“Meng’er, I’m okay now. I just want to be left alone.” Accompanied by Yun Qian Meng, the two of them entered the side palace hall. This time all the people were all gathered inside the imperial garden. Aside from the two of them being inside the side palace hall, there were no others. Qu Fei Qing suddenly sighed deeply, no longer burying the frustrations inside her heart. She watched Yun Qian Meng and spoke with a bit of disappointment and sadness.
Seeing her willing to express her true emotions in front of her, Yun Qian Meng slightly loosened up her tensed heart. She was about to go ahead and say something to comfort her, but suddenly her face went stiff. Her cold gaze immediately shot across the wooden door that was half painted in red, lifting up her right index finger she put it beside her lips, making a gesture to hush Qu Fei Qing, yet she did not alarm the person who was standing beside the doorway.
But Yun Qian Meng’s eyes turned slightly cold, a severely cold air penetrated through her body. Dragging along Qu Fei Qing she squeezed her behind a red pillar of the side palace hall, afterwhich she quickly approached behind wooden door, then cautiously looked outside.
Following the series of actions made by Yun Qian Meng, Qu Fei Qing’s facial expression suddenly turned serious. Both her eyes were cold and raw, immediately she closed her both lips, taking precautions as she looked at the doorway of the side palace hall.
‘Creak!’ The half-opened door in the side palace was being pulled open by Yun Qian Meng in an instant, the person standing outside unexpectedly fell inside. Fortunately the ground of the side palace was covered with a thick layer of carpet, as it had slowed down the impact of the slide, although her figure looked somewhat staggering, yet she did not tumble, but just dashed a few steps to the front and stood firm as she balanced herself.
“Chu Jie?” Watching that peach pink figure in front of her, Yun Qian Meng half squinted her eyes, somewhat surprised as her eyes went extremely cold. But the tone of voice was gentle but contained faint curiosity, almost seemed as if waiting for Chu Jie’s explanation.
“Sister-in-law!” Chu Jie struggled to balance her body, somewhat having lingering fear as she patted her own chest, afterwhich she turned towards Yun Qian Meng, her eyes smiling as she called out for her.
“Jie’er why did you come to this side palace hall? If Er Niang wasn't able to find you inside the imperial garden, I’m afraid she might be anxious!” Qu Fei Qing walked out from behind the red pillar, while Yun Qian Meng regained her usual indifferent expression as she concealed the unhappy thoughts in her mind as she spoke.
“Yes, Miss Chu left without permission, perhaps Madam Chu will be anxious about it!” At this moment, seeing the person hidden beside the doorway was Chu Jie, Qu Fei Qing and Yun Qian Meng glanced at each other. As she also slowly spoke, her heart could not help but admired Yun Qian Meng’s keen observation. If it was not for her who found out the peculiarity instantly, Chu Jie will be very likely to hear all the details of their conversation.
But, hearing their words Chu Jie only laughed mischievously, afterwhich she went ahead and held Yun Qian Meng’s arm, acting coquettish as she said “Mother is currently chatting with all the other ladies, I actually don't know those ladies, and I have nothing to discuss with them. It was truly boring! Upon seeing sister-in-law and Elder Sister Qu leaving your seats, I followed behind both of you, but before I entered the door, sister-in-law surprised me!”
Yun Qian Meng smiled hearing her explanation, yet she did not comment on her behavior. But she just patted her hand who was clinging on to her own arm, the she spoke indifferently “Since you are here, then let’s just sit down in here for a while! Your Elder Sister Qu thinks that it was a bit cold outside, that was why we came here to warm ourselves. If you don't feel too stuffy in here, then you should join us, afterwards you need to return back to your seat, so as to avoid making Er Niang feel anxious!”
While speaking, Yun Qian Meng turned around and winked at Qu Fei Qing, the two of them exchanged their hints, leading along Chu Jie as they sat down on the nearby chairs.
“Usually when someone joined a palace feast for the very first time she will feel very excited about joining the palace feast. But it is really my first time seeing someone being bored like that!” Qu Fei Qing personally poured cups of hot tea for both of them, lifting up her own cup in front of her then gently took a sip, she spoke slowly, making these remarks in a deep tone.
Chu Jie just thanked her, took the teacup, then smiled as she said “Elder Sister Qu, you have no idea, I usually don’t like attending these palace feasts. In You Zhou before, every government office has their own feasts, I had also avoided them all finding some excuses. It will be better to just sit here, chatting with you sister-in-law and Elder Sister Qu. It will be more comfortable for me!”
Watching her sincere look, Yun Qian Meng gently slid the lid of the teacup off, smiling faintly as she spoke to Qu Fei Qing “There’s something more interesting than that. During the day when Father and Er Niang just arrived at the capital, all the people were already tired as they took their rests in their respective rooms. But only this silly girl led her two Xie cousins strolling inside the garden of Chu Wang Fu. She completely didn’t look tired, it is evident that she is truly a very active person, completely cannot withstand being bounded by rules! But we never know who will be the luckiest man to marry her in the future, perhaps she will become a source of laughter in her husband's family!”
While speaking, Yun Qian Meng lifted her hand then gently pointed at Chu Jie’s forehead, exposing a narrow smile along with her tone of voice.
Being described by Yun Qian Meng like this, Chu Jie’s cheeks immediately blushed. With a bit of shyness she said “Sister-in-law, you are making fun of me! Jie’er is still young, naturally I would still stay with my parents, how can I get married that fast?”
Watching her look of shyness, Qu Fei Qing’s eyes got surprised and said “Miss Chu being shy like this, that might mean that you’ve already had someone in your heart! If this is true, why don’t you tell us. If he is someone from the capital, Meng’er and I can give our opinions!”
“Oh hey, how come Elder Sister Qu is also making fun of Jie’er like sister-in-law? Jie’er just recently arrived at the capital, during these past few days I’ve been staying inside Wang Fu, how can I have the chance to meet any man? Even the palace feast tonight, being separated by the hanging curtains, how can I get pleged to be married without my parents approval. Why, people will despise me. Don’t you think so Elder Sister Qu!”
While speaking, Chu Jie lifted up her smiling eyes as she looked at Qu Fei Qing. Her eyes wearing a full smiling expression without exception. But when Qu Fei Qing saw it, it also seemed to be very garish, as if Chu Jie’s words earlier had another meaning.
“I did not expect Qu xiaojie to be someone who remembers her status at all times, pardon my attitude. Please do not take it too seriously, Miss Chu!” Qu Fei Qing said, her words had pointing out Chu Jie’s identity. Even though she was the daughter of the legal wife, Madam Xie was not the Chu Pei’s first legal wife, she was the second wife of a widower. There were some things that were unattainable for them.
Ever since the family of Chu Pei entered the capital, Gu Lao Tai Jun was always talking about this thing with her son and daughter-in-law. Qu Fei Qing who was sitting in a corner naturally knew about the stakes at risk.
In addition to her good relationship with Yun Qian Meng, she naturally would not allow something that belonged to Yun Qian Meng to fall into other people's hands. She seized her chance to make this statement.
After all, Yun Qian Meng had to call Chu Pei grandfather and regard Madam Xie as her Er Niang. Some words would sound disgraceful if they came out from Yun Qian Meng’s mouth. Whereas if she said them, it would only sound like a petty dispute between xiaojies of differing fus.
Chu Jie laughed calmly, she did not try to decipher the intended meaning in Qu Fei Qing’s words. As if she did not hear the deeper meaning of them, she just curiously asked Yun Qian Meng “How did you know that I was standing beside the doorway? Earlier I was about to push open that wooden door, yet unexpectedly it had moved itself, without noticing I was frightened, that almost fell to the floor of the hall!”
Seeing Chu Jie having the suspicion, Yun Qian Meng laid down the lid that she had been fiddling with in her hand, seemingly truthful as she spoke “Isn’t it because you have been hiding a lot of winter plum inside your sleeves, which was why before you entered the side palace hall, the fragrance already floated inside! Me and your cousin initially play a little trick on you yet unexpectedly it almost made you fall down, so the game quickly lost its fun. Where you hurt?”
While speaking, Yun Qian Meng pulled Chu Jie up, gently moving her body as she carefully inspected.
“I’m alright, sister-in-law!” Chu Jie laughed as she turned around in front of Yun Qian Meng, suddenly she realized “Which is why Elder Sister Qu walked out from behind the red pillar, and sister-in-law is also hiding by the doorway! Fortunately I was able to steady my balance, or else wouldn't I just fall into your trap?”
After speaking, Chu Jie also started to laugh at herself. Her laughter was like the sound of silver bells that reverberated inside the quiet side palace hall, adding up to a bit of sweetness in the air.
“We must get back now, or else if Er Niang can’t find you, she might get anxious!” After drinking a cup of tea, Yun Qian Meng slowly stood up, glancing the color of the sky outside, she discovered the sky had became increasingly gloomier. This heavy snow seemed like it will not easily stop.
“Yes!” Since Yun Qian Meng was already up, the other two naturally followed after her. When the three of them went inside the imperial garden, people inside were still singing and laughing, all the people were still busy enjoying the singing and dancing performance and greeting while offering drinks to one another. No one had actually noticed them left the venue earlier.
Watching Yun Qian Meng returning to her seat, Chu Fei Yang’s originally distant expression slowly turned into a warm smile, then he turned his attention away again.
Jiang Mu Chen also watched Yun Qian Meng as she slowly sat down, seeing her eyes were only focused on Chu Fei Yang since the moment she entered the imperial garden, blue veins suddenly burst out from his hand which was pinching the wine cup. He strove hard to look away from her, having no other way to vent out the anger in his heart, he lifted up his head then drank all wine in his hand.
“Wang Ye, what’s going on with you? It seems as if you have hatred towards the fine wine inside the palace. this isn’t really the right method of drinking! Seemed like a reckless waste of good things!” Jiang Mu Chen and Chu Fei Yang sat adjacent to each other, so naturally Chu Fei Yang saw every move he made.
