Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 24: Ambiguity

The young man’s voice carried the gentleness of spring, like a warm current wrapping around one’s heart.

Wei Zhen’s earlobes instantly stiffened, and she could hear the echo of her heartbeat in her chest at this moment. She couldn’t tell whether her heart was burning hotter or her cheeks.

She knew that Qi Yan was born with an exceptional appearance and had, at times, found herself momentarily lost while looking at his face. However, she had never once voiced any praise about it.

For the relationship between men and women, propriety was paramount, and subtlety was best. Typically, Qi Yan was never one to casually compliment others either.

Yet today, he was acting completely out of character, praising her so directly…

It was as if, without realizing it, he had lifted a corner of the veil that separated them.

The warm breeze set the air inside the carriage ablaze, and an unspoken ambiguity quietly rose between them.

A beam of sunlight happened to fall into his eyes, making his pupils shimmer like molten honey. Wei Zhen was momentarily dazed and murmured softly, “Do I really look that good?”

He gazed at her in contemplation.

That fleeting moment felt like an eternity to Wei Zhen, her heart drumming wildly in her chest.

Qi Yan’s lips curved slightly. “You do.”

That single sentence made the drumbeat in her heart pound even harder.

She lifted her handkerchief to gently wipe her cheeks, trying to hide the blush spreading across her face. Fortunately, the sunlight in the carriage was bright enough that, even if her face was burning, it wouldn’t be too obvious.

Wei Zhen averted her gaze. “If the Young General finds my appearance passable, then that is enough. I hurried through my grooming today; I only fear that my painted portrait will be unsightly.”

“It won’t be.” His voice came from outside the curtain.

That low, quiet voice sent a tingling sensation through Wei Zhen’s heart.

She lowered her head, watching the shifting patterns of light and shadow on the carriage floor, and suddenly, the memories of her past life surged into her mind.

She remembered Qi Yan taking her spirit tablet as his bride and felt both touched and confused as to why he had done so.

After all, in their past life, they had met only a few times and had little connection beyond that.

Was it because long ago, when he was hunted down and fled into her residence in the detached palace, she had saved him out of compassion, and he was repaying that kindness?

Or was it out of guilt? Guilt that she had been captured, that their brief encounter in the military camp had brought her countless rumors? Guilt that she had been accused of being unfaithful to King Jingheng, unfaithful to the state of Chu, and had suffered the world’s judgment, suspected of having an affair with the Prince of Jin?

But could mere guilt be enough to drive him to take her spirit tablet as his bride?

In her dream, she could only glimpse what had happened to herself—she could not see the full scope of his life.

And yet, the idea of “love” seemed too ethereal, too improbable. It was the least likely explanation, yet it was the only one that made sense.

Had there been more connections between them in their past life than she ever realized?

And as for her feelings toward Qi Yan now? Compared to other men, she undoubtedly felt differently about him.

But at least in this lifetime, they had managed to escape their previous fates. Though she had seen her past in her dreams and had felt its sorrow deeply, returning to reality had lifted that weight from her heart. After all, this was her true first life.

Just then, the curtain on the other side was lifted, and Wei Ling’s voice rang out, “Ah-jie, what are you and Qi Yan talking about? I called you, but you didn’t respond.”

Wei Zhen had been leaning against the window, speaking closely with Qi Yan. At the sound of her brother’s voice, both of them turned their heads simultaneously.

The scene fell entirely into Wei Ling’s view.

Suspicion flickered across his eyes.

Wei Zhen’s heart skipped a beat, and just as she was about to explain, Qi Yan spoke first, “Your sister was asking me how much longer until we reach the palace.”

Wei Zhen nodded in agreement.

Wei Ling said, “I thought you two were talking about something that required being so close.”

Wei Zhen shifted her position, moving toward Wei Ling’s side of the carriage.

At the moment she was caught, a fleeting sense of guilt had surprisingly crossed her heart.

Qi Yan let the curtain fall, and Wei Zhen looked at her brother. “Ah-Ling, A’Mu has told you everything by now, hasn’t she?”

Wei Ling gave a small nod, his brows furrowed tightly.

With over ten years of sibling companionship, the two of them had long since developed an unspoken understanding. Some things didn’t even need to be said aloud for them to comprehend each other’s thoughts.

Since he was still willing to call her “Ah-jie,” it meant that he still acknowledged her as his sister.

Earlier at home, when Wei Zhen had walked out from under the eaves, Wei Ling had pulled her into a tight embrace, and in that moment, she had understood.

Wei Ling took a deep breath. “The moment I heard you were in trouble, I rode day and night to return. I don’t want you to go through with this marriage alliance. Whether it’s for my sake or for the Wei family, I don’t need you to make such a great sacrifice. I can bear the burden of the Wei family on my own. We can still enter the palace now and speak with the Queen and His Majesty again.”

