That night, the azure clouds wept blood, the nine provinces mourned together, and the god of the azure sky opened his sleeping eyes to gaze down upon the mortals below. Inside that ancient city gate, the empire’s edifice trembled in the north wind. The ambitious heroes of troubled times released their first fierce roars of growth. The entire Ximeng land awakened at this moment. A new era was about to arrive that would destroy everything of the old world like a sweeping force, and then allow a new order to be reborn from the ashes.
A nation that produces many heroes is unfortunate, just as a peaceful life is destined to be mediocre and trivial.
May 20th became a synonym for bloodshed in later generations. This famous night also successfully fed a batch of senior scholars who had been hovering near the poverty line. Countless historians dedicated their lifelong efforts to studying the details of that evening. They dug holes and tunneled through to research ancient artifacts and examine records, jumping up and down to convene one debate after another, racking their brains to write one historical treatise after another, even forming several schools of thought highly respected by society. The so-called Yan Branch, Zhuge System, and the predecessor of the Che Academic Society all originated from this.
But regardless of whether the focus of the debate was: who should bear the main responsibility for the May 20th massacre, whether the social system of the Great Xia Empire would inevitably lead to the empire’s collapse, or whether Yan Xun wore a black cloak or a white robe on the night of the incident, one question received unanimous agreement from all academic societies. That was that the Datong Association, which occupied a major leading position in future historical development, played an extremely important role in this incident. Historians cited numerous references, especially the Yan Branch scholars with their maternal protective attitudes, directing the blame for the massacre toward the Datong Association. They presented evidence that just before May 20th (not long before, though the exact date could not be verified), the Western Commander of the Datong Association, Xi Hua, who had been leading the wilderness people in the Sand Region to resist the empire’s mounted troops, had just died under the empire’s butcher knife. This great discovery provided strong theoretical support for the May 20th incident. Yan Branch historians righteously claimed: How could the great Yan Bei Emperor, who was benevolent and widely talented, with achievements that shook ancient and modern times, do such a cruel thing? The facts were obvious—this incident was directed by the Datong Association itself, entirely a private grudge between political powers, and dirty water should not be splashed on the head of the Yan Bei Emperor.
Although other factions snorted at their so-called “widespread benevolence,” they had to admit that the Yan Bei Emperor indeed deserved the two accolades of “exceptional talent” and “earth-shaking achievements.” As theoretical explorations between academic schools, scholars from various houses retained their own opinions and attitudes but still did not contradict this self-deceptive argument from the Yan faction. Thus, May 20th was collectively termed by later historians as—the Datong Association’s Revenge Event.
Halls filled with gold and jade, intoxicated with rouge; paper drunk with gold, fragrance of maidens. The moment she stepped into Fangui Grand Hall, a luxurious fragrance hit her face. Women with slender waists and flowing sleeves danced in the air. Hundreds of officials gathered in small groups, chatting happily. The banquet had not officially begun, and the main characters had not yet appeared. The emperor had been parading all day and was now resting in the back hall, so the atmosphere in the great hall was somewhat relaxed.
Restricted by her status, Chu Qiao could not enter the main hall and could only be seated in the second gallery of the side hall. Separated by a row of corridor pillars, she could only see crowds of people in the hall, a scene of bustling clamor. The Great Xia Dynasty was prosperous in population and outwardly glorious, and the imperial family’s air was unmistakably displayed.
“Miss,” a soft voice suddenly sounded beside her. Chu Qiao turned her head to see a girl with a delicate face sitting at a table next to her. Dressed in light pink butterfly-patterned clothes, she appeared quiet and refined, speaking in a gentle and polite tone, “May I ask which family’s daughter you are? I am from the He Luo clan, my father is He Luo Changqing. How should I address you?”
The girl had a gentle appearance and seemed approachable. Chu Qiao politely nodded and courteously replied, “I am Yan World Son’s attendant, Chu Qiao.”
“Oh, so it’s Miss Chu.” Upon hearing this, the smile on the He Luo miss’s face froze. Although she still politely responded, her attitude cooled. She turned to chat with the noble ladies beside her, even deliberately leaning her body to one side, afraid that others might mistake her for being together with Chu Qiao.
Shortly after, the people nearby had heard about Chu Qiao’s identity from her, and various indifferent glances drifted over—some disgusted, some contemptuous, various mixed looks with deep meanings.
