Fish Meat – Chapter 257

The Third Year of Guangxing

The Porcelain Jar, No Thanks

Boling was a fine place, nestled by mountains and water, warm in winter and cool in summer. When Zhen Wenjun returned to this place, it was precisely when the spring breeze was mild and warm; the flowers here always bloomed a few days earlier than elsewhere.

            

Hearing that the waterways had just been repaired and both banks were planted full of paihuai flowers,​¹ Zhen Wenjun specially called for a boat and, unhurriedly, sat alone on the boat to enter the city.

Green waves rippled, and a prosperous scene entered her eyes. Still two li​² from Boling’s city gate, the wide waterway could already accommodate three boats advancing side by side.

Compared to the area outside Boling city, the closer one got to the city’s interior, the more vibrant the colors that met the eye became. On both banks, the paihuai flowers were as red as flames, their leaves and branches lush, a myriad of trees vying in beauty. A cool breeze brushed her face, bringing waves of fresh fragrance, causing Zhen Wenjun, under the warm sun, to involuntarily close her eyes and enjoy this moment of comfort.

            

The boatman, in the local Pingcang dialect, loudly said something to another boatman coming from the opposite direction; a burst of hearty laughter sounded as they passed each other.

The pain in her back prevented Zhen Wenjun from sitting for long. Lying obliquely in the boat’s cabin, she smiled and asked the boatman, “My good man efn_note]足下 | zúxià | An archaic and respectful term of address, literally “under your feet,” similar to “sir” or “my good man.”[/efn_note, have you encountered some good fortune?”

The boatman said, “Good fortune, naturally it’s good fortune! In a few days, some Hu barbarians will be transporting spices to Boling to sell, and they’ll definitely rent our boats. Honored guest, can you guess how much silver I can earn from this trip?”

            

Zhen Wenjun truly couldn’t guess the specific amount and asked him with great interest. The boatman extended five fingers, his mouth almost grinning from ear to ear.

“Fifty taels?” Zhen Wenjun was greatly surprised.

The boatman flipped his five fingers over, his pride even more evident.

            

“Hah.” Zhen Wenjun gave a thumbs-up. “One hundred taels, that must be several years’ income for you, right?”

“If you’re only counting poling the boat, indeed it is. For example, for this trip with you, honored guest, I charge five wen coins​³; I’d have to work from dawn till dusk​⁴ and pole twenty thousand times to earn a full hundred taels. Although this hundred taels is the income for the entire boat team, and only twenty taels will come into my hands, that’s enough. I am very content! Next year, my boy and girl will both be of age to study and learn to read. I need to earn more money to provide for their proper education. Ten years from now, perhaps they too can have their names on the golden list​⁵ and bring honor to our family!”​⁶

Hearing him refer to himself as “I,”​⁷ Zhen Wenjun couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotion.

            

Twenty taels of silver. When the Yu chamber was still in existence, even the common folk of Runing would need to work an entire year to earn this amount.

The boat traveled further and further, and after presenting a pass token, it entered the city.

After passing through a bridge archway, the waterway suddenly opened up.

            

Boat after boat laden with goods and the cries of hawkers simultaneously flooded her ears—could this be a water market?

Zhen Wenjun couldn’t sit still and stood at the bow, gazing into the distance.

The water market was extraordinarily bustling, yet all the merchant boats were arranged neatly; even their bows rarely tilted outward to obstruct the path. Thousands of boats were moored here, business was brisk, yet everything was in perfect order. The boat Zhen Wenjun was on passed through smoothly without any delay.

            

How long had it been since Zhen Wenjun last returned to Boling? This city had undergone great changes again. She asked the boatman, and the boatman laughed, “Of course, order must be maintained. Anyone whose boat is docked haphazardly will get a beating with the plank and also be fined silver.”

“Oh? Don’t you find the laws too harsh?”

The boatman turned back and carefully looked Zhen Wenjun over. “Honored guest, your appearance is extraordinary. Could you be a high official from the central administration here to test us common folk? Actually, what’s wrong with speaking directly? The current Son of Heaven of Da Cang was born and bred locally​⁸ in Pingcang and already takes good care of the Pingcang commoners. But there must be rules, and laws must be obeyed even more so. Otherwise, if it’s like the previous dynasty with constant chaotic warfare, wouldn’t it be the common folk who suffer? I don’t know what others think, nor can I control it, but this is how I am. Compared to fighting wars, compared to having a muddle-headed emperor pressing down on us, I prefer the current Son of Heaven’s way of governing.”

            

After hearing this, Zhen Wenjun couldn’t help but laugh. “Rest assured, I’m not here to test you. No need to deliberately say so many good things about the Son of Heaven.”

The boatman’s expression turned solemn. “Whether the honored guest is or isn’t, I am sincere. Taxes are low, and earnings are high. With silver in our pockets, everyone thinks about their own good lives. Who would still want to fight wars, who would still want to rebel?”

When Zhen Wenjun disembarked, the evening sun slanted west; she figured Bu Jie and the soldiers returning to Boling were already dead drunk at the celebratory banquet.

            

She strolled along the riverbank, discovering that no matter which path she took, it would lead to the most prosperous West Market.

