Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 44: Stunning Beauty

By the time Wei Zhen gradually stopped sobbing and remained silent in his embrace, as if she had fallen asleep, Qi Yan gently placed her back onto the couch. He watched her for a while longer before finally rising and leaving the bedchamber.

When Wei Zhen woke up from her drunken stupor, her head throbbed as if splitting apart, and her mind was utterly blank. She rubbed her temples, having completely forgotten everything that had happened after she got drunk the previous night. She vaguely remembered that her younger brother and Qi Yan had sent her back, but she could not recall whether she had done anything out of line after drinking. Judging from Qi Yan and Wei Ling’s reactions that morning, it seemed she had not.

As for what had transpired during last night’s banquet, after a whole night had passed, it was likely that the entire Jin Palace knew about it by now.

Wei Zhen steeled herself, preparing to handle the royal family’s questioning or to offer an apology for the incident. However, several days passed, and the royal family remained silent, showing no response at all.

During this period, as the Crown Prince of Chu, Jing Heng visited Jin King on behalf of Chu to extend apologies for that night’s events. Jin King did not say much about it, as if he intended to let the matter pass just like that.

Yet, from beginning to end, Jin King never summoned Wei Zhen.

As a princess sent to marry in alliance, being left completely unattended like this was highly unusual.

Jing Heng, concerned about the court affairs back in his own country, planned to depart for Chu not long after arriving in Jin.

Wei Ling and General Qi Lao, of course, were also to embark on their journey back home.

On the day of Wei Ling’s departure, Wei Zhen took a carriage to the palace gates to see him off.

The setting sun cast its golden glow over the towering royal city, bathing it in the warm and ancient hues of twilight.

“Ah Jie, I’m leaving now,” Wei Ling said.

The young man embraced her tightly, the sunset’s warmth pressing upon his shoulders.

They held each other for a long time—so long that the people in the departing entourage called out for him, yet the boy still clung to her without loosening his grip in the slightest.

“Once I leave, there will be no one in the Jin Palace to accompany you every day. Ah Jie, you must take good care of yourself.”

“I will,” Wei Zhen rested her head on his shoulder. The scorching heat of his robe seeped through the fabric, warming her heart.

In the end, he could not hold back his tears. “Ah Jie, you and I have been together since we were little. We’ve never been apart for too long. What am I supposed to do in the future…? Mother is gone, Grandfather has passed, and now you can’t stay by my side either…”

Wei Zhen felt an aching tightness in her chest, as if a hole had been torn in her heart, letting sorrow seep out endlessly. She raised her hand and gently stroked Wei Ling’s cheek.

The youthful contours of his face had begun to show traces of steadfast determination under the golden light.

Tears welled in Wei Zhen’s eyes, but she smiled. “Ah Ling, once you return to Chu, govern the land Grandfather left behind. You will find a girl who truly cares for you, someone who will stay by your side. One day, you will have your own home. You won’t be alone.”

Wei Ling could hear that she was entrusting him with the future. His eyes reddened. “But how long will that take, Ah Jie?”

“Not long. Everything will happen naturally.”

Though they shared no blood relation, they had grown up together since childhood, supporting each other through a life without parents. To each other, they were the most important pillar of support. Now, at last, they had no choice but to part ways and walk their separate fates.

Wei Ling hugged her tightly again. Wei Zhen had never seen him cry like this before. Their chests pressed against each other, and at that moment, their hearts were completely connected.

Suppressing the urge to cry, she spoke in a trembling voice, “Little brother, I believe that one day, we will meet again.”

Wei Zhen felt grateful that they were parting at sunset, thinking that even if she recalled this moment years later, she would remember the golden light of dusk wrapping around them in warmth.

A few tears fell from her eyes.

The sound of hooves echoed in the air, and a shadow cast itself beside them.

The Crown Prince sat atop his horse, his tone impatient. “Are you two done talking?”

“We are,” Wei Zhen replied softly.

Like soothing a small dog, she gently smoothed down Wei Ling’s hair. “Ah Ling, go on now.”