Chu Qiao sat calmly to the side, the corner of her mouth curling into a light smile. She had seen enough of the world’s fickleness and human coldness.
She poured herself a cup of tea and raised it to drink, but it tasted like chewing wax. She lowered her head without speaking, waiting for the opportunity she sought.
The noble ladies on both sides didn’t know she was drinking tea, assuming she was publicly drinking alcohol, which made them even more disdainful. Gradually, large and small contemptuous voices reached her ears, saying nothing more than vulgar commoners lacking upbringing and such. They controlled their volume very well, making it clear enough to hear but unclear exactly who was speaking.
Chu Qiao didn’t mind and let them say what they wanted without raising her head to look.
After a while, the voices around her suddenly disappeared. A shadow abruptly blocked the light on her tea. In the rippling water, a pair of eyes shone like stars, like intense ocean waves, surging with turbulent tides beneath the dark sky.
Chu Qiao slowly raised her head to see Zhuge Yue standing before the many seats in the second gallery. He wore a deep purple robe with dark crescent moon patterns embroidered on his sash. His black hair was loosely tied back with a matching ribbon. He stood tall, his sleeves fluttering. Between the second gallery and the main hall was a shallow clear pool. The wind blew across the pool, carrying the fragrance of black orchids, sweeping past the man’s clothes with a faint, fresh scent.
All the young ladies in the second gallery were stunned. For these weak small clans of the imperial capital, the Seven Great Families were legendary figures, no less than the current imperial family. Many people could not touch them in their entire lifetime. Although the second gallery and the main hall were separated by only a pool, for those who needed to scheme everywhere and spend heavily to purchase seats just to attend national celebrations, it was an insurmountable divide. Especially since the man before them was the current heir of the Zhuge line who was in ascendance—how could they not be enthralled?
Zhuge Yue’s gaze lightly swept across the many seats, passing over Chu Qiao, then walking straight over. The young woman raised an eyebrow, considering whether this man would come to cause trouble at this time, but then saw Zhuge Yue turn his steps and walk to a seat beside her.
The He Luo family’s daughter was so excited her face turned red. She stood up with a thud, spilling the tea on her table all over her skirt. The girl panicked, trying to make room for Zhuge Yue while tugging at her skirt to conceal the stain. Her face was as red as a pig’s liver, not knowing where to put her hands.
Zhuge Yue didn’t even look at her once, sitting down directly, bending his knees and positioning his elbows, his gaze faintly watching his front, as if seeing something, yet also as if seeing nothing.
“Young Master Zhuge, please, please have some tea.”
The He Luo family’s daughter stood trembling nearby, her face showing immense delight. Amid the envious gazes of others, she picked up a cup of tea and presented it before Zhuge Yue. The man did not speak, casually accepting it, lowering his head to smell it, and then without even raising his head to look, touched it to his lips and drank lightly.
The He Luo girl was overjoyed. Immediately, buzzing discussions arose around them. The Fourth Young Master of the Zhuge family had accepted this young girl’s tea offering—what an enormous honor!
The He Luo miss smiled like a flower, but her movements still carried traces of small-family timidity. She pulled at the corner of her skirt and slowly sat down, beside Zhuge Yue. With gazes like knives from both sides, the girl’s face blushed crimson, yet there was also some pride. She slowly leaned forward and softly said in a coquettish voice, “Young Master Zhuge has just returned to the imperial capital recently, right?”
Seeing Zhuge Yue not answering, the girl continued on her own, “At the last hunting-gathering, we had a glimpse of each other, albeit from afar. I didn’t expect Young Master would still remember me.”
Zhuge Yue didn’t speak, holding the white jade teacup, his brows slightly furrowed, lost in thought.
The second gallery was not like the main hall; the seating was very close together. The young ladies from other families, though gathered to chat among themselves, were absent-minded and answering irrelevantly, clearly all eavesdropping. The He Luo family’s daughter felt somewhat awkward, lightly biting her lower lip, her voice becoming more tender as she softly said, “Young Master Zhuge, I am He Luo Fei, my father is Minor Celebrant He Luo Changqing of the Ministry of Rites…”
“Would you mind sharing a seat with someone else?”