Seeing Chen Wang drinking wine sorrowfully with his head hanging down, Chu Fei Yang ‘kindly’ raised this point. Afterwhich his slender right hand lifted up the jade pot on the table. With elegant movements he filled up the cup, his two fingers with distinctive knuckles gently lifted up the wine cup in front of him, hooking up the smile in the corner of his mouth seemed to be quite enjoying it as he slowly drank the fine wine, those half squinting sparkling eyes shot out a little smile, seemed to be quite satisfied with the fragrance of the wine inside his mouth.
“Chu Xiang, now that you have married a beautiful wife, being proud of your official career, no wonder you still have the leisure time to elegantly taste the wine! Truly you make us feel envy!” This time Hai Wang interrupted with these words. Both his shrewd eyes swept across the cold and gloomy Chen Wang. After which he continued “But, Chen Wang is also similarly better, I’ve heard Wang Ye’s Ce Fei is also a great beauty, but why didn’t she attend tonight's palace feast?”
Hai Wang’s words seemed like just a simple greeting for the others, but when they reached Jiang Mu Chen’s ears, they became pure humiliation.
So long as he was being reminded of the humiliation that he had suffered from Chu Fei Yang during that day, the anger came unceasingly rushing forth to Jiang Mu Chen’s heart. Particularly when he saw the deeply affectionate interaction between Chu Fei Yang and Yun Qian Meng, it had irritated Jiang Mu Chen even more. Feeling that this Chu Fei Yang standing before him looked even more mysterious than before. If it wasn’t for his existence, even if Yun Qian Meng had wings, she would still unable to escape from the palm of his own hand.
Hearing Hai Wang’s seemingly unintentional words, Chu Fei Yang smiled elegantly. Afterwhich he continued to taste the wine in the cup. He did not participate on their conversation. Those eyes wearing a simple smile had already crossed over the bonfire in the imperial garden looking at Yun Qian Meng in the opposite side, seeing her lowering down her head talking with Qu Fei Qing, her eyes flickered with intelligent gaze and the corner of her mouth containing a shallow smile, no longer exhibiting her self confidence and unique charm to others, for a moment Chu Fei Yang felt dazzled watching her, hoping that this boring palace feast will soon come to an end, so as not to just let him sit still on his seat.
“Hai Wang and Hai Jun Wang seemed as if being quite curious about my Ce Fei, today you had already mentioned about her twice!” Chen Wang sneered. His gaze as cold as ice swept through Chu Fei Yang’s face towards Hai Wang, the corner of his mouth broke out an extremely cold smiling expression, forming a sharp contrast against the lively scene inside the imperial garden.
“You are being funny, Chen Wang! I somehow regret that benwang wasn’t able to attend Wang Ye and Chu Xiang’s weddings! If it wasn’t for the injury on my legs, benwang surely wouldn't miss these two wonderful weddings! Benwang heard that during Wang Ye’s big wedding, Chu Xiang had came rushing all the way from Luo City! With the great friendship between the both of you, that was truly a rare sight within the royal court!” Hai Wang had completely lost his silence today, humorously narrating the things that he heard from other people, yet it made Chu Fei Yang gradually regained his focus on Yun Qian Meng, and coldness in Chen Wang’s eyes became even more serious.
“This was merely just a major event in my own life, how could I trouble Wang Ye to have to personally attend it? Moreover, this time Chen Wang only marries Ce Fei, the position of Ce Fei had two slots, in the future if Chen Wang was to marry again, don’t you need to attend again, Hai Wang Ye? Furthermore, aside from Ce Fei, there’s Zheng Fei, based on these, if Hai Wang Ye was to only attend to congratulate, he will then have to visit Chen Wang Ye for at least three times. Wang Ye isn’t your body not feeling well? How can you afford be rushing around? If you got tired, your son-in-law the Crown Prince will be very likely to feel distressed. If Crown Prince is in a bad mood, he might attack Western Chu again, then wouldn’t Wang Ye become the criminal of Western Chu? So that was why Chen Wang didn’t inform Hai Wang, this is also for the best of Wang Ye and the common people of Western Chu!” For the fear of not putting the world in chaos, Chu Fei Yang not only criticized Chen Wang, he also involved Qi Jing Yuan, moreover he also threatened Hai Wang, with these words, he had involved all those people in power, no one will ever escape from his plan.
After speaking, it all seemed nothing to him as he continued to taste the wine and watch the dance, having a complacent look, as if the person who had said those sharp words earlier was not him.
“Chu Xiang, your statement is bad, my father was just merely showing his mutual concern between colleagues, yet he was being misunderstood by Chu Xiang! Although the Crown Prince is my father’s son-in-law, but the Crown Prince always shows his concern towards the common people of Northern Qi, how could he make a big move because of my father's few trips to attend the wedding feasts? Furthermore the Crown Prince came here this time for the sake of making peace between the two countries like Western Chu and Northern Qi, marrying my sister as a commitment to our Western Chu, how could he break the promise, and start a war because of this trivial matter! Chu Xiang, you have worried too much!” This time, Hai Chen Xi laughed as he spoke.
His cleverness was not inferior to Chu Fei Yang, although his time serving in the royal court was shorter, but under Hai Wang’s personal teaching as well as the guidance of Hai Wang Fei and the others inside Hai Wang Fu, he had been trained to have an agile thinking and a clever tongue, he had refuted back to Chu Fei Yang’s words at first place, easily blocked off the high hat that was being tossed out to him by Chu Fei Yang.
“Since that is the case, then there’s no need for Wang Ye to always mention about the wedding event! Mentioning several times about it, don’t tell me that you were hinting me for lacking the etiquette?” For the first time Jiang Mu Chen did not go against Chu Fei Yang, but instead he sneered at Hai Wang and his son.
After all, it was Hai Wang who had first mentioned about this matter. However based on Hai Wang’s statement it was very clear that, as for the things that had happened during that day, he certainly knew all the details, or else how could he be able to say all those words? If Jiang Mu Chen was not able to hear these words which were obviously mocking him, then all these years that he had been living inside the palace will be pointless!
However, regarding Yun Qian Meng, this was a matter between himself and Chu Fei Yang. Jiang Mu Chen did not want Hai Wang to get involved. He must know that the man had other deeper interests. He was also very good in observation waiting for a good opportunity to make his move. If he was to discover something, perhaps it will be just like s sharp sword in his hand.
And Qi Jing Yuan who kept his silence all along while listening to the heated debated between these few men. He did not speak to defend Hai Wang, also he didn’t interrupt to become a peacemaker.
After all, Qi Jing Yuan was npt a citizen of Westerni Chu, whether he was about to marry Hai Tian as his wife, he would still be Northern Qi’s Crown Prince, and as for the internal conflicts of Western Chu, he was not interested in any of it. But he did not absolutely withdraw from it, but just observed in a corner with cold eyes, carefully observed which side had the most powerful strength.
“I’ve heard that during the imperial examination period a fire had broke out from a guest house, in order to appease the candidates, Wang Ye had provided shelter inside Chen Wang Fu for those candidates who had survived! Such act of righteousness, truly made me admire you!” If a few words would cause Hai Wang to glare angrily, it will very unlikely for Hai Wang Fu to be standing upright on top of Yang Ming Mountain, this time he was able to switch the topic easily, those bright eyes slightly swept through Han Chen who was offering wine to Qu Chang Qing in a nearby place, as he slowly spoke.
“Since I’ve been receiving salary from the imperial court, then naturally I will serve the imperial court! I presume if Hai Wang had seen the situation during that time, you will also do this!” How could Jiang Mu Chen not notice Han Che’s actions, but hearing Hai Wang mentioned about it feeling uneasy, his facial expression had gradually went a few degrees colder, his tone of voice seemed to contain the righteousness.
“But I’m confused, that top scorer of the military examination Top Scorer Han was actually chosen by Wang Ye, and the top scorer of the literary examination Top Scorer Han had also benefited from Wang Ye, but why were the two of them offering wine to Qu Shang Shu, but instead casting Wang Ye aside, that was truly peculiar. Or maybe they felt that Wang Ye’s status was unattainable, which is why they didn’t attempt to propose their toasts?” Hai Wang’s words entailed quite a lot of deeper meaning, firstly it was to promote disharmony between Han Shao Mian, Han Che towards Jiang Mu Chen, pointing out their ungratefulness and inability to distinguish the good and the bad.
Secondly, it denoted that the two of them looked down upon Chen Wang. Fu Guo Gong Fu was actually one of the four huge influential families, their status weren’t any lower than Chen Wang. But the two of them had preferred to offer wine to Qu Zhang Qing instead of coming over to them, it didn’t seem that Chen Wang was highly unattainable, but the two of them had their other plans in mind.
“Hai Wang, don’t you forget that, Qu Zhang Qing is the assistant minister of Ministry of War before, that Han Shao Mian was going to him obviously because he needed some advice. And as for Han Che, I had seen it earlier that, he seemed to be dragged by Han Shao Mian as his companion. After all, Duan Wang is Han Shi Lang’s real uncle, Han Che came from a poor and humble family moreover it was also his first time to handle things inside the imperial court, naturally he couldn't afford to offend anyone!” This time, Chu Fei Yang plainly spoke, gazing at Hai Wang with faint coldness in his eyes. Hai Wang’s words earlier had involved Fu Guo Gong Fu, it was undoubtedly that he wanted Jiang Mu Chen to hate Qu Zhang Qing and the others even more, such treacherous plan was truly frightening!
And before Hai Wang could respond, Chu Fei Yang quickly continued “I’ve heard that His Majesty had let Hai Wang and his family stay behind, so as to avoid troubling Wang Ye going back and forth, and also being compassionate towards Princess He Shun because she was about to marry off to a far away location. Consequently the princess was allowed to have plenty of bonding time with her relatives from Hai Wang Fu. It can be clearly seen that His Majesty had valued Wang Ye after all!”
