Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 69: Heart Chambers

The Jin King didn’t even ponder for a moment and decisively said, “Agreed.”

Ji Yuan, who had been silent all along, stepped forward and bowed. “Your Majesty, General Qi’s merits are not yet established. Isn’t it too hasty to issue this decree? Also, previously, the personal matters between General Qi and the Princess of Chu have spread throughout the palace. If Your Majesty now directly bestows marriage as a reward, those foreign officials may see it as favoritism towards the General, which would make him a target of public criticism, and the soldiers might not be convinced of his leadership.”

Ji Yuan raised his head with a smile. “Wouldn’t it be better to wait until the army returns victorious? Then bestowing marriage as a celebration would be more appropriate. I only have the General’s best interest in mind.”

“What you say does have some merit.” The Jin King nodded lightly upon hearing the murmurs of agreement from the courtiers below.

Qi Yan’s brows slightly furrowed.

But then the Jin King’s tone shifted. “However, if I must consider everyone’s thoughts when making decisions, then what’s the point of being the ruler of this nation? If you think about it, Qi Yan is also my grandson. For a noble child of the royal family to marry a princess sent for alliance, there is nothing inappropriate.”

The Jin King turned to look. “Wei Zhen, what about you? Are you willing to marry Qi Yan?”

Wei Zhen’s palms were already sweaty. Meeting the Jin King’s deep eyes, she folded her long sleeves like cascading waterfalls and bowed. “I am willing.”

The Jin King looked down and said, “Qi Yan, from today onward, begin preparations with the army, gather troops and provisions. The grand army will set out in one month!”

Qi Yan responded loudly, “Yes.”

This marriage, fully decided by the Jin King, silenced all voices of doubt and was settled just like that.

Once the courtiers had been dismissed, leaving only Qi Yan and the two princes, Wei Zhen finally spoke, “Your Majesty, I have a request. May I accompany the army on this eastern campaign?”

“You wish to go with the army?” The Jin King’s gaze was filled with puzzled suspicion.

Wei Zhen nodded. “During warfare, there are injured soldiers coming back from the front line every day. No matter how many military doctors there are, it’s never enough. From what I understand, even in the Jin Kingdom’s rear defense, there are women serving as medics. During my time in the Chu Kingdom, I also entered the military camps to help care for the wounded, and I have considerable experience. I wonder if Your Majesty would allow me to accompany the General on this campaign?”

“No.” The Jin King said firmly.

Wei Zhen hurriedly added, “I will only remain in the rear camps and will not cause trouble for the army. It’s extremely safe there.”

“It’s not that I’m worried about your safety. It’s that if you go, Qi Yan’s mind will not be focused on the battle.”

Hearing himself mentioned, Qi Yan raised his head and said, “Your Majesty, I can distinguish between matters of importance.”

The Jin King patted the stacks of memorials on the table. “Enough, no more of this. You will stay in the capital, and along with Ji Wo and Ji Yuan, help me manage the affairs of the court and the harem.”

Wei Zhen wanted to fight for it once more. “But—”

“Stay here, Princess.” Ji Yuan spoke from below. “The Jin Palace is safe, Princess.”

Ji Wo also nodded. “Indeed, the front lines are full of chaos. Following the army’s daily march, the soldiers will not make special accommodations for you. It would be too exhausting.”

But Wei Zhen had been through such hardships before and didn’t think it was a big deal. She quietly lowered her gaze. Just getting the Jin King to grant the marriage today was already a great show of his generosity. Making another request now might be seen as overstepping her bounds. She could always plan for the future.

She smiled faintly and replied, “Understood.”

The Jin King had summoned her today because of his chronic headaches. After Wei Zhen finished applying the medicine, she rose and left the great hall.

As soon as she stepped outside, she saw Qi Yan standing in the light, talking with Ji Wo.

He was tall and at ease, his bamboo-green robe making him appear both noble and elegant.

Golden sunlight lit up his brows and eyes, the youthful general radiating energy and triumph.

Wei Zhen smiled. He turned his head upon hearing her footsteps and reached out to take her hand. Wei Zhen quickly tried to pull her hand away, whispering, “There are still so many people watching.”

Though she said this, she still took a step closer to him, standing by his side.

“Congratulations to General Qi and the Princess.” A low voice came from near the door. Ji Yuan stepped over the threshold and offered his congratulations to the two.

His smile was faint. “Please don’t mind what I said in the hall earlier, General. I only have your best interests in mind. His Majesty granting you two marriage is a joyous matter, one worthy of celebration.”

“Thank you.” Qi Yan nodded calmly.

Ji Wo’s gaze shifted to Wei Zhen. “Rest assured, General. The Princess will be completely safe in the Jin Palace. While you are away, the palace will take good care of her.”

