Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 86: Night Encounter

Chapter 86: Night Encounter

Slender beams of light rippled in the evening breeze, falling across Wei Zhen’s body like shimmering waves upon clear water.

Nestled in the embrace of the King of Wei, she felt a warmth she had never experienced before.

The King of Wei said, “You rushed here from Jin. Why didn’t you send word ahead? I could have arranged for the palace to prepare a proper welcoming ceremony for you.”

His voice was hoarse and full of deep affection.

Just looking at him made Wei Zhen’s eyes well with tears, moisture glimmering at their corners. “If there had been a formal reception, it would have taken even longer. All I wanted was to see Father as soon as possible—I couldn’t bear even a moment’s delay.”

The King of Wei’s eyes, too, reddened, and he smiled gently, fine lines gathering at his eyes. “Let’s stand up. We can talk inside.”

He led Wei Zhen into the main hall. With her head bowed, she looked at the hand he held tightly—in all her life, this was the first time she had ever been held by her father in such a way.

He brought her to a writing desk and sat her down, taking her in with a tender gaze.

The King of Wei, Wei Ji, though past forty, still possessed fine and refined features, his peach blossom eyes filled with endless warmth. Yet, there was a trace of lingering illness about his brows, and, weakened by his condition, his face was pale, his frame especially thin—none of the stockiness typical of men his age. Moreover, he wore no beard, which contributed to his youthful appearance.

The King’s eyes brimmed with tears. “When Wei Yu^1 returned from Jin and told me you were alive, from that day until now I longed urgently to see you every day.”

Wei Zhen gripped her father’s hands fiercely. Before meeting the King, she had been anxious—afraid he would dislike her, that he would be cold to this daughter who had arrived as a stranger. Normally, she was not someone who wore her heart on her sleeve, but hearing his words of care, she could not help her nose stinging with emotion.

Then, without hesitation, she called him “Father,” as if it were the most natural thing.

The King responded, then asked her many questions about her childhood. “Wei Yu told me many things, but it was not detailed enough—Father wants to hear your own account. Will you tell me?”

Wei Zhen smiled and nodded her agreement.

Though he was frail and easily tired, the King forced himself to listen, and Wei Zhen recounted everything in detail—hiding only the parts that would worry him.

The King spoke with difficulty, “Yangyang^2, your mother and I never intended to abandon you.”

“I know.” Wei Zhen nodded, “You and Mother had no choice—you had to send me away because of unrest. I understand.”

He lifted his hand to gently stroke her face, squeezing her hand, and said he wished to show her to her sleeping quarters.

The father and daughter ascended a palanquin, passing by rows of bowing maids and servants.

Before her return, the Princess of Wei had never shown her face in public. Fortune-tellers had once prophesied that the frail princess needed to be sent away from the palace to survive, and so for years no one in Wei Palace had seen her, their confidence in her existence waning. But ever since the Prime Minister^3 returned from Jin bearing news of her years in exile, the court was thrown into an uproar.

Today, as palace staff looked upon her snow-like skin and delicate features—her elegance and refinement, eyes reminiscent of the Queen and cheeks of the King—they knew instantly there could be no doubt about her identity.

Wei Zhen also observed the palace scenery. When they reached her chambers, she stepped down from the palanquin with her father.

The King smiled. “Up ahead is your sleeping quarters—your mother and I arranged everything here together. For all these years, I had the maids sweep and tidy every day, always hoping, just in case, that one day you would return.”

Wei Zhen gathered her dress and entered the hall, moving with the utmost care as if afraid of disturbing anything. Warm light streamed through the window lattice, gilding the furniture in gold.

She walked slowly, lightly, her steps barely making a sound.

Inside were many items she had never expected—a baby’s cradle, children’s toys, a young girl’s jewelry…

The King explained, “Everything here was prepared for you by your mother and me. There are even gifts for each year of your life.”

Wei Zhen picked up a rattle from beside the cradle, its drum painted with auspicious clouds and birds in vivid color.

The King murmured in reverie, “This rattle was made for your first birthday by your mother, and the designs were painted by me. All these years, it has grown mottled.”

Wei Zhen placed her fingers upon it, the delicate pattern under her touch, and she seemed to picture her parents preparing gifts for her as a child.

With her heart softened, she smiled, “Father can paint?”

He smiled. “A little. The palace still holds portraits I did for your mother. When we return, I’ll show them to you—and paint a few for you, would you like that?”

Through a mirror, Wei Zhen caught a glimpse of his loving gaze.

He laughed, “There’s also a foal your mother picked for you when you were ten. Many years have passed, so now it’s grown. When she chose the gift, your mother hoped you would be like that foal, one day riding the wind, unbound and free.”

