Huang Beishuang’s firm voice was heard, “Don’t be afraid. When you step into the great hall to dance and sing your loyalty, I’ll be right there beside you. I’m not afraid, so you shouldn’t be either. Remember, once you’ve faced death, what else is there to fear?”
“I took you sightseeing around Ningdu to help you quickly adapt to this unfamiliar world. Never forget who you are, no matter what unexpected sights you see. Understand?”
Huang Beishuang’s voice was soft yet powerful, gradually calming everyone’s turbulent hearts.
The night deepened. No more whispers were heard.
Whose riddle is it that stirs hearts in the night?
Whose fragrance warms and sweetens the soul?
Sleep, sleep, I never knew the answer, I never indulged in this feeling!
It was sandy rain that covered my traces when I came,
Now it’s a green shade that cuts off the tranquility I long for…
How can I forget?
That riddle, and that sweetness…
Qingyun, do you remember?
You once swore never to give up.
Qingyun, why should I bother to forget you?
Chapter 4: A Single Word’s Destiny
On the day of the audience at Guanghan Palace, the brides-to-be traveling from the ambassador’s residence were all splendidly dressed, elegant, and noble, attracting many onlookers and creating a lively atmosphere.
“Naxiu, this king loves to show off!” Ye Pei and the other maids, now also beautifully attired, were experiencing such a grand ceremony for the first time and couldn’t help but comment.
“Silly girl, this isn’t showing off!”
Huang Beishuang turned back with a slight smile. Today, she was deliberately dressed to be especially charming and alluring, captivating everyone. This smile caused the onlookers to surge forward, trying to get a better look. She turned away nonchalantly, surveying her surroundings from horseback before saying, “He wants his people to see the spectacle of tributes coming from all directions. This king is quite cunning!”
“Is Naxiu thinking about something?” Ye Pei observed.
“Hmm… Clever kings usually fear cleverness in others,” Huang Beishuang said, pondering.
“What do you mean, Naxiu?” Ye Pei asked.
“We must be very careful from now on. It’s acceptable to desire to be beautiful, but we must avoid any thoughts of surpassing others,” Huang Beishuang replied.
Ye Pei was silent for a moment, then hesitantly said, “Naxiu… there’s something I’m not sure if I should mention.”
Huang Beishuang smiled, “Go ahead. Once we enter the palace, we must be extremely careful with our words.”
“Naxiu… you were dreaming last night, weren’t you?” Ye Pei said.
“I don’t know. What happened?” Huang Beishuang asked.
“You were calling Master Qing’s name all night,” Ye Pei replied carefully, watching Huang Beishuang’s expression.
“Really? It seems my self-discipline is lacking,” Huang Beishuang responded casually, seemingly untroubled by this revelation. She laughed heartily, and seeing her openness, Ye Pei and the others no longer felt concerned.
What kind of feeling was it? In the dream, just calling out endlessly…
Huang Beishuang dared not think too deeply about it, fearing that if she explored it further, she might be overwhelmed by the urge to abandon everything and follow Qingyun to the ends of the earth. Such an impulse might be foolish; after all, she knew nothing about Qingyun.
Who was he? Where did he come from? Where was he going?
She knew nothing, although they had such a deep connection, they were equally strangers!
The majestic atmosphere of the imperial palace was like the moon and stars reflecting on a vast sea. In the Guanghan Hall, civil and military officials stood in solemn ranks on both sides. A luxurious red carpet ran up the steps to the center. On the golden throne sat King Na Zhan, dressed in royal robes, his presence commanding, his eyes bright, his brow exuding an indescribable royal pride and unmatched charisma.
Everyone watched with delight as the bride-to-be gracefully entered. Officials from various regions couldn’t hide their pride and praise. After all, in this wild desert, how many could receive tribute and seek alliances from various countries?
Only Yunpei!
The women bowed their heads in unison and knelt on the ground. Starting with Princess Yuqiang from Ma Sui, they were presented one by one according to their status.
“This humble one is Ge Yuqiang from Ma Sui. On behalf of my royal brother’s wish for friendship with Yunpei, I express sincere admiration and friendship to Your Majesty.”
Seeing Princess Yuqiang’s trembling voice and slightly pale face, it was clear that even someone from a great nation was intimidated by the imposing atmosphere. However, maintaining her dignity as a princess, she still bowed politely and spoke clearly. After she finished, her maids nervously stepped forward to present jewels and silver. While the mistress barely maintained her composure, the servants couldn’t, sweating profusely, afraid of making any mistake.
A consort beside the king laughed softly, whispering something to him. Na Zhan smiled and nodded slightly, then the consort spoke:
“I hear you’ve been quite comfortable at the ambassador’s residence, bullying quite a few people! Now that I see you, you’re not so domineering! Well, His Majesty has just agreed to keep you with me for a while. After the ceremony, you’ll come with me. You can serve His Majesty after you’ve familiarized yourself with the rules of Guanghan Palace.”
Yuqiang was shocked. She hadn’t expected that even with her status, she would be publicly humiliated. This was a clear warning – this wasn’t Ma Sui.
Yuqiang retreated to the side, her face unable to hide her embarrassment. The other brides felt secretly pleased, thinking she finally had a taste of being put in her place. They looked up at the consort who had spoken so sharply, only to find her stunningly beautiful and pitiable, sitting beside the king with grace and dignity. Sighing, their momentary joy faded. How many in the world could be so beautiful? The hope of becoming a royal consort seemed impossible.
Na Zhan, observing the mixed emotions on the faces of the kneeling beauties, was quite pleased. A man of his sophistication naturally only loved the most exquisite things, including people. Only those at the pinnacle were worthy of sharing his bed and his nights.
Next was Duchess Zhengfang from Guhe, who performed adequately. The following presenters were all intimidated, trembling as they kowtowed and offered gifts. It seemed that retreating safely had taken all their courage, and they stood to the side, breathing deeply. However, no one expected that the two figures who entered the hall last, led by Zhu Jun, would instantly electrify the atmosphere.
No one moved a muscle, even their raised eyebrows couldn’t lower for a long time. The four consorts beside the king looked shocked as if facing a great enemy…
Youjia from Zhenqu and Huang Beishuang from E’naqi, specially introduced, followed Zhu Jun with graceful steps.
One was coldly beautiful beyond compare, the other warmly radiant; one was of unparalleled elegance, the other of heavenly beauty.
Zhu Jun was extremely pleased with this effect.
Such supreme beauty surely deserved a contest, didn’t it? That would be worth seeing!
He had a premonition that one of these two women would rise to the top and become famous!
And this was just the beginning, the beginning of everything!