Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 66: Fulfillment

Qi Yan had spent enough time with her to understand her character. She was by no means someone who would hide behind others and rely on them to solve everything for her.

The glittering snow outside the window reflected in her eyes, and a faint smile appeared on her face. “You don’t have to worry about me. I can go see Jin King, and I’ll go with you. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together. That’s far better than you bearing everything alone.”

Qi Yan grasped her hands tightly and said, “Alright.”

The two of them walked out of the bedchamber. The cold wind seeped through the four corners and into Wei Zhen’s cloak, the chill seeping into her body, causing her to shiver.

She raised her arm, lifted her skirt, and stepped down the stairs. But with just one step, the movement tugged at the wound on her back, sending a sharp pain through her flesh.

If she was like this, then with so many whip marks on his body, he must be feeling even worse.

Qi Yan was indeed walking with difficulty. Every step seemed to take immense effort. Wei Zhen supported him, letting him lean on her. It took him a long while before the pain on his face eased slightly.

He gradually adapted to the pain. Once they left the courtyard, palace servants occasionally passed by on the palace road. By then, he no longer appeared as he had moments ago; every step he took was exceptionally calm and composed. Only Wei Zhen, who walked beside him, knew just how much pain he was enduring.

The distance from there to Jin King’s bedchamber was not far, but that short walk felt especially long.

By the time they reached outside the hall, a layer of cold sweat had formed around Qi Yan’s neck, soaking the black fox fur surrounding it.

Wei Zhen raised her hand and used a handkerchief to wipe away his sweat. Just then, the sound of footsteps crunching on snow reached them as Hong Shuo walked out from the courtyard.

Wei Zhen nodded at the approaching man. “Gonggong.”

Hong Shuo glanced at Wei Zhen, then at Qi Yan beside her, and sighed softly. “The Princess and the General have come?”

Wei Zhen took a step forward. “Last night, Gonggong was ordered by His Majesty to watch over me, but I insisted on leaving the hall. That was my fault. May I trouble Gonggong to inform His Majesty of our arrival?”

She noticed the disappointment in his eyes. He softly replied, “Wait here a moment,” and hobbled towards the main hall.

Moments later, Hong Shuo returned and shook his head at them.

“Princess, General, you should go back. His Majesty does not wish to see either of you.”

“His Majesty ordered us to leave?”

“Yes, His Majesty also said that even if you were to kneel outside all day, he absolutely would not see you.”

Wei Zhen looked at Qi Yan, who took something from within his black fox fur cloak. “This booklet records the network of informants I have planted in Chu. From this, His Majesty can gain insight into the affairs of the Chu court. I wish to present this to His Majesty. Might I be granted an audience with him?”

This left Hong Shuo momentarily stunned.

“Gonggong.” Hearing Wei Zhen’s voice, Hong Shuo turned to her. She continued, “The booklet His Majesty previously instructed me to prepare regarding Chu’s taxation and population records is nearly complete. I’ve just sent someone to retrieve it, and it will be here shortly. Could you kindly pass it along for me?”

She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “And also about the spy by His Majesty’s side.”

Hong Shuo sighed. “Then this servant shall go and relay your words once more.”

He slowly turned around and entered the hall. This time, he returned much quicker than before.

He gestured, “Princess, General, please come in.”

The two of them supported each other as they walked into the courtyard. At the entrance of the hall, they released each other’s hands and entered one after the other. Inside, the hall was warmed by braziers, and Jin King reclined against a low table, surrounded by furs of tigers and foxes to keep warm. He was leisurely perusing memorials, his movements calm and elegant, like a lazy beast king.

“Your subject, Qi Yan, greets Jin King.” Qi Yan knelt before the throne and bowed to Jin King.

Wei Zhen dropped to her knees. As she lowered her body, searing pain surged from her back as if her wound had torn open.

The man above remained silent. They knelt there for a long time, until Wei Zhen’s knees turned numb. She glanced at Qi Yan beside her. His thick eyelashes were lowered, his expression calm. Wei Zhen looked toward Hong Shuo and said, “Might I ask Gonggong to have everyone else leave the hall?”

