Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 62: Revelation

Zuo Ying walked toward Qingxue Courtyard.

Inside the hall, Wei Zhen heard the attendants outside reporting Zuo Ying’s arrival and instructed them to invite him in.

Zuo Ying bowed to Wei Zhen and said, “Previously, the Young General spoke to me about the Princess’s origins. I wonder if the Princess’s jade pendant is still with you? I would like to take it back with me. Perhaps this time, I might be able to uncover some clues about the Princess’s background.”

Wei Zhen was slightly surprised, a glimmer of light appearing in her eyes. She said, “It is with me. I have not worn it recently for fear of losing it.”

Wei Zhen walked into the inner hall, opened a cabinet, retrieved the jade pendant, and handed it to Zuo Ying.

Zuo Ying carefully put away the jade pendant and said, “Please rest assured, Princess. As soon as I have any news, I will inform you immediately.”

Wei Zhen thanked him. Zuo Ying nodded and was about to leave when Wei Zhen suddenly asked, “How has he been lately?”

The “he” she referred to was understood between them without needing explanation.

“The Young General is well. Princess, you need not worry.”

She had not seen Qi Yan for several days. Hearing this, she felt at ease. After sending Zuo Ying off, she returned to her seat and resumed reading the incense scripture before her.

Over the past few days, she had been studying the incense scriptures in an effort to identify the scent she had previously detected on Jin King. She had finally managed to discern a rough composition.

The scent was made from silver gall herb, citronella, and vervain. When mixed, these ingredients could arouse the animalistic instincts of beasts, driving them into a frenzy.

Thus, it was no accident that Jin King was attacked by wild animals—there must have been someone behind the scenes manipulating events.

To be cautious, Wei Zhen needed to confirm her findings further. She also had to find an appropriate opportunity to report this matter to Jin King.

The banquet to welcome Prime Minister Wei was scheduled for the following evening. Due to his esteemed status, Jin Kingdom was hosting the event with the highest level of ceremony. Nobles and officials from both the civil and military ranks were all required to attend. Since the Lantern Festival was approaching, a grand lantern fair was also being held in the palace.

As the sun neared the horizon, Gongsun Xian, having finished dressing, came to find Wei Zhen so they could go to the banquet together.

The two young ladies walked side by side toward the banquet hall. As they passed by the lakeside garden, they heard lively voices from ahead and were greeted by a vibrant scene.

“That is the lantern fair up ahead. The banquet won’t start for a while. Shall we go take a look?” Gongsun Xian suggested.

Wei Zhen nodded in agreement, allowing Gongsun Xian to pull her toward the lakeside garden.

Rows of lantern stands were set up among the flower bushes, adorned with countless exquisite lanterns, dazzling to the eye. Above, fireworks blossomed in the sky, scattering like flowers. Laughter and chatter filled the air, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bustling marketplace.

Wei Zhen wandered through the lanterns, the glow reflecting off her snow-white cheeks.

The two stopped in front of a lantern rack. Gongsun Xian examined a lantern riddle and asked if Wei Zhen could guess the answer. Wei Zhen furrowed her brows, looking up thoughtfully. Just then, she caught sight of a familiar figure in the crowd across from her.

The young man stood sideways under the flowering tree, his face illuminated by the lantern’s glow. Light and shadow filtered through the branches, casting speckled patterns on his figure. He was conversing with a few companions, his lips slightly curved in a smile, as if they were discussing something amusing.

Sensing someone’s gaze upon him, Qi Yan turned his head. It was a casual glance, but his eyes happened to meet Wei Zhen’s.

The scent of incense lingered in the air, the crowd bustled around them, and lanterns blazed brightly. Across the sea of people, their eyes locked from a distance.

Wei Zhen’s heart pounded, as if an invisible force was pulling at her very core.

“Princess?” Gongsun Xian called softly. Wei Zhen snapped out of her daze and replied, “The banquet is about to begin. We should head back.”

Gongsun Xian agreed and walked away with Wei Zhen. After taking a few steps, she suddenly stopped and said, “Princess, you go ahead. I will catch up in a moment.”

Wei Zhen looked at her departing figure in confusion. Beside her, Fu Qiang spoke up, “Princess, let us go first.”

Wei Zhen responded, “Let’s wait for her.”

