Capítulo 47: Night Exploration of the Palace
In mid-August, the sweltering heat of summer began to wane. At this time, the warm winds of Pan City blew gently, carrying the crispness of autumn, which eased the weariness of those who had journeyed through dust and fatigue.
As evening fell, the setting sun cast a delicate, yet vibrant layer of scarlet across the western sky, enveloping the entire palace in a hazy golden halo. The green-tiled roofs and glazed tiles appeared both majestic and solemn. The wind rustled the myriad blossoms in the garden, swirling through the pavilions and breezeways as if to welcome a beautiful lady dressed in finery.
"Princess."
The palace attendants, busy in the herbal garden, noticed the radiant figure approaching from the corridor and bowed in respect.
"Please, you may leave," the lady in deep purple palace attire said, waving her hand gently. The attendants set aside their tools for clearing the underbrush and flowers, bowing as they departed.
Xianyue perched on the palace wall, her left leg bent like a bow, resting her chin on her elbow while her right leg dangled straight, swaying gently like a small boat. She observed the woman in the garden, who was bending down and smiling at the peculiar flowers and plants. Suddenly, she recalled a remark made by Lan Yixuan: even in the dragon robe, one did not resemble a prince.
The woman before her exuded grace, elegance, and nobility. Xianyue racked her brain, unable to find an apt word to describe her. If the peony is the king of flowers, then this woman's bearing was inherently fit for a queen, deserving of reverence across the land. Even amidst the myriad blossoms, her air of superiority was undiminished.
Even clad in coarse garments, her nobility could not be concealed.
Princess Yunyan truly embodied grandeur.
Despite being princesses themselves, the difference in their demeanor was vast; in the Zhou Dynasty, it was not without merit. It was bewildering how the King Hui of Zhou, who immersed himself daily in the arts and scholarly pursuits, could father such a daughter.
"Princess, have you dined yet?"
Ning Yunya, absorbed in the floral garden, suddenly turned to see Xianyue gracefully leaping down from the palace wall. Her movements were so light that her flowing black hair danced in the air. In that instant, Ning Yunya's eyes widened, as if she believed she had encountered a celestial being descending from the nine heavens to rescue her from the depths of the palace.
"Princess, you have yet to answer me!"
Only when Xianyue bent down, smiling, and leaned closer did Ning Yunya snap back to reality, her captivating, watery gaze fixed upon her.
Such a woman was unlike anyone Ning Yunya had ever seen—free-spirited and exuberant, embodying a casual grace that evoked envy.
Ning Yunya pursed her lips and smiled, her mouth curving upwards in a nearly rigid manner. However, she knew that compared to her previous smiles, this one was sincere.
In her plain attire and white gown, she suddenly felt as though her opulent palace dress was an unbreakable thread binding her, leaving her to drag this heavy shell with every painstaking step.
"I thought I had seen a celestial maiden descend from the nine layers of the palace," she said, stepping back two paces, as if in earnest.
"Haha."
Xianyue tilted her head back and laughed heartily, "Princess, with your grace and beauty rivaling the peony, aren't you afraid I might abduct you for sale?"
Ning Yunya looked at Xianyue, momentarily taken aback, but the sparkle in her star-like eyes reflected curiosity rather than fear, her dark pupils roving up and down Xianyue's figure.
After a moment, Xianyue stifled her laughter, coughed a few times, and, adopting a mock-serious demeanor with her hands clasped behind her back, said, "I am indeed a celestial maiden sent by the Queen Mother to ask you for something."
Each word delivered with gravitas, as if she were truly in earnest.
Ning Yunya stared blankly at Xianyue before suddenly bursting into laughter.
Her laughter was beautiful, the watery spark in her eyes shimmering like intoxicating waves, retaining an air of nobility while adding a hint of youthful sweetness and shyness.
"Miss, you truly are amusing."
That smile lasted only a few seconds, akin to a fleeting firework—beautiful yet ephemeral, evoking sighs for its brevity. Soon, her expression returned to one of divine grace that brooked no disrespect, still lovely but lacking a spark of vitality.
