Volume Three: A Hundred Things Changed with the Spring Breeze
Like a Shadow Following Her Form
Xun’er, let’s meet in Jidu. I will help you enter the palace.
The ground was filled with corpses, not a single one alive. The shadow guards lifted the masks one by one to inspect, discovering after examining the bodies that these people all had poison in their mouths, prepared to commit suicide if the mission failed. They were a batch of death warriors ready to die, possessing extraordinary skills, seemingly from the Jianghu.
“This doesn’t resemble the martial arts of ordinary sects; this kind of formation should belong to a certain sword sect,” Li Yue observed while bending down to check, but still found no clues.
“Since there are no clues, let’s leave first and head to the source of Pingwang Mountain to investigate the situation.” Qin Junlan’s arm was still bleeding, and the blood loss made her face gradually appear pale, yet she was still concerned about checking the drought situation.
“Impossible!” Liu Qianxun quickly stepped forward to block her, “These assassins are extremely vicious and won’t stop unless they kill you. The road ahead is full of hidden dangers. You should head into Yuzhou City to heal your wounds at the government office; it’s the only safe place.”
Li Yue bowed and kneeled, the shadow guards followed suit, “Young Master Liu is absolutely right. Master, you should enter the city to recover from your injuries. We, your subordinates, will go and investigate.”
“Please, master, go to Yuzhou City to heal your injuries!” The shadow guards knelt and pleaded with her, and Jiang Wei, stunned, also saluted. Such a grand ceremony and formation were not the treatment an imperial envoy should receive. He increasingly felt that Qin Junlan was more than just an imperial envoy; her very demeanor inspired awe.
Qin Junlan looked toward Liu Qianxun, her expression gentle, unwilling to make her worry and unable to risk danger again. She immediately issued an order, “Deal with the corpses, and we’ll discuss everything once we enter Yuzhou City.” Her arm was already numb from pain, her fingertips cold, and the blood had coagulated at the wound.
“Does it still hurt?” Liu Qianxun gently lifted her wrist, feeling her palm slightly cool, clasping her hand gently, afraid that any pressure would touch the wound.
“It doesn’t hurt anymore; this small wound is nothing compared to how badly I was hurt when I first met you.” Qin Junlan gave her a sly smile.
“Please don’t let yourself get hurt again,” Liu Qianxun said, lightly glaring with her beautiful eyes. Always letting herself become scarred, clearly of noble birth, yet not understanding how to cherish herself. Is being injured really something to be proud of?
At first sight… Liu Qianxun’s eyes dimmed. Did she perhaps know that their first meeting was an intentional arrangement? For that initial encounter, she did not hesitate to mobilize the experts from Jidu Shura Sect. Did Qin Junlan know that the joy of their sudden meeting was actually long-planned?
If she could return to the indifference of the past, she wouldn’t always avoid Qin Junlan’s burning gaze now. She still has unfinished tasks; she hasn’t smoothly entered the palace yet. She has too many things to do: she needs to support Ling Yu’s Jidu branch, obtain the 《Military Strategy Treatise》 for Ling Yu, and acquire the border military deployment map.
Ling Yu’s ambition is too big; she wants too much, wholeheartedly taking the strengthening of Yu Kingdom as her duty, not hesitating to pay any price for it. Is Qin Junlan like Ling Yu, putting the country above all, prioritizing the people first, and one day unifying the four countries to become a true sovereign?
Yu Kingdom’s Capital, Zhengyi
On the execution ground of the East City main street, over ten death row prisoners spilled blood on the spot, their bodies separated, their heads hung at the execution ground exposed to the sun for three days. The bodies were not allowed to be buried in coffins, all thrown to a mass grave for beasts to drag and eat. Led by King Chong, over ten royal officials who jointly petitioned were judged guilty of rebellion and all were beheaded without exception.
Blood flowed like a river; the struggle for political power has always been cruel. Ling Yu’s eyes could not tolerate the slightest threat; she would thoroughly eradicate all threats. In a country, there can be only one ruler. If royal descendants harbor divided loyalties, the Yu Kingdom will collapse. Ling Yu would not allow the slightest power struggle within the Yu Kingdom, acting decisively and intimidating the entire nation.
