Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 26: Origins

The Crown Prince walked in from outside, stepping on the evening sun. “I have brought you some tonic. You should focus on nurturing your pregnancy. Thinking too much is not good for you or the child in your womb. If you still want to discuss the matter of your parents with me…”

“There is truly nothing I can do, A-Yao.”

Sitting by the table, Wei Yao looked up. “I just have one question for you—when will you bring me into the palace?”

“In a few more days.” Jing Heng bent down and embraced her shoulders, speaking gently, “Today, I brought you the finest tonics.”

Jing Heng took her delicate hand and placed it on her lower abdomen, gently rubbing it.

When Wei Yao had the maid close the door and leaned against him, a faint scent of peonies wafted into her nose.

She keenly sensed something was amiss. “Did you see another woman before coming to see me?”

Jing Heng sighed. “It was still that Miss Song. After all, it was the Queen’s command—I could not defy it. It was nothing more than a fleeting act.”

Wei Yao sneered. “A fleeting act? Would the Crown Prince cousin hold her the same way he holds me?”

She pressed on, unwilling to let go. Jing Heng raised a hand to rub his brow and said, “I have been troubled by state affairs lately, and my heart is already weary. Father has ordered me to escort Wei Zhen to her marriage. I will be leaving Chu in two days—I truly have no time to argue with you.”

“You are escorting Wei Zhen to her marriage? Why? Do you still have feelings for her?”

Jing Heng replied, “It is my father’s decree—I have no choice but to go.”

Wei Yao rose from the table. “But if you truly do not wish to go, and you refuse him firmly, would the King really be able to force you?”

“You don’t understand the ways of the court.” Jing Heng lightly knocked on the table, his patience thinning. “It is getting late—I must return to the palace before the gates close.”

He turned to leave, but Wei Yao grabbed him. “Cousin, don’t go. Please save my father and mother!”

“I told you, I cannot help you.”

Wei Yao watched as he pried her hand away bit by bit, her voice choking with sobs. “Your Highness said that in a few days, you would bring me into the palace. But now you are escorting Wei Zhen to her marriage—how long will that journey take?”

“Your Highness has been deceiving me all along!”

On any other day, Jing Heng would have comforted her, but he was already troubled by the matter of Wei Zhen’s marriage. Annoyed, he said, “A-Yao, you forced me to come by using the child in your belly—that was already absurd enough. And now you demand even more? Has there ever been a mother like you in this world?”

Wei Yao said, “Is Your Highness blaming me?”

She cried as she clung to Jing Heng, but he pulled his hand away and took a step forward. Behind him came a pained scream and a groan.

His back stiffened, and he slowly turned around.

Wei Yao was lying on the ground, her body curled up in pain. Dark blood slowly spread from beneath her.

“A-Yao!”

Jing Heng lifted his robe and knelt beside her. The Wei household’s master and mistress, who had been watching from behind the screen, rushed out upon hearing the commotion.

Madam Song gasped and called outside, “Physician! Quickly, bring a physician!”

Jing Heng carried Wei Yao in his arms and placed her on the bed.

Madam Song knelt by the bedside, gripping her daughter’s hand. She whispered in Wei Yao’s ear, “His Highness is right here. Beg him now—he won’t refuse you.”

Wei Yao’s face was deathly pale, her body trembling uncontrollably. Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead. She was in so much pain she was on the verge of fainting, but upon hearing those words, she nearly screamed, “Mother!”

Wei Zhao also gave her a look. “Yao’er.”

Tears welled up in Wei Yao’s eyes. Madam Song urged her again, “A-Yao, speak quickly!”

Wei Yao let out a choked sob and, trembling, said, “I told you I have no way—I told you! Why must you all force me? Mother, Father, and even Your Highness! Since His Highness says I am not fit to be a mother, then I do not want this child anymore…”

Madam Song was stunned. “What are you saying?”

“Where is the physician… Have him prepare a miscarriage-inducing remedy for me…” Wei Yao’s neck was drenched in cold sweat.

Jing Heng lowered his head. “A-Yao, don’t act recklessly.”

Wei Yao clutched the bedsheet tightly as waves of pain surged from her abdomen. She slowly turned her gaze to the man standing beside the bed and whimpered a single word: “Leave.”