"What did the Queen Mother say you should take?"
Ning Yunya walked past Xianyue, moving to the spot where she had been sitting. The palace wall loomed five meters high, requiring one to tilt their head to see clearly, separating the two worlds inside and outside. Yet even beyond that wall, one could only glimpse the exquisitely adorned palace structures.
People envied the lives of those within the palace, draped in fine garments and surrounded by wealth, enjoying a life of luxury. Yet, they remained unaware that this was merely an unyielding cage.
Xianyue turned to see Ning Yunya gazing over the high palace wall towards the sky. Though her back was turned and Xianyue could not see her expression, she knew that longing and yearning glimmered in her eyes.
Those outside yearned desperately to enter, craving the elevated, adoring lifestyle, unaware that those inside also dreamed of breaking free from this cage and soaring beyond.
Had it not been for Liu Xinyou, Xianyue wondered if her own time spent in the Feng Kingdom's palace would find her, in the depths of night, gazing at the insurmountable wall, harboring similar thoughts.
One cannot have both fish and bear's paw; within the palace, she had her brother, yet lacked the freedom of the martial world.
The martial world offered the freedom she desired, but not the warmth she craved.
Xianyue stood behind Ning Yunya, taking her time to answer her question. They quietly watched as the soft rosy hue deepened into a striking crimson, so bright it seemed one could almost reach out and grasp it, yet no matter what one did, it would forever elude capture.
"Celestial herb."
In that moment, Ning Yunya's spine stiffened, her shoulders trembling slightly—a small gesture that did not escape Xianyue's keen gaze.
"I hear it possesses miraculous pain-relieving properties."
Xianyue added cautiously.
Ning Yunya turned to face Xianyue, her exquisite features glowing in the twilight. Her bright eyes sparkled with clarity and purity, dazzling and as radiant as snow. Yet, in that moment, she felt that this woman before her surpassed even the renowned Huachuxue, who was celebrated as the world's most beautiful.
Xianyue allowed Ning Yunya to scrutinize her, standing there unflinchingly, exuding calmness.
"How has he been lately?"
The evening glow of the sky was breathtaking, shifting unpredictably.
He? Confused by the seemingly random question thrown by Ning Yunya, Xianyue soon recalled Jun Pinyu, the one who had guided her here, and suddenly understood.
King Hui of Zhou was infatuated with calligraphy and antiquities, while Princess Yunyan adored rare flowers and plants. Thus, the Yunya Palace contained this herbal garden. The world knew these flowers and plants as precious and rarely attainable, yet few recognized their true purpose.
Jun Pinyu knew all too well.
Xianyue chuckled, feeling as though she was entangled in a complex web of relationships that could not be unraveled.
"Old Master Fu passed away unexpectedly; he is not doing well right now."
Ning Yunya's eyes dimmed, revealing her concern.
Xianyue sighed inwardly. The fallen blossoms carry intentions, but the flowing waters remain indifferent. Compared to Nian Xiaoyu, Ning Yunya seemed even more pitiable. At least Nian Xiaoyu boldly declared her love for Bai Zhanfeng to the world, remaining by his side regardless of his actions, while he remained aloof, keeping others at arm's length. This was undeniably heartbreaking, yet they could still meet daily—an instance of happiness. Even if they could never truly be together, she believed Bai Zhanfeng would never forget Nian Xiaoyu, the girl who had trailed behind him for over three years, enduring hardships and sharing adventures.
"The Pan City will soon host the martial arts conference; he will come then, and the princess will see him shortly."
Ning Yunya's clear gaze resembled a mirror, reflecting the secrets buried deep within her heart. She made no attempt to deny it, merely smiled gently, and gazed at the sky in a daze.
The flames flickered brightly, gradually dimming, as the sky darkened bit by bit. The night breeze brushed against them, carrying a hint of coolness.
Xianyue sat on the steps at the corridor's exit, leaning against the railing with her eyes closed, relaxing as she awaited Ning Yunya to grow weary of holding her head up and turn around. Yet, she continued to remain poised.
"Princess, the Queen Mother awaits my return to report."
