The Sovereign – Chapter 68

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

Fortune and Misfortune Are Intertwined

Slapping you twice is considered polite

When the Ji Kingdom passed the throne to a female emperor, the Empress Dowager took control of the harem, and the rules and regulations became less strict than those of male emperors. Yi Qinghuan had few children and often needed companionship. After the Wise King came of age and married, he was granted a prince’s mansion outside the palace, but still had quarters in the Western Garden within the palace. The Wise King often resided outside the palace, occasionally staying in the palace for short periods.

However, Yun Jin frequently stayed in the imperial palace, firstly to accompany Guo’er in his studies at the palace, and secondly because Yi Qinghuan couldn’t bear to be without her company. Over time, she grew distant from her husband, and the Wise King often entered the palace to be close to his wife. The Empress Dowager, doting on her children and grandchildren, granted them Yunting Palace. But after the side consort entered the household, she hoped to obtain an independent palace, vainly wishing to be on equal footing with Yun Jin, which coincidentally gave Yun Jin an opportunity to distance herself from the Wise King.

She claimed she didn’t want to compete for favor with Huo Xiao, and took the opportunity to move out of Yunting Palace, when in fact she didn’t want to face the Wise King. For her, it was a great relief that the Wise King could turn his attention to someone else. Since giving birth to Guo’er, she always found excuses not to share a bed with him. The Wise King respected her and didn’t force the issue, and over time, he too became disheartened.

Yun Jin moved from one palace to another courtyard, and everyone felt it was unfair to the Wise King’s consort. Liu Qianxun, fearing she might be wronged, insisted on inspecting Qin Garden. If it was too shabby, she would rather move out of Qixia Palace and let Yun Jin move in.

The weather was becoming increasingly hot, and the cicadas’ noise was irritating. Palace servants were climbing ladders to drive away the insects from the trees. A cool breeze carried a hint of chill. The imperial garden’s artificial mountains and oddly shaped rocks were intricately carved, and though man-made, they seemed as if naturally formed. Flowers that bloom in the morning and wither by evening, lush branches and leaves, dazzlingly beautiful, five-colored begonias competing in splendor. The weigela flowers, like celestial branches, were long, slender, and delicate, covered in red blossoms, as if jewels inlaid on a jade belt.

Surrounded by a garden of brocade-like splendor, Liu Qianxun and Yun Jin walked alone among the flowers, accompanied only by their personal maids, without any palace attendants following them, unlike the ostentatious Side Consort Xiao.

“Qin Garden is not far from your Qixia Palace. Though small, it’s cool and refreshing, and Guo’er likes it too. You needn’t worry,” Yun Jin mentioned everything with an air of detachment, as if nothing in this world could capture her attention or concern.

“Seeing it for myself puts my mind at ease. I know you won’t let Guo’er suffer, but we can’t allow others to bully you at will,” Liu Qianxun said, walking side by side with Yun Jin. The locust trees were in full bloom, and cicada songs could still be heard from a few large trees.

At this moment, several palace servants carrying ladders passed by the two, bowing in greeting before climbing up.

“I simply enjoy tranquility. Huo Xiao is young, with an impatient and flamboyant temperament. I don’t want to argue with her; living alone is more comfortable,” Yun Jin said, a faint dimple appearing on her cheek. Though not as stunningly beautiful as Liu Qianxun, she was still exquisitely lovely. She held a silk handkerchief to wipe away sweat, her every frown and smile graceful and elegant.

“As long as you’re content,” Liu Qianxun said, her eyes devoid of mirth. She noticed a slight movement in the shadows on the ground and suddenly felt a surge of air. The ladder’s foothold abruptly broke where the palace servants were standing, causing it to collapse with a thunderous crash towards Yun Jin and Huairou.

“Watch out, Your Highness!” the maid holding the ladder cried out in terror. Just as the broken ladder was about to fall on Yun Jin, a gust of palm wind swept through, instantly shattering the ladder. Fragments scattered in all directions, and the powerful internal force knocked down eunuchs and palace maids alike.

