Volume Three: A Hundred Things Changed with the Spring Breeze
On the Eve of the Storm
This farewell is forever
After returning from the loquat forest to Zhen Garden, Liu Qianxun hurriedly sent Liu Zhu to the separate courtyard, gave her medicine, and summoned Suyuan Tower’s shopkeeper, the divine doctor Yu Yao. Liu Zhu’s coughing illness worsened due to emotional turmoil, and although Yi Qingyu temporarily relieved it with true energy, she was still unbearably weak.
After settling Liu Zhu to rest, Liu Qianxun walked out of the room, worried, and upon raising her eyes, she saw Ling Yu standing in front of her.
“Aunt hasn’t recognized Yi Qingyu, right?”
“It seems the Sect Leader is very clear about our every word and action.” Liu Qianxun knew well that Ling Yu had always been monitoring them. She didn’t know whether Ling Yu had no trust in her at all or if it was an innate desire to control, always needing to grasp everything to feel assured.
“Xun’er, this place is not like Changning Mansion. You’ve already made an enemy of Yi Qinghuan, you know? If she discovers Aunt’s whereabouts, it’ll be very dangerous.” Ling Yu received a secret letter mentioning that Liu Qianxun’s fame had already spread far in the harem, with Bai Ruoxi praising her everywhere, making it hard not to make enemies.
“Thank you for your concern, Sect Leader. I’ll be careful.” Liu Qianxun lowered her eyes, her mood mixed with various emotions; she couldn’t tell if Ling Yu was truly concerned or just monitoring her. Now that progress was smooth, she needed to report the situation to Ling Yu and clear up the Grand Chancellor’s status.
“Do you want to ask me what the Grand Chancellor is up to?” Ling Yu seemed to guess her inner thoughts, with a charming smile and those enchanting eyes, making it seem like she could see through everything.
From the moment Liu Qianxun and Liu Zhu walked out of Zhen Garden, Ling Yu had dispatched people to follow them, wanting to control their movements, especially Liu Zhu, who was absolutely not allowed out of her sight.
“He’s just making some small moves. With my understanding of Qin Junlan, the Grand Chancellor is still not her match. Rest assured. I’m only concerned whether she’s invited you into the palace yet?” Ling Yu didn’t want the plan to be delayed any further, hoping for progress, as she didn’t want to keep waiting.
“The Sect Leader’s information is indeed well-informed. It seems Ghost Eye holds a significant position in the court, even knowing when Qin Junlan leaves the palace.” Liu Qianxun always wanted to know who Ghost Eye was, but she knew Ling Yu wouldn’t let her find out. Therefore, the first thing she needed to do upon entering the palace was to uncover the identity of Ghost Eye, or else she’d always feel uneasy with a pair of eyes watching her from the shadows.
“Ghost Eye’s information has never failed, so rest assured when you enter the palace; she will protect you.” Ling Yu had great trust in the four great spies she personally cultivated. Even someone as close as Liu Qianxun could not know their identities.
“In three days, it’s Yi Qinghuan’s grand birthday. Yi Qingyu wants me to cooperate with her to assist Qin Junlan, but I still don’t know exactly what they want to do.” Liu Qianxun truthfully revealed. Seeing Qin Junlan calm and composed, she knew she was also prepared. However, she still didn’t know how far the situation had developed.
Ling Yu was thoughtful, and soon understood the reason, smiling as she said, “Xun’er, Yi Qingyu is Cheng Wangfei (princess consort), don’t forget how many of the current Imperial Guards, including the Iron Guard, are former subordinates of Cheng Wang Yunze?” Ling Yu’s wicked smile was intoxicatingly beautiful; she always appeared this way, seeming serious yet hiding everything within.
To her, the turmoil in Ji Kingdom was a good thing. Even if it couldn’t shake Qin Junlan’s throne, it would at least require Ji Kingdom to recuperate, leaving it no time to covetously unify the world.
“I thought Yi Qingyu was formidable because of her martial arts, but I overlooked her significant identity. Back then, Yunze held heavy troops and great power. Without his support, the Yi family wouldn’t have later dominated the court.”
“That’s right, recently do whatever they ask you to do, and after the turmoil, the Imperial Guards will certainly sweep Jidu. I’ll avoid the area for a few days, and you should tell the people under you to keep a low profile too.” Ling Yu slightly retracted her smile, stepped forward, gazed at Liu Qianxun, and gently held her shoulders. “Ghost Eye has already located where the military force layout map is. You must get this map quickly when you enter the palace; it’s extremely important to me.”
