Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 88: Tug-of-War

Chapter 88: Tug-of-War

Before long, Lianchan returned from the royal hall. Wei Zhen was still sound asleep.

She approached the bed to cover her with the quilt when, lifting the corner of the blanket, the sight of the girl’s back came into view.

Lianchan had already been stunned by what she had witnessed earlier, but what she now saw was even more suggestive. Ambiguous kiss marks mottled the girl’s shoulders and upper back, and on either side of her slender waist were two vivid red finger-shaped bruises. She shifted slightly, revealing fresh marks scattered across her front. Lianchan dared not look further. She slowly pulled the quilt back over her mistress, stepped out into the outer hall, and ordered all the attendants to leave.

By noon, movement finally came from the bed.

Swaying flower shadows fell through the canopy as Wei Zhen pushed herself up from the bed.

Lianchan carefully stepped forward, presenting her with fresh clothing. Wei Zhen took it, lowered her head, and struggled to tie the strings. Whether from nerves or fatigue, it took a long time before she finished. When she lifted her gaze, her entire face was flushed—red as dawn, her makeup smudged. She looked utterly drained, yet the fatigue only heightened her charm, giving her a languid allure.

“Lianchan, I have something to ask you,” Wei Zhen said, her voice slightly hoarse.

“What would the Princess like to know?” Lianchan replied.

“Did you hear anything from within the hall when you brought the ice last night?”

Lianchan didn’t lift her eyes. Wei Zhen immediately understood from her expression that she had heard everything. Embarrassment rose to her cheeks.

Lianchan said, “Last night, I heard the Princess call General Qi’s name… and I heard a man’s voice. I guessed as much—was that man General Qi?”

Wei Zhen awkwardly nodded. “Yes… He came all the way to Wei to see me. We spent the night talking. When you went to the King’s hall this morning, did you mention any of this to him?”

Lianchan shook her head urgently. “Please don’t worry, Princess—I didn’t say a thing.”

Wei Zhen let out a long sigh of relief, reaching out to gently pat her hand. “Thank you for keeping this from him.”

“No need to thank me, Princess.”

After those words, both fell into an awkward silence. It was Wei Zhen who spoke first again. “Help me dress. I’m already terribly late in greeting Father. If I delay any longer, he might become suspicious.”

Lianchan agreed.

Wei Zhen walked to the dressing table and compared with the bronze mirror several times to check for the red marks on her neck. Her body was otherwise clean—likely because Qi Yan had bathed her early in the morning while she slept. But the marks on her neck were difficult to hide.

It was the height of summer, yet Wei Zhen had no choice but to change into a high-collared dress.

She made her way toward the royal hall. Just outside its doors, several officials were conversing. The tallest of them—was there anyone it could be but Qi Yan?

Despite not having slept a wink the night before, he looked perfectly refreshed, chatting and laughing with the envoys, not the slightest trace of fatigue on his face.

At the sight of Wei Zhen, the envoys bowed in unison. “Greetings, Princess of Wei.”

Her eyes slid sideways to Qi Yan, and he happened to look back at her. Memories from the previous night flashed through her mind, and her breath caught slightly. Still, she maintained a composed face as she stepped over the threshold.

“Princess, His Majesty is already waiting inside,” a eunuch said as he opened the inner doors for her.

Wei Zhen inclined her head gently and walked in. The King, seated at the bed, looked up with warmth in his eyes. “Yangyang, you’ve come.”

With a soft smile, Wei Zhen approached to pour him tea. Intentionally keeping her distance so he wouldn’t notice anything unusual, she was caught off guard when he waved her to come sit beside him.

“This morning, palace servants told me you were unwell yesterday. What happened?”

Handing him the tea, she replied, “It was nothing serious. I simply felt sluggish this morning and stayed in bed a little longer than usual.”

The King patted her hand, smiling. “This is the Wei palace—our home. There’s no need for you to be so formal. If you’re tired, don’t force yourself to rise early to accompany me every day.”

He looked at her closely. “But your complexion is so pale. And you’re wearing such thick clothing—don’t you feel hot?”

Wei Zhen touched her cheek. The powder was intentionally applied—to hide the marks on her neck.

