Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 4: Impurity

Inside the artificial hill, the daylight filtered through the crevices above, casting dappled light upon the man and woman within the cave.

Earlier, before Wei Zhen arrived—

Wei Yao stood in the shadows with her back to Jing Heng, softly weeping.

“Your Highness is soon to wed my elder sister. Though my heart belongs to you, I cannot bring myself to share a husband with my own sibling…”

She turned around, her words dripping with sorrow as if each syllable was steeped in blood. “You know my mother. She and my father were deeply in love, yet they were always separated by Lady Wei. Even after she entered the Wei household, she was scorned and ridiculed as a faithless and shameless woman.”

Wei Yao pressed her lips together, her voice trembling. “Moreover, Lady Wei once saved the King and Queen. If Your Highness were to defy the decree and marry me instead, what would the outside world say? I cannot bear to see you slandered by malicious rumors.”

Jing Heng gently caressed her shoulder. “I know your heart is sincere.”

Her tear-filled eyes shimmered as she bit her lip. “After Lady Wei’s death, the marriage agreement she left behind has become a shackle binding us both. It is better to end things today, rather than have you give me hope again and again, only for me to suffer in silence. When the day of your wedding arrives, must I still force a smile and call you ‘brother-in-law’?”

Though her words spoke of separation, every syllable carried deep affection.

“Ah Yao…” Unable to bear seeing her cry, Jing Heng pulled her into his embrace.

“I once promised never to forsake you, and that promise remains unchanged. Right now, I may be constrained by the circumstances and unable to marry you openly, but in the future, the position of Queen will be yours alone. My father’s health is declining, and when his final days come, Chu will be mine to rule. By then, who could dictate my harem?”

She had staged such a scene merely to obtain a promise, and he was willing to give it to her.

“We only need to endure for a little while longer. You are intelligent—you must understand my meaning. When the time comes, the authority of the Wei family will return to you and your brother.”

As his words settled, Jing Heng felt the trembling in her embrace gradually subside.

“Your Highness says you cannot annul the engagement, but do you know that Wei Zhen and Jing Ke…”

“Do not speak of this again,” Jing Heng interrupted coldly. “There are hidden matters involved. Do not meddle, nor speak of it to anyone.”

His expression darkened abruptly, and though Wei Yao did not fully understand, she nodded.

“Do not act recklessly. Understand my difficulties. This is not the inner palace—there are too many eyes here. We should meet less frequently for now.”

She clenched his robes tightly, her tears soaking through the fabric at his chest.

They had already lingered too long, and Jing Heng was worried they might be discovered. He urged her to compose herself, and together, they stepped out of the cave.

Just then, a voice called from outside: “Your Highness, Lady Wei has arrived.”

The eunuch’s report was urgent. Jing Heng and Wei Yao had just stepped out and had no time to hide. At that moment, they found themselves face-to-face with Wei Zhen, who had just rounded the bend beside the artificial hill.

Wei Zhen halted beneath the willow tree, her expression calm as she gazed at the two.

Jing Heng’s brow twitched involuntarily, unsure how much she had overheard.

“Sister, what a coincidence,” Wei Yao stepped forward from the cave. “I just happened to run into Cousin and exchanged a few words. I had just mentioned you, and here you are.”

Jing Heng understood her meaning and smoothly followed up, smiling warmly. “Indeed, I was just telling your sister that I intended to visit you.”

He stepped forward toward Wei Zhen, but before he could take a second step, a slender hand reached out to grasp his wrist.

Hidden beneath the folds of her wide sleeves, delicate fingers traced light circles over his wrist bone—once, twice—subtly restraining his movement.

Jing Heng paused, standing still. “Ah Zhen, I heard you caught a cold. I came to see if you were feeling better.”

“Your Highness, I am much improved. I am grateful for your concern.”

The willow branches swayed, filtering the golden sunlight onto her delicate features. A faint dimple appeared at her cheek as she smiled, her bright gaze reflecting the warm hues of spring.

Jing Heng observed her carefully and was reassured—she truly had not heard much of his conversation with Wei Yao.

