The Sovereign – Chapter 69

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

Heart Still Palpitating

To hold your hand, and grow old together with you

Liu Qianxun’s heart trembled slightly, her hand hidden in her sleeve clutched tightly at the hem of her garment to dispel her nervousness and unease. Qin Junlan was gazing at her, and she dared not show any abnormality. She calmly raised her hand to take the tea presented by the palace maid and passed it to Qin Junlan, replying serenely, “I’ve heard that Ling Yu is the first beauty of the Yu Kingdom, just 22 years old and still unmarried.”

“But she’s also a female hero, people don’t see her clearly. We have never seen her in person, but is quite looking forward to this meeting,” Qin Junlan’s smile didn’t diminish as she raised the tea to take a sip, seemingly at ease but constantly observing Liu Qianxun’s expression.

Liu Qianxun’s mind was in turmoil. She recalled Ling Yu once saying she would find a way to enter the palace to accompany her, but she thought it was just talk, or that she would enter the palace by other means. She never imagined that Ling Yu would reveal her true identity, sparing no effort from the three kingdoms, to come to the Ji Imperial Palace in a righteous manner. This was too risky; how could she be so bold? If her identity were to be discovered by Qin Junlan, if others were to learn that she was the leader of the Shura Sect, her life would be in danger.

No one would harm her during diplomatic relations, but executing the leader of an organization could be justified. Ling Yu had always been cautious in her actions, so why would she take such a risk? For her sake? How could that be? Ling Yu cared so much about gains and losses, her safety was tied to the entire Yu Kingdom, so how could she easily put herself in danger?

Or did she have other motives? Was she here to probe the situation, or to ally with the Luo Kingdom and the Qing Kingdom, feigning goodwill towards the Ji Kingdom to make Qin Junlan lower her guard or abandon her ambitions of conquering the world?

Qin Junlan noticed Liu Qianxun’s momentary distraction, unaware of her thoughts. She was always like this, her thoughts drifting, never revealing what was in her heart. Had she still not opened up to her? Thinking of this, Qin Junlan felt somewhat melancholy, though her face maintained a smile.

“Who are the visitors from the other two countries?” Liu Qianxun feigned curiosity, in reality indifferent and uninterested in the affairs of other countries, but asked to make their conversation appear more natural.

“Xun’er, could it be that you haven’t even heard the given name of Nalan Qing?” Qin Junlan took a small sip of tea, the heart-soothing fragrance lingering in her mind. Liu Qianxun’s delicate jade-like hands poured tea for her, her skilled tea-making movements quite particular.

“It’s actually her?” Liu Qianxun was deeply surprised, but upon reflection, felt it was within reason.

Nalan Qing, how could Liu Qianxun not know of her? Her exploits were known to all, and she had heard about her several times from Ling Yu’s mouth alone.

“I’ve heard a little about her. Her divorce and seizure of the family headship shocked the Qing Kingdom and made her name renowned throughout the land.”

Qin Junlan stood up, facing the flowers with her hands behind her back, “In this world, if anyone could live half as carefree and unrestrained as Nalan Qing, there wouldn’t be so many troubles and sorrows.”

“Your Majesty, could it be… you envy her?” Liu Qianxun stood up and walked to her side. The ground was covered with irises, filling the garden, a brocade-like sea of flowers. Such a beautiful scene could be described as nothing less than a fine day and beautiful scenery.

Qin Junlan gazed at the iris clusters and sighed softly, “Born into an imperial family, who can live freely? Bearing the name of the people, responsible for the nation’s rise and fall, how dare We take it lightly? Envying her, yet never able to be her.”

“Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, the country and its people are everything. It’s naturally different from Nalan Qing, who lives only for herself. Your Majesty lives for the country, there’s no need for envy.”

Qin Junlan smiled charmingly, like a summer breeze caressing one’s face, a clear stream flowing through the heart. She took Liu Qianxun’s hand and held it to her heart, treating it with utmost care, her eyes bright and clear, “The country, its people, and Xun’er are all most important to Us.”