Unknowingly, Qi Jing Yuan had hooked up a blood thirsty kind of sneer upon hearing these words, seemed as if having a bit of disdainful look, but also appeared as if mocking Emperor Yu Qian for wasting a big deal of efforts, those gloomy both eyes had finally focused on Hai Tian who was sitting on the opposite side for the first time tonight. His unconcealed eyes were filled with frustrated murderous spirit as they shot across Hai Tian, whose eyes seemed to be filled with unwillingness, making Hai Tian to respond quickly as she body was beaded with cold sweat as she got frightened. She could not help but grab Hai Wang Fei’s hands tightly, with coldness in her and her voice trembling she said “Mother, I really don’t want to go to Northern Qi!”
Hai Wang Fei did not expect that on the crucial juncture, Hai Tian would back out. She immediately pulled her hands, exerting efforts to grab them tightly between her hands, using the hardest strength that seemed to be squeezing Hai Tian’s hands until she felt the pain, afterwhich with a bit of cruel tone she said “Tian’er, are you insane? Would you like to ruin your big brother's life? Look at your father, who is standing beside him during this feast, aren’t you worried about your big brother? Now that Hai Chen Xi had already became Hai Jun Wang, if he is to snatch away your brother's position as Shi Zi again, even me as your mother will not be able to live anymore! Don’t you know that with your ‘don’t want to go’ remarks will not only harm you mother and your big brother, but also in the future you won’t be able to gain your foothold inside Hai Wang Fu, not even to mention marrying a good husband! Think about the consequences of that little slut Hai Lin, do you want to be similar to her? Or are you mentally prepared to be ridiculed by that slut?”
Hai Tian felt the pain in her hands to be grabbed like that, yet it was not as frightening as the fear that Qi Jing Yuan had given her with that gaze earlier.
But Hai Wang Fei’s analysis was reasonable, causing her to feel confused for a moment, her face went deathly pale like snow, the arrogance in her expression had been gradually stripped away, leaving behind a confused face……
‘Boom, boom……’ The burst of fireworks sound echoed from a faraway abandoned palace during the arrival of the first hour, everyone abandoned their tasks at hand as they lifted up their heads watching the snowy night sky, that pitch-black night sky was slowly displaying colorful fireworks, those dazzling colors highlighted its brilliance in the midst of darkness.
The palace feast ended as they returned back to Chu Xiang Fu, which was already during the break of dawn. Thinking about sending Hai Tian out of the city tomorrow, Yun Qian Meng and Chu Fei Yang simply washed then went to bed to take a break.
Translated by:
cristinaEdited by:
korezmiBut not to know whether she was mentally stressed or had been long exceeded her usual sleeping time, Yun Qian Meng tossed and turned but still couldn't sleep, a pair of big bright eyes was staring onto the ceiling high up above, somehow uncomfortable as she knitted up her brows.
“What’s wrong?” Sensing the strange behavior of the person beside him, Chu Fei Yang stretched out his hands as he pulled her closer to his arms, gently kissed her fragrant hair, then he asked in a low voice.
“It’s nothing. It’s just that it’s already way past my sleeping time, but now I’m not sleepy anymore! You sleep now, because you’ll have to wake up early in the morning!” Tomorrow Chu Fei Yang together with Chen Wang and Hai Jun Wang will send Hai Tian out of the city on behalf of Emperor Yu Qian. Both sides had already agreed on the venue in which the exchange of hostages will take place. Even if Yun Qian Meng had something in her mind right now, she could not talk about it at this time, so as to avoid Chu Fei Yang to feel distracted, committing mistakes on the event tomorrow.
How could Chu Fei Yang not be aware of Yun Qian Meng’s good intentions. He did not ask further, embracing her as he slowly drifted off to sleep, pondering over tomorrow's events.
Chu Fei Yang got out of bed in the early hours of the morning in the next day. In her capacity as his wife, Yun Qian Meng also needed to line up very early by the doorway of the palace to send off Hai Tian. Seeing that Chu Fei Yang had already got up, she had also sat upright, putting on her clothes that were hanging in a corner.
“It’s still early, you can lie down again for a while! I still need to discuss something with His Majesty, that’s why I am up early. Now that it is freezing outside, don’t let yourself catch a cold!” Seeing Yun Qian Meng being haggard because of not being able to sleep the whole night, Chu Fei Yang’s hand slightly paused while tightening up his belt, then immediately pressed her down holding her shoulders intended to let her sleep a little longer.
But Yun Qian Meng just shook her head, if she was to sleep again this time, she was afraid she might wake in a wrong time, and it will definitely start off some rumors about it!
Seeing Chu Fei Yang’s collar was not properly fixed, Yun Qian Meng gently laughed. She stretched out her both hands gently assisted him to fix it, then he ordered him to stand firm, then personally arranged his belt, then carefully observed every detail from top to bottom, then finally she nodded her head “It’s done!”
Seeing Yun Qian Meng’s thoughtfulness, the resentment suddenly raised up from Chu Fei Yang’s heart. It was clearly the first day of the new year, yet it happened that he still needed to get busy about the business concerning some unrelated person. Although he had a beautiful wife to accompany him in the house, yet he could only think about it in his mind.
Particularly during this time when Yun Qian Meng pursed up a shallow smile in the corner of her lips, it had stirred up Chu Fei Yang’s heart even more. His long arms quickly stretched out, when Yun Qian Meng came to her senses, her body had already been embraced in Chu Fei Yang’s arms, her own slightly cold pair of lips were tightly sealed by two gentle yet domineering lips. Being somewhat reluctant to part with them, Chu Fei Yang seemed as if not having enough kiss as he appeared like he was intending to devour her and swallow her inside his stomach. After a long while he parted distance from her, then he guaranteed in a low voice “After handling this matter, I have a couple of days to rest, during that time I shall spend time with you at home!”
Yun Qian Meng hid herself in his arms as she nodded her head. Her eyes looked at the sky outside as it already turned brighter, then she stretched her hand and pushed Chu Fei Yang, in a soft voice she said “Quickly go now! Don’t delay the time!”
While speaking, Yun Qian Meng took the big cloak in the corner which was already prepared earlier, then personally put it on Chu Fei Yang, as she watched him leave.
“You had came home very late last night, certainly you didn’t sleep well. Why don’t you sleep for a little longer, xiaojie? Your face looked a bit haggard!” Seeing Chu Fei Yang had left, Mu Chun and the others who were waiting in the outer room then brought all the things needed for the wash when they stepped inside, seeing Yun Qian Meng had already put on her coat, they immediately laid down the things in their hands, as they took out her royal dress then assisted Yun Qian Meng to put it on.
“Silly girl, with the event today, how many persons will be able to sleep well?” Last night she had taken a short nap for a while, perhaps Hai Tian, who was staying inside the palace, wasn't able to sleep the whole night.
Being forced to leave one’s hometown was easier said than done! Besides, Hai Tian was the only person alone to enter the imperial palace of Northern Qi through marriage. In the future she will rely on on her strength alone to face the entire imperial palace of Bei Qi, no to mention Qi Jing Yuan being its ruthless master, perhaps her life in the future, will not be as bright and beautiful as any outsiders could see!
After packing up, a quarter of an hour had already passed. Thinking that entering the palace was still needed a great distance, Mu Chun allowed Ying Xia to prepare some morning meals in the food boxes. A few servant girls followed behind Yun Qian Meng as they sat inside the horse carriage which had already been prepared earlier, proceeding towards the direction of the imperial palace.
Due to celebration of the new year, there was not a even a single person in the streets. Perhaps citizens had been celebrating the new year with their families at home, even no one was there to clean up the snow last night. The wheels of the carriage rolled over the thick layer of snow which had been gathered up, producing beat by beat of rolling sound. Yun Qian Meng lifted open the carriage curtains with her hand. A cool wind suddenly blew towards her face, although the coldness was bone chilling yet it lifted up Yun Qian Meng’s spirit, on the contrary she wasn’t as sleepy anymore as she had been earlier.
“My lady, have some breakfast now! After a few moments you will be standing for quite a long time later on.” Mu Chun thoughtfully draped a waistcoat on Yun Qian Meng’s chest, so as to avoid messing up the royal dress with the food that will accidentally fall down on it, after which she handed a bowl of porridge to Yun Qian Meng.
“No, eating porridge will make me feel bloated, I’ll have some pastries instead!” Looking at that soupy rice porridge, Yun Qian Meng returned it back to Mu Chun, without saying anything further she used the chopsticks to pick up the steaming hot xiao long bao inside the food box, dipped it in the vinegar and started to eat.
Upon hearing Yun Qian Meng’s words, Mu Chun felt it was quite reasonable. Then she set aside the porridge, putting a lot of side dishes on the small plate in front of Yun Qian Meng.
After eating the breakfast, Yun Qian Meng gargled her mouth once again, to remove the flavors in her mouth. She checked her own make-up again, then she reclined on the soft cushion behind her as she shut her eyes to nap.
“Furen, we have arrived at the imperial palace!” Who knew how much time had already passed, Xi Lin who was driving the carriage outside reminded her in a low voice. Yun Qian Meng slowly opened her both eyes. She seemed to hear a lot of people discussing matters in whispers. Then she lifted up the carriage curtains, yet she saw a lot of women had already arrived inside the inner palace. Everyone was standing in the midst of cold wind, waiting for Hai Tian’s arrival in their pale faces. But apparently they seemed to be impatient, from time to time they would whisper something to the person standing beside them, as if they were complaining about something.
“You just wait inside the carriage.” Walking down from the horse carriage in an elegant posture, Yun Qian Meng instructed Mu Chun and the others, then she herself walked towards the direction of the crowd.
