Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 57: Reward

The girl’s lips were as sweet and soft as ever, carrying a faint, refreshing scent of wine.

Flourishing fireworks bloomed against the night sky, their glow also falling upon her flushed face. She wrapped her arms around him, kissing him passionately, like vines entwining around his neck.

The evening breeze passed between them, the air filled with the sound of their breaths.

She slowly released his lips, her body slipping downward into the crook of his arms. Qi Yan called her name a few times, but she no longer responded. Just like that, she rested her head against the hollow of his neck and fell quietly asleep. He gently tightened his embrace and continued watching the fireworks in the sky.

The night wind was cool, but the warmth from the girl in his arms continuously spread through him, filling his heart with a tingling, bittersweet sensation.

Even though the person in his arms had already fallen asleep, he still accompanied her until the last firework faded from the sky.

On the other side of the hillside, they were not the only pair of young lovers sitting close together. Ji Wo and Gongsun Xian were also seated on the grass, watching the fireworks rise into the night.

Gongsun Xian was completely captivated by the dazzling display. After a long while, she softly asked the person beside her, “Did you arrange these fireworks for me?”

“Huh?” Ji Wo was taken aback. Seeing Gongsun Xian turn to him with a smile, he let out a low cough and muttered, “Ah… It was probably the servants who arranged them.”

Gongsun Xian let out a quiet “Oh” and lowered her head without saying anything more.

She leaned slightly closer to him. Ji Wo immediately stiffened, turning his head away in an attempt to avoid her gaze.

The distance between them gradually lessened, the atmosphere both awkward and delicate.

Sweat began to bead on Ji Wo’s forehead and hands. As he fumbled around on the grassy slope, his fingers finally touched something soft. He tentatively grasped it, and when the other party didn’t pull away after a long moment, he held her hand tightly.

The young boy and girl inched closer to each other with endearing clumsiness and innocence.

At last, the final firework exploded in the sky, and silence enveloped the world.

Ji Wo turned back. He had thought he was already blushing fiercely, but to his surprise, Gongsun Xian’s face was even redder than his own.

Fortunately, at that moment, a figure appeared on the distant hillside. The sound of approaching footsteps saved the two from their awkward predicament.

To be precise, it was not just one person who had arrived, but rather a person carrying someone on their back.

Ji Wo quickly withdrew his hand from Gongsun Xian’s, stood up from the grass, and strode forward. “Brother Qi.”

Glancing at the girl sleeping on Qi Yan’s back, he asked, “What happened to her?”

“It’s nothing serious. She drank a little wine and got drunk.”

The evening breeze carried the strong scent of alcohol. Ji Wo remarked, “She drank quite a lot. Brother Qi, how could you let the princess drink so much?”

Qi Yan simply said, “Let’s get her on the horse first. The night wind is getting cold.”

The three of them carefully escorted Wei Zhen down the mountain—one person walking ahead, holding a lantern to light the way, while another stayed close by to prevent her from slipping.

At last, they reached the foot of the mountain. Gongsun Xian helped Wei Zhen into the carriage, while Qi Yan instructed the coachman, “Drive a little faster later. We need to return before the palace gates close for the night.”

The carriage departed from the estate, rolling onto the rural path. Ji Wo urged his horse forward to ride alongside Qi Yan and asked, “Were the fireworks on the mountain tonight arranged by you?”

Qi Yan nodded.

Ji Wo pressed a hand to his lips and murmured, “Brother Qi, you truly went out of your way to help me with this.”

Seeing the smile on Ji Wo’s face, Qi Yan could already guess what he was thinking. He chuckled softly but did not explain further.

As he gazed into the darkness ahead, he suddenly asked, “Ji Wo, let me ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“If a girl tells you she likes you but also says that you can’t give her a sense of security, how would you feel?”

Ji Wo asked in return, “Brother Qi, why do you ask me this?”

He did not consider himself an expert in matters of love, but seeing the deep contemplation in Qi Yan’s eyes, he lowered his voice and said, “A sense of security is naturally important to girls. If a man cannot provide that, then the fault must lie with him.”

Qi Yan made no comment. “If it were you, what would you do?”

