Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 60: Acceptance

The hall was silent. Even the delicate sound of snow landing on the branches outside echoed loudly within the chamber.

Under Jin King’s gaze, Wei Zhen softly said, “Your child and General Qi are both from Chu. We have a decent relationship, and the young general took good care of me on the journey to the wedding.”

Jin King leaned back slightly. His silence alone was enough to show his great dissatisfaction with this answer.

“You share such a small bond, and yet it was enough for him to risk his life to save you?”

Wei Zhen replied, “But the young general has always been kind-hearted and sincere. Back in Chu, I was nearly injured by a fierce tiger in the woods, and it was thanks to the young general that I was saved.”

Jin King said, “So, back then in Chu, your relationship was already unusual?”

Wei Zhen shook her head and immediately left the bed, kneeling before Jin King.

She bowed her body to the ground, then straightened up. The tassels in her hair brushed against her cheeks, reflecting the light and illuminating her panicked eyes. “No. For the king to say such a thing truly makes your child anxious. The young general is an upright man. Even if it were not me in danger today, but another woman, another palace servant, he still would not have stood by and done nothing.”

“There are many ways to step forward and help. He could have stood with the guards and waited for the right moment to pierce the beast with a spear, or taken a longbow and shot the creature dead. But throwing himself forward to shield you with his own body—what kind of method is that?”

Jin King’s words held no attempt to conceal his suspicions. They were as cold and sharp as a blade, stabbing straight into Wei Zhen’s heart.

If her relationship with Qi Yan were exposed, Jin King would never let either of them go. Even if he had just now praised and promoted Qi Yan and had been kind and gentle to Wei Zhen, in the next moment, he could discard them both like useless rags.

For a ruler, there was nothing more intolerable than someone who defied his authority.

No matter how Jin King pressed her, she could only deny it completely. She could not admit even the slightest thing.

Wei Zhen calmed herself, her voice cold and clear. “The young general risked his life to save me, yet Your Majesty doubts us. This is an injustice to the young general’s good intentions, and it makes me feel deeply guilty for causing him to be suspected. Your Majesty has spent time with the young general these past days. Do you still not understand his character? If Your Majesty thinks carefully, you will know that my words are true.”

Jin King said in a deep voice, “I have always known he is sincere, but I am not making baseless accusations.”

Jin King paused for a moment. “It was Qi Yan himself who said that he already has a woman he admires.”

The grand hall instantly fell into silence.

Wei Zhen could hear the heavy pounding of her own heart in her chest.

Jin King said, “As you said, he saved you in Chu and escorted you on your journey to marriage. Along the way, you both faced danger. After all these experiences, if you had special feelings for him, it would be entirely natural.”

Wei Zhen shook her head. “But during the banquet today, did I not also risk my life to push Your Majesty out of the way?”

At that moment, the wild bear had lunged at Jin King. If not for Wei Zhen pushing him aside, what would have been torn apart by fangs and claws was not just his sleeve and front robes, but his entire body.

“Yet when I saved Your Majesty, I, too, did not hesitate to stay behind and let you escape. How should that be explained?”

Jin King watched as the young girl before him slowly kneeled closer to his bedside, lifting her head. Her eyes, as clear as jade, shimmered in the candlelight, filled with the anguish of being misunderstood. A stray lock of hair fell against her cheek, making her look even more delicate.

Jin King remained silent.

Just then, a knock came from outside. Jin King gestured for Hong Shuo to check.

Hong Shuo opened the door slightly. It was one of Wei Zhen’s maids.

“The servant has been ordered to bring medicine to the princess.”

Hong Shuo walked to the bedside and handed the medicine bottle to Wei Zhen. She took it with both hands. As her sleeves slipped, a pale wrist was revealed, and on her right hand, a red scar was exposed under the light.

Wei Zhen instinctively tried to cover the scar. Jin King frowned. “A few days ago, when you played the qin for me, that wound was not there. When did you get hurt?”

Wei Zhen touched the back of her hand. “Your Majesty suffers from headaches, and since the royal physician left the capital, the medicine he left behind had run out. I had no choice but to make it myself. Not trusting anyone else, I handled everything personally. This wound was from being burned while preparing the medicine. It is nothing serious. It will heal in a few days.”

She lowered her head, letting only the dark cascade of her hair remain visible to Jin King.

Jin King looked at her snow-white profile. He knew this girl was deep-minded and far from simple. Even the sorrowful expression she showed might have been deliberate. However, making people feel compassion for her was also a skill of hers.

Judging by her actions rather than her thoughts, at the very least, she accompanied Jin King every day, cared for him, personally made medicine for him, and even protected him in a moment of danger. These were undeniable facts.

To achieve all this was, indeed, her ability.

Jin King furrowed his brows. Hong Shuo quickly signaled to Wei Zhen, “Princess, hurry and apply the medicine for His Majesty.”

Wei Zhen immediately stepped forward, uncapped the bottle, and dipped her fingers into it, pressing the ointment onto Jin King’s temple.

She sat by the bedside, supporting Jin King’s body.