Wei Zhen shook her head. “If we back out now, do you think His Majesty and the Kingdom of Jin would let it slide? If the engagement is broken off, the Wei family would truly be thrown into the fire.”

Wei Ling clenched his teeth. “But I can’t bear to watch you marry into a foreign land and suffer. No matter what price I have to pay, I would accept it—”

“I know you care for me,” she interrupted gently, “but you’re not just my younger brother. You are also the head of the Wei family. There are countless people—both soldiers and family members—who depend on you.”

She knew that while Wei Ling could be impulsive at times, he always knew how to weigh matters when it truly counted.

Wei Ling lowered his head, unwilling to accept it, tears slipping silently down his face. “We’ve been together since childhood, never separated for long. Now you’re going to be thousands of miles away from Chu… I hate myself for not being strong enough to protect you.”

Lifting his gaze, he said, “In my heart, you are my elder sister. Whether we share blood or not, you will always be my Ah-jie, my closest family in this world.”

Wei Zhen’s eyes burned, but she smiled. “Ah-Ling, we have always been siblings, and we always will be.”

Wei Ling said, “Can I escort you on your journey to the marriage alliance?”

Seeing her about to refuse, he quickly added, “Please, don’t say no. The journey is long and full of uncertainties. Besides, once we part, who knows when we’ll meet again? I’ve already arranged everything in the southern lands; my people will not cause trouble.”

His eyes reddened slightly. “Can I?”

Wei Zhen felt something deep within her heart tighten, the unspoken bond between them urging her to agree.

She whispered, “You can.”

“Aren’t men supposed to hold back their tears?” she teased, offering him a handkerchief.

“I wasn’t crying!” Wei Ling turned his face away to wipe his tears, then looked back at her with a forced smile.

“We’re here.” Qi Yan’s voice came from outside.

The heavy palace gates swung open to both sides, letting out a deep creaking sound as the carriage slowly rolled into the palace.

The envoy from Jin had been waiting for a long time and led her to the court painter.

For the entire morning, she sat in the hall as the painter worked on her portrait.

Qi Yan stood beside Wei Zhen. The painter observed the two of them and couldn’t help but think that a young general and a beautiful lady made a striking pair. Just standing together, they were already an enchanting sight. Even the cool morning light that fell upon their robes seemed to soften.

The painter was captivated, regretting only that he could not capture both of them in the portrait.

Finally, the last stroke of cinnabar was laid. The painter set down his brush, lifted the scroll, and presented it to the envoy.

The beauty’s figure leaped off the paper—every inch of her skin, every expression, exuding unparalleled charm. The skilled brushwork delicately traced her brows and eyes, bringing out an infinite allure, making even the begonia and peony blossoms behind her appear especially vibrant.

The envoy gazed at the painting and praised it repeatedly, “The princess is truly stunning. I can already foresee that once this portrait reaches Jin, the princess’s beauty will become renowned throughout the kingdom.”

Wei Zhen rose from her seat, walked to the envoy’s side, and looked at the painting. She said, “The envoy flatters me.”

The envoy chuckled and shook his head. “The princess need not be so modest. If I may be so bold, may I ask what the princess enjoys doing in her leisure time? What skills does she excel in?”

Wei Zhen replied, “Horse riding, hunting—these, I am quite adept at. As for poetry, calligraphy, and painting, I am not particularly skilled.”

He would not have asked without reason; there must have been some underlying motive. Most likely, he was gathering information about her habits to send back to Jin, so that the royal family and noblemen there could learn about her in advance.

Yet, her answer made her feel somewhat uneasy.

When she first arrived in the capital of Chu, the Queen had posed the same question. However, the response Wei Zhen gave at that time had only drawn the Queen’s strong disapproval.

“Crude, rustic, far too unrestrained.” That was the Queen’s assessment of her.

The Queen ordered the palace maids to retrain her in proper etiquette, determined to rid her of all unruly airs and mold her into a dignified crown princess.

The envoy, however, clapped his hands and laughed. “So the princess enjoys these activities? Our kingdom of Jin values martial prowess. His Highness, the King of Jin, loves hunting more than anything. If he learns that the princess is skilled in riding and archery, he will surely hold the princess in great favor.”

Wei Zhen was momentarily stunned.

In Chu, she had been treated more like a decorative gem, her preferences strictly restrained, forced into the role of an elegant future queen—brought out when needed, discarded when not. But Jin was entirely different.

She also caught the underlying implication in the envoy’s words.

A princess sent for marriage to Jin had no say in whom she would marry; the final decision lay with the King of Jin. But if she could find a way to win his favor, the marriage he arranged for her would likely not be too unfavorable.

The envoy smiled. “Does the princess know how to play the zither?”

