Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 30: Innocence

Another day dawned, and the convoy set off early. The weather grew increasingly hot, and the scorching sun turned the wild grass into a withered yellow.

Sitting in the carriage, Wei Zhen asked her maid, “How many more days until we reach the ferry?”

The maid replied, “Approximately five or six days.”

Traveling in such weather was exhausting for both the horses and the soldiers. Therefore, the convoy decided to split into two groups: one would abandon the land route and take the waterways, escorting the princess to the ferry so she could board a ship northward. The remaining soldiers would stay behind to transport the dowry at a slower pace, arriving in Jin State a few days later.

However, even though they expected to reach the ferry in five or six days, the road was not easy to travel.

Wei Zhen looked out the window and saw Qi Yan sitting tall on his white horse, with the blazing sun shining directly down on him.

He rode calmly, while the surrounding soldiers were drenched in sweat.

After a month of travel, even Wei Ling had tanned considerably, yet Qi Yan’s face remained as fair as before. It was not a pallid, sickly white but rather a translucent jade-like complexion—healthy and striking. It seemed as if he was favored by the heavens, never darkening no matter how harsh the sun.

But the hardship was undeniable.

No matter how fierce the sun, he had to remain outside her carriage. Only during their zither lessons could he step inside for a short rest.

Wei Zhen noticed the damp strands of hair at his temples and instructed her maid to bring him a cup of tea. Then she got up, walked to the cabinet, and opened it to search for something.

Liang Chan asked, “Princess, what are you looking for?”

Wei Zhen replied, “Do we have a spare bamboo mat in the carriage?”

“Yes, but it’s in the supply wagon at the back. What does the princess need it for?”

Since Qi Yan was her guard, she couldn’t just watch him endure the sun’s harsh rays without doing anything. She wanted to weave him a bamboo hat to shield him from the scorching heat.

Back in the southern lands, Wei Zhen had learned many things from her grandfather, including weaving bamboo hats.

Her grandfather cared for the people as if they were his own children. During harvest season, he often went to the fields to work alongside the farmers. Having seen many suffer from heatstroke, he personally wove bamboo hats for them. Wei Zhen had once learned by his side.

Though it had been years, she still remembered the general steps.

Before long, the guards brought the spare bamboo mat into the carriage.

Liang Chan watched from the side.

Wei Zhen took a dagger, cut a section of bamboo, and carefully shaved it into long, thin strips.

Her fingers were deft, her movements skillful, and in no time, a rough hat shape began to take form.

A few drops of sweat slid from her delicate chin, landing on the table with a soft patter. But her eyes were focused, burning with determination. Whenever she worked on something, she became so serious that it was impossible to look away.

It took her a great deal of effort, but by the next day, she finally completed the hat.

She called out, “Young General.”

Qi Yan approached the carriage, “What is it?”

Wei Zhen asked, “It’s nearly noon. Would you like to rest for a while?”

“No need.” He turned his head and noticed the object in her hands.

Wei Zhen handed the hat to him. “The sun grows hotter by the day, and I see you under it constantly. I was worried it might be unbearable, so I asked my maid to make this for you. Would you like it?”

When making the hat, she had deliberately drawn the curtains and covered them with thick fabric to block out the light, ensuring that Qi Yan wouldn’t see her at work. He shouldn’t know she made it herself.

He lifted his gaze, looking past the window at the lady’s delicate face. “You had your maid make it?”

Wei Zhen nodded. “If there were a town nearby, I would have sent my maid to buy one. But since there are no settlements for miles, I had her weave one instead. What do you think?”

Qi Yan glanced at the hat, then asked again, “Your maid made this?”

Wei Zhen nodded once more.

Qi Yan said, “I don’t need it.”

Wei Zhen’s fingers tightened around the window frame, her voice softening. “If the young general doesn’t like it, then never mind.”

She withdrew her hand, and the bamboo curtain fell swiftly.

Of course, there was no rule saying that if one gifted something, the recipient had to accept it. But since she had put in so much effort, his outright rejection still stung a little.

However, her disappointment lasted only a moment. She smiled and turned to Liang Chan. “Put it away for now. It will come in handy someday.”

Just then, Qi Yan’s voice rang out from outside. “I never said I didn’t like it.”

Wei Zhen caught a glimpse of his face through a gap in the curtain. “But didn’t you just refuse it?”

Qi Yan moved closer to the carriage. “Was this hat made by you?”

Wei Zhen denied it immediately. “No.”

She sat stiffly, her cheeks slowly heating up, wondering if he had figured something out.

There was no response from outside. Then, after a long silence, he said, “When the guards brought the bamboo mat to your carriage yesterday, I heard you working on it.”

A wave of heat rushed over her, her little lie exposed on the spot. Her fingers gripped her dress.

She had been raised to be the future crown princess, always taught to remain poised and composed. But when facing Qi Yan lately, she found herself being overly cautious.

Straightening her posture, she tried to maintain a calm voice. “Yes, I made it. Does the young general still need it?”

The young man reached out his hand. “I never said I didn’t. You took it back too quickly—I didn’t even have time to accept it.”

