The Sovereign – Chapter 139.2

Volume Seven: Iron Horses Shock the World

Side Story: Yu and Zhu

“Your Highness looks good in anything, Second Young Lady will surely be delighted.”

“That girl needs eyes to see. Always coming and going in a hurry, never staying long. She already liked roaming everywhere, and after entering the jianghu her nature became even wilder, disliking elaborate ceremonies.” Yi Qinghuan’s lips always curved into a smile thinking of her sister. In these years in the deep palace, there was neither happiness nor unhappiness, her only thought was seeing Yi Qingyu.

“No matter how wild Second Young Lady is, she still cares for you, her sister. Otherwise, wherever she might be, how could she persist for many years in always returning to visit you?” Qiushui’s words always touched her heart. Yi Qinghuan smiled deeply, but thinking of another matter, she became worried.

Seeing her smile fade, Qiushui knew what she was thinking, “Your Highness, are you thinking of Prince Cheng?”

“You always know my heart. Now Prince Cheng has gained power, many nobles seek to curry his favor. Last year when Yu’er entered the palace, she happened to meet Prince Cheng. Unexpectedly, Prince Cheng fell in love at first sight with Yu’er, and has repeatedly asked me about marriage.” Yi Qinghuan said this while stroking her belly, letting out a gentle sigh. If Yi Qingyu were to marry Prince Cheng, her future would be secure – regardless of which child ascended the throne, likely none could stand in their way. But how could Yi Qingyu be willing to marry someone from the court? And she herself was even more reluctant to part with her.

“Why not, now that Second Young Lady is back, first probe her thoughts? If she doesn’t have someone she loves, we might as well mention Prince Cheng.”

“Someone she loves…?” Hearing these three words, Yi Qinghuan felt an indescribable emotion in her heart and merely nodded slightly.

“Sister!” As she was thinking, a familiar call came, and Yi Qinghuan looked up to see Yi Qingyu suddenly run in, a bright smile on her face, bowing to her, “Yu’er greets the Imperial Concubine.”

“All right, all right, since when did you become so proper? Didn’t you always dislike these palace rituals?” Yi Qinghuan pulled Yi Qingyu over by the hand and sat her on the table. “Sister has prepared your favorite pastries.”

“Not eating, Sister, your outfit today looks really nice.” Yi Qingyu appreciatively looked at Yi Qinghuan, but the image of Liu Zhu flashed through her mind. She once thought her sister was the most beautiful woman in the world, but now it seemed Liu Zhu had taken that place.

She absentmindedly reminisced about various things from Yu Kingdom, somewhat distracted, not even hearing Yi Qinghuan calling her.

“Yu’er?”

“Uh? Oh, Sister, I came back this time to tell you something.” Yi Qingyu glanced at Qiushui, who wisely left the room.

Before Yi Qinghuan could speak, she saw Yi Qingyu eager to say something and curiously asked, “What do you want to tell Sister that you had to send Qiushui away?”

She personally poured Yi Qingyu a cup of tea, gently placing it in front of her, with a doting smile, “Have some tea first, don’t be so hurried.”

“Sister…” Yi Qingyu leaned slightly forward, looking earnestly at Yi Qinghuan, “You are the closest person to me, so I must tell you this, I’ve fallen in love with someone.”

Yi Qinghuan’s smile froze instantly on her face, not only because of the suddenness of the news but also because she knew the person Yi Qingyu had fallen for would certainly not be Prince Cheng, nor anyone in the palace…

Her lips trembled slightly, but her smile became a bit stiff, “What kind of person could make Yu’er fall so deeply in love?”

It turned out that her joy was because of love. If Yi Qingyu once had a sunny and carefree demeanor, now she had gained a degree of steadiness and thoughtfulness. Perhaps having someone in her heart made her different, radiating a more charming light than ever before, to the point that even her sister wanted to look up to her.

“Her name is Liu Zhu, the foremost talented woman of Yu Kingdom…” Yi Qingyu wanted to tell Yi Qinghuan all the stories of their meeting.