Hong Shuo guessed that she was about to speak about the spy issue and nodded.

Once the palace attendants were dismissed, Hong Shuo looked at Wei Zhen, gesturing for her to rise and speak directly to Jin King.

Wei Zhen walked closer to the steps and carefully recounted how she discovered the oddities surrounding the beast attack.

“This matter involves many. The ceremonial robe His Majesty wore on New Year’s Eve was rushed by the Bureau of Garments, and then brought by palace maids to His Majesty’s bedchamber. Those who had the fortune to handle the robe should be questioned one by one. Did His Majesty send people to investigate last night after hearing my words?”

Jin King remained silent, while Hong Shuo nodded. “His Majesty followed your advice and ordered an investigation overnight. His Majesty’s garments are always managed by designated individuals. The number of people who could tamper with them, including this servant, is no more than four. This is certainly not something an ordinary person could do. The suspects have been narrowed down, and within days, the truth should be forced out at the dungeons.”

Hong Shuo looked at Jin King. “This servant will also receive punishment to prove my innocence.”

Jin King turned a bamboo scroll on the table and said indifferently, “You have served me for decades. If you truly wished me harm, you’ve had plenty of chances. Why take the risk on New Year’s Eve? No need for your old bones to endure punishment.”

Hong Shuo quickly replied, “This servant thanks His Majesty for his kindness.”

At this moment, the palace maid who had gone to fetch items for Wei Zhen also arrived. Wei Zhen took the bamboo scroll from her hands and presented it to the Jin King. “Your Majesty, this is the register of Chu’s taxes and population that Your Majesty instructed me to write. Today, I present it to you.”

Hong Shuo stepped forward, took the bamboo scroll, and spread it out on the table.

With her hand resting on her abdomen, Wei Zhen spoke respectfully, “Because the New Year festivities interrupted the process, and I was occupied with verifying the incident of Your Majesty’s ambush, time was tight. The register is not yet completed; this is only the first volume.”

The Jin King lowered his eyes, merely glancing at the bamboo scroll before raising his head. He spoke slowly, finally addressing her for the first time that day.

“Wei Zhen, you neither came earlier nor later, but chose precisely the moment when your illicit affair with Qi Yan was discovered to present this register to me. And it’s only the first volume. Are you thinking that because you are of use to me, I am reluctant to kill you, and you plan to use this as leverage to threaten me?”

The man before her had held power for many years. Just a single downward glance from him was enough to make every hair on one’s body stand on end.

Wei Zhen immediately lifted her head and met his cold, sharp gaze. “Your Majesty, since I came to Jin, I have been a person of Jin. Your Majesty is my king, my ruler. I only follow Your Majesty’s orders and dare not have even the slightest improper thoughts. How could I possibly be so bold as to threaten Your Majesty?”

“You have no improper thoughts?” The Jin King’s tone was laced with mockery. “Then who was it that did what they did last night?”

Wei Zhen looked directly into his eyes, not once lowering her gaze. “Your Majesty, if I may be so bold as to speak, I am aware that Your Majesty wishes to establish a crown prince, and the candidates are narrowed down to the Seventh and Ninth Princes. Your Majesty intends to marry me to one of them. However, one of them is already engaged, and the other has someone he favors. How could I insist on interfering with their marriages? I also know that in their hearts, my status could never compare to that of Lady Gongsun or the Princess of Wei. If I were truly married to either of them, my situation would be extremely awkward.”

The Jin King looked away, his gaze cold and detached.

“I understand why Your Majesty is enraged. It is because I have touched upon Your Majesty’s bottom line. But my loyalty to Your Majesty is genuine and unwavering.”

She moved forward on her knees, lifting her head to look at him. Her eyes were bright and clear, without a hint of impurity.

“I, too, have a grandfather. During these days by Your Majesty’s side, I have learned much from you. Everything Your Majesty has taught me about court matters, I have etched into my heart with deep gratitude. I regard Your Majesty as if you were my grandfather. I remember once when I was too exhausted and fell asleep by the table, only to wake and find that Your Majesty had covered me with a blanket. I know that while Your Majesty may appear stern and unyielding, your heart is soft.”

