The Sovereign – Chapter 80

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

A Stunning Night Banquet

Is that a tattoo faintly visible?

Ye Ming gazed at Ling Yu’s receding figure, cold sweat breaking out on her forehead. She had never been so terrified before. Even though Ling Yu was harsh to her subordinates and decisive in her actions, she had never made Ye Ming fear her. But now, with Bai Ruoxi to consider, her words and actions would affect her, and she could no longer live so carefree.

“Who is that woman? She’s so beautiful. Could she be an envoy from another country?” Bai Ruoxi innocently craned her neck. Having just passed by, she caught a glimpse of Ling Yu’s face and was struck by her otherworldly beauty. She had never seen a woman who could rival Sister Emperor and Sister Xun’er.

“I don’t know. Does your hand still hurt?” Ye Ming pulled her thoughts back, trying not to let Bai Ruoxi see her anxiety despite the overwhelming nervousness in her heart.

“Hehe, it doesn’t hurt anymore. I’m happy as long as you’re nice to me.” Bai Ruoxi’s bright eyes and white teeth revealed a brilliant smile. Her genuine laughter and unworldly innocence made Ye Ming’s heart ache.

“Silly~” Ye Ming felt helpless with Bai Ruoxi. She always wanted to harden her heart, but couldn’t bring herself to be decisive. Now that Ling Yu had entered the palace, what if she issued a mission?

Her fear stemmed not only from worrying that Ling Yu might think she had a change of heart, but also because of Bai Ruoxi’s identity as Bai Yifei’s younger sister by blood. Who was Bai Yifei? He had guarded Feng City for years, killing countless Yu Kingdom soldiers and secretly harming many Yu Kingdom civilians. Ling Yu had tried to assassinate him multiple times but failed.

The Chi Jia Army camp’s defenses were too tight; even skilled warriors couldn’t find a way in. Now that Bai Ruoxi was so openly close to her, what if Ling Yu had other thoughts? Ye Ming dared not imagine.

“Being your little fool is just fine. I don’t care about the ways of the world, what’s happening outside, how the country is doing, or how the people are faring. I just want to live in a small world with only you in it.” Bai Ruoxi took the opportunity to fall into Ye Ming’s arms. As long as Ye Ming was happy, she was willing to do anything. She only feared that Ye Ming wouldn’t open her heart to her.

She could wait, wait until the day she was willing to truly accept her and completely let go of herself.

Ling Yu had intended to take a solitary stroll, but she couldn’t help stopping to gaze when passing by Qixia Palace, perhaps secretly hoping to chance upon Liu Qianxun. Even if they couldn’t interact, just a glimpse would suffice.

From the pavilion in the Yu Garden, one could only see the viewing pavilion of Qixia Palace, but not Liu Qianxun’s figure. Deep in the palace, where etiquette was strict, and not being her own territory, she didn’t feel comfortable walking around too much. Perhaps at this moment, Liu Qianxun was being lovey-dovey with Qin Junlan. In fact, when Ling Yu saw Ye Ming and Bai Ruoxi earlier, she suddenly felt a warmth in her heart. How many people in the world dared to be so bold?

Perhaps she too would envy others, but she never allowed such emotions to grow. It wasn’t in her nature. Ye Ming had guessed correctly; Ling Yu didn’t fully trust Ye Ming now. She had always thought Ye Ming liked Liu Qianxun, that her loyal subject was only loyal to Liu Qianxun. This was also why she had once given Ye Ming a solo order to investigate the Grand Chancellor’s mansion.

She paced beneath the palace walls, the setting sun’s rays illuminating her face. Just as she returned to the Yu Garden, she saw a pair of palace maids waiting respectfully.

“Greetings to the Royal Princess. The Emperor commands that the Princess attend a banquet at Jun Garden this evening,” Yuan Xi handed over a folded invitation to Ling Yu.

“Thank the Emperor. Ling Yu accepts the command,” Ling Yu received the invitation with just a slight nod, not performing a grand bow.

“This servant must also inform the Nalan family head. We take our leave now.” Yuan Xi bowed and left with the palace servants.

Ling Yu’s face remained expressionless. Would she attend the banquet welcoming the foreign envoys? Qin Junlan favored her so much, she would probably let her attend, right? It was strange; she had been on many missions before, but had never missed or worried like this before.

