Jing Hengbo looked up, her eyes lighting up.
What a dashing figure.
Though dressed in a disheveled moon-white robe with wild black hair flying about, no matter how casual his appearance, it only served to highlight his naturally spirited brows and eyes. He had extremely bold eyebrows and slender eyes with particularly large, particularly dark pupils. The combination of brows and eyes created an unruly attitude, and when he laughed heartily, it reminded one of clouds racing swiftly before a storm. Or perhaps the wind that swept away starlight and moonbeams across the vast sky.
Looking carefully, this man’s features couldn’t be called absolutely beautiful, but he excelled in his distinctive elegance—the type that left an unforgettable impression at first sight.
Yelu Qi’s expression while looking at him held none of Jing Hengbo’s appreciation, saying coldly: “Ying Bai, hasn’t today’s wine killed you yet?”
Jing Hengbo’s brow twitched.
Ying Bai, Grand Commander of the Jade Shine Dragon Cavalry!
Long renowned, first time meeting.
Everyone in Di Ge knew that Grand Commander Ying Bai was Jade Shine’s spiritual leader, with status equivalent to Cheng Gumo of Kang Long, yet younger and more famous than Cheng Gumo. He was said to be from an aristocratic family, and after squandering the family fortune as a youth, he enlisted as a soldier, rising from common soldier all the way to commander. He was also one of Gong Yin’s right-hand men. However, this fellow didn’t love military power, only fine wine and beautiful women. After becoming Grand Commander, he lived leisurely, often claiming illness to avoid court, and everyone knew he was mostly off at brothels and taverns. Anyway, Gong Yin turned a blind eye, so others minded even less.
Jing Hengbo had heard legends of Ying Bai before. Jade Shine soldiers spoke of him with faces full of worship, calling him a “peerless idol who never loses at drinking contests and always has women throwing themselves at him.”
As the saying went: “Drinking all of Di Ge without changing color, sleeping through every brothel with red sleeves beckoning.”
She hadn’t expected to encounter this figure—who couldn’t even be found in Di Ge—here in Xiang Kingdom.
“Since State Preceptor Yelu isn’t dead, how dare Ying Bai die?” Ying Bai took a drink from the small wine flask that never left his side and laughed heartily. “At least I should capture the assassin before dying.”
“What assassin?” Yelu Qi smiled slightly. “Shall I help you catch them?” Before his words finished, his form flashed, and a streak of black light rolled straight toward Ying Bai’s chest.
Ying Bai retreated hastily. The black light paused, splitting in two with a whistling sound—now two streaks of black light targeting his upper and lower routes. Ying Bai performed an iron bridge flip to evade, but the black light paused again, splitting from two to four, shooting straight at all his vital points. Ying Bai had no choice but to retreat again, and in the blink of an eye was forced back three zhang.
“Yelu Qi, you must have been a woman in your past life—you love sneak attacks so much!” Ying Bai retreated further and further, drinking while shouting in midair: “Hey, miss, try my fish soup sometime! Ying Bai’s fish soup, famous throughout Di Ge, clear broth with beautiful flavor—the ladies of Di Ge fight over it…”
“Scoundrel!” Jing Hengbo cursed.
…
In the distance stood a sparse grove of trees.
Someone stood among the trees with hands behind his back, motionless, as if observing this bleak winter scenery.
A shadow flashed, and someone landed beside him, breathing steadily, smiling slightly.
“How was it?”
“Somewhat interesting.”
“I’m asking why you weren’t able to capture and bring him back.”
“Couldn’t win.”
A moment of silence.
“I say, Master…”
“Mm?”
“This chase you had me do today—did you want me to capture someone, or watch someone? Did you want me to capture him, or watch her?”
A moment of silence.
“Ying Bai.”
“Mm.”
“Look, it’s getting dark.”
…
On the way back, Yelu Qi handed Jing Hengbo an invitation.
Jing Hengbo looked it over. The gist was that the royal family was inviting Minister Bo of Yu Kingdom and his intended wife to attend tonight’s palace banquet for Princess Hewan’s betrothal.
“An identity Fei Luo prepared for you?”
“No, I didn’t use the identity she prepared. I found another way. I only told Fei Luo that when the time comes, we’d coordinate our actions by secret signal.”
Jing Hengbo nodded, feeling this was more appropriate. She had originally planned to infiltrate among Hewan’s palace maids, appear together with her, then act as the situation demanded. Since complications had arisen, she’d stick to the original plan.
She had no idea what Gong Yin had promised Hewan or what he planned to do. Jing Hengbo could only take things as they came. Regardless, Fei Luo could not be spared.
At the inn, she applied makeup and disguise even more carefully. Tonight’s occasion was too important—appearing before so many acquaintances, being recognized at a glance would spell trouble.
