Fish Meat – Chapter 137

by Little Panda

The Second Year of Zhao Wu

Morning Like Blue Clouds (1)

(“Blue clouds” in ancient Chinese literature symbolizes rapid career advancement or sudden rise to power, as clouds rise swiftly into the sky at dawn)

Ah Liao left with Ah Zheng, and when Mengda Khan learned of this news, he rushed in to ask Wei Tingxu where she had gone.

Wei Tingxu said: “Ah Zheng is Your Majesty’s wife. If Your Majesty doesn’t know where she went, how would I know?”

“She must have escaped back to Da Yu!”

“Your Majesty’s far-sighted wisdom has hit the mark at once, why ask me?”

Mengda Khan was about to burst into tears, so Wei Tingxu quickly said: “Ah Zheng didn’t run away, but rather did this to strengthen Your Majesty’s resolve to step outside the nation’s gates.”

“Strengthen my resolve to step outside the nation’s gates? Perhaps she’s encouraging me to go find her?”

“That’s exactly right.”

“But I don’t know how to get to Da Yu.”

“Tomorrow we will return to Da Yu, Your Majesty can come along with us.”

“Going with you all…” Mengda Khan knew that Zhen Wenjun and Wei Tingxu were together. He had once wholeheartedly wanted to marry Zhen Wenjun, but then developed deeper ties with Ah Zheng before the grand wedding. He was the one who wanted to marry, and later he was also the one who broke off the engagement. It would be very awkward to face Zhen Wenjun day and night again.

“If Your Majesty feels uncomfortable traveling with us, you can bring your own guards and carriages. We can lead the way for Your Majesty, and you need only follow. If there’s any danger, we can also shield Your Majesty at the front. Once we reach Da Yu, I can be Your Majesty’s guide, taking you wherever you wish to go and to meet whoever you wish to see.” Wei Tingxu spoke very seriously, while Zhen Wenjun, who was eavesdropping from the inner chamber, felt puzzled, having never seen Wei Tingxu so enthusiastic before – surely there must be another purpose.

Mengda Khan said he needed to think about it, and most importantly, needed the State Preceptor’s approval.

“Your Majesty is the ruler of a nation, it’s time to make your own decisions. The State Preceptor cannot stay by Your Majesty’s side forever.”

Mengda Khan nodded thoughtfully and left.

Zhen Wenjun came back from the inner chamber while eating juicy honeydew melon.

“Tsk tsk tsk, Zizhuo, you’re truly devious.”

Wei Tingxu, tired from standing, sat down to drink tea. The Liuhuo Kingdom also had tea leaves, but they strangely added local spices when brewing tea, making it taste very odd. After just a few sips, it would make one’s throat hurt, so Wei Tingxu dared not drink much.

“How am I devious?”

“You’re encouraging Mengda Khan to return to Da Yu with us. Firstly, by having the Liuhuo Kingdom’s ruler in hand, you’ll gain the greatest control over the Path of Ten Thousand Directions. If he can find a wife among Da Yu’s royal family, it would mean a marriage alliance between Da Yu and Liuhuo Kingdom, which would be extremely advantageous for controlling the direction of the Path of Ten Thousand Directions and suppressing other small nations along the Corridor. Moreover, if Mengda Khan travels far, the entire Liuhuo Kingdom will surely dispatch elite troops to accompany him, giving us more security for our safe return.” As Zhen Wenjun spoke, she saw Wei Tingxu’s smiling expression and knew she was right. “Actually, I’m particularly curious – when you first involved Ah Zheng, had you already anticipated today’s outcome? Or was having Ah Liao take Ah Zheng away, leading Mengda Khan to chase them to Da Yu, your plan from the beginning?”

Wei Tingxu said: “If this is considered ‘devious,’ then Wenjun, who understands my intentions so well, is equally devious.”

