The Sovereign – Chapter 108

Volume Six: A Cold Rainy Night Buries the Famous Flower

Please Enter the Urn

This move of “Please enter the urn,” let’s see how you protect her

Rushing along the road covered in wind and dust [meaning tired from traveling], passing through war-torn areas. The battle at Yuzhou was intense, with Ling Yu using all military forces to siege Yuzhou. The Yu Kingdom’s offensive was not weak at all, and this counterattack seemed to carry national grudges and personal hatred. The Yu Kingdom’s cavalry was extremely valiant, while the Red Armor Army only defended without attacking. The two armies were in a standoff, with battle lines stretched long.

If Yu Kingdom could capture Yuzhou, they would reclaim Qi County, giving Yu Kingdom another line of city defense.

Qin Junlan rode on horseback along the winding mountain road, able to overlook Yuzhou’s battle situation. She dismounted to gaze into the distance at Yuzhou, shrouded in war smoke. Though the city was as secure as metal and boiling water [固若金湯: idiom meaning “strongly fortified”], the inside was no longer as peaceful as before.

In wars between two countries, it’s always the common people who suffer. After leaving the imperial palace, Qin Junlan had a deeper understanding of war’s devastation. She only wished for quick unification of the realm, winning people’s hearts, so that one country could rule all, and there would be no more conflicts.

“Unexpected that Yu Kingdom’s valiant cavalry is not weak at all. After losing two cities, they won’t rest until they take our Yuzhou,” Li Yue couldn’t help but sigh. The city massacre in Ji Kingdom had sparked such anger that even the Red Armor Army was shocked by it.

“Zhen really want to know, Ling Yu is just a Grand Princess of one country, how can she command the entire national army and inspire the fighting spirit of soldiers? Wasn’t she always known for using schemes? She has killed countless nobles and ministers in Yu Kingdom, yet still wins people’s hearts.”

“The Yu Emperor is young and ignorant, achieving nothing since ascending to the throne. According to reports, Yu Kingdom’s throne has always been passed to males, not females. Ling Yu holds the title of Grand Princess, but that’s all she can be – no matter her ability, she can only remain in this position unless she commits treason. Looking across the world, our Ji Dynasty never discriminates between men and women for official positions or even the throne, only considering merit and virtue. Both Luo and Qing countries are also free from such restrictions. Only Yu Kingdom’s thinking and traditions remain so closed-off. How can a country bound by such restrictions ever become permanently strong? Ling Yu’s strength alone likely cannot save the entire country.” These words from Li Yue made Qin Junlan see her in a new light [刮目相看: idiom meaning to view someone with new respect].

She never knew Li Yue could analyze political affairs so systematically, and most importantly, could see through the situation of the four countries and national development so clearly.

“Li Yue, how did I not know you possessed such extraordinary talent in understanding world affairs?” Qin Junlan suddenly felt she might have underutilized Li Yue, who should be capable of greater responsibilities.

Li Yue formed a smile, her hand unconsciously touching the dagger at her waist. Her smile carried melancholy, and deep longing and reminiscence. “How could this servant have such great talent? It’s all from casual conversations with Chen Qing over these years. In the end, I was too foolish, never discovering her identity, never truly understanding her…”

“Zhen have always valued talent and had no intention to kill her, but unfortunately she chose to seek death in the most extreme way. However, if she hadn’t been so loyal to her master, both brave and resourceful, how could she have infiltrated the palace for so long? In the end, regarding espionage, Zhen is not as skilled as Ling Yu.”

“This servant knows Your Majesty is deeply righteous and a benevolent ruler. What’s done is done, and more words are useless. This servant only wishes to serve Your Majesty for life, with no other thoughts.”

“Mm, Zhen hope you won’t remain immersed in past sorrows.”

“Yes, this servant understands.”

Qin Junlan mounted her fine horse again. Her unparalleled beautiful face once more looked down at Yuzhou, her eyes showing a trace of determination, that natural air of a ruler flowing naturally.

“How long until we reach Zhengyi?”

“We can arrive before tomorrow’s dusk.”

“Good, let’s hurry on our way immediately!”

