Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 46: Betrothal

At the break of dawn the next day, the morning bell rang, and Wei Zhen opened her eyes.

Liang Chan lifted the bed curtain. “Princess, you are to attend the Imperial Academy today. Don’t be late.”

Wei Zhen draped a robe over her shoulders and stepped down from the bed. She saw several brand-new garments laid out on the table. Running her hand over them, she felt the smoothness of the silk.

Liang Chan asked, “Which one does the princess wish to wear today?”

Wei Zhen looked through the clothes. “The light green one will do. I am going to class, so a simple outfit will suffice.”

Before long, Wei Zhen finished dressing. She casually tied her hair into a simple bun, with an ornamental hairpin swaying gently in the breeze. The fabric of Jin’s palace attire was so thin that even a light gust would create ripples, like waves undulating outward. The pale green was exceedingly elegant, brightening one’s mood just by looking at it.

Wei Zhen stepped out of the hall, admiring the scenery of Jin’s palace along the way while conversing with Liang Chan.

Liang Chan said, “Someone from His Majesty’s side came to see the young general yesterday, summoning him to serve at His Majesty’s side. Before dawn today, he packed his belongings and left our courtyard. To be honest, I don’t quite understand why the young general would give up his position as a general of Chu to seek refuge with Jin Wang.”

Wei Zhen’s steps paused slightly.

Qi Yan had followed the diplomatic escort to Jin but had been reluctant to leave. His purpose was clear—to seek service under Jin Wang.

Many believed that with Qi Yan’s capabilities, he shouldn’t have to accept such a lowly position. But Wei Zhen thought otherwise.

After all, Qi Yan was a subject of another country. Jin Wang, at least initially, would be wary of him and wouldn’t trust him fully.

Yet being close to the sovereign was something many envied. Though his initial position was humble, at least he could see Jin Wang daily and gradually earn his trust. With his abilities, Jin Wang would never let him remain in obscurity. Given time, he would surely be entrusted with important responsibilities.

Regardless of the circumstances, they had taken their first step in Jin’s palace.

However, now that Qi Yan had moved out of Qingxue Hall, the two of them would no longer be able to meet as easily as before.

—

In the early morning, sunlight streamed through the bamboo blinds, casting light upon the rows of desks in the Imperial Academy. The palace attendants had already tidied the hall, leaving it pristine, with even the inkstones and writing brushes wiped free of dust.

By the time Wei Zhen arrived at the academy hall, many students were already present.

As she stepped inside, she distinctly felt the room quiet down. Wei Zhen greeted the gathered noblewomen and then noticed a desk in the corner.

There weren’t many bamboo scrolls stacked beside it—it seemed to be the seat reserved for her.

Wei Zhen was about to step toward the innermost area when a voice suddenly rang out.

“Didn’t the Princess of Chu remove her veil at yesterday’s palace banquet? Why has she put it back on today?”

The speaker was none other than the Eleventh Princess, Ji Ying.

Ji Ying sat at the center of the front row, a smile playing on her lips. “Princess of Chu, this half-covered, half-uncovered look, as if trying to conceal yet drawing more attention, is rather baffling. What exactly are you trying to do?”

The hostility in her words was unmistakable—how could Wei Zhen not hear it?

She lifted her gaze slightly and smiled faintly. “The palace physician advised me that my wound has only just healed and should not be exposed to too much sunlight.”

Ji Ying replied, “The Princess of Chu is quite delicate, isn’t she? We Jinese dislike such fussiness. It’s just a minor injury—why make such a big deal out of it?”

Glancing to her left, Ji Ying motioned to a young woman seated there. The girl promptly stood up.

“Why don’t you sit beside me today, Princess of Chu? You’re new here, after all. This way, we can get to know each other better.”

The seat beside Ji Ying, though close to the lecturer, was also directly in the path of the sun. At this moment, the sunlight was still mild, but as the day progressed, it would shine brightly upon Wei Zhen.

Seeing Wei Zhen remain still, Ji Ying’s smile faded. “Is the Princess of Chu afraid of the sun?”

Wei Zhen thought, So she does know.

Ji Ying was known for being headstrong and spoiled—Wei Zhen had heard as much before. But she had no intention of wasting time on her. She knew clearly whom she actually needed to win over.

Some circles were simply not worth trying to fit into.

Wei Zhen walked past Ji Ying’s seat and headed straight for the corner desk.

The other noblewomen were stunned. The Princess of Chu had just arrived, yet she dared to brush off Ji Ying so openly?