After greeting the furens one by one, Yun Qian Meng proceeded to the foremost location of the queue, but, with her very young appearance standing in front of a big crowd of middle aged women, it had caused a lot of people to look and talk about her.
“She is truly lucky for marrying Chu Xiang, today she really stood out of the limelight!” The lady of a third-rank official spoke in an extremely low voice, looking at Yun Qian Meng with eyes filled with envy.
Thinking that her own husband was twenty years older than Chu Fei Yang, yet now she was just a fourth-rank in charge of offering the wine, and during this life it will be hopeless for her to enter the inner group, how could it not make her feel angry!
“Hehe, why will you envy her, furen? You could only blame your own husband for the disappointment, think about what kind of person Chu Xiang is. During his teens he had fought in the battlefield, such kind of capability, how could an ordinary man be able to achieve it?” This time, Su Qi’s first wife approached, watching Yun Qian Meng’s back as she sneered. If it wasn’t for Chu Fei Yang’s schemes, their Su family wouldn't fall to this point. Now that they lacked their elder brother's help, her husband undertook his tasks as the ambassador of water transportation very carefully, for the fear that people would find fault with him. During this time their family revenue had decreased a great deal, for once their food and clothing costs had become scarce, causing those yiniang to talk behind her back to her husband, that was truly infuriating!
Seeing that she was member of Su family, the surrounding ladies immediately shut their mouths. After all, a few days had already passed since the matter concerning Su Yuan, how could they dare to have any contact with such person, or else when they returned home their husband wouldn’t see them the same way anymore, and they will increasingly dote on those young flirtatious women.
Yun Qian Meng walked until she approached behind Ji Shu Yu. The two of them smiled to each other, then they stood straight based on their orders, waiting for the royal family to come out.
And during this time, a beautiful middle aged women standing in the foremost location had attracted Yun Qian Meng’s attention. Her back was straight, with an elegant posture, although her front side could be seen, but with merely just her back view, her noble status could be easily determined. A woman with an extremely good upbringing, particularly when she was wearing the royal dress as a Zheng Fei, people seemed to admire the significance of her position.
“Aunt, she is?” Gently pulling Ji Shu Yu’s sleeves, Yun Qian Meng asked Ji Shu Yu in a lowered voice.
Following Yun Qian Meng’s eyes, Ji Shu Yu looked, suddenly she laughed, then explained “That is Duan Wang’s principal consort! She is Duan Wang’s second principal consort, truly a powerful character! Meng’er why did you suddenly ask about her?”
Yun Qian Meng just replied with a simple smile “I just feel she is somehow different! But during the feasts in the past, I rarely saw this Duan Wang Fei!”
Ji Shu Yu turned her head around to look at Yun Qian Meng’s eyes flickering with curiosity. She felt happy for her, although this silly girl is already married, but she still has a childish mindset, seeing strangers she would feel curious, then she patiently explained “This Duan Wang Fei actually came from a famous family. She was the previous Crown Prince Shao Bao’s daughter from the first wife. But, during that time she fell for Duan Wang who already had a family, due to Shao Bao’s love for his own daughter, he had no choice but to marry off his daughter to Duan Wang Fu as Ce Fei, until later on the original Duan Wang Fei had passed away, she was then being promoted to principal consort.”
Yun Qian Meng carefully listened to Ji Shu Yu’s explanation, it couldn't help but reminded him of Han Shao Mian, last night based on the interaction between Han Shao Mian and Duan Wang, Duan Wang had really cared for this nephew “Aunt, how was the relationship between Duan Wang Ye and the former Principal Consort Han? And how was his relationship with Han Fu?”
Yesterday it was really late, in addition to the curtains and the snowfalls inside the imperial garden, also having the female dancers around at the center, Yun Qian Meng wasn’t able to see the full features of Duan Wang’s face, then she just observed on the side.
“They were deeply in love! Or else, Duan Wang wouldn't wait until three years after the principal consort had passed away to promote this Duan Wang Fei! And as for his relationship with Han Fu it had also became closer during these recent years. Previously there was a rumor circling around Duan Wang Fu saying that Han Wang Fei and Duan Wang’s relationship had broken up, don’t whether if it's real or not. You silly kid, why did you inquire about these things today? Having the time to think of these, it would be better to think about having children with Chu Xiang, as it will make us feel happy!” Seeing Yun Qian Meng’s eyes plainly looking at Duan Wang Fei’s back, Ji Shu Yu knocked on her head as she spoke while smiling.
And Yun Qian Meng only smiled, afterwards she shifted the topic as she said “Regardless of how it is I would still prefer to wait until my both cousins get married! Not to know whether my maternal grandmother as well as uncle and aunt already had any candidates for my both cousins?”
Mentioning about this matter, Ji Shu Yu slowly sighed, sadness appeared in between her gentle brows, needless to say, Yun Qian Meng already knew what her heart worried about, hearing the beating sound of the drums echoed from behind, she immediately spoke “It’s about to start!”
Earlier the queue seemed to be messed up, because of Emperor Yu Qian’s appearance, everyone stood properly as they waited on their spots.
Hai Tian was wearing red as she was being assisted by the two palace Mama’s as they walked out. She was wearing the grand crimson wedding dress embroidered with a phoenix that looked lifelike using the golden threads, this made the majority of the women expose the envious yet regretful expressions on their faces.
Too bad she wasn't able to see them because of the head covering on top of her head, or else Hai Tian will be very likely to turn red due to anger.
This time Hai Wang Fei was walking together with the Empress Dowager as they both approached behind Emperor Yu Qian Di. Today she was unlike her usual dignified look, this time her face was pale, her both eyes were swollen red also filled with tears. Probably she had cried the whole night last night, this time her figure was slightly swaying as she walked towards the queue, probably separation with her own flesh and blood had really made her feel heartbroken.
Emperor Yu Qian and the others only sent Hai Tian to the doorway of the palace, afterwards they saw Hai Tian was being assisted inside the phoenix chariot which had already been prepared in advance. The wheel of the phoenix chariot had started to turn, the sound of the musical instruments started to play, all the assigned women closely followed behind the palace maids, eunuchs and the dowries as all the them slowly walked ahead……
“Tian’er……” A painful screaming sound echoed from behind, but this time the musical instruments were too loud, drowning out the grieving sound of scream in the midst of the splendid sound of glory.
The queue had arrived at the entrance of the palace, the royal court officials were already waiting outside, and Chu Fei Yang, Jiang Mu Chen and Hai Chen Xi were already riding on the horsebacks. Seeing Hai Tian’s phoenix chariot had already exited the gates of the palace, the three of them clamped their feet on the horse bellies, leading the queue as they proceeded towards the direction of the city gates.
With the grand escort of a few thousand people, passing through the half part of the capital, yet they still have yet to complete the journey, with the ten miles of red decorations it seemed to be especially eye-catching, but the cold surroundings also reminded Hai Tian of the path that she ought to take in the future.
Hearing Hai Wang Fei’s last scream of ‘Tian’er’, Hai Tian who was sitting inside the phoenix chariot couldn't restrain herself as tears fell down from her eyes.
“Princess, during this grand celebration day, tears will not be allowed!” Seeing a drop of tear fell down to her hand, the Mama accompanying beside her spoke to remind her.
Unknowingly, that charming face hidden underneath the red head covering was already firmly biting on both lips, if it wasn't like this, perhaps she might cry out loud.
Walking for almost two hours, the queue had finally reached the city gates, the women who originally complained that the weather was too cold outside were now gasping for breath again and again, their bodies were wet being beaded with sweat all over.
Chu Fei Yang tightened the ropes to turn the horse around, making a hand gesture towards Yu Gong Gong who was following closely, those palace maids and eunuchs immediately led all the women as they retreated back around ten feet, then the three of them still continued to lead the phoenix chariot and those palace maids and eunuchs who were to continue serving her after the wedding as they continued to walk outside.
And Qi Jing Yuan and the others had already returned to posthouse to fix things after the palace feast had ended. Early in the morning he was already waiting outside of the city, this time seeing the city gates being opened, Chu Fei Yang, Chen Wang and Hai Chen Xi simultaneously came out riding on the horsebacks, Qi Jing Yuan and Qi Jing Xuan, Qi Jing Han stepped forth at the same time. Both sides exchanged their written edict in their hands, afterwhich Qi Jing Yuan instructed his men to take over Hain Tian’s phoenix chariot, guarded by the three persons and the guards and city defense troops, they walked towards the direction of the border of Northern Qi and Western Chu.
“Chu Xiang, you are newly married, allowing you to personally send me off, I truly felt sorry for you!” Similar to Chu Fei Yang and the others, this time Qi Jing Yuan was also riding on the horseback, he cold eyes took a glimpse at Hai Tian’s phoenix chariot, Qi Jing Yuan’s heart was filled with irony.
“You're being too courteous, Crown Prince! Being able to do things for the common people and for the royal court, it is already an honor for me!” Chu Fei Yang’s both lips slightly raised up, exposing an absolutely charming smile in the midst of the cold wind, suddenly weakened the coldness in the surrounding area, as it seemed to be as warm as the spring breeze.
“But not to know where all my powerful generals had gone during this time!” Watching the increasingly desolated land, Qi Jing Yuan spoke plainly, his mind was scheming on the thoughts of Chu Fei Yang and his men.
“Crown Prince, you need not worry about it, as long as our Duan Wang Ye remains safe and sound, then your nation’s powerful generals will also certainly remain safe and sound!” Seeing Qi Jing Yuan went so quiet until he wasn't able to know his current expression of his mood, Chu Fei Yang spoke with a simple smile, but his look was similar to Jiang Mu Chen and Hai Chen Xi, along with distance the city became farther and farther away, and they became even more cautious and alert to one another.