He slightly emphasized the words “Jin Palace” and cast a meaningful look at Wei Zhen. An odd feeling rose in her heart, but Ji Yuan quickly walked away, his back calm and his steps steady. She suppressed that strange feeling.

Ji Wo said, “Though Grandfather’s demands are harsh, at least the two of you have secured your engagement.”

Ji Wo smiled, patting Qi Yan’s arm. “Congratulations, Brother Qi, and congratulations, Princess.”

Wei Zhen didn’t return to her chamber but followed Qi Yan back to his courtyard. He openly held her hand as they walked down the path, enduring the stares of countless palace servants. The cold wind blew against her, but despite it still being winter, Wei Zhen felt a rare sense of contentment.

When they reached his quarters, Qi Yan helped her remove her cloak.

Wei Zhen looked up, her eyes bright. Qi Yan raised an eyebrow. “Why does the Princess’s smile never seem to fade since leaving the palace hall? All the servants we passed just now must know the Princess is celebrating some joyous occasion. You seem quite pleased.”

Wei Zhen touched her cheek. “Nonsense.”

Qi Yan led her to the mirror. The copper mirror reflected a lovely, rosy face filled with joy.

Slightly embarrassed, she turned around and said, “You’re about to head off to war. We should start packing. It’s still bitterly cold this time of year. Don’t forget to bring extra clothes.”

“Where’s your wardrobe?” Wei Zhen grabbed his hand. “Let’s pick out some warm clothes.”

Unconsciously, she had already started using “we.” Qi Yan lowered his gaze at their joined hands. “The Princess’s concern for me now truly resembles that of a general’s wife.”

Wei Zhen opened the cabinet and turned her head. “Indeed, Consort Qi.”

Qi Yan chuckled softly and reached into the wardrobe, pulling out a neatly folded undershirt. “Should I bring this one?”

Wei Zhen touched it, feeling the soft and thick fabric, and nodded.

A cough sounded from the doorway. The two turned around to see Zuo Ying standing at the entrance. “Did I come at a bad time to disturb you two?”

“No, sir, please come in.” Wei Zhen chuckled softly. Since there was now an outsider present, she and Qi Yan put some distance between them by an arm’s length.

Zuo Ying set down his medicine box and said, “I have been treating the princess’s eyes for some time now. With about another month of acupuncture, they should be healed.”

He bowed. “I just heard the good news from the palace servants. Congratulations to the General and the Princess.”

Qi Yan stepped forward to support him. “It’s too early to say congratulations. The King’s exact words were that only when I take the head of the Qi King will the marriage be approved.”

Zuo Ying’s hand paused as he was reaching for a medicine bottle. He lowered his gaze and murmured, “Killing the Qi King?”

When Zuo Ying raised his head, his gaze met Qi Yan’s, and his thoughts seemed to spark.

Zuo Ying’s sister was in the Qi Palace, serving as Lady Le, the favored concubine who once held the king’s affection.

After Wei Zhen left, Zuo Ying spoke softly, “Perhaps this matter may not be so difficult. I have a way to assist you, General.”

Jin King’s order to launch a campaign against Qi Country spread through the ranks one step at a time. Compared to Qi Yan’s previous southern expedition last year, where he only led five thousand troops, this time was entirely different. It was a full-scale attack on Qi Country with the nation’s entire military strength.

Along the borders where Jin and Qi Countries met, troops were already stationed. The armies stationed in various locations across the nation were also mobilized and began their march eastward. As for the southern state of Chu, when the Chu King ascended the throne, Qi Yan had lent his support. Now, it was time for the Chu Kingdom to repay that favor.

The combined might of Jin and Chu was bent on the destruction of Qi.

For this campaign, there were to be two supreme commanders on the front lines. Jin King appointed Qi Yan as one of them, giving him authority over the three armies. The forces would set off soon, but a decree issued a few days before their departure caused a tremendous uproar—

Jin King intended to lead the troops himself and personally march against Qi Country.

Jin King was over seventy years old. Most people at this age were already frail, but Jin King had built his empire on horseback, and it hadn’t been that long since his last campaign—just five years ago.

That battle had been a glorious victory. Jin Country swept through enemy forces like a hunting leopard devouring the surrounding territories, eventually driving the northern barbarians back to the northern deserts.

Jin King was confident that leading the campaign himself this time would once again boost morale.

And just as Jin King expected, during the banquet held before the army’s departure, he personally roused their spirits. The soldiers were filled with enthusiasm and high spirits, raising their arms and shouting, determined to make the Qi King repay his debts in blood.

After attending the farewell banquet and returning from the military camp outside the city, Wei Zhen found it was already approaching nightfall.