Under the blood-red glow of the sunset, Ling Yu’s proud silhouette stood atop the city wall. Fifty kilometers away lay Fengcheng of the Ji Kingdom, where Bai Yifei and his hundred thousand-strong Red Armor Army guarded Fengcheng, constantly reminding her that if the Ji Kingdom intended to attack the Yu Kingdom, the country’s destruction would be instantaneous.
Qin Junlan was ambitious, having openly and secretly mobilized troops over the years, eyeing the other three kingdoms covetously. If not for the 《Four Kingdoms Peace Pact》 still in place, who could say that her next step wouldn’t be to bring ruin and unify the world? Ling Yu would never allow the Yu Kingdom to sit and await its doom. Even if Liu Qianxun didn’t obtain what she wanted, using her to hold Qin Junlan, using emotions to control her, was enough to ensure the temporary safety of the Yu Kingdom.
Liu Qianxun’s strength alone actually bore the fate of a kingdom. It was pitiful that although the Yu Kingdom had talented generals, it lacked a brave and battle-hardened army. The monarch was mediocre, and the military strength was ordinary. In the end, they had to rely on this beauty trap to defend against powerful nations, which was truly ironic.
Changning Mansion
Pavilions and terraces, jade towers and palaces. The foremost national mansion of the Yu Kingdom belongs to Changning, which is Ling Yu’s private residence and a place revered by the world as noble ground. In the rear courtyard, a separate garden, towering ancient trees with dense, lush branches, winding upwards. Ling Yu leans against a branch, with swaying tree shadows and the graceful, flowing sound of the xun.
The melody is silent and desolate, like the vast wilderness’s solitary loneliness, with an endless future that is only a mass of mist. Ling Yu’s xun sound always carries a sense of melancholy and loss, and Lin Wuming knows she must be thinking of Liu Qianxun again. Love is like poison; some taste it and stop, while others are like moths to a flame.
In the courtyard, leaves fall and fly, with the xun sound surrounding Changning. Under the moon on a branch, Ling Yu, like a fairy descended from a heavenly palace, wonders why she should fear the mortal world if she has already descended. Since she loves deeply, why hide it? To love to the utmost extreme, perhaps like her, is to hold a dagger and cut flesh from one’s own heart.
What kind of ruthless heart can achieve what Ling Yu does? Lin Wuming understands her; perhaps only he in this world understands Ling Yu.
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“What are you standing there for?” Ling Yu had already sensed Lin Wuming’s approach, his entire being filled with a floral scent, always different from ordinary people. There are not many who can come and go freely in Changning Mansion. Lin Wuming is called a male pet, and also serves as Ling Yu’s confidant for intelligence from the Jiesheng Sect. He is always keenly aware of his surroundings and can often share responsibilities for the Shura Sect’s matters.
“Sect Leader, I have disturbed you,” Lin Wuming said, with relaxed brows and eyes. Whenever facing Ling Yu, he maintains a melodious smile, because Ling Yu once said that his face, like a calamity, becomes very charming when he smiles.
“How is Xun’er?” Ling Yu, with a graceful figure, lands lightly. She is dressed in luxurious brocade clothes, and compared to her usual enchanting appearance, today she carries a trace of cold elegance.
“Eagle Eye’s mission failed, nearly lost her life at the hands of the Tower Master.”
“If she can survive from Xun’er’s hands, she must have great fortune. For now, let Eagle Eye return to the palace to await orders.” Ling Yu lightly pressed her lips and gestured to Lin Wuming with a hooked finger. Her water-blue pleated skirt gently swayed, and the emerald thin smoke gauze rose with the wind, her slender waist twisting like a snake, charmingly beautiful. “I asked you to find a few beauties to come and accompany this palace. Why is there no news?”