This was a city possessing a peculiar charm. Zhen Wenjun had been to many places and seen different countries and styles, but only Boling’s beauty was unforgettable to her.

Filled with disciplined order and strict laws, yet radiant through all four seasons, where spring was gentle and the scenery bright. Even the setting sun did not evoke sadness, but rather a kind of expansive brilliance.

            

Boling was the embodiment of Wei Tingxu; it was she who had finally picked up that brush to sketch out the grand blueprint of a prosperous age about to begin. How could Zhen Wenjun not like it?

Arriving at Zhuo Jun Manor, she paused at the entrance and listened for a moment. There was no sound from within, nor were there any guards at the gate. Zhen Wenjun quietly walked in, passed through a long corridor, and a paihuai flower snagged on her clothes. She carefully removed the paihuai flower, held it in her hand, and continued forward.

Under the moonlight, in the center of the pond, there was a pavilion. Brocade carp played in the water, breaking the reflection of the bright moon, sending out circles of ripples. Wei Tingxu, wearing a stone-blue hibiscus dark-patterned long dress, sat in the middle of the lake pavilion, gazing at her, waiting for her to approach.

            

Wei Tingxu had taken off her simple crown, temporarily setting aside the solemnity of the ruler of a nation in Zhonghua Hall. Tonight’s Wei Tingxu was the same person from Zhuo Jun Manor in Runing many years ago, the one who had utterly captivated​⁹ Zhen Wenjun.

Zhen Wenjun walked along the slender path into the pavilion and sat down opposite her.

“Is this for me?” Wei Tingxu looked at the paihuai flower clutched in her hand.

            

“This is what you gave me.”

Wei Tingxu personally poured her wine. “Furen​¹⁰ gifted me boundless lands; I only gift Furen a pond of flowers. By that count, I owe Furen too much.”

“Between you and me, is there still a need to speak of ‘owing’?”

            

Wei Tingxu held the wine cup filled to the brim, her voice tinged with worry. “I heard the injury on your back has flared up again. I learned some massage techniques for a stool​¹¹ from someone. After supper, I’ll try them on you in the room. Though I learned for too short a time to be proficient, it can still relieve fatigue.”

Zhen Wenjun saw that all the dishes before her were her favorites, and even the wine was exceptionally smooth. She knew Wei Tingxu had prepared this with great care. A warmth spread through her heart, and she sighed with emotion, “I didn’t expect Your Majesty, despite being so busy with state affairs, would still have time to prepare all this…”

Wei Tingxu placed a piece of fish into Zhen Wenjun’s mouth, interrupting her. “It’s just you and me here. Why must you keep ‘Your Majesty’ on your lips? I can understand if Zhanying is distant with me, but you are different.”

            

“Oh? How am I different?”

“Does that even need asking? You are my formally wedded wife; how could it be the same?”

Zhen Wenjun smiled. “I’m just afraid that in the imperial court, someone will again use me as an excuse to make things difficult for you. Tonight, in Zhuo Jun Manor, you and I are just an ordinary loving couple. I won’t call you Your Majesty, only Furen. How about that?”

            

Wei Tingxu’s red lips curved into a very satisfied smile, and she personally refilled Zhen Wenjun’s wine cup.

As Zhen Wenjun raised her arm to bring the cup to her lips, the pain in her back made her brow furrow tightly, and she paused her movement.

“Is the wound on your back hurting again?”

            

“Mm, it’s nothing, just old injuries.”

A trace of worry creased Wei Tingxu’s brow. “Wenjun, you went to the battlefield in your teens and fought for twenty years. The injuries you’ve sustained, large and small, are countless. If you were still young, perhaps you could endure one or two, but now, neither of us is young anymore. Today, peace reigns across the four seas, and only two insignificant small nations remain. There’s no need for Furen to personally lead expeditions.”

“Oh.” Zhen Wenjun gently moved her shoulder. “Zizhuo, are you thinking of having me lay down my armor and return to the fields?”

            

“Wenjun, you are my Empress. For these twenty years, we’ve spent more time apart than together. The time we’ve had in each other’s company is probably only those first few years. Now that the world is about to be settled, don’t you want to withdraw from the battlefield and recuperate properly for a while? You routed the Rao army; pacifying the other small nations is just a matter of time. The thoughts of Wei He’s faction and my Empress Ah Mu about me establishing an heir will probably come crashing down like a mountain call and a sea roar. Even for the future of Da Cang, you and I should discuss selecting candidates for the crown heir.”

“Zizhuo means for me to hand over military authority, henceforth not meddle in court affairs, nor concern myself with border battles, but just reside peacefully in the inner palace and look after the crown heir?” Zhen Wenjun asked her. “If it were me saying these things to you today, would you be willing? For you to hand over everything, to be my Empress. Would you be willing?”

Zhen Wenjun’s counter-question held no aggression, like two people, intimate and without barriers, discussing the most ordinary household matters. Yet this calm sentence, like a dagger, slit open Wei Tingxu’s heart, and something flowed out from within.

            

Not blood.

Wei Tingxu gazed at Zhen Wenjun’s hawk-sharp eyes, reluctant to look away.

She actually knew Zhen Wenjun wouldn’t agree; she understood all too well where this matter would lead.

            

Perhaps they had both been waiting for this day, waiting for who would be the first to speak, to completely tear through that layer of paper that had long concealed their pretense.