“Wait, a woman??” Yi Qinghuan interrupted her, looking at her incredulously. She thought she had heard wrong, but she clearly heard Yi Qingyu say the foremost talented woman of Yu Kingdom.

“Yes, a woman. I’ve fallen in love with a woman. Sister, you aren’t so conservative, are you?”

Yi Qingyu said this so simply and calmly, but Yi Qinghuan’s mood plummeted. She couldn’t quite identify what she was feeling. If it were really a man, she might be willing to accept it, to look into his character and status. For her sister’s happiness, she would be willing to make it happen.

But now Yi Qingyu said it was a woman? How could she accept that? Can a woman love a woman? Thinking of this question, Yi Qinghuan looked at her, and suddenly a wave of unease surged in her heart, causing panic and fear.

Yet Yi Qingyu was already animatedly recounting their encounter, speaking of Liu Zhu’s beauty and talent, of her deep affection, and even declaring her intention to give up her position as the sect leader and everything else to be with Liu Zhu.

Yi Qingyu spoke for who knows how long, with every word carrying a smile, filled with genuine excitement and happiness, even Yi Qinghuan could sense it. She had never seen Yi Qingyu so happy, not even when she had done so much, not even when she had allowed her to go to Tiancang Pavilion to learn martial arts, had she been this happy.

Yi Qingyu’s eyes no longer held anyone else, not even her; all she thought about and spoke of was that woman named Liu Zhu.

“Sister, what do you think?”

“Yu’er… how can you like a woman…” Yi Qinghuan murmured, with a tone of coldness and distance that Yi Qingyu had never felt before. Yi Qinghuan’s face had changed, showing no trace of a smile.

“What’s wrong with a woman? Who says you must love a man? It just so happens that the person I love is a woman.” Yi Qingyu never changes her mind once she decides on something, and she wouldn’t compromise, not even for her sister. She just really wanted her sister’s blessing and support.

“You can love anyone. Sister could even allow you to never marry, but I don’t want to see you fall in love with a woman!” Yi Qinghuan’s tone was somewhat agitated, and Yi Qingyu showed a displeased expression. She stood up, looking at Yi Qinghuan, and said disappointedly, “I thought anyone might oppose, but not you, Sister. I didn’t expect you to be like the others, not accepting a woman’s love for another woman. In that case, Yu’er will take her leave.”

“Yu’er, are you leaving just like this?” Yi Qinghuan hurriedly stood up. In the past, she would at least stay for two days, having long, intimate talks and even sharing a bed. But now, because she liked a woman, was she going to distance herself like this?

Yi Qingyu turned her head, her gaze softened slightly, “Sister, when did you become so distant? I still remember when you argued with Father for me, the scenes of those times. Now that you are in the palace, have you become so narrow-minded? Yu’er never thought Sister was a stubborn person, which is why I shared my heart with you. I didn’t expect Sister to no longer be on the same side as me.”

“Yu’er!” Yi Qinghuan called out helplessly. She couldn’t persuade herself to accept this matter. How could she accept it? Yi Qingyu had fallen in love with a woman, willing to give up everything for this woman, even her sister.

“Sister, don’t get angry. It might harm your pregnancy. I will leave first, to avoid upsetting you.” Yi Qingyu said and left without looking back.

Yi Qinghuan chased her to the door, watching in disbelief at the resolute figure, so different from before. Was she just going to leave like this, to follow that woman? She didn’t want the position of the sect leader of Tiancang Pavilion, and she scorned wealth and glory. Even the deep sisterly bond of more than ten years couldn’t compare to that woman.

Liking a woman… Yi Qinghuan cried silently, not knowing why she was so sad, only that the shadow in her heart wouldn’t go away.

“Your Highness.” Qiushui rushed in, supporting the wavering Yi Qinghuan. How did something that was supposed to be joyful turn out like this? “Please don’t risk your pregnancy.”