Lin Wuming retracted his smile, his lips twitching powerlessly, wanting to open and close, yet not as painful as the ache in his heart. “Sect Leader, why do you need to intentionally find more beauties to cover people’s eyes and ears? Is having me alone as your nominal male pet not enough?”
“You, say, what?” Ling Yu raised an eyebrow, her charming eyes beneath a veil of coldness, making people afraid to look.
“The world misunderstands the Sect Leader as indulgent and licentious. Even the Tower Master believed the rumors and was heartbroken several times. She is not by your side now, so why…”
“Slap!” Lin Wuming’s words were interrupted by a fierce slap from Ling Yu. She stepped forward and pinched his jaw, “You have great courage, daring to presumptuously guess this palace’s intentions. I see you are tired of living!” With those words, she raised her hand, her eyes bursting with killing intent. Lin Wuming merely closed his eyes slightly, unafraid of life or death, thinking that if he could die at the hands of his beloved, he would have no regrets!
Ling Yu’s expression changed instantly, capricious as she was. After her anger, she retracted her internal strength, her lips curled into a smile, and finally, her fingertips rested on Lin Wuming’s cheek. She said with a smile, “You are the Yu Kingdom’s most beautiful man, and now becoming something neither male nor female. Keeping you to play with is also extremely good; killing you would be such a pity.”
“Wuming is willing to serve the Sect Leader loyally, thank you for sparing my life.” Lin Wuming gently caressed the place where he was slapped with his orchid-like fingers, the muscles on his face twitching slightly. Even if he lives humbly and lowly by her side, he is content—where is the pain?
Ling Yu has mixed feelings toward his demeanor, both liking and disliking it. No matter how much she insults him, he will not get angry; no matter how she tramples or abuses him, he will not leave. Whether as a slave or livestock, even if he is so lowly as to be insignificant, he is willing to stay by Ling Yu’s side. No matter how much disgrace she gives him, he finds it sweet as honey.
“Truly a wretch!” In Ling Yu’s eyes, Lin Wuming, who only knows how to follow her orders, is a wretch. Lin Wuming always manages to pierce her heart; many times, she raised the intent to kill, yet still spared his life.
In her heart, being seen through by someone always brings unease, but there seems to be a trace of longing for someone to see. But why is this person not Liu Qianxun?
“Report to the Sect Leader! Something happened to the Tower Master,” a subordinate suddenly reported hurriedly.
“What did you say?” Ling Yu was greatly surprised, grabbing the subordinate by the collar, her eyes filled with alternating emotions of worry, nervousness, and surprise. “Speak clearly!”
“The… the Tower Master and the Empress’s entourage were attacked by assassins. The Empress blocked a sword for the Tower Master and got injured, then the Tower Master acted and broke the enemy formation.”
“Are you saying she exposed her skills?” Ling Yu released the subordinate, who was shocked and hurriedly bowed and kneeled, his head touching the ground. Ling Yu, with a coldness carrying killing intent, was revered by those in the mansion and feared by those in the sect. She was so high above, not to be offended.
She revealed her skills to save Qin Junlan at all costs, not afraid of exposing her own identity? Or did she take advantage of the situation, only because the situation was urgent, and if she did not act, she would also be harmed. Is she self-preserving or worried about Qin Junlan? Ling Yu was once very certain of Liu Qianxun’s feelings for her, but now she always feels inexplicably panicked. Her once firm and confident stance is slowly fading.
Could it be because the opponent is Qin Junlan?
“At this moment, they should have entered Yuzhou City. I’m afraid the source of Pingwang Mountain will soon be discovered by Qin Junlan. This palace has cut off the water source, and I am quite eager to see how this Empress will resolve this drought, humph humph hehehe~” Ling Yu’s sinister smile, with that trace of light at the corner of her eye, instills fear.
“Sect Leader, there is still one more matter.”
“Speak!” Ling Yu’s brows and eyes reveal a chilling aura, making people fearful even if it’s just a normal intelligence report, always afraid of touching a certain point in Ling Yu’s heart, not knowing when she might strike.