Wei Zhen lowered her eyes, and a tear slid down her cheek, falling on the rattle with a clear sound.

She turned away, trying not to let her father see her trembling. Perceiving her shoulders shaking, the King hurried to embrace her. At that, Wei Zhen could no longer hold back, and collapsed in sobs. “Father…”

All her life, she had never known parental affection, but at this moment she realized how parents could love without reservation—preparing gifts every year, wishing only happiness for their child. For the first time, she truly felt she had come home.

Sobbing in her father’s arms, she heard him comfort her, “Yangyang…”

The King looked upon her with heart-wrenching pain. The Prime Minister had told him this daughter was calm and good-natured, but after all, she was only seventeen—a girl who had suffered much. Such a reaction was understandable.

He said, “Now that you’re back in Wei, with your father here, no one will ever bully you again. Rest well tonight—tomorrow I’ll show you more of Wei Palace.”

Wei Zhen smiled through her tears, promising she would.

The King spoke with her for a long while more, and that night, Wei Zhen examined every gift the King and Queen had ever prepared for her over the years. Her emotions rolled like waves—late into the night, she finally slipped the rattle under her pillow to sleep, tears still on her cheeks.

Since her return, various figures came to visit her. Many had assumed that a princess raised in exile would lack courtly manners, but she presented herself with poise beside the King, handling every occasion with composure and grace.

Father and daughter were inseparable, almost as if making up for all the years apart.

One afternoon, woken by heat from a nap in the King’s side chamber, Wei Zhen got up and tidied her appearance, hearing voices outside. Just as she reached to open the door, her hand suddenly paused.

“Does His Majesty still remember the princess’s betrothal to Jin’s Seventh Prince? Now that she has returned, should the dowry not be prepared, lest Jin grow displeased?”

“Isn’t it time to begin gathering her bridal gifts, Your Majesty?”

Wei Zhen stepped out. The several ministers by the King’s bedside turned and fell silent in surprise.

No one spoke further, save one middle-aged man in ornate robes, who asked, “What does His Majesty say?”

Wei Zhen moved next to the bed and smiled, “It’s only been days since my reunion with Father, and already you rush to send me off to Jin—aren’t you in too much of a hurry?”

The officials coughed and whispered among themselves.

The minister tried to speak again, but the King said, “That will be all.”

As they left, he spoke to his daughter: “Yangyang, this engagement was made in troubled times, sealed between myself and the late King, joining us in alliance, binding our children in betrothal. I never asked you before—what do you think of this match?”

Receiving a bowl of herbal medicine from a maid, Wei Zhen asked, “Does Father wish his daughter to marry?”

She looked straight at him, her fingers tensing around the spoon. The King was silent a long while, then sighed: “Truly, I wish you could always stay by my side.”

Wei Zhen’s heart settled—she’d secretly feared he would side with the ministers, and that their hard-won reunion would turn into opposition.

But the King’s frown did not ease. “There is much strife in Jin. The ministers are eager to choose sides. But from Wei Yu, I’ve heard of you and Qi Yan. Do you love him?”

Wei Zhen lowered her eyes and answered honestly, “I am, indeed, deeply devoted to him.”

“Then, Yangyang, whom do you think I should support?”

He watched her closely. Wei Zhen was quiet a moment, then softly replied: “Father ought to act according to the tides of fortune. If not careful, it will surely harm Wei in the future.”

“Meaning…”

“If Qi Yan gains the advantage, you should choose him. But if the Seventh Prince seizes the country, there will be no reason not to send troops to support him.”

The King seemed startled by her answer.

“Yet Ji Yuan is too ruthless and cold. He will stop at nothing for power—and the late king was destroyed by him.”

The King’s eyes grew somber. “Then—was that public proclamation from Qi Yan denouncing Ji Yuan for murdering his king true?”

Wei Zhen nodded.

Hearing her account, the King grew troubled. “I thought you would urge me to support Qi Yan, but I did not expect this.”

Wei Zhen smiled, guiding the spoon to his lips, the sunlight glinting in her eyes like honey-whipped gold.

“I trust that everything Father does is well thought out, and done for Wei—you need not let me sway your decision.”

The bowl of medicine soon emptied, and Wei Zhen set it down. “Your ministers have exhausted you—please rest now.”

She gripped his hand. “I’ll stay with you.”

He smiled, closing his eyes.

Wei Zhen stood, picking up documents from the bedside desk and glancing over them—her eyes quickly caught on certain phrases.

They displayed details of recent tax assessments in southern Wei.

The King asked, “Yangyang, do you understand these memorials?”

“I know a little about taxes, but I just glanced at them,” Wei Zhen answered, setting the report back.

