The Sovereign – Chapter 20

Volume One: If Life Were Only as It First Met

Heartbeat

Her back, so beautiful

That night, the wealthiest man in the neighboring county of Jidu was killed, and all his money and assets were confiscated and transported to the Yuzhou disaster area. Half an hour later, three innocent constables at the county office were killed, and the county magistrate narrowly escaped death. This morning, the first squad of the Xuanmen city defense army was slaughtered, killed by sword masters and hidden weapon experts.

“Outrageous!” Qin Junlan was furious. “This must be the Yu Kingdom stirring trouble in the dark again. I just ordered Bai Yifei to slaughter the Yu Kingdom border patrol soldiers who crossed the line, and they immediately retaliate. Their fast information transmission and execution speed are amazing.”

“The Yu Kingdom is really bullying us too much. Although some spies were killed, the remaining group is hidden too deeply, right under our eyes, leaving us really passive,” Li Yue said, gnashing her teeth.

“Your Majesty, please calm down. Lord Li should be returning soon, perhaps bringing some good news?” Yuanxi brought a bowl of bird’s nest soup¹. She is the chief palace maid, responsible for Qin Junlan’s daily life, and together with Li Yue, one manages internal affairs and the other external, serving the sovereign.

Qin Junlan had no appetite. The disaster situation in Yuzhou was urgent, and just as she was about to leave the palace, such a calamity occurred.

“Your Majesty, these murder cases should be handed over to Director Qi of the Qintian Division. If you handle everything personally, it would be exhausting,” Yuanxi said, stirring the bird’s nest soup to ensure the temperature was just right before placing it in front of Qin Junlan.

“If these were ordinary matters, it would be fine, but these issues concern the nation and state affairs. How can I sit by and do nothing?” Qin Junlan, rarely seen with a worried expression, suddenly faced an urgent report from the chief shadow guard. The report stated that the three shadow guards who went to the Grand Chancellor’s residence suddenly died violently that day.

Even more astonishing was that their manner of death was exactly the same as those soldiers who died in the Jue Ming Division while escorting tribute silver. Qin Junlan personally inspected the corpses of the three shadow guards, and Li Yue observed their death states thoughtfully, feeling that this method was very familiar.

“Li Yue, are you sure their fatal wounds are the same as those in the Jue Ming Division?” Qin Junlan pondered, considering that if this were the case, the matter would become clear.

“Could it be the Fierce Heart Palm…” Liyue murmured, pressing the broken bone at her heart.

“It is indeed the Fierce Heart Palm of the Black Shura Sect,” Li Ruo finally returned, having been sent out half a month ago to investigate the Iron Guard incident, until now. “Your humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty.”

“Rise,” Qin Junlan said with a wave of her hand. “What is the background of this Black Shura Sect?”

“Brother, the Black Shura Sect has been hidden for a long time. How could it appear in…” Li Yue glanced at Qin Junlan, “How could it be in the Grand Chancellor’s residence?”

“The Black Shura Sect is an evil faction in the martial world, now scattered everywhere, serving officials and nobles for money and fortune, which is not surprising.”

“So the tribute silver matter might be related to the Grand Chancellor…” Qin Junlan’s fist clenched tightly. She had tolerated this uncle for a long time, and now he dared to go this far.

“There is one more matter to report to Your Majesty. Last time, regarding the Iron Guard incident in the refugee camp, your humble servant conducted a large-scale search and finally discovered a site with burned bodies in a forest fifty miles from the city outskirts. This is a clue your humble servant found related to the Iron Guard uniform,” he said, taking out a small piece of cloth. Qin Junlan examined it carefully. This kind of breathable fabric from the Iron Guard uniform, she remembered, was specially made by the late emperor and was different from ordinary clothes. Now, in the Ji Dynasty, this material is almost unseen.

“I have a bold idea. Could the missing Iron Guard also be related to the Grand Chancellor? My uncle may be hiding many unknown secrets.”

“Your Majesty, your humble servant wishes to arrange spies to enter the Grand Chancellor’s residence. Please grant permission.”

“Permission granted! During my southern tour, keep a close watch on this Grand Chancellor.”

Qin Junlan secretly planned in her heart that after returning from this southern tour and solving the top priority of the disaster area, she would begin to clear the court of side influences. She arranged all her trusted aides in place and left an imperial edict. During her time out of the palace, the Empress Dowager would oversee the state, assisted by the Grand Scholar, the Grand Chancellor, and the Wise King, allowing them to keep each other in check. She also gave the authority to mobilize the Imperial Guards to Li Ruo to guard Longcheng, and no one is allowed to act rashly.

Everything is ready except for the east wind, and this east wind is Hong Yuan. Qin Junlan has not left the palace for several days, often thinking of her. This might be what is called longing.

