reaching the palace gates, where a stubborn resistance yet lingered.

The palace gate captain stood atop the entryway, refusing to yield, rallying his men: “Prepare to meet the enemy!”

Qi Yan smiled as he wiped the blood from his sword, looking up. “Sir, your loyalty is admirable. But before serving a master, one must see through the mask he wears. Ji Yuan killed both his king and his ancestor—are you truly willing to throw your life away for such a man?”

The captain’s stance flickered with uncertainty. Qi Yan watched for a moment. When no response came, his patience ran out. Raising his sword, he charged with his troops at his back. The shout of battle resounded all around.

“Boom, boom, boom”—the pounding intensified.

Finally, with a colossal crash, a wide breach opened in the palace gate!

The defenders burst out like wolves and tigers. The last of the diehards, blind to the new order, were struck down by Qi Yan in a single charge.

Blood flowed from the palace gates to the broad boulevard before the throne hall.

Blades clashed and darkness roared through the night. Only at dawn was order finally restored—the golden rays of daylight piercing the clouds, illuminating the blooded figures of every soldier who had endured the siege.

“Your Majesty, the traitor Ji Yuan is in the throne hall!”

Qi Yan, seated atop his white horse, turned his head. His formidable troops filled the square before the palace, spears bristling, all eyes fixed expectantly on his next command.

Qi Yan turned his horse and rode toward Wei Zhen.

She, too, sat her horse, watching as he approached her.

Reaching her side, he spoke in a low tone, “I don’t know if it’s safe inside. Let me go first with my men. Wait here for me, alright?”

At such a crucial moment, before a watchful army, that he paused to speak to her startled Wei Zhen—but her heart warmed. She gripped her reins, lips curving as she replied, “Go—I’ll wait for you.”

Qi Yan led his guards up the marble steps into the throne hall.

The doors were locked, the hall dim—only thin beams of light filtered through the window’s cracks, illuminating the man seated at the front.

Qi Yan’s footfalls echoed. The man kneeling before the desk slowly lifted his head, his face marked with neither panic nor fear—a strange serenity.

“Prince of Jin?” Ji Yuan said.

Corpses lined the hall, the last of the loyalists defeated. Qi Yan walked over bloody tiles, stopping before him.

Soldiers brandished spears. “Rebel Ji Yuan—you have nowhere left to run!”

Ji Yuan raised his teacup to his lips. On the desk, steam still curled in the air—it seemed he had been steeping tea even as the enemy breached his door.

Ji Yuan spoke, “Indeed, I have nowhere else to go. In truth, the moment news arrived of the Chu King’s capture, I knew it was all hopeless. Nothing could stand against the Jin war machine now.”

He gripped the rim of the teacup. “It’s just—I lost, but not with any sense of resignation. I’m curious—how is it that, from the King of Qi, the King of Wei, even Wei Zhen and now Prince Hu Fei, you made them all turn to your side?”

Qi Yan glanced up, a faint smile on his lips. “You betrayed both king and country. Now you know what it feels like to be betrayed. You don’t understand how—or do you?”

With one on the dais and the other on the floor, Ji Yuan still felt that somehow Qi Yan was the one above.

The boy who had come to Jin with no power years ago was now king in every sense, commanding the entire country, fierce and untouchable—no longer an outsider.

Qi Yan wasted few words. He stepped back, issuing a cold command. “Drag him down!”

Soldiers seized Ji Yuan, hauling him upright and to Qi Yan’s feet.

“Kneel.”

With a brutal shove, Ji Yuan was forced to the ground. He was made to look up—directly at the calligraphic plaque above the throne.

With a metallic clang, Qi Yan tossed a sword before him.

“Do you regret it?” Qi Yan’s voice was detached. “Look—your predecessor’s handwriting, here above you. Settle it yourself.”

Ji Yuan stared at the sword, then let out a dark, bitter laugh. “You want me to atone before my king? Even now, I feel not a shred of regret. If given another chance, I would do exactly the same.”

Turning his head, the reflection of steel flashed across his features. His gaze was cold. “The way to the throne is always paved with solitude. You are king now, yes, with everyone flocking to serve you—but from today onward, you’ll watch them all slip away for their own reasons. To rule is to command a sea of subordinates, but it is also to be alone.”

His thin voice lingered in the silent hall.

Qi Yan did not reply at once, then finally said quietly, “You and I are different. You craved power, but I never wished for this throne.”

Stooping, the light and shadow playing over his face, he added, “You are alone. I am not.”

Ji Yuan saw it clearly in those eyes, understanding the meaning behind those words, and allowed himself a small, rueful smile.

“My greatest mistake in this struggle for the realm,” he said, “was underestimating Wei Zhen.”

He had underestimated her ability to take charge in Wei, underestimated the king’s devotion to a long-lost daughter, and underestimated the depth of feeling between her and Qi Yan.

Ji Yuan had never loved her. His desire to fulfill their marriage agreement had always been about advantage, nothing more.

He had no choice left. He took up the blade.

With a swift motion—a hiss, the sword bit into his throat.

He slumped to the floor, blood pooling and soaking into his elegant robes.

Qi Yan watched briefly, then instructed, “Remove the body. Clean the floors—do not defile the former king’s hall.”

Soft, golden daylight cascaded through the chamber, illuminating the old plaque above the throne. Qi Yan paused, looking up at it, sheathed his blade, and strode from the hall.

The great armies stood assembled in the square. As Qi Yan descended the steps, he saw Wei Zhen hurrying toward him.

Sunlight crowned her brows with gentle light; the spring breeze fluttered her gown. At the sight of him she broke into a radiant smile, gathering up her dress and running to him.

Qi Yan had not expected her to come looking for him. As she ran, his heart leapt, and he went quickly toward her.

“I hadn’t seen you come out, and worried something might have happened inside, so I came up to find you,” Wei Zhen said.

She flung herself into his arms—he held her tight, head resting against her shoulder, breathing in the warmth from her silken hair. “I’m unhurt,” he murmured softly.

Soon she drew away and took a step back, arching her brows. “Welcome home, Prince of Jin!”

Her clear, ringing voice echoed high above. At the sound, another voice joined in: “Welcome home, Prince of Jin!”

The speaker was Ji Wo, who bowed low before Qi Yan.

All around, ten thousand men roared out as one:

“Welcome, Prince of Jin!”

“Long live the Prince of Jin!”

“Long live the Great Jin!”

The jubilant cry surged in waves, rising to the very heavens.

Qi Yan’s gaze left the soldiers and returned to Wei Zhen’s face. He walked over and held out his hand.

Wei Zhen looked up in surprise, her eyes meeting his.

Spring light gleamed in his eyes, luminous and clear. He spoke quietly, “Are you well, Princess? The strife in Jin has ended. As promised, I offer you the kingdom itself—will I have the good fortune to spend a lifetime hand in hand with you?”

His smile was gentle as sunlight breaking through clouds.

Wei Zhen’s heart fluttered in the spring breeze. She stepped forward and he caught her in his arms.

He held her close, her answer already clear in his embrace; he would not let go.

In that moment the spring wind, suffused with boundless tenderness, wrapped them both in its endless embrace.