“Aunt Liu has been found, twenty li outside Jidu, and has already been taken by Suyuan Tower and settled in Jing Garden. He Xi has also arrived in Jidu.”
Liu Zhu, Liu Qianxun’s mother, is deeply cared for by Ling Yu. The people of the Shura Sect dare not call her by name directly, and due to Liu Qianxun’s identity, all respectfully call her ‘Aunt Liu.’
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“Good that she is found, Xun’er can also be somewhat relieved.” Ling Yu’s aura slightly retracted, her tone becoming a bit gentler, “Recently, in the Yu Kingdom, mostly no one dares to have second thoughts again. Prepare the horses to set out; this palace wants to go to Jidu to visit Aunt Liu.”
“Yes!”
“Also, order Zhengyi Sect people to keep a close watch on all princes and ministers. At the slightest movement, report to this palace. If there is another incident similar to King Chong, eliminate the entire family without pardon, no need to report!”
“Understood!”
Ling Yu looked up at the moon, thinking, your mother is found, you should be relieved, Xun’er. Only one last step remains to enter the palace. Ling Yu wants to personally oversee and assist with her strength. Also, she cannot let Liu Qianxun lose control in her hands. She wants to eliminate her own unease, willing to later legitimately enter the palace to see Liu Qianxun and devise strategies.
She is a strategist; once she takes the first step, she calculates the second and even the third. Her every plan is kept within her own calculations, not allowing anyone to guess her moves. She will not allow those who understand her to survive in the world, with Lin Wuming being an exception. Because she doesn’t care about Lin Wuming, she can easily control his life and death.
However, she will not let others understand her, especially Liu Qianxun. This weakness has already brought her bitterness, and if their bond deepens, she fears she might one day, like Qin Junlan, do things beyond her identity.
She cannot allow herself to be at the mercy of others, nor can she let enemies discern her weaknesses. She aims to be the strongest in the world, the greatest strategist among the four nations. She wants to help the Yu Kingdom become the strongest of the four nations! For this, she is willing to pay any price!
Inside Yuzhou City, a desolate scene unfolds. Once a wealthy region, it has nearly become a ghost town due to the drought. Scattered vendors on street corners are too weak to hawk their goods, and inns, cloth shops, and money houses see few visitors. Disaster victims in Yuzhou gather idly in groups of three or five, reportedly relying on daily porridge distributed by the government office to survive. The distributor of the porridge is Madam Ying, known for her compassionate heart, being a long-time vegetarian Buddhist. Even though Lord Ying opposes, she aids disaster victims behind her husband’s back, even going so far as to sell her dowry and use her private savings.
Qin Junlan, in her role as the Wise King, resides in the Yuzhou government office, under the protection of the garrison. Once Ying Tianzheng of the Yuzhou government office knew she was a prince, he fawned over her, immediately opening the upper rooms to accommodate them and inviting a doctor to treat Qin Junlan’s wounds.
Fortunately, it is just a flesh wound, and with attention to changing the medicine and a bit of rest, it will be fine.
“The Ying residence is impressively extraordinary, with front courtyards, back gardens, and separate courtyards progressing layer by layer. It truly resembles a wealthy merchant family. This Lord Ying eats too much and is not afraid of bursting himself.” Li Yue could not help but sigh, as she most hates corrupt officials who embezzle the people’s life-saving money, regardless of others’ lives or deaths. Truly, ten thousand deaths would not be enough to vent her hatred.
“Li, Lord Li…” Jiang Wei was somewhat bewildered, suddenly feeling unsure of how to address Li Yue.
“Captain Jiang, I am not any Lord Li, why have you suddenly become hesitant and timid? Where is your previous masculinity?”
“Young Master Yan is actually the Wise King. This official did not know and truly had eyes but failed to see Mount Tai. Please forgive my neglect.” Jiang Wei, being from the small county of Zhouji, had never even set foot in Jidu, let alone had contact with royalty, so naturally, he was like this.
“Those who are unaware are not guilty; the master will not blame you.”