Wei Zhen shook her head. “I can distinguish musical notes, but I have no great skill in playing.”

The envoy said, “Our King of Jin is deeply fond of the zither. Years ago, when he named his youngest daughter, he even chose the character ‘Qin’ for her, after the instrument. And Princess Ji Qin truly lives up to her name—she plays with extraordinary skill. I’ve also heard that the young general is quite accomplished in music. Princess, why not seek him out on your journey to Jin and learn from him?”

Wei Zhen glanced at Qi Yan for confirmation.

Qi Yan said, “That can be arranged.”

The envoy’s face showed satisfaction as he rolled up the portrait in his hands and smiled. “Then I will have it sent to Jin immediately by fast courier.”

Not long after, a messenger arrived from the King of Chu, summoning Wei Zhen.

She bid temporary farewell to Qi Yan and Wei Ling, leaving the hall to follow the palace attendants into the royal court.

“Wei Zhen, as you journey to Jin, do not forget that you are a subject of Chu. Do not forget the grace the royal family has shown you. Even if you become a wife of Jin, remember that the blood in your veins belongs to Chu.”

The Queen and King of Chu had called her here to instruct her—to warn her not to forget her roots. No matter what happened, even if Jin and Chu became enemies, she must stand with Chu.

“As long as you serve Chu well, your brother will not be mistreated.”

“I will remember,” Wei Zhen replied.

The Queen had the attendants bring out jewels, personally placing a jade bracelet on Wei Zhen’s wrist, speaking in gentle, soothing tones.

She accepted the gift with a polite expression, but once she left the hall, her smile faded, and she slowly removed the bracelet from her wrist.

She found the royal family’s pretense revolting. After all that had happened, did they truly still believe that once she entered Jin, she would act in Chu’s favor?

As she descended the steps, she noticed several figures ahead. She immediately guessed who they were, but it was too late to avoid them.

Crown Prince Jing Heng was approaching, surrounded by palace attendants.

The moment he saw her, his gaze locked onto her.

Wei Zhen barely glanced at him before continuing down the steps.

A large hand suddenly reached out and grasped her arm.

Jing Heng said, “I have something to say to you.”

“Do you regret it?” he asked.

Wei Zhen turned to look at him. His dark eyes were heavy with emotion. He smiled. “You went to such lengths to break off our engagement, only to end up being sent to Jin as a marriage envoy. Wei Zhen, if you had known this would happen, would you have still made the same choice?”

Wei Zhen replied, “Going to Jin may not necessarily be worse than marrying Your Highness. Does Your Highness believe that every woman of Chu must revere you, that they have no choice but to accept marriage with you, that they cannot refuse?”

She smiled faintly. The words were utterly heartless, yet they were spoken from her red lips with such gentle ease.

Jing Heng’s warm gaze carried a hint of amusement. He tightened his grip.

Wei Zhen pulled her hand back, but he caught it again, pulling her closer to him.

“You and Qi Yan have been having an affair all along, haven’t you? That’s why you dared to break off our engagement, thinking you could marry into the Qi family. But now, you’re being sent to Jin instead. You must be filled with regret.”

“Is His Highness referring to me?” A voice came from the side.

Jing Heng turned his gaze.

Qi Yan had already stepped forward, swiftly pulling Wei Zhen out of Jing Heng’s grasp. His tall figure positioned itself protectively in front of her.

Wei Zhen lowered her eyes and saw that her right hand was firmly held in Qi Yan’s warm palm. His presence in front of her felt reassuring.

Jing Heng’s gaze swept over them both before he let out a quiet laugh. “The King of Jin has many sons. A young general traveling a thousand miles to escort a princess for marriage—only to watch the woman he loves wed his own cousin or brother. How does that feel?”

He stepped back and gave a formal bow. “Then I shall wish the young general and the princess a safe journey.”

Qi Yan said coolly, “No need for Your Highness to concern yourself.”

“Will Your Highness be escorting me to Jin?” Wei Zhen suddenly asked.

She stepped out from behind Qi Yan. “It is not unheard of for princes to accompany princesses on their marriage journeys. Since Your Highness seems so concerned, why not join the young general in escorting me? Then you can see for yourself what might happen between me and the young general along the way.”

She extended an invitation to Jing Heng.

At her words, the scene fell into a moment of stunned silence.

Then, she felt Qi Yan’s gaze burning into her from the side.

The Crown Prince’s imagined version of the marriage envoy journey:
—The young general escorts the princess, watching helplessly as the woman he loves marries another. Wei Zhen is filled with regret and weeps alone. The couple is torn apart.

The actual version of the journey:
—The young general escorts the princess. Along the way, their feelings develop.

Meanwhile, Wei Ling on the journey:
—? Is my sister really going to end up with my best friend?