The veins in his forehead throbbed as if he were enduring great pain. He said, “Some things, I see clearly. Do not think you can deceive me.”

Wei Zhen’s hand paused briefly before continuing to massage his temples.

“It is best if things are truly as you say, that you and Qi Yan have nothing between you. But if you dare deceive me—”

Jin King opened his eyes, his voice hoarse. “I will never let you go. Do you know the fate of those who betray me?”

Wei Zhen had spent half a year by Jin King’s side. Naturally, she had witnessed his methods of dealing with traitors. She respectfully lowered her head. “Yes.”

Her shadow was cast onto the wall.

As her gentle fingers slowly massaged his temple, the cool ointment seeped into his skin, gradually easing Jin King’s pain.

After the medicine was applied, Jin King signaled for her to withdraw.

Wei Zhen wiped her hands clean with a cloth and left.

As he heard the door close, Jin King spoke. “Hong Shuo, how much of what she said was true?”

Hong Shuo said, “This servant cannot tell. But since Your Majesty allowed the princess to apply the medicine, it means you were willing to trust her this once.”

Jin King said, “She is always good at pleasing me. Among all my granddaughters, who can compare to her? Just now, when I faced her, I almost couldn’t say harsh words.”

Hong Shuo remained silent, but waves stirred in his heart. Never before had he seen Jin King care so much for a younger generation.

But then again, wasn’t it true that Jin King still spoke harshly in the end?

Hong Shuo sighed. “Let us hope the princess remains honorable and does not disappoint Your Majesty.”

Jin King pressed a long, slender finger to his forehead. “I remember, back then, Ji Qin also knelt before me, swearing she had nothing to do with Qi Che. But afterward, she abandoned me.”

His voice drifted like smoke.

Hong Shuo said, “Your Majesty, the princess still has you in her heart.”

Jin King said, “Have someone watch them closely. If they show the slightest sign of wrongdoing, report to me immediately.”

Hong Shuo answered, “This servant will see to it at once.”

Jin King clutched his chest wound. Pain surged through him, drenching his body in sweat.

He closed his eyes, and the image of his youngest daughter surfaced in his mind. The pain spread throughout his body, bringing an exhaustion he had never felt before.

Night had deepened.

When Wei Zhen left the side hall, people immediately approached, inquiring about Jin King’s condition.

Knowing he was safe, they finally felt at ease.

With such chaos today, the nobles could finally rest, leaving in small groups.

Wei Zhen, too, walked down the long corridor toward her palace.

On the way, Liang Chan asked, “Did the princess get hurt?”

Wei Zhen shook her head. “No, I am fine.”

Just then, voices came from behind.

Liang Chan curtsied. “Greetings, Seventh Highness. Greetings, General.”

Since they had encountered each other, Wei Zhen could not pretend not to see them.

She stepped back slightly as she greeted them.

Ji Wo glanced at Qi Yan. Wei Zhen’s retreat was clearly an intentional avoidance of him.

Wei Zhen said, “Young General should go ahead.”

She guessed that since Jin King had grown suspicious, he would not let it go easily and would surely have people watching them in secret. She dared not engage with Qi Yan too much.

Qi Yan said, “I left something in your palace. Do not forget it.”

Wei Zhen was about to speak when he had already strode off with Ji Wo.

The young man walked swiftly, disappearing down the corridor in just a few blinks.

Back in her chamber, Wei Zhen still felt uneasy, debating whether to send someone to warn Qi Yan not to come tonight.

The candle burned inch by inch.

After bathing, the wind and snow outside suddenly grew heavier, rattling the windows.

As she went to close them, a shadow fell across the frame, followed by a soft knocking.

“It’s me.”

Wei Zhen hurried over and opened the window.

Outside, the sky was dark. The cold wind howled, carrying thick snowflakes inside.

The young man stood amidst the storm, his handsome face cold and indifferent, his shoulders dusted with snow.

The moment she saw him, Wei Zhen felt a pull in her heart, a soreness and fullness in her chest. The feelings she had suppressed for three months began to break free.

She glanced outside. “Come in quickly. Do not let anyone see you.”

Qi Yan climbed in through the window. Seeing her troubled expression, he smiled and asked, “Why does the princess look as if she does not wish to see me?”

Wei Zhen said, “It is not that I do not want to see you. In the three months you were gone, I worried about your safety every day.”

But after speaking, she feared it sounded too forward, so she softly added, “I missed you… a little.”

Qi Yan chuckled lazily. “Only a little?”

Wei Zhen’s vermilion lips parted slightly. In the next moment, her waist tightened as she was drawn into her beloved’s embrace.

He lowered his face, his lips pressed against the curve of her ear. “Then I, too, merely miss Your Highness a little.”

Wei Zhen shivered from the icy chill of his body, yet she burrowed deeper into his embrace, wanting to warm him with her own.

A sharp hiss escaped Qi Yan’s lips. Wei Zhen quickly asked, “You’re injured! Was it the beast that clawed you?”

Qi Yan replied, “No, I was wounded in the south. I just need some time to heal.”