Yun Jin only felt a strong wind sweep past her, brushing her shoulder, as if forming a barrier that shielded her from this dangerous strike. However, lacking martial arts foundation, Yun Jin still lost her balance. As she was about to fall, Liu Qianxun steadied her with a firm grip on her wrist. “Are you alright?” she asked.

“I’m fine,” Yun Jin replied, still shaken. She saw the palace servants kneeling on the ground, a chorus of pleas rising, “Please spare us, Your Highness. We beg for your forgiveness. We didn’t know the ladder was faulty.”

“Get up. Be more careful next time,” Yun Jin said. With a heart as vast as a hundred rivers, she had always been forgiving and never made things difficult for the palace maids. But it was precisely because of this that small-minded people found openings to exploit.

Ordinary people wouldn’t notice being watched, but Liu Qianxun, a martial artist and expert, had long since detected someone hiding behind the artificial mountain, observing this scene. Mere trickery! Liu Qianxun smiled coldly, understanding the situation.

The one who arranged this “accident” was none other than Huo Xiao. She had sent people to tamper with the ladder and deliberately ordered others to catch cicadas near Yun Jin, all for this moment. She hadn’t expected Liu Qianxun to foil her plan.

She emerged from behind the artificial mountain, seething with anger, furious that the Princess of Qinghe was truly as skilled in martial arts as the rumors suggested. Huo Xiao, unable to contain her anger but temporarily suppressing it, pretended to walk out casually, her arrogance palpable.

“Oh my, who do we have here? If it isn’t the First Consort and the Princess of the Brothel,” she said. Her red brocade dress was dazzlingly beautiful, like a blazing sun or a field of magnificent flowers.

“Side Consort Xiao, mind your words,” Yun Jin said, her face darkening upon hearing the disrespectful address towards Liu Qianxun. It was rare for her to speak to someone with such a stern expression, but Huo Xiao’s words were truly offensive.

Huo Xiao sauntered forward, swaying with each step. Passing by a eunuch, she felt he was kneeling too close to her and viciously kicked him, saying, “Get out of my way, you’re blocking this consort’s path, you lowly dog!”

“This slave acknowledges his guilt! This slave acknowledges his guilt!” The eunuch trembled, bowing low and rolling away to the side, shaking with fear.

“Xun’er, let’s go,” Yun Jin said, not wanting to engage with her. She took Liu Qianxun’s hand, intending to walk past Huo Xiao, but the latter shifted her feet to block their path. Yun Jin raised her head and glanced at her, then tried to move left, but Huo Xiao intercepted them again.

“Huo Xiao, what do you want?” Yun Jin rarely showed anger, but now it was evident in her voice. Liu Qianxun, on the contrary, became calm, curious to see how Yun Jin would handle the situation with Huo Xiao.

“This Princess of the Brothel hasn’t paid her respects to me yet…”

“Slap!” Before the words were finished, a crisp sound of a palm striking flesh rang out. Huo Xiao felt a burning pain on her face. She stared at Yun Jin in disbelief, too stunned to utter a word, clearly unable to comprehend that Yun Jin had struck her. Not only Huo Xiao, but everyone present was also dumbfounded, gaping at the usually gentle and refined Wise Consort who had just slapped the Side Consort.

“Yun Jin, you… you… dare to hit me?” Huo Xiao’s blood rushed to her head as she called out Yun Jin’s name directly, clutching her painful cheek, so angry that her tongue tied and words failed her.

“I am the First Consort, and you are the Side Consort. Today, you’ve erred in your speech and offended the Princess. I’m disciplining you according to the Wise King’s household rules. What of it?” Yun Jin’s gaze was cold and clear, a gentle breeze seeming to flow from her brow, suppressing an icy chill.

Huo Xiao’s crimson lips trembled, her finger pointing at Yun Jin, burning with rage as she sputtered, “You’re nothing but the daughter of a has-been princess, how dare you hit…”

“Slap!” Another palm strike landed on Huo Xiao’s other cheek. She was completely dumbfounded, staring at Yun Jin in utter shock. Her breathing became rapid and uneven, her eye twitching, facial muscles slightly convulsing. She tried to lunge forward to retaliate but was held back by palace maids. “Side Consort Xiao, please calm down. You mustn’t raise a hand against the Wise Consort.”