Ning Yunya chuckled lightly again, her laughter delicate. In the tranquil night, her voice bore a hint of raspiness.
She stepped forward, looking down at Xianyue from her elevated position. "I can give you the celestial herb, but you must agree to one condition."
It is said that like attracts like; perhaps it was no wonder Xianyue found herself drawn to Jun Pinyu. Did they always
Xian Yue looked up, her tone brooking no argument; to make promises lightly only led to one's own entanglement.
Ning Yunyan approached Xian Yue, resting her hands on the railing as she glanced around, still feeling uneasy. She walked to the other side and instructed a palace maid, "No one is to approach the Hundred Herbs Garden without my command."
The night was still and imposing, and she took out a handkerchief, placing it on the ground before sitting beside Xian Yue.
"If you do not agree, what weight does my word carry?"
"If you do not speak, how can I know whether I can comply?"
Ning Yunyan fell silent, resting her chin in her hands.
As darkness deepened, the inky sky was punctuated by a few distant stars, a lonely sight.
"How did you come to know him?"
Ning Yunyan turned to face Xian Yue.
"Jun Pin Yu?"
Xian Yue blinked, feigning ignorance.
Ning Yunyan's expression was devoid of any girlish bashfulness or fluster; she met Xian Yue's gaze steadily, nodding, "Yes, Jun Pin Yu."
This response took Xian Yue by surprise.
"The year I met him, I was merely thirteen. He was already renowned in the martial world. When my father fell ill, the palace physicians were helpless. He entered the palace to treat my father during the season of blooming lotus flowers. I was playing the qin in the Water Orchid Pavilion when I first laid eyes on him, clad in white. I had never seen such a man—"
Ning Yunyan was lost in her recollections, yet when mentioning Jun Pin Yu, her brow furrowed slightly, as if she struggled to find an apt description.
"Clean, elegant, indifferent yet dignified towards all, right?"
Xian Yue interjected, noting his detached demeanor, whether in the presence of commoners or nobles. Yet beneath that facade, his heart burned fiercely.
Ning Yunyan smiled subtly, not questioning how Xian Yue knew this so well. Instead, she nodded, pleased that Xian Yue could articulate it.
"Jun Pin Yu is exceptionally gifted, and his fame in the martial world is long-standing. Since you dare to acknowledge your feelings for him, why not pursue your own happiness with greater courage?"
The answer had long been nestled in her heart.
Ning Yunyan gazed at Xian Yue; the night was dark, but it could not conceal the envy glimmering in her eyes. After a long pause, she sighed and stood up, turning to face Xian Yue, who sat on the ground: "Because I am a princess."
Her words were measured, as if each one was a shard of ice, piercing Xian Yue's heart with their sharpness.
Being a princess, a title of such exalted privilege, demanded the bearing of responsibilities beyond the ordinary.
"A princess of the Zhou Dynasty."
Her tone was firm, underscoring a decision that could not be altered by anyone.
"If it were a time of peace, if my father were as capable as Emperor Shi, if my brother were more accomplished, I would forsake everything—just as Nian Xiaoyu did for Bai Zhanyuan. Principles? Dignity? I would renounce them all. But the world does not operate on 'ifs.' Jun Pin Yu is remarkable; in my eyes, he is the most exceptional man in the world—no one can compare to the likes of Lan Gongzi or Xuan Yuan's heir. Alas, he is merely a wandering physician; how wonderful it would be if he were the crown prince of Feng Nation or the heir to Xuan Yuan."
She sighed deeply with that last remark.
Upon hearing this, Xian Yue sensed Ning Yunyan's conditions and felt increasingly reluctant. She stood up, brushing off her garments, "Since the princess is unwilling to oblige, I shall resort to force."
Ning Yunyan regarded her calmly, showing no sign of alarm at the threat.
Xian Yue moved among the flowers and plants, bathed in moonlight, addressing Ning Yunyan, "Surely, among these, there must be some divine herbs."
She crouched down, inspecting the surroundings, deciding to employ the simplest method—one she deemed preferable to acquiescing to Ning Yunyan's terms.