“I merely have the ability to make guesses, but I can’t lay out plans like you do.” Zhen Wenjun thoughtfully turned her teacup lid (a traditional way of drinking tea where the lid is used to push away tea leaves), “Ultimately, Zizhuo’s considerations are thorough, with no calculation left unmade.”

The room was very quiet, making the “click-click” sound of Zhen Wenjun turning the teacup lid particularly clear.

“That’s impossible.”

Zhen Wenjun raised her eyes.

“No human can truly achieve perfect planning without oversight. Even the most thorough plans may encounter unexpected obstacles.”

Mengda Khan was determined to go to Da Yu to find Ah Zheng. At first, the State Preceptor disagreed, but Wei Tingxu taught him to say that the reopening of the Path of Ten Thousand Directions meant reopening the long-closed Liuhuo Kingdom to the world, which was the most crucial matter at present. As the ruler of the nation, he had the responsibility to personally oversee the road’s establishment.

“Hasn’t the State Preceptor always wanted me to pay more attention to state affairs? The Path of Ten Thousand Directions is the most important state matter right now. I hope the State Preceptor will support this.”

With him saying this, what reason did the State Preceptor have to object? She only worried about Mengda Khan’s safety, dispatching the nation’s finest guards and carriages to accompany him.

Just before departure, the State Preceptor was quite reluctant to let go. Mengda Khan was raised by her hand, and although suspicion between ruler and minister was inevitable, the State Preceptor never took Mengda Khan’s doubts to heart. Before the journey, she gave countless reminders, but Mengda Khan paid little attention. At this moment, his heart was only filled with excitement about legitimately leaving his homeland for the first time.

As they were about to leave, Ah Xi felt somewhat lost.

The Liuhuo Kingdom, which had only existed in dreams, finally became reality before her eyes. While shocked by its abundance, Ah Xi still couldn’t find her father.

These days, she had been wandering through the Liuhuo Kingdom’s city, even asking locals to help her search, but couldn’t find any trace of her father.

Had her father truly reached the nation of his dreams? Or had he died in some corner of the Gulun Grasslands or desert, turning into white bones? She hadn’t held much hope, yet by twist of fate she stood on this land – truly life plays tricks on people.

Crossing out of the desert, traversing the grasslands, and sailing across the sea, their return journey went quite smoothly. The route that had taken nearly ten months coming had only taken seven months to reach Da Yu’s borders.

It was now midsummer in Da Yu, and the south was especially scorching. The carriage compartment was too hot and stuffy for Ah Xi to bear, so she preferred sitting outside in the sun where she could occasionally catch a breeze. Zhen Wenjun was also suffering from the heat, unable to sweat, with a nauseating feeling trapped beneath her skin. She removed all her armor, wearing only a thin Hu-style robe and narrow trousers, and rode Xiaoxue faster into the rainforest. Inside was a natural cooling chamber, with patches of green shade and flowing streams that could relieve the summer heat.

The only one who could patiently sit in the carriage and even sleep peacefully under a thin blanket was Wei Tingxu. Zhen Wenjun usually worried about her getting cold, but unexpectedly, here was a time when everyone else was uncomfortable while she remained completely composed.

After passing through this broad-leaved rainforest, they would reach Sudu. Zhen Wenjun calculated that if they hurried during daylight, they might reach Nanya’s territory before dark, and it would be best if they could find an inn to stay in.

Though they would encounter some insects and small beasts in the rainforest and need to traverse a mountain path, it was far more comfortable than traveling under the scorching sun.

Zuo Kunda returned from scouting, saying the mountain path was passable for carriages. After informing Zhen Wenjun, he rode back to Mengda Khan’s convoy to share the travel plans. Mengda Khan had never seen what a rainforest looked like and urged everyone to hurry, as he wanted to drink from the mountain springs.

The convoy entered the rainforest, initially enjoying the comfortable cool breeze, with some mosquitoes following but causing no major concern. After the carriages started up the mountain path, a deep, rich sound made Zhen Wenjun tighten her reins. Xiaoxue, sensing her tension, immediately stopped.