The young man suddenly turned his head and asked solemnly. The He Luo miss was stunned, her eyes widening in surprise. Zhuge Yue asked again, “I’m asking if you would mind sharing a seat with someone else?”
He Luo Fei was immediately delighted and repeatedly waved her hands, hurriedly saying, “I don’t mind, of course Fei doesn’t mind.”
“Oh, that’s good.” Zhuge Yue nodded, then looked up toward someone further away who was watching him, and casually beckoned, “You, come here.”
A woman in crimson red walked over with a radiant smile and asked gently, “Is the young master calling me?”
“Yes,” Zhuge Yue nodded and asked, “Would you mind sharing a seat with someone else?”
He Luo Fei stared blankly, still not understanding what was happening, but the crimson-robed woman caught on immediately. With a strange smile, she glanced at He Luo Fei and said, “Since the Zhuge family’s young master has spoken, this humble woman certainly doesn’t mind.”
Zhuge Yue said, “In that case, I trouble you to take her away.”
He Luo Fei was stunned and called out uncomprehendingly, “Young Master Zhuge, you…”
“Alright!” The crimson-robed woman smiled coquettishly, grabbing He Luo Fei’s arm. “Did you think a pie had fallen from the sky? Come along.”
He Luo Fei’s face turned crimson, her teeth clenched tightly as she was pulled along by the crimson-robed woman. Tears welled in her eyes, almost crying out loud. The ladies around who had just been conversing pleasantly with her all covered their mouths to laugh coldly, their expressions filled with undisguised schadenfreude.
Fangui Grand Hall was the largest main hall in the Great Xia Palace, formed by thirty-six palace pavilions over water, hundreds of carved corridors, and painted walkways, intertwining and crisscrossing to protect each other. Glazed golden tiles, flying eaves, and interlocking brackets, exquisite craftsmanship, golden and resplendent. The middle hall enshrined the Fangui Wine God, forming the Fangui Main Hall, surrounded by four side halls, connected by clear pools and waterways, fragrant with orchid grass, surrounded by bouquets, with music of strings and drums, and vast clear waves.
At this moment, the main hall was certainly grand, with most of the civil and military officials in attendance. The other halls and galleries were also bustling with activity. Only in this second gallery did everyone compete to look toward Zhuge Yue. The man calmly drank his tea, seemingly unaware that he had become the focus of attention. His black hair was like ink, his attire though magnificent was not flamboyant, faintly revealing a few traces of unrestrained spirit.
Just then, someone in the main hall suddenly blew a horn to announce: “The Crown Prince of Bian Tang, His Highness the Seventh Prince, and His Highness the Thirteenth Prince have arrived!”
A rumbling of voices arose, and all the guests in the entire Fangui Grand Hall craned their necks to watch. This topsy-turvy, unrestrained Crown Prince of Bian Tang hadn’t had a quiet day since arriving in Zhenhuang and hadn’t handled a single matter well, fully embodying the style of a generation’s wastrel son.
Perhaps because today’s banquet was solemn, Li Ce wore a red brocade robe with black-edged indigo patterns. Though still flamboyant, it added a weight of sediment. The man had his hair bound with a golden crown, his face full of smiles, his spirit high, looking as if he was the one getting married today, making Zhao Che and Zhao Song, standing beside him, appear dim in comparison.
Zhao Che’s mother had just passed away, so his attire was not magnificent. He wore a brown formal robe that fit him well. The man’s brows were slightly furrowed, his expression showing some impatience as he accompanied Li Ce, clearly not by choice.
Li Ce laughed heartily and clasped his hands, saying, “We’re late, please forgive us.”
Drums thundered and dances flourished, with musicians playing the welcoming tune together. The bells rang in unison, the music melodious. Li Ce and the others followed the guide toward their arranged seats. Before they could sit down, suddenly a cold voice said, “I heard Crown Prince Li Ce arrived in Zhenhuang more than a month early. For such a grand feast today, I wonder why he’s late. All along the way, one sees and hears nothing but the Crown Prince’s romantic affairs. I wonder if today’s delay is due to another romantic encounter?”
As soon as these words fell, the crowd immediately burst into laughter. Li Ce turned to look and saw a woman in red attire like fire, with three red bird feathers inserted in her hair. Her appearance was as pure as snow, and her eyes gazed at him mockingly. It was Fire Ling’er, the daughter of the Fire Cloud Tribe chief, one of the nine great tribes of the Southern Wilderness.