“Yes, subordinate receives the order,” Liu Qianxun nodded slightly. Ling Yu’s hands on her shoulders exerted a bit of pressure, her lips parted as if to speak, but she ultimately said nothing.
With this departure, Liu Qianxun would truly leave her. Her beauty, her transcendental and aloof nature, and her mirror-like wisdom would only be shown to Qin Junlan.
She successfully pushed Liu Qianxun away.
“I’m leaving.” Finally, Ling Yu left indifferently, and Liu Qianxun watched her gradually receding figure, as complex emotions surged within her heart.
Is this her illusion? Ling Yu’s glow seemed to flicker, appearing somewhat dim and even helpless. But when she raised her eyes again, she resumed her usual demeanor, even her departing figure was lofty, distant, and hazy.
With this parting, she must enter the palace, and Ling Yu still showed no sign, focused only on seeing the effect of the beauty trap. When the timing is right, they will retreat after obtaining what they want, and thereafter, they can never return to the past. Ultimately, the two of them will gradually drift apart, and her entering the palace will thoroughly separate their worlds.
“Be careful.” This whisper, Liu Qianxun released with a breath, so light that only she could hear it.
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She looked up at the sky above, wondering when the sky over Zhen Garden had become so heavy and low. Liu Qianxun deeply closed her eyes, feeling a faint ache in her chest. Thinking of the concerns lingering in her mind and the sinister intentions of the beauty trap, the closer she got to the mission’s core, the more fear crept into her heart.
At the door, Lin Wuming had already prepared the carriage, lifting the curtain for her, “Sect Leader~”
Ling Yu sat inside the carriage, gazing at the empty courtyard for a long time. She didn’t speak, so Lin Wuming kept holding the carriage curtain open for her. There was nothing in sight, yet Ling Yu’s heart felt like it was being painfully cut slowly. “Go ahead.”
“Yes.” The carriage curtain slowly lowered, gradually blocking her view.
Ling Yu sat upright inside the carriage, rolling up her sleeve, revealing the bright red cinnabar deeply branded into her skin, dazzling and striking. (LP: Ling Yu, you idiot!)
Imperial Study Room
“Elder Sister, Jin’er has selected some birthday gifts for the Empress Mother, please review them.” Yun Jin personally presented the gift catalog.
“You handling affairs puts me at ease.” Qin Junlan smiled as she opened it. Her only concern was the Empress Dowager’s mood; eliminating her biological younger brother on her birthday would certainly cause her a great shock. But this is an unsolvable problem. She can’t continue to tolerate someone like the Grand Chancellor, and she also can’t always govern the country according to the Empress Dowager’s wishes.
“Guo’er also said she wants to personally paint a picture for the Emperor Grandmother.”
“Guo’er…” Qin Junlan’s expression slightly changed as she raised her eyes and said, “On that birthday, I’ll send Li Yue to protect you and Guo’er’s safety.”
Yun Jin looked at Qin Junlan in surprise. Qin Junlan did not speak further, only looking at her solemnly.
Why specifically instruct Li Yue to protect her? Yun Jin was somewhat puzzled, but since Qin Junlan did not say more, she did not ask further.
“You can decide on the arrangements for the dance and banquet. As for the attending ministers and the guard distribution, naturally the Grand Chancellor will worry about it, so you and I don’t need to be concerned.”
“Uncle has indeed been managing the Imperial Guards’ allocation recently. There are often guard shift changes in the palace, and many faces are unfamiliar to your minister sister.”
“Mm, since I’ve agreed to let him be responsible for the guarding, I won’t interfere, let him handle it.” Qin Junlan was expressionless, calm and composed, seemingly too uninvolved in the Empress Dowager’s birthday, so much so that Yun Jin felt this matter seemed insignificant, unlike past years when the Emperor placed great importance on it.
“Has Imperial Sister invited Mother Concubine already?”
“I’ve already visited Aunt. You know her; she hasn’t expressed anything, and I’m powerless.”
“If someday Mother Concubine is willing to enter the palace again, I think the Empress Mother will definitely be happy.” Yun Jin does not know the past matters. Although Yi Qingyu is her mother, she talks very little with her. Even though she cares for her greatly, it always feels like there’s a hazy veil between them, seemingly near yet far.