“If you are heading to the hunting grounds, shall we go together?” He finally withdrew his hand from Wei Yao’s grasp and strode to Wei Zhen’s side.

Wei Zhen smiled. “Of course.”

The path beside the artificial hill was narrow, forcing them to walk side by side. Their robes brushed against each other, the fabric whispering softly with each step. Jing Heng was charming in conversation, recounting recent amusing events from the capital. Wei Zhen listened and responded appropriately, yet in her mind, she replayed the scene she had just witnessed.

The eunuch outside the cave had been standing watch for the Crown Prince, so she had heard only fragments of their conversation. Still, she had managed to catch a few vague words—

“Do not act recklessly.”
“We should meet less frequently.”

The Crown Prince was a refined and courteous man, known for his gentle and gracious demeanor. It was natural for him to be considerate toward his cousin, and their close relationship was understandable.

Having grown up in the South, Wei Zhen had only arrived in the capital six months ago. She realized now that there were many things she had been unaware of—

Jing Heng and Wei Yao were exceptionally close, having grown up together. She had never tried to involve herself in their bond, nor had she ever intended to.

If they were merely affectionate cousins, there would be nothing unusual about it. But Wei Zhen’s instincts told her that there was something else, something she could not yet grasp.

A strange feeling surfaced in her heart.

She glanced slightly sideways at her younger stepsister, who walked behind them. Wei Yao’s gaze was distant, drifting toward the flowering trees as though lost in thought.

In the past, Wei Zhen had never paid much attention. But after today, she would have to be more vigilant.

A few steps later, they arrived at the hunting grounds.

Wei Zhen set aside her thoughts and turned her attention to the field, searching for Qi Yan.

The vast expanse of grassland rippled like an emerald sea under the wind.

As they approached the perimeter, a chorus of cheers erupted, mingling with the rhythmic pounding of hooves. The atmosphere grew increasingly electrified.

This gathering was in celebration of the Empress Dowager’s birthday, attended by envoys from Jin. Despite recent events in the palace, they had to maintain hospitality. On the field, Chu warriors were competing in equestrian contests against the Jin envoys.

Wei Zhen and the Crown Prince ascended the viewing platform.

The Crown Prince turned to a nearby eunuch and asked, “Who is competing today?”

“There are quite a few—Lord Ju Yang and the Young General are both participating.”

At that moment, the crisp sound of approaching hooves rang out, drawing everyone’s attention.

At the far end of the grassland, a black dot appeared, and the figure of a man and his horse gradually came into view.

In just a few moments, the horse had already reached the front, crossing the finish line first.

The crowd erupted into cheers, and soldiers swarmed forward like a tide, surrounding the champion of the race.

Wei Zhen watched as Qi Yan dismounted from his horse, his face beaming with joy as he was encircled by the crowd like stars around the moon.

Threads of spring sunlight fell upon his garments. As he galloped and whipped his horse, the fine rays of light seemed to transform into a beaded curtain of jade around him, swaying with the breeze.

Yesterday, in front of Wei Zhen, he had displayed the noble elegance of an aristocratic scion, but today, atop his horse, his entire aura had changed—fierce and scorching, like the blazing sun of spring, so dazzling it was almost impossible to look at directly.

Was he always like this in the military?

As these thoughts flickered through her mind, the young man was already being escorted toward the high platform. The Crown Prince stepped forward to welcome him, offering congratulations, while the Empress Dowager of Chu had a ceremonial prize brought over—a crystal-clear jade sword, which she bestowed upon him.

The Jin envoy, who had accompanied them, smiled and said, “The young general is bold and spirited, full of youthful vigor—he truly carries the bearing of the King of Jin in his younger years. If the Jin King were here, he would surely sing his praises.”

The Empress Dowager of Chu beamed. “After all, he was raised by me personally. Since childhood, he has roamed the hunting terraces on horseback and pursued game in the wilds. His martial skills have been honed by the finest masters—not something an ordinary young noble can compare to.”