Several swift horses galloped into the wind, rushing toward Yu Kingdom’s former capital, Zhengyi. Qin Junlan knew that a trap of conspiracy awaited her, but though knowing there was a tiger in the mountain, she deliberately walked toward it. No matter how dangerous the situation, nothing would stop her steps from going to see Liu Qianxun.

The He family was once a prestigious clan in Yu Kingdom. King Chong, He Xiao, was the empress dowager’s nephew and was later granted the title of Qinwang [親王: highest-ranking prince title]. He was once a pillar minister in Yu Kingdom’s court. Later, after the previous emperor passed away and Emperor Ling Xi succeeded the throne, Ling Yu began reclaiming political power to reduce various factions’ influence, causing dissatisfaction among many ministers.

Soon after, King Chong joined with several court elders and other princes to jointly petition Emperor Yu, requesting to take back Ling Yu’s military power, insisting that Yu Kingdom’s authority must not fall into a woman’s hands. This led to disaster for the entire He household [免頂之災: catastrophic disaster, literally “losing one’s head”]. Now King Chong’s mansion is desolate, and Liu Qianxun is under house arrest in the place of her birth.

Though the King Chong mansion appears dilapidated, guards have been stationed at the entrance, and unknown traps have been arranged.

“Sister, are you alright?” When Mujin saw Liu Qianxun coming from afar to welcome them. Since being expelled from the palace, she had been ordered to regroup with Mo Feng and others, and later lost contact with Liu Qianxun.

“Tower Master, I trust you’ve been well.” Mo Feng slightly bowed to her. Liu Qianxun saw that everyone was from the Suyuan Tower, but didn’t see her brother. “Where is He Xi?”

Mo Feng’s expression slightly changed, exchanging a look with Mujin. “That day when the Imperial Forest Army raided Suyuan Tower, we retreated first. He Xi was captured while buying time for us.”

Liu Qianxun’s heart jolted with shock, and she asked: “How many were captured?”

“Including He Xi, thirteen people in total. The Empress was furious, and after taking the people away, there’s been no trace of them. I fear the worst is more likely.”

Liu Qianxun’s body trembled slightly. She stepped back weakly two steps. The civilians massacred, Suyuan Tower destroyed, He Xi’s fate unknown. All of this, she had been completely unaware of. Truly, pulling one hair affects the whole body [牽一發而動全身: idiom meaning one action affects everything]. Everything was like a nightmare. In just a few short months, so many people had died.

Liu Qianxun dragged her heavy steps toward the back courtyard, with Mo Feng and Mujin following behind. She turned around, a flash of coldness crossing her eyes, “Don’t follow me.”

Mo Feng and Mujin helplessly stopped their steps, watching Liu Qianxun’s trembling silhouette, filled with such grief.

Was the old locust tree in the back courtyard still alright? Liu Qianxun vaguely remembered how in childhood, when she was unhappy, she would walk to this locust tree to pour out her heart. She and Liu Zhu had endured endless bullying and seen all the warmth and coldness of human nature, but ultimately they were people of Yu Kingdom, and it was Yu Kingdom’s Grand Princess Ling Yu who saved her and gave her a chance at rebirth. With Yu Kingdom in trouble, her heart was not at ease, but she was powerless to change heaven’s will [回天乏力: idiom meaning powerless to reverse the situation].

Yu Kingdom had fallen into the disaster of war, yet the one who started the war was the person she loved – how truly ironic. Was heaven trying to force her into a corner with no retreat?

Liu Qianxun walked to the old locust tree, her hand resting on its thick trunk. Under the swaying tree shadows was her slender, helpless figure. She slowly knelt down, just like in childhood, pressing her head against the trunk, “Old locust tree, I really am a beautiful woman who brings disaster, aren’t I?”

The old locust tree made rustling sounds in the wind.

“Six thousand lives, over ten lives from Suyuan Tower… I knew nothing of it, still hiding in the mountains, always trying to escape…” Liu Qianxun closed her eyes, her nose suddenly feeling sour, as if returning to her childhood years – that helplessness of being unable to save her mother from disaster, the pain of being unable to escape misfortune.

