The Sovereign – Chapter 65

Volume Four: Opulent Splendor Like a Dream, Waters Flow East

Truly Difficult to Decline

My heart aches so much, so much…

Qin Junlan, having slept deeply all night due to a hangover, remained in deep slumber. Liu Qianxun only felt that her lower body seemed to have suffered a heavy blow, feeling weak and limp. She had been sleepless all night, with countless thoughts surging in her mind.

This was the beauty trap that Ling Yu had hoped for, finally reaching this step, sacrificing her most precious virginity in exchange for Qin Junlan’s wholehearted affection. Liu Qianxun believed that after this night, the favor would deepen, and Qin Junlan would lower her guard towards her. This was the most beautiful sublimation of love, the desire welling up from the bottom of her heart transformed into physical action, repeatedly soaring to the clouds, experiencing unprecedented beauty and pleasure.

No, this was just one part of the beauty trap. Since ancient times, there has always been loss with gain; she used her chastity and beauty to exchange for the success of the mission. Liu Qianxun dared not think deeply about whether this was her intentional seduction or if she couldn’t help herself.

Mission? Right, she suddenly remembered that she hadn’t done the most important thing yet. She quietly got up, put on her undergarment, wanting to stand up, but again felt a dull pain in her flower garden. She bit her lip and endured the pain, slowly rising.

The Imperial Study was brightly lit, and amidst the clinking of wine cups, a sandalwood bookcase could be faintly seen, emitting a subtle fragrance of sandalwood. If the military deployment map was truly in the Imperial Study, it could only be where she bent over to read books. Liu Qianxun lit a candle and stood before the bookcase. She looked back vigilantly at Qin Junlan, making sure she was still in deep sleep before beginning to act.

Liu Qianxun didn’t rush to act, but instead observed the arrangement of the bookcase. It had eight levels in total, with the top two levels containing historical records of various kingdoms, followed by works on military strategy and statecraft, then writings on water conservancy and taxation, and the last two levels were essays written by Qin Junlan herself.

The military deployment map should have been drawn after her discussions with the War Council. If she truly intended to annex other kingdoms’ territories, two things would be indispensable: a map of the world and a troop deployment map. Since there was a plan, she would pay attention to this matter at all times, so the deployment map should be placed together with the world map.

Liu Qianxun quickly scanned the bookcase, first finding the map scroll. Upon opening it, she discovered that it already had multiple markings. She could almost see Qin Junlan’s grand ambitions, spending nights thinking about unifying the world. As she expected, next to the map was an exquisitely sealed scroll. She quietly opened it, and it was exactly what she was looking for.

This deployment map showed Ji Kingdom’s troop arrangements along the borders of Yu, Luo, and Qing kingdoms, as well as the number of garrison troops in various parts of the kingdom. Ling Yu wanted to use this map to let the other two kingdoms know that Qin Junlan would soon invade their kingdoms, thus realizing a “united resistance against Ji.” Although Ji Kingdom was powerful, it was not yet strong enough to confront three kingdoms simultaneously.

Liu Qianxun was on edge, occasionally looking back to see if Qin Junlan had awakened. She quickly scanned the map, recording everything her eyes fell upon in her mind. The information and symbols on the map seemed to transform into incantations, floating into her mind. She had to imprint them all, as if branding them into her memory.

Only Ling Yu knew that Liu Qianxun had an unparalleled skill: photographic memory. When Ling Yu initially rescued her, besides teaching martial arts, she also trained her sensory skills. She discovered that Liu Qianxun’s memory was already superior to most people, so she focused on intensive memory training. This is why she could easily detect anomalies in the mountain paths at Mount Qionglong.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Liu Qianxun had returned everything to its original place, adjusting the strings and seals, making everything appear normal. However, she felt that the progress had been too smooth, but she had no time to think too much about it. The information was provided by Ghost Eye, who must have observed for a long time before confirming it.

She returned to the bed and found Qin Junlan still in deep sleep. That peaceful slumber, with a faint smile, was something Liu Qianxun had never seen Qin Junlan display before – such relaxation.