The envoy said, “I still recall the days when Your Majesty had yet to be wed, hunting alongside the King of Jin. In the blink of an eye, forty years have passed. The Jin King still cherishes the bond he shares with you as his sister. Were it not for the long journey between our two nations and the toll of travel, he would surely have come to Chu’s capital in person to celebrate your birthday.”

The Empress Dowager of Chu sighed lightly. “Enough of that. My elder brother and I are both getting old. His health could never withstand such a journey. Let him rest and take good care of himself.”

After speaking, she turned to Qi Yan. “Once my birthday is over, would you like to leave with the Jin envoys and visit your grandfather in Jin?”

Qi Yan’s grandfather was none other than the old King of Jin.

Wei Zhen had previously heard her younger brother mention Qi Yan’s background, which was rather complicated and traced back to the previous generation.

At the start of the current Chu King’s reign, his hold on power was unstable, as the six noble clans firmly controlled the court. Seeking to consolidate his authority, the Chu King moved to weaken the aristocracy. The Qi family was the first to suffer—over a hundred members of the clan were purged and exiled to the northern frontiers.

Qi Yan’s father was among those driven away. With no other choice, he fled north to Jin, where he was taken in by the royal clan.

Later, Princess Ji Qin of Jin fell in love with him and eloped with him. The King of Jin, who had always doted on his daughter, was furious but ultimately did nothing to stop them.

Not long after, with the King of Jin’s support, Qi Yan’s father was able to return to Chu and rise again on the northern border, restoring the Qi clan’s power.

Jin, a dominant force in the north, was the strongest among the warring states, its strength formidable. Even the powerful Chu Kingdom had to regard Jin with caution. Over the years, the two nations had maintained peace through strategic marriages and alliances.

The current Empress Dowager of Chu was one such bride, a princess sent to marry into Chu, the younger sister of the King of Jin.

Thus, Qi Yan held an extraordinary status—he was not only the heir of the Qi family but also the grandson of the King of Jin and the grandnephew of the Empress Dowager of Chu.

Princess Ji Qin had married into Chu and shared a deep love with her husband. Their three years together had been blissful, but she had tragically succumbed to illness and passed away at a young age. The Empress Dowager of Chu, grieving for her niece, had also come to dote on Qi Yan, raising him personally in the Zhanghua Palace. This was the reason behind her conversation with the Jin envoy.

Because of all this, in Chu, when it came to status and nobility, Qi Yan was second to none—even the Crown Prince could not surpass him.

All eyes in the gathering were fixed upon him. Qi Yan was poised and courteous, handling himself effortlessly between the envoys of both nations. Even in such a setting, where the Crown Prince himself could hardly find an opportunity to speak, the other nobles were completely overshadowed by his presence.

Qi Yan casually glanced toward the crowd. His gaze briefly swept over Wei Zhen, pausing for just an instant before shifting away as he continued conversing with the Jin envoy.

Before long, Qi Yan accompanied the Empress Dowager as she descended from the high platform, leaving Wei Zhen with no opportunity to speak with him.

“Ah Zhen—” A voice called from behind her.

Wei Zhen turned to see the Queen of Chu approaching. The elegant woman wore a magnificent robe that trailed upon the ground, her jewelry gleaming with jade and gold. She carried herself with an air of absolute authority, her presence exuding unquestionable dignity.

Wei Zhen greeted her with a bow. The Queen said, “The Crown Prince mentioned that you had caught a cold. Seeing you today, it seems your illness has mostly faded.”

Though her face bore a smile, her tone remained distant. “Even though you are in the detached palace, Ah Zhen, you must not forget proper decorum. Tomorrow, as usual, you are to come to my palace and pay your respects.”

For the past six months, the Queen had frequently summoned Wei Zhen to the palace. Citing her upbringing in the southern lands and her unfamiliarity with palace etiquette, she had assigned an elderly governess to re-educate her in courtly conduct.

No matter how strict the lessons, Wei Zhen had carried them out flawlessly, leaving no room for the Queen to find fault.

