Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 92: Lapdog

Chapter 92: Lapdog

Wei Zhen said, “If there’s anything the King of Jin wishes to discuss with me, we can speak at the negotiating table.”

“But His Majesty insists on seeing you, even if just for a moment,” the messenger replied.

Wei Zhen smiled faintly. “I’ve been traveling day and night, utterly exhausted. Today, I seek only a proper rest. The King of Jin will see me tomorrow—what’s the rush?”

She raised her hand, lifting the curtain halfway, her voice gentle, a kind smile on her face. “Is that not acceptable?”

Though her expression was soft, her tone left no room for refusal. Under her clear gaze, the official cupped his hands and said, “Of course it is. The tent has already been prepared for the Princess. Her Highness may enter at any time.”

Even before he finished speaking, the curtain was already lowered. Her voice came from beyond the drape: “Let’s proceed.”

“Her Highness, the Princess of Wei, arrives—!”

The Wei delegation’s entrance into camp instantly attracted countless eyes. Ministers from each kingdom came out of their tents. When they saw the Princess of Wei gracefully step down from the most extravagant royal carriage, clad in a simply elegant robe of soft hues—with sleeves fluttering in the wind, flowing in gentle ripples—her presence was ethereal, almost divine.

When they noticed she rode in a six-horse royal chariot, typically reserved for sovereigns, hushed murmurs rippled through the camp.

Wei Zhen lifted her skirts and stepped down. At her side stood Qi Yan, blade at his waist, flanking her like a proper guard; behind them followed lines of armored soldiers.

These guards carried spears, armor shining under the sun. With their orderly formation and imposing aura, they encircled the Princess of Wei as their core, causing everyone nearby to avert their gaze, intimidated into silence.

Only after she disappeared into her assigned royal tent did whispered conversation resume around them.

“How outrageous—Wei King sends his daughter instead?”

“You don’t know? The King of Wei has only one child by his late queen. The royal bloodline was almost entirely wiped out by the king himself during the early years of his reign. The Princess is the only survivor, raised to great power. Word is, she’s been put in full charge of the court purge.”

Eyes widened in amazement.

“A mere woman governs Wei’s court?”

“Who knows what lies within Wei’s politics. But rumor is she’s cold and ruthless—not to be underestimated.” The speaker lowered his voice. “The Princess of Wei is betrothed to the King of Jin. If she holds the power in Wei, then the King of Jin stands to profit.”

Someone murmured about her background—Wei Zhen, abandoned in childhood and sent to Jin through Chu as part of a marriage alliance. Then, how Ji Yuan revealed her royal lineage and returned her to Wei. Not only that, she had once been betrothed to Crown Prince Jing Heng of Chu.

This caused an uproar. Everyone knew Jing Heng had already arrived and would attend the meeting tomorrow. That meant both her former fiancé and her current one would be present. Tomorrow’s gathering promised to be highly entertaining.

Wei Zhen didn’t know what was being said outside. After entering the tent, she’d ordered the maids to exit and left instructions for the guards: if Ji Yuan came, say she was unwell and could not receive guests.

WhileLianchan organized her belongings, she cast a sideways glance at Qi Yan and cautiously asked, “Your Highness, what shall we do with him? Shall we lead him outside or… let him stay and wait upon you?”

Wei Zhen turned. Qi Yan was inspecting a tea set on a shelf. Upon hearing their conversation, he set it down and raised an eyebrow.

Wei Zhen said calmly, “Liangchan, he is Qi Yan.”

Liangchan’s expression shifted dramatically, as though she had seen a ghost. “But… hadn’t the General—”

Wei Zhen lowered her voice, “He didn’t die. He’s wearing a human-skin mask.”

Liangchan was too shocked to speak. It took her a long time to collect herself. “So that’s why the Princess tied him up in town today…”

She asked no more, wisely excusing herself and leaving the tent to the pair.

Wei Zhen resumed choosing which jewelry to wear tomorrow. She heard Qi Yan approach.

“Shall I accompany you to the alliance meeting tomorrow?” he asked.

She didn’t respond. He picked up the jade hairpin in her hand and gently tucked it into her hair, asking, “What do you plan to say to Ji Yuan at the negotiation table?”

Only then did Wei Zhen raise her eyes. “I originally came to question him in person—about your incident at the Yellow River. But since you’re alive, I naturally can’t ally with him. I’ll play along tomorrow, but once it’s over, I’ll return to Wei safely.”

Qi Yan smiled faintly, a crescent moon reflected in his eyes.

In this, they were of one mind.

Qi Yan’s idea was also for Wei to agree to Ji Yuan’s alliance proposal, lowering Ji Yuan’s guard—but agreeing was one thing, truly following through was another.

The supposed collapse after Wusui had been staged. His forces were largely intact, but he released false news of mutiny and disarray to deceive the enemy.

Since they were acting, they would play it thoroughly.

Quietly, the two finalized their strategy.