Translated by:
cristinaEdited by:
korezmi
“Meng’er, I’m okay now. I just want to be left alone.” Accompanied by Yun Qian Meng, the two of them entered the side palace hall. This time all the people were all gathered inside the imperial garden. Aside from the two of them being inside the side palace hall, there were no others. Qu Fei Qing suddenly sighed deeply, no longer burying the frustrations inside her heart. She watched Yun Qian Meng and spoke with a bit of disappointment and sadness.
Seeing her willing to express her true emotions in front of her, Yun Qian Meng slightly loosened up her tensed heart. She was about to go ahead and say something to comfort her, but suddenly her face went stiff. Her cold gaze immediately shot across the wooden door that was half painted in red, lifting up her right index finger she put it beside her lips, making a gesture to hush Qu Fei Qing, yet she did not alarm the person who was standing beside the doorway.
But Yun Qian Meng’s eyes turned slightly cold, a severely cold air penetrated through her body. Dragging along Qu Fei Qing she squeezed her behind a red pillar of the side palace hall, afterwhich she quickly approached behind wooden door, then cautiously looked outside.
Following the series of actions made by Yun Qian Meng, Qu Fei Qing’s facial expression suddenly turned serious. Both her eyes were cold and raw, immediately she closed her both lips, taking precautions as she looked at the doorway of the side palace hall.
‘Creak!’ The half-opened door in the side palace was being pulled open by Yun Qian Meng in an instant, the person standing outside unexpectedly fell inside. Fortunately the ground of the side palace was covered with a thick layer of carpet, as it had slowed down the impact of the slide, although her figure looked somewhat staggering, yet she did not tumble, but just dashed a few steps to the front and stood firm as she balanced herself.
“Chu Jie?” Watching that peach pink figure in front of her, Yun Qian Meng half squinted her eyes, somewhat surprised as her eyes went extremely cold. But the tone of voice was gentle but contained faint curiosity, almost seemed as if waiting for Chu Jie’s explanation.
“Sister-in-law!” Chu Jie struggled to balance her body, somewhat having lingering fear as she patted her own chest, afterwhich she turned towards Yun Qian Meng, her eyes smiling as she called out for her.
“Jie’er why did you come to this side palace hall? If Er Niang wasn't able to find you inside the imperial garden, I’m afraid she might be anxious!” Qu Fei Qing walked out from behind the red pillar, while Yun Qian Meng regained her usual indifferent expression as she concealed the unhappy thoughts in her mind as she spoke.
“Yes, Miss Chu left without permission, perhaps Madam Chu will be anxious about it!” At this moment, seeing the person hidden beside the doorway was Chu Jie, Qu Fei Qing and Yun Qian Meng glanced at each other. As she also slowly spoke, her heart could not help but admired Yun Qian Meng’s keen observation. If it was not for her who found out the peculiarity instantly, Chu Jie will be very likely to hear all the details of their conversation.
But, hearing their words Chu Jie only laughed mischievously, afterwhich she went ahead and held Yun Qian Meng’s arm, acting coquettish as she said “Mother is currently chatting with all the other ladies, I actually don't know those ladies, and I have nothing to discuss with them. It was truly boring! Upon seeing sister-in-law and Elder Sister Qu leaving your seats, I followed behind both of you, but before I entered the door, sister-in-law surprised me!”
Yun Qian Meng smiled hearing her explanation, yet she did not comment on her behavior. But she just patted her hand who was clinging on to her own arm, the she spoke indifferently “Since you are here, then let’s just sit down in here for a while! Your Elder Sister Qu thinks that it was a bit cold outside, that was why we came here to warm ourselves. If you don't feel too stuffy in here, then you should join us, afterwards you need to return back to your seat, so as to avoid making Er Niang feel anxious!”
While speaking, Yun Qian Meng turned around and winked at Qu Fei Qing, the two of them exchanged their hints, leading along Chu Jie as they sat down on the nearby chairs.
“Usually when someone joined a palace feast for the very first time she will feel very excited about joining the palace feast. But it is really my first time seeing someone being bored like that!” Qu Fei Qing personally poured cups of hot tea for both of them, lifting up her own cup in front of her then gently took a sip, she spoke slowly, making these remarks in a deep tone.
Chu Jie just thanked her, took the teacup, then smiled as she said “Elder Sister Qu, you have no idea, I usually don’t like attending these palace feasts. In You Zhou before, every government office has their own feasts, I had also avoided them all finding some excuses. It will be better to just sit here, chatting with you sister-in-law and Elder Sister Qu. It will be more comfortable for me!”
Watching her sincere look, Yun Qian Meng gently slid the lid of the teacup off, smiling faintly as she spoke to Qu Fei Qing “There’s something more interesting than that. During the day when Father and Er Niang just arrived at the capital, all the people were already tired as they took their rests in their respective rooms. But only this silly girl led her two Xie cousins strolling inside the garden of Chu Wang Fu. She completely didn’t look tired, it is evident that she is truly a very active person, completely cannot withstand being bounded by rules! But we never know who will be the luckiest man to marry her in the future, perhaps she will become a source of laughter in her husband's family!”
While speaking, Yun Qian Meng lifted her hand then gently pointed at Chu Jie’s forehead, exposing a narrow smile along with her tone of voice.
Being described by Yun Qian Meng like this, Chu Jie’s cheeks immediately blushed. With a bit of shyness she said “Sister-in-law, you are making fun of me! Jie’er is still young, naturally I would still stay with my parents, how can I get married that fast?”
Watching her look of shyness, Qu Fei Qing’s eyes got surprised and said “Miss Chu being shy like this, that might mean that you’ve already had someone in your heart! If this is true, why don’t you tell us. If he is someone from the capital, Meng’er and I can give our opinions!”
“Oh hey, how come Elder Sister Qu is also making fun of Jie’er like sister-in-law? Jie’er just recently arrived at the capital, during these past few days I’ve been staying inside Wang Fu, how can I have the chance to meet any man? Even the palace feast tonight, being separated by the hanging curtains, how can I get pleged to be married without my parents approval. Why, people will despise me. Don’t you think so Elder Sister Qu!”
While speaking, Chu Jie lifted up her smiling eyes as she looked at Qu Fei Qing. Her eyes wearing a full smiling expression without exception. But when Qu Fei Qing saw it, it also seemed to be very garish, as if Chu Jie’s words earlier had another meaning.
“I did not expect Qu xiaojie to be someone who remembers her status at all times, pardon my attitude. Please do not take it too seriously, Miss Chu!” Qu Fei Qing said, her words had pointing out Chu Jie’s identity. Even though she was the daughter of the legal wife, Madam Xie was not the Chu Pei’s first legal wife, she was the second wife of a widower. There were some things that were unattainable for them.
Ever since the family of Chu Pei entered the capital, Gu Lao Tai Jun was always talking about this thing with her son and daughter-in-law. Qu Fei Qing who was sitting in a corner naturally knew about the stakes at risk.
In addition to her good relationship with Yun Qian Meng, she naturally would not allow something that belonged to Yun Qian Meng to fall into other people's hands. She seized her chance to make this statement.
After all, Yun Qian Meng had to call Chu Pei grandfather and regard Madam Xie as her Er Niang. Some words would sound disgraceful if they came out from Yun Qian Meng’s mouth. Whereas if she said them, it would only sound like a petty dispute between xiaojies of differing fus.
Chu Jie laughed calmly, she did not try to decipher the intended meaning in Qu Fei Qing’s words. As if she did not hear the deeper meaning of them, she just curiously asked Yun Qian Meng “How did you know that I was standing beside the doorway? Earlier I was about to push open that wooden door, yet unexpectedly it had moved itself, without noticing I was frightened, that almost fell to the floor of the hall!”
Seeing Chu Jie having the suspicion, Yun Qian Meng laid down the lid that she had been fiddling with in her hand, seemingly truthful as she spoke “Isn’t it because you have been hiding a lot of winter plum inside your sleeves, which was why before you entered the side palace hall, the fragrance already floated inside! Me and your cousin initially play a little trick on you yet unexpectedly it almost made you fall down, so the game quickly lost its fun. Where you hurt?”
While speaking, Yun Qian Meng pulled Chu Jie up, gently moving her body as she carefully inspected.
“I’m alright, sister-in-law!” Chu Jie laughed as she turned around in front of Yun Qian Meng, suddenly she realized “Which is why Elder Sister Qu walked out from behind the red pillar, and sister-in-law is also hiding by the doorway! Fortunately I was able to steady my balance, or else wouldn't I just fall into your trap?”
After speaking, Chu Jie also started to laugh at herself. Her laughter was like the sound of silver bells that reverberated inside the quiet side palace hall, adding up to a bit of sweetness in the air.
“We must get back now, or else if Er Niang can’t find you, she might get anxious!” After drinking a cup of tea, Yun Qian Meng slowly stood up, glancing the color of the sky outside, she discovered the sky had became increasingly gloomier. This heavy snow seemed like it will not easily stop.
“Yes!” Since Yun Qian Meng was already up, the other two naturally followed after her. When the three of them went inside the imperial garden, people inside were still singing and laughing, all the people were still busy enjoying the singing and dancing performance and greeting while offering drinks to one another. No one had actually noticed them left the venue earlier.
Watching Yun Qian Meng returning to her seat, Chu Fei Yang’s originally distant expression slowly turned into a warm smile, then he turned his attention away again.
Jiang Mu Chen also watched Yun Qian Meng as she slowly sat down, seeing her eyes were only focused on Chu Fei Yang since the moment she entered the imperial garden, blue veins suddenly burst out from his hand which was pinching the wine cup. He strove hard to look away from her, having no other way to vent out the anger in his heart, he lifted up his head then drank all wine in his hand.
“Wang Ye, what’s going on with you? It seems as if you have hatred towards the fine wine inside the palace. this isn’t really the right method of drinking! Seemed like a reckless waste of good things!” Jiang Mu Chen and Chu Fei Yang sat adjacent to each other, so naturally Chu Fei Yang saw every move he made.