She had thought that after growing up, she could escape all this, but who knew fate would catch up to her. Why must there be war? Why must both sides be hurt? Why massacre a city? If fighting continues like this, how many more people must die?

“Old locust tree, am I really useless? Unable to do anything…” Liu Qianxun’s body gradually slid down, finally leaning against the locust tree, her gaze unfocused.

In this vast He mansion, only this spot held her childhood attachments and her sibling bond with He Xi. Would she kill He Xi? She must have discovered her identity by now. Liu Qianxun held onto a thread of hope – though Qin Junlan was decisive in killing, surely she wasn’t a cruel person.

“Drink some medicine.” Mujin suddenly appeared holding a bowl of medicine.

“I have no illness or pain, why should I drink medicine?” Liu Qianxun said expressionlessly, but Mujin sighed helplessly, “Divine Divine Doctor Yu personally brewed it. The Sect Leader said you were poisoned, this is the therapeutic medicine he specially sent.”

Liu Qianxun slightly raised her head, a flash of surprise crossing her eyes, “How did she know I was poisoned?”

“Don’t forget that Divine Doctor Yu is still the junior disciple of Guiguzi. He has been by the Sect Leader’s side all these years, and the Sect Leader knows some pathology – how could she not see that you were poisoned?” Mujin brought the medicine before Liu Qianxun, who slowly reached out to hold it. The warmth of the medicinal soup transmitted to her palms, yet made her heart feel bitter.

“Why does she do this, why?” Liu Qianxun looked at the medicine, emotions fluctuating. Imprisoning her, yet caring for her.

Just like how she once repeatedly said she cared about her, then pushed her away. What was she really thinking? Liu Qianxun could never see through or understand her. She drank the medicine in one gulp, not even tasting it, only feeling the bitterness in her heart spreading throughout her body.

“Tower Master…” Mujin set the medicine bowl aside, suddenly sat cross-legged, looking at her, even the form of address different from usual.

“Changed how you address me, ready to be honest with me?” Liu Qianxun straightened slightly, looking at how calm Mujin was. She had long had a premonition, just hadn’t expected Mujin to reveal it under these circumstances.

“You always see through things without pointing them out.” Mujin shrugged, unable to laugh or sigh, just helpless.

“In Suyuan Tower, only you were careless and impulsive, even trying several times to protect me in the palace. How could someone so reckless and inappropriate be qualified to be sent to my side?”

“Among all people, only Ye Ming was truly sincere to you, even more than the Sect Leader. We others follow orders, different positions mean different roles. The Sect Leader gave me the simplest task – to play a harmless and ineffective servant by your side, I only needed to report your activities. ” Mujin’s demeanor was different from usual, shed of her usual impetuousness, as if she were a different person.

“So all my movements and news, even every detail with the Empress, were revealed by you.” Liu Qianxun had thought everyone around her was Ling Yu’s person, and had suspicions about Mujin, but never thought deeply about it.

Mujin nodded. She had always carried guilt while being by Liu Qianxun’s side. But if she hadn’t appeared foolish and clumsy, how could she have made Liu Qianxun lower her guard? She had only tried her best to play someone who had maintained the same personality from their first meeting until now.

“Heh… When has there ever been sincerity around me? You all are truly loyal to Ling Yu – you, Chen Qing, Lin Wuming, and He Xi too.” Liu Qianxun no longer cared. With everything as it is now, what else mattered?

“Has the Tower Master never wondered why? Do you know why the Sect Leader, though being Grand Princess, can only be a princess and not an empress?”

Liu Qianxun’s expression slightly changed as she looked at Mujin, “I never asked her these things, and she never mentioned them.”

“Though the Sect Leader was the first daughter of the previous emperor, she was born of a concubine and wasn’t favored from childhood. When she was three, Consort Ying died in a palace fire. At that time, the Sect Leader was curled up sleeping in her mother’s arms and was only saved when a palace maid carried her out at the cost of her life. She watched helplessly as her mother burned to death. Actually, there were many suspicions pointing to the previous empress, but no one would speak up for the Sect Leader. The Empress Dowager disliked her because she was female and born of a concubine – no one cared about her. Only the previous emperor doted on her, secretly teaching her and nurturing her talents. But compared to other noble-born princesses and crown princes, she was just a drop in the ocean [滄海一粟: idiom meaning insignificant]. To keep the Sect Leader safe from palace struggles, the previous emperor sent her away to learn martial arts, and later, against all opposition, granted her the title of Princess Changning.” Mujin finished with a deep sigh.