Qi Yan said again, “Let me go with you tomorrow.”

Wei Zhen frowned. “I recognized you—but if Ji Yuan or Jing Heng do as well, then what?”

Qi Yan smiled. “You shared your bed with me and still nearly didn’t recognize me. Think they’ll expect me to show up here? Tomorrow I’ll alter my face and voice—disguised among the guards. No one will notice. But if you truly prefer I don’t come… fine.”

He took her hand, placed it over his mask, and gently tugged. The thin-as-insect-wing disguise peeled away halfway, revealing his sharp, handsome features. His gaze locked on hers.

“Do you want me with you?”

Wei Zhen’s fingers curled subconsciously under his gaze. Deep down, she did. With him beside her, she would feel far more confident.

Qi Yan smiled again. “Still mad at me?”

She pulled her hand away. “Are you saying I’m still angry? Should I send you away, then? Go find somewhere else to sleep tonight.”

“It’s raining out,” Qi Yan replied with a faint frown, as if troubled by the thought. “Didn’t you hear?”

Indeed—the sky had begun its drizzle when they arrived. The sound of drops tapping the tent was a soft, chaotic rhythm.

Wei Zhen looked back. “Why is it that every time I try to get rid of you, it starts raining?”

Qi Yan furrowed his brow too. “Apparently, even Heaven wants me to stay with you. Only you, Lady Wei, with your heart of stone, still want me gone.”

He moved closer. His star-like eyes reflected her face. Warm breath brushed her cheeks.

“Do you really want me to go?”

Wei Zhen pressed her lips together and said nothing. A cold gust slipped under the tent. Her trailing strands of hair fluttered.

Qi Yan straightened and glanced behind her. Wei Zhen followed his gaze: a corner of the tent had torn, allowing rain to slip inside.

“I’ll fix it,” he said.

Replacing the mask, he went to the door—just in time to hear voices outside.

Liangchan asked, “May I ask why you’ve come? The Princess is resting.”

“I come on behalf of His Majesty,” replied the visitor. “He regrets receiving her so poorly today and sends these treasures to express his apologies. We’ll not disturb her further—His Majesty will speak with her tomorrow.”

After the man left, Qi Yan stepped out.Lianchan stared at the items in her arms. “These gifts…?”

Qi Yan barely glanced at them. “Keep them. Don’t trouble the Princess.”

Liangchan understood at once. “Yes, General.”

Qi Yan secured the torn canopy outside, and when he returned, rain soaked his clothing through.

“Fixed the tent,” he said, shaking off droplets.

Wei Zhen retrieved a towel and handed it to him. He blinked in surprise before lowering his head. She began drying his hair. He caught her wrist.

“Didn’t you want me gone? Why help me dry my hair if you’re not worried?”

She kept her face impassive. “I’m not worried about you.”

A cold droplet slid from his hair and landed on her cheek. She blinked, meeting those dark, rain-drenched eyes—thinking, strangely, of a puppy caught in the rain.

He edged closer. “Are you sure?”

She meant to deny it, but the words that escaped her mouth were, “I lied.”

He smiled and pulled her tightly into his arms. The towel fell to the ground. She didn’t resist; instead, she embraced him too.

“I may feel for you,” she said, tilting her chin defiantly, “but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven you.”

Qi Yan chuckled. “Then who’s hugging me right now? Seems like forgiveness to me.”

“It’s the Princess of Wei hugging you,” she replied swiftly. “Has nothing to do with Wei Zhen.”

Qi Yan laughed quietly. “So the Princess of Wei isn’t also Wei Zhen?”

She didn’t answer but leaned against his chest. After days of fearing she had lost him forever, the steady beat of his heart finally gave her peace.

They stood like that for a while before she pulled away. “You’re soaked. Go change before you catch cold.”

Wei Zhen, too, was exhausted. After bathing, she went to bed early. Sometime later, the blankets dipped as Qi Yan joined her, wrapping an arm around her waist. This was perhaps the first time since their reunion that they simply held each other with no further intimacy. She could feel his arm tighten slowly around her waist.

“Sleep well,” he murmured, pressing his damp hair into her neck.

Wei Zhen let her thoughts settle and embraced him in return. Listening to the gentle rain outside, she slept soundly in his warmth.

October air was crisp. After a soft night’s rain, the grass shimmered with dew.

Wei Zhen exited her tent. On the slope, wild grass stirred in the wind; her skirts rippled like water.

A soldier guided her. “Princess, the Crown Prince of Chu and Qi have arrived. They’re in the tent ahead. The King of Jin will arrive shortly.”

Wei Zhen glanced at Qi Yan beside her. He was dressed in a black warrior’s robe, hands resting on the hilt of his blade. The slim-fitting outfit emphasized his lean frame; a dagger hung at his waist. With his face hidden behind another skin mask, he might have looked simply clean-cut, but his posture spoke volumes.