But in the past, she hadn’t pushed her away… Ling Yu had no mind to think of other things and walked into the garden with her hands behind her back. The Yu Garden had guards every ten steps, and the Yu Kingdom’s guard was tight. Even in the Ji Emperor’s Palace, no one could discern Ling Yu’s true situation.

Even so, someone was able to take advantage of a moment of weakness. Ling Yu only felt a light wind rush towards her, not strong but extremely fast. Her pupils contracted slightly, her gaze sharp as she observed her surroundings. A blue figure, floating like a cloud, yet swift as lightning.

Ling Yu stood still, and the figure circled around her, moving left and right. She chuckled lightly and continued walking forward. The person followed like a shadow. Ling Yu only felt her eyes grow tired. With a quick movement, she grabbed the person’s shoulder.

“Ow ow ow, let me go~” Nalan Ling was held in Ling Yu’s hand, her feet off the ground, unable to use her qinggong.

“Little imp, how many levels of Cloud-Piercing Moon-Chasing have you learned from Nalan Qing? You dare to be so reckless in front of me!” As Ling Yu spoke, she threw Nalan Ling out. She quickly spun and landed steadily.

“I was just joking with you~” Nalan Ling wore a light, elegant orchid-colored dress. Her delicate features and the clearest deep blue eyes were like the starry sea. A few strands of hair playfully flew across her face, showing a gentle charm beyond her years. Two peacock feathers were inserted diagonally in her hair, displaying her noble status. Her deep blue eyes revealed a hint of defiance, very much like Nalan Qing in her younger years.

Unexpectedly, after not seeing her for a few years, this little imp had grown into such a handsome appearance. Ling Yu was quite surprised by how much she had changed. But she didn’t want to bother with this girl and just walked forward.

“Changning~” Nalan Ling called her by her given name. In this world, apart from Nalan Qing, no one had ever called her that. Ling Yu didn’t like being addressed so intimately; even Liu Qianxun had never called her that.

Ling Yu immediately darkened her face and turned around, about to speak, when she saw Nalan Ling suddenly pounce forward and hug her tightly. She heard a whimper in her ear, “Why don’t you smile as much as before? I just came with Elder Sister to see you. I won’t cause trouble.”

After saying this, she quickly let go and maintained a distance from Ling Yu, stepping back a few paces. “I’ll be good and go back to Qing Garden. See you at the banquet~”

“You~” Before Ling Yu could speak, Nalan Ling had already leaped onto the majestic main gate of Yu Garden. With a charming smile, she said, “I’m no longer the eight-year-old little imp you saw back then.” Then she vanished suddenly, as if using some kind of teleportation technique.

This was a set of qinggong created by Nalan Qing called “Cloud-Piercing Moon-Chasing.” Nalan Ling had been practicing martial arts with Nalan Qing since childhood and had now mastered the essence of this technique, which was no small feat. She hardly gave Ling Yu a chance to speak, talking to herself before leaving on her own.

Although Nalan Ling was only twelve years old, her behavior and manners were unique, not following the crowd, and unlike ordinary young children. Ling Yu shook her head helplessly. The child raised by Nalan Qing was indeed extraordinary. Who knows what kind of trouble she would become when she grows up.

At the Chen hour (7-9 AM), Jun Garden was in full bloom. Civil and military officials all participated. The dragon throne was the main seat, with the phoenix throne to the side, followed by the Wise King and his two consorts, and then the two specially appointed princesses. The court officials sat in their designated positions, with the main seats for the envoys from the three countries to the right of the dragon throne, facing the royal relatives on the left.

Qin Junlan sat in the highest position. The officials had already taken their seats, and the Empress Dowager, Wise King, and others had also arrived. According to diplomatic etiquette, the envoys from the three countries needed to come forward together to pay respects to the ruler of the strong country.

“The Royal Princess of Yu Kingdom, the Head of the Nalan Family from Qing Kingdom, and the Jade Orchid King of Luo Kingdom have arrived~” The eunuch’s shrill announcement was heard, and three people dressed in brocade and embroidered court attire came forward in succession.