“Princess, the snacks you wanted are ready.” A palace maid brought the pastries Yun Jin personally made, which she received and brought to Qin Junlan, “I heard recently that Imperial Sister’s appetite hasn’t been good, so I specially made hawthorn cake to whet the appetite and relieve heat.”
“You personally made these?” Qin Junlan looked at them; the hawthorn-colored pastries were shaped into flowers, like plum blossoms blooming in winter.
“Your minister sister isn’t as busy with state affairs as Emperor Sister, so in my leisure time, besides doing needlework, I learn some cooking from the imperial kitchen chef. I make food personally for Guo’er to eat, which gives me peace of mind.”
“Jin’er is skillful, wise, and virtuous. Imperial Younger Brother being able to marry you is truly his blessing of three lifetimes.” Qin Junlan picked up a piece of hawthorn cake, just about to put it in her mouth, when she heard Bai Ruoxi’s calling voice from outside the hall, “Emperor Sister…”
She put the pastry down again, and Yun Jin, who had hoped with difficulty that she would personally taste the pastries she made, was immediately greatly disappointed, yet still maintained a smile on her face.
“Emperor Sister!” Bai Ruoxi jogged into the hall, seeing Yun Jin also there, she politely bowed to her, “Greetings, Wise Princess Consort.”
“You’re polite, County Princess.” Yun Jin returned with court etiquette.
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When no ministers were present, Bai Ruoxi never restrained herself. She directly walked to Qin Junlan’s dragon desk, seeing a plate of pastries on the table, she directly took one and put it into her mouth, “Wow, this cake is so delicious.”
“If you like it, then eat more; Jin’er personally made it.” Qin Junlan smiled at the corner of her mouth, glancing at Yun Jin, and found her smile somewhat stiff.
These pastries were indeed personally made by her for Qin Junlan, spending much time slowly simmering hawthorn juice, and then meticulously carving them into plum blossom shapes. Qin Junlan didn’t eat them; instead, Bai Ruoxi continuously praised them. “Uh, I accidentally ate them all.” Bai Ruoxi suddenly realized something was not right and fearfully glanced at Yun Jin.
“If the Little County Princess likes them, I’ll make more next time.” Yun Jin, as always, was gentle and graceful, and Bai Ruoxi praised her wholeheartedly, “The Wise Princess Consort is indeed the Wise Princess Consort, virtuous and kind, who else but you?”
“Little County Princess overpraises.” Yun Jin really didn’t know whether to laugh or cry; there weren’t many pieces, could she leave some for the Emperor?
“What did you come to find me for?” Qin Junlan knew why Bai Ruoxi had come and deliberately asked. Returning to the palace these days, she had been paying respects to the Empress Dowager daily, and because of the birthday banquet, she couldn’t leave the palace, probably already unable to restrain her heart wanting to see Ye Ming.
“Emperor Sister, when will you take me out of the palace to find Sister Ye’er?”
“Are you looking for Sister Xun’er or going to see your Ye Ming?” Qin Junlan walked down from the dragon desk, and Bai Ruoxi clung to her arm, leaned close to her shoulder, and began to act spoiled, “Isn’t it the same? I haven’t seen Ye Ming for several days and want to leave the palace to find her.”
“I didn’t stop you from leaving the palace; you can go find her.” Qin Junlan’s eyes showed a smile, and she raised her eyes to see Yun Jin’s lost look, thinking it was her illusion, “Jin’er, what are you thinking?”
“Is the ‘Sister Xun’er’ the Little County Princess mentioned that Hong Yuan?”
“Yes, Wise Princess Consort, you may not know, this Sister Xun’er not only looks like a fairy, her martial arts are extraordinary, she single-handedly ventured into the mire, with her fists resisted enemy invaders, and with Empress Sister, saved people from danger…” Bai Ruoxi waved her arm, transforming into a storyteller, recounting their thrilling adventures on the road to Yu Zhou for Yun Jin.
Yun Jin found it very novel; she had never left the palace with Qin Junlan and never experienced such legends. Hearing about the assassin matter made her heart very nervous. She knew Yi Hongchuan was instructed by the Empress Dowager to assassinate Liu Qianxun, but she was powerless and never expected it would actually implicate Qin Junlan.
Not right, Yun Jin suddenly understood that Yi Hongchuan was actively paying respects to the Empress Dowager, not to remove Liu Qianxun, but for another reason… Yun Jin gasped, as if she could foresee the calm before the storm. Everything seemed orderly, calm, and uneventful, but court turbulence was about to arise, with a war between Yi Hongchuan and the Emperor looming.