For a moment, silence filled the hall.

Ji Ying, seated at the front, glanced back at Wei Zhen.

Wei Zhen sat down behind her desk, lowered her gaze, and lifted the bamboo scroll on her desk. Sensing Ji Ying’s eyes on her, she looked up briefly, meeting her gaze before calmly lowering her head again.

Ji Ying’s expression darkened.

Footsteps sounded from outside—the lecturer had arrived, and everyone’s attention shifted accordingly.

—

That morning’s lesson was on calculation and accounting. The instructor, Master Gongyang, scanned the room before finally resting his gaze on Wei Zhen.

Ji Ying smiled. “The Princess of Chu arrived late and has missed quite a few lessons. But Master Gongyang, surely you won’t slow down the class just because you’re worried she won’t understand?”

Master Gongyang hesitated for a moment before quickly agreeing.

Ji Ying had been spoiled since childhood, and her older brother was highly favored by Jin Wang. No one in the academy dared oppose her.

Wei Zhen paid her no mind and flipped through her bamboo scroll.

It was just a simple accounting lesson. Back in Chu, she had governed territories and, under her grandfather’s tutelage, studied taxation, iron smelting, and military supplies.

Compared to those subjects, today’s lesson was child’s play.

Wei Zhen sighed lightly.

The girl seated beside her turned and whispered, “Princess, are you struggling to understand?”

Wei Zhen lifted her gaze to see a young lady in a pale yellow palace dress. She had an oval face, arched brows, and delicate lips—a beauty like fine jade.

The girl lowered her voice. “My name is Gongsun Xian, daughter of the Gongsun family. My father was the envoy sent to Chu. If there’s anything in the lesson you don’t understand, I can help you after class.”

She smiled sweetly, her eyes curving like crescent moons.

Wei Zhen smiled. “That would be wonderful.”

Gongsun Xian was rather shy. After meeting Wei Zhen’s eyes for a moment, she blushed and turned away.

—

Summer was scorching, and bamboo blinds hung high on either side of the academy to block the harsh sunlight. A gentle breeze carried the cool scent of the pond’s water lilies.

Most days, the academy held only two classes.

Today was an exception—Master Gongyang had pressing matters the next day, so he scheduled an additional lesson in the afternoon.

But by then, most of the young women were struggling to stay awake, even the diligent Gongsun Xian dozing off occasionally.

Wei Zhen, needing to meet Jin Wang after class, took out a zither score to review.

The bamboo blinds swayed. Wei Zhen sensed someone approaching from outside. Their shadow fell upon her bamboo scroll.

She assumed it was a palace attendant and paid no mind until she heard a light tapping against the railing.

The soft yet deliberate sound reached her ears.

Wei Zhen turned her head and, upon seeing who it was, was momentarily stunned. She glanced toward the hall—no one had noticed. Leaning slightly closer, she silently mouthed, Why are you here?

The young man said nothing. He rested his elbow on the railing, propping his chin on his hand as he gazed at her. The delicate golden light flickered across his eyelashes. He was, after all, a spirited youth, but at this moment, his posture was languid, and that natural air of effortless charm within him was fully revealed.

“I was on my way between shifts, and since I had a rare moment to rest, I thought I’d come see how you’re doing with your studies. What a coincidence—it just so happens I caught our esteemed Lady Wei lost in thought. Aren’t you supposed to be in a calculation lesson? Why are you sneaking a peek at a zither score?”

As he spoke the words “our esteemed Lady Wei,” his voice carried a faint trace of lingering affection.

Wei Zhen’s shoulders softened slightly, and she signaled him with her eyes to leave quickly.

But the young man was utterly fearless. With the hand that hung loosely at his side, he lifted the curtain and reached inside, placing something on her desk.

“I just picked these loquats. Want to try one?”

Wei Zhen looked at the loquats before her, but her hands, which had been resting at her sides, did not move.

“You don’t like loquats?” Qi Yan sighed. “Lady Wei is really difficult to please. And to think I picked them one by one just to bring them to you.”

Seeing that he was about to take the loquats back, Wei Zhen reached out and pressed down on his wrist. “I don’t dislike them.”

The young woman’s voice was soft. A breeze lifted the veil covering her face, revealing a faint flush on her cheeks. It was unclear whether it was from the heat of the sun or from the shyness stirred by his teasing.

Just at that moment, the lecturer’s voice suddenly fell silent.