She looked back, exchanging glances with Zuo Kunda, who was equally shocked to disbelief.

“Roar…”

Just as they wondered if they had misheard, the deep beast’s sound rang out again, this time closer to them.

“Wh…what sound is that?” Many people had heard it.

“Is that… the sound of a tiger?” Someone suggested uncertainly in a low voice, not expecting to be exactly right.

A tiger was prowling above them on the slope, already fixing its gaze upon them.

“How can there be a tiger here?” No one dared to move rashly when being watched by the King of Beasts.

“Impossible, this isn’t right.” The carriage driver who was guiding them for Zhen Wenjun said, “I’ve traveled this road for so many years and never seen a Great Beast! (traditional Chinese term for tigers, literally meaning ‘big insect’ but referring specifically to tigers)”

As they spoke, the tiger drew closer and closer.

“But it’s already there!” Even the bravest person couldn’t remain calm when encountering a fierce beast without any preparation.

“Back up.” Zhen Wenjun felt something wasn’t right about this tiger. She understood that although fierce beasts were dangerous, they wouldn’t easily approach such a large group of people unless desperately hungry enough to take risks. This tiger before them was clearly getting closer and closer, ready to pounce at any moment. While keeping her eyes on the fierce tiger, she ordered the carriages to retreat. But the mountain path was narrow, and with the carriages and horses connected head to tail, backing up wasn’t easy.

The coachman carefully pulled his horse back, wanting to urge it on but not daring to make a sound, afraid of drawing the tiger closer.

Wei Tingxu awoke, sensing something was wrong, and lifted the cloth curtain asking: “What’s wrong, Wenjun?”

Before Zhen Wenjun could answer, Wei Tingxu had already read the danger from her deathly pale face.

The tiger unexpectedly lunged out at high speed, pouncing on the coachman, biting him off his horse and dragging him backward. In the great shock, people fell and horses scattered, throwing everything into chaos.

Runing, Imperial Garden.

After the Cold Food Festival (an ancient Chinese memorial day), Li Yanyi had moved into the Xiashou Palace within the Imperial Garden.

Passing through a sea of begonia flowers (begonia flowers in ancient Chinese settings often symbolize prosperity and honor), Li Yanyi walked very quickly, with six Moon-Pursuing Imperial Guards following silently behind, leaving only flower petals floating in the air.

Li Yanyi held a folding fan, with a begonia brocade pouch (a decorative silk bag often used by nobles) swaying at his waist.

More than a year had passed, and still no news of Wei Tingxu.

Li Yanyi knew the hardships of the Path of Ten Thousand Directions might leave no chance to send messages back, but after such a long time without news, she couldn’t help but worry.

During the first half-year, Li Yanyi waited patiently, believing that with Wei Tingxu’s wisdom and Zhen Wenjun’s courage, they would surely return alive, bringing news of the Liuhuo Kingdom and reopening the Path of Ten Thousand Directions. This was a matter of national importance that would benefit thousands of generations. Once Wei Tingxu succeeded, she would immediately grant her official positions and noble titles, and then see who would dare to obstruct.

As time passed, Wei Tingxu and the others seemed to vanish without a trace, giving Li Yanyi an ominous feeling – could they have…

These days, Li Yanyi had been holding in her frustration, troubled, constantly troubled.

The border conflicts couldn’t be completely eliminated. Though Chongjin was still building strength and hadn’t appeared, three major Hu tribes in the northwest kept causing disturbances. The Yellow Earth rebels kept emerging in waves after each defeat, and recently something called the “Eliminate Evil Cult” appeared. The submitted memorials didn’t dare directly mention the “Eliminate Evil Cult’s” name, but Li Yanyi understood. Who else could this “evil” refer to besides her, the “demon woman who corrupts the court order”? Li Yanyi wanted to send troops to crush these rebels completely, but she didn’t have enough spare soldiers. With matters of varying urgency, the limited troops needed to be used where most crucial – driving out the three Hu tribes from Da Yu was more pressing, the remaining rebels could be dealt with later.