Bai Ruoxi spoke with animated gestures, praising Qin Junlan’s wisdom and bravery, admiring Liu Qianxun’s talent and beauty, and of course, focusing on Ye Ming’s coldness and tough exterior but soft heart. Mentioning Ye Ming, her eyes were bright, always with a brilliant smile, joy overflowing.
“Little County Princess, this Ye Ming you speak of, is she your beloved?” Yun Jin curiously asked.
“Yes, I like her.” Bai Ruoxi frankly admitted, surprisingly openly acknowledging liking a woman, which made Yun Jin quite surprised, as relationships between women were always not accepted by the world, especially in this strictly ceremonial palace.
Every year, countless palace maids and eunuchs were beaten to death for such relationships. The Empress Dowager extremely loathed this matter, and discovery meant a death penalty. She grew up beside the Empress Dowager, influenced by her surroundings, and never dared to express her feelings. Bravery was such a luxury.
“If you miss her, then go find her. It’s the Empress Dowager’s birthday, and I still have many things to handle, so it’s not convenient to leave the palace.”
“Then don’t you miss Sister Xun’er?” Bai Ruoxi pouted, always feeling that taking Qin Junlan out of the palace together would be interesting; otherwise, she would feel she was missing out on much fun.
“I do miss her, but state affairs can’t be delayed.” Qin Junlan lightly tapped Bai Ruoxi’s forehead, “You, either honestly wait until the Empress Dowager’s birthday is over to leave the palace, or I grant you a token, and you can go now.”
“Mm~~ alright, the palace is busy inside and out for the Empress Dowager’s birthday, so Xi’er will endure a few days, to avoid the Empress Dowager not seeing me and thinking I’m pestering you. Actually, I know Emperor Sister has many state affairs to handle and wouldn’t come to make trouble.”
She thought of Liu Qianxun, and Yun Jin only felt her heart ache. No matter how hard she tried, she could not hide her emotions at this moment. Sourness filled her heart, and she felt jealousy and even more envy toward Liu Qianxun.
“Then you assist Jin’er in preparing the birthday matters.” Qin Junlan waved her hand, but saw Yun Jin sadly lost, and she softly called, “Jin’er? Why have I seen you dazed so often lately?”
“Minister sister is just thinking about what birthday matters are still not done properly.” Yun Jin tried to lift a smile, her hand hidden in her sleeve, tightly clenched, and she lightly pursed her lips, smiling somewhat weakly.
“Then, Princess Consort, you can instruct Xi’er with anything.” Bai Ruoxi’s innocent, lively, and bold personality is indeed likable. For the first time, Yun Jin envied Bai Ruoxi; at least she dares to admit her feelings, dares to release her true self, always unrestrained. Only she gave herself so many restraints, and now and in the future, she can only watch Qin Junlan love another person.
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If no one were loved, it would be fine, if she really married a man it would be fine, but instead… Yun Jin had never hurt so thoroughly before; that woman called Liu Qianxun, what kind of divine being, made the sky of her heart so infatuated.
Grand Chancellor’s Mansion
On a dark and windy night, the Grand Chancellor’s Mansion was strictly guarded, with patrol soldiers rotating between three posts and three guards. At the back courtyard, a man dressed in black, led by the housekeeper, walked into the Grand Chancellor’s study.
He wore a black cloak, with the brim pulled down to his forehead, his face unseen as he kept his head lowered.
“You came.” The Grand Chancellor’s eyes revealed cunning, and the man slightly raised his head, his dark face gradually becoming clear under the lamp, “Long time no see, Royal Uncle.”
“Yun Yao, the Empress Dowager’s banquet in three days relies on you. Everything inside the palace has been arranged properly.”
“Royal Uncle, do not forget the things you promised me; this is merely a transaction.” Yun Yao’s eyes were deep, his black bright eyes only cold.
“That is natural. After success, the Iron Guard Army’s designation will be restored. This old man keeps his word.”
“Good, everything will proceed according to plan. Farewell.” Yun Yao wore his hat, slightly bowed, and then strode away.
Yi Hongchuan walked to the window and looked up to see the bright moon hanging high. His eyes shot out a fierce killing intent, “Qin Junlan, you forced me. This time, it’s either you die or I perish.”