The young man reluctantly let go of her hand and walked toward his steed.

Wei Zhen watched his departing figure as a surge of deep reluctance swelled in her heart.

Once her younger brother returned to Chu, he would be under the authority of their mother’s murderer. Wei Zhen had never told him the truth about their mother’s death, fearing he might act recklessly if he found out. But she herself would never let this debt go unpaid. No matter what, she would reunite with him again.

Beside her, Jing Heng held the reins of his horse. He glanced at Wei Zhen and then at Qi Yan, standing by her side.

Seeing that Qi Yan had chosen to stay instead of returning with the entourage to Chu, Jing Heng already had an idea of his intentions. He said nothing, only sneering coldly.

Under the setting sun, the army began their journey, their elongated shadows stretching across the ground.

The sky burned with dazzling sunset hues, its light gleaming off the armor of the soldiers heading home, tracing their edges with a warm golden glow.

Wei Zhen kept her gaze fixed on a particular figure in the midst of the procession. The young man seemed to sense her stare, turning back repeatedly to look at her.

His figure grew smaller and smaller until it finally merged with the endless expanse of the evening clouds, becoming one with the golden horizon.

Wei Zhen forced her tears back.

On her journey to Jin for marriage, she had sent a letter to the Seventh Prince of Chu, detailing the true cause of Jing Ke’s death.

Jing Ke’s demise was inseparably linked to her. However, as a princess in a political marriage, Chu, fearing Jin’s power, would not dare to touch her or her younger brother. But when the truth came to light, the Crown Prince—who had been half a mastermind behind the scenes—would undoubtedly face inevitable disaster.

A cool breeze blew past, rustling the trees.

Qi Yan said, “It’s time to go back.”

Wei Zhen nodded and walked toward the palace gates with him.

From atop his horse, Wei Ling turned his head one last time. He saw his sister’s figure gradually disappearing into the glow of the sunset. Behind her, the heavy palace gates slowly closed, as if sealing away her fate.

Wei Ling let out a long breath. He, too, believed that one day, he and Ah Jie would meet again. By then, he would have grown strong enough that he would never allow her to suffer the shame and grievances of today.

The evening bells tolled, and the sky flowed with crimson light.

Dappled rays of sunlight spilled through the gaps in the branches, falling upon those walking along the corridor.

After sending off her younger brother, Wei Zhen returned to her chambers with Qi Yan.

As they chatted idly, rounding a corner, a burst of clear laughter caught their ears. Wei Zhen lifted her head and instinctively paused.

From a distant hall, several young ladies walked out in pairs and threes, followed by attendants carrying book boxes.

Among them, a woman in luxurious robes stood out. Wei Zhen recognized her—it was the Eleventh Princess, Ji Ying.

She asked the palace servant beside her. The servant glanced ahead and answered, “Your Highness, that is the Academy. The royal sons and princesses study there regularly. Additionally, all the princesses from allied marriages are required to attend classes, along with noble daughters of Jin serving as their companions.”

Wei Zhen was taken aback. “Are all the princesses going?”

The palace attendant glanced at Wei Zhen, her gaze flickering slightly.

Wei Zhen’s brows furrowed slightly, but she had been here for quite some time, and King Jin had not summoned her, let alone called her to the academy.

“What subjects are taught in the academy?”

“This servant does not know. However, this servant has heard that the achievements of these esteemed individuals in their studies will be personally assessed by His Majesty, who will occasionally inquire about them.”

Wei Zhen nodded, speculating that the attendance of the peace-bringing princesses at the academy was likely more than just about attending classes.

The heir to the throne of Jin had yet to be decided, and many of the royal sons had yet to marry. With all these noblewomen entering the academy, it would allow Jin King to conveniently compare their abilities and also select a suitable candidate to be the future crown prince’s consort.

As the group reached the previous intersection, a few young women who had just finished their studies approached from the opposite direction.