The Hu tribe rebellions were Da Yu’s chronic illness, unsolved by several generations of emperors, and still persisting under her reign.

Since ascending the throne, Li Yanyi hardly had a peaceful day, dealing with land reforms, tax reforms, new land transport canal construction, and tomb construction… She could delegate these matters to others, but she didn’t trust their abilities, didn’t believe they could achieve what she envisioned, and feared they would seek personal gain and deceive both superiors and subordinates.

Li Yanyi knew she didn’t have three heads and six arms and couldn’t personally oversee everything, but she couldn’t let go. She knew there was an unresolvable knot in her heart that she couldn’t convince herself to untie. With both Ah Xin and Wei Tingxu away, she had no one to confide in.

“Your Majesty.” A Moon-Pursuing Imperial Guard soldier came running from afar, like a wind-blown leaf, silently landing before her, “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager invites you to dine together at Changning Palace tonight.”

Right, there was also the Empress Dowager! Already too busy to eat or sleep properly, the Empress Dowager kept nagging, urging her to quickly establish an emperor consort and produce an heir to secure the Li family’s rule. Li Yanyi had said she would make Wei Jing’an a Noble Consort, and try to produce a prince when he returned from the northern front. The Empress Dowager knew she was just making excuses – Wei Jing’an had escaped and would never return, perhaps their coordinated act had been planned all along. How could she produce an heir with someone thousands of miles away? The Empress Dowager insisted, wanting her to immediately select young men for the imperial harem.

Never mind that she had no time – even if she did, her heart was only set on Ah Xin. What young men was there to select!

Li Yanyi’s plan was to wait for Ah Liao to bring back the secret technique of woman-to-woman childbearing to practice with Ah Xin. If Ah Liao couldn’t return or couldn’t find the technique, she would have to settle for the next best option: selecting a young child from the imperial clan for adoption (a traditional practice for emperors without heirs), raising them with careful attention. But once the selection of young children began, the clan families would immediately engage in life-and-death open and hidden struggles. Whoever could get their child before the emperor’s eyes might produce the next generation’s ruler, and once that child ascended the throne, their birth parents would benefit from their power. Everyone would fight desperately for such an opportunity – this was for the entire empire!

These matters gave Li Yanyi a headache just thinking about them. With both internal and external troubles, she really didn’t want to stir up more waves within the palace chambers. Adopting an heir was a fallback option; her greatest hope was still to have her own child with Ah Xin.

Even though this matter seemed extremely unlikely.

“Go tell the Empress Dowager that I am going to the Ministry of State, I won’t be attending,” Li Yanyi said with a stern face.

“Yes.”

“Your Majesty!” Another Moon-Pursuing soldier came running hurriedly, covered in sweat.

“What now?” Li Yanyi asked impatiently.

“Lady Wei has returned!”

Li Yanyi’s whole body shook. She snatched the bamboo tube (traditional message container) the soldier presented, first reading it rapidly at ten lines at a glance, then carefully reviewing each word again.

Not only were Wei Tingxu and her group still alive and had truly found the Liuhuo Kingdom, they had signed trade agreements, and even brought back the Liuhuo Kingdom’s ruler?! Well done, Wei Tingxu! She never disappoints!

The letter said they would enter Da Yu’s borders in twenty days. Calculating the messenger’s travel time, Wei Tingxu’s group should already be near Nanya.

Li Yanyi’s thoughts shifted, and she quietly called out: “Ah Lie, Ah Yin!”

Two of the Moon-Pursuing soldiers who had been following her knelt down and responded in unison: “Your servants are here!”

“You two immediately lead troops to Sudu to escort Wei Tingxu’s carriages. You must ensure they safely enter Runing!”

“Yes!”

Since Li Yanyi had received news of Wei Tingxu’s whereabouts, other interested parties must surely know as well.

The Runing of today was completely different from when they left.