Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 55: Birthday

Several hundred li(150-300km/90-180miles) away from the capital of Jin, at the border, Jin and Chu were conducting a secret alliance meeting.

As night fell, lanterns were gradually lit outside the military tents, appearing from afar like a dense array of shimmering fish scales.

Inside one of the tents, the curtain was lifted from within, and two men stepped out one after the other, followed closely by an official of Chu, who was escorting them.

When they reached a secluded area, Zuo Ying stopped and looked at Qi Yan in front of him. “Chu has already agreed to the King of Jin’s request. General, you may set off back to the capital at dawn tomorrow.”

Qi Yan smoothed the mane of his horse, which was tied to a tree, then turned back and kneaded Zuo Ying’s shoulder. “I must also thank you, Mister Zuo, for mediating in between. Without your efforts, this alliance meeting wouldn’t have gone so smoothly. You are truly a man of great talent. When I return, I will recommend you to the King of Jin.”

Zuo Ying cupped his hands in respect. “It is enough that I can assist the General. Whether I can secure a position in the Jin palace is of secondary concern.”

He paused before continuing, “As for General Qi’s father…”

Qi Yan sighed. “Since I serve Jin, my father must also cut ties with Chu completely. After sending me to Jin, he personally requested retirement and returned to Xia City in Jin. From then on, he no longer serves Chu.”

Zuo Ying said, “The old general has toiled for many years. Now that he has relinquished his military power, he has finally freed himself from the tempest, and he will no longer be subjected to the king’s suspicions.”

Qi Yan lifted his head. “By the way, there is one more favor I must ask of you. When we return to the capital, please help me forge a sword. My previous treasured sword fell into the river, and to this day, I have yet to find a replacement that suits me.”

Zuo Ying remained silent for a long moment. Qi Yan asked, “What’s wrong?”

Zuo Ying replied, “In fact, General already has a fine sword in his possession.”

Qi Yan laughed. “Why do I not know of it?”

“When you return to Jin, the sword will be delivered to you.”

Qi Yan let out a chuckle and took one last look at the mountains and moon of his homeland. “Let’s go. At daybreak tomorrow, we set off.”

The moon hung in the sky, illuminating the vast land below.

From the border to the capital, even with urgent travel on fast horses, it would take four to five days.

In the early autumn morning, the air was crisp and piercing. Qi Yan led his troops away from the border.

Five days later, in the afternoon, Qi Yan arrived at the capital of Jin.

Having traveled nonstop for several days, Qi Yan did not rest upon arrival. The first thing he did was enter the palace to report to the King of Jin.

The King of Jin was highly satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations. For once, he was in a pleasant mood and instructed Qi Yan to rest.

Qi Yan found it odd that Wei Zhen was not playing the zither for the king today, so he casually inquired about it.

The eunuch beside the king replied that today was the Eleventh Princess’s birthday, and a banquet was being held in the palace. All the princesses were in attendance, including Wei Zhen.

Qi Yan acknowledged the response. By the time he left the main hall, the sun was already setting, and the clouds were dyed a fiery red.

Instead of returning to his residence, Qi Yan headed to Qingxue Hall. Upon entering, he did not see Wei Zhen but noticed an exquisite sword case resting on her desk.

He placed his hand over the case, opened it, and inside lay a three-foot-long treasured sword. Beside it was a note, instructing the palace servants to deliver the sword case to Qi Yan’s residence later in the evening.

His eyes flickered slightly as he gazed at the note. Reaching for the sword’s hilt, he twisted it lightly. The blade slowly emerged from the scabbard, its keen edge gleaming like rippling water.

As the sword hilt moved in his grip, the bright blade reflected his deep, profound gaze, casting a luminous glow in the dim hall.

This was a sword meant for the battlefield, one destined to taste blood.

The cold sensation of the black iron hilt gradually seeped into his palm.

Qi Yan recalled Zuo Ying’s words—once he returned to the capital, an exceptional sword would be delivered to him.

Was this sword forged by Zuo Ying under Wei Zhen’s request?