Er Gouzi bounced around nearby, occasionally tilting his head in puzzlement, not understanding how Da Bo had suddenly transformed into such a strange creature.
“Er Gouzi, am I beautiful?” Jing Hengbo smiled alluringly at Er Gouzi in the mirror.
Er Gouzi sighed deeply: “Stars hang over the vast plain, moon surges over the great river. When Da Bo turns her head, she scares the master’s cow to death.”
Jing Hengbo snapped her fingers. Feifei sauntered over and slapped the bird master to the ground.
Jing Hengbo kicked the tangled bird and beast into a corner for the Nth time to avoid blocking the way, then heard commotion outside the door. From the voices, she knew the Seven Kills had returned.
The comedic duo had sold themselves for a tour of Xiang Kingdom’s wealthy households. She wondered how their harvest had been.
But she didn’t need to ask—the comedic duo would eagerly show off their treasures.
Sure enough, voices arrived before people, chattering even noisier than Er Gouzi.
“Look at my collection!”
“See the treasures I gathered in one night!”
“What rubbish are you all carrying? Mine is the world’s unparalleled first treasure! Ta-da!”
Jing Hengbo walked to the door as a long, thin object flew toward her face, accompanied by the comedic duo’s excited cheers: “Bo Bo Bo Bo, this is for you!”
Jing Hengbo caught it and looked—a menstrual belt.
Looking at the large bundles the Seven Kills carried, besides gold, silver, and jewelry, there were: a large pack of bodices, a large pack of undergarments, a large pack of sachets, a large pack of rouge and powder, a large pack of embroidered shoes, a large pack of silk stockings… mostly women’s intimate items.
The brothers must have received warm hospitality in fragrant boudoirs last night, so their loot consisted entirely of women’s private bedroom items.
When the items were unpacked, rich powder scents wafted out. Various different fragrances mixed together, making the room’s air immediately suffocating.
Tian Qi’s eyes lit up as he pounced forward to rummage and select. Yelu Qi covered his nose and stood far away. Yi Qi laughed heartily, wanting to join the excitement, but seeing Jing Hengbo’s expression, immediately sat upright to one side, showing disdain for such activities.
Er Gouzi was bound by a menstrual belt, struggling weakly. Feifei had already jumped into the bodice pile, constantly burrowing deeper, only his fluffy tail visible.
“How about this one? Or that one? Oh, this one has nice colors!” The Seven Kills crouched in the pile of women’s clothes, helping Tian Qi pick and choose.
Jing Hengbo felt this world was truly fantastical.
“Pick later! Wait! Until! Later!” Jing Hengbo shouted loudly, everyone looking up in unison.
“Look at my face.” Jing Hengbo pointed at her nose, asking the Seven Kills: “Aren’t you even slightly surprised?”
Her face was already disguised. Why didn’t the Seven Kills show any strange expression upon seeing her?
“Yes, very surprised,” Si Si said. “Bo Bo, why did you make your makeup so ugly today?”
Jing Hengbo clutched her chest—really? Was it that obvious? Then why hadn’t anyone recognized her before? She looked pleadingly at Yelu Qi, who shook his head. He felt Jing Hengbo’s disguise techniques had a unique approach, different from contemporary disguise methods, and weren’t actually that easy to see through.
“We read auras,” the comedic duo laughed heartily, speaking in unison. “We don’t look at faces when identifying people, we look at auras. Master taught us methods of reading auras. Everyone’s aura is different. Even if you changed a hundred faces, we’d still recognize you.”
Jing Hengbo sighed in relief. Good, it wasn’t that her technique was lacking.
“Plus your eyes,” Shan Wu’s next words cruelly shattered her self-comfort. “Your eyes are different from others—naturally flowing with light like water, naturally charming. Staring into your eyes long enough, one can tell. Especially men.”
Jing Hengbo scratched her chin—so what to do?
“If you don’t believe it yourself, don’t expect others to believe it. To fool others, you must first fool yourself. Amitabha,” Wu Shan clasped his hands together.
The fake monk was well-versed in deception.
“For disguise and transformation,” Qi Yi, the most taciturn and serious among the comedic duo, suddenly spoke, “disguising as someone no one would expect is easiest to get away with.”
“Someone no one would expect?” Jing Hengbo cupped her chin, thinking hard.
“Leave it to us!” The Seven Kills burst into laughter, quickly running over to push her into a chair. Jing Hengbo tried to struggle—the comedic duo was too unreliable—but couldn’t overcome several people’s strength. She also thought the hour was still early, so she might as well see the results. Maybe there’d be a surprise.