Seeing her obedience, the Queen finally reached out, taking Wei Zhen’s hand before summoning the Crown Prince. “The Crown Prince should take better care of Ah Zhen. She is new to the capital and knows little of its ways. You should accompany her more often to show her around.”

The Crown Prince nodded in agreement.

As they were about to descend the steps, an approaching eunuch halted at the base of the platform, his expression hesitant.

“What is it?” the Queen asked.

“Your Majesty, word has come from the physicians at the front—His Highness, the Sixth Prince, has awakened…”

A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd. Wei Zhen lifted her head sharply, clenching her hands so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, sending a sharp pain through her skin.

Jing Ke… he had woken up.

Jing Ke’s residence was in the northwest of the training grounds, not too far from where they stood.

The Queen strode toward the palace hall with her entourage. The air inside was thick with the scent of medicinal herbs. As they moved further in, past layers of veiled curtains, they saw a man lying quietly on the bed, eyes closed in repose.

A physician knelt by the bedside and reported, “Your Majesty, His Highness has regained consciousness, but his strength is weak, and his vitality remains depleted. He still requires rest and recovery.”

Jing Ke was not born of the Queen, and she had always despised this illegitimate son. However, now that he had narrowly escaped death, she could not simply turn a blind eye. For the sake of appearances, harmony still had to be maintained.

She sat by the bed and asked softly, “Your Highness, are you feeling any better?”

A maid hooked the bed curtain up with a golden fish-shaped clasp, revealing the man’s face.

The dim lighting within the bedchamber cast half of his features into shadow. His profile was sharp and cold, his lips pressed into a tight line, exuding an air of iciness.

Wei Zhen stood among the onlookers. When the man on the bed stirred slightly and turned his gaze toward her, a flood of past fears surged up from the depths of her heart.

With just one glance, he saw her standing by the bed.

His eyes were piercingly cold, sharp as ice, sending a chill down her spine.

“In the Inner chamber that night, what exactly happened? Does Your Highness still remember?” the Queen asked.

A cold laugh slipped from his lips, and the air around him darkened with an ominous presence.

Wei Zhen felt the blood drain from her body, her fingers trembling at her sides.

If she were asked whether she regretted stabbing Jing Ke that night, knowing the situation she faced now—she did not. The only regret she had was that she hadn’t struck harder, hadn’t been more ruthless, for her hesitation had left him clinging to life.

A heavy silence filled the room. Then the physician spoke: “His Highness was wounded by a sharp weapon—his neck was injured. The wound has not yet healed, and he is currently unable to speak.”

Jing Ke turned his face slightly, his dark gaze locking onto Wei Zhen without wavering. As his focus lingered on her, other eyes followed, filled with confusion, curiosity, and suspicion—all settling upon Wei Zhen.

The Queen frowned and asked, “What is troubling His Highness?”

The vast hall remained utterly still. For a long while, Jing Ke did not look away. Gradually, some among the crowd began to sense an unusual tension.

Jing Ke’s favored concubine knelt beside the bed, her voice choked with soft sobs. “Your Highness… Your Highness…”

Yet, Jing Ke remained motionless.

The concubine followed his gaze and hesitated before whispering, “Why is Your Highness staring at Lady Wei…? Could this matter be related to her?”

“That night, I was the one searching the Wei residence—”

A voice rang out, accompanied by the sound of footsteps at the doorway.

The crowd turned to see the beaded curtains swaying as Qi Yan entered from outside.

There was a fresh scent of grass and earth clinging to him—he had clearly just returned from the training grounds.

Qi Yan said, “I overheard the conversation from outside just now—mentioning Lady Wei’s involvement in this matter. That night, I personally searched her quarters, and I can confirm that Lady Wei never left her room.”

Jing Ke’s gaze shifted toward him, abruptly sharpening.

Qi Yan lowered his long lashes slightly, a faint smile at the corner of his lips. “Yet His Highness awakens as though he has lost his soul—what could be the reason for that?”

His voice echoed through the great hall—not too loud, not too soft, yet strikingly clear.

Wei Zhen was momentarily stunned, unable to immediately process why he would speak in her defense.