Chu Wang Fei

by Ning er

  This time, the smile on Emperor Yu Qian's face faltered a bit, but since Qi Jing Yuan and his people were present, he could only comment with, "Junzhu, you are indeed an expert of the qin! Too bad the tune was somehow unsuitable for this occasion."

  Since the Emperor Yu Qian was giving Hai Tian the respect, Hai wang immediately move to explain with a smile, "Your Majesty, just like what I have already said, these were merely the amusements that my daughter did to pass the time, it is still unsuitable for big occasions."

  Hai wang was trying to emphasize that Hai Tian was only a woman. Apparently, all her mistakes were caused by the activities she did in her own chambers, yet he had not said anything about Hai Tian's mistake of choosing this tune or how Hai Tian was perhaps using this tune to express her feelings towards a particular person.

  Emperor Yu Qian decided not to dig deeper into it. He only smiled at Hai wang, then allowed Hai Tian to return to her seat.

  At this moment, Qu Zhang Qing had long left the Imperial Palace and had been riding his horse from Fu Guo Gong Fu. Xiao Nie daifu, who had been in the middle of healing another person, was taken with him as they hurried without pause towards xiangfu.

  "Xiaojie, your cousin, the young master, has arrived." Yu Qian Meng had been eating dinner, when Mu Chun rushed in to report

  "Then bring my cousin to the reception pavilion." Although Qu Zhang Qing was Yun Qian Meng's cousin, a man and a woman were still different. Yun Qian Meng would not boldly invite him inside her inner rooms.

  At her words, Mu Chun immediately turned around and left as Yun Qian Meng had just set down the bowl and chopsticks. She suddenly had a bad premonition in her heart, following which she stood up, then walked towards the direction of the reception pavilion.

  "Cousin, Xiao Nie daifu." When came to the doorway of the reception pavilion, Qu Zhang Qing was gasping for breath as he pulled along Xiao Nie daifu.

  "How can we immediately induce sickness?" Qu Chang Qing had had doubts about Yun Qian Meng's cold. She had always been cautious so how could she not be careful this time?

  Now, she had a rosy complexion on her face and was full of vitality. They knew right away that this woman had deliberately avoided the feast and had used such methods to do so.

  "What is happening here?" going as far as to immediately get her sick, why would they need to do this right now?

  "His Majesty has summoned you to the Palace to play a musical instrument. The horse carriage is already on its way!" Qu Zhang Qing said.

  At Yun Qian Meng's healthy appearance, Xiao Nie daifu slightly shook his head and immediately laid down his medicine bag on the round table. He opened it then took out a dark green porcelain bottle from inside. He fished out a pill then handed it over to Yun Qian Meng, and explained, "This is a pill that can warm a person's body. After taking this, for twelve hours, your body would burn hot."

  Yun Qian Meng took the small pill that was the size of red bean, then suspiciously glanced at Xiao Nie daifu. She did not immediately put it inside her mouth, but asked, "What about after the twelve hours? Does it harm a person's body? Aside from this medicine, is there really no other way?" her eyes cunningly looked at Xiao Nie's daifu's medicine bag.

  Xiao Nie daifu immediately used both hands to cover the medicine bag when he saw Yun Qian Meng eyeing it before he said, "My lady, your complexion is too well, only a fever would be able to conceal it. Don't worry, this medicine will not bring harm to your body." He then quickly closed his medicine bag. He always felt that Yun Qian Meng's eyes were too dazzling that he felt the chilliness in his heart.

  Yun Qian Meng seemed slightly disappointed as she looked away. With the water Mu Chun had brought over, she drank the medicine and within a few moments, she felt her body burning, this feeling was indeed similar to having a fever.

  "Xiaojie, the Palace has sent people to come fetch you." By chance, a servant girl came to the doorway to report at that moment.

  Yun Qian Meng looked at Qu Zhang Qing, but he only said, "I will return to the Palace after I bring Xiao Nie daifu back to the Fu Guo Gong Fu. Those from Northern Qi really don't have any good intentions, you must be careful."

  Yun Qian Meng nodded and let Mu Chun bring over the gauze hat to put on. She went back to the inner room, grabbed a red pen that was used to touch up her lips, and placed it inside her sleeves. She then quickly put on a gray color cloak, and headed out of the gate.

  The palace eunuch who had come to fetch her did not talk to her much, and had only invited her to sit inside the horse carriage, before they hurriedly headed towards the Palace.

  The horse carriage shot like an arrow being shot out as it dashed forward at a lightning speed. Yun Qian Meng lifted the light muslin from her face, then asked Mu Chun to take out the small mirror that she carried. Taking out the red pen from her sleeve, she faced the mirror and did the makeup on her face.

  "Xiaojie, you are…" Seeing her xiaojie's face, Mu Chun wanted to laugh yet she could not, and could only restrain herself from laughing.