Was this her gift to him?

Qi Yan felt an urgent need to see Wei Zhen.

Behind him, footsteps approached. Qi Yan asked Liang Chan, “Your mistress is with the Eleventh Princess—why aren’t you attending her?”

Liang Chan replied, “I returned because…”

She hesitated, prompting Qi Yan to probe further. Only then did Liang Chan speak, “The Eleventh Princess’s birthday banquet is being held by the waterside pavilion. Everyone is celebrating her, but today is also our princess’s birthday. I came back first to prepare a bowl of longevity noodles for her.”

Qi Yan was taken aback. “Today is her birthday?”

“Yes. But the princess instructed us not to mention it. She said that this is the Jin palace, not Chu, and it would be inappropriate to draw attention to it.”

Liang Chan glanced at Qi Yan and softly added, “But I still hope that someone will celebrate her birthday with her. General is also from Chu and has accompanied the princess all this way. If you see her later, I hope you can say a few words of blessing. If she knows someone remembers her birthday, she will feel a little better.”

Qi Yan’s brows furrowed slightly. “I understand.”

Without waiting for Liang Chan to say more, Qi Yan swiftly left the hall.

By the waterside pavilion in the royal garden, young men and women sat on the ground, celebrating Ji Ying’s birthday.

Tall drapes were hung around the banquet area, and the light fabric swayed gently with the evening breeze. Lanterns strung among the trees illuminated the space as bright as day.

From afar, Qi Yan could hear the sounds of laughter and merriment. As he approached, he saw that the seating was relaxed, with young men and women jesting and drinking under the open sky. Some played pitch-pot, others chess, while some performed music. The elegant melodies and cheerful laughter echoed by the lakeside, filling the air with lively festivity.

Qi Yan walked along the lake, brushing past the many guests. He scanned the gathering but did not see Wei Zhen.

At the heart of the celebration, where the crowd was most boisterous, Qi Yan lifted a curtain and saw Ji Ying at the center, surrounded by admirers, smiling as she received their well-wishes.

On the sidelines, at an inconspicuous seat near the pavilion, Wei Zhen sat kneeling on a bamboo mat, playing a game of liubo with Gongsun Xian.

The flickering lamplight cast soft shadows on her serene profile. She studied the board intently, then suddenly smiled slightly, as if she had won the round.

Despite the dazzling lanterns and the jubilant voices around her—all meant for Ji Ying’s birthday—no one had come to celebrate hers. Yet, she remained calm and composed, showing no hint of discontent.

However, the more she acted this way, the deeper Qi Yan’s frown became.

How could she not care that no one remembered her birthday?

At that moment, Ji Ying, basking in the crowd’s enthusiastic congratulations, lifted her gaze and spotted Qi Yan in the distance. She was momentarily stunned before stepping away from the group and quickly walking toward him.

Qi Yan lowered the curtain and disappeared from view.

By the time Ji Ying emerged, she found Qi Yan standing by the waterside, speaking with Ji Wo.

Ji Ying approached with a smile. “Cousin, you’ve returned. Have you reported to Grandfather? What a coincidence—you arrived just in time for my birthday.”

Qi Yan nodded and responded perfunctorily before turning to Ji Wo. “Let’s talk elsewhere.”

Ji Ying signaled Ji Wo with her eyes, urging him to keep Qi Yan here longer. Ji Wo glanced at Qi Yan, hinting that he should stay, but Qi Yan remained unmoved and simply called Ji Wo aside.

Ji Wo had no choice but to comply, leaving Ji Ying behind.

Meanwhile, the lake shimmered under the lights.

Wei Zhen, resting her chin in her hand, continued her game with Gongsun Xian.

A cool breeze blew across the water. During a break in the game, she lifted her gaze and took in the lively scene around her.

Though today was her birthday, it was also Ji Ying’s. If she held a banquet of her own, it would overshadow the princess. She knew she was living under another’s roof and should remain low-key.

Watching the crowd celebrating Ji Ying with such joy, a faint smile naturally curved her lips.