A small bridge and flowing water of a household, nestled in the pavilion of Ziyun Pavilion, provides a view of all the beautiful scenery. Guiyan sent another letter, and Qin Junlan is preparing to secretly go south, currently heading towards Suyuan Tower.

Since her back is injured, it’s better to comfort her. The beauty trap that Ling Yu hoped for cannot have no progress at all. Her playing hard to get, it’s time to reel in the net.

“Mujin!” Hong Yuan called Mujin, whispered a few words in her ear, and Mujin nodded repeatedly.

Hong Yuan looked into the distance, towards the direction of the Yu Kingdom, where Ling Yu was residing. Wasn’t she hoping to use affection to bind Qin Junlan? Today, she will formally strike. Will you be satisfied, Yu’er? Hong Yuan smiled bitterly, took a deep breath, and walked to the dressing mirror. Today, she is very beautiful. Beautiful with a touch of enchantment; perhaps the saying “a beauty that brings disaster” refers to someone like her.

So she only deserves to become Ling Yu’s killer, pawn, pet, what so-called love does she still foolishly long for? It’s utterly ridiculous.

“Your complexion has improved a lot,” Qin Junlan seemed to arrive on the wind, her gentle smile like a warm spring breeze, making people feel comfortable, even brightening the heart.

“With several days of medicinal baths, plus your tonics, there is no longer any major issue,” Hong Yuan made a gesture of invitation.

The pavilion at Ziyun Pavilion is named Lanting, at the highest point of Suyuan Tower, overlooking the scenery of Qinghe River, Longcheng, and the streets on three sides. A bridge from Ziyun Pavilion leads to it. Inside are various types of flowers such as orchids, irises, and crabapples, in different colors. Lanting is furnished with tea sets, a couch, and a screen, resembling an open-style bedroom, where Hong Yuan often stays.

Li Yue consciously withdrew, while Mujin brought a pot of fine tea. After placing the tea, she deliberately tripped over the screen when turning around, causing it to fall towards Hong Yuan. Qin Junlan, quick with her eyes and hands, hurriedly reached out to block the falling screen. The unguarded impact pulled at the whip wound on her back, “Hiss~,” she instinctively bent slightly, showing a pained expression and letting out a sound of enduring pain.

Qin Junlan always unthinkingly shields her from danger. It is said that people’s unconscious actions best reveal their true intentions. How many times now has Hong Yuan’s heart been touched, yet she still remains calm.

“Sorry, sorry, Miss Chaoyan, are you alright?”

“How can you be so careless?” Hong Yuan reproached her, and Mujin pouted and apologized, “Sorry, Miss.” Saying this, she helped lift the screen.

“It’s nothing, you weren’t hurt, right?” Qin Junlan lightly shook her arm, trying to hide the pain she had just shown.

“Why haven’t you left yet!” Hong Yuan frowned slightly, feigning anger, as Mujin repeatedly apologized and reluctantly left.

“Why must you get angry? Mujin didn’t do it intentionally.” Qin Junlan, clearly affected by her wound, could still smile. Just a servant, yet she still pleads for her. Isn’t she the one who should be used to ordering those servants around?

She doesn’t care about human lives, let alone punishing a servant who made a mistake.

“Chaoyan, are you hurt?” Hong Yuan probed, intending to find out how injured Qin Junlan really was.

“No, how could I be? The old injury healed long ago.” Qin Junlan calmly brewed tea, wanting to avoid this question.

She indeed tried to conceal it, and according to Hong Yuan’s usual character, she wouldn’t pursue it further, but today she was determined to do what she intended.

“You lie to me; you clearly have an injury. Is it here?” She deliberately slapped Qin Junlan’s back, and Qin Junlan, caught off guard, was once again overtaken by a wave of pain.

“See, I ask you and you still don’t tell the truth, yet you say you consider me a close friend. Is this how you treat a close friend?” Hong Yuan showed a hint of displeasure, and Qin Junlan noticed that Hong Yuan’s emotions were becoming more apparent.

“That’s not what I meant; I just didn’t want you to worry. A few days ago, I made a mistake and was punished by my mother with a few lashes. It’s nothing serious now.” Qin Junlan appeared fearless, raising a cup of tea to her lips.

“Let me see.”

“Cough cough~” Qin Junlan nearly choked, “Wha-what?”

“I say, let me see the wound, can I?” Hong Yuan’s hand rested on Qin Junlan’s shoulder. She put down the tea, smiled sweetly, “If Yuan’er wants to see, there’s nothing that can’t be allowed, but here?”

“Naturally, not here. I also have some good medicine in my room; maybe it will be useful. Come with me.”

Hong Yuan’s boudoir is very spacious, with the room set up like a suite. Thinking of that night when she held her hand and looked at her, Qin Junlan always feels a kind of joyous delight. But, that night she was so melancholy and sad, for whom was this? And for what reason?

In the end, there is still a distance between them, and besides, her guard is so heavy, let it be with fate.