Wei Zhen nodded at them, but the young women, engaged in cheerful conversation, did not respond. As they passed by, heated gazes were cast upon the injured right side of her face.

Even though they had walked some distance away, Wei Zhen could still feel their gazes lingering on her, as well as hear their hushed discussions.

“Let’s go.” Qi Yan’s voice sounded beside her, breaking her train of thought in time.

“Zuo Ying should be waiting for you in the hall. Don’t keep him waiting too long.”

The gossip of the young women did not stir much emotion in her heart. Wei Zhen took firm strides forward.

Upon returning to her chambers, Zuo Ying had been waiting for quite some time. Seeing Wei Zhen return, he immediately opened his medical kit.

Wei Zhen sat before the dressing mirror, gazing at the right side of her face. The grayish-yellow medicinal paste had nearly blended into her skin.

As Zuo Ying’s hand pressed against her face, Wei Zhen’s heart lifted slightly. It had been over ten days of treatment—if the wound healed quickly, it should be just about fully recovered by now.

As the medicinal application was gradually peeled away, jade-white skin was revealed to the air.

Wei Zhen placed her hand on her face. The smooth texture was no different from before. The area where the rash had once been left no scars; instead, her skin appeared even more delicate.

“The wound on the princess’s face has mostly healed. However, in the coming days, you must still avoid sunlight as much as possible. The skin has just recovered and remains fragile. If exposed to sunlight, it may become easily inflamed and red.”

At that moment, footsteps sounded from outside the hall. A palace maid announced that the envoy, Lord Gongsun, had arrived.

Qi Yan had Wei Zhen remain seated while he walked outside himself.

“What brings the envoy here today?” Qi Yan asked.

The envoy cupped his hands in greeting, lifting his head with an apologetic expression. Ever since the incident at the night banquet, both he and Ji Wo had promised to give Wei Zhen a proper explanation, yet to this day, the royal family had made no statement.

Qi Yan, however, understood that the matter had been left unsettled largely because Jin King’s attitude toward Wei Zhen had been indifferent.

Had Wei Zhen been summoned for an audience with Jin King upon her arrival in Jin, and had she gained his favor, the royal family would have certainly shown her more respect out of regard for the king.

The fact that they hadn’t only proved their disregard for her.

The envoy said, “I have come today precisely for this matter. His Majesty has recovered from his cold and has just sent palace attendants to prepare a banquet. He invites the princess to attend later this evening.”

The envoy glanced inside the hall. “Is the princess present?”

“I am here.” Hearing the envoy call for her, Wei Zhen put on her veil, lifted the hem of her skirt, and stepped out from the hall.

The envoy greeted her respectfully. “Princess, you must have overheard the conversation between the general and me just now. Regarding the previous banquet, I cannot say for sure whether His Majesty still holds any resentment… but at tonight’s banquet, the princess must leave a good impression on the king.”

Wei Zhen pondered for a moment. “On the way here, the envoy has repeatedly advised me to practice my zither skills diligently. I have not neglected a single day. I wonder if at tonight’s banquet, I might have the honor of performing a piece for His Majesty?”

The envoy was momentarily stunned before breaking into a broad smile. “Although the princess’s beauty has been temporarily affected, your zither skills alone will surely leave everyone in awe. I shall make arrangements at once!”

Wei Zhen smiled. “Thank you.”

With a sweep of his wide sleeves, the envoy took his leave.

Night had fallen, and the palace banquet was about to begin. There was little time left for Wei Zhen to prepare.

Liang Chan helped her with her grooming. “The princess’s appearance has already been restored. Will you still wear the veil?”

Wei Zhen replied, “I will.”

Her damaged appearance was already known to all. Today, her primary purpose in attending was to play the zither for Jin King, to change his impression of her. If she did not wear a veil, she feared that people’s attention would not be on the music but on her face. Moreover, if her performance pleased Jin King, unveiling her face at that moment would only enhance the effect.

In a fleeting moment, countless thoughts surfaced in Wei Zhen’s mind.

Yet what worried her the most was the single character—zither.