Seeing her readiness for action, Ning Yunyan felt a twinge of urgency and squatted down beside her. "You were able to evade the vigilant Feather Forest Guards during the day to appear in the Hundred Herbs Garden; bringing me out should not be difficult for you."
Xian Yue glanced at her, recognizing that while navigating this labyrinthine palace was not challenging, smuggling a princess out posed considerable complications.
"The Martial Arts Conference is approaching; I will have even fewer chances thereafter."
Xian Yue raised an eyebrow; the Martial Arts Conference had no direct bearing on her ability to leave.
Ning Yunyan smiled, not self-deprecatingly, but with resolute determination: "The Yan State is fracturing, and the façade of peace among the six kingdoms can no longer be sustained. My father has issued invitations to princes from various states, and after the Martial Arts Conference, I must wed one of them."
Xian Yue straightened, "This does not seem like the actions of King Hui of Zhou."
A man who had never engaged in state affairs could not change overnight.
"It was I who urged my father to act this way."
Ning Yunyan looked at Xian Yue and revealed the truth.
"The State of Zhou is no longer what it once was; it has become an insubstantial shell of its former self. A wise person would not cling to an empty vessel, nor would they burden themselves with the weight of a hollow facade."
She paused, gazing at Xianyue with a hint of triumph. "But outsiders remain oblivious; they only see Zhou's splendor and its past might. They are convinced that a starving camel is still larger than a horse, and they will continue to fight fiercely over bygone glories, even to the point of bloodshed. Who could resist the temptation of using the entire Zhou Dynasty as a dowry?"
She spoke the truth; anyone with ambitions would not resist such allure. A kingdom and a beauty—why not seize both?
The lands of Lan and Xuanyuan were ambitious rivals, both vying for supremacy. To Zhou, they may seem like a superfluous, even discarded, shell, but for other nations, they represented great opportunity.
Since its founding, the Zhou Dynasty has existed for five hundred years, embodying legitimacy in the hearts of the people across the six kingdoms. Any act that jeopardizes Zhou would be seen as rebellion.
"Will there be representatives from Yan, Lan, Chu, Feng, and Xuanyuan?"
She simply wished to know if her brother would come.
Ning Yunyao nodded. "They will all return, including the ailing Crown Prince of Feng."
A thrill coursed through Xianyue's heart. She hadn't anticipated her brother would come in person. Would she see him in just a month or two? After her excitement waned, concern took hold; she wondered if he could endure the journey.
"Thus, this martial arts tournament positions Princess Yunyao as the true centerpiece."
Ning Yunyao did not conceal her intent. "On the surface, this tournament is hosted by the former martial arts alliance leader, but in reality—"
The rest of the statement needed no elaboration; they both understood.
"In truth, it serves as a means for the Zhou royal family to attract talent. With Zhou's illustrious facade, uniting the realm is within reach."
Xianyue's calm demeanor surprised Ning Yunyao.
Long before the division of Yan, Xianyue had known the peace among the six kingdoms would shatter; it was inevitable and irreversible. The Zhou Dynasty had long relinquished its position of shared leadership, and without a solid backing, it risked being consumed by others. This approach was undoubtedly the best; at least future prospects would be significantly improved.
One could not deny Ning Yunyao's sharp intellect. Marrying into the entirety of a nation would undoubtedly place her as the matriarch of the other five kingdoms, perhaps even the sovereign of all. Who would dare treat her with anything less than utmost respect?
Perhaps it would be Lan or Xuanyuan, but certainly not Feng.
She understood that her brother had no affection for Ning Yunyao, and the sentiment was mutual. She did not wish for him to sacrifice his lifelong happiness for her sake. She didn't want to bind him with a loveless union solely based on political expediency.
Feng had more than just a frail Crown Prince; it also had her, Princess Xihe. Even at the tender age of four, she had proclaimed her intent to shoulder the responsibilities of the world for him.
She questioned whether Ning Yunyao's words today stemmed from duty or from her reluctance to part with the opulent life she had grown accustomed to.
She hoped her brother would lead the simplest and happiest life possible.