Wei Tingxu had initiated this, and she did not regret it.

And Zhen Wenjun’s answer also made her rejoice.

            

In this world, only Zhen Wenjun could give her this feeling.

Only a strong person like Zhen Wenjun could ensure that no matter how many years passed, she would never feel bored, always immersed in the fatal attraction of being unable to control her.

Who could have imagined that the young girl from Qi County, chosen back then because she seemed easy to control, would grow like a tempest, into a form Wei Tingxu had never envisioned.

            

What roiled in her chest was not injured blood, but a surging tide of adoration.

She knew, from the moment Zhen Wenjun could cast aside all misgivings and say these words to her, that layer of mountains and seas which had truly separated their hearts had finally been leveled.

Wei Tingxu raised her wine cup, toasting Zhen Wenjun with warmth and sincerity, as if she had obtained the world’s greatest treasure.

            

Zhen Wenjun had thought she would say something in reply, but unexpectedly, she said nothing, only offered a toast.

Wei Tingxu was a strange, unfathomable person. Zhen Wenjun had once thought she understood her, but in reality, she had not managed to.

She could never truly understand Wei Tingxu, and this was also why she could never refuse Wei Tingxu.

            

As Zhen Wenjun raised her wine cup, she suddenly heard the deep tolling of a bell.

This bell came from within Shu Yuan​¹², signaling the closing of the main hall gates; the garden was officially entering curfew.

It was this bell that made Zhen Wenjun’s motion of drinking the wine stagnate.

            

The chirping of insects and birds all around was as if from the same mold; this place was too much like Zhuo Jun Manor, so much so that it created an illusion in her, making her truly believe this was Zhuo Jun Manor, and the person before her was her wife in Runing, thinking she was still the Wei Zizhuo of the past.

Wei Tingxu was long no longer the female official of Da Yu.

She was the Son of Heaven of Cang, a hegemon of her generation who had risen to prominence​¹³ amidst a chaotic world.

            

This wine…

Zhen Wenjun stared at the surface of the wine in the cup. Suddenly, a chill poured down from her head, striking her heart.

The wine cup almost slipped from her hand, clattering onto the stone table with a “clang.”

            

The wine spilled all over the floor. Zhen Wenjun, like a gust of wind, swiftly rushed out of Zhuo Jun Manor.

Wei Tingxu calmly righted the wine cup, brought it to her lips, and drank the remaining liquid in one gulp.

Zhen Wenjun ran wildly within Shu Yuan, knocking over several maids and even attracting the attention of the guards. The guards rushed over aggressively, only to see it was General Zhen. They immediately looked at each other in dismay, not knowing what to do.

            

Zhen Wenjun had no time to deal with them. She was very familiar with the layout of Shu Yuan, knew where the stables were, immediately grabbed a horse, mounted it, and rode off.

“General Zhen, you cannot…”

A guard tried to stop her but was pulled back by someone beside him.

            

“Don’t be a fool! You just started your post and already want to lose your head? She’s not just a general; she and the Son of Heaven were married!”

Zhen Wenjun galloped on horseback through the streets already under curfew; no one dared to obstruct her.

Her heart pounded like a drum, and a cold sweat had already broken out on her back.

            

So the gathering at Zhuo Jun Manor was merely to lure the tiger from the mountain…

Hopefully, it’s still in time, it must be in time!

Wensheng!

            

Zhen Wenjun, disregarding the guards blocking the entrance of Hunran Hall, rushed into the hall and kicked open the door made of golden silk nanmu wood.

“Wensheng!”

The jubilant atmosphere and clamor of voices in the hall were instantly extinguished by her savage action. Those who were drinking, eating meat, claiming kinship, and calling each other brothers all stopped their movements, their eyes wide with astonishment as they looked at the person roaring at the entrance.

            

It wasn’t until someone relatively sober shouted, “General Zhen!” that the crowd showed expressions of great puzzlement. Why was General Zhen here? Hadn’t the Son of Heaven arranged a private banquet to meet with her alone?

Zhen Wenjun pushed everyone aside, frantically searching inward.

Hunran Hall wasn’t large, but there were many soldiers, packing the place so tightly not even water could trickle through. Countless drunkards were staggering and swaying, blocking her path, making every step difficult.note]

            

“Have you seen Wensheng?!” Zhen Wenjun grabbed two men and questioned them.

The two men looked at Zhen Wenjun, then at each other, and simultaneously pointed to the southwest corner.

Through the crowd, she saw Bu Jie.

            

Bu Jie’s cheeks were flushed with a strange redness, his neck lolled to the side as he lay slumped in a corner.

Zhen Wenjun’s heartbeat almost stopped at that moment.

He still held an overturned wine cup in his hand, his beard stained with wine, looking as if he had merely fallen asleep.

            

“Wensheng…” Zhen Wenjun knelt before him, holding his shoulders, scenes from the past rising and falling in her mind.

Ultimately, she was a step too late!

“General.”

            

“…”

“General? Why are you here…” Bu Jie opened his eyes and had just spoken half a sentence when he let out a heavy alcohol-laden burp.

“Why is the General crying?”