She said, “It has been raining for days. I’ve caught a bit of a chill and feel slightly unwell. I wore more clothes to stay warm.”

The King coughed heavily, his pale face flushing. His expression held worry. “Later today, I shall have a physician examine you.”

Wei Zhen moved to pat his back, soothing his breathing. “Please don’t worry, Father. A few days of rest and I’ll be as good as new.”

Just then, a eunuch entered to report, “Your Majesty, the envoys from Chu request an audience.”

The King frowned. “Send them away. Tell them I’ve retired and will not receive guests for now.”

Wei Zhen helped him lie down. “You’re truly not going to see them?”

The King sighed, “If they want my support, they must show sincerity. Honestly, I don’t see why we have to get involved in their mess.”

Tucking in the covers, she responded, “Then allow me to speak on your behalf.”

“Go, then,” he said, pressing her hand. “Since returning to the palace, you’ve been carrying burdens for me. I am deeply gratified.”

Wei Zhen felt guilt creep into her chest. She nodded softly in response.

As she left the inner chambers and shut the doors behind her, she approached the Chu envoys who had been waiting for some time.

“I ask your understanding. His Majesty is unwell and unable to see guests. If you have anything to say, you may tell me—I will relay the message.”

The Chu envoys exchanged glances, whispered among themselves, and eventually looked at Qi Yan.

He stepped forward, folding his sleeves and bowing. “Then… may I speak with the Princess in private?”

Wei Zhen gave a slight smile and gestured for him to follow.

The two retreated to a side tea room. Once inside, Qi Yan locked the door. Wei Zhen kneeled beside the tea table and reached for the teapot when she suddenly felt a man press against her from behind.

His breath grazed the nape of her neck. His hands curled around her waist. She froze.

Qi Yan removed the mask on his face and whispered into her ear, “I grabbed your waist too hard last night… Does it still hurt? Are you feeling better?”

A shiver traced down her spine. Turning her head, she was met with handsome features—eyebrows slanted crisply, sideswept into his temples, a jade crown and elegant robe—his entire being exuded charm that could make any woman blush.

She raised the tea cup to his lips and jokingly scolded, “You’re bolder than ever. This is Wei, not Jin Palace. My father is just nearby, and yet you dare hold me like this. What if he sees us?”

Qi Yan leaned his head on her shoulder and held her tightly. Their young bodies, separated for too long, now pressed together, warming each other in silence.

Last night was fierce and urgent. But now—they simply held one another.

He gently massaged her waist, kissing her ear. “It doesn’t matter if he sees us now. One reason I came to Wei was to meet your father—to speak with him.”

“To say what?” Wei Zhen asked, wrapping her arms around his neck.

He pinned her to the tea table, hands braced on either side. “You were afraid of getting caught just moments ago. Now you’re clinging to me. If your father walked in now, what would he think?”

He lowered his voice, gently biting the pearl earring on her ear until she gasped. He immediately covered her mouth with his palm.

“Princess, what if someone storms in after hearing us? Would you want them to see you flushed, soft, and limp… in my arms like this?”

His lips grazed her neck, moving lower, trailing across her collarbone, prompting her to lift her chin. “Does the Princess permit a visiting subject to kiss her?”

Wei Zhen shook her head.

He pulled back, feigning disappointment. “No?”

In the art of seduction, Qi Yan now acted as if born to it—both confident and precise, massaging her waist while murmuring affection close to her ears. Wei Zhen flushed deeply, her body growing hotter.

He whispered how not a day passed in battle without him thinking of her.

Wei Zhen’s lips moved beneath his hand. “And what… did you think of?”

Qi Yan smiled. His jade-like face inched close. “I thought about seeing you. About kissing you. About how your days must be going. About being beside you all day long. And then—”

He paused for effect.

“—Doing everything a husband and wife do, to quench the longing burning inside me.”

He kissed the bridge of her nose, voice soft.

“Zhen’er… Did you ever want those things too?”

Fluttering lashes trembled like butterfly wings. “Did you think of us… like that?”

The question was too bold. Her eyes darted away in embarrassment. She didn’t speak, but the arms encircling his neck tightened.

