Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 11: Marriage

Wei Zhen stepped aside from Qi Yan and asked calmly, “What is it?”

Wei Yao shook her head and smiled, “It’s nothing. I just happened to interrupt my elder sister and the young general discussing matters. Speaking of which, I also saw the young general escorting my sister back last time. It seems the rumors outside are true—my sister and the young general share a very close relationship.”

The gaze of the young woman upon them carried an intentional or unintentional hint of ambiguity.

The so-called “close relationship” that the rumors spoke of stemmed from the night Wei Zhen had not returned home. The next morning, she and Qi Yan had walked out of the forest together, fueling speculation and gossip about the two of them.

Wei Zhen listened calmly, about to respond, when an icy voice cut in first: “No need for the second Miss Wei to concern herself.”

The young man approached from behind, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword, his expression indifferent. “Wei Zhang has been assigned to Wu-Yue and will be departing in a few days. Will the second Miss Wei go to bid farewell to her brother?”

It was a warning for her to mind her own business.

His handsome features were covered in a layer of cold frost, his demeanor sharp and distant. His deep, piercing eyes cast a faint glance at her, radiating an undeniable sharpness that sent a chill down one’s spine.

Wei Yao held her breath. Just a moment ago, he had been gentle and warm toward her elder sister, yet now his expression had turned glacial.

Clearly, her words had displeased him, and he was not someone easily trifled with.

The young man brushed past her shoulder. Wei Yao’s smile stiffened as she bowed slightly in farewell.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of a swaying hem and turned to look at Wei Zhen. “Sister.”

The flowering trees swayed, scattering pear blossoms like drifting snowflakes onto their shoulders.

A faint fragrance floated in the air, and the scent on Wei Yao was different from the rich floral aromas around them. A light and lingering fragrance brushed past Wei Zhen’s nose along with the breeze.

That delicate and alluring scent was identical to the one that had clung to the crown prince’s sleeve the day before.

Wei Zhen had thought that, upon discovering the truth, she would feel some degree of anger. But now, standing in this moment, she felt surprisingly calm.

The crown prince and Wei Yao were cousins, and their mutual affection over the years was understandable.

But… why did they have to keep it from her?

Wei Zhen’s dark, luminous eyes settled on the figure before her. Just as she was struck by the absurdity of it all, a voice called out behind her: “Sister.”

Wei Ling approached from outside, ignoring Wei Yao entirely and speaking only to Wei Zhen. “Didn’t you say you were coming to find me? What’s the matter?”

Wei Zhen collected herself and smiled. “Indeed, I came for you. I’ve been in the detached palace for some time but haven’t yet gone hunting in the grounds. Do you have time to accompany me today?”

“If you want to go, of course, I have time.”

The siblings walked side by side toward the exit. Wei Yao nodded slightly in acknowledgment as they left, but her gaze darkened.

That afternoon, Wei Zhen and Wei Ling rode into the forest. She had called it hunting, but in truth, she was also seeking a distraction.

Her mind was tangled with countless thoughts, and one question refused to leave her: What had been her fate in her previous life?

Had she truly married Jing Heng? If she had become the crown princess, then what of the crown prince and Wei Yao? Had they continued their secret affair, or had he soon after brought his true love into the palace?

Wei Zhen exhaled a long breath, tightened her legs against her horse’s flanks, and galloped forward, refusing to dwell on these thoughts.

Back in the southern lands, whenever worries weighed on her heart, she and her brother would ride across the open plains.

The rushing wind and the sound of galloping hooves always managed to dispel her frustrations.

“Swish, swish!” Several arrows flew through the air, each hitting its mark, striking down the hares. Today, Wei Zhen’s aim was impeccable—every shot landed true. In contrast, Wei Ling seemed distracted. Arrow after arrow missed, disappearing into the underbrush.

Wei Zhen saw him pause beside a tree, his expression slightly off. She rode closer and asked, “What’s on your mind?”

Wei Ling replied, “That old man came to me this morning, asking me to petition the King of Chu for leniency on behalf of his beloved son.”