She lifted the curtain again, and just as Qi Yan was about to take the hat, the sound of approaching hoofbeats interrupted them.

Wei Ling called out, “Sister, why did you make a hat only for Qi Yan and not for me?”

He reached out to take it, but Qi Yan got there first. Wei Ling shot him a puzzled look.

Wei Zhen hadn’t expected to be caught. She said, “I can make one for you too.”

But Qi Yan interjected, “Your hands are injured. Can you still weave?”

His gaze fell on her fingers, now marred with fresh cuts and red marks from working with the bamboo.

Wei Zhen noticed his scrutiny and withdrew her hands. “It’s nothing serious.”

Qi Yan said no more, but upon hearing this, Wei Ling insisted that she need not make one for him.

The curtain fell again. Outside, Wei Ling turned to Qi Yan and remarked, “My sister is truly kind. She treats you well—she made you a hat but not me.”

Qi Yan was silent for a moment before suddenly turning his horse around.

Wei Ling called after him, “Where are you going?”

“I’ll be back soon.”

Before Wei Ling could react, Qi Yan had already pulled the reins and galloped away, kicking up a cloud of dust.

A while later, footsteps sounded outside the carriage.

Inside, Wei Zhen heard a voice say, “Princess, the young general asked me to bring you this medicine. He said your hands are injured and should be treated immediately.”

Wei Zhen took the porcelain bottle. “Thank you. Please thank your general for me.”

“No trouble at all. The young general said that if you don’t treat the wounds promptly, they may affect your zither playing.”

So he brought the medicine out of concern for that.

Wei Zhen lowered her eyes, placed the bottle on the table, and murmured, “I see.”

That afternoon, under the scorching sun, the monotonous sound of the carriage wheels lulled her into drowsiness.

When Qi Yan returned, he saw the afternoon light spilling into the carriage, where the girl was leaning against the wall, fast asleep.

On the table before her lay several bottles of medicine, still unopened.

When the carriage jolted over a stone, she stirred awake.

“Awake?” Qi Yan asked. “You haven’t used the medicine yet?”

She sat up, murmuring in a soft, drowsy voice, still carrying a hint of sleepiness.

Qi Yan leaned against the curtain. “That hat you made—I never disliked it. I only touched a corner, but I could tell it was finely crafted.”

“Lift the curtain a little,” he said gently.

Wei Zhen hesitated. “If you have something to say, just say it like this.”

A slender, jade-like hand reached inside, holding out something.

It was a flower wreath, exquisitely woven, adorned with tiny, delicate blossoms and embedded with pearls.

Wei Zhen was surprised. “You left earlier to make this?”

“Do you like it?” he asked.

His gaze was too bright. She didn’t dare meet his eyes. Her heart pounded as she lowered her head. “It’s alright.”

She returned his words to him.

Qi Yan chuckled. “I spent an entire afternoon weaving it for you.”

She ran her fingers over the wreath, feeling the softness of the petals, as he murmured, “Come closer.”

She leaned in slightly. “What is it?”

He leaned in closer, his face just inches away, their noses almost touching. He held something in his hand and gently placed it against her ear. A camellia flower fell upon Wei Zhen’s ear.

Wei Zhen’s ear stiffened slightly. She reached up to touch the flower and, within the bud, felt a jade pendant.

For a moment, her heart pounded like a drum.

The young man’s breath brushed against her cheek. His skin, bathed in sunlight, was tinged with a rosy hue, his bright eyes fixed on her. Beads of sweat adorned the tip of his nose, as delicate and translucent as pearls.

“Miss Wei, you gifted me a bamboo hat woven by your own hands. In return, I offer you jade and beauty. What do you think?”

The afternoon breeze of Chu land blew gently, and Wei Zhen felt as if her heart was swaying with the wind.

He was so close, his eyes tender, carrying the warmth of spring. A faint tingling spread through Wei Zhen’s heart, and her face flushed slightly.

Wei Zhen said, “You mustn’t let others see this.”

They were too close, crossing the proper boundary between a man and a woman.

Qi Yan understood and moved away from her.

The beauty before him had skin like jade and a face like a blooming lotus. The camellia flower at her ear burned red like fire, adding a touch of charm to her features. She curved her lips into a smile and said, “I like it very much.”

Qi Yan replied, “As long as you like it, that’s good.”

At that moment, Wei Zhen felt a searing gaze cast in her direction.

Jing Heng rode past the carriage on horseback and gave Wei Zhen a meaningful glance.

Previously, Jing Heng had warned the two not to get too close and had said he would not give them the opportunity to meet in private. Lately, even when Qi Yan gave her zither lessons, he had assigned people to keep watch outside, as if afraid they might do something improper.

Wei Zhen knew that the moment just now had surely been seen by him.

Indeed, with so many eyes around them, she and Qi Yan should have been more discreet.

Wei Zhen lowered the curtain and leaned her head against the carriage wall. Though separated by the carriage’s wooden panels, she could still sense his presence.

She touched the flower bud at her ear. Her restless heart found no calm.

The convoy stopped to rest for half an hour midway.