Her slender arm rested on the bed, and even though her body was slightly curved, the shoulder blades on her back were clearly visible, her smooth and delicate snow-white skin without a single flaw. Liu Qianxun’s heart warmed, and she leaned down slightly, her soft lips falling between Qin Junlan’s eyebrows.

As if by instinct, Qin Junlan murmured Liu Qianxun’s name in her sleep, her hand unconsciously reaching out to touch her. Liu Qianxun wore a faint smile, leaning on her shoulder, and Qin Junlan held her tightly. Liu Qianxun felt a sense of security and stability she had never experienced before. For a moment, she wished that everything before her eyes was real, unrelated to schemes, unrelated to the struggles between kingdoms, unrelated to others.

The bright moon hung in the sky, and a few wisps of night breeze blew as several fine horses stopped at Suyuan Tower. He Xi respectfully went forward to greet them, leading Ling Yu to Jing Garden.

How deep was the courtyard? Jing Garden was bewitching in the night. The wine to welcome guests and wash away the dust of travel had already been prepared. Ling Yu, dressed in plain colors, raised her cup and drank alone. Lin Wuming and He Xi accompanied her on the side, not daring to speak much. Having avoided the carpet-like search of the Imperial Forest Army, Ling Yu had returned to the capital of Ji. Liu Qianxun had been in the palace for some time, and Ghost Eye had not sent any message. According to the rules of undercover spies, fifteen days was the final deadline; whether there was progress or not, a message must be sent. Based on the timing, Ghost Eye must have news today.

“Sect Leader, how about I dance with my sword to entertain you?” Lin Wuming, seeing Ling Yu in low spirits, always tried his best to cheer her up.

“Good,” Ling Yu gently swirled her wine cup, looking at Lin Wuming with misty eyes.

He held his sword, his dance combining strength and softness. His body moved like a nimble snake, sinuous and alluring, with two strands of hair by his temples swaying with his movements. Though called sword dancing, it was actually using the sword as a dance partner. His graceful movements were like those of a startled swan, as delicate as a woman’s, his posture light and seductive, without any hint of killing intent.

“Sect Leader.” A spy from the Life Sect arrived with a message from Ghost Eye. He Xi received the letter and waved his hand to dismiss his subordinates.

He handed the letter to Ling Yu. As she took it, she noticed Lin Wuming had stopped moving. She raised her eyes and said, “Who told you to stop? Continue.”

“Yes.” Lin Wuming dared not disobey, but felt that Ling Yu was terrifyingly cold at this moment.

Ghost Eye’s message was brief, only eight characters: “Tower Master in bed, likely to succeed.”

After reading it, Ling Yu crumpled the paper in her palm, her face expressionless, and calmly drank a cup of wine. She felt this strong liquor was like □□, passing through her throat, burning all the way to her heart, as painful as being set on fire. Every inch of her skin, her internal organs, all felt torn apart, bloody and dripping.

She gazed at Lin Wuming’s alluring form, gave a light chuckle, and leaped into the air. Stepping on Lin Wuming’s shoulder, she instantly snatched the sword as she passed. The sword spun in the air, not falling into her hand, yet under her perfect control.

Ling Yu’s supple body wove through the flower garden, her palms manipulating qi effortlessly, transforming wind into palm force, controlling the sword with her energy. She lightly swayed her palm and gently waved her sleeve, separating her hand from the sword, which floated in mid-air, completely under her control. While ordinary people need to hold a sword to dance with it, Ling Yu’s sword technique was ethereal and elusive. The sword in the air followed her like a shadow. Everything relied on her inner force and breath coordination to maintain such precise control.

However, the originally ethereal sword wind now carried a thick killing intent. Where the sword flew, it cut through stone as if it were mud. The stone slabs in the courtyard seemed to explode instantly, debris flying, and where the sword passed, flowers and leaves were swept up as if by a fierce wind.