Ji Wo replied, “If a girl feels insecure, then, of course, I would give her security. I would make promises to her and reassure her.”

After a pause, he added, “But I’m not exactly an expert in romance, so take my words with a grain of salt.”

Qi Yan said, “Of course.”

His immediate and straightforward response left Ji Wo feeling a little awkward. “Then what about you? If it were you, what would you do?”

Qi Yan pondered for a moment before answering, “I wouldn’t make promises.”

He looked ahead. “A promise, once made, must be fulfilled. If I fail to keep it, it would only lead to disappointment. I would only say it if I were absolutely certain I could follow through.”

Ji Wo furrowed his brows slightly, sensing something amiss. He glanced back at the carriage and asked, “Brother Qi, why are you suddenly asking about this? Could it be that the girl you’re referring to is…”

Before he could say Wei Zhen’s name, Qi Yan interrupted him bluntly, “No.”

“Really?” Ji Wo was skeptical.

Qi Yan’s expression was calm and unruffled. “Do you think there’s anything between me and the princess?”

Ji Wo shook his head. “Of course not.”

Qi Yan smoothly changed the subject, and they no longer discussed the matter.

By the time they returned to the palace, it was already late into the night. From the direction of the banquet by the lake, the sounds of laughter and revelry could still be heard—the feast had not yet ended.

Gongsun Xian and Wei Zhen shared a residence. When the carriage arrived at Qingxue Courtyard, the men and women bid each other farewell.

However, after parting ways with Ji Wo, Qi Yan retraced his steps and returned.

When Liang Chan saw him enter the courtyard, she was holding a bowl of sobering soup and froze in surprise. “Young General, why are you here?”

Qi Yan said, “I came to see the princess.”

Liang Chan pushed open the hall door, and Qi Yan caught sight of the figure inside. “I’ll stay with her for a while.”

Liang Chan hesitated, but Qi Yan had already taken the bowl from her hands. “It’s fine. I’ll come out shortly. Just wait outside.”

Qi Yan stepped over the threshold and saw Wei Zhen slumped weakly over the table. He placed the bowl down and slowly helped her sit up. Her delicate brows furrowed, her lips soft and pink like a peach blossom. She was completely drunk. Qi Yan gently tilted her head against his shoulder and brought the bowl to her lips.

“Wei Zhen, wake up.”

Under his coaxing, she drank the entire bowl of sobering tea.

She leaned against him and fell asleep again. Qi Yan lowered his gaze, watching as the candlelight reflected off her dark hair. His fingers lightly brushed through her strands, revealing her flushed face.

He thought, I’ll stay with her a little longer.

She had already drunk the sobering tea—her mind should clear up soon.

His fingertips carefully tucked away the stray hairs on her cheeks, his gaze warm as he simply watched her in silence.

A knock sounded from outside. Liang Chan called, “Young General, it’s late. You should leave now.”

Qi Yan replied, “I know. Just a little longer.”

His voice stirred the girl resting against his shoulder. Wei Zhen opened her eyes, momentarily disoriented. “Where am I?”

“You have returned to the palace. This is your bedchamber. Do you not remember?”

Wei Zhen slowly glanced around. Qi Yan propped his face up with his hand. “Then, do you still remember what happened on the mountain?”

Wei Zhen tried hard to recall for a moment. “You took me to see the fireworks and the forest, then…”

She shook her head, then suddenly coughed lightly a few times. Qi Yan reached out and patted her back. Seeing her still looking drowsy, he knew she was still intoxicated.

His gaze fell upon the table and was drawn to a finely crafted wooden box. He asked, “What is this?”

Wei Zhen said, “Liang Chan said it was sent by a eunuch serving beside Ji Yuan. You may open it and see for yourself.”

“Ji Yuan sent it?” Qi Yan’s tone lifted slightly.

With a soft “click,” the wooden box opened, revealing a delicate dagger inside.

He took out the dagger and drew it from its sheath. The sharp blade instantly reflected the light. There were no excessive decorations on it, yet the dazzling blade, as bright as snow, was enough to prove that it was an exceptionally fine dagger.