            

“It’s your fumes…”

Zhen Wenjun stood up, facing the bewildered gazes of the crowd. All the grief from moments ago had now completely transformed into embarrassment; she wished she could smash a hole in the ground with her head and escape instantly.

Bu Jie had drunk too much and was sleeping drowsily. Now awakened and having sobered up a bit, he finally understood what had happened and burst into loud laughter.

            

It turned out to be a misunderstanding.

When Zhen Wenjun was leaving Boling, she had wondered: that night Wei Tingxu asked her to Zhuo Jun Manor, was it truly to have some private time together, or did she really want to lure her away to poison Bu Jie, only to not go through with it in the end? After all, Wei Tingxu had placed a spy by her side, precisely because she wanted to control everything about her, and was wary of her.

A long, long time ago, she had said that because of all the past instances of being used and schemed against, she could no longer trust Wei Tingxu.

            

In truth, how could Wei Tingxu ever truly trust her either?

They had been acting out all sorts of dramas to deceive others, to the point where even she herself could no longer distinguish what was real and what was fake.

But her love for Wei Tingxu was real, and Wei Tingxu’s love for her was also real.

            

Countless times risking life and limb, all just to grasp the one in her heart.

Unfortunately, as they were now, they could not be together.

When she left Boling, she didn’t take many extra things; the few lightened carriages were filled with old belongings.

            

The city gates opened for her, without any obstruction.

When she, Bu Jie, and the others had traveled three li​¹⁴ along the official road, a carriage was parked ahead.

Zhen Wenjun had the carriage convoy stop where they were; she went forward alone.

            

The coachman dismounted and slowly pulled up the carriage curtain. He was about to help the person inside, but that person stepped out of the carriage on her own.

Time seemed to have left no trace on Wei Tingxu. This person, who had single-handedly established a brand-new empire, seemed to possess even more abundant energy, even more focus.

“Wenjun, you and I, with the Wei River as the boundary, shall stand divided, north and south. How about it?”

            

The tears that were about to well up in Zhen Wenjun’s eyes upon seeing her were choked back by this one sentence. She couldn’t help but smile through her tears.

This was Wei Tingxu, the person she knew best.

“With the Wei River as the boundary, you are at a disadvantage.”

            

Wei Tingxu shook her head, her gaze upon Zhen Wenjun softening. “How much I owe you, how much you have given for me—it cannot be calculated by the amount of land. Without you, I might not have completed today’s great undertaking, and might even have fallen into an abyss of irredeemable damnation. Fortunately, I have you, allowing me to maintain my sanity. I’m sorry, Wenjun, that you met me, and yet I am this kind of person.”

Unable to bear seeing Wei Tingxu cry, Zhen Wenjun pulled her into an embrace.

“How could I blame you, how could I bear to blame you? I am also this kind of person.”

            

Wei Tingxu inhaled the familiar fragrance on her, reluctant to part.

“If you were willing to be my subordinate, or if I were willing to compromise and hide behind you, everything would be simple. Unfortunately, we are not those kinds of people.” Wei Tingxu caressed Zhen Wenjun’s face, gazing into her eyes that held the entire firmament.

Zhen Wenjun smiled. “Fortunately, we are not those kinds of people.”

            

People have different pursuits in life; some are busy with their livelihood, some scheme for the world. Who meets whom cannot be predestined, but who will reunite with whom after separation, that is destined.

Destined by their independent and free attraction.

On the day Zhen Wenjun left Boling, Wei Tingxu understood that the relationship between her and Zhen Wenjun, which had been like treading on thin ice and suppressive, had been thoroughly torn open.

            

What was about to arrive was the lover she had long awaited—the most equal, freest, and also most enduring.

---

The mountain flowers of Nanling had all bloomed. Every morning, pushing open the door of the house, one could smell the fresh fragrance of flowers. Roads had been built here; paths that originally required crossing mountains and ridges and were extremely difficult to travel were now convenient. The people of Nanling were all smiles.

Except for one person.

            

Xiao Xiao was about to leave this place for Huaiyang, and she wanted Li Rong to go with her.

She had been planning this in her heart for several days, always feeling it was like some kind of promise, and it was terribly embarrassing to say it out loud. But she understood that once she left, she didn’t know when she would return to Nanling; it was possible she would never come back in her lifetime. She asked herself, if she never saw Li Rong again in this life, would she be content? Would she regret it someday in the future when she thought back? A voice in her heart told her: Very likely.

Setting aside all shyness, she wanted to take Li Rong away.

            

After finally mustering the courage to speak to Li Rong, who knew that Li Rong showed no sign of being moved, and without even thinking, responded coldly, “Not going.”

“Not going? Are you going to stay in this godforsaken place where even birds don’t shit​¹⁵ for your whole life? Don’t you want to see what the outside world has become?” Xiao Xiao grew anxious, her voice rising along with her agitation.

Li Rong propped her head on her hand, casually flipping through a book. “Don’t want to. Not interested.”

            

“You’re so lacking in ambition. No matter what, you were once a prince of a nation; are you willing to stay in this mountain hollow and be at others’ beck and call!”

Li Rong shot her a glance. “Little General, you speak with such arrogance. I am just a village woman; what’s wrong with that? Why should I go with you?”