Yi Qinghuan collected her emotions, her eyes gradually turning cold. She absolutely couldn’t let a woman ruin Yi Qingyu. She said coldly, “Qiushui, send someone reliable to Prince Cheng’s residence to investigate that Liu Zhu from Yu Kingdom. Also, promise him that I will marry my sister to him, provided he listens to everything I say.”

“Yes, I will take care of it right away,” Qiushui replied.

After Yi Qingyu left Jidu, she went to Yu Kingdom. She didn’t expect to gain her master’s understanding but fail to gain her sister’s approval. She traveled day and night and arrived in Yu Kingdom within five days.

However, when she reached Changsheng Academy, she found it desolate. It was supposed to be a place of elegance, filled with music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but now it was empty. Yi Qingyu immediately sensed something was wrong. How could Changsheng Academy fall into such decline? This was the foremost academy in Zhengyi, but more importantly, where was Liu Zhu?

Changsheng Academy had three courtyards from front to back, and the library tower was three stories high. It wasn’t extravagant but was full of literary charm and the scent of books, yet today it was completely deserted.

She looked around everywhere but couldn’t find a single person, so she approached a passerby to ask, “Brother, may I ask why there’s no one at Changsheng Academy?”

“Young lady, you must be from out of town. The dean and his wife have disappeared, causing quite a stir. The authorities are investigating, but there’s no result yet.”

“Disappeared? Three days ago… then… what about Miss Liu?” Yi Qingyu was most concerned about Liu Zhu’s safety.

“That I do not know.”

“Thank you!”

Yi Qingyu felt a wave of panic, a bad premonition rising within her. She gripped the flute at her waist and rode swiftly toward the Liu residence. The Liu family was a scholarly household, and Liu Zhu was a prestigious young lady, her talent unmatched, a woman many wealthy young men in Yu Kingdom wished to marry.

The Liu residence had many servants, but there were no guards at the gate. Yi Qingyu, fearing something might happen, used her qinggong to leap over the wall. It was her first time entering the Liu residence, and she didn’t know where Liu Zhu’s room was, only feeling that the Liu residence was grand and imposing.

Inside the residence, everything seemed normal. With the master and mistress missing, how could it be so calm? Yi Qingyu’s qinggong were exceptional, and she quickly searched the entire Liu residence but still did not see Liu Zhu.

Until she landed in the west wing and suddenly saw a man with a sword standing there. He assumed Yi Qingyu’s intentions were hostile and drew his sword to confront her.

“Who dares to intrude into the young lady’s quarters?” The man’s expression was grave, and with a loud shout, several sword-wielding guards appeared.

“I am an old friend of Miss Liu. I request to see her.”

“Why does an old friend of the young lady not use the main entrance and instead sneak over the wall?” The man was not friendly, highly vigilant as if wary after a major injury, and without further ado, he ordered the guards to surround Yi Qingyu.

“You are no match for me, don’t seek death. Where is your young lady?” Yi Qingyu’s expression turned serious. She didn’t want to entangle with them; she only wanted to know where Liu Zhu was.

“The young lady is not someone you can see just because you want to.” As he finished speaking and was about to engage Yi Qingyu, the door to the boudoir suddenly opened. Liu Zhu, dressed in light attire, her brown eyes full of worry, brightened slightly upon seeing Yi Qingyu.

“Stop, all of you, stand down.” Her melodious voice rang out, and the men respectfully sheathed their swords, “Yes, young lady.”

Seeing the others leave, Yi Qingyu finally stepped forward, nervously grasping Liu Zhu’s hands, feeling a slight chill. “Zhu’er, are you alright?”

“You finally came.” Liu Zhu’s eyes were filled with helplessness and powerlessness, with a hint of difficulty.

“What exactly happened? Your parents…?”

“It was people from Ji Kingdom who took them.” Liu Zhu said, taking out an object resembling a token. Yi Qingyu received it and examined it carefully; the token had the character “Cheng” on it.

Cheng… Cheng what? Yi Qingyu, having roamed the jianghu for many years, didn’t have a deep understanding of court titles and couldn’t immediately recall what the character “Cheng” represented.