“What happened after?”

“In the previous emperor’s later years, he instructed the Sect Leader to establish the Shura Sect to assist the crown prince in the future. The previous emperor was wise and gave the Sect Leader much support, both openly and secretly. Before his death, he made the Sect Leader promise to assist the new emperor and never seize the throne. Perhaps even as the previous emperor was dying, he recognized the Sect Leader’s great talents and strategies, but unfortunately, he had no way to control her except through promises and the bonds of fatherly love. Yet the Sect Leader foolishly took on all responsibilities because of this promise and her love for Yu Kingdom.”

Liu Qianxun had never known that the high and mighty Grand Princess Ling Yu had grown up so similarly to herself. Perhaps this was why she had taken her in. She didn’t know that that winter, when Ling Yu first saw Liu Qianxun dragging the seriously ill Liu Zhu, she was reminded of her own childhood helplessness at her mother’s death, and this had touched her heart.

“How do you know so much?”

“I am the adopted daughter of the palace maid who saved the Sect Leader. I was sold into the palace as a child, and she took me as her goddaughter. Eventually, she couldn’t escape the previous empress’s evil grasp and was killed. The Sect Leader was only seven then, but she saved me, a helpless little girl in danger, from the palace, allowing me to grow up in the Changning Mansion.”

“No wonder you were already here when I entered the Changning Mansion.” Liu Qianxun felt an ache in her heart. She seemed to understand why Ling Yu appeared so lonely when playing the xun, and why she seemed so unreachable.

Her past was a hard shell, wrapping around her and not letting anyone in, even hiding her true self. For this, she didn’t mind people misunderstanding her as cruel, even making herself appear unrestrained, finding favorites for amusement. While carrying such heavy responsibilities, how could she have energy for carefree enjoyment? She was only trying to push herself away.

“Tower Master may not know, but every member of Shura Sect has an untold bitter past. The Sect Leader set a rule forbidding mention of the past, because she didn’t want people to know she had actually saved many people into Shura Sect. Since she needed to cultivate assassination forces, why not save children in need? Those without parents from childhood, having no attachments, are more suitable for carrying out missions. Shura means hell, but it became a home for us orphans. In our eyes, she is our life-saving benefactor. With no way to repay such kindness, we can only pledge absolute loyalty.” Mujin finished speaking and stood up, looking at Liu Qianxun with an unprecedented deep smile, “Tower Master, perhaps you can choose, but the Empress and Sect Leader have no choice. I hope you choose your position well, otherwise, we’ll only meet on the battlefield.”

Walking out of the back courtyard, Mujin took a deep breath. Looking up, she found Mo Feng watching her, “If the Sect Leader knows you exposed yourself like this, you’ll lose your life.”

“At this point, do these things still matter? Suyuan Tower no longer exists, and Shura Sect’s mission is nearly over. I don’t want the Tower Master to remain unclear about the situation and truly break with the Sect Leader.”

“Alright, be careful with your words, after all, the Sect Leader still cares about the Tower Master.”

Mujin just calmly nodded.

At Changning Mansion, Ling Yu received an urgent letter from her spy, stating that the Empress was five li outside the city and would enter soon.

“Very good, bring that person here.” Ling Yu’s cold eyes showed no emotion.

A woman with a graceful figure was brought before her. Whether in form or silhouette, she looked extremely similar to Liu Qianxun. Ling Yu stood behind her, gazing at her, remaining silent for a long while.

“She truly looks alike.” Ling Yu let out a cold laugh.

“A one-in-a-hundred woman, this time we’ll make sure the Empress won’t return!” Lin Wuming said angrily.

“Go then, lure the tiger away from the mountain. This Princess awaits your good news.”

Xun’er, let’s see how you can protect her this time!

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LP: … With how much QJL loves LQX, this plan won’t work at all!

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