“The first slap was for your insolence and insulting the title bestowed by the Emperor herself. The second slap was for your ingratitude, loose tongue, and daring to mention my mother. Huo Xiao, I’m considering your father’s status as a veteran official of three reigns, and your youthful ignorance, so I won’t hold this against you. But if you dare to act tyrannically again, I will forbid you from entering the imperial palace and confine you to the Wise King’s Mansion!”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

Yun Jin stepped forward, her aura expanding. Huo Xiao felt a flicker of fear and unconsciously stepped back.

“Watch me dare!”

“Wise Consort? You’re hardly worthy of that title! You’re nothing but a shrew!” Huo Xiao lost all reason, pointing at Yun Jin and hurling insults.

Yun Jin remained unmoved, her gaze piercing as she coldly snorted, “The title of ‘Wise’ is for those who are virtuous and worthy. You are not.”

“You!” Huo Xiao’s face turned as red as cinnabar. If not for her thick makeup, Yun Jin’s two slaps would have surely left marks. Now, she was furious and at a loss, her cheeks throbbing with pain, yet unable to do anything about it.

She had been pampered since childhood, never experiencing such humiliation. Yun Jin was deeply favored by the Empress Dowager and held the position of First Consort. Huo Xiao had merely wanted to suppress Yun Jin and elevate herself, but instead, she had brought shame upon herself.

“Why is everyone so agitated?” Just as the two were in a standoff, Qin Junlan’s voice suddenly rang out. Everyone hurriedly performed the ritual of kneeling and bowing.

Qin Junlan, with a warm smile, personally helped Liu Qianxun up and gestured for Yun Jin to rise, saying, “Everyone, please rise.”

Huo Xiao looked at Yun Jin with a face full of fear, her anger long replaced by terror. She had indeed insulted the title of Princess of Qinghe, which was bestowed by the Emperor herself. If the Emperor were to learn that she had called her “Princess of the Brothel,” she would surely be accused of great disrespect. How unlucky, why had the Emperor suddenly appeared here?

“What’s wrong with Side Consort Xiao’s face?” Qin Junlan noticed something unusual about her face and looked closer. Huo Xiao lowered her head, not daring to meet her gaze, at a loss for what to do. What if Yun Jin reported her? Wouldn’t that mean falling into her trap?

“Sister Xiao seems to have a heat-sensitive constitution. Being under the sun has caused her skin to become flushed and hot. I was thinking of having her stay in the Wise King’s Mansion to rest, so she needn’t come to the palace frequently to pay her respects,” Yun Jin said calmly and unhurriedly, her words perfectly defusing the palace drama.

“I see. Side Consort Xiao, you may withdraw now. The weather is hot, so you need not come to the palace daily to pay respects. If you’re not comfortable staying in the palace, you can return to the Wise King’s Mansion. Just follow Jin’er’s arrangements,” Qin Junlan said, not interested in meddling in her brother’s household affairs. She was well aware of Huo Xiao’s temperament and had heard rumors of her tyrannical behavior in the palace. But as long as Yun Jin was unharmed, she was willing to turn a blind eye.

All her attention was on Liu Qianxun. Today, she had deliberately finished reviewing the memorials early to come here and find her, wanting to give her a surprise.

“Xun’er, come with me,” she said, disregarding the gazes of others as she took Liu Qianxun’s hand and led her away from the crowd. Liu Qianxun smiled softly, allowing herself to be led. Before leaving, she exchanged a deep glance with Yun Jin, the two of them merely nodding to each other in temporary farewell. Yun Jin felt a bittersweet ache in her heart, yet was also content. In the past, Qin Junlan had never been this relaxed. Since Liu Qianxun entered the palace, she could see her smile heartily every day, which was enough to make her feel satisfied.