Seeing Chen Wang drinking wine sorrowfully with his head hanging down, Chu Fei Yang ‘kindly’ raised this point. Afterwhich his slender right hand lifted up the jade pot on the table. With elegant movements he filled up the cup, his two fingers with distinctive knuckles gently lifted up the wine cup in front of him, hooking up the smile in the corner of his mouth seemed to be quite enjoying it as he slowly drank the fine wine, those half squinting sparkling eyes shot out a little smile, seemed to be quite satisfied with the fragrance of the wine inside his mouth.
“Chu Xiang, now that you have married a beautiful wife, being proud of your official career, no wonder you still have the leisure time to elegantly taste the wine! Truly you make us feel envy!” This time Hai Wang interrupted with these words. Both his shrewd eyes swept across the cold and gloomy Chen Wang. After which he continued “But, Chen Wang is also similarly better, I’ve heard Wang Ye’s Ce Fei is also a great beauty, but why didn’t she attend tonight's palace feast?”
Hai Wang’s words seemed like just a simple greeting for the others, but when they reached Jiang Mu Chen’s ears, they became pure humiliation.
So long as he was being reminded of the humiliation that he had suffered from Chu Fei Yang during that day, the anger came unceasingly rushing forth to Jiang Mu Chen’s heart. Particularly when he saw the deeply affectionate interaction between Chu Fei Yang and Yun Qian Meng, it had irritated Jiang Mu Chen even more. Feeling that this Chu Fei Yang standing before him looked even more mysterious than before. If it wasn’t for his existence, even if Yun Qian Meng had wings, she would still unable to escape from the palm of his own hand.
Hearing Hai Wang’s seemingly unintentional words, Chu Fei Yang smiled elegantly. Afterwhich he continued to taste the wine in the cup. He did not participate on their conversation. Those eyes wearing a simple smile had already crossed over the bonfire in the imperial garden looking at Yun Qian Meng in the opposite side, seeing her lowering down her head talking with Qu Fei Qing, her eyes flickered with intelligent gaze and the corner of her mouth containing a shallow smile, no longer exhibiting her self confidence and unique charm to others, for a moment Chu Fei Yang felt dazzled watching her, hoping that this boring palace feast will soon come to an end, so as not to just let him sit still on his seat.
“Hai Wang and Hai Jun Wang seemed as if being quite curious about my Ce Fei, today you had already mentioned about her twice!” Chen Wang sneered. His gaze as cold as ice swept through Chu Fei Yang’s face towards Hai Wang, the corner of his mouth broke out an extremely cold smiling expression, forming a sharp contrast against the lively scene inside the imperial garden.
“You are being funny, Chen Wang! I somehow regret that benwang wasn’t able to attend Wang Ye and Chu Xiang’s weddings! If it wasn’t for the injury on my legs, benwang surely wouldn't miss these two wonderful weddings! Benwang heard that during Wang Ye’s big wedding, Chu Xiang had came rushing all the way from Luo City! With the great friendship between the both of you, that was truly a rare sight within the royal court!” Hai Wang had completely lost his silence today, humorously narrating the things that he heard from other people, yet it made Chu Fei Yang gradually regained his focus on Yun Qian Meng, and coldness in Chen Wang’s eyes became even more serious.
“This was merely just a major event in my own life, how could I trouble Wang Ye to have to personally attend it? Moreover, this time Chen Wang only marries Ce Fei, the position of Ce Fei had two slots, in the future if Chen Wang was to marry again, don’t you need to attend again, Hai Wang Ye? Furthermore, aside from Ce Fei, there’s Zheng Fei, based on these, if Hai Wang Ye was to only attend to congratulate, he will then have to visit Chen Wang Ye for at least three times. Wang Ye isn’t your body not feeling well? How can you afford be rushing around? If you got tired, your son-in-law the Crown Prince will be very likely to feel distressed. If Crown Prince is in a bad mood, he might attack Western Chu again, then wouldn’t Wang Ye become the criminal of Western Chu? So that was why Chen Wang didn’t inform Hai Wang, this is also for the best of Wang Ye and the common people of Western Chu!” For the fear of not putting the world in chaos, Chu Fei Yang not only criticized Chen Wang, he also involved Qi Jing Yuan, moreover he also threatened Hai Wang, with these words, he had involved all those people in power, no one will ever escape from his plan.
After speaking, it all seemed nothing to him as he continued to taste the wine and watch the dance, having a complacent look, as if the person who had said those sharp words earlier was not him.
“Chu Xiang, your statement is bad, my father was just merely showing his mutual concern between colleagues, yet he was being misunderstood by Chu Xiang! Although the Crown Prince is my father’s son-in-law, but the Crown Prince always shows his concern towards the common people of Northern Qi, how could he make a big move because of my father's few trips to attend the wedding feasts? Furthermore the Crown Prince came here this time for the sake of making peace between the two countries like Western Chu and Northern Qi, marrying my sister as a commitment to our Western Chu, how could he break the promise, and start a war because of this trivial matter! Chu Xiang, you have worried too much!” This time, Hai Chen Xi laughed as he spoke.
His cleverness was not inferior to Chu Fei Yang, although his time serving in the royal court was shorter, but under Hai Wang’s personal teaching as well as the guidance of Hai Wang Fei and the others inside Hai Wang Fu, he had been trained to have an agile thinking and a clever tongue, he had refuted back to Chu Fei Yang’s words at first place, easily blocked off the high hat that was being tossed out to him by Chu Fei Yang.
“Since that is the case, then there’s no need for Wang Ye to always mention about the wedding event! Mentioning several times about it, don’t tell me that you were hinting me for lacking the etiquette?” For the first time Jiang Mu Chen did not go against Chu Fei Yang, but instead he sneered at Hai Wang and his son.
After all, it was Hai Wang who had first mentioned about this matter. However based on Hai Wang’s statement it was very clear that, as for the things that had happened during that day, he certainly knew all the details, or else how could he be able to say all those words? If Jiang Mu Chen was not able to hear these words which were obviously mocking him, then all these years that he had been living inside the palace will be pointless!
However, regarding Yun Qian Meng, this was a matter between himself and Chu Fei Yang. Jiang Mu Chen did not want Hai Wang to get involved. He must know that the man had other deeper interests. He was also very good in observation waiting for a good opportunity to make his move. If he was to discover something, perhaps it will be just like s sharp sword in his hand.
And Qi Jing Yuan who kept his silence all along while listening to the heated debated between these few men. He did not speak to defend Hai Wang, also he didn’t interrupt to become a peacemaker.
After all, Qi Jing Yuan was npt a citizen of Westerni Chu, whether he was about to marry Hai Tian as his wife, he would still be Northern Qi’s Crown Prince, and as for the internal conflicts of Western Chu, he was not interested in any of it. But he did not absolutely withdraw from it, but just observed in a corner with cold eyes, carefully observed which side had the most powerful strength.
“I’ve heard that during the imperial examination period a fire had broke out from a guest house, in order to appease the candidates, Wang Ye had provided shelter inside Chen Wang Fu for those candidates who had survived! Such act of righteousness, truly made me admire you!” If a few words would cause Hai Wang to glare angrily, it will very unlikely for Hai Wang Fu to be standing upright on top of Yang Ming Mountain, this time he was able to switch the topic easily, those bright eyes slightly swept through Han Chen who was offering wine to Qu Chang Qing in a nearby place, as he slowly spoke.
“Since I’ve been receiving salary from the imperial court, then naturally I will serve the imperial court! I presume if Hai Wang had seen the situation during that time, you will also do this!” How could Jiang Mu Chen not notice Han Che’s actions, but hearing Hai Wang mentioned about it feeling uneasy, his facial expression had gradually went a few degrees colder, his tone of voice seemed to contain the righteousness.
“But I’m confused, that top scorer of the military examination Top Scorer Han was actually chosen by Wang Ye, and the top scorer of the literary examination Top Scorer Han had also benefited from Wang Ye, but why were the two of them offering wine to Qu Shang Shu, but instead casting Wang Ye aside, that was truly peculiar. Or maybe they felt that Wang Ye’s status was unattainable, which is why they didn’t attempt to propose their toasts?” Hai Wang’s words entailed quite a lot of deeper meaning, firstly it was to promote disharmony between Han Shao Mian, Han Che towards Jiang Mu Chen, pointing out their ungratefulness and inability to distinguish the good and the bad.
Secondly, it denoted that the two of them looked down upon Chen Wang. Fu Guo Gong Fu was actually one of the four huge influential families, their status weren’t any lower than Chen Wang. But the two of them had preferred to offer wine to Qu Zhang Qing instead of coming over to them, it didn’t seem that Chen Wang was highly unattainable, but the two of them had their other plans in mind.
“Hai Wang, don’t you forget that, Qu Zhang Qing is the assistant minister of Ministry of War before, that Han Shao Mian was going to him obviously because he needed some advice. And as for Han Che, I had seen it earlier that, he seemed to be dragged by Han Shao Mian as his companion. After all, Duan Wang is Han Shi Lang’s real uncle, Han Che came from a poor and humble family moreover it was also his first time to handle things inside the imperial court, naturally he couldn't afford to offend anyone!” This time, Chu Fei Yang plainly spoke, gazing at Hai Wang with faint coldness in his eyes. Hai Wang’s words earlier had involved Fu Guo Gong Fu, it was undoubtedly that he wanted Jiang Mu Chen to hate Qu Zhang Qing and the others even more, such treacherous plan was truly frightening!
And before Hai Wang could respond, Chu Fei Yang quickly continued “I’ve heard that His Majesty had let Hai Wang and his family stay behind, so as to avoid troubling Wang Ye going back and forth, and also being compassionate towards Princess He Shun because she was about to marry off to a far away location. Consequently the princess was allowed to have plenty of bonding time with her relatives from Hai Wang Fu. It can be clearly seen that His Majesty had valued Wang Ye after all!”