“Is this the Shadowless Sword technique created by the Sect Leader?” He Xi stared in amazement at this superior sword technique, feeling that Ling Yu’s beauty was now overwhelming. All the flowers in the garden paled in comparison, leaving only her exquisite figure, the image of person and sword as one.

“Yes, Peerless Shadow, Traceless Sword. I suppose this sword technique also reflects her current mood,” Lin Wuming’s clear eyes were filled with Ling Yu’s figure.

When she created this sword technique, she had always been focused. Controlling a sword with qi is not easy; without powerful inner strength and deep understanding of martial arts, it would be impossible to reach such a level. Great masters never use swords when facing each other, and those of even higher attainment become one with the sword, controlling it as if it were their own body.

But today, she was distracted. Her mind was filled with scenes she had imagined: Liu Qianxun submitting to Qin Junlan’s pleasure, the two of them intimately entwined. Her right palm suddenly flew out, her figure lightly spinning, her true qi retracting, the sword body whirling. The image of the two holding hands, sharing tender moments in bed, burst into her mind again. Her movements slowed, her reactions dulled, forgetting to withdraw her palm and avoid the sword.

“Sect Leader, be careful!”

The sharp sword was seen flying rapidly towards Ling Yu’s body. Hearing Lin Wuming’s desperate shout, Ling Yu finally came to her senses. She quickly turned her body to dodge, her right palm wide open to protect her cheek. The sword passed through her palm, a cool sensation penetrating her heart, the blade embedding itself straight into the wall. A long, thin wound appeared on Ling Yu’s palm. She lightly clenched her fist, blood flowing out between her fingers.

Looking at the courtyard again, it was in complete disarray, badly damaged.

“Sect Leader, you’re bleeding.” Lin Wuming, heartbroken, took out a silk handkerchief, wanting to stop her bleeding.

Ling Yu, emanating a cold aura, seemed numb. She withdrew her hand and glared at him, “Mind your own business!”

“Such a deep wound must be very painful.” He Xi also wore a worried expression, his eyes filled with deep thoughts.

Ling Yu raised her eyes to look at him, extending her uninjured left hand to tilt He Xi’s face. Her aura softened slightly, and her gaze became gentle, “Although Xun’er □□ looks exactly like Aunt Liu, she is still of your He family bloodline. Your appearance, which resembles her somewhat, is quite handsome.”

“This subordinate can’t compare to even half of my sister,” He Xi said, his cheeks slightly reddening. Ling Yu smiled coquettishly, “Of course you can’t compare to her. No one can compare to her.” Speaking of Liu Qianxun, the smile in her eyes grew even more pronounced.

Lin Wuming dared not say more, and He Xi was also silent. Both of them saw her hand bleeding incessantly, yet could do nothing about it.

“Has the Emperor’s letter arrived?” Ling Yu seemed to feel no pain, and although her heart had been torn apart hundreds of times, her face remained calm.

“It will arrive tomorrow. The letters from Luo Kingdom and Qing Kingdom have already arrived; we’re only waiting for Yu Kingdom.”

“Good. Reply to Ghost Eye, tell the Tower Master to choose a day to meet me. This Palace wants to personally review the military deployment map.” After Ling Yu finished speaking, her body leaped lightly, landing on a tree branch. She looked up at the bright moon, her blood-soaked hand still tightly clenched.

She held her right fist behind her back, while her left hand took out the jade xun carved with “Yu” from her bosom. A melancholy tune expressed the myriad emotions in her heart.

Why would she be sad? Everything should be as it is, shouldn’t it?

The dawn light was faintly showing, and the fifth watch was approaching, but Qin Junlan had not yet risen from bed. Yuan Xi and Li Yue stood in front of the Imperial Study, not daring to enter. After all, Liu Qianxun was inside, and she had presumably served in bed last night. At such a time, neither of them dared to hurry their master.

However, seeing that it was almost time for court, they couldn’t afford to delay. The last time they were late for court, it had angered the Empress Dowager greatly, and the entire Fengluang Palace was punished.