Not long after, Gongsun Xian returned, now holding two lanterns in her hands. She had run back, slightly out of breath, her cheeks flushed. She handed one rabbit-shaped lantern to Wei Zhen.

Wei Zhen lifted the rabbit lantern and smiled. “So, you went to find a lantern just now?”

Gongsun Xian nodded, linked arms with Wei Zhen, and whispered near her ear, “I just met with Ji Wo. He gave me this lantern.”

Wei Zhen was momentarily stunned. If Gongsun Xian’s lantern was a gift from Ji Wo, then the rabbit lantern in her own hands…

Gongsun Xian raised her brows meaningfully. Wei Zhen followed her gaze and caught a glimpse of that familiar figure out of the corner of her eye. Her fingers instinctively tightened around the rabbit lantern in her arms.

Could this lantern be from Qi Yan?

Gongsun Xian asked, “Does the princess like it?”

Wei Zhen smiled lightly, her hand stroking the two ears of the paper rabbit. The warmth of the candle passed through the thin paper to her fingertips, then reached her heart, sending a wave of warmth through her chest.

Wei Zhen’s smile was sweet and gentle. “I like it.”

Beside her, Fu Qiang urged again, “Princess, do not delay the time.”

Everyone was heading toward the banquet hall. Wei Zhen also stepped forward, but as she reached the corridor, she slightly turned her head to glance in the direction where the young man stood.

The young man, clad in a black fox-fur cloak, stood beneath the flowering tree. His features were refined and noble, his countenance as radiant as jade. His tall figure was elongated by the flickering lights, and on this night, as snow blanketed the garden and the moon shone over a thousand miles, the brilliance of the lanterns seemed to pale in comparison to him.

A surge of warmth welled up in Wei Zhen’s heart, dissolving the estrangement that had formed over the past days they had not seen each other.

Hugging the rabbit lantern in her arms, Wei Zhen walked forward with a light step, her skirt swaying as she moved.

Fu Qiang followed behind them. Watching Wei Zhen, who was usually composed in her actions, Fu Qiang couldn’t help but think that she was still just a young girl in her teens, finding such things novel and intriguing.

Wei Zhen entered the banquet with Gongsun Xian. The grand hall was already illuminated with dazzling candlelight.

The Prime Minister of Wei had come from afar, and the Jin Kingdom was hosting him with great hospitality. This banquet was far more formal than a family feast. Jin King did not summon Wei Zhen to sit by his side, so she remained with Gongsun Xian among the crowd, deliberately choosing a seat toward the back where they would not attract attention.

When the Prime Minister of Wei entered the hall, he presented treasures to Jin King as a gesture of goodwill.

The Prime Minister of Wei carried himself with elegance, his manner neither servile nor overbearing, making those around him feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

Wei Zhen whispered, “I have heard that the Prime Minister of Wei is young and accomplished, but I never expected him to be this young—he appears to be only around twenty-five or twenty-six.”

Gongsun Xian nodded. “That Prime Minister of Wei comes from the royal family of Wei and is the cousin of the princess who is supposed to marry into Jin. Since the Prime Minister is so distinguished in appearance, the Princess of Wei must be exceptionally beautiful as well.”

At that moment, Jin King spoke, inquiring about when the Princess of Wei would be sent to Jin.

The Prime Minister of Wei replied, “Once the princess recovers from her illness, she will certainly travel to Jin. It is not that our king is reluctant to part with the princess, but rather that she is hindered by her illness.”

Jin King said, “If the princess remains unwell for a long time and is not treated, does that mean my grandson will have to wait indefinitely? I hope the Prime Minister can provide a definite time to ensure that the princess will arrive in Jin.”

Wei Zhen understood Jin King well. She knew that whenever he spoke in such a tone, it meant he was extremely displeased.

The air in the hall gradually became tense, and even the music came to a halt.

The Prime Minister of Wei gathered his sleeves and said, “I ask for Your Majesty’s understanding. The princess is truly too ill to make the journey to Jin. Your Majesty seeks to forge a bond between the two nations, but our king has only this one princess under his care. If this marriage is unsatisfactory to Your Majesty, then perhaps it would be best to annul it for now…”

Jin King let out a light scoff and called, “Ji Yuan.”

A figure stepped forward and knelt slowly before the steps. “Grandson is here.”