Unknowingly, Qi Jing Yuan had hooked up a blood thirsty kind of sneer upon hearing these words, seemed as if having a bit of disdainful look, but also appeared as if mocking Emperor Yu Qian for wasting a big deal of efforts, those gloomy both eyes had finally focused on Hai Tian who was sitting on the opposite side for the first time tonight. His unconcealed eyes were filled with frustrated murderous spirit as they shot across Hai Tian, whose eyes seemed to be filled with unwillingness, making Hai Tian to respond quickly as she body was beaded with cold sweat as she got frightened. She could not help but grab Hai Wang Fei’s hands tightly, with coldness in her and her voice trembling she said “Mother, I really don’t want to go to Northern Qi!”
Hai Wang Fei did not expect that on the crucial juncture, Hai Tian would back out. She immediately pulled her hands, exerting efforts to grab them tightly between her hands, using the hardest strength that seemed to be squeezing Hai Tian’s hands until she felt the pain, afterwhich with a bit of cruel tone she said “Tian’er, are you insane? Would you like to ruin your big brother's life? Look at your father, who is standing beside him during this feast, aren’t you worried about your big brother? Now that Hai Chen Xi had already became Hai Jun Wang, if he is to snatch away your brother's position as Shi Zi again, even me as your mother will not be able to live anymore! Don’t you know that with your ‘don’t want to go’ remarks will not only harm you mother and your big brother, but also in the future you won’t be able to gain your foothold inside Hai Wang Fu, not even to mention marrying a good husband! Think about the consequences of that little slut Hai Lin, do you want to be similar to her? Or are you mentally prepared to be ridiculed by that slut?”
Hai Tian felt the pain in her hands to be grabbed like that, yet it was not as frightening as the fear that Qi Jing Yuan had given her with that gaze earlier.
But Hai Wang Fei’s analysis was reasonable, causing her to feel confused for a moment, her face went deathly pale like snow, the arrogance in her expression had been gradually stripped away, leaving behind a confused face……
‘Boom, boom……’ The burst of fireworks sound echoed from a faraway abandoned palace during the arrival of the first hour, everyone abandoned their tasks at hand as they lifted up their heads watching the snowy night sky, that pitch-black night sky was slowly displaying colorful fireworks, those dazzling colors highlighted its brilliance in the midst of darkness.
The palace feast ended as they returned back to Chu Xiang Fu, which was already during the break of dawn. Thinking about sending Hai Tian out of the city tomorrow, Yun Qian Meng and Chu Fei Yang simply washed then went to bed to take a break.
Translated by:
cristinaEdited by:
korezmiBut not to know whether she was mentally stressed or had been long exceeded her usual sleeping time, Yun Qian Meng tossed and turned but still couldn't sleep, a pair of big bright eyes was staring onto the ceiling high up above, somehow uncomfortable as she knitted up her brows.
“What’s wrong?” Sensing the strange behavior of the person beside him, Chu Fei Yang stretched out his hands as he pulled her closer to his arms, gently kissed her fragrant hair, then he asked in a low voice.
“It’s nothing. It’s just that it’s already way past my sleeping time, but now I’m not sleepy anymore! You sleep now, because you’ll have to wake up early in the morning!” Tomorrow Chu Fei Yang together with Chen Wang and Hai Jun Wang will send Hai Tian out of the city on behalf of Emperor Yu Qian. Both sides had already agreed on the venue in which the exchange of hostages will take place. Even if Yun Qian Meng had something in her mind right now, she could not talk about it at this time, so as to avoid Chu Fei Yang to feel distracted, committing mistakes on the event tomorrow.
How could Chu Fei Yang not be aware of Yun Qian Meng’s good intentions. He did not ask further, embracing her as he slowly drifted off to sleep, pondering over tomorrow's events.
Chu Fei Yang got out of bed in the early hours of the morning in the next day. In her capacity as his wife, Yun Qian Meng also needed to line up very early by the doorway of the palace to send off Hai Tian. Seeing that Chu Fei Yang had already got up, she had also sat upright, putting on her clothes that were hanging in a corner.
“It’s still early, you can lie down again for a while! I still need to discuss something with His Majesty, that’s why I am up early. Now that it is freezing outside, don’t let yourself catch a cold!” Seeing Yun Qian Meng being haggard because of not being able to sleep the whole night, Chu Fei Yang’s hand slightly paused while tightening up his belt, then immediately pressed her down holding her shoulders intended to let her sleep a little longer.
But Yun Qian Meng just shook her head, if she was to sleep again this time, she was afraid she might wake in a wrong time, and it will definitely start off some rumors about it!
Seeing Chu Fei Yang’s collar was not properly fixed, Yun Qian Meng gently laughed. She stretched out her both hands gently assisted him to fix it, then he ordered him to stand firm, then personally arranged his belt, then carefully observed every detail from top to bottom, then finally she nodded her head “It’s done!”
Seeing Yun Qian Meng’s thoughtfulness, the resentment suddenly raised up from Chu Fei Yang’s heart. It was clearly the first day of the new year, yet it happened that he still needed to get busy about the business concerning some unrelated person. Although he had a beautiful wife to accompany him in the house, yet he could only think about it in his mind.
Particularly during this time when Yun Qian Meng pursed up a shallow smile in the corner of her lips, it had stirred up Chu Fei Yang’s heart even more. His long arms quickly stretched out, when Yun Qian Meng came to her senses, her body had already been embraced in Chu Fei Yang’s arms, her own slightly cold pair of lips were tightly sealed by two gentle yet domineering lips. Being somewhat reluctant to part with them, Chu Fei Yang seemed as if not having enough kiss as he appeared like he was intending to devour her and swallow her inside his stomach. After a long while he parted distance from her, then he guaranteed in a low voice “After handling this matter, I have a couple of days to rest, during that time I shall spend time with you at home!”
Yun Qian Meng hid herself in his arms as she nodded her head. Her eyes looked at the sky outside as it already turned brighter, then she stretched her hand and pushed Chu Fei Yang, in a soft voice she said “Quickly go now! Don’t delay the time!”
While speaking, Yun Qian Meng took the big cloak in the corner which was already prepared earlier, then personally put it on Chu Fei Yang, as she watched him leave.
“You had came home very late last night, certainly you didn’t sleep well. Why don’t you sleep for a little longer, xiaojie? Your face looked a bit haggard!” Seeing Chu Fei Yang had left, Mu Chun and the others who were waiting in the outer room then brought all the things needed for the wash when they stepped inside, seeing Yun Qian Meng had already put on her coat, they immediately laid down the things in their hands, as they took out her royal dress then assisted Yun Qian Meng to put it on.
“Silly girl, with the event today, how many persons will be able to sleep well?” Last night she had taken a short nap for a while, perhaps Hai Tian, who was staying inside the palace, wasn't able to sleep the whole night.
Being forced to leave one’s hometown was easier said than done! Besides, Hai Tian was the only person alone to enter the imperial palace of Northern Qi through marriage. In the future she will rely on on her strength alone to face the entire imperial palace of Bei Qi, no to mention Qi Jing Yuan being its ruthless master, perhaps her life in the future, will not be as bright and beautiful as any outsiders could see!
After packing up, a quarter of an hour had already passed. Thinking that entering the palace was still needed a great distance, Mu Chun allowed Ying Xia to prepare some morning meals in the food boxes. A few servant girls followed behind Yun Qian Meng as they sat inside the horse carriage which had already been prepared earlier, proceeding towards the direction of the imperial palace.
Due to celebration of the new year, there was not a even a single person in the streets. Perhaps citizens had been celebrating the new year with their families at home, even no one was there to clean up the snow last night. The wheels of the carriage rolled over the thick layer of snow which had been gathered up, producing beat by beat of rolling sound. Yun Qian Meng lifted open the carriage curtains with her hand. A cool wind suddenly blew towards her face, although the coldness was bone chilling yet it lifted up Yun Qian Meng’s spirit, on the contrary she wasn’t as sleepy anymore as she had been earlier.
“My lady, have some breakfast now! After a few moments you will be standing for quite a long time later on.” Mu Chun thoughtfully draped a waistcoat on Yun Qian Meng’s chest, so as to avoid messing up the royal dress with the food that will accidentally fall down on it, after which she handed a bowl of porridge to Yun Qian Meng.
“No, eating porridge will make me feel bloated, I’ll have some pastries instead!” Looking at that soupy rice porridge, Yun Qian Meng returned it back to Mu Chun, without saying anything further she used the chopsticks to pick up the steaming hot xiao long bao inside the food box, dipped it in the vinegar and started to eat.
Upon hearing Yun Qian Meng’s words, Mu Chun felt it was quite reasonable. Then she set aside the porridge, putting a lot of side dishes on the small plate in front of Yun Qian Meng.
After eating the breakfast, Yun Qian Meng gargled her mouth once again, to remove the flavors in her mouth. She checked her own make-up again, then she reclined on the soft cushion behind her as she shut her eyes to nap.
“Furen, we have arrived at the imperial palace!” Who knew how much time had already passed, Xi Lin who was driving the carriage outside reminded her in a low voice. Yun Qian Meng slowly opened her both eyes. She seemed to hear a lot of people discussing matters in whispers. Then she lifted up the carriage curtains, yet she saw a lot of women had already arrived inside the inner palace. Everyone was standing in the midst of cold wind, waiting for Hai Tian’s arrival in their pale faces. But apparently they seemed to be impatient, from time to time they would whisper something to the person standing beside them, as if they were complaining about something.
“You just wait inside the carriage.” Walking down from the horse carriage in an elegant posture, Yun Qian Meng instructed Mu Chun and the others, then she herself walked towards the direction of the crowd.