“Yan’er…” Liu Qianxun was always left speechless by Qin Junlan’s words, a lump in her throat preventing her from uttering a single word.

“Our mind may encompass the world, but my heart is small, only able to hold you. In this life, I only wish to be the one who can be honest with you, and to be with you like a gentle stream flowing for a long time.” Qin Junlan gently pulled Liu Qianxun’s hand to her waist, one arm embracing her slender shoulders, holding her close. If her arms could become a barrier, she would willingly protect her in her embrace forever.

Liu Qianxun slightly raised her hands, feeling a heavy oppression. After a moment’s hesitation, she embraced Qin Junlan, “Being able to accompany you every day is enough for me.”

“We are not satisfied. We want to take you across the world, to see mountains and rivers for thousands of miles, to taste all the delicacies of the world, to witness a world as beautiful as brocade, to appreciate all facets of humanity, not like now, keeping you confined in this cage of a palace. Xun’er, give Us some time, and I will surely make all I’ve said come true.” Qin Junlan gently caressed her smooth, fair face, feeling a slight warmth at her fingertips. Seeing Liu Qianxun slightly dazed, she asked, “Are you willing to trust me? Are you willing to give me the most real version of yourself?”

These were Qin Junlan’s most sincere words from the depths of her heart, her true feelings and her determination. She only wished to exchange her sincerity for Liu Qianxun’s honest words. She knew that opening one’s heart takes time, and she would use her actions to let Liu Qianxun understand her intentions. Her mind was made up; she wouldn’t make Liu Qianxun wait too long. She would handle everything and spend the long years together with her, to hold her hand and grow old together.

“I…” Liu Qianxun was ashamed to speak words against her heart, knowing it was impossible yet agreeing with her, deceiving her, made her feel ashamed. Her pearly teeth bit her lip, the corners of her mouth twitching slightly, “Your Majesty bears great responsibilities, unmarried and without an heir. How could you be so willful as to enjoy all the blessings of the world with Xun’er?”

“You only need to trust me.”

“I trust you!” Liu Qianxun answered firmly. Qin Junlan’s face broke into a smile, clasping Liu Qianxun’s fingers and holding them to her chest, “We will not fail the people, nor will I fail you…”

Qin Junlan’s words still echoed in her ears, the scene in the iris garden constantly flashing in her mind, stunningly beautiful, as if in a dream. Liu Qianxun returned to Qixia Palace, her heart unsettled. She didn’t know when it had begun, but her thoughts started to become uncontrollable. Qin Junlan would appear unexpectedly, disturbing her emotions, even preventing her from focusing on her current situation.

Ling Yu was coming to the Ji Imperial Palace, and had allied with the Luo and Qing kingdoms. They called it a visit, but what was their true intention? It seemed necessary to arrange a trip out of the palace. If delayed further, things might exceed her expectations and control.

“Tower Master~” Ye Ming hurriedly came from outside. She glanced around, ensuring no one was nearby, before delivering the message from Ghost Eye. Liu Qianxun quickly opened and decoded the message. The main content was that the guard change time for the Imperial Forest Army couldn’t be obtained. If there was to be any action, she must notify him. It was an order from the Sect Leader for her to leave the palace and meet as soon as possible.

“This Ghost Eye, his tone is far too arrogant. He’s merely an undercover spy, yet he dares to make the Tower Master’s actions subject to his permission,” Ye Ming said, looking displeased. Liu Qianxun, however, calmly destroyed the secret letter, lost in thought. Ghost Eye’s ability to communicate so easily with the outside world proved his position wasn’t low. At least, he had few restrictions entering and leaving the palace, which meant he definitely wasn’t a eunuch or a close maid. This narrowed down the range of suspects somewhat.