Jin King said to Ji Yuan, “Since this is the case, when the Prime Minister of Wei returns to his country, you shall accompany him to visit the Princess of Wei. I believe that after such a long delay, the Prime Minister would not object to this, would he?”

The Prime Minister of Wei lifted his head and was about to speak, but Jin King had already waved his sleeve and commanded, “Bring on the dancers and musicians.”

This was a clear refusal to continue the discussion with the Prime Minister of Wei.

Anyone with discerning eyes could tell that Jin King was already angered.

The Prime Minister of Wei let out a deep sigh, respectfully acknowledged the command, and returned to his seat.

During the banquet, Gongsun Xian turned to Wei Zhen and asked, “Why is the State of Wei unwilling to send the princess to Jin?”

Wei Zhen replied softly, “There must be a reason behind everything. Perhaps the Princess of Wei truly has been plagued by illness for a long time.”

As the dancers entered the hall, light and lively music filled the air. The musicians played the qin, struck the bells, and beat the drums. The various melodies intertwined, and amidst the clinking of cups and lively chatter, the banquet gradually regained its cheer.

From her seat, Wei Zhen saw Qiyan sitting behind the wine table. He put down his wine cup and briefly pressed a hand against his chest. Wei Zhen recalled that he was still injured and should not be drinking. Her brows furrowed slightly with concern.

As the night deepened and the revelry reached its peak, Gongsun Xian took Wei Zhen’s hand and suggested they step outside for some fresh air.

Many guests had already left their seats. Since their table was in a secluded corner, their departure would not attract much attention.

Wei Zhen nodded and stood up with her.

Fu Qiang reached out to stop them, seemingly feeling uneasy.

Wei Zhen said, “I am with Miss Gongsun. With her accompanying me, can you not be at ease, Aunt?”

Fu Qiang hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. “Very well, but please return quickly, Princess.”

The two stepped over the threshold and walked out of the grand hall. Fu Qiang watched Wei Zhen’s departing figure, then glanced at Jin King sitting above. Hesitating for a moment, she still did not dare let Wei Zhen leave her sight.

Lifting her skirt, Fu Qiang hurriedly made her way out of the hall, intending to catch up with Wei Zhen.

However, the lantern festival was crowded with people—nobles, ministers, palace maids, and eunuchs, all seizing the rare chance to relax and enjoy the festivities.

Fu Qiang was just a step too late. And in that brief moment, by the time she reached the festival grounds, Wei Zhen was already nowhere to be found. Her heart sank.

Meanwhile, Gongsun Xian had already led Wei Zhen away from the festival, toward a quiet area where the lanterns were sparse. She held Wei Zhen’s hand and urged her forward.

Wei Zhen, puzzled, asked, “Where are you taking me? We’ve been out for some time already—we should go back.”

Gongsun Xian turned her head and said, “Ji Wo asked to meet me. You will accompany me, and as for where we are going, you will know once we arrive.”

Hearing that Gongsun Xian was meeting Ji Wo, Wei Zhen followed without hesitation. She had long grown used to helping them cover up their secret meetings.

Gongsun Xian brought Wei Zhen to a secluded courtyard. There were no guards stationed outside, only a single chamber with its lamp still lit.

Gongsun Xian pushed open the door and entered. Wei Zhen had expected to see only Ji Wo, but to her surprise, there was another person inside.

A young man stood with his back to Ji Wo. Upon hearing the door open, he turned around and, upon seeing Wei Zhen, was momentarily stunned. Then, he asked Ji Wo, “Why did you bring her here?”

Ji Wo sighed and said, “You two haven’t seen each other for several days now. Since A’xian and I came out, I thought you should have a chance to catch up as well. Don’t worry—this place is remote. No one should come here.”

Ji Wo gave Gongsun Xian a look, and together they stepped over the threshold. Before leaving, Ji Wo lowered his voice and said to Wei Zhen, “He returned from Chu before the year’s end and has acquired new wounds. Take good care of him.”

The palace doors closed gently, shutting out the cold wind. Wei Zhen let out a long breath of warm air.

They stood a few feet apart, looking at each other. Seeing him again after several days, Wei Zhen thought she would be unable to control her emotions and would want to throw herself into his arms. Yet at this moment, she felt an unusual calm.

She turned her face slightly, looking at the flickering candle, and softly said, “I didn’t expect you to be here.”