Across from her, Gongsun Xian said, “Princess, it’s your turn to make a move.”

At this moment, a string of approaching footsteps could be heard. Gongsun Xian’s personal maid walked over and whispered something into her ear. Gongsun Xian immediately looked up at Wei Zhen.

Wei Zhen set down her game piece, curious about what had been said about her.

Just as she was about to ask, a eunuch knelt down beside her. “Your Highness.”

Wei Zhen turned her head and recognized the person in front of her—it was one of Ji Yuan’s palace attendants.

Wei Zhen nodded at him. “I wonder what brings you here, Gonggong. Did His Highness Ji Yuan send you to deliver a message?”

The eunuch nodded and presented the tray in his hands, on which rested an exquisite wooden casket.

His voice was thin and delicate. “His Highness the Seventh Prince sent this servant to deliver something to Your Highness.”

Wei Zhen could not recall having any interactions with Ji Yuan that would require him to send her something. She looked at the wooden casket and smiled. “May I ask, Gonggong, what is inside?”

Before she could finish speaking, Gongsun Xian called out, “Your Highness.”

Gongsun Xian walked over to her side and tugged at her sleeve. “Let’s go.”

Wei Zhen was pulled up in a hurry, not even having time to take her shawl.

She cast an inquisitive look at the eunuch. The eunuch hesitated—there were some things he could not say in front of Gongsun Xian—so he simply said, “Since Your Highness is occupied, you may go ahead. This servant will deliver the item to Your Highness’s palace. When you return, you may open it and see for yourself.”

Wei Zhen, hearing Gongsun Xian urging her anxiously, replied, “Then I shall trouble you, Gonggong.”

Wei Zhen followed Gongsun Xian through the crowd until they reached a secluded area where a carriage was parked under a tree. Gongsun Xian pulled Wei Zhen onto the carriage.

Even as the carriage started moving, Wei Zhen remained confused. Puzzled, she asked, “What are we doing?”

Gongsun Xian twisted the handkerchief in her hands, her face slightly flushed, and said nothing.

Wei Zhen lifted the curtain and looked out the window, noticing that the carriage was now traveling along the palace road leading outside.

Today was Princess Ji Ying’s birthday, and many noble children had entered the palace to celebrate. As a result, by this hour, the palace gates had not yet been locked. There were more than just their carriage on the road.

Outside the window, a familiar figure appeared.

A young man sat atop a white horse. As he turned his head, the moonlight illuminated the corners of his eyes and brows.

Wei Zhen was surprised. “Qi Yan, when did you return?”

“Not long ago,” the young man answered softly.

Wei Zhen looked behind him at Ji Wo, faintly guessing the situation.

Was it Qi Yan who had sought out Gongsun Xian and called her out?

Her guess was not far off. In truth, Qi Yan had gone to Ji Wo earlier, suggesting that they take advantage of this rare opportunity to leave the palace for an outing tonight. He and Wei Zhen would serve as cover for Ji Wo and Gongsun Xian. Ji Wo immediately agreed but hesitated for a while before finally sending someone to fetch Gongsun Xian.

Wei Zhen asked, “Where are we going tonight?”

Qi Yan raised an eyebrow at her. “You don’t know?”

Of course, Wei Zhen had no idea and shook her head.

A gentle breeze passed through as the moonlight shone brightly.

The young man gazed at the young woman, thinking to himself—

This is to celebrate your birthday.

How could there be someone who doesn’t even care about their own birthday and is simply planning to let it pass just like that?

But seeing her eyes filled with confusion, still unaware, he merely straightened his posture, looked ahead, and said indifferently, “If you can’t guess, then don’t bother. You’ll understand when we get there.”

Wei Zhen lowered the curtain, glanced at the bashful Gongsun Xian, and suddenly understood.

Ji Wo wanted to meet with Gongsun Xian in private and was using her and Qi Yan as a cover to deceive others, wasn’t he?

Ji Wo: We agreed that you’d help create an opportunity for me and Gongsun Xian, but it turns out you just wanted an excuse to celebrate your wife’s birthday???