She paused before continuing, “Therefore, I am willing to stay in the Jin Palace and remain by Your Majesty’s side. I have never changed my mind. From the moment I married into Jin, I made my decision.”

The Jin King turned his face back to her, his stern expression remaining unchanged.

Wei Zhen bowed deeply. “What happened between the general and me was indeed a transgression. If this matter spreads, I fear that neither of the princes would be willing to accept me. However, when the envoys came for the marriage alliance, they stated that the princess to be married would be wed to a member of the royal family. The general is also of the Jin royal family. The marriage alliance between Chu and Jin is meant to maintain stable relations between the two countries. I am still willing to remain by Your Majesty’s side and work for you. Is that not the purpose of this alliance?”

These words addressed every aspect of the issue, thoroughly analyzing what troubled the Jin King.

“So, I humbly ask Your Majesty to grant me and the general your approval. I know I am being willful, but this is the only request I have.” Her voice echoed throughout the grand hall.

Listening to her words, Hong Shuo could not help but feel a turmoil of emotions. He silently acknowledged that she was truly a princess of Chu, understanding the Jin King’s thoughts so well. The Jin King’s heart could not possibly remain unmoved after hearing such words.

The Jin King’s rage had always been fueled by someone daring to challenge his authority. Now, Wei Zhen presented herself as utterly submissive, greatly soothing his anger.

But the Jin King was not someone who could be placated by a few words.

Regardless of what would happen in the future, they had touched the Jin King’s sore spot and incurred his wrath. Punishment was inevitable.

The Jin King looked at Qi Yan below and said, “Seeing the two of you makes me sick. Now, get out.”

His icy gaze then shifted to Wei Zhen. “Did you understand?”

Wei Zhen knew when to speak and when to retreat. She had already said enough today; the Jin King would have taken her words to heart.

She replied softly, “This child takes her leave.”

As she stood, the pain caused her legs to feel weak. The Jin King noticed but made no comment.

Below, Qi Yan slowly lifted his head, his gaze as sharp as ever. Despite his current state of disgrace, his bearing remained that of the favored and powerful general of the Jin King. He spoke slowly, “I came to Jin to pledge loyalty to a wise ruler and to help Your Majesty become the ruler of all under heaven. Though I have feelings for the princess, my loyalty to Your Majesty has never wavered.”

Qi Yan rose from the ground and presented a bamboo scroll with both hands.

Hong Shuo stepped forward, took it, and placed it before the Jin King.

Once their figures vanished beyond the hall’s doors, the Jin King asked, “Is this the list of his secret agents planted in Chu?”

“Yes, the general said he has handed everything over to Your Majesty.”

The Jin King watched in the direction Qi Yan departed. “He came to see me today, but not once did he mention anything about last night. That means he doesn’t want to explain; he still thinks he did nothing wrong, doesn’t he?”

The Jin King stood up, drew the sword from the rack beside him, and then turned around to throw it down.

The three-foot-long sword fell onto the table with a sharp clanging sound.

He said in a deep voice, “Go, and tell Wei Zhen to leave the palace immediately and follow Qi Yan away!”

Hong Shuo exclaimed in shock, “Your Majesty?”

The Jin King’s gaze was as sharp as a hawk’s. “If she truly dares to leave, then use this sword to cut off both their heads…”

The Jin King’s words suddenly stopped.

He hesitated for a moment, but Hong Shuo clearly saw the murderous intent in his eyes.

A chill spread through Hong Shuo’s heart. “This servant will go at once.”

Hong Shuo hurried along and soon saw the two of them from a distance; they hadn’t gone far. He called out to them.

Wei Zhen asked, “Gonggong, is there something else?”

Hong Shuo stopped and caught his breath. “His Majesty says he does not wish to see the Princess for the time being. Since the Princess and the General are so deeply in love, then leave the palace today and move to the General’s residence to live together.”

The smile on Wei Zhen’s face froze. She raised her head and exchanged a glance with Qi Yan before turning back to Hong Shuo. “Is this His Majesty’s decision?”

“Yes.” Hong Shuo gave a slight smile, took the command token from his waist, and held it out to her. “This is the token to leave the palace. Princess, go and pack your belongings.”