He smiled gently. “Wei Yu said you handled taxation for the King of Jin—that’s hardly ‘just a little.’ Feel free to read anything in my study.”

Wei Zhen was surprised by his lack of reservation.

He added, “But the followers you brought from Jin have gotten close to my ministers.”

Wei Zhen tensed slightly. “They work for Ji Yuan. Before, I had no choice but to bargain with him for marriage, and he wanted a way to interfere in Wei. Those are his men—sent to watch me.”

She finished and anxiously looked to her father.

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll betray Wei’s secrets to them?”

“Would you?” The King met her eyes, warm and trusting. “Child.”

Wei Zhen felt her eyes sting—his trust was offered freely, without reason. “Of course not,” she said.

He squeezed her hand, full of fatherly love. “They all say I have no son to share my burdens, but for me, having a daughter is enough. If you wish, I’d like your advice and help in state affairs—I trust you.”

“Later, I’ll have Wei Yu help you become familiar with court matters.”

Looking at his bloodless face, Wei Zhen nodded, biting her lip to hold back tears. “Of course I wish to help Father.”

She picked up a fan and fanned him gently.

The afternoon light slanted in through the window, gilding the edge of her dress. Looking at the man in the bed, she squeezed his hand tight. With such trust, she could not allow herself to disappoint him.

As the heat grew stifling and the rain poured on, Wei Zhen remained busy. The King secretly summoned his confidants and introduced them to her, and with their help, she gradually familiarized herself with court affairs. Meanwhile, Ji Yuan’s men worked tirelessly behind the scenes, attempting to sway ministers and urging Wei to send troops to Jin.

Within just two months, two confrontations in Jin both ended in victories for Qi Yan.

The situation was suddenly unpredictable, which only made Ji Yuan’s envoys pressure Wei Zhen all the more.

She sat by the window, cool breezes laced with rain, and reflected—she had now been back in Wei for three months.

“Is Princess absent-mindedly gazing out the window, thinking of the general?” Lianchan^4 asked.

Lianchan had traveled back to Wei with her.

Wei Zhen hummed her acknowledgment. She missed Qi Yan, and so many days had passed without a single letter—the thought came to her that perhaps the front was simply too tense for him to write, or maybe, for a moment, he had forgotten her entirely.

Rains beat slantwise against the blossoms, petals drifting to the damp earth, crushed to pulp.

Absorbed in thought, she heard Lianchan say, “Princess, it’s time for the King’s medicine—you should go to the hall.”

Wei Zhen turned with a smile. “Let’s go.”

The two picked up an umbrella and made their way to the main hall. As they stepped inside, they heard raised voices within. Wei Zhen walked in to find several ministers demanding the eunuchs open the inner doors.

“Lord Yinbo, please leave. The King is ill and cannot see anyone right now.”

“The Jin war is urgent! Just let me speak with him for a moment.”

“I’m sorry, Minister. I have my orders—I absolutely cannot let you enter.”

The leader, sharply reprimanding the eunuch, Wei Zhen recognized as Lord Yinbo—the official in charge of grain and rations for Wei, and the very man who had urged the King to marry Wei Zhen off.

Wei Zhen said, “Lord Yinbo, the King is unwell and cannot receive visitors. With all this shouting, how can he rest? You had better leave.”

Shen Si^5 turned and looked at her coldly, his gaze filled with disdain. He persisted in ordering the eunuchs, “Go announce my presence. I am Lord Yinbo—I have urgent military business!”

“Escort Lord Yinbo out,” Wei Zhen commanded the guards.

Shen Si glared, mocking, “I am a minister of this court—not yours to order around, you stranger raised outside the realm!”

When he tried to force his way in, Wei Zhen snatched the sword from a guard’s belt and leveled its tip at Shen Si’s throat.

Everyone gasped, struck breathless.

“Princess!” “Princess, you must not!”

Shen Si’s eyes widened.

The marking on Wei Zhen’s brow^6 cast tiny flashes in her eyes, and though the sword was heavy, she held it steady, inching it toward his throat. “Lord Yinbo, I know the Wei legal code^7. Today, to force entry to the King’s chamber is a capital crime. Between you and me, who is truly a loyal subject of Wei?”

Staring at her, Shen Si suddenly laughed, lips curling in mockery. “The princess waves a sword at me—do you actually dare to strike?”

He pressed his throat closer to the tip.

“Princess, put the sword down!” nearby people begged.

“That’s right, princess—the envoys from Chu^8 are here.”

Wei Zhen twisted her wrist; the blade flashed at his neck. Startled, Shen Si dodged, but still the edge sliced his shoulder, blood streaming instantly.