Several people worked with many hands, afraid Jing Hengbo wouldn’t agree. Some fetched water, some wiped faces, some prepared tools, some applied clay—Yi Qi stood behind her, loosening her hair and casually combing it into a bun. After a short while, all seven said in unison: “Done!”
Jing Hengbo thought, how so fast? Turning to look in the mirror, she nearly overturned the table.
In the mirror was a man!
“Damn it, I knew you couldn’t do anything reliable!” She frantically tried to redo her hair, but the Seven Kills quickly blocked her.
“Change what? Isn’t disguising as a man good? If someone’s watching for people, their attention would definitely be on looking for female guests. Who would notice a man?”
Jing Hengbo stopped—yes, that’s right.
Looking in the mirror, hmm, this man looked quite convincing. Even the holes in her ears were sealed with flesh-colored clay. Though the Seven Kills were comedic, when it came to martial arts and various deceptive skills, few in this world could match them.
“The minister and his wife—I’m the minister, where’s the wife?” She tapped the table, turning around with a smile.
Her peripheral vision caught Yelu Qi, whose face immediately turned ashen.
“No way, you can’t pull off men’s clothing. Let’s stick to the original plan. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you,” Yelu Qi firmly objected.
He was unwilling, but someone else was willing.
“Ahahahaha he won’t do it, he won’t come so I will!”
“With your pockmarked face, when is it your turn? I’ll do it!”
“I’m naturally beautiful with skin you can blow and break, it must be me!”
“This is my wife, all of you get lost!”
…
“What skills do you think you have,” Jing Hengbo suddenly said coolly. “The Seven Kills’ principle has always been to make people uncomfortable, right? Whoever particularly doesn’t want to do something, you force them to do it—that shows skill.”
Seven people suddenly turned in unison, staring at Yelu Qi.
Yelu Qi, who had been standing by the door, felt his hair stand on end under their eerie gazes. He brushed his robe and said, “You discuss slowly,” quickly turning to leave.
“Catch him!” Yi Qi shouted.
Seven figures pounced wildly, dragging Yelu Qi back and pressing him onto a stool before the dressing table, subjecting him to an inhumane makeover activity, during which he endured countless symbolic struggles.
Half an hour later, Jing Hengbo, Zirui, and Yong Xue were laughing until their stomachs hurt in the courtyard.
“Really… really so gracefully… charming…” Jing Hengbo gasped for breath.
“When Young Master Yelu puts on makeup…” Zirui wiped away tears of laughter, “he’s still quite beautiful, just too tall…”
“He did it on purpose,” Yong Xue hit the nail on the head. “He deliberately let the Seven Kills catch him. He never intended to let anyone else play the part.”
Jing Hengbo stopped laughing, then burst out laughing after a moment.
“Look at our beautiful bride,” the Seven Kills noisily pushed someone out.
Jing Hengbo was stunned.
Who was this young woman gracefully leaning against the doorframe with lowered head?
Cloud-like hair and flower-like face, skin like snow, lowered thick black lashes like crow feathers, black hair gleaming in the brilliant afternoon sunlight, yet not matching the crystal brightness of her eyes, rippling like autumn water.
Her lips were tender red, exactly like the first peach of new spring, so delicately beautiful one couldn’t bear to pluck it.
Most importantly, she was “not yet fully grown, petite and exquisite”!
Jing Hengbo stood on tiptoes, counting the Seven Kills to see if it was Si Si in disguise.
“Bone shrinking technique,” the Seven Kills laughed heartily.
Jing Hengbo sighed in relief, taking the specialized folding fan Zirui offered for showing off, swaying as she approached. Amid the Seven Kills’ proud laughter, she gently lifted the chin of the beautiful Yelu.
“Young lady, beautiful as a flower, who would have thought you’d willingly marry down,” she teased.
The beautiful Yelu looked up. For an instant, light flowed in those eyes, seeming to carry deep meaning, then the corners of those lips also curved in a smile.
It was indeed like spring peach blossoms, quite moving.
“Because I wronged her before, now I’m willing to follow her to the ends of the earth,” he said softly with a smile.
Jing Hengbo’s hand paused.
For an instant, looking into those eyes, there was no smile in them—deep and profound, as if hiding countless thoughts.
She slowly raised her hand.
The snow-white wordless fan concealed their gazing eyes from each other.
Once riding high on horseback, seeing all the flowers of Di Ge, countless thoughts all turned to nothing, in the turning of hands laughing at how foolish the red dust world is.
Now starting over again, wholeheartedly cherishing, yet unable to distinguish truth from falsehood.
Only saying today, the snow is so heavy.
…
The Xiang Palace at nightfall lit up the entire palace with lanterns. Uniform deep red melon-shaped lanterns outlined the majestic silhouette of the royal city. From afar, it looked like a flame and crystal city rising from the black earth.