Xiao Xiao couldn’t quite understand. During their time in Nanling, the two of them actually had a good relationship. Li Rong was introverted and not very talkative, but Xiao Xiao chattered non-stop all day. The two spent all day together, and Xiao Xiao always liked to tease her. After some time, they had become quite familiar. Last month, a gang of bandits caused trouble in a nearby village. Xiao Xiao led a hundred soldiers over and wiped out all the bandits. She accidentally got a bloody gash on her arm, and it was Li Rong who bandaged it for her. That night, the two of them shared deep affection and tenderness, so very joyful. Well, at least Xiao Xiao herself felt the atmosphere was particularly good. How had she become so cold today? Was it all just her own wishful thinking?

            

“Li Rong.” Xiao Xiao was a little sad, her tone softening considerably. “No matter what you’ve experienced, in my eyes, you are different from others. You are very smart and harbor great ambitions. I can’t bear to watch you be wasted here, to live out a bleak life. This is a waste, do you understand? I am not resigned to it!”

Li Rong hadn’t expected Xiao Xiao to say such things.

It had been a long time since anyone had cared about her feelings, let alone considered her future.

            

Li Rong’s eyes flickered for a moment; she hurriedly turned her head away, not letting Xiao Xiao see her clearly.

“To say you’re a fool, you really are a fool. Do you think I can just leave if I want to? If I leave this place, I will definitely be hunted down. The price for me to have luckily kept my life back then was to never be able to leave Nanling for all eternity…”

Before Li Rong could finish, Xiao Xiao interrupted her. “Who cares about her! Wei Tingxu told you to stay here, so you really stay here? What are you afraid of her for? I’ll protect you!”

            

“You?”

Xiao Xiao turned her entire body to face herself, emphasizing again, “I really hate Wei Tingxu, trust me.”

Li Rong was amused by her and chuckled, waving her hand as if to shoo her away. She stood up, broke free from her arms again, and walked to the window to look out.

            

“Alright, your people are all waiting for you. Hurry up and set off.”

“You’re really not coming with me?”

Li Rong didn’t make a sound.

            

Xiao Xiao deflated, stood in the room for a long time, then sighed softly.

“Take care.”

After these two words fell, there was the sound of a door closing.

            

Li Rong stood by the window, her eyes unblinking.

She knew Xiao Xiao was perhaps the only lifesaving straw in her entire life. If she missed this, she might never have another chance in her life.

She didn’t want to implicate others, especially those who were good to her.

            

But…

Li Rong turned back.

No.

            

Xiao Xiao stopped in the middle of the small courtyard.

She’s a fool, are you going to be a fool along with her, Xiao Xiao! When did Ah Mu ever teach you to be an obedient, delicate lady? Aren’t all things fought for by oneself!

Xiao Xiao clenched her fists, suddenly turned around, and strode back into the house.

            

“Li Rong!”

The moment she opened the door, Li Rong also rushed out anxiously. The two collided head-on with a “thump,” their lips crashing together. There wasn’t the slightest bit of palpitation; the pain made them both cover their mouths and retreat two steps.

When they saw the blood on each other’s lips was also so uniform, they pointed at each other and burst out laughing.

            

“I say, what’s your hurry? Weren’t you not coming with me! Such strength, you almost knocked me flying!”

“I was in a hurry to go pick vegetables, what business is it of yours? Didn’t you say ‘take care’ and leave? What are you back for?”

“Say that again, believe it or not, I’ll toss you onto the carriage?”

            

“Fine, you try tossing me!”

Xiao Xiao really did toss her. Not only did she toss her onto the carriage, but she also sent her to Huaiyang, tossing her into her own palace.

---

The name Changge Kingdom—if mentioned more than a decade ago, perhaps a few elderly old men​¹⁶ could mysteriously say a few words about it. But by the third year of Guangxing, whenever these three words were mentioned, everyone thought of that rapidly rising, prosperous nation south of the Wei River.

            

Speaking of which, Changge Kingdom could be considered an allied state of Da Cang; after all, the ruler of Changge Kingdom and the Son of Heaven of Da Cang had no shallow friendship.

Zhen Wenjun, the great general who once rendered illustrious military achievements for Cang, who was once the Son of Heaven’s wife, and though not formally enfeoffed as Empress, was essentially no different from an Empress—why would she go south to carve out territory and establish herself independently? The common folk discussed this matter quite a bit. Of course, it was improper to gossip about the Son of Heaven in public—a light offense meant thirty strokes of the plank, a heavy one, exile—but privately, it was impossible to shut the mouths of the common folk.

Had the Son of Heaven and the General completely broken off? Or was it a temporary quarrel, and they were in a cold war? Truly a fight between immortals.​¹⁷ If an ordinary couple had some unhappiness, at most they wouldn’t be allowed in bed. These two stood separated by the Wei River, directly establishing two dynasties.

            

There were many versions of these street gossips circulating in secret. Some famous scholars, however, didn’t think so, and the rulers of the surrounding hostile small nations certainly didn’t think so either. They always felt that this tacitly understanding wife-pair was up to some conspiracies and schemes. Could it be they were displaying a facade of internal strife to make others lower their guard, or even send troops to attack? How could that be possible.

Having suffered bloody losses so many times, they wouldn’t fall for it again.