Through the mirror, Wei Zhen gazed at the zither placed on the table behind her, and at the same time, she happened to see the young man standing beside the table.

Her fingertips, resting on the fabric of her skirt, curled up nervously.

Qi Yan seemed to perceive her inner turmoil and said, “On the road, you have already practiced well. There is no need to worry. Today, simply play the piece you are most familiar with as usual.”

Wei Zhen held her breath slightly and replied, “Alright.”

Later that evening, the two of them left Qingxue Hall together.

Qi Yan carried the zither for her. The closer they got to the brightly lit palace, the louder the sounds of merriment became. Wei Zhen grew nervous and once again went over the score with Qi Yan. Only after receiving his approving nod did she relax slightly.

Just as they were about to reach the banquet hall, an envoy led them to a side hall.

The envoy smiled and said, “The princess is to play the zither for His Majesty today. The attendants by His Majesty’s side are already aware of this, so they have prepared a zither for the princess. This zither was once one of Princess Ji Qin’s instruments—an exceptional zither of great renown. We hope that with this instrument, the princess will be able to play a most elegant tune tonight.”

Since Jin King had prepared a zither for her, Wei Zhen could not refuse.

She walked to the table, placed her hand on the zither, and lightly stroked it. A cool, smooth sensation spread across her palm.

After all, this was a zither left behind by Princess Ji Qin—an instrument of great value. Wei Zhen had to handle it with care.

However, she had only just run her fingers over it a few times, not even enough to familiarize herself with it, when a palace attendant arrived, announcing that the banquet was about to begin.

“Princess, please proceed first. I will carry the zither for you.”

Wei Zhen stepped out of the side hall and walked toward the main hall. Before she even entered, she could already hear the melodious sounds of zithers and chimes coming from within.

The young girl stopped at the steps. The shifting shadows of flowers cast uneven patterns on her face, accentuating the panic in her eyes. “I’m still afraid…”

Qi Yan said, “Go in first. I will stay behind the screen at the banquet to accompany you.”

Wei Zhen lifted her head. The faint glow of the surrounding candles softened the young man’s features. He took a step closer and, using the wide sleeve of his robe as a cover, gently clasped her hand. The warmth of his palm seeped into her own.

“Don’t worry. Go on.”

Wei Zhen’s heart pounded chaotically. But after his words, she finally made up her mind and stepped forward.

As the palace attendant at the entrance announced, “Princess of Chu has arrived—” Wei Zhen crossed the threshold.

The crisp sound of ornaments clinking against each other rang out.

The hall fell silent for a moment as everyone turned toward the entrance.

People had heard rumors of the Princess of Chu’s grace and bearing. Yet upon seeing her today, they still could not help but be momentarily stunned.

Rumors claimed that the princess was of extraordinary demeanor but bore a damaged appearance. Today, she wore a crimson dress that swayed gracefully as she walked. A veil concealed the lower half of her face, leaving only her eyes exposed—eyes as brilliant as peach blossoms. The long, elegant corners of her eyes were adorned with golden foil, sparkling like dazzling stars, unforgettable at a glance.

The candlelight on either side cast a glow over her, as if she were bathed in the pure moonlight of Chu.

It was a presence entirely distinct from the women of Jin.

Wei Zhen walked with light steps, her skirt brushing against the stone tiles with a soft rustling sound.

She came to a stop before the jade steps and gracefully bowed, her every movement measured and composed, devoid of any trace of panic.

In the stillness of the great hall, a delicate voice rang out, “Wei Zhen, daughter of Chu, sent as an offering to Jin on behalf of the royal house of Chu, pays her respects to Jin King.”

Wei Zhen knelt on the ground, feeling countless gazes upon her from all directions. Among the crowd, there were many unfamiliar faces, as well as the aristocrats and royal family members she had seen at the previous small banquet.

The great hall was eerily silent. Behind her, the bronze incense burner exhaled wisps of fragrant smoke. Though faint, the sound reverberated throughout the chamber, amplifying its presence.