Ling Yu wore a moon-white palace costume, low-key yet luxurious. With her phoenix eyes somewhat restrained, she didn’t appear seductive but rather added a touch of cold elegance, with a hint of refined grace. Nalan Qing wore a light purple plain robe, elegant and otherworldly. She wore no makeup, her temperament natural and unaffected. Her black hair hung down to her waist, with a dark purple waistband faintly visible under her hair. Her beautiful eyes glanced around, and the corners of her lips seemed to hold a kind of gentle charm. The Jade Orchid King wore a blue robe with yellow silk threads winding upwards, embroidered with silk flowers. Though he had a male appearance, his delicate features were handsome and extraordinary.

“Ling Yu,” “Nalan Qing,” “Ye Yulan,” “pay respects to the Empress~” The three spoke in unison, bowing to Qin Junlan. According to diplomatic etiquette, they only needed to bow slightly without kneeling.

Qin Junlan stood up, her eyes first falling on Ling Yu. She raised her slender hand, “No need for formalities. Please, the three envoys, take your seats.”

Ling Yu raised her head, her eyes meeting Qin Junlan’s. At that moment, time seemed to freeze for an instant. The two simultaneously raised the corners of their mouths.

She was Ling Yu, the Royal Princess of Yu Kingdom, skilled in political maneuvering and commanding.

She was Qin Junlan, the Empress who disrupted the balance of the four countries, elevating Ji Kingdom to the top of the four powers in one move.

Long having heard of each other’s names, they finally met. Suddenly, a chilling wind seemed to blow between the two, devoid of any warmth, filled with murderous intent. Though they appeared to be smiling, there were undercurrents surging beneath the surface.

After taking their seats, Qin Junlan stood up, holding a wine cup and facing everyone, “I have accepted the wish of the world to maintain eternal peace among the four countries. Today, with the envoys from the three countries gracing our court, I am extremely pleased. With this modest wine, I welcome the envoys. May the four countries prosper!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty~” The three raised their wine cups, completing the set of perfunctory diplomatic courtesies amidst the clinking of glasses.

More than a dozen dancers gracefully arrived, their water sleeves like silk and jade, flying in the moonlight. The dozen or so people formed a circle, their jade hands waving, and dozens of blue ribbons lightly floated out, making the garden seem like it was filled with blue waves. Ling Yu rolled up her sleeves to pour wine, and as she raised her eyes, she saw Liu Qianxun sitting opposite her. Even the most beautiful dance couldn’t catch her eye. Amidst the constantly moving figures of the dancers, she could always capture Liu Qianxun’s faint, clear spirit.

Among the thousands and millions of women in the world, only she could truly captivate one’s heart. She was beautiful; none of the women Ling Yu had ever seen could match even half of her beauty. She drank one cup after another, her gaze never failing to linger on Liu Qianxun, even if only for a brief moment. She couldn’t take her eyes off her.

But Liu Qianxun never once looked at her from beginning to end. Was she afraid? Or had she already forgotten her in her heart? She still seemed as cold as ever, unperturbed. Ling Yu raised a bitter smile. This pretense of indifference and detachment was really tiring, wasn’t it? She hadn’t felt it before, but now the feeling was becoming increasingly clear.

“Elder Sister, Ling Changning has someone in her heart, doesn’t she?” Nalan Ling rested her chin on her hands, gazing at Ling Yu in a daze. She followed her gaze, trying to find the person she was looking at, but to no avail.

But Ling Yu was no longer the same as she was years ago. After four years, she seemed to have gained a sense of loneliness. Perhaps it was because she had grown up and could more clearly sense her emotions.

“Changning’s heart is as deep as the sea. If you have the ability, go explore it yourself. Don’t ask me,” Nalan Qing chuckled lightly, her slender jade fingers pouring a jug of wine slowly into her mouth. She gazed at Ling Yu dreamily, then glanced at Liu Qianxun, shaking her head slightly.

“Hmph, everyone thinks you like Ling Changning, but I never believed it. At most, you’re just a bosom friend.”

Nalan Qing smiled faintly, her air as if she were a person beyond this world. The hustle and bustle around her and the beautiful women didn’t catch her eye, as if everything had nothing to do with her. The confidence and nonchalance on her face added a touch of charm to her. Her slender fingers lightly tapped the jade plate, pouring a full cup of wine for Nalan Ling, “What’s important about liking or not liking? What’s important is that you go and take what you want yourself. Don’t rely on external forces. If you can borrow them, that’s fine, but if you can’t, it’s because your abilities are insufficient.”