Qi Yan said, “Why would Ji Yuan send you this tonight?”

His tone was not one of inquiry but rather as if he had already guessed the reason.

He sheathed the dagger again, a sharp glint flashing through his eyes.

Just at that moment, a knocking sound came from outside the hall. Qi Yan was about to respond when he saw the shadow cast on the palace doors—a tall figure, clearly not Liang Chan.

“Princess.” It was a man’s voice.

Wei Zhen opened her drowsy eyes and exchanged a glance with Qi Yan. Qi Yan motioned for her to go out and check. Wei Zhen reacted a beat slower but quickly got up.

She pulled Qi Yan toward the inner hall, telling him to hide behind the screen and not to come out. Then, she lowered the curtains in the hall before heading outside. “Who is it?”

A cool male voice came from outside the door. “It is I, Ji Yuan.”

Wei Zhen pulled open the doors and saw Ji Yuan standing at the entrance, dressed in a dark robe. The moonlight poured over him, casting a silver sheen along the edges of his sleeves, making his tall figure appear even more imposing.

He slowly turned his head. Their eyes met. A gust of wind swept past as he spoke. “The princess has been drinking?”

Wei Zhen nodded. “Mm, I drank a little too much at the banquet today and wanted to return early to rest. I wonder why the Seventh Prince has come to see me?”

Ji Yuan said, “I came to ask if the princess received the birthday gift I sent?”

Wei Zhen was momentarily stunned. “How did the Seventh Prince know today was my birthday?”

“I heard it from the envoys. This evening, I originally had the palace servants deliver the gift, but after thinking it over, I decided to come and tell you myself.”

Wei Zhen noticed that behind him, a palace attendant was holding something. Ji Yuan took it from the attendant—under the light, the bow and arrows gleamed with a silver glow.

“That day on the training grounds, I had the fortune of witnessing the princess’s heroic figure on horseback. I also heard that the princess is highly skilled in archery. Not knowing what the princess likes, I thought a fine bow would be an appropriate gift that wouldn’t go wrong.”

The corners of his lips curved slightly but quickly fell again, his thin lips pressing into a straight line.

“As for the dagger I sent, the princess has likely seen it as well. Ordinary young women may prefer rouge and powder, but I believe the princess is different. That dagger suits you perfectly—whether for self-defense or any other use, it is an excellent choice.”

He extended the bow and arrows toward her, but Wei Zhen did not take them. She said, “The Seventh Prince’s gifts are far too precious. How could I accept them? I am already grateful that the Seventh Prince remembered my birthday. I will surely express my thanks to you another day.”

“There is no need. Today is the princess’s birthday—why would there be any need for thanks?”

Wei Zhen was utterly exhausted, her body barely able to stand. As she swayed, Ji Yuan reached out and supported her arm.

He paused for a moment. “But if the princess truly wishes to express gratitude, then perhaps another day, the princess could go on an outing with me? A hunt in the forest together?”

Wei Zhen’s mind was muddled, as though filled with paste. She instinctively wanted to decline. In recent days, she had received many invitations from various noblemen, but this was the first time Ji Yuan had invited her.

Before she could answer, he had already spoken. “It is also my grandfather’s wish. He hopes that you and I can spend more time together.”

His handsome face carried a faint, subtle smile. Wei Zhen glanced toward the hall interior. Since this was the wish of Jin King, it would not be appropriate for her to refuse. She said, “But I must go to the academy during the day, and in the afternoon, I must accompany the Great King. Sometimes, I may not have time.”

Ji Yuan replied, “No matter. It is nearly the third watch of the night. Rest well.”

Ji Yuan finally left. Wei Zhen closed the door. Having dealt with him, she only felt an unbearable headache. Her steps unsteady, she walked toward the table.

Qi Yan emerged from behind the sheer curtains and saw Wei Zhen slumped over the table, already fallen asleep again. Before her, on the table, lay the carved bow and dagger given to her by another man.

She had never lacked for the affections of men. Even if one day he were no longer here, there would be countless men vying to stay by her side.

Qi Yan stood tall and straight, his slender fingers brushing across her peaceful brow and eyes, recalling that kiss under the moonlight tonight.