Wei Zhen quickly let go of Qi Yan’s wrist and lifted her head. Sure enough, she saw the lecturer furrowing his brows, looking toward them.

As the lecturer’s voice ceased, the others also sensed something was amiss and followed his gaze.

Ji Ying, upon seeing Qi Yan standing beside the bamboo curtain, widened her eyes slightly.

The lecturer set down his bamboo scroll and, with a tone of displeasure, asked, “And this gentleman is…?”

Wei Zhen was just about to think of an explanation when Qi Yan spoke first. “Mister Gongyang, the lesson time is up. The King has sent me to escort the Princess of Chu to the royal hall.”

The lecturer glanced at the water clock and saw that the time had indeed passed. He quickly cupped his hands and said, “So it is the King’s command.”

“In that case, we shall end today’s lesson here.”

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone began packing up their book chests. Wei Zhen also started tidying up her desk, and Qi Yan reached out to take the qin she handed him.

At this age, the young ladies were just beginning to experience the stirrings of youthful affection. Faced with such a handsome gentleman, they couldn’t help but glance at Qi Yan and Wei Zhen, their gazes filled with admiration, jealousy, and complicated emotions.

Qi Yan waited for her outside the pavilion. Wei Zhen lifted her skirt and walked down the steps, but just as she reached Qi Yan’s side, Ji Ying also came over. “Cousin, wait a moment.”

Qi Yan gave Ji Ying a brief glance but did not respond. Instead, he looked down at Wei Zhen and asked, “Did you bring everything? You haven’t forgotten anything, have you?”

Wei Zhen shook her head. “I’ve brought everything.”

Only then did Qi Yan turn to Ji Ying and say, “The King has urgently summoned the Princess of Chu. Please forgive me for not being able to keep you company.”

Ji Ying wanted to call out to Qi Yan, but the two of them had already stepped forward, leaving her standing there, twisting a handkerchief in her hands.

As Wei Zhen walked along the path, the shade from the green trees on either side cast cool shadows. She raised her hand to shield herself from the blazing sun and asked the person beside her, “How was your first day serving under Jin Wang?”

Qi Yan replied, “It’s nothing more than serving tea and water. Most of the time, I just wait outside. There’s not much to do.”

“And you? How was your lesson today?”

Wei Zhen truthfully recounted the day’s events. As they talked, they soon arrived at the royal hall.

The guard at the entrance announced, “The Princess of Chu requests an audience.”

The two stepped over the threshold one after the other. Once inside, Wei Zhen noticed that Jin Wang was not alone. Several ministers were kneeling behind desks on both sides, seemingly in the midst of discussing state affairs.

A pile of memorials was stacked on the king’s desk. Jin Wang rested his forehead on his hand, his eyes quietly closed as he listened to the officials’ debate.

Wei Zhen hesitated, wondering if she should retreat behind the screen for the time being, but Qi Yan had already placed her qin in its proper spot. Left with no other choice, she stepped forward and sat down at the desk beside Jin Wang.

The elderly man suddenly opened his eyes without warning and glanced at Wei Zhen. “Play something at random. Do you know any Jin melodies?”

Jin Wang’s complexion was pale, his eyes dark and cold. He had long toiled over state affairs, and lately, his bouts of migraines had become more frequent, leaving him in perpetual exhaustion, his entire being exuding an air of weariness.

Under the weight of his gaze, Wei Zhen felt a chill run down her spine. Regaining her composure, she placed her hands on the qin strings and softly replied, “I do. I shall play ‘Rising Waters’ for Your Majesty.”

The qin melody flowed from the strings, but below, the ministers continued their heated debate. Even though the music was soothing, it failed to dispel the heavy atmosphere in the hall.

At a certain point in their argument, Jin Wang suddenly grabbed a memorial from his desk and slammed it down. The bamboo slips crashed onto the stone floor, creating a loud echo that sent a jolt through everyone present. They hurriedly fell to their knees.

“Your Majesty!”

Jin Wang leaned back against his throne, his hands resting on the armrests as he looked down at them with disdain. “I summoned you here for a discussion, yet after all this time, this is all you can come up with? Qi and Wei are both in turmoil, and if we don’t send troops now, when will we?”

“Get out, all of you.”

Wei Zhen’s eyelashes trembled, but her fingers continued to pluck the strings, never pausing.

Jin Wang suddenly turned to look at her. “Stop playing.”

The strings came to a gradual halt, ending with a faint tremor.