Only then did Jiang Wei nod in relief, knowing that an upright person is always without fear, but he was just afraid of breaching etiquette and unknowingly offending the prince.
Bai Ruoxi had already fainted for several hours, with Ye Ming not leaving her side for a moment. She lay on the bed, her brow tightly furrowed, nervously clenching both fists. Ye Ming lightly patted the back of her hand, which she grasped like a life-saving straw, calling out frantically, “Ye Ming, Ye Ming!”
“I am here…” Ye Ming hurriedly bent down, as Bai Ruoxi seemed trapped in a nightmare, her hands and feet moving restlessly. Ye Ming pressed her shoulder, and she suddenly opened her eyes, hugging Ye Ming, “So much blood!”
Ye Ming’s body stiffened, unsure of how to react, unable to move or stay still, as if her acupoints had been pressed, unable to move.
“No problem.” She answered lightly, but let out a breath of relief, finally awake; she had never seen someone faint from blood and sleep for so long.
“Where is the assassin? Are you injured, Ye Ming, let me see.” Bai Ruoxi nervously checked Ye Ming’s body, Ye Ming felt warmth in her heart, her tone softening, “I am fine, your sister is injured.”
“Ah? My emperor… my sister is injured, where, I will go see.” Bai Ruoxi hurriedly jumped up from the bed, her first reaction was to worry about whether Ye Ming was fine, not her emperor sister, and she suddenly felt very guilty, wondering how she had become someone who forgot her sister when seeing beauty.
But she just cares about Ye Ming, after rushing two steps, she turned her head to look at Ye Ming again, “You still haven’t answered me, are you willing to talk to me now?”
“It’s you who didn’t talk to me, how did it become me not talking to you.” Ye Ming’s usually expressionless face rarely showed an innocent look, Bai Ruoxi’s face brightened with joy, stepping forward, “Then did you feel a little bit of disappointment?”
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Ye Ming’s personality is aloof, but she is not one to lie; she simply follows the words in her heart and answers, “A little.”
“Really?” Bai Ruoxi excitedly stepped forward, shaking Ye Ming’s arm, her smile blooming like a flower, resembling a lotus blossoming in summer—pure, elegant, yet not seductive. Ye Ming nodded gloomily, and Bai Ruoxi squinted her eyes and smiled lightly. Shyly, she suddenly stepped forward, gently kissed her face, and quickly escaped, saying, “I’m going to see my sister.”
Ye Ming was stunned, only feeling a slight warmth on her face. She dazedly touched her cheek, as an indescribable feeling spread in her heart, like a small stream gently flowing through it.
Qin Junlan, with her wounds bandaged, was invited to the main hall of the government office, where she saw the entire Ying family and subordinate officials had gathered.
“This official greets the Wise King and the Wise King’s Consort.” Lord Ying, elderly and obese, with a slanted mustache, very much resembled a treacherous merchant, completely lacking the upright spirit of an official.
“Bow to greet the Wise King and the Wise King’s Consort.” The others, along with Lord Ying, bowed together as Qin Junlan lightly raised her sleeve, “No need for ceremony.”
“The Wise King truly has an extraordinary presence, and the Wise King’s Consort is virtuous and kind, a model for all women under heaven. If the Consort doesn’t mind, our residence has prepared silks and satins for the Consort to choose from.”
“No need, I am used to wearing men’s clothing when going out, Lord Ying is too polite.” Liu Qianxun, expressionless, glanced at Qin Junlan. Pretending to be the Wise King is a great crime; has she already decided not to hide her own identity? In this world, few dare to impersonate the empress’s biological brother. Even though they are only pretending to be a couple, being called Consort under Yun Jin’s name always leaves her feeling unhappy.
“The Wise King’s Consort looks like a heavenly fairy, with a noble temperament, truly she is we…”
“Prince, I will take my leave.” Without waiting for Lord Ying’s flattering words to finish, Liu Qianxun departed. She could not bear to listen to these words any longer. If she listened more, she feared she would not be able to resist acting, going against her inner words, as the false and ugly faces made her disgusted.