Qi Yan said courteously, “After you, Your Highness.”

Wei Zhen strode ahead, guards clearing crowds before her. All bowed deeply.

At her entrance, chatter ceased instantly. Every gaze turned on her.

The dust of travel had been washed from her. She now wore full ceremonial garb: a regal gown embroidered with phoenixes and birds, inlaid hairpins and ornate jewelry twinkling in her high-piled hair. As she stepped into sunlight, golden embroidery sparkled with dazzling brilliance.

From afar, she had seemed a graceful immortal in plain robes. But now, up close, no one could deny her stunning splendor—radiating light so intense, it seemed to illuminate the whole tent.

Yet no one stepped forward to greet her. The silence grew awkward.

Unbothered, she walked to her table and sat.

Opposite her sat a man in his thirties with a dignified face—likely King Jiang Qi of Qi. Nearby stood a richly dressed man, Crown Prince Jing Heng of Chu.

In just a year, Jing Heng had changed remarkably. Gone was the gentle countenance—replaced by shadow and severity.

A scar now slashed across the bridge of his nose, making his features even darker.

He said nothing. Behind him stood Chu officials, murmuring:

“So the King of Wei sends a princess instead? Is he truly bedridden—or does Wei have no men left?”

“A girl from the wilds of the northwest, who only survived because Chu took her in. Now she plays princess of Wei… How much power can a girl even hold? Utterly ridiculous!”

The contempt was clear. Everyone in the tent heard it.

Wei Zhen raised her eyes and glanced toward the speaker.

She summoned someone by her side—but before words escaped her lips, Qi Yan had already drawn his blade and was walking forward.

The Chu envoy scoffed as Qi Yan approached. “Is this a negotiation meeting? Why send a guard to intimidate me?”

He sneered openly, spitting once. “Lowly lapdog—do you even know who I am?”

Qi Yan stopped in front of him, smiling lazily. “Yes, I’m a lapdog. Not just any—her lapdog. A most devoted claw and fang. I follow only her commands.”

His voice turned icy. “But no matter what I am, I don’t think it’s your place—you, a dead man walking—to mock me.”

In that instant, his sword flashed. Blood splattered hotly.

The courtroom went still.

A guard of the Princess of Wei had drawn his sword—and killed a Chu official during a diplomatic summit.

Shock rippled through the tent.

Jing Heng’s jaw tightened. He stood abruptly.

Wei Zhen reached the table in a few strides, standing protectively in front of Qi Yan. Staring down Jing Heng, she said:

“Yes, I’m from the wild northwest. Yes, I stand in place of the King of Wei. But you, a deposed prince, a puppet of Jin’s king—dare call my people lapdogs?”

Her voice rang with iron.

“If another of your dogs insults those loyal to me, I’ll let my sword answer again. I’ve no problem painting this place red!”

Weapons shifted. A single spark could’ve brought all blades from their sheaths.

Jing Heng roughly grabbed her arm. “Wei Zhen!”

Qi Yan yanked her back behind him, locking eyes with Jing Heng. “Crown Prince—do not touch the Princess again.”

Just then, an announcement came from outside.

“The King of Jin has arrived!”

Ji Yuan entered and took in the bloodied body, the panicked whispers of ministers. His face darkened.

Wei Zhen spoke first. “Your Majesty, it seems the Crown Prince of Chu is displeased by my presence. If Wei is unwelcome, we will withdraw.”

She turned. “We leave.”

Jing Heng opened his mouth to speak, but Ji Yuan stared him down.

“This matter was the Crown Prince’s fault. The Princess of Wei represents her kingdom—and deserves full honors. His man insulted the princess and must apologize.”

He motioned to Jing Heng, who released Wei Zhen’s arm reluctantly, his expression taut with reluctance.

“Of course. The Princess and the King of Jin are betrothed—naturally, His Majesty would defend her.”

Wei Zhen replied coolly, “Jing Heng, you’re the one who started this. Don’t make it sound like the King’s simply favoring me. And besides—who I marry is none of your concern.”

Ji Yuan stepped forward, gesturing for attendants to clean up the mess.

Jing Heng returned to his seat, smirking coldly. “Yes—none of my business. Just surprised the Princess appears so composed. After all, her beloved fell into the river—and yet here she is, bright as ever. Makes you wonder what Qi Yan would think, down in the grave.”

Ji Yuan’s eyes narrowed. “Jing Heng!”

Across the tent, King Jiang Qi lifted his head, sensing juicy gossip. “The Princess of Wei and Qi Yan—what’s that about?”

Only those within the Jin palace had known of their engagement. This was the first the outside world had heard of it—and the implication was explosive.

Especially coming from Jing Heng, it reeked of jealousy.

In that pregnant silence, it was Qi Yan who broke it.

“If I may—would the esteemed kings permit our princess to take her seat? She’s been standing quite some time. She must be tired.”

He placed weight on the phrase “our princess.”