Clutching his shoulder, trembling all over, Shen Si glared at her, “You—”

Wei Zhen smiled serenely, “If you attempt to enter again today, I won’t hesitate to spill your blood right here.”

Blood dripped from his shoulder. When she gripped the sword again, Shen Si gritted his teeth and hissed to his followers, “Let’s go!”

He gave a final look of loathing and left. Wei Zhen glanced at the puddle of blood, frowned, and instructed the eunuchs, “Clean this up.”

“Princess, the envoys from Chu wish to see the King. Should we let them in?”

Wei Zhen turned to see several Chu envoys outside the palace, bowing respectfully.

Recently, the King of Chu had written from his palace, requesting military aid. Weighed down by ongoing conflict with Jing Heng^9, the King of Chu had suffered repeated defeats and the situation was dire.

“Should they be allowed to see the King?” the eunuch whispered.

Were it envoys from another nation, she would never allow them in, but since Chu was allied with Qi Yan, Wei Zhen only hesitated a moment before saying, “Let them in.”

The envoys bowed again in gratitude.

Holding the bowl of medicine, Wei Zhen entered the inner chambers and found, as expected, the King awake.

She sat by his bed. The King said, “I heard you arguing with Shen Si just now. He was very rude.”

He coughed forcefully, his face going red.

Wei Zhen quickly helped him catch his breath. The King added weakly, “Do not dwell on it, Yangyang. You did well. Later, I’ll have him stripped of his office and order him to reflect at home for a time.”

Wei Zhen smiled, “I only wanted to keep Father from being disturbed.”

As she finished speaking, the Chu envoys entered.

Kneeling, they greeted the King, “We are envoys from Chu, sent by the King of Chu to call upon Your Majesty.”

The King glanced at Wei Zhen, “Did you let them in?”

Wei Zhen did not reply, simply spooning the medicine.

She wanted to help Chu, but whether the envoys could succeed depended on their own skill.

The King closed his eyes and listened to their proposals.

Wei Zhen noticed, among those kneeling, a tall young man who kept his face down—at first glance he looked eerily like Qi Yan, except for his long beard. Sensing her gaze, he raised his head, but his face was entirely unlike Qi Yan’s.

Wei Zhen quickly looked away.

The Chu envoys pleaded for an alliance; the King did not agree, and after a time, waved for them to leave.

They exchanged glances and withdrew, clearly disappointed. But Wei Zhen knew they would linger in Wei, making repeated requests.

Seeing the King was tired, she quietly let down the curtain and slipped out.

Night rain drifted through the air. Soaked on her way back to her chambers, Wei Zhen immediately entered the bath.

Leaning against the edge, she shut her eyes, resting. Soon, a knocking sounded at the door. Lianchan peeked outside and said softly, “Princess, I’ll go look—it must be a maid with clean clothes.”

After Lianchan left, Wei Zhen stepped from the water, carelessly wrapped herself in a towel, and moved toward her bed.

She began to dry her hair with a cloth, when suddenly—a window flew open. A gust of wind stirred the curtains and wavered the candlelight.

She paused, then caught the silhouette of a man, cast upon the wall.

Startled, she turned, about to cry out for help—when a hand covered her mouth and she was pressed against the bedpost.

“Mmm—” Her clear eyes mirrored the man’s handsome face. Her mouth and nose were tightly covered, her heart pounding.

Qi Yan’s eyes shone bright as stars. He let go of her lips, whispering, “It’s me.”

In the next instant, footsteps echoed from the outer chambers. “Princess!”

Others besides Lianchan—palace maids from the Wei palace—were just outside.

In a panic, Wei Zhen pushed Qi Yan onto the bed, dropping the curtain just in time as the maids entered, and she pressed both hands to his mouth, commanding him to silence.

Footnotes:

1. 1. Wei Yu (魏砡): A chief minister of Wei, who had previously gone to Jin and brought news of the princess’s survival.

 

1. 1. Yangyang (央央): Wei Zhen’s given name or affectionate nickname.

 

1. 1. Prime Minister (魏相): The head of Wei’s court.

 

1. 1. Lianchan (涼蟬): Wei Zhen’s trusted attendant/maid.

 

1. 1. Shen Si (沈斯): Lord Yinbo, head of grain and rations, one of Wei’s powerful and conservative ministers.

 

1. 1. Marking on Wei Zhen’s brow (花钿): A decorative forehead ornament typical in ancient China, signifying noble status.

 

1. 1. Wei legal code (《魏律》): The official codified law of the Wei Kingdom.

 

1. 1. Chu: The southern rival kingdom, a major political player.

 

1. 1. Jing Heng (景恒): Deposed former crown prince of Chu, now fighting for power in the south.