At the lakeside, Wei Ling filled a water pouch. On his way back to camp, he happened to overhear a conversation between an envoy from Jin and the Ninth Prince in the woods.

He had no intention of eavesdropping, but when he heard them mention Wei Zhen, his steps came to a sudden halt.

“Your Highness should take the initiative to connect with the princess emotionally. The King has sent you here to propose marriage, giving you a rare opportunity to meet and understand her in advance. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

Ji Wo shook his head. “I’m really not familiar with the princess. You know my nature…”

“I am only thinking of your best interests. If the princess takes a liking to you, it would be greatly beneficial. Every royal son in the Jin palace desires this chance—why is it that Your Highness alone refuses?”

Ji Wo let out a long sigh. “I have no experience in interacting with women.”

“Then follow my advice to develop a connection with the princess. Later, you should get on her carriage and have a casual conversation. Familiarity will grow from there. From what I’ve observed, she may seem cold, but she actually has a very pleasant personality…”

The Jin envoy grabbed Ji Wo’s sleeve and whispered something in his ear.

Wei Ling furrowed his brows. After returning to the camp, he immediately pulled Qi Yan aside to speak.

“What is it?” Qi Yan asked.

Wei Ling glanced toward the forest, where the Jin envoy and Ji Wo were emerging. He kept his words brief: “That Jin prince has his eyes on my sister. I just overheard them discussing how he should approach her. Later, I’ll be up front leading the convoy, so I won’t be able to watch over my sister. You need to keep an eye on Ji Wo for me.”

Qi Yan said nothing.

Wei Ling sighed. He knew Qi Yan’s personality well and didn’t expect him to interfere.

He simply said, “Just watch him and make sure he doesn’t do anything inappropriate. I need to assess his character before I can allow my sister to spend time with him.”

By the time Qi Yan returned to the convoy, Ji Wo had already boarded Wei Zhen’s carriage.

Inside the carriage, Wei Zhen had a tea table brought out to receive her guest and greeted him with a smile. “To what do I owe the honor of Your Highness’s visit?”

The young man sat opposite her, resting a hand against his lips as he coughed lightly. “Come to think of it, I have yet to converse with Your Highness. Since it’s a quiet evening, I thought I would come and sit with you for a while.”

Wei Zhen smiled gently and agreed.

From his stiff body language, she deduced that this person was shy and not skilled at social interaction.

For a long while, the two sat in silence. Finally, Ji Wo managed to squeeze out a question: “How is Your Highness’s progress with the zither?”

Wei Zhen replied, “Not bad. General Qi teaches very well, and I have benefited greatly. I can now play simple melodies.”

Ji Wo looked to the side and took a sip of tea to ease his awkwardness. “General Qi truly has a warm heart. He stands guard outside your carriage by day and still finds time to teach you at night.”

Hearing him praise Qi Yan’s kindness, Wei Zhen couldn’t help but chuckle.

Seeing Ji Wo’s face turn red from embarrassment, she took the initiative to change the topic. “Why don’t Your Highness tell me about the customs of Jin?”

“The customs of Jin…” Ji Wo clutched the table edge.

Wei Zhen tried another question. “What does Your Highness usually enjoy doing?”

“What I enjoy doing…” He glanced at Wei Zhen and smiled awkwardly. “I own a farm outside the capital where I grow crops, raise cattle, and keep a dog. Most of my time is spent doing farm work. But surely Your Highness wouldn’t be interested in such things?”

Wei Zhen shook her head. “When I was in the south, I used to go into the fields with my grandfather. I also had a small dog.”

“You farmed? And you love dogs?”

At this, Ji Wo visibly relaxed. He clapped his hands together, eager to share. “If Your Highness loves dogs, then when you come to Jin, I can introduce you to mine. It’s very friendly…”

A knock on the carriage interrupted him.

“Your Highness, the maidservants ask whether you would like hot water prepared for your bath now,” came Qi Yan’s voice.

Wei Zhen replied, “In a little while.”

She continued her conversation with Ji Wo.

When she mentioned her childhood pet, Ji Wo’s eyes lit up, and he began speaking enthusiastically. “If Your Highness loves dogs, I can bring mine to meet you when we arrive in Jin. It’s very affectionate…”

Qi Yan’s voice interrupted again. “Your Highness, the maidservants have brought fruit.”

Wei Zhen lifted the curtain and saw Qi Yan taking a fruit platter from a servant. He handed it to her, and she smiled. “Thank you, General Qi.”

She placed the fruit on the table and smiled at Ji Wo.

Ji Wo continued, “There are many wonderful places in Jiangdu. I could take Your Highness sightseeing. The farmland outside the city is very fertile, perfect for growing crops…”

“Your Highness,” the young man’s voice rang outside again, abruptly cutting Ji Wo off.

Ji Wo, having finally found common ground with Wei Zhen, was frustrated at being interrupted for the third time.

Three times.

He had endured, but hearing that Qi Yan was about to start a zither lesson with Wei Zhen soon, Ji Wo could no longer hold back.

He turned toward the curtain and said, “Brother, why do you keep interrupting my conversation with the princess?”