Two rows of tall trees at the palace gate were draped with colored silk. Under the illumination of a row of octagonal dragon and phoenix “double happiness” character gauze lanterns, they flowed with seven-colored light. The ground was also brilliant with five colors, like spread carpets.
Before the square, carriages flowed like water, fragrant sleeves and hair ornaments filled the space. Half the square was packed tightly, gathering every type of carriage visible in Chong’an, as well as most of the high officials and nobles of Chong’an and even Di Ge.
Except for a few with extremely noble status, most guests would dismount in the square and be guided by palace servants to attend the palace banquet at Yanxi Hall in the royal palace.
The Xiang Kingdom royal family’s betrothal ceremony was both elaborate and concise. Though they invited guests far and wide, the ritual itself wasn’t complicated. When the time came, Hewan, as the prospective bride, would first go pay respects at the royal ancestral shrine, then emerge from the inner palace. Before the guests from various nations, she and Yong Xi would seal their union on the golden register prepared by the Ministry of Rites, and the ceremony would be complete.
However, it was said that the rituals of the six nations and eight tribes of Dahuang each differed. The specific procedures would depend on Xiang Kingdom’s particular customs.
When Jing Hengbo and Yelu Qi alighted from their carriage and presented their invitation, they heard the ceremonial officer announce loudly: “Minister Bo of Yu Kingdom and his wife have arrived—”
Immediately palace servants came forward to receive them, naturally approaching Jing Hengbo and bowing: “Minister, please.” Another young palace maid came forward to support “Lady” Yelu.
Jing Hengbo covered her mouth with her sleeve, coughing twice to suppress the laughter about to burst forth.
“Lady” Yelu timidly leaned on her shoulder, pinching her arm: “Manly bearing, manly bearing!”
Jing Hengbo cleared her throat and straightened.
Did she need to learn manly bearing? No need—just recall Taishi Lan’s expressions and posture.
Even though Jing Hengbo considered herself and Taishi Lan mortal enemies, she had to admit that no one in this world could play a man better than Taishi Lan. This wasn’t to say her behavior was coarsely masculine. Rather, she was naturally upright in posture, unrestrained and graceful in conduct, with a kind of dashing bearing that even men couldn’t match. Sometimes watching her, you clearly knew she was a woman, yet were always somehow confused, feeling she would be quite suitable as a man who could traverse the world.
Learning Taishi Lan’s expressions and bearing naturally made one feel heroic spirit rising in one’s chest. Jing Hengbo suddenly felt a bit dazed—what was Taishi Lan doing now? What were the other two doing? They probably couldn’t imagine that the most feminine one was now playing a man, while the laziest one was now struggling the hardest.
She raised her hand to touch her heart, a composed smile at the corner of her lips—it was said that people who were together had their fortunes transfer between them. Since she was so miserable, it should exchange for smooth sailing and safe passage for those three. This calculation made it worthwhile. Of course, when they met again, she’d definitely demand compensation for her hardships from them, especially double from Taishi Lan—Taishi Lan was so thick-skinned and tough, she should suffer the most, while she was so delicate and precious, she should enjoy the most comfort. Since she couldn’t enjoy comfort but was suffering on Taishi Lan’s behalf, naturally Taishi Lan should pay double compensation.
But if she suffered while those three didn’t have good days either, she’d definitely smash this thieving Heaven!
Yelu Qi turned to look at her current smile, slightly stunned.
These past days, she laughed as usual—hearty laughs, small smiles, mischievous grins, even shameless smirks. Everything seemed unchanged, but anyone with eyes could see the detachment and carelessness behind her smiles.
As if such smiles were just smiles, containing little real joy, even seeming as cool as tonight’s wind.
Yet her smile at this moment wasn’t exaggerated in arc, just a shallow trace, but he rarely saw her smile with such meaning—gentle, pure, peaceful, nostalgic, with the most lingering starlight flickering in her eyes.
For whom was she smiling?
Who could make her smile now like a lotus in the wind?
Who was she thinking of at this moment?
…
The position of Minister wasn’t particularly important—essentially an advisory official to the ruler, so among the cloud of nobles and dignitaries, it was truly unremarkable.
Jing Hengbo had been somewhat worried, but seeing the dark masses of people, she immediately felt relieved. In such occasions, being noticed was difficult; not being noticed was simple. For instance, she knew Fei Luo and some Di Ge dignitaries would come, but she still hadn’t spotted them.
With so many people, even the largest Yanxi Hall in the royal palace couldn’t accommodate the full display. Officials of third rank and below all sat outdoors in the courtyard, where colorful pavilions had been erected early.