The third year of Guangxing, another spring day when a hundred flowers bloomed in profusion. In Shu Yuan, someone finally finished reviewing the last memorial, rotated a sore wrist, blew out the oil lamp, only to realize it was already dawn.

            

“Your Majesty, Minister Wei requests an audience.”

Wei Tingxu didn’t respond. Instead, she took out a newly polished small doll from a wooden box and carefully painted its eyebrows with a brush. The doll was small and exquisite, its face only the size of a fingernail. Her movements were very light and meticulous; a gentle stroke went down, the force just right.

Long brows reaching the temples, an old friend just so.

            

The doll was painted and placed back into the wooden box. Only then did she summon Wei He into the room.

Wei Tingxu didn’t often summon Wei He alone. Usually, it was Wei He who had many “important matters” to report to the Son of Heaven. Today, being summoned to hurriedly enter the palace for an audience with the Emperor so early in the morning gave Wei He an ominous feeling.

His concubine had accepted a cartload of fine silk from the prefect of his old hometown. He had berated her soundly for it, feeling that disaster was imminent. That prefect had always wanted a post in the capital but never had a good opportunity. Wei He also knew his qualifications were lacking, and coming to the central administration might not be a good thing. Now, with this acceptance of silk, the matter immediately took on a different flavor.

            

Knowing full well that he often caused trouble for the Son of Heaven, if this matter were spread by someone with ill intentions, he feared he wouldn’t escape the crime of accepting bribes.

Who knew Wei Tingxu would be so well-informed? What happened just last night, she had him come alone to Shu Yuan this early morning. If Wei He said he wasn’t afraid, that would be impossible; his steps were already trembling as he entered the room.

“Uncle, do you know what day it is today?”

            

Wei He was about to bow when he heard Wei Tingxu say this. He looked up in astonishment and said, “Today is… this old minister is advanced in years and cannot remember. I implore Your Majesty to enlighten me.”

“Uncle, come.” Wei Tingxu helped him up and had him sit to the side. “Today is Ziming’s​¹⁸ posthumous birthday.”​¹⁹

Wei He was stunned, not expecting her to actually remember Ziming’s posthumous birthday. Thinking of his deceased beloved son, even after so many years, Wei He still felt heartache.

            

“Yes, it is Ziming’s posthumous birthday. This subject is truly old, to have actually forgotten.”

“It’s not Uncle’s fault; it’s Zhen who is to blame. Uncle has exhausted his mind and energy for the Wei clan’s empire, aging so much these years.”

When the words reached this point, Wei He understood that the Son of Heaven wanted him to retire. The Son of Heaven was finally going to make a move against him.

            

Wei He gritted his teeth and was about to speak, but unexpectedly Wei Tingxu said:

“But the Wei clan’s empire needs Uncle, and Zhen also still need Uncle. Uncle has no choice but to continue to toil.”

Wei Tingxu said these words with extraordinary sincerity, and Wei He was momentarily unable to react.

            

“Zhen needs to leave Boling for a period of time.” Wei Tingxu handed him an imperial edict. “All matters in the court, big and small, will be entrusted to Uncle.”

Wei He knelt to receive the edict, still somewhat incredulous.

His head hadn’t rolled, and he was actually entrusted with the heavy responsibility of overseeing the state…

            

Where was Zizhuo going? Had she left a backup plan in Boling? Was this a test? Or had she set a trap, waiting for him to make a bigger mistake before punishing him?

Wei He couldn’t make up his mind; he didn’t even know if Wei Tingxu had truly left Boling.

But the affairs of overseeing the state were extremely busy. Wei He had no time to consider too much and could only concentrate his energy on them, lest any mistake occur, causing him to lose his head and also bring disaster upon the common folk.

            

Wei Tingxu really did leave Boling.

Three years.

For three years, Wei Tingxu had devoted all her time and energy to laying the foundation of Da Cang, never taking a step out of Boling. She had been quickening her pace to stabilize the four seas, all for this day, all for a long journey where she could leave whenever she wished.

            

The imperial throne was her empowerment; it would never become her shackles.

Her destination was clear: straight south.

The Path of Ten Thousand Directions was very safe; as long as one followed the official road, there were heavy troops guarding it, and bandits were already rare. She and her accompanying guards disguised themselves as an envoy’s convoy heading towards Changge Kingdom.

            

She wanted to give Wenjun a surprise.

A year ago, after Zhen Wenjun left Boling, with Xuzhou​²⁰ as its capital, Changge Kingdom rose from the ground. In the early days of its founding, Zhen Wenjun couldn’t get away either; there were many military and state affairs requiring her decision. Bu Jie was already Chancellor; she would discuss all matters, big and small, within the country with him. She had also promoted many people, but military authority remained firmly in her own hands, not yielding an inch.

Xiao Xiao was naturally the crown heir. The Three Masters of the Eastern Palace​²¹ revolved around her daily, teaching her classical studies, teaching her the art of governance, practically pressing her head down to make her study. Xiao Xiao was in agony but could only endure, because she knew she shouldered the future of this country.

            

Occasionally, when tired, she would go find Li Rong to chat. Li Rong lived outside the palace, and seeing her once wasn’t easy, so Xiao Xiao restrained all her bad temper, trying to make every meeting end enjoyably.