Wei Zhen lowered her head, sensing the weight of the gaze that bore down upon her from above. Though light, it carried an oppressive force, as if laden with a thousand pounds, capable of bending one’s spine. Yet she maintained the most impeccable posture as she kowtowed.

A cool breeze drifted in from the open palace doors, gently lifting the hem of Wei Zhen’s robes.

She waited for a long time, yet the figure above her remained silent. The tips of her fingers, pressing against the stone floor, turned slightly white.

After a while, a hoarse and aged voice finally spoke, “Wei Zhen of Chu, is it?”

Jin King commanded her to lift her head. Wei Zhen slowly straightened her back, keeping her gaze lowered out of respect. Even so, she could still feel the overwhelming aura pressing down from above.

On the screen to the side, the candlelight cast the shadow of a tall and imposing figure.

This was the man known as the Tiger and Wolf King, who, in his youth, had slaughtered ten cities in succession using the most ruthless and merciless means—far from a lenient ruler. Even now, past the age of seventy, he remained formidable.

The hall was silent, not a single voice daring to speak. The air was thick with tension, and all present submitted to his authority.

It was as if a heavy, oppressive cloud loomed over the grand hall.

“Rise,” he said simply, and cold sweat broke out on Wei Zhen’s back.

The Jin palace was even more suffocating than the one in Chu.

Wei Zhen softly replied, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“I have heard from envoys who visited Chu that you are skilled in playing the zither?”

Leaning back in his throne, Jin King tapped his wine cup against the armrest, the low, chilling sound making one’s spine tingle.

Wei Zhen confirmed it. Jin King said, “Then play something for me.”

Wei Zhen stepped forward to the table. The envoy emerged from behind the screen and carefully placed the zither before her.

At the same moment, she caught a glimpse of Qi Yan’s figure behind the screen.

Her wildly pounding heart steadied slightly. She seated herself before the table and looked at the jade zither before her.

In such a setting, not even the slightest mistake could be afforded.

Yet this zither was entirely new to her.

Wei Zhen had chosen to play Liu Guang Yin, a song from Chu. She had memorized its score hundreds of times before arriving. But the moment her hands touched the strings, all that she had learned seemed to dissipate like mist.

She decided to start with a gentle prelude, familiarizing herself with the instrument before fully immersing in the piece.

Her fingers plucked the strings, and the music began to flow.

The melody was delicate and sorrowful.

Then, as she grew more accustomed to the instrument, the tune turned clear and luminous, evoking a quiet night beneath the moonlight. The music stilled the world around her.

Just as the melody continued to flow through the grand hall, a sudden, piercing “zheng—” rang out, shattering the tranquil atmosphere in an instant.

The people in the hall, not knowing what had happened, all turned their gazes toward where Wei Zhen was seated.

The elderly man seated upon the king’s throne slowly opened his eyes. “Why has a string snapped?”

Wei Zhen held the broken string in one hand, while the fingers of her other hand had been cut open, blood seeping from the wound. Her wrist trembled. The harsh, jarring sound from before still echoed in her ears, chilling her to the bone and making her vision blur and sway.

Yet, she did not let this incident stop her. She raised her hand once more and plucked the strings, allowing the clear and pure notes to resound through the grand hall once again.

Blood continued to trickle from her fingertips, staining the strings a deep red. With every movement, the intense vibration of the zither sent waves of pain through her fingers, as if a dull blade were slicing into her flesh.

This was the beloved zither of Jin King’s cherished daughter, a priceless treasure. And now, on her first formal appearance in the Jin Palace, Wei Zhen had damaged it.

Would Jin King not place blame upon her?

How could the string have snapped?

Yes—how could it have broken for no reason at all?

Because someone had tampered with it in advance.

The break in the string was not the kind left by a plucking finger—it bore a mark more akin to that of a blade, as though it had been cut with scissors.

This zither had been kept in the side hall the entire time. Before the banquet began, someone must have interfered with it.

Who was trying to frame her?