They circled around Qin Garden, passed through the Imperial Flower Garden, and gradually the view became clearer, as if they had crossed into another realm. No longer were there glazed tiles and bricks in sight, but a triumphant scene of hundreds of flowers. It was like an ocean of flowers, a world full of fragrant beauty. Irises shaped like wings, in three alternating colors, clustered together in embraces. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but exquisite blooms, dripping with beauty that seemed otherworldly.

Under the blazing sun, sprawling vines enveloped this realm, shielding it from the fierce sunlight. Dappled light filtered through, as if spirits were dancing on the flowers and leaves.

“This is…” Liu Qianxun stood rooted to the spot, as if she had walked into a dream.

“Since the day I learned you liked irises, I ordered the gardeners to fill this place with them. We searched the world over and finally found these three-colored flower seeds in the Yu Kingdom,” Qin Junlan said with a continuous smile, having prepared this surprise for a long time and finally seeing the day when she could witness it with her own eyes.

“Yan’er…” Liu Qianxun’s bittersweet feelings carried a tinge of sorrow. It wasn’t that she liked irises; it was Ling Yu who loved them, and she had merely adopted that preference. Her own fondness had never been so intense. Ling Yu adored irises, so she had filled the Suyuan Tower with them and taken the stage name Hong Yuan.

Liu Qianxun’s eyes gradually misted over. Qin Junlan was so foolish, foolish to the point of making her heart ache and filling her with guilt. She had never felt that deception could be such a painful thing, and pretending had become so exhausting. Liu Qianxun’s eyes were a mix of joy and sorrow, her inner turmoil difficult to calm. She didn’t even dare to look too long at the irises before her; each glance was a reminder that she was deceiving someone who was wholeheartedly devoted to her.

“Xun’er, what’s wrong? Are you not happy?” Qin Junlan noticed her strange expression, a look of joy mixed with tears, as if happiness had turned to sorrow.

Liu Qianxun said nothing, gently leaning into her embrace and hugging her tightly. Her world had always been so false, and only when embracing Qin Junlan could she feel that their touch was real. Qin Junlan lightly stroked her shoulder, resting her chin on Liu Qianxun’s forehead, her eyes full of smiles. Every moment of their embrace was so beautiful; she wanted to preserve these precious moments forever.

“I’m very happy.”

After a while, Liu Qianxun slowly uttered this somewhat awkward response. Qin Junlan helped her up and lightly tapped her nose, saying, “Alright, you’re so happy you’re at a loss for words. There’s no need for thanks.”

Liu Qianxun nodded with a smile.

“I’ve heard that the iris is the national flower of the Yu Kingdom. Next month, I’ll send someone to pick a few and place them in Yunxiao Pavilion,” Qin Junlan mentioned the Yu Kingdom again. This remark raised doubts in Liu Qianxun’s mind. “Yunxiao Pavilion?” She suddenly remembered that among the three grand villas being prepared by the palace staff, there was indeed this Yunxiao Pavilion.

“Your Majesty, is there some joyous event being prepared in the palace? Every day I see the palace staff hurrying about, making arrangements in the East Garden.”

“We have distinguished guests coming. Envoys from the Yu, Luo, and Qing Kingdoms are visiting our court,” Qin Junlan answered truthfully, while also observing Liu Qianxun’s reaction. She had always been sensitive about the Yu Kingdom and wanted to know if Liu Qianxun might have any connection to it.

“It’s only natural for other countries to come and pay their respects, given Ji Kingdom’s strength,” Liu Qianxun responded with ease, her emotions showing no ripples or fluctuations.

“These three envoys have quite the background,” Qin Junlan extended her hand, and Liu Qianxun smiled faintly, placing her hand in Qin Junlan’s palm. The two walked together to a cool pavilion among the flowers.

“Oh? It seems to have caught Your Majesty’s attention,” Liu Qianxun grew more suspicious, wondering if it could be…

Qin Junlan’s deep eyes glowed softly as she asked probingly, “Have you ever heard of Princess Changning from the Yu Kingdom?”

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