Qi Yan lowered his voice again. “You were so passionate last night. You must have thought about me too.”

She refused to answer. He kissed her again, pressing her into the screen behind them, claiming her lips deeply.

Her mind went blank. All she could think about was the sweetness blooming between their mouths.

The hall was so quiet that only the wet, intimate sounds of their kisses echoed.

Outside, no one suspected that a visiting “envoy from Chu” was currently embracing and kissing the Princess of Wei.

They had lingered too long. There were knocks and calls at the door. On the third knock, Wei Zhen finally managed to respond—saying all was well and not to enter.

It seemed the more secretive and forbidden the setting, the more exciting the temptation to linger.

Her robe draped across his garment like water, the silk at her waist creased beneath his hand.

When they finally parted, her lip rouge had long been kissed away. Her jewelled hairpin trembled on the verge of falling. Seeing her like this, Qi Yan tucked her hair gently in place.

“You’re a mess. If you go out like this, they’ll all think I ravished you.”

Wei Zhen flushed. Though they had refrained from crossing a line here in the royal hall, she still didn’t wish to part. Resting her head on his shoulder, she calmed her breathing and said, “We’ve been alone too long. Let’s go out and talk—walk the palace a little.”

Qi Yan agreed. “Alright.”

The two exited the hall, walking one after the other. Wei Zhen’s expression was serene, but Qi Yan looked quite serious—clearly, they hadn’t agreed. The others assumed the envoy had failed to sway her.

Wei Zhen turned and instructed her maids, “We have government matters to discuss. You may stay behind.”

Though hesitant, the maids obeyed.

Walking side by side at a proper distance, the two soon reached the lotus garden. Cherry blossoms fell, pink petals scattering across the cool lake breeze.

Suddenly, Qi Yan clasped her hand. Wei Zhen’s heart raced—she hurriedly looked around. Thankfully, the area was secluded. Even if someone looked their way, the flower shrubs would block the view.

Quietly linking her fingers with his beneath her sleeve, she asked, “Earlier… you said you came to speak with my father. Is it about military aid?”

Qi Yan replied, “That’s part of it—but not the main reason I came.”

She blinked. What else could bring him here?

He gazed at her. “It’s about you.”

“Me?”

Qi Yan squeezed her hand. He had come to Wei to formally ask for her hand in marriage.

Though they had consummated their union, marriage still required formal approval and a blessing from her family—especially with the world in turmoil. If the King of Wei would consent, he’d feel much more at ease.

But until the King gave a clear answer, Qi Yan knew he couldn’t tell Wei Zhen yet.

He changed the subject. “I’ll still request troops. But given your father’s attitude, I doubt he’ll agree quickly. The situation is still uncertain. Wei’s hesitation is expected. For now, it’s fine. As long as I continue winning battles, he’ll come around eventually.”

Wei Zhen stepped closer. “How is Zuo Ying’s mission? He went to Qi to find his sister.”

“I know. I haven’t heard back yet, but from Qi’s lack of response to Ji Yuan’s call for aid, I suspect things are going well. Jin’s court is anxious and has halted their attack.”

That was good news. But then Qi Yan’s expression grew troubled.

“What is it?” Wei Zhen asked.

Qi Yan sighed. “Ji Wo has ascended the throne, but… he doesn’t want to remain king. He wants to pass the crown to me.”

Wei Zhen was stunned. The late king’s will had stated that if Ji Wo proved unfit, Qi Yan could take the throne.

“And what do you think?” she asked. “Do you want to be king?”

“I don’t know.”

Qi Yan looked out at the river. “I was a general—I thought only of winning battles. I never imagined becoming king. Even when my grandfather’s decree reached me, I hesitated. I meant to show loyalty to Ji Wo, to avoid conflict between us.”

He turned to her, eyes warm. “Zhen’er, what do you think I should do?”

She remembered Ji Wo’s tragic end in her past life. “He’s more suited to farming than ruling. If he truly doesn’t want the crown, forcing it on him would only torture him. Maybe… you should consider your grandfather’s will. I believe in you. Even as king, you would do well.”