That single word seemed to drain the last bit of strength from her. She gasped for breath, her hollow eyes staring at the ceiling.

Jing Heng was led out by the physician. Standing beneath the moon, he listened to the groans of pain coming from the room. His bloodstained hand trembled slightly at his side.

The night cast its shadows, slowly swallowing his figure.

He closed his eyes, his Adam’s apple moving as if he were desperately restraining his emotions. After a long while, he let out a sigh.

That evening, the commotion in the Wei household reached Wei Zhen’s courtyard.

Sitting at her desk, she quietly read a scroll and asked, “What happened outside? The noise is quite loud.”

“It came from the second young lady’s courtyard. She is with child.”

A breeze blew in from the window, making the candlelight flicker.

Wei Zhen put down her scroll and slowly raised her head. “She is with child?”

Maidservant Tian returned to the room. “Yes. I inquired about it—the second young lady has been pregnant for one or two months. This evening, His Highness came to visit her. The two seemed to have a disagreement, and she was pushed to the ground. Her pregnancy became unstable, and she showed signs of miscarriage. Fortunately, the physician arrived in time and said the child could be saved, but she insisted on aborting it.”

“Does my lady wish to intervene?” Maidservant Tian asked.

“There is no need,” Wei Zhen said calmly, lowering her gaze to the scroll.

The room fell into silence. After a long while, her voice sounded again, “A’mu, go to the storeroom and fetch some tonic for Wei Yao.”

Maidservant Tian was surprised. “My lady is kind-hearted.”

Wei Zhen was not particularly kind—she simply felt a sense of pity for Wei Yao, as they had both, in a previous life, married the same man.

Jing Heng was cold and heartless—not a man one could entrust with a lifetime. From the moment he, despite their engagement, entangled himself with her sister, his nature had been clear.

Wei Yao had realized his true colors, but it was too late. She had paid a steep price.

No matter what path lay ahead for Wei Yao, it would surely be better than marrying Jing Heng.

The next day, Maidservant Tian reported, “The second young lady did not keep the child. She took the medicine herself. When she learned that you sent her tonic, she thanked you.”

Wei Zhen nodded slightly.

She and Wei Yao had nothing more to say to each other. The grudge of the previous generation still lay between them.

Outside, servants were loading luggage onto carts.

That night was Wei Zhen’s last in the Chu capital. The next morning, she would leave with the marriage procession and depart from the capital forever.

Seated in the carriage, she lowered the curtain and looked at Maidservant Tian.

Having spent years together, she could tell at a glance that A’mu had something to say. “A’mu, what is on your mind?”

Maidservant Tian hesitated before kneeling.

“My lady, you have always cared for this old servant, not wishing me to endure the hardships of travel. But there is something I must tell you—I fear if I do not say it now, I will never have the chance again.”

“What is it?”

Maidservant Tian whispered, “Everyone says that Madam died protecting the King from an arrow, but that is not the truth. In reality, the Queen pushed her forward!”

“Nanny, what do you have to say?”

Maidservant Tian lowered her voice and said, “Outsiders all say that Madam died blocking an arrow for the King of Chu, but that is not the truth. Back then, the Madam was clearly pushed forward by the Queen!”

Her heart stopped for a moment. “Mother was pushed out by the Queen to take the arrow?”

Maidservant Tian nodded. “Yes, I remember that day well. The Queen had summoned Madam to her side to lecture her, supposedly to discuss bringing her own younger sister, Lady Song, into the household. It just so happened that rebels attempted to assassinate the King. At that moment, there was no one near the Queen and the King—only our Madam.”

Wei Zhen’s face turned deathly pale. Her fingertips dug into the edge of the table as realization dawned upon her. No wonder when she had proposed breaking off the engagement with the Crown Prince, Maidservant Tian had not objected in the slightest.

The King and Queen had used Lady Wei as a human shield, and then, coveting the power of the Wei family, they arranged for Wei Zhen to marry the Crown Prince—forcing her to wed the son of her mother’s murderer.

First, it was the King of Chu. Then, the Queen. And now, the Crown Prince, Jing Heng…

Wei Zhen’s fingernails dug into her palm, drawing blood. A sharp pain coursed through her hand.