The crowd immediately looked over with smiling eyes. This Fire Ling’er had once had a passionate romance with Li Ce that had caused a great stir in the Bian Tang royal family, and even the officials of the Great Xia imperial capital had heard some rumors. Li Ce had even broken off his engagement with Wen Shao Lan, the daughter of the Bian Tang Prime Minister, for her. But later, like most of the Crown Prince’s romantic entanglements, it faded into silence and disappeared within two months. Judging by the girl’s tone today, it seemed she still harbored unresolved grievances.
Li Ce’s eyes brightened, and he suddenly grinned, saying, “This is the Great Xia Palace, not your fragrant boudoir, Ling’er. What does it matter to you whether Li Ce is late or not?”
The Fangui Grand Hall immediately erupted with thunderous laughter. Fire Lie, the Fire Cloud Tribe chief, stared with round eyes, fuming with rage. Fire Ling’er was even more embarrassed and angry, grabbing the fire-red whip from her seat, about to stand up.
Zhao Che immediately stepped forward, placing his palm on the girl’s shoulder. With a calm expression, he lowered his voice and said, “This is the Great Xia Palace. Please restrain yourself, miss.”
Fire Lie held back his daughter, then angrily glanced at Li Ce, his hatred flowing like water, making people’s spines chill even from a distance.
Zhao Che returned to his seat, which was right next to Li Ce’s. This loose-tongued, trouble-making Bian Tang Crown Prince laughed and patted Zhao Che’s shoulder, saying heartily, “It’s all thanks to you.”
The music changed, and another wave of joyous sounds arose. Li Ce quietly leaned closer to Zhao Che, craning his neck to look around, asking, “Where’s Qiao Qiao? Have you seen her?”
Zhao Che frowned, “Who is Qiao Qiao?”
“The one serving under you,” Li Ce gesticulated wildly, “The one who gave me a good beating.”
Zhao Che’s frown deepened, looking at this treasure from Bian Tang with incomprehension, suspecting he might have masochistic tendencies, feeling uncomfortable all over if he wasn’t beaten a few times each day. He shook his head and said, “Haven’t seen her. This is a Great Xia state banquet; her status might not be sufficient to attend.”
“Her master is getting married and she doesn’t come?” Li Ce shook his head and sighed, “Poor Qiao Qiao, Yan Xun is taking a wife, she must be hiding somewhere, crying in grief.”
“Thirteen, have you seen Qiao Qiao? The pretty girl beside Yan Xun, the one who beat me.”
Zhao Song, assigned by the emperor to accompany Li Ce, was already full of complaints. Now hearing him inquire about Chu Qiao made his expression even worse. He stubbornly turned his head away and said coldly, “I don’t know.”
After asking several people with no one knowing, Li Ce suddenly stood up with a “poof,” turning his head to look around. In the vast hall, except for servants and dancers, he was the only one standing tall, instantly attracting everyone’s gaze. Countless pairs of eyes looked over in confusion, not knowing what this man was up to now. Zhao Che and Zhao Song were also shocked, afraid he would do something shocking again.
The entire Fangui Grand Hall had well over a hundred seats, and the four side halls outside were even more crowded with people. Li Ce looked around but didn’t see the person he was looking for. The young Li Crown Prince frowned, as if pondering something important when suddenly, he gathered his qi and shouted, “Qiao Qiao!”
The sound was deafening, immediately drowning out the music. The musicians were greatly startled and in their shock forgot to continue playing. The music stopped abruptly, and the entire hall fell into silence where one could hear a pin drop. Everyone looked at Li Ce with astonishment, their expressions more bizarre than if they had seen a pig sitting on the throne.
A soft laugh suddenly came. Chu Qiao turned to look and saw Zhuge Yue keeping a straight face, but his mouth corners were visibly restraining a smile. The man looked at her provocatively, seeming delighted to see her embarrassed.
“Qiao Qiao, where are you?” The crazy Bian Tang Crown Prince continued to shout, as if he were alone in the entire hall, completely disregarding others’ gazes.
“Qiao…”
“Alright, stop calling. I’m here.”