Ah Qiong’s hair had long turned white, but her spirits were even better than in previous years. Zhen Wenjun was also busy; she would steal moments of leisure to walk with her in the palace and talk to her. Ah Qiong was lucid most of the time, only her sleeping hours were longer than ordinary people’s. Zhen Wenjun didn’t know how long her medicine could suppress her Gu poison; perhaps Ah Mu would pass away suddenly, or perhaps she would live a long life; she wasn’t sure. Precisely because she wasn’t sure, she cherished the time they spent together even more.

Finally, everything was on the right track. She had a little leisure time, reviewed her recent arrangements, and squeezed out half a month. She had something important to do.

            

She wanted to return to Boling.

“But, Your Majesty, a delegation from Cang will be visiting soon. Is Your Majesty sure about traveling at this time?” the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial​²² reported to her.

“Cang?” Zhen Wenjun genuinely didn’t know this news.

            

The Cang delegation arrived swiftly. The news had just reached Changge, and the very next day, the carriage convoy entered Xuzhou.

Zhen Wenjun met the envoy, who stated that the Son of Heaven of Da Cang had brought a generous gift for the Ruler. The moment Zhen Wenjun heard the words “generous gift,” she knew there was something fishy; with Wei Tingxu’s style, she definitely wouldn’t act according to common sense. Full of interest, she asked the envoy what the “generous gift” was.

“A beauty,” the envoy said. “A peerless beauty.”

            

Zhen Wenjun almost burst out laughing. Sending some peerless beauty, was she teasing her like this?

The envoy heard the Ruler of Changge laugh and explained, “The Son of Heaven of Da Cang heard that the Ruler’s inner palace is empty, and also knows that the Ruler was born in Suichuan, fearing that southern women might not suit the Ruler’s taste. Thus, she specially sent a beauty to fill the Ruler’s inner palace.”

The words this person spoke were completely unlike the official rhetoric an envoy of a nation would use. One could guess it was Wei Tingxu who taught him to say this, just for teasing.

            

“In that case, this beauty must have been carefully selected by the Son of Heaven of Da Cang and suits my taste.” Zhen Wenjun wasn’t coy either. Since the person had been sent, how could she not accept?

“It will definitely satisfy the Ruler.”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s kind intentions. Send her to the bedchamber.”

            

Along with the delegation came Da Cang’s Vice-Minister of Works. He brought a blueprint, wanting to discuss with Zhen Wenjun whether they could combine the strength of both nations to build a canal on the Wei River, utilizing the Wei River’s power to irrigate both banks and benefit the people of both countries.

This was a major project. Water conservancy is the foundation of agriculture; this undertaking would definitely bring more benefits to Changge Kingdom. Zhen Wenjun summoned her ministers, and everyone discussed all matters concerning the construction of the Wei River canal. That Vice-Minister had intended to discuss it in detail at length tomorrow, but Zhen Wenjun was speaking with such enthusiasm that she had a banquet set up, not letting him leave, discussing while eating.

That Vice-Minister, for some reason, while others’ faces turned redder the more they drank, this fellow was the opposite: the more he drank, the greener his face became, eventually turning the color of a Laba garlic.​²³

            

Guu…​²⁴

Inside Zhen Wenjun’s bedchamber, the “beauty” sat alone, her stomach rumbling with hunger.

Wei Tingxu stared blankly—where was everyone?!

            

By the time the preliminary plan for the Wei River canal was discussed, it was already past the second watch.​²⁵ After Zhen Wenjun carefully reviewed it again, she set a date for an on-site inspection. Only then did she come out and walk towards her bedchamber.

She wasn’t quite used to having clothes handed to her;​²⁶ she always felt others were slow and didn’t do things well, so she dressed and undressed herself. Only two maids were left in the chamber to help.

When she pushed open the door of the bedchamber, walked in, and removed her outer robe, she saw a person sitting with their back to her before the bed. Their head was covered with a long, thick red veil, shrouding their entire figure, making it impossible to see their shape, let alone their face.

            

“Who?” Zhen Wenjun asked the maid.

“Replying to Your Majesty, it is the gift sent by the Son of Heaven of Cang.”

Zhen Wenjun had forgotten if she hadn’t been told. “Why is she here?”

            

“Replying to Your Majesty, it was Your Majesty who ordered her to be sent to the bedchamber.”

Zhen Wenjun: “I said send her, and you really sent her? I…”

The maid said no more, and Zhen Wenjun didn’t make things difficult for her either. She was about to step forward and have the “beauty” leave on her own. Who knew that just as she took two steps towards the beauty, the beauty actually turned slightly, moving to her side, not letting her see her appearance.

            

Zhen Wenjun paused for a moment, puzzled, and continued to approach.

The beauty turned another small half-circle, continuing to avoid her.

Zhen Wenjun already understood in her heart. She flicked her fingers, motioning for the maids to leave, then sighed deeply, as if muttering to herself, “Said to be a beauty, yet she hides and won’t let people see. Doesn’t look very beautiful then. Alright, someone come, carry her out and dispose of her.”

            

Wei Tingxu was just about to turn around when suddenly her back tensed as Zhen Wenjun embraced her entirely from behind. With a cry of surprise, the two of them tumbled onto the spacious bed.