She had been completely drunk. By the time morning came, she would likely forget everything once again.

Qi Yan whispered softly, “Just wait a little longer, A-Zhen.”

Wait a little longer, and I will make sure you can be with me without any worries, so that you can feel completely at ease.

But these words, he could not say aloud.

Qi Yan said, “Just give me a little more time.”

She murmured, “How long?”

Qi Yan could not give her an exact time, but he forced himself to set a deadline—for the sake of his family, the Qi clan, and for her.

He spoke gently, “By early spring next year, before your marriage is settled.”

The flickering candlelight cast their shadows upon the wall.

Moonlight streamed in from the window, illuminating the young man’s features with striking clarity. He crouched down, held his breath, and leaned in close to her, taking one last lingering look.

His gaze wavered, and in this moment, he seemed to truly understand the nervousness she had felt when she confessed to him earlier that night.

Softly, he said, “Wei Zhen, I like you too.”

The young girl showed no reaction.

Qi Yan knew she would not remember anything from tonight. He let out a quiet chuckle, stood up, and left the hall.

After he left, Liang Chan entered to help Wei Zhen settle down for the night.

The next day, Wei Zhen slept until evening before finally waking.

Outside, the sky had turned a warm shade of orange. She hurriedly got out of bed as Liang Chan came in carrying water, informing her that since yesterday had been Princess Ji Ying’s birthday, the academy had given a day off today.

As for Jin King, earlier that day, Liang Chan had already requested leave on Wei Zhen’s behalf, citing her unwell condition.

Wei Zhen let out a breath of relief and tried to recall everything that had happened the night before, but her memory had become incredibly hazy.

She could vaguely remember Qi Yan taking her up the mountain, but after that, her mind was a complete blank.

She got up and walked to the table. Seeing the longbow placed there, she vaguely recalled that Ji Yuan had also come by last night.

At the same time, Liang Chan informed Wei Zhen that the young general had been kneeling in the royal hall since morning, only rising in the afternoon. The doors to the royal hall had remained tightly shut the entire time.

Wei Zhen’s heart tightened, and she asked, “What happened?”

Liang Chan shook her head, indicating that she did not know.

Inside the royal hall, Qi Yan knelt before Jin King. “I humbly request that the Great King grant me permission to lead troops south to quell the rebellion in Chu and assist the King of Chu in eliminating the faction of the deposed crown prince, Jing Heng.”

Jin King remained silent, slowly flipping through the book in front of him. “You have been kneeling here for half a day.”

“I understand that the Great King has better candidates under his command and does not fully trust an outsider like me in such matters. However, I can help the Great King secure the greatest advantage and swiftly take control of the Chu royal court.”

“How will you take control of the Chu royal court?”

“I will follow the Great King’s command and officially ally with the King of Chu. But in secret, I will forge alliances with the six former ministers of Chu. These ministers, once part of the Chu royal family, have long harbored resentment toward the monarchy. I know their backgrounds and can track down their remaining factions, gradually stripping the King of Chu of his power. This will allow the Great King to control Chu with ease, paving the way for either the destruction of Qi or Wei while preventing Chu from growing too strong and turning against us in the future.”

The young man lifted his head. “This mission can only be accomplished by me. I am the only one who can do it.”

He bowed deeply. Though his spine was bent, there was not a trace of submission in his posture.

Jin King leaned back against his throne and fell into a long silence before saying, “If you insist on going, can you complete it within four months?”

“Three months. I will return before the year-end festivities.”

The young man straightened his back, his voice steady and resolute. His eyes blazed like the scorching sun.

“I ask only that the Great King reward me when I return.”

Jin King rested his hand on the armrest and turned to command Hong Shuo to bring forth the royal seal—he would issue a decree in person.

Hong Shuo was taken aback. “Great King!”

Jin King’s expression remained stern. “You have made a grand promise. If you can accomplish this in three months, I will reward you accordingly. But if you fail, I will hold you solely responsible.”

Qi Yan bowed once more. “I accept the decree—”

In the vast royal hall, only his clear and unwavering voice echoed, lingering for a long time.