“You’re the younger sister of Ji Kingdom’s Empress, the second Miss of the Yi family, and you don’t know where the character ‘Cheng’ comes from?” Liu Zhu sighed slightly and walked into the boudoir, with Yi Qingyu following her, “Where did this come from?”

“It was pulled off by the servants during a fight with the other party.” Liu Zhu’s eyes were dim as she gently pulled Yi Qingyu closer. “Ah Yu, was your return to the capital not smooth this time?”

“How did you know?”

“If it were smooth, my parents wouldn’t have been taken. This character ‘Cheng,’ if I’m not mistaken, should be from Prince Cheng, the sworn brother of the Emperor of Ji Kingdom.” Liu Zhu, with her mind as clear as a mirror and her intelligence, had already guessed the whole story.

“Prince Cheng?” Only then did Yi Qingyu realize the seriousness of the situation, feeling secretly astonished. She had heard that Prince Cheng was now in power, often being courted by others due to his military authority, but he seemed to…

Yi Qingyu had a bold guess. She didn’t dare to think about it, nor did she want to, but only this way could she understand the whole story. Could it be that her sister arranged this to prevent her from being with Liu Zhu? If so, her sister’s scheming was terrifying.

“Take me to Jidu. I want to find my parents and see what exactly they want by taking them.” A flash of determination crossed Liu Zhu’s eyes, a resilience and strength hidden within her gentle demeanor.

“Alright, I’ll take you. I promise you, I’ll rescue Uncle and Aunt.”

In just a few days, things had turned out this way. Yi Qingyu held Liu Zhu protectively in her arms, and they rode swiftly towards Jidu. Why did those people reach Yu Kingdom faster than she did? Could it be that Prince Cheng had people in Yu Kingdom all along, and right after gaining power, he was drawn in by her sister?

Many doubts awaited resolution, and as the two rode hastily towards Jidu non-stop, someone had been waiting for a long time, claiming that someone wanted to see her, and the meeting place was Prince Cheng’s residence.

Yi Qingyu held Liu Zhu’s hand tightly, ready to storm into Prince Cheng’s residence, but did not expect to see Yi Qinghuan there. Yi Qingyu was filled with rage, realizing it was indeed connected to her sister rather than just anyone else.

“What do you mean by this? What exactly do you want?” For the first time in years, Yi Qingyu spoke to Yi Qinghuan in such a manner. Yi Qinghuan leisurely drank her tea, her eyes falling on Liu Zhu, scrutinizing her. This woman was naturally beautiful, with a face of captivating charm, and those brown eyes were like a fairy’s, seemingly holding the grace of all seasons, captivating one’s soul.

No wonder Qingyu was attracted to her. Yi Qinghuan’s gaze toward Liu Zhu was filled with hostility; it was this woman who had taken her sister away.

“A man should marry when grown, and a woman should be wed. Since Yu’er doesn’t intend to become the sect leader of Tiancang Pavilion, Sister has arranged a marriage for you. Prince Cheng is of noble status, highly regarded by the Emperor, and is deeply devoted to you. Sister has already decided for you; in three days, you will marry into Prince Cheng’s residence, and from then on, you’ll be Princess Consort Cheng. Prince Cheng has promised me he won’t take a concubine.”

“Are you crazy?” Yi Qingyu thought she must be mad to say such things. No one on this earth could force her to do anything.

Marry? How absurd. She would only love Liu Zhu and would never marry anyone else.

Liu Zhu finally understood the reason behind it all—why her parents were caught up in this. Qingyu’s Empress sister must be overly concerned for her sister’s well-being and would go to any lengths to stop them from being together.

“If you don’t marry, three days later, Dean Liu and Madam Liu will be executed. Think it over carefully,” Yi Qinghuan said coldly, igniting Yi Qingyu’s fury. She raised her hand, drew her sword, and pointed it at Yi Qinghuan. “Yi Qinghuan, you are simply shameless! What do my affair with Zhu’er and innocent people have to do with each other? To force me into marriage, you’d resort to such despicable means?”