The Minister position had rank but no real power, so Jing Hengbo and Yelu Qi were seated inside the hall, though near the entrance. This position satisfied her greatly—she could observe the situation inside the hall closely and could run quickly if necessary.
Looking up, Jing Hengbo saw masses of dark heads. Looking down, she saw even more masses of dark heads.
Between the two large clusters of dark heads was a pool filled with light brown substance that resembled both soil and liquid, emitting a faint fragrance. In the very center of the pool stood a golden table with golden registers. Judging by how deep the table legs were buried in the pool, the mud inside was probably nearly up to her shin.
What did this mean? She knew the golden table and registers were for the engaged couple to seal their union later, but did they have to wade through this muddy mess? How could they maintain any dignity trudging through that?
“This is a Xiang Kingdom custom. The newlywed couple must traverse the fragrant marsh together before they can seal their union. The origin relates to a legend,” Yelu Qi poured wine for her beside her, speaking methodically in her ear. “The first ruler of Xiang Kingdom was the foremost female general beside the founding empress, renowned for her courage and decisiveness. Her famous battle was when the founding empress was besieged by enemy forces at Black Water Marsh and needed someone to cross the marsh to deliver a message. Black Water Marsh was called the domain of hell, the most treacherous marsh in Dahuang. Birds wouldn’t fly over it, fierce beasts wouldn’t approach it, countless white bones covered the marsh surface, and merely the smell emanating from Black Water Marsh could quickly kill the weak. At that time, among all the empress’s generals, none dared respond. This female general stepped forward alone, crossing Black Water Marsh by herself to deliver the crucial message. When she crossed Black Water Marsh, both her legs were completely destroyed—she crawled to deliver the message.”
“I see,” Jing Hengbo said thoughtfully. “Lifelong disability in exchange for a kingdom—fair enough.”
“You have the same grand spirit as the founding empress,” Yelu Qi looked at her strangely. “Back then, how many people criticized the founding empress’s decision to enfeoff the six nations and eight tribes, considering it a foolish act that artificially divided and weakened the royal power of Dahuang. They only dared complain in their hearts due to the empress’s incomparable immense prestige.”
Jing Hengbo raised an eyebrow, thinking it was because they hadn’t seen the Imperial Map silk book.
“So later, the Xiang Kingdom royal family added this custom. Future couples cross the swamp together to show they don’t forget their predecessors, advance hand in hand, weather storms together, and overcome all difficulties in life’s journey,” Yelu Qi narrowed his eyes, looking at that miniature fragrant marsh. “Later, Hewan and Yong Xizheng will put on knee-high iron boots and walk toward each other across this swamp to reach the golden table. If I’m not mistaken, this swamp is where Fei Luo will make her move.”
“How do you coordinate with Fei Luo? How can she confirm you’ll help?”
Yelu Qi chuckled softly.
“Why are you laughing so mischievously?” Jing Hengbo had a bad feeling.
Yelu Qi adjusted a pink tassel hairpin at his temple, saying with a smile: “Fei Luo and I agreed that when she sees an official who, greedy for the palace banquet’s fine wine, accidentally knocks off his wife’s golden hairpin after getting slightly drunk, she’ll know I’ve arrived.”
Jing Hengbo was stunned. After thinking it over, she began chuckling darkly, secretly rubbing her fingers together.
This fellow Yelu Qi originally wanted to take advantage of her, but now he’d really hit his own foot with the stone!
“Husband, please drink a cup of this palace banquet’s fine wine…” Yelu Qi held up a wine cup with both hands, slightly tilting his head to show a faint blush at the corner of his eyes. His eyes naturally had beautiful curves, and when he cast flirtatious glances, it was like intoxicated peach blossoms—even fine wine couldn’t match the intoxication of his smile.
The men at neighboring tables all secretly cast their gazes over, amazed by this “minister’s wife’s” beauty.
Jing Hengbo spoke in a rough, loud voice: “How is this small cup enough? Your husband will drink by himself!” She pushed him forcefully.
Yelu Qi’s body tilted, delicately supporting himself on the table. His cloud-like hair trembled gently, but the hairpin on his head didn’t fall.
All the surrounding officials condemned Jing Hengbo with their eyes—such a delicate beauty, and you’re so rough with her!
Jing Hengbo silently cursed that Yelu Qi had really secured that hairpin tightly, forcing her to get close to pull it off!
“Husband…” Yelu Qi covered his face with his sleeve, looking infinitely wronged as he leaned close again. Under his sleeve, he quietly smiled: “Master Jing, it’s not like I’m asking you to deflower someone—why be so coy?”
“Exactly,” Jing Hengbo fake-smiled, wrapping her arm around Yelu Qi’s neck and shoulder, laughing: “Wife, your hairpin is crooked.” While the arm around Yelu Qi’s neck exerted force, strangling him desperately, her other hand prepared to deliberately tilt her wine cup to knock the hairpin askew.