She knew from her past life that he had ruled Jin with competence and strength—none had questioned him.

Wei Zhen continued, “If Ji Wo isn’t fit to command armies, send him to the rear lines. Let him handle logistics. Don’t push him.”

Her confidence gave Qi Yan strength. He nodded. “I’ll speak with him directly next time.”

Wei Zhen smiled softly, hoping they could avoid Ji Wo’s early death.

She then added, “My father recently introduced me to his trusted aides. I’ve begun assisting him with court affairs. If I urge him to support you… he’ll truly consider it.”

“Have any officials made trouble for you?” Qi Yan asked.

Of course they had. A princess long estranged from the court, suddenly aiding the king—that drew murmurs and resentment. Many officials sent memorials urging the king to adopt a successor.

But the king had no blood-related heirs left. Most of the royal line had perished in a coup early in his reign. Only the prime minister, Wei Yu, remained—and he was an adopted nephew.

Factions had since splintered, each vying for control. In this mess, Wei Zhen’s influence would take time to solidify.

But she said none of this. She didn’t want Qi Yan burdened by her situation in Wei. She would handle it herself.

She reached up and tugged at the human-skin mask on his face. Qi Yan winced. “Don’t pull—it hurts.”

She let go. “But you look terrible in that mask. It feels like I’m flirting with another man behind your back.”

Qi Yan smoothed the mask again. “I can’t remove it in public—we’ll need to meet somewhere private.”

Rain threatened again from the darkening sky. Where could they possibly go?

Qi Yan raised an eyebrow at her.

Wei Zhen whispered, “Then come to my sleeping quarters.”

Though if he did… what else could happen with one man and one woman alone?

Qi Yan only smiled. Wei Zhen pinched his palm coyly. “We’ll go separately. Be careful. Don’t let anyone see.”

“Alright.”

She turned and saw Lianchan waiting nearby, keeping watch. She strode over. “Lianchan, tell my father I caught a chill in the rain yesterday. I don’t feel well and will rest early tonight instead of accompanying him.”

Lianchan nodded and headed off.

As raindrops began to fall, Wei Zhen returned to her quarters, dismissing all guards and attendants.

Entering the inner chambers, her soaked dress clung uncomfortably. She began disrobing as she headed for the bath.

The marble bathing pool steamed gently. Wei Zhen tested the temperature with her foot.

Just as she removed her last undergarment, a pair of hands wrapped around her from behind.

Startled, she flinched and tried to pull away—but was pulled back. His hands traced her spine, parted her hair, and gathered her into a gentle but firm embrace.

Resting his chin in the crook of her neck, he drew lazy circles and whispered as he stared into the fogged mirror before them.

“Zhen’er, I had a dream once.”

She asked what dream.

“You stood just like this, dressed only in mist and fog. You walked toward me, and then… the mist fell away—”

The rest he murmured shamelessly at her ear.

She tried to mask her embarrassment. “When did you dream that?”

“A long time ago.”

He hesitated to say it was the night they shared a bed on her betrothal journey—before either of them had confessed feelings.

It had made him ashamed—to harbor such thoughts about her back then.

She pressed him for specifics.

“Alright…” he cleared his throat. “That night… we shared a bed while traveling for your arranged marriage.”

Wei Zhen was stunned. He coughed again and tried to change the subject. “Shall I help you wash your hair?”

She hugged him tightly. “So you’ve coveted me since then?”

Her loose hair framed a face full of seduction. She, cold outside but intense within, had always hidden a burning nature behind her quiet elegance.

Seeing him flustered delighted her.

“What else did I do to you in that dream?”

Dragging his hand to her waist, she whispered, “What other indecent thoughts have you had?”

Qi Yan tried to escape—but she pressed close again.

So he kissed her.

She tried to retreat, but he grasped her wrist tightly. “Didn’t you want to know what I dreamt?”

That brief teasing had gone too far. And now—retreating was no longer an option.

Robes spilled to the floor, and the splash of water rang out.

If not for her prodding, things tonight might have ended like last night. But once aroused, Qi Yan didn’t relent easily.

The bath filled with ripples and noisy splashes beneath the marble spout.