The young woman stood up with a cold face. Rarely showing gloom and embarrassment, having been tempered through years in a den of tigers and wolves, she stood in the second gallery side hall and said in a clear voice.
“Haha, I knew you were here.” Li Ce clapped his hands and laughed, turning to others saying, “Everyone please continue, don’t mind me. Musicians? Continue playing!”
Crown Prince Li Ce crossed over the seats, not caring that his robe’s hem dragged through wine cups, and ran across the hall.
At this moment, the many ladies in the second gallery finally focused their gaze on Chu Qiao, uncertain and unpredictable.
“Qiao Qiao, are you drinking? Drowning sorrows in wine only increases sorrows!”
Chu Qiao sat back down, her brows tightly knit. Such conspicuous attention drawing was detrimental to tonight’s operation. Now at this critical moment, there was no time to deal with him. The young woman’s expression was cold as she said solemnly, “Crown Prince Li Ce, with your noble status, you really shouldn’t disregard etiquette like this. Please return.”
“Qiao Qiao, I’m so touched, you’re always thinking of me.” Li Ce smiled, his eyes narrowing into slits like a fox, heading straight to sit beside Chu Qiao. Seeing the young woman sitting firmly in the center with no intention of making room for him, he rubbed his nose and walked to another seat nearby. With a face full of smiles, he said to some unknown family’s young lady, “Beautiful lady, could you make room for me?”
That girl was only thirteen or fourteen, from who knows which family. How could she have seen such a flirtatious scene before? Dazedly, she stood up. Li Ce thanked her and sat down contentedly, causing the court attendants responsible for the hall’s protocol to hurriedly deliver Li Ce’s superior gold cups and tableware, bustling about.
Chu Qiao sighed helplessly. Now this second gallery side hall was practically more lively than the Fangui Grand Hall. Only after the crowd in the main hall followed Li Ce’s movement did they surprisingly discover that Zhuge Yue was also sitting nearby. All sorts of speculative words immediately echoed under the high ceiling.
“Fourth Young Master Zhuge, you and I are both people of taste. Come, let’s toast to celebrate Yan World Son’s wedding at last.”
Li Ce, leaning across Chu Qiao, extended his head toward Zhuge Yue, raising his cup from afar, saying enthusiastically.
Zhuge Yue smiled faintly, lightly raising his cup in acknowledgment, and surprisingly drank the toast to him without a word.
Just then, drum and horn signals suddenly sounded from the front of the hall. Everyone looked up to see the Great Xia Emperor in golden robes stepping out from the majestic golden hall. Chu Qiao knelt with the crowd in obeisance. Looking up, she saw that the Xia Emperor’s temples were frosted with white, his face thin, his eyes looking over slowly like an ancient well, fixing on Chu Qiao’s face for a moment.
The young woman immediately lowered her head, her heart racing. The Great Xia Emperor, having occupied the throne for long, indeed had the demeanor of an emperor, with a subtle, unassuming majesty.
Li Ce stood nearby. As a foreign envoy and crown prince, he didn’t need to kneel in obeisance. This man not only had a keen nose but also good eyes. Seeing this, he quietly came over and whispered during the court’s calls “Long live the Emperor,” “Don’t be afraid of him. He’s just an old man, like the one in my family, all pretense.”
If she could, Chu Qiao wanted to punch him again, but unfortunately, this thought could only cross her mind. After the completion of ceremonial protocols, everyone returned to their seats. The Xia Emperor said a few opening words, then directed his attention to the second gallery, smiling faintly, “Why has Crown Prince Li Ce gone to sit over there? Is the seat I arranged for you, not to your liking?”
“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare,” Li Ce laughed it off, saying, “It’s cooler over there, I’m comfortable sitting there.”
The Xia Emperor nodded and said, “Zhuge Yue, then please accompany Crown Prince Li well.”
With one sentence, he saved face for the Zhuge family. Zhuge Yue didn’t look at the expression of Zhuge Mu Qing in the main hall, and solemnly replied, “This subject obeys the imperial decree.”
“Has Yan World Son’s carriage entered the inner city yet?”
An official came forward, saying, “In reply to Your Majesty, we have not yet received a report from the gate guards.”