After greeting the furens one by one, Yun Qian Meng proceeded to the foremost location of the queue, but, with her very young appearance standing in front of a big crowd of middle aged women, it had caused a lot of people to look and talk about her.
“She is truly lucky for marrying Chu Xiang, today she really stood out of the limelight!” The lady of a third-rank official spoke in an extremely low voice, looking at Yun Qian Meng with eyes filled with envy.
Thinking that her own husband was twenty years older than Chu Fei Yang, yet now she was just a fourth-rank in charge of offering the wine, and during this life it will be hopeless for her to enter the inner group, how could it not make her feel angry!
“Hehe, why will you envy her, furen? You could only blame your own husband for the disappointment, think about what kind of person Chu Xiang is. During his teens he had fought in the battlefield, such kind of capability, how could an ordinary man be able to achieve it?” This time, Su Qi’s first wife approached, watching Yun Qian Meng’s back as she sneered. If it wasn’t for Chu Fei Yang’s schemes, their Su family wouldn't fall to this point. Now that they lacked their elder brother's help, her husband undertook his tasks as the ambassador of water transportation very carefully, for the fear that people would find fault with him. During this time their family revenue had decreased a great deal, for once their food and clothing costs had become scarce, causing those yiniang to talk behind her back to her husband, that was truly infuriating!
Seeing that she was member of Su family, the surrounding ladies immediately shut their mouths. After all, a few days had already passed since the matter concerning Su Yuan, how could they dare to have any contact with such person, or else when they returned home their husband wouldn’t see them the same way anymore, and they will increasingly dote on those young flirtatious women.
Yun Qian Meng walked until she approached behind Ji Shu Yu. The two of them smiled to each other, then they stood straight based on their orders, waiting for the royal family to come out.
And during this time, a beautiful middle aged women standing in the foremost location had attracted Yun Qian Meng’s attention. Her back was straight, with an elegant posture, although her front side could be seen, but with merely just her back view, her noble status could be easily determined. A woman with an extremely good upbringing, particularly when she was wearing the royal dress as a Zheng Fei, people seemed to admire the significance of her position.
“Aunt, she is?” Gently pulling Ji Shu Yu’s sleeves, Yun Qian Meng asked Ji Shu Yu in a lowered voice.
Following Yun Qian Meng’s eyes, Ji Shu Yu looked, suddenly she laughed, then explained “That is Duan Wang’s principal consort! She is Duan Wang’s second principal consort, truly a powerful character! Meng’er why did you suddenly ask about her?”
Yun Qian Meng just replied with a simple smile “I just feel she is somehow different! But during the feasts in the past, I rarely saw this Duan Wang Fei!”
Ji Shu Yu turned her head around to look at Yun Qian Meng’s eyes flickering with curiosity. She felt happy for her, although this silly girl is already married, but she still has a childish mindset, seeing strangers she would feel curious, then she patiently explained “This Duan Wang Fei actually came from a famous family. She was the previous Crown Prince Shao Bao’s daughter from the first wife. But, during that time she fell for Duan Wang who already had a family, due to Shao Bao’s love for his own daughter, he had no choice but to marry off his daughter to Duan Wang Fu as Ce Fei, until later on the original Duan Wang Fei had passed away, she was then being promoted to principal consort.”
Yun Qian Meng carefully listened to Ji Shu Yu’s explanation, it couldn't help but reminded him of Han Shao Mian, last night based on the interaction between Han Shao Mian and Duan Wang, Duan Wang had really cared for this nephew “Aunt, how was the relationship between Duan Wang Ye and the former Principal Consort Han? And how was his relationship with Han Fu?”
Yesterday it was really late, in addition to the curtains and the snowfalls inside the imperial garden, also having the female dancers around at the center, Yun Qian Meng wasn’t able to see the full features of Duan Wang’s face, then she just observed on the side.
“They were deeply in love! Or else, Duan Wang wouldn't wait until three years after the principal consort had passed away to promote this Duan Wang Fei! And as for his relationship with Han Fu it had also became closer during these recent years. Previously there was a rumor circling around Duan Wang Fu saying that Han Wang Fei and Duan Wang’s relationship had broken up, don’t whether if it's real or not. You silly kid, why did you inquire about these things today? Having the time to think of these, it would be better to think about having children with Chu Xiang, as it will make us feel happy!” Seeing Yun Qian Meng’s eyes plainly looking at Duan Wang Fei’s back, Ji Shu Yu knocked on her head as she spoke while smiling.
And Yun Qian Meng only smiled, afterwards she shifted the topic as she said “Regardless of how it is I would still prefer to wait until my both cousins get married! Not to know whether my maternal grandmother as well as uncle and aunt already had any candidates for my both cousins?”
Mentioning about this matter, Ji Shu Yu slowly sighed, sadness appeared in between her gentle brows, needless to say, Yun Qian Meng already knew what her heart worried about, hearing the beating sound of the drums echoed from behind, she immediately spoke “It’s about to start!”
Earlier the queue seemed to be messed up, because of Emperor Yu Qian’s appearance, everyone stood properly as they waited on their spots.
Hai Tian was wearing red as she was being assisted by the two palace Mama’s as they walked out. She was wearing the grand crimson wedding dress embroidered with a phoenix that looked lifelike using the golden threads, this made the majority of the women expose the envious yet regretful expressions on their faces.
Too bad she wasn't able to see them because of the head covering on top of her head, or else Hai Tian will be very likely to turn red due to anger.
This time Hai Wang Fei was walking together with the Empress Dowager as they both approached behind Emperor Yu Qian Di. Today she was unlike her usual dignified look, this time her face was pale, her both eyes were swollen red also filled with tears. Probably she had cried the whole night last night, this time her figure was slightly swaying as she walked towards the queue, probably separation with her own flesh and blood had really made her feel heartbroken.
Emperor Yu Qian and the others only sent Hai Tian to the doorway of the palace, afterwards they saw Hai Tian was being assisted inside the phoenix chariot which had already been prepared in advance. The wheel of the phoenix chariot had started to turn, the sound of the musical instruments started to play, all the assigned women closely followed behind the palace maids, eunuchs and the dowries as all the them slowly walked ahead……
“Tian’er……” A painful screaming sound echoed from behind, but this time the musical instruments were too loud, drowning out the grieving sound of scream in the midst of the splendid sound of glory.
The queue had arrived at the entrance of the palace, the royal court officials were already waiting outside, and Chu Fei Yang, Jiang Mu Chen and Hai Chen Xi were already riding on the horsebacks. Seeing Hai Tian’s phoenix chariot had already exited the gates of the palace, the three of them clamped their feet on the horse bellies, leading the queue as they proceeded towards the direction of the city gates.
With the grand escort of a few thousand people, passing through the half part of the capital, yet they still have yet to complete the journey, with the ten miles of red decorations it seemed to be especially eye-catching, but the cold surroundings also reminded Hai Tian of the path that she ought to take in the future.
Hearing Hai Wang Fei’s last scream of ‘Tian’er’, Hai Tian who was sitting inside the phoenix chariot couldn't restrain herself as tears fell down from her eyes.
“Princess, during this grand celebration day, tears will not be allowed!” Seeing a drop of tear fell down to her hand, the Mama accompanying beside her spoke to remind her.
Unknowingly, that charming face hidden underneath the red head covering was already firmly biting on both lips, if it wasn't like this, perhaps she might cry out loud.
Walking for almost two hours, the queue had finally reached the city gates, the women who originally complained that the weather was too cold outside were now gasping for breath again and again, their bodies were wet being beaded with sweat all over.
Chu Fei Yang tightened the ropes to turn the horse around, making a hand gesture towards Yu Gong Gong who was following closely, those palace maids and eunuchs immediately led all the women as they retreated back around ten feet, then the three of them still continued to lead the phoenix chariot and those palace maids and eunuchs who were to continue serving her after the wedding as they continued to walk outside.
And Qi Jing Yuan and the others had already returned to posthouse to fix things after the palace feast had ended. Early in the morning he was already waiting outside of the city, this time seeing the city gates being opened, Chu Fei Yang, Chen Wang and Hai Chen Xi simultaneously came out riding on the horsebacks, Qi Jing Yuan and Qi Jing Xuan, Qi Jing Han stepped forth at the same time. Both sides exchanged their written edict in their hands, afterwhich Qi Jing Yuan instructed his men to take over Hain Tian’s phoenix chariot, guarded by the three persons and the guards and city defense troops, they walked towards the direction of the border of Northern Qi and Western Chu.
“Chu Xiang, you are newly married, allowing you to personally send me off, I truly felt sorry for you!” Similar to Chu Fei Yang and the others, this time Qi Jing Yuan was also riding on the horseback, he cold eyes took a glimpse at Hai Tian’s phoenix chariot, Qi Jing Yuan’s heart was filled with irony.
“You're being too courteous, Crown Prince! Being able to do things for the common people and for the royal court, it is already an honor for me!” Chu Fei Yang’s both lips slightly raised up, exposing an absolutely charming smile in the midst of the cold wind, suddenly weakened the coldness in the surrounding area, as it seemed to be as warm as the spring breeze.
“But not to know where all my powerful generals had gone during this time!” Watching the increasingly desolated land, Qi Jing Yuan spoke plainly, his mind was scheming on the thoughts of Chu Fei Yang and his men.
“Crown Prince, you need not worry about it, as long as our Duan Wang Ye remains safe and sound, then your nation’s powerful generals will also certainly remain safe and sound!” Seeing Qi Jing Yuan went so quiet until he wasn't able to know his current expression of his mood, Chu Fei Yang spoke with a simple smile, but his look was similar to Jiang Mu Chen and Hai Chen Xi, along with distance the city became farther and farther away, and they became even more cautious and alert to one another.
Translated by:
cristinaEdited by:
korezmi