She couldn’t believe that the malicious woman in front of her was the sister who had loved her as she grew up. How could it be that just by falling in love with Liu Zhu, she was forced into such a dire situation?

Yi Qingyu felt that Yi Qinghuan was so unfamiliar. Although they hadn’t seen each other frequently over the years, she had never been so disappointing and upsetting.

Yi Qinghuan looked at the cold, menacing sword tip, feeling despair. She let out a bitter laugh, “How long have you known this woman? And yet you’re willing to draw your sword against your sister for her?”

Thus, she would not relent. She would rather be the wicked sister now than watch Yi Qingyu’s life be ruined by Liu Zhu.

“Ah Yu, don’t be like this towards your sister.” Liu Zhu gently took her arm, dispelling Yi Qingyu’s hostility and anger. She smiled gracefully, both intelligent and captivating, as she looked directly at Yi Qinghuan, respectful yet composed. “Your Highness, if you must target me, I have no complaints, but my parents are elderly. I hope you will be merciful and spare them.”

“Hmph, don’t pretend to be sensible in front of Yu’er. As long as Yu’er marries Prince Cheng, your parents will naturally be safe; otherwise, there is no room for negotiation.” Yi Qinghuan would rather marry her sister off than watch her fall into a life of ruin with a woman.

“Fine, I agree to marry in three days, but if you dare harm Zhu’er’s parents, I won’t be polite.” Yi Qingyu suddenly agreed readily.

“Ah Yu…” Liu Zhu’s heart ached. How could she let her suffer such grievances? A free-spirited heroine like her, unbound by worldly constraints, how could she marry someone else?

Yi Qinghuan was equally astonished. Though she had hoped for this result, seeing Yi Qingyu agree so readily pained her even more. She knew her sister was not willing, that she was willing to marry for Liu Zhu, showing just how much she cared for this woman. Thinking of this, she hated Liu Zhu’s existence even more.

“Let’s go.” Yi Qingyu withdrew her indifferent gaze and turned to Liu Zhu with warmth.

Her eyes were as gentle as water, filled with chivalrous tenderness for Liu Zhu. Yi Qinghuan felt a pang of bitterness. Qingyu had always been steadfast and aloof, proud and indifferent, yet now she showered Liu Zhu with infinite affection and gentleness. Finally, someone had entirely taken her Yu’er away.

In truth, Yi Qingyu was merely pretending to agree. It was just a charade of wearing a wedding dress. Where she wanted to go, no one could stop her. Once she rescued Liu Zhu’s parents, she would take them away, disappearing so that Yi Qinghuan could never find them.

Liu Zhu worried the plan might have flaws, yet she couldn’t pinpoint where things might go wrong, nor could she think of a better solution, so she temporarily agreed with Yi Qingyu to give it a try.

Three days later, the bridal sedan from Prince Cheng’s residence was carried to the Yi residence. Liu Zhu pretended to be a dowry maid, staying by Yi Qingyu’s side. Seeing Yi Qingyu in the bridal attire with a phoenix coronet and red robe, she almost cried. She was so stunningly beautiful, her heroic spirit turned into feminine charm. However, on the wedding night, Yi Qingyu did not allow Prince Cheng to enter the room. Prince Cheng, sincerely in love with her, did not force her and respected her wishes.

What appeared to be the wedding night for Princess Consort Cheng became the wedding night for Yi Qingyu and Liu Zhu. They gave themselves to each other, swearing to stay together for life, to share a bed in life and the same grave in death.

However, things didn’t go as they planned. On the second day of the wedding, Liu Zhu’s parents were not released as promised by Yi Qinghuan. In anger, Yi Qingyu went to the palace to confront Yi Qinghuan, who claimed Liu Zhu’s parents had been set free and likely returned to Yu Kingdom.

That night, Yi Qingyu was drugged and fainted in the palace by Yi Qinghuan. She only returned to Prince Cheng’s residence at dusk. Upon her return, everything had changed: Prince Cheng’s army had moved out due to border conflicts, marching hastily.

But Liu Zhu had lost her chastity.