The Xia Emperor’s brow slightly furrowed. Chu Qiao’s heart immediately suspended high. The Xia Emperor nodded and said, “Today is both my birthday and my daughter’s wedding day. I watched Yan Xun grow up from childhood. Giving my daughter to him in marriage gives me peace of mind. You are all pillars of the state. Although Yan Bei once raised troops in rebellion, I have always liked this child. After today, Yan Bei will welcome a new Yan King. I hope all ministers will be of one heart and one mind, together strengthening the Great Xia’s prestige.”
“Yes, yes, the Yan Bei World Son is exceptionally talented, surely a wise king of his generation.”
“Your Majesty is benevolent and forgiving, letting bygones be bygones. The Yan World Son will surely be grateful to Your Majesty, serving with loyalty unto death.”
“Princess Chun is virtuous and beautiful. The Yan World Son is blessed by heaven and greatly favored by Your Majesty. He will certainly serve the country well.”
“With such a benevolent emperor, our Great Xia will surely welcome its greatest renaissance in thousands of years.”
…
Flattery never fails, and a string of praises immediately arose. Everyone exclaimed in acclaim, the Xia Emperor smiling faintly, clearly accepting it all, his heart magnanimous.
To put on a complete show, this way, even if Yan Xun died by the sword, no one would suspect the Great Xia royal family. Chu Qiao looked around the hall and indeed didn’t see anyone from the Batuha family. Strangely, even the Imperial Elder Princess from Huai Song was not present, which gave her some difficulty for the moment.
At this time, a blue-clad guard crouched and entered the second gallery side hall, coming behind Chu Qiao and whispering something in her ear. Chu Qiao nodded, and the man withdrew.
Li Ce, seeing this, immediately leaned over, acting like an old friend, whispering, “Qiao Qiao, who was that? What did he tell you?”
Chu Qiao frowned at him, wanting to say something, but felt anything she said would be wasted breath, so she simply turned away without responding. Li Ce continued persistently, leaning over and across Chu Qiao to ask Zhuge Yue, “Brother Zhuge, do you know?”
Zhuge Yue smiled faintly, his lips curling, saying lightly, “If the Crown Prince doesn’t know, how would I know?”
Li Ce nodded, “You’re right.”
Just then, a commotion suddenly came from outside the hall. It seemed a woman was crying loudly. The crowd in the hall all turned to look outside. The Xia Emperor raised an eyebrow and asked sternly, “Who is outside?”
A guard, wiping cold sweat from his forehead, ran in, kneeling to report, “In reply to Your Majesty, it’s, it’s Princess Chun.”
Everyone was stunned at these words, but Chu Qiao had vaguely guessed the situation from her subordinate who had just left. The Xia Emperor frowned and asked, “Chun’er? What is she doing here?”
“The Princess says, the Princess says she has urgent matters to see Your Majesty.”
“Today is her wedding day. She disregards etiquette and runs here—what exactly does she want to do? Take her back and tell her that Yan World Son is about to enter the city.”
Consort Shu, sitting beside the emperor, turned cold upon hearing this and said crisply.
“Chun’er is probably anxious from waiting,” Consort Xuan covered her mouth with a light laugh, raising her head to gaze at the Xia Emperor like water, smiling lightly, “Chun’er is only sixteen after all, perhaps she’s a little afraid.”
“As an imperial princess, such a breach of decorum, what example does this set? Come, take the princess away and severely punish the nannies and servants responsible for watching over her!”
Hearing this, Consort Xuan immediately had tears in her eyes, saying tenderly, “Madame Mu He has just passed away, and Sister Shu treats the daughter of the empress this way. Sister Shu, don’t you feel guilty toward your sister?”
“What did you say…?”
“Father Emperor! Chun’er has something to say!”
A loud call suddenly sounded from outside. The crowd in the grand hall looked outside with strange expressions, their minds turning nine times. The Xia Emperor pondered for a while and finally said solemnly, “Let her in.”
A long wind blew in from outside. Zhao Chun’er, in a magnificent red wedding dress, had her hair slightly disheveled from running all the way. The fragile young woman’s face was pale as she walked into the hall under the gaze of all, the night wind blowing her wedding dress like the wings of blood-weeping butterflies, with a broken and chaotic beauty.
“Father Emperor!” The young woman stood tall in the great hall, suddenly falling to her knees with a thud. She kowtowed heavily, saying loudly, “Please withdraw your command. Chun’er does not wish to marry!”