Suddenly, silence fell outside, followed by a long announcement.
“The State Preceptor arrives—the Ruler arrives—”
Jing Hengbo was stunned.
The wine cup in her hand involuntarily flipped, splashing a full cup of wine all over Yelu Qi’s hair…
Turning her head, she saw that somehow, Gong Yin and the Xiang Kingdom ruler’s palanquins had already arrived before the hall entrance, and the courtyard was already dark with kneeling figures.
The man on the golden twin-dragon palanquin wore snow-white robes and a jade crown, his indifferent gaze like a wisp of cold smoke and cloud, shrouding the entire great hall, leaving everyone silent in awe.
Everyone in the great hall reacted quickly, immediately turning to kneel.
So only Jing Hengbo’s pair remained in their bizarre pose.
The gazes of Gong Yin and the Xiang Kingdom ruler naturally fell on that pair of young official couple at the hall entrance.
They seemed to be playfully forcing wine on each other, the man embracing the woman’s neck and shoulder, bringing a wine cup close. Their posture was intimate, unashamed before others.
Gong Yin’s gaze only glanced lightly before turning away, looking at the light yellow mud in the fragrant marsh pool, as if finding that mud more appealing.
The Xiang Kingdom ruler’s expression wasn’t pleased, frowning as he asked the palace attendant beside him: “Who are these people?”
The attendant immediately checked the guest list and reported they were the minister and his wife from Yu Kingdom.
Hearing they were merely officials with ceremonial titles, the ruler immediately sneered: “As officials of Yu Kingdom, behaving so wantonly and improperly in this solemn and magnificent place—don’t they shame my grand banquet? Throw them out immediately!”
“Wait.”
The ruler turned to Gong Yin in surprise: “State Preceptor…”
“Tonight is the ruler’s joyous banquet. Why stir up anger before the feast even begins? It would spoil the festive atmosphere,” Gong Yin said calmly. “Young people lack restraint and act frivolously. A reprimand later will suffice.”
The queen also laughed and persuaded from the side: “Young people will make mistakes. After all, doesn’t it show they love our palace wine’s mellow fragrance?”
“The State Preceptor is magnanimous. How dare I not comply?” The ruler smiled and waved his hand, signaling the approaching guards to retreat.
People on all sides watched this little episode, exchanging meaningful glances.
Recent rumors suggested that although the Mingcheng Queen had returned, she probably couldn’t remain a puppet for long. State Preceptor Gong Yin was secretly replacing court officials, and by that momentum, he was likely preparing to seize the imperial throne.
If he ascended, he would be the first male emperor in Dahuang’s history.
Xiang Kingdom was closest to Di Ge and most knowledgeable about the secret political situation. Their actions could be called the weathervane for all nations and tribes. For instance, today’s etiquette toward the State Preceptor was quite meaningful. Theoretically, the State Preceptor and ruler were equals in Dahuang, but the Xiang ruler greeted him at the palace gates, followed in the palanquin procession, and showed such respectful attitude—the deep implications didn’t need explanation.
Therefore, everyone knelt even more respectfully, bowing lower.
This made Jing Hengbo’s pair even more conspicuous.
Yelu Qi actually didn’t mind and had prepared to kneel, but being forcefully embraced by Jing Hengbo, he momentarily felt her strength was quite good and wouldn’t mind if she used even more force.
Jing Hengbo had also prepared mentally, but when she inadvertently turned back and made direct eye contact with that person, this was the first time since the incident that she had direct close-range eye contact with him. For an instant, she felt his gaze was cold as ice and deep as an abyss, seeming to hide infinite dark secrets, making one want to be drawn in, and she couldn’t help being startled.
She had never seen such a gaze from him in her memory.
But then she couldn’t help mocking herself inwardly—there were many things she’d never seen. After that incident, everything should naturally be different.
What she saw now was the truth, wasn’t it?
Startled awake, seeing the strange gazes around her, she immediately pushed Yelu Qi away and prostrated behind the table.
She felt no humiliation. The greatest humiliation was being completely unknowingly deceived, being helplessly oppressed. Once she had vision in her heart, doing anything was just process.
When Yelu Qi was pushed, his cloud-like hair really became disheveled this time, and with a “pop,” tassels fell and rolled onto the central carpet.
It wasn’t convenient to pick them up now—they’d already attracted enough attention. Going forward would be seeking death. Both pretended not to see and lowered their heads.
In the silence, Jing Hengbo glimpsed the corner of Gong Yin’s snow-white robe slowly passing before her eyes without stopping.
She exhaled a long breath inwardly, silently praising the Seven Kills’ exquisite disguise technique.