This was like a bolt from the blue, driving Yi Qingyu nearly insane. Being deceived and manipulated, and having her beloved violated, everything in the world seemed filthy and ugly. She wanted to go on a killing spree, to eliminate all those who stood in her way, so no one could stop her from being with Liu Zhu.

“Why did it turn out this way…” Yi Qingyu seemed to fall into madness, her eyes bloodshot with murderous intent.

What means did Yi Qinghuan use, that Liu Zhu would…

“I didn’t want Prince Cheng to touch you, nor did I want your sister to trouble you, and I didn’t want my parents to suffer, so…” Liu Zhu looked at Yi Qingyu in despair. All the sources of evil seemed to stem from her. She didn’t want to explain that the night Yi Qingyu left, she was drugged, lost consciousness, and Prince Cheng somehow mistook her for Yi Qingyu and spent the night with her.

She feared Yi Qingyu would blame her, so she explained it this way. She now felt disgusted with her own body, feeling even more guilty towards Qingyu. If it weren’t for her worrying about her parents’ safety, Qingyu wouldn’t have been forced to this extent.

“Yi Qinghuan… Prince Cheng…” How could Yi Qingyu endure such humiliation? She held Liu Zhu close in her arms, secretly letting two lines of tears fall without letting Liu Zhu notice.

Her heart felt as if pierced by a thousand arrows, filled with pain. She hated her sister’s scheming, hated herself for failing to protect Liu Zhu, and even more so hated the troublesome mortal world. It was merely falling in love with a woman, yet it was so incredibly difficult.

“Zhu’er, shall we leave this place?” Yi Qingyu no longer cared about anything else, only wanting to take Liu Zhu away, more importantly, she had something she must do.

“But my parents…” Liu Zhu hesitated for a moment.

“She said your parents returned to Yu Kingdom. We don’t know if it’s true, but let’s leave first, and I’ll go back to Yu Kingdom to find them later.”

“Ah Yu…” Liu Zhu’s eyes dimmed, her nose tinged with sourness, feeling she no longer deserved Qingyu, yet not knowing how to express it.

“Don’t overthink. You’ve never changed in my heart. No matter what happens, you are still my pure and noble Zhu’er.” Yi Qingyu gently kissed her forehead, though a glint of murderous intent flashed in her eyes.

“Ah Yu…” The more Yi Qingyu acted this way, the more it hurt Liu Zhu’s heart.

How could she deserve Qingyu’s sacrifices? Giving up the position of sect leader, the jianghu, her entire family, and everything for her.

Yet she didn’t know, she was Yi Qingyu’s whole world. Yi Qingyu’s coldness and indifference could be towards anyone, except her.

But Liu Zhu did not realize that when Yi Qingyu spoke of leaving, she had another purpose. She pursued Prince Cheng’s army and, on a dark and windy night, took Prince Cheng’s head, throwing it in front of Liu Zhu, leaving her speechless.

Yi Qingyu’s eyes could tolerate no injustice. A man who defiled Liu Zhu, regardless of who he was, had to die. As for Yi Qinghuan, her own sister, she couldn’t kill her but could choose to no longer recognize her.

But this was not the end. Liu Zhu unexpectedly became pregnant, and due to this pregnancy, the two returned to Jidu only to fall into another scheme, leading to a separation of twenty years until they finally reunited in their twilight years. The comforting part is that after all the hardships, they lived happily together into old age.

Now, with their descendants living happily, they also enjoy an unrestrained and reclusive life, making up for those lost years by cherishing the rest of their lives together.

(For the rest of the story, please refer to the main story. This extra is concluded. If I continue writing, it will become a separate novel. I must control myself O(∩_∩)O haha~)

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The author has something to say:

This was written just after “Jun Lan” was completed. I wanted to present the elder’s storyline in full. Perhaps those with fate might see it, or perhaps everyone has forgotten the plot of this story. Recently, while talking with a reader about a certain character in this novel, I remembered this extra. I hope more people will see it.

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LP: This novel is now complete!

Thank you for the support and I hope you enjoyed this~

As always, support the author: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=3592811

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