The army would set off tomorrow afternoon, making this night her last chance to meet Qi Yan.

However, when the banquet ended, Qi Yan was summoned by Jin King for a private conversation, leaving Wei Zhen with no opportunity to speak with him.

Wei Zhen stared absentmindedly at the bronze water clock on the table, watching as droplets of water fell one by one. She waited a long time, but Qi Yan still did not come.

“Princess, it’s getting late. You should rest. I believe the General will be spending the night at the military camp outside the capital and won’t be returning to the palace.”

Wei Zhen sighed. “Help me with my bath, then.”

After bathing and drying her hair, Wei Zhen climbed into bed. But just as she closed her eyes, she heard a steady knocking at the window.

Wei Zhen sat up and saw the window being pried open. A tall figure slipped through the opening.

The young man walked under the moonlight, approaching her bedside. Seeing her eyes bright and clear like precious jade with light flowing within, he waved his hand in front of her face. “Your eyes—are they healed now? Can you see already?”

Wei Zhen nodded. “Yes. Why do you always sneak in like this, as if…”

“As if what?” Qi Yan followed up. “An unscrupulous scoundrel sneaking into a maiden’s room?”

This mention of a “scoundrel” reminded Wei Zhen of the day he pressed her against the table in this very chamber, kissed her, and said, “A shameless scoundrel is going to kiss you.”

She replied, “So the Young General is aware of his own shamelessness.”

“It’s not that I intend to sneak around. It’s just that if I don’t act like a thief, I can’t see the Princess.”

He leaned down toward her, his shoulders covered in cold frost. The chill seeped into her nightclothes. Wei Zhen noticed his handsome face had turned pale from the cold, his eyelashes heavy with moisture. Compassion rose within her, and she moved over on the bed, making space for him.

Qi Yan glanced down at the space she made.

Wei Zhen lay down and asked, “Aren’t you cold?”

The meaning was obvious—she was inviting him to warm himself in her bed.

Qi Yan’s lips curved slightly. “It’s a little cold. Princess, do you not mind?”

Wei Zhen adjusted the quilt. It wasn’t as if they hadn’t shared a bed before. She always felt that after that night when they clung to each other for warmth like two wounded animals licking each other’s wounds, their bond had grown even closer.

Besides, they were already an engaged couple…

Wei Zhen reached out to pull him in, and Qi Yan naturally lay down beside her.

Their eyes met, his tall nose just brushing against her own. Wei Zhen’s cheeks were filled with his warm breath.

She propped herself up on her arm, gazing at him. Her slender fingers gently brushed away the frost clinging to his hair. “The King intends to lead the campaign himself. The palace will be left with only me. I still wish to depart with the army. That way, I can see you more often.”

Qi Yan took her fingertips in his hand. “The King will never agree to that.”

A faint sadness clouded Wei Zhen’s eyes. “But there’s nothing for me to do in the palace. Who knows when the battles on the front lines will end? If the fighting never stops, does that mean I’ll never see you?”

Wei Zhen already had a plan in mind. The fighting wouldn’t be constant—there would always be times of ceasefire between the two sides. During those times, she could disguise herself and go to the army camp to visit Qi Yan and also see Jin King.

Their intertwined fingers overlapped under the moonlight, their shadows entwined on the wall.

“Don’t worry, this matter may not be without a solution. Do you remember me telling you that Zuo Ying has a younger sister in the Qi Palace?”

Wei Zhen’s expression turned thoughtful. “Yes, and it seems Zuo Ying is very close to her…”

Qi Yan nodded. “Yes, during this eastern campaign, Zuo Ying will hide his identity and, when the time is right, enter the Qi Palace to see his sister.”

Wei Zhen smiled warmly, raising her hand to caress his handsome face. The youthful tenderness he once had was gone, and his refined demeanor now resembled a fine vintage wine. Sometimes, when she gazed into his star-bright eyes, she couldn’t help but lose herself.

“Qi Yan, you are now my fiancé. When you return, you’ll be my husband, won’t you?”

Qi Yan hesitated for a moment before answering with a low hum. Wei Zhen moved closer. His gaze flickered, and he turned his face away, hiding his expression in the darkness. Yet the bright moonlight still illuminated his reddened earlobe.

Wei Zhen saw his embarrassment and drew even nearer.

Propping her chin with her hand, her smile was gentle and alluring, like a clear spring. Her delicate hand rested over his heart, soft and light.

The fragrance of her body drifted over him, and she chuckled softly beside his ear. Her hand pressed lightly over his chest, her voice as delicate as her touch, stirring his heart.

“Qi Yan, why is your heart beating so fast?”

In the dark night, the air grew thick with the unspoken tension of intimacy.