Wei Zhen was momentarily stunned before realizing that by “old man,” he meant their father. “Lower your voice.”

Wei Ling’s dissatisfaction was plain on his face. “What, Sister? You’re still defending him?”

Wei Zhen guided her horse nearer. “I meant, lower your voice. You can curse him all you want—just don’t let others overhear.”

The siblings exchanged a glance, and Wei Ling let out a laugh. “So that’s what you meant.”

He continued, “I used to be sickened by the sight of them, and now, after all that’s happened, he still wants me to help them? He must be dreaming.”

Wei Zhen’s lips curved slightly. Ever since her brother had taken charge of the Wei household, he had proven himself capable and commanded the utmost respect. But at heart, he was still just a headstrong youth.

“Sister,” the young man turned his head toward her. The wind tousled his dark hair, and his eyes, sharp and handsome, glowed with determination. “After the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet, you will be married into the palace. We won’t be able to see each other every day as we do now. But don’t worry—I will carve out a new path for the Wei family. One day, I will be like Qi Yan and earn my own military merits, so that you will have power and support in the palace.”

Their mother had passed away early, and the two of them had always depended on each other growing up. Their bond ran deep.

Listening to him, Wei Zhen felt a warmth spread through her chest.

“You don’t need to win any military merits. Just as you are now, it is already enough.” She reached out and grasped his wrist. “Ah Ling, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Wei Ling asked, “What is it?”

Wei Zhen hesitated, then stopped herself. She feared her brother’s impulsive nature and shook her head. But Wei Ling knew her too well—he could tell she was conflicted about something.

After persistent questioning, Wei Zhen finally spoke softly, “Ah Ling, I want to annul my engagement with the crown prince.”

Wei Ling was silent for a moment before asking, “How do you plan to do it?”

Wei Zhen replied, “Aren’t you going to ask me why?”

The young man shook his head, his tone unwavering. “If you want to end it, you must have your reasons. Did Jing Heng wrong you?”

A wave of warmth surged through Wei Zhen’s heart. “This is exactly why I need your help. You have people under your command who can investigate more easily. Keep an eye on him for me. If he secretly meets with that woman or if there’s any evidence, tell me at once.”

“He actually dares treat you like this?”

Wei Zhen gently said, “Stay calm. Don’t alert him.”

Wei Ling’s jaw tightened. He looked away for a moment, his expression tense, before turning back with a determined gaze. “Alright, Sister. You can count on me.”

Wei Zhen sighed in relief. “One more thing—keep an eye on Qi Yan for me too. If he behaves unusually, let me know immediately.”

If the first request was reasonable, this second one puzzled Wei Ling.

“Why do you want to watch Qi Yan?”

Wei Zhen couldn’t explain in detail. “Just do it. I have my reasons.”

Wei Ling’s suspicion didn’t fade.

Ignoring him, Wei Zhen spurred her horse out of the forest.

On the high platform, the Queen of Chu was entertaining the Jin Kingdom’s envoy. From there, they could see the entire hunting grounds.

The envoy suddenly paused in his speech, his gaze drawn to the scene below.

A young woman emerged from the woods on horseback, her red dress fluttering, her white steed galloping. Her flowing garments caught the golden light of the setting sun, making her appear like a brilliant night begonia in full bloom.

As the sky darkened, the envoy watched her until she disappeared. “Your Highness, may I ask which princess that was?”

The queen replied, “She is not a princess. She is the crown princess-to-be. She will be married into the palace in a month.”

The envoy murmured, “I mistook her for a princess… what a pity.”

Queen of Chu: “What did the envoy just say?”

The Jin envoy came back to his senses and smiled, “Just now, I was discussing with Your Majesty whether a candidate for the marriage alliance has been decided.”

The Queen of Chu looked troubled. “For a hundred years, Jin and Chu have maintained peace and alliance, fostering a good relationship. Since the Empress Dowager married into Chu, over forty years have passed since the last royal marriage. His Majesty and I naturally wish to strengthen the bond between our two nations. However, regarding the candidate for this marriage alliance, may the envoy allow His Majesty and me some time to deliberate further.”