Qi Yan asked, “Did you see the rabbit lantern I sent you?”

Wei Zhen gave a soft hum. “I liked it very much.”

At last, she lifted her head. After a few days apart, the young man before her seemed even more strikingly handsome. His long eyelashes cast a beautiful shadow, and even the light falling on his features appeared especially gentle.

That night, at the banquet, many had come to toast him. The young lord, dazzling and radiant, was the center of attention wherever he went.

Wei Zhen smiled, but then saw him suddenly cough, raising a hand to his chest. She hurriedly stepped forward and asked, “I noticed at the banquet that you weren’t feeling well. Has your old wound flared up again?”

He said softly, “It’s nothing. I just drank a bit too much today, and my chest feels a little uncomfortable.”

Wei Zhen let him lean against her and looked toward his waist. “Did Zuo Ying give you medicine to carry with you?”

Qi Yan nodded. “Yes, I was just about to apply it myself.”

Wei Zhen took the bottle of medicine he handed her and looked up. “Let me see your wound.”

Qi Yan replied, “No need, I can do it myself.”

Wei Zhen had already opened the bottle and looked at him, unwavering. Seeing no way out, Qi Yan finally reached for his belt and loosened half of his robe.

Wei Zhen’s hand rested on his old wound. Seeing a new scar beside it, her fingertips trembled slightly. “Is this the wound you got while traveling to Chu?”

Qi Yan’s tone was light. “It’s not too bad, doesn’t hurt much. Zuo Ying said it’s not a serious injury, but since I drank too much today, it started hurting again.”

Wei Zhen’s fingertips traced the scar, feeling the uneven texture of his skin, as if sensing his pain. She said, “Until your wound heals completely, you’re not allowed to drink anymore.”

Qi Yan lowered his head, looking at the flickering light in her eyes, which overflowed with concern for him—even a hint of tenderness. The corners of his lips curled up. “Alright, I’ll listen to you, Lady Wei.”

Wei Zhen carefully finished applying the medicine and sealed the bottle.

A cold wind seeped in from outside, extinguishing the candle in the hall. The only remaining source of light was the string of luminous pearls at her waist.

There was no warming brazier in the room. The chill in the air, the unfamiliar furniture, the low chirp of a bird outside—all these things made Wei Zhen’s heart tremble, reminding them that what they were doing was forbidden.

Unwilling to part, Wei Zhen looked at him and said, “I can’t stay here too long.”

Qi Yan gave a soft hum, knowing that her words meant she had to leave.

In the dim light, their eyes met. Before she left, she embraced him and called his name, “Qi Yan.”

He, too, held her tightly. The longing from their days apart melted into this single embrace.

Wei Zhen choked up. “I missed you so much these past few days.”

Qi Yan’s high-bridged nose nestled against her neck, his breath warm against her skin. “I missed you too.”

Qi Yan knew they didn’t have much time for intimacy. He lifted a hand to caress her cheek. “Go now. The place Ji Wo found tonight isn’t very hidden. We’ve been away from the banquet for too long—someone might become suspicious.”

Their tightly clasped hands slowly loosened. Just as she was about to step away from his embrace, a sudden series of footsteps sounded outside.

She froze. The footsteps drew closer and closer. Then, a great blaze of torchlight shone through the window screen, forcing Wei Zhen to turn her face away from the harsh glare.

A woman’s voice rang out: “Quick! Surround this palace! Search inside to see if anyone is there!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Wei Zhen recognized the voice instantly. Her entire body stiffened, blood freezing in her veins.

The shadows of the guards were cast against the walls, giving the two inside no chance to escape. With a loud bang, the door was kicked open from outside.

Cold air rushed in, making Wei Zhen’s skirts billow.

In the blinding firelight, she opened her eyes and saw Fu Qiang standing at the entrance of the hall.

Fu Qiang’s face was filled with shock as she called out, “Princess!”

A ringing buzz filled Wei Zhen’s ears. Realizing she was still in Qi Yan’s arms, she immediately pulled away.

The commotion had already drawn a crowd, and the scene inside the hall fell into their view. All they saw was a man and a woman in an intimate embrace. The murmurs outside quickly turned into an uproar.

“Isn’t that General Qi and the Princess of Chu? Why are the two of them here?”