“Nanny, do not worry. I understand now,” the young girl said softly. Warm light streamed through the window, casting a long shadow behind her.

Yet, in those autumn-water-like, radiant eyes, a cold and piercing murderous intent surfaced.

The next day arrived—the day she was to depart from the State of Chu.

Wei Zhen had not slept the entire night. As dawn’s faint light broke, a maidservant called her to rise and begin dressing. Her delicate body was bathed in a warm spring bath, her long hair gently dried by the attendants.

Maidservant Tian presented her with the elaborate ceremonial dress of the Jin Kingdom’s royal consort.

In the mirror, the beauty extended her slender arms, slipping them into the sleeves of the gown. A section of flawless, white skin peeked out from the sleeve’s opening as the maids adorned her wrists with golden jade bracelets. The opulent skirts of her attire billowed and cascaded to the ground, adorned with dazzling pearls and gemstones. In the cool morning light, they shimmered with a brilliant radiance, accentuating her breathtaking beauty, as if she were a goddess descending upon the mortal world.

“The auspicious hour has arrived. We respectfully invite the princess to leave the hall.”

Wei Zhen stood in front of the large mirror, repeatedly checking herself. After confirming there were no mistakes, she slowly walked out of the great hall to the sounds of solemn music and ceremony.

The ceremony official loudly called, “Bow,” and the sound of everyone kneeling in unison followed.

Wei Zhen stepped over the threshold, and beneath the high platform, the civil and military officials fell into complete silence.

Her jet-black hair was styled high, forming a cloud-like bun. Earrings of jade swayed gently, and a flower-shaped hairpin decorated her hair, shining beautifully. Her gown shimmered under the light, dazzling like the glow of precious stones. It looked as though she was emerging from mist, ethereal and stunning.

Such beauty, radiant as the morning sun, with the grace of blooming flowers, could topple a city.

The King of Chu and the Queen stood atop the high platform, watching Wei Zhen walk towards them. “This journey to the capital of Jin is long and arduous. Princess, please take care of yourself.”

Wei Zhen nodded obediently.

The Queen turned to one side, receiving the thin red headscarf from the maidservant, preparing to place it on Wei Zhen’s head.

Wei Zhen looked at the embroidered red peony on the scarf, its blood-red color striking her. Suddenly, she spoke, “I wonder if the Queen remembers Madam Wei?”

The Queen’s hand froze in mid-air.

Wei Zhen raised her long lashes, her gaze intense and alluring. “Someone told me that Madam Wei did not sincerely block the arrow for the King, but was pushed out by someone with ulterior motives. Queen, do you still remember who that hidden hand was?”

The Queen’s smile instantly faded.

Just then, a loud voice came from beneath the high platform, “Your Majesty, Your Highness, the Seventh Prince has returned!”

Wei Zhen lowered her gaze and saw a carriage slowly approaching from the palace gates. The carriage stopped in front of the platform, the curtain lifted, and a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old boy and a beautiful woman descended.

The Seventh Prince and his mother, Madam Zheng, were escorted up to the high platform.

“Unfilial son arrives late, I greet Father King!” The young prince knelt before the King of Chu, kowtowing three times. When he slowly raised his head, a collective gasp filled the air.

His face looked remarkably similar to the young King of Chu.

Wei Zhen watched this scene.

The life of being a hostage in another country, enduring humiliation, now that the Seventh Prince had returned to his homeland, how could he not harbor hatred in his heart?

Wei Zhen knew that after her departure, the royal court of Chu would certainly fall into turmoil.

She wanted the King of Chu to die, to drive a wedge between this royal couple, and to completely sever ties between the King and the Crown Prince.

She would establish a foothold in the Kingdom of Jin, find her place, and make sure all those who had harmed her mother would face retribution.

Even if it couldn’t be done now, in the future, she would repay all the suffering she endured a thousand times over.

Wei Zhen slowly withdrew her hand from the Queen’s, smiling. “Your Highness, we will meet again.”

She turned and began to descend the high platform. In her line of sight, a four-horse luxury jade carriage appeared.