After that snow-white hem passed like smoke and cloud, Jing Hengbo’s gaze swept over the empty carpet and suddenly felt something was wrong.
Where was the tassel hairpin that had just rolled onto the carpet?
Stepped on? Why was there no sound?
Then she saw faint pink and pale gold smoke rising from beneath Gong Yin’s floor-length robe hem.
Jing Hengbo stared blankly as everyone’s footsteps passed, and the tassel hairpin had disappeared.
Had Gong Yin crushed the hairpin to dust with one step?
Her heart suddenly felt ice-cold.
Was it coincidence, or…
…
Fortunately, though the hairpin’s disappearance was somewhat horrifying, Gong Yin showed no other abnormalities afterward. He and the Xiang Kingdom ruler and his wife sat in the hall, exchanging customary congratulations and toasts, honoring the ruler and his wife, toasting the guests above and below. Everyone rose to respectfully receive the honor. After completing all the rituals from beginning to end, he never glanced toward Jing Hengbo once. In fact, he could hardly see them anyway—they were too far apart.
This time Jing Hengbo spotted Fei Luo. As Xiang Kingdom’s female chancellor, she sat in front. Jing Hengbo was wondering how she could convey messages when she suddenly felt someone tap her shoulder. She turned to look but suddenly noticed an extra chopstick on her knee.
Picking up the chopstick for closer examination, it had tiny dense characters on it, but she couldn’t read them. Yelu Qi suddenly leaned over, whispering in her ear: “There’s a mechanism in the fragrant marsh pool. Make Ji Yifan move three steps to the right.”
“What does that mean?” Jing Hengbo heard but didn’t understand.
“I don’t quite understand either,” Yelu Qi pondered in her ear. “Fei Luo couldn’t possibly tell us the complete plan. We can only take it step by step and act as the situation demands.”
He was very much in character, leaning against Jing Hengbo as he spoke, his profile pose charming, silk sleeves softly brushing against Jing Hengbo’s knees. Some surrounding officials glanced over with the corners of their eyes, all enviously huffing inwardly, cursing this couple for being too affectionate, this little wife for being too clingy, this husband for being too blessed without knowing it.
Jing Hengbo’s mind was full of Fei Luo’s conspiracies and schemes. How could she pay attention to someone’s “countless charms and orchid-scented breath”?
Above, the Xiang Kingdom ruler saw this and smiled to Gong Yin: “No wonder young people don’t know self-respect. That young wife must come from humble origins—quite charming and indulgent.” His gaze lingered rather greedily on Yelu Qi.
Gong Yin only lowered his head to drink, saying calmly: “This person seems to have body odor.”
“Ah,” the Xiang ruler widened his eyes, quite gossipy: “If so, that husband has rather special tastes! Look how those two snuggle together so intimately—he doesn’t mind the smell.”
Gong Yin took another sip of wine, not even lifting his eyes: “Probably can’t be choosy when desperate.”
…
After a while, Jing Hengbo saw commotion in the front hall, then saw Yong Xizheng in red brocade step forward and prostrate on the ground. From the rear hall, Hewan was slowly escorted out by female officials and noble ladies, wearing ceremonial robes with double ornaments, nine gold hairpins with purple tassels, a crown with hanging pearl face veil. The pearls glowed softly, revealing her young, beautiful face behind them.
Jing Hengbo had originally wondered if it would be like on TV with phoenix crown and bridal veil covering the face, so maybe Hewan could melodramatically have a maid impersonate her and find a way to elope with Ji Yifan. Seeing Hewan emerge with such an entourage and attire, she realized she’d thought too simply. Royal weddings had at least fifty to a hundred attendants, and the clothing and crown system had special regulations. It wasn’t something anyone could run from or impersonate at will.
Yong Xizheng and Hewan prostrated before Gong Yin and the Xiang ruler, paying respects according to ritual, each receiving encouraging and blessing words. Gong Yin remained calm throughout, placing a pair of jade ruyi on the tray presented by palace servants to indicate his gift, then raised his hand to signal them to rise. The gifts from the Xiang ruler and queen were unusual.
The ruler gave a short sword, the queen gave a scabbard. However, the short sword had no sharpened edge and posed no harm.
Yelu Qi whispered in her ear: “This imitates the first-generation ruler crossing Black Water Marsh to deliver a message. What the first-generation ruler delivered to the other shore was the founding empress’s personal short golden sword. This Xiang Kingdom ritual generally means that from now on, the couple shares one heart, like sword entering scabbard, working together against the outside world, their sharpness cutting through metal.”
After Yong Xizheng and Hewan rose, they walked toward the hall exit. Behind them followed Ji Yifan and a young woman, separately carrying the sword and scabbard. Ji Yifan carried the sword, the young noble woman carried the scabbard.