"Do you not fear that I might reveal this to others?"
Ning Yunyao regarded Xianyue with a smile, exuding a confidence that bordered on certainty. "You wouldn't dare."
Xianyue raised an eyebrow. "On what grounds do you base this belief?"
They were merely meeting for the first time, knowing little of each other. How could she be so sure of Xianyue's intentions?
"I trust Jun Pinyu."
That trust seemed to transcend ordinary romantic sentiments.
"Anyone he chooses would never stoop to such behavior."
Was this not a case of faith unearned?
To such claims, Xianyue simply smiled faintly, neither affirming nor denying, and Ning Yunyao continued, "Even if you were to announce this widely, anyone with a modicum of intelligence would sense that this martial arts tournament is unlike any previous one. If they remain oblivious, what merit would they have to garner my favor? Even if they acknowledge that Zhou is now merely an ornate shell, what of it? Even if it is a burdensome facade, those who desire it will not let go. They will be irresistibly drawn to its magnificence, dismissing your words entirely."
Xianyue chuckled softly, thinking her confidence excessive. Were she to utter those words, none would believe her. However, if it came from Princess Xihe of Feng, perhaps her words would hold weight.
Yet, as she said, even a hollow shell could still find admirers.
"Princess, will you grant me the divine herb?"
Xianyue contemplated for a moment, studying Ning Yunyao before speaking suddenly.
Ning Yunyao's brows lifted, a smile gracing her lips as she watched Xianyue, but she did not move.
"You must trust that Jun Pinyu has no interest in deceitful individuals."
Ning Yunyao smiled, summoned someone to her side, and instructed them to package the herbs before personally handing them to Xianyue. "This herb is incredibly difficult to cultivate; I've nurtured it for five years, and only a few dozen plants have survived."
Xianyue accepted the carefully wrapped divine herb with a smile, declaring, "I must report back to the Queen Mother."
As she turned to leave, Ning Yunyao seized her arm, pointing at the herb in Xianyue's possession. "Its potency is formidable; too much could be fatal, yet too little won't provide the necessary relief."
Xianyue's smile froze for a fleeting moment, barely perceptible in the night. "It seems I must wait for Jun Pinyu to arrive and advise me on the appropriate dosage, or perhaps it should be tailored to the patient's condition."
Ning Yunyao tightened her grip on Xianyue's hand. "Could you stay in the palace with me?"
It wasn't merely a request; it was tinged with worry. Perhaps it was a lack of complete trust in Xianyue, or perhaps she simply yearned to escape this place, even if only for a moment.
"Why? Are you concerned I might go back on my word?"
Xianyue's words hinted at a threat, though she was well aware of who had brought her to this place.
Ning Yunyao pressed her lips together, gazing at the bright moon overhead. "In this lifetime, I will ultimately be unable to marry the man I truly desire. But at least the man I marry will not be repugnant to me."
Xianyue adopted a disapproving expression. "I've heard that the princes of Xuanyuan and Lan are both exceptionally talented and handsome. To marry one of them, even as a concubine, would be a dream come true for them. Both wish to take a princess as their wife and will treat you with utmost respect. Your life will undoubtedly be one of happiness and fulfillment."
Since the day she chose this path, she had become a mere political pawn; happiness was a question mark. However, at the very least, they could treat each other with respect.
Perhaps one day, she too would tread this path, but she would never allow herself to become such a thing, for all her efforts were meant to protect the one she cherished most.
One must be willing to give in order to gain what lies within one's heart.
"If you wish for me to escort you out, Princess, you must agree to three conditions."
Ning Yunyao released her grip on Xianyue's arm, feeling a sense of struggle.
"Fear not, Princess, I will not place you in a difficult position. The first condition is this."
Xianyue waved the divine herb Ning Yunyao had given her.
"The second is that I will inform you of the plan on the day I escort you out. How does that sound?"
Ning Yunyao studied Xianyue's smiling face, contemplated for a moment, and then nodded.
Xianyue laughed heartily, clutching her spoils. Like a nimble swallow, she leapt over the palace wall, her white figure gradually merging with the night.
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