“If I don’t encounter trouble, this Ghost Eye probably won’t show any flaws,” Liu Qianxun furrowed her brow slightly, pacing back and forth in the room. The candlelight flickered, casting shadows of her worries. “But what concerns me more now is why the Sect Leader wants to enter the palace. The Ji Imperial Palace is unlike Changning Mansion, and different from outside the palace. If there’s the slightest mistake, the consequences are unthinkable.”

“The Empress has been sending people to investigate the Shura Sect, and the Sect Leader’s identity is still unknown. If the Sect Leader’s identity is discovered, this journey is indeed very risky.”

“Reply to Ghost Eye. I will leave the palace to meet with the Sect Leader in three days,” Liu Qianxun decided without hesitation.

“Tower Master, if you were to leave the palace now, the Empress might send people to follow you. It might even draw the Empress Dowager’s attention,” Ye Ming worried, knowing she couldn’t accompany and protect her. Lately, she had been constantly entangled with Bai Ruoxi, leaving her no free time.

“I have my own discretion on this matter. You should also be careful. The Empress Dowager detests relationships between women. Don’t give her any leverage regarding your affair with the young princess.”

“This subordinate understands.”

To leave the palace legitimately without arousing anyone’s suspicion, there was only one person who could help her.

That person was Yun Jin.

The palace intrigue was ever-changing. The mere addition of Huo Xiao stirred up a storm of troubles. Liu Qianxun had thought that with Qin Junlan as the Empress, there wouldn’t be any harem rivalry, but she didn’t expect they still couldn’t escape such issues. However, Huo Xiao’s tactics were too clumsy, her behavior simply foolish. With her personality, if not for relying on her father’s bit of power, how would she dare to be so arrogant?

But she had underestimated Yun Jin and overestimated herself. After being slapped, she ran to the Empress Dowager to complain, thinking her favor truly surpassed Yun Jin’s. However, when Yi Qinghuan learned it was Yun Jin who punished her, she merely gave Yun Jin a light reprimand and let it pass.

At that moment, Huo Xiao finally understood that blood is thicker than water. After all, Yun Jin was the daughter of the Empress Dowager’s own sister; she could never compare. The Wise King was timid and incapable of great tasks, let alone daring to stand up for her. Hatefully, she could only swallow this bitter pill.

She had just been conferred the title of Side Consort when Yun Jin gave her this harsh lesson. She was indignant, believing that if it weren’t for Liu Qianxun’s meddling, Yun Jin wouldn’t have insulted her. In the end, it was all because of this princess of a different surname.

Fearing that she might truly be confined and unable to enter or leave the palace, Huo Xiao could only show outward humility to Yun Jin. She walked aimlessly by the riverside, where willows drooped gracefully, feeling a hint of coolness. She sighed repeatedly, her mood irritable. Was there really no way to vent this anger?

“My lady, it seems that’s the Princess of Qinghe over there,” the palace maid whispered.

Huo Xiao looked up, and indeed it was that fox spirit. Her beauty was truly irritating. How could someone be so good-looking? If she had such a face, how could she be merely a Side Consort? She would surely outshine Yun Jin and become the main consort. Every time she saw Liu Qianxun’s face, it made her even more jealous. Coupled with the previous incident, it left her harboring even more resentment.

Liu Qianxun disliked being constantly confined in Qixia Palace. Every day, she would walk around various places, firstly to look for clues about Ghost Eye, and secondly to familiarize herself with every corner of the palace. She was already looking for suitable routes for herself, and now with Ling Yu about to enter the palace, Liu Qianxun couldn’t help but search for escape routes, just in case.

She needed to find a way to protect Ling Yu. Whether it was due to her guilty conscience or excessive worry for Ling Yu, she felt as if her heart was suspended in mid-air, unable to settle.

Now, every time she entered or left Qixia Palace, Chen Qing would escort her, which actually restricted her movements. To make matters worse, this Chen Qing was particularly fond of chattering.