“I see,” Yelu Qi suddenly understood, quietly saying: “Ji Yifan’s role is as Yong Xizheng’s groomsman. He’ll hand over the sword later. Yong Xizheng holds the sword, Hewan holds the scabbard. The two put on iron shoes at the marsh edge, walk toward each other, and at the golden table’s center, insert sword into scabbard, repeating what the first-generation ruler did. Only then is the complete ritual finished. This is the true sealing ceremony.”
“Good thing the sword isn’t on Hewan’s side,” Jing Hengbo murmured. “Otherwise I’d fear she’d simply stab her fiancé to death…”
“There’s a mechanism in the fragrant marsh mud pool. Ji Yifan should have a fixed position later, and the mechanism definitely needs a position change to be triggered. What Fei Luo wants us to do is force Ji Yifan to change positions.”
“We’re separated from those below by steps and a short distance, with people above and below. How can we force him to change positions under everyone’s gaze?”
“Otherwise why would Fei Luo need us? It’s because acting is easy, but with so many watching, acting under everyone’s gaze is easily discovered. She’s determined to hide behind the crowd and clear herself,” Yelu Qi smiled. “But this actually isn’t difficult for you. Just manipulate some object to hit Ji Yifan’s head, and he’ll move. It’ll also avenge him pushing you off the roof.”
“You’re trying to get me killed, so hurry up!” Jing Hengbo glared at him, casually stuffing a pig’s trotter into his mouth, smiling: “Talking so much, how tiring. Eat some meat to moisten your throat, ah?”
The pig’s trotter on the table was decorative food, pale white with unplucked hairs, reeking with a fishy smell. Jing Hengbo enjoyed watching Yelu Qi’s expression of wanting to vomit, feeling greatly refreshed.
Just as she put down her chopsticks, she suddenly felt a prickly sensation on her back, as if some gaze was staring intently at her. She turned her head slightly, using peripheral vision to observe Fei Luo and the Di Ge important officials’ area—nothing unusual.
As she withdrew her gaze, she casually glanced at the hall above. Gong Yin seemed to be conversing with the Xiang ruler.
Her gaze almost blankly swept past his robe hem, landing heavily on the vermillion hall pillar.
She shouldn’t look. She needed to wash her eyes.
Using mental control to manipulate objects to hit Ji Yifan and force him to change positions was unfeasible—it would tell countless people present that she was Jing Hengbo. At minimum, Gong Yin and Fei Luo would definitely discover her.
Jing Hengbo was contemplating methods when she suddenly heard a female voice softly exclaim “Ah!” followed by quiet commotion.
Turning, she discovered the young noble woman following behind Hewan had suddenly fallen to the ground, apparently tripped by something.
Jing Hengbo had sharp eyes and vaguely saw a pink pearl near the woman’s shoe, seemingly from the tassel hairpin that had been at Yelu Qi’s temple earlier.
But hadn’t the hairpin already been crushed to ash by Gong Yin? Where did this pearl come from?
Jing Hengbo was certain that after Gong Yin passed, she had watched the red carpet, and the hairpin had completely disappeared after he walked over—nothing remained on the red carpet.
Only one possibility remained: some pearl had already rolled aside earlier, but to fall, it would have fallen into the gap between the red carpet and white stone floor, thus escaping Gong Yin’s vicious stomp.
But having already rolled to the side, how could it suddenly roll out now and trip that young woman?
Jing Hengbo stared at that pearl, her hair slowly standing on end. She suddenly had an eerie feeling that something was wrong, but couldn’t identify what exactly was wrong.
When the young woman fell, she couldn’t get up immediately. Seeing this, Hewan immediately turned back to help her.
Of course, she didn’t need to help personally—there were plenty of palace maids following behind, all rushing forward to assist the fallen woman. A large group of palace maids bent down, their spread skirts concealing the ground and the tray the young woman had dropped.
Jing Hengbo again felt that eerie sensation. She strained to lean forward, trying to see the situation clearly, but there were too many people creating too much chaos. All she could see were overlapping legs and skirts.
Moments later, the young woman was helped up, but appeared to be in pain and seemed unable to walk.
Someone reported the situation above, and the Xiang ruler frowned. These male and female attendants were specially selected Xiang Kingdom noble youth, generally chosen for their noble birth as unmarried, pure young women to symbolize good fortune. Now that something had happened to one, whom could they find as a temporary replacement?
Gong Yin sat high in the place of honor, his thick black lashes slightly lowered, like a deity in the clouds, indifferent to worldly troubles. But he suddenly spoke: “Since the female attendant cannot perform the ceremony, then find a replacement. Choose the woman with the most noble status present to substitute.”