Seeing the ice beads forming on his brows, Wei Zhen reached up to gently wipe them away.

She said, “Actually, when I said I missed you earlier, it was just a casual remark. The truth is, I missed you very much when you were gone.”

Qi Yan lazily leaned back against the folding screen and asked, “How much?”

The young girl smiled, but mist gathered in her eyes.

“A great deal. I longed to see the Young General, to gaze at you as I do now, to remain in your embrace like this forever.”

Qi Yan sensed something was amiss and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Wei Zhen tilted her head up. “It seems the Jin King has discovered our relationship. He summoned me to the palace today. I think, for the time being, we should…”

Qi Yan, belatedly realizing why Wei Zhen had deliberately avoided him in the corridor, understood. He asked, “What else did the Jin King say to you?”

Wei Zhen replied, “He said nothing more, but he mentioned before that, after the spring, he would arrange a marriage for me.”

After spring, a marriage arrangement. Qi Yan’s gaze darkened slightly.

Wei Zhen pulled away from his embrace and looked to the side. “He favors Ji Yuan and Ji Wo, intending to betrothe me to one of them. But no matter which one I marry, I am unwilling. One already has someone in his heart, and the other I know nothing about.”

She should have expected this day to come.

“If we stay too close, the Jin King will take notice. It will be bad for both of us. You’ve struggled so hard to secure your place in Jin.”

Qi Yan said, “So what you mean is, for now, we should see each other less? That I should try not to seek you out?”

Wei Zhen hurriedly shook her head. She didn’t want him to think she wavered so easily, but she had to consider his well-being.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to be with him, but if their affair was exposed, they would drag each other down.

She was a princess sent to marry into Jin. How could she have an illicit relationship with the guard escorting her?

And more than just societal judgment, there was an insurmountable legal chasm between them.

According to Jin Law, as an unwed woman, being with Qi Yan before marriage constituted fornication. The punishment for both was to be torn apart by five horses and left to rot in the streets.

The Jin King would never let them go.

And she didn’t know if Qi Yan had the resolve to face those relentless rumors and accusations with her.

Her gaze drifted to his injured chest. “Qi Yan, you fought with your life to earn your future. You must not throw it away for me.”

Qi Yan fell silent for a moment, then said slowly, “Wei Zhen, are you saying… you want to cut ties with me?”

Wei Zhen replied, “I’m only saying we shouldn’t meet for now, just to avoid suspicion from the Jin King. Later on…”

But what about later? Wei Zhen’s heart sank uncontrollably. Right now, they were merely refraining from meeting, but once her marriage was arranged and she was wed, they would have no chance to see each other at all.

“What happens later?” Qi Yan took a step forward. “Do we commit adultery? Sneak around behind your husband’s back?”

Wei Zhen never expected him to say such a thing, and her heart trembled as she turned away.

Behind her, silence fell completely.

Wei Zhen walked to the window and gently lifted a small slit in the curtain. Snowlight spilled in. She turned her face away, unwilling to let him see her sorrow.

She never wanted to sever ties with Qi Yan.

Was there truly no path forward for them?

A voice called her name from behind, but Wei Zhen did not turn back.

The wind stirred the trees outside, rustling softly. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Wei Zhen looked toward it and heard a voice from outside: “Your Highness, I am the maid sent by His Majesty.”

Wei Zhen instantly understood—the Jin King had assigned someone to watch over her.

She turned back toward Qi Yan, signaling him not to step out, not to let his shadow be seen through the window. But he had already taken a step past the folding screen and turned to blow out the candle.

In the next instant, darkness enveloped her, and his voice whispered, “Do you still remember what happened on your birthday night?”

“That night, you kissed me.”

Wei Zhen’s body shuddered, and the next moment, she was enveloped in a pair of powerful arms, drawn into an icy embrace.

The young man’s lips descended upon hers.

It was a kiss that bordered on possession.

He grasped her wrist and pressed her against the edge of the table. A tingling sensation spread from her waist upward, making her body tremble uncontrollably. Wei Zhen felt her strength ebb away under his kiss.

Outside, snowflakes pattered against the window. The maid sent by the Jin King continued to knock gently, calling for her in a soft voice.

Wei Zhen struggled for breath, wanting to push him away, but he left her with no strength, ensnaring her within his scorching breath.

Breath mingled with breath. Lips sought lips.

Between fervent kisses, he murmured, “Today, the eunuch by the Jin King’s side also hinted to me that His Majesty had inquired about my marriage prospects.”

“But I already have someone in my heart.”

Wei Zhen’s body stiffened slightly. His warm breath brushed against her lips as he said, “The one I love is you.”

So don’t be afraid. Don’t resist. Accept me. Embrace me.

I will give you everything that I can.

“Wei Zhen, please believe in me. I will stay by your side and walk this path with you.”

At last, he understood the feeling that had surged within him that night, the soft emotion that had stolen into his heart.

Loving her—this was what it felt like.

Qi Yan savored the warmth of her lips as snow fell ceaselessly outside. Night enveloped them both, drawing them ever deeper into its embrace.