The person at the front sat high atop the horse, dressed in an elegant black robe, with a long sword at his waist. His demeanor was graceful and otherworldly. The onlookers’ gazes, after briefly landing on Wei Zhen, all fell upon him.

When he wore light colors, he appeared refined and handsome like a young gentleman, but when in dark robes, he stood tall, exuding profound elegance.

Wei Zhen held her hands in front of her and walked toward him step by step.

Not only did she hate the royal family of Chu, but Qi Yan also shared her hatred. Even if they were thousands of miles away in Jin, they would surely help bring about the downfall of the Chu royal family.

He dismounted from his horse with steady steps, his aura graceful and noble.

The young prince extended his hand toward him, and Wei Zhen placed her hand into his.

At the moment their fingers touched, it was as if their hearts collided.

Countless eyes were fixed on them as they watched the young girl, supported by the young prince, slowly ascend the carriage. Her gown fluttered gracefully, and the scene before them was like a painting, leaving the onlookers in a trance.

“Farewell, Princess, as you enter the Kingdom of Jin.”

The crowd bowed again, and the sound of drums and music rose, marking the start of the diplomatic marriage.

The ceremonial carriage headed north, entering the golden light.

In the fifth month of spring, the Chu princess left the royal capital, heading north into Jin territory.

At the same time, in the capital of the State of Wei, a thousand miles away from Chu…

The morning light filtered through the lattice window, casting fragmented rays into the grand hall of the Wei Palace.

“Prime Minister, His Majesty has awoken and urgently requests your presence.”

The young Prime Minister of Wei, led by a servant, entered the king’s chambers.

The royal court, originally a solemn place, became especially imposing in front of the king’s throne.

The hall was not lit, and it was dim, the Prime Minister sat quietly on his knees, waiting for the middle-aged man on the throne to open his eyes.

A thin, pale hand stretched out. “Prime Minister.”

The Prime Minister bowed. “I am here.”

King Wei’s voice was hoarse, “The King of Jin has sent envoys again, urging the royal daughter to come to Jin.”

The Prime Minister replied, “The Kingdom of Jin has not forgotten about this marriage.”

“Back when my daughter was still in her mother’s womb, an engagement was arranged with the grandson of the King of Jin. Now, my daughter has been missing for more than ten years…”

The Prime Minister grasped the king’s hand, thinking about the king’s past.

When King Wei was young, the State of Wei was in turmoil. It was a perilous time, and treacherous officials controlled the court, attempting to annihilate the royal family. At that time, King Wei, still a prince, fled to escape the disaster, sending his newborn daughter away to safety.

He told those who took her to send her as far away as possible and to never let her return.

Years passed, and the princess disappeared without a trace.

King Wei and the Queen went through imprisonment and hardships, enduring numerous trials before regaining control of the State of Wei. Despite the Queen’s death ten years ago, King Wei never remarried.

Thus, the king only had one daughter.

Although King Wei had never met his daughter, his love for her was pure and sincere.

For years, the royal family had claimed the princess was ill and could not be shown to the public, but they never stopped searching for her.

When King Wei was young, he struggled to rebuild the state, suffering from illness and exhaustion. Now, as he lies bedridden, his only wish is to see his daughter once more.

King Wei coughed heavily, “She has a jade pendant on her, which the Queen placed in her swaddling clothes. It is engraved with the serpentine totem symbolizing the royal family of Wei. Use this to search for my daughter.”

The Prime Minister listened to the king’s choked voice, unable to bear telling him the truth.

Those sent to search for the princess had already uncovered some information.

When the maidservant was ordered to take the princess out of the palace, she remembered the king’s advice to send the princess as far away as possible. They fled to the border between Wei and Chu, where they handed her over to Chu.

Since the State of Chu and the State of Wei were sworn enemies, if the princess’s true identity were revealed, how would the royal court of Chu treat her?

Therefore, it would be even harder to search for her within the borders of Chu.

“Your Majesty, do not worry. I will depart for the Kingdom of Jin in a few days. First, I will delay the marriage negotiations. Secondly, I will definitely find your daughter.”

The Prime Minister kneeled before the throne, his words striking like metal on stone, echoing in the dim hall.

The story takes place in a fictional world, during a period of chaos and division, waiting for the unification of the realm.