“Finally letting me see?” Zhen Wenjun lifted the pile of obstructive red gauze, tossed it to the floor, and looked closely at the person in her arms whom she hadn’t seen for a long time, feeling both joyful and amused. “Let me take a good look and see if your Cang envoy was lying, whether this beauty suits my taste.”

Wei Tingxu, encircled in her embrace, felt a long-absent palpitation spread from the bottom of her heart. She wrapped her arms around Zhen Wenjun’s neck and pulled her lower. “Ruler, you must look carefully. Is the distance close enough? Can you see clearly?”

            

Zhen Wenjun shook her head. “Not enough.”

“How about this?”

“Still not enough.”

            

“Then… this…”

Reunited after a long separation, their passion was hard to diminish; in a flash, it was dawn.

Early the next morning, waking to find the person from her dreams was actually beside her, she couldn’t help but close her eyes, holding each other even tighter.

            

“I was originally planning to go to Boling to find you.” Zhen Wenjun pillowed her head on Wei Tingxu’s arm, her face close to her chest, arms around her waist. The most familiar and comfortable position, a position belonging only to the two of them. “I didn’t expect you to come first.”

“I’m always one step ahead of you.” Wei Tingxu was meticulously looking at her eyes, her hair, the tip of her nose, observing her changes over the past few months.

Hearing her words, Zhen Wenjun smiled softly, didn’t continue, snuggled closer, and gently bit her on the chest.

            

“The little leopard has learned to bite.”

“Already this old, and still ‘little leopard’.”

Wei Tingxu took out the new doll she had made and placed it on Zhen Wenjun’s head. “To me, you’ll always be a child.”

            

Zhen Wenjun took the doll in her hand, still pillowed on Wei Tingxu’s arm, reluctant to leave.

“It really looks like me.”

Wei Tingxu said, “I’ve discovered that when you miss someone, whether it’s writing poetry, composing lyrics, or doing handicrafts, even your talent for being sentimental becomes much stronger.”

            

Zhen Wenjun nodded in agreement. “Whatever my Furen does is the best under heaven, and being sentimental is no exception.”

Wei Tingxu tickled her waist, and Zhen Wenjun, ticklish, jumped up. “Don’t fool around, you’re the ruler of a nation!”

“Aren’t you too? The Ruler of Changge Kingdom, the illustrious and well-known General Zhen, is ticklish. Who would believe that if it got out?”

            

“You’re retaliating against me.” Zhen Wenjun collapsed again as if boneless, burrowing relentlessly into Wei Tingxu’s embrace.

“Zizhuo, do you know?” She suddenly became serious. “At this very moment, for the first time, I dare to be so wantonly coquettish with you. Only now do I have the standing, the qualification, to be coquettish with you.”

The unrestrained laughter from before softened into a gentle smile. Wei Tingxu cupped Zhen Wenjun’s face and lightly dropped a kiss.

            

“Thank you,” she said. “Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

She had originally thought Zhen Wenjun would cry, but Zhen Wenjun did not.

Zhen Wenjun tightly clasped her hand in return, kissing her deeply and unceasingly.

            

Transportation between Boling and Xuzhou was convenient; if traveling fast, it only took eight days to arrive. And the various projects along the banks of the Wei River were also proceeding in full swing​²⁷. Once confirmed, the travel time between the two cities would be further shortened.

And the palaces for the rulers of the two nations in each other’s territories were also being rapidly constructed.

The former “Yu” was slowly being buried by time, replaced by two new, coexisting empires.

            

All the laughter and tears, love and hate, and many unverified legends that occurred in that era, all became interesting historical anecdotes, told by storytellers with wit and humor, sparking boundless imagination in later generations.

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The authorh as something to say:

A little postscript:

            

Completing this piece is like fulfilling a promise to myself.

When reading history-related books, what attracts me most is the “truth” buried within historical materials, difficult to discern whether real or fake, hidden behind the mist. How those events and those people actually happened, how they died—opinions vary widely. Some people like and appreciate, naturally some detest. What the real truth is, perhaps no one will ever know.

Some of my personal interests and interpretations have all been written into the text and will not be elaborated one by one. What made me happiest was that in the past, writing villains was always very stereotypical and one-dimensional (like Peking Opera masks)​²⁸. This time, it was a fresh attempt, and it was very satisfying to write.

            

The happiest thing about writing novels is writing stories you like, and it just so happens that others like them too.

Thank you to everyone who liked this piece.

A few other small things.

            

【Regarding the Physical Book】The initial plan is for it to go on sale at the end of July, in stock. For specific details, you can follow my Ningyuan430; once confirmed, I will announce it on wb.​²⁹

【Regarding Extras】There’s a tiny bit, updated irregularly, randomly dropped.

【Regarding New Work】In the second half of the year, I want to write a short, sweet story.​³⁰ Next year, I want to write a brand-new story set a hundred years after Yurou (Fish Meat), the kind where they make money while falling in love.

            

Finally, thank you again to everyone who has supported me along the way. I wish you all success in your studies, work, and life.

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LP: I was getting nervous there, but I understand the decision.

Wenjun being the General would be a conflict in interest, specially with what’s Tingxu’s goal is all about.

            

But if they’re both rulers of their own kingdoms, ehehe~

7 extra chapters coming up!

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