“Princess, the Wise Consort has come to invite you. I suppose the young prince is throwing a tantrum again. With your high martial arts skills, if you just casually taught the young prince a few moves, it would be enough to keep him entertained,” Chen Qing said with great enthusiasm. Liu Qianxun merely glanced at her lightly, saying nothing.

“However, today it seems the young prince isn’t upset about martial arts practice. It appears he was criticized by Her Majesty for not finishing his studies. He’s in such an aggrieved state that even the Wise Consort can’t comfort him. After all, he’s still a child, crying for his aunt and teacher.”

Liu Qianxun remained silent. Chen Qing continued her monologue tirelessly. Mu Jin, with three black lines appearing on her forehead, specially grabbed a handful of dirt from the ground and stuffed it into Chen Qing’s mouth.

“The Princess has such grand pomp now, even requiring Guard Commander Chen to personally escort her,” Huo Xiao suddenly appeared, startling Chen Qing. Seeing her heavy makeup and overwhelming perfume, Chen Qing couldn’t help but pinch her nose, though she didn’t neglect the required courtesies.

“Greetings, Side Consort Xiao.” Liu Qianxun curtsied slightly, not even giving her a proper look, and was about to leave indifferently after the greeting. Seeing her cold attitude of indifference to everything, Huo Xiao became furious. She deliberately waited until Liu Qianxun passed by her side, then pretended to fall towards her. Liu Qianxun, quick-eyed and deft-handed, stepped aside, causing Huo Xiao to stumble and fall to the ground.

“Oh my! Side Consort Xiao, how careless of you! Let this humble servant help you up,” Chen Qing exaggeratedly rushed over, deliberately offering her assistance.

“Get lost!” Huo Xiao shouted fiercely, pointing at Liu Qianxun, “Liu Qianxun, how dare you! You knock down this consort and don’t even apologize?”

Chen Qing saw that Huo Xiao was indeed deliberately causing trouble. She glanced at Liu Qianxun, who remained calm, only the corners of her lips curling coldly upward, “Side Consort Xiao, you should be more careful when walking. Don’t stretch your feet under others’.”

“You… insolent! Guards! Slap her face!” Huo Xiao stood up, ordering the eunuchs beside her. Two young eunuchs looked at each other, stepped forward with slightly trembling hands, but dared not act.

Liu Qianxun was like an ice mountain, her cold aura alone making people shudder. Moreover, her eyes at this moment seemed to be stained with blood. Though not fierce and evil-looking, they were brimming with murderous intent.

“Ahem, Side Consort Xiao is as beautiful as a flower, how could she blame the Princess for falling? The Princess was merely passing by. Her Majesty ordered this humble servant to stay close to the Princess precisely to prevent any grievances. This servant should first escort the Princess to the Wise Consort. Princess, please!”

“Stop right there! Chen Qing, since you’re so eager to protect her, this consort will grant your wish!” Huo Xiao, with a determined not to give up attitude, ordered the eunuchs to slap Chen Qing immediately.

The young eunuchs, having received the order, dared not delay. Chen Qing was only a minor fifth-rank female official, of low status, so naturally, they dared to act. However, just as they raised their hands to approach, they felt someone flash by. Before they could see clearly what happened, they were inexplicably thrown to the ground.

“You dare to strike Guard Commander Chen so casually?” Liu Qianxun coldly looked at the two. This resistance thoroughly enraged Huo Xiao, who raised her hand without a word.

Liu Qianxun, originally quick to react, could have easily dodged Huo Xiao’s attack. True qi had even gathered in her palm. But her eyes caught sight of Li Yue approaching from not far away, and she lowered her hand.

“Pa!” A heavy slap broke the summer tranquility. The breeze, earth, and trees all stood still. The heavy five fingers landed on Liu Qianxun’s face, instantly leaving five red blood marks seeping from beneath her skin, hanging shockingly on her face.

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