“As Nalan Qing’s sister, I will never rely on others for what I want.” Nalan Ling took the wine cup and sat glumly in her seat, drinking it all in one go. Looking at Ling Yu, her heart ached sourly.

As one dance ended and everyone praised it, Ling Yu suddenly stood up, slightly tipsy, and walked towards Liu Qianxun. She smiled deeply, a bewitching air spreading, those eyebrows and eyes seeming to captivate one’s soul, the previous air of elegance completely gone.

Seeing her approaching, Liu Qianxun’s heart jolted, but she remained motionless, as steady as a mountain. Ling Yu met her gaze, then suddenly turned to address Qin Junlan, “I’ve heard that Princess Qinghe’s qin skills are as high as mountains and flowing as water, like heavenly music, unmatched by anyone. Now that I’ve seen her true face, she’s indeed stunning. I wonder if I could have the honor of hearing the Princess play a piece.”

“This Princess’s skills are shallow, I’m afraid they won’t meet the Royal Princess’s standards.” Liu Qianxun tried to remain calm, not knowing what Ling Yu intended, feeling uneasy.

“Could it be that the Princess is unwilling to entertain the guests with a piece at this grand banquet of the four countries’ meeting? If I don’t get to hear the Princess’s qin music, I’m afraid this trip to Jidu will be quite regrettable,” Ling Yu persisted, turning her gaze towards Qin Junlan. Would she be willing to let her play for everyone in front of so many eyes?

Qin Junlan narrowed her eyes, unmoved. Instead, she asked Liu Qianxun, “It depends on the Princess’s willingness. If you don’t want to play, you don’t have to. There are plenty of palace qin masters, no need for you to personally perform.” After speaking, she glanced at Ling Yu. Their eyes met, and though silent, it was as if a mountain flood had burst forth in Liu Qianxun’s eyes, full of murderous intent.

“The night banquet is meant for joy and meeting. Your Majesty need not put anyone in a difficult position. Although our knowledge is shallow, we’ve also heard rumors of the Princess’s great talents. Could it be that the rumors on the streets are mistaken?” The Jade Orchid King, whose interest was piqued by Ling Yu, also wanted to see this beauty’s qin performance.

Qin Junlan immediately darkened her face. This Jade Orchid King and Ling Yu were singing the same tune, deliberately making things difficult for her. She didn’t want Liu Qianxun to be in the limelight. Only Nalan Qing maintained a faint smile, pouring and drinking by herself, as if an outsider, smiling as she watched everyone deeply entangled in the situation.

“Since the Royal Princess thinks so highly of this humble subject, I can only offer my poor skills.” She didn’t want to see these two at odds and didn’t want to put Qin Junlan in a difficult position, regardless of Ling Yu’s intentions.

“Good, bring the qin~” At Qin Junlan’s command, Yuan Xi brought a sandalwood guqin and placed it in front of Liu Qianxun. As she raised her eyes, she found Ling Yu smiling deeply at her, still with that unfathomable smile, but now tinged with a hint of intoxication.

Slender jade fingers plucked the strings, the notes sometimes long, sometimes short, melodious and lingering. At times it was like high mountains and flowing water, at times like a babbling brook, occasionally majestic and grand, then sorrowful and plaintive. The rhythm was well-paced, her fingertips moving swiftly. Suddenly, Ling Yu leaped up and snatched a long silk from a dancer’s hand.

Her every move caused her gauze clothing to ripple with a flowing light effect. The long silk transformed into water sleeves like a white snake flicking its tongue, moving around her body. Sometimes as light as a swallow, her body seemed like falling leaves in profusion, moving in sync with Liu Qianxun’s qin music. Ling Yu’s graceful figure seemed to transform into an immortal, every smile and frown captivating the audience.

Her upper body was wrapped in a thin, waist-hugging blouse that fell over her shoulders. Her figure was as graceful as a startled swan, as sinuous as a swimming dragon. As she turned, the tattoo on her shoulder was faintly visible.

Qin Junlan’s heart skipped a beat as she stared at Ling Yu’s shoulder in a daze. Could that barely visible pattern at the neckline of her clothing be a tattoo?

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