Wei Zhen braced herself, his kisses falling on her nape. Soon, she murmured, “I… I need to get out.”

“Too hot?” Qi Yan asked.

She said nothing—only shook her head, tears trailing down her cheeks. Not from pain, but shame.

He wiped her tears. “I’m just showing you what I dreamed, remember?”

Her protest only fueled his fire.

Outside, footsteps approached—it could only be Lianchan.

In a whisper, Qi Yan asked at her ear, “Now do you know?”

Her trembling voice answered, “I do…”

Then she called, louder, “Lianchan—is that you?”

A pause. Then an awkwardly formal voice replied, “It’s me, Princess. I’m tidying your bedding.”

Qi Yan chuckled lazily, pressing a finger to her lips. “Your maid knows you well, doesn’t she?”

Wei Zhen shot him a glare.

Water splashed again.

Lianchan quickly retreated from the chamber. She dared not let anyone disturb the room before things calmed—lest the consequences be catastrophic.

Dark clouds swirled, the rain growing heavier.

In the King’s hall, Wei Ji sat reviewing memorials. A sudden crash of thunder lit up the chamber. Frowning, he sighed and rose, ordering servants to prepare his cloak.

“Where are you headed so late, Your Majesty?” a eunuch asked.

“It’s storming,” Wei Ji said. “I can’t sleep. Yangyang said she was unwell—I’ll go check on her.”

The eunuch tried to dissuade him, but he waved it away.

Soon, his carriage arrived at Wei Zhen’s quarters. He stepped down, umbrella held above him.

To his surprise, no one attempted to stop him. Puzzled, he found Lianchan outside.

“His Majesty arrives—”

Her eyes flew wide. Desperate, she called into the hall, “Princess, Princess—the King has come!”

The King chuckled kindly. “I see your mistress left you outside to stand guard?”

“N-no… The Princess is resting. She’s unwell. Perhaps if you wait, she will be ready soon.”

He looked from the lit chamber to the flustered girl.

Lianchan stammered, “She just finished bathing. If you wait a moment… she’ll be ready.”

Her story contradicting itself, the King shook his head. “If your Princess is ill, you should be with her. Go inside and tell her I’m here.”

“I… I was punished to wait outside. I don’t dare enter.”

Something was clearly being hidden.

“No matter,” the King said. “Tell her not to worry—I’ll just check and go.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Lianchan knocked timidly at the door.

Inside, Wei Zhen and Qi Yan had only just made it back to bed.

Outside, the storm raged.

Qi Yan froze first. “Was that… your father?”

Wei Zhen, listening closely, blanched. She began frantically dressing, shoving clothes at Qi Yan and pushing him behind the screen, knocking it askew.

“Yangyang?” the King called softly.

She answered, stepping in front of the mirror. But with red marks all over her skin and a face flushed with warmth—there was no concealing the truth.

She threw back the quilt, climbed into bed, and pulled the covers tightly over her entire body.

“Father, you may enter now.”

The door creaked open.

Cocooned beneath the bedding, she meekly called, “Father.”

“You caught a chill from the rain?” he asked with concern.

“Yes…” she replied, forcing a cough.

“I brought a physician. Let him check you.”

“No need,” she said quickly. “I’ll be fine after some sleep.”

“You’ve gone hoarse already—if you don’t see the doctor now, it’ll get worse.”

Wei Zhen silently cursed her earlier lie. Her hoarseness wasn’t from cold, but from Qi Yan.

As she scrambled for another excuse, her father’s gaze landed on the window. “Why is this window… still open…?”

He stopped mid-sentence.

Wei Zhen’s heart pounded. She turned slightly.

There—hanging on the coat rack—was a man’s belt.

Her father turned to her. “Yangyang?”

On the floor—a man’s lone boot.

She sat up, face scarlet. “Father—”

She reached toward him, but he was already striding toward the screen.

Just as he neared, the man behind it emerged—a tall and handsome figure, bare-chested and lean, his shoulders and back blatantly marked by fingernail scratches.

He bowed respectfully. A faint, composed smile curved his lips as he spoke slowly and clearly:

“I am Qi Yan. I greet… Father-in-law.”