Hong Yuan brought over a medicine box, a familiar feeling surged in her heart. The first time they met, she was also like this, holding a medicine box to apply medicine to her.

“Perhaps your home does not lack precious medicinal materials, but my Condensed Jade Cream has a restorative effect on bruises and injuries, preventing scars. Last time…” Hong Yuan raised her eyes, meeting Qin Junlan’s passionate gaze. She pointed to her chest and said, “Last time, here, did you also apply this for me?”

“Yes…” Hong Yuan nodded.

“Then I’ll trouble you, Yuan’er.” With that, Qin Junlan loosened her belt, slowly removing her outer garment, leaving only a white undershirt.

The satin ribbon fastening her clothing was gently untied, and the undershirt slowly slipped off, revealing a clear collarbone and a faintly visible yellow dudou, holding the last line of defense. Although she traveled in men’s clothing, Qin Junlan never bound her chest, doing so only for convenience and discreet travel.

Facing her body, Hong Yuan dared not look directly, feeling her face gradually heat up and her heartbeat beginning to accelerate. Qin Junlan removed her undershirt, her smooth, slender arms revealed, and her shoulder and collarbone became even clearer.

“You see, the old wound here has almost no trace left.” Qin Junlan gently pulled aside the dudou, pointing to the place of the old wound, showing only a piece of fair, beautiful skin, without a trace of injury.

Hong Yuan wanted to raise her hand to touch the place she had once touched, but finally just gently clenched her fist, “Fortunately, there are no scars left; otherwise, it would be a pity for this beautiful body.”

“That is also thanks to Yuan’er’s blessing.” Qin Junlan turned around, her bare back fully visible, “Mother’s hand was not very heavy. I think in a few more days the bruising will also fade.”

In men’s clothing, Qin Junlan’s hair was tied into a bun, not hanging down, so her back, except for the thin string of the dudou, had no cover.

“So beautiful…” Hong Yuan thought, her heart pounding, and her face becoming increasingly hot.

Those bruises of varying depth have turned purple, which is not a sign of healing; clearly, they are scars, yet on Qin Junlan’s body, they look like colorful paintbrush strokes, embellishing a touching scene. One whip mark, crossing from the cervical vertebrae extending to the scapula, seemed like a colorful butterfly dancing around her body.

Hong Yuan’s hand was no longer under her control, unable to resist gently caressing it, smooth and tender, like the flower buds of early spring. The first time she saw Qin Junlan’s body, although she was amazed at first by this never-before-seen empress, she never felt a ripple in her heart before. Why is she so distracted this time?

She thought Ling Yu’s body was the most beautiful in the world, but Qin Junlan made her feel infatuated, as if bewitched at first sight, unable to look away.

“Does it still hurt?” Hong Yuan’s fingertips roamed over Qin Junlan’s body, along with this whispered question that made Qin Junlan’s body tinglingly numb.

The touch itself already made her heart flutter, her face instantly flushed. She felt Hong Yuan’s lips very close to her back, the airflow from speaking brushing against her back, making her feel unbearably ticklish.

Clearly, it was the sensation on her back, yet an inexplicable sense of fullness came to her lower abdomen, somewhat sour, with an indescribable burning sensation.

“You are so beautiful.” Hong Yuan felt even her breath was in disarray.

Qin Junlan couldn’t help but straighten her back. She couldn’t take it anymore; this strange feeling was getting stronger. Clearly, all her clothes had been removed, yet she felt increasingly hot, and her throat grew parched.

“Yan’er…” Hong Yuan absent-mindedly changed the address, but Qin Junlan suddenly turned around excitedly, “What did you call me?”

“Huh?” Hong Yuan returned to her senses, suddenly realizing she had just spoken without knowing, as if bewitched. How could she lose her composure like this? Qin Junlan was too frightening, actually making someone as usually calm as herself become distracted.

“You called me Yan’er, can you call me again, please?” Qin Junlan was excited, wondering how it could sound so pleasing when Hong Yuan called her by her given name.

“Yan’er~” Hong Yuan deliberately lengthened the ending tone, her lips slightly curving up, revealing a hint of a smile.

“You smiled, are you finally willing to smile at me?” Qin Junlan was inexplicably happy for this sudden joy, grinning like a young girl.

“Silly…” Hong Yuan softly murmured, thinking in her heart, at this moment, you don’t have any semblance of an emperor.

Unconsciously, the curve of her lips elongated, and this ice-cold beauty ultimately melted only for one person.

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1. Bird’s nest soup: A delicacy in Chinese cuisine made from the nests of swiftlets. These birds build their nests primarily from their saliva, which hardens when exposed to air. The nests are harvested and then cleaned and cooked into a gelatinous soup. Known for its unique texture, bird’s nest soup is often touted for its health benefits, including boosting the immune system and improving skin complexion. It is considered a luxury item due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting and cleaning the nests.