Wei Zhen lifted her hand to take the token, but just as her fingertips touched the wooden plaque, she withdrew her hand.

Hong Shuo asked, “Princess?”

Wei Zhen smiled and shook her head. “I acted willfully last night. If I leave the palace today, His Majesty will truly never forgive me. I will return to my own chambers. I hope Gonggong can speak a few kind words to His Majesty on my behalf.”

The more the Jin King wanted her to leave, the more she intended to stay in the palace. The incident of Princess Ji Qin’s elopement had been a thorn in the Jin King’s heart for many years. How could she make the same mistake? At the very least, she was certain that if the Jin King did not kill her today, then he was letting them go this time.

After staying in the Jin Palace for so long, they would eventually be able to gradually repair the Jin King’s impression of them.

However, the process would undoubtedly be grueling.

But if she left today, they would truly never have another chance.

Qi Yan added, “You should stay. There’s no need to follow me.”

Hong Shuo put the token away and let out a long sigh of relief, revealing a look of satisfaction. “Very well, then this servant will go and report to His Majesty.”

When Hong Shuo returned to the palace hall, he relayed their reactions to the Jin King.

After listening, the Jin King scoffed lightly, leaning against the table as he narrowed his eyes at the sharp sword lying on the table.

This sword had accompanied him for decades, stained with the blood of countless enemy soldiers. The number of souls it claimed was uncountable, and just moments ago, it was about to claim two more lives.

“She is still different from Ji Qin. Ji Qin eloped without considering the consequences. But Wei Zhen knows how to weigh her own circumstances, to assess the situation, and understands that this is precisely the moment when she cannot provoke me. She also knows she is not my own flesh and blood. I can spare my own daughter, but if she dared to do the same, how could I possibly let her go?”

The Jin King raised his hand, and with a press of his thumb against the hilt, the sword returned to its scabbard.

After all this, Hong Shuo could not help but break into a cold sweat on behalf of Wei Zhen and Qi Yan.

Indeed, as Wei Zhen had boldly stated, the Jin King intended to make her the future Crown Princess.

Such a girl, so perceptive and meticulous, if she could not become the future queen of Jin, it would be a loss both to her and to Jin.

The Jin King said, “I’ve just heard that the Prime Minister of Wei has delivered a portrait of the Princess of Wei. Bring it for me to see, and also, investigate how the young lady of the Gongsun family is performing at the academy.”

His fingers tapped the table. “As for those filthy-handed palace servants in my palace, have the prison guards extract a confession from them as soon as possible.”

“Yes, this servant will immediately instruct the guards,” Hong Shuo replied.

The snow was gradually stopping, and icicles under the eaves dripped with water.

Earlier, the Prime Minister of Wei had come to present the portrait to the Jin King, learning that Wei Zhen and Qi Yan were in the palace hall.

He did not enter to disturb them but instead waited on the path they were sure to pass.

Wei Yu stood by the edge of a pavilion, gazing into the distance through the wind and snow.

The Princess of Wei had been missing for several years. The royal family, in order to respond to the marriage alliance with Jin, had naturally made preparations long ago. They carefully nurtured a young woman in the palace who could stand in for the princess. This was a precaution, so that if the day ever came when they were forced to proceed with the marriage, they could present her as the princess.

But the Wei King still yearned for his daughter to return to Wei.

From a distance, Wei Yu saw two familiar figures. He was just about to step forward when he noticed Qi Yan’s body sway slightly, and the princess reached out to support him.

Wei Yu’s expression turned complicated for a moment.

A subordinate beside him called out, “My lord?”

Wei Yu strode forward with long steps.

As Wei Zhen and Qi Yan walked back, many palace servants passed by. They paid their respects to the two of them and stepped aside, but their gazes could not help but drift toward them—scornful, mocking, surprised, disdainful—all kinds of looks were present.

Wei Zhen walked straight ahead, ignoring everything. The two of them entered Qi Yan’s courtyard, and then they heard footsteps behind them.

Wei Zhen turned around and saw the person approaching. She couldn’t help but be stunned for a moment before bowing, “Greetings, Prime Minister Wei.”