“A musician who cannot still her own heart—how can she hope to soothe others? What a joke.” Jin Wang scoffed.

Wei Zhen lowered her head, clasping her hands together in front of her. The air around Jin Wang carried a faint but unmistakable aura of violence, making it indeed difficult for her to remain calm.

“You should leave as well.” Jin Wang waved his sleeve impatiently.

Wei Zhen clenched her palms, but just as Jin Wang was about to rise, his body suddenly swayed and tilted to the side. The palace attendants rushed forward to support him, calling out, “His Majesty’s migraine has flared up again! Quickly, summon the physician!”

The elderly eunuch saw that Wei Zhen had not yet left and said, “Why are you still here, Princess? Do not cause trouble.”

Wei Zhen suddenly straightened her back. “His Majesty’s migraine—may I try to alleviate it?”

The eunuch looked at her doubtfully.

Wei Zhen had long known about Jin Wang’s condition and had asked Zuo Ying to prepare a medicinal balm in advance.

She kneeled beside Jin Wang and turned to the eunuch. “Before the physician arrives, may I at least try?”

Jin Wang leaned against his throne, gripping the armrest so tightly that the veins on his gaunt hands bulged, his pain evident.

The eunuch glanced at him before reluctantly making space.

Wei Zhen moved behind Jin Wang, gently supporting the back of his head. Dipping her fingertips into the balm, she carefully massaged the pressure points on either side of his forehead.

This was a technique that Princess Ji Qin had found in medical texts years ago, specifically tailored for Jin Wang’s migraines.

Sure enough, after a while, the old ruler’s tightly shut eyes slowly opened.

The eunuch wiped the sweat from his forehead with a cloth.

Jin Wang was drenched in cold sweat, his figure frail, but his gaze remained deep and unreadable. “How did you learn this method?”

Wei Zhen continued her massage and truthfully replied, “From the bamboo scrolls left by Princess Ji Qin. I was fortunate enough to study them.”

“Ji Qin…” Jin Wang muttered her name, his voice particularly hoarse before letting out a cold chuckle.

Wei Zhen heard the mockery in his tone and quickly said, “I only wish for Your Majesty’s well-being and do not want you to suffer from these migraines. If Your Majesty does not wish for me to use Princess Ji Qin’s method, I will never overstep again.”

She bowed low, her clear voice echoing through the hall.

Jin Wang rested his forehead on his hand. “Ever since she left Jin Palace, no one has done this for me again. You did not finish playing ‘Rising Waters.’ Play it again.”

He was willing to give her another chance.

Wei Zhen knew this opportunity came by virtue of Princess Ji Qin. She returned to the desk, forcing herself to clear her mind of all distractions before beginning to play.

When the melody ended, she asked, “Did my music meet Your Majesty’s expectations?”

Jin Wang remained silent, simply studying her.

Wei Zhen tensed, a cold shiver creeping up her sleeves, her fingertips stiff. Yet she still smiled and asked, “May I return tomorrow to play for Your Majesty again?”

Jin Wang said, “Now that you are in Jin, why do you still address yourself as ‘your servant’? Are you speaking to me as a subject of Chu?”

Wei Zhen raised her head, biting her lip before finally responding, “Then… this child thanks Your Majesty for your guidance?”

She deliberately used “this child” in anticipation of her future marriage into Jin Palace.

Jin Wang let out a light scoff. “So be it.”

He had finally acknowledged her. Wei Zhen knew she had passed this test. It felt as if she had fought a battle, her body nearly collapsing from exhaustion, but she forced herself to sit upright.

Just then, a voice from outside announced, “His Highness Ji Wo has arrived.”

Jin Wang suddenly asked, “How did you get along with Ji Wo on your journey to Jin?”

Wei Zhen softly replied, “His Highness Ji Wo is sincere and kind-hearted. He escorted me north without a single complaint. I am deeply grateful.”

“Oh?” Jin Wang chuckled. “Since the Princess of Chu speaks so highly of him, you must think well of him. If I were to betroth you to him, what would you say?”

Wei Zhen’s scalp tingled. Just as she had resolved one crisis, another had emerged.

And Jin Wang’s words happened to fall upon the ears of Qi Yan, who had entered alongside Ji Wo.

The young man slowly raised his head, his gaze landing on the girl seated beside Jin Wang. His eyes followed the downward tilt of her gaze.

In that instant, their eyes met and froze.

Ji Wo, too, came to a sudden halt upon hearing Jin Wang’s words, and an eerie silence descended upon the grand hall.