The Jin envoy shook his head. “It is not that I intend to rush Your Majesty, but the matter is indeed urgent. After the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration, we plan to return to Jin. By then, our king hopes that the princess will accompany us back.”

The Queen smiled. “Of course.”

Lately, the Queen of Chu had been overwhelmed with this matter—

Although King Chu had several princesses, most were already married or still too young. At present, the only one of suitable age was her own daughter, Princess Yiyang.

But the Queen had always cherished her daughter dearly. How could she bear to send her off to a distant land, thousands of miles away?

Moreover, once she left her homeland alone, she and her mother might never have the chance to see each other again.

For this reason, the Queen had been contemplating a better solution.

The Jin envoy said, “Princess Yiyang is unwilling to marry into Jin. From Your Majesty’s words, it seems you intend to choose another noblewoman from the royal family?”

In Chu, the six great clans were all distant branches of the royal lineage. Selecting a noblewoman from one of these families to be sent as a marriage candidate would still signify sincerity, and Jin would have no objections.

Such was the norm in diplomatic marriages across the states.

At that moment, Lady Song, the wife of Wei Zhao and the Queen’s younger sister, was accompanying her.

Though the envoy spoke without intent, the listener took meaning from his words.

A thought arose in Lady Song’s mind.

The Queen of Jin had passed away over three years ago. Although the envoy had not explicitly stated for whom the marriage was intended, Lady Song speculated that it was highly likely to be for the King of Jin himself.

The old King of Jin was over seventy, nearing the end of his days. Even if the princess married into his court, she would not enjoy prosperity for long and might soon face the fate of being buried with him.

Lady Song raised an eyebrow. Speaking of this matter, she had the perfect candidate in mind.

If that person were to be sent for the marriage alliance, it would be a beneficial outcome for herself, for Wei Yao, for the Crown Prince, and even for the Queen.

But she needed to carefully consider whether this plan was feasible…

As the sky darkened, the chirping of crickets filled the air, drifting through the window into the hall where candlelight illuminated the beautiful woman inside.

Wei Zhen sat before the dressing mirror, gently combing her jet-black hair with a horn comb. Behind her, Maidservant Tian stood, helping her remove the ornaments from her hair. “Ever since you arrived in the capital, Miss, you no longer seem as carefree as before. Perhaps this marriage is not as ideal as it seems.”

Wei Zhen paused her movements, then raised her hand to clasp the wrinkled hand of the old maid.

“But, Miss, if you insist on breaking off the engagement, you may incur the Queen’s displeasure. If the royal family turns against you…”

“I understand, Maidservant Tian, but this marriage must be annulled.”

Maidservant Tian sighed. “This may also harm your future prospects, Miss.”

After all, as the Crown Prince’s fiancée, breaking off the engagement so publicly would undoubtedly offend the royal family. For the noblemen of Chu, whoever dared to marry the eldest daughter of the Wei family after this would be making a direct challenge to the King’s authority.

Maidservant Tian continued, “I worry about your marriage prospects, Miss. The best outcome would be if you could find a husband from a prestigious family, one whose status matches or surpasses that of the Wei family. He must be equal to the Crown Prince in power and capable of protecting you.”

Wei Zhen removed her pearl earrings and chuckled softly. Where could such a formidable suitor be found?

Maidservant Tian said, “There is someone, Miss. Have you thought of anyone?”

“I truly cannot think of anyone.”

She lowered her gaze to the pearl earring in her palm. At worst, she could simply remain unmarried for life.

Maidservant Tian’s voice followed, “Miss, what do you think of Young General Qi Yan?”

Qi Yan.

Those two simple words fell into Wei Zhen’s ears.

The night breeze seeped in through the narrow window cracks, stirring the loose strands of her hair.

For a brief moment, Wei Zhen’s heartbeat seemed to quicken.