“Sister Yue, Her Majesty was drunk last night and hasn’t woken up. I’m afraid she won’t be in good spirits to attend court today. Why don’t we ask the Princess for instructions?”

“Canceling court requires Her Majesty’s edict. How could the Princess decide such a thing?” Li Yue, still vividly remembering the last time they were late for court, didn’t dare to make any mistakes.

She hesitated for a moment, then decided to risk disturbing them, “Your Majesty, it’s time to prepare for court.”

There was no response. Just as Li Yue was about to enter, the door opened. Liu Qianxun stood there, her black hair falling over her shoulders, her graceful figure like a blooming peony, alluringly beautiful. She wore a thin gauze, with the iris tattoo on her collarbone faintly visible.

“Her Majesty has a hangover headache. There will be no court today. Prepare some hangover tea for her.”

“This slave will prepare it right away.” Yuan Xi hurriedly retreated. Li Yue bowed to Liu Qianxun, “Princess, canceling court requires Her Majesty’s personal decree. This slave dares not make such a decision on her own.”

“Li Yue, Xun’er’s words are my words.” Qin Junlan’s languid voice drifted from inside. Only then did Li Yue feel relieved and immediately announced the edict to the court officials.

Liu Qianxun walked back to the bedside. Qin Junlan, squinting, sat up slightly, only to feel an intense pain in her forehead.

“You’re awake. Does your head still hurt?” Liu Qianxun caressed her temple, gently soothing her. Qin Junlan’s brows were tightly furrowed, her memory of last night’s drunken state was hazy, but the dream-like scenes were vivid in her mind.

She looked at Liu Qianxun, seeing her wearing only a thin undergarment, while she herself was left with just a yellow undershirt. She immediately understood everything and recalled the events of last night.

“Xun’er, I… I drank too much last night…” Qin Junlan laughed awkwardly.

“If Your Majesty wishes to pretend nothing happened last night, that’s also possible.” Liu Qianxun lowered her eyes, feigning melancholy.

“No, no, no, how could I be such an irresponsible person?” Qin Junlan waved her hands repeatedly. Her gaze fell on the bed behind Liu Qianxun, where a splash of bright red caught her eye, instantly filling her with heartache. She embraced Liu Qianxun, feeling both pity and love for her. Words couldn’t express her current emotions; she only wanted to spend her entire life cherishing and loving her.

“I’m sorry, Xun’er. Does it still hurt?” Qin Junlan whispered in her ear, unsure if she had hurt her last night in her drunken state.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Qin Junlan held her shoulders. That jet-black hair was like a dark spring flowing down her fragrant shoulders, reaching her slender waist. Her fair hand gently caressed it, the silky strands entwining around her fingertips, softening her heart. “I will give you a proper title. I won’t let you suffer any grievances in the palace.”

“I don’t need a title,” Liu Qianxun gently stroked her cheek, gazing at her with a smile, saying, “Being able to accompany you is enough for me.”

“You’ve given your chastity to show your heart. Why can’t I bestow upon you the title of Empress to secure your position?” Qin Junlan was utterly unwilling to let Liu Qianxun spend her entire life with only the title of Princess. Staying in the palace for too long would inevitably invite criticism. Moreover, if she never married and Liu Qianxun remained unwed for life, malicious gossip would inevitably come like a flood.

“Yan’er, knowing your heart is enough for me. You are a wise ruler; don’t let public opinion tarnish your virtuous reputation. Don’t think of anything else, or I will become the target of criticism.” Liu Qianxun knew that ordinary words couldn’t persuade her, so she could only speak of the harm it would bring to herself.

“I will carefully consider this matter. Xun’er, I swear by Heaven and Earth, and by the hundred-year foundation of the Ji Kingdom, that I will never betray you in this life. If I break this vow, may Heaven…”

“Don’t say it. Don’t say anything.” Liu Qianxun didn’t want to hear any more; she didn’t want to hear any vows. They… what future could they possibly have?

Their relationship would soon come to an end. The outcome might be becoming bitter enemies, or strangers at opposite ends of the world, forever separated with no further connection.

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