  Yun Qian Meng only calmly had Mu Chun take the mirror back, and she opened up the carriage's curtain. She quickly threw the red pen out, then immediately she fixed the light muslin and smoothed it down all in one movement. This made Mu Chun sincerely admire her more.

  The speed of the carriage was extremely fast, in only two quarters, they had already reached the doorway of the Palace where a soft palanquin had already been prepared for her. Supported by Mu Chun, Yun Qian Meng stepped down from the horse carriage weakly and sat inside the palanquin. The four eunuchs did not stop as they headed towards the direction of the Imperial Garden.

  "Your Majesty, Yun xiaojie has arrived." The Chief Eunuch had gotten word his subordinate, and immediately muttered in Emperor Yu Qian's ear.

  "Announce it." Emperor Yu Qian ordered after putting down his wine cup.

  "Yes. Allow Yun Qian Meng into the garden." That eunuch immediately shouted at the top of his lungs.

  All the gazes had immediately shifted towards the circular arched door, only to see Yun Qian Meng wearing a veil over her face, and a grey cloak draped over her body. Under the support of two palace maids, she walked staggeringly.

  "Chennu is here to see Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress." With the help of the two palace maids, Yun Qian Meng slowly knelt down on the ground and greeted those few people in honorable seats. Her voice was weak and powerless, she seemed to be extremely tired and weak that it made people feel sad upon hear her voice.

  Chapter 98: Part 1: Two Nations United by Matrimony, Asking for Leave to Marry | Chu Wang Fei

  Emperor Yu Qian first gave the palace maid by his side before a look and a slight nod, then he said ,"Yun xiaojie's body isn't well, quickly rise, come have a seat."

  As if she was in a furnace, Yun Qian Meng felt like she was burning from head to foot. Even the palace maid who was supporting her could feel the heat from her body through her clothes.

  When she heard Emperor Yu Qian's words, Yun Qian Meng knocked her head against the floor one more time before rising up weakly. She had not expected that the moment she rose, the world around her would start spinning, causing her to nearly tumble which worried quite a few people. Qu Fei Qing almost left her position to go help her.

  "Quickly help Yun xiaojie sit." When the Empress Dowager saw Yun Qian Meng about to lose her dignity in front of all these people, her expression suddenly sank so she had quickly ordered the two palace maids to get her seated.

  Yun Qian Meng was smiling beneath the gauze, mischievously holding her tongue. Still, she knitted her brows in consternation, who knew that Xiao Nie daifu would be so cruel as to give her such strong drugs. Luckily, she had taken good care of her body these past few months. If it were the old Yun Qian Meng, she would have not been able to resist the potency of this drug.

  Stiff from her illness she discontentedly sat down and felt from all around the feelings of friendliness, worry, envy, ridicule, along with a few other looks. But even in the grip of illnes
s and with her body so weak, Yun Qian Meng did not lose her unflustered and calm demeanor. The people who saw her face could not help but wonder how she could sit so calmly in her seat without the least bit of nerves and helplessness.

  "Yun xiaojie has only caught a mere cold, why is it necessary to hide your face? Isn't this showing disrespect to the envoys from Northern Qi?" She had just sat down when she heard Qi Jing Xuan asking severely. Separated as she was from view because of the gauze, Yun Qian Meng could still feel Qi Jing Xuan's fierce gaze directed at her.

  "Yun Qian Meng is sick and might defile the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and all the honored guests' eyes." The reply was weak and feeble, and came in between panting breaths. The sound of it was from someone who was obviously ill. This made Rong Yun He's expression become worried, the creases in between his brows became very evident as he shot Qi Jing Xuan a pointed look.

  "Since Yun xiaojie was invited to the Palace, everybody naturally does not care about such trifles. I still ask Yun xiaojie to show her face, so as not slight the honored guests." Even Qi Jing Han had spoke up. He had endured some hardship at Yun Qian Meng's hands so he naturally held resentment towards her.

  Other people did not know, but Qi Jing Han was fully aware that Yun Qian Meng practiced martial arts. He did not believe that a person like her could become so weak just from a simple cold so he would not back out until he saw her face.

  Qi Jing Han's words made Yun Qian Meng's lips behind the gauze screen curve into a sneer. She replied delicately and in a frail manner, "Tenth Prince's words aren't wrong, but the daughters of Western Chu care about their appearances. If one were to show a sickly face to other people, not only would it be disrespectful to the guests, it would also damage her own reputation. Tenth Prince is a respectable and honorable prince of the Northern Qi; naturally, you must understand the importance of reputation to a lady. You actually be thinking of damaging a person's reputation deliberately."

  Even though Yun Qian Meng's voice was weak her words were completely clear. Not only was she refusing Qi Jing Han's demands, she was also putting a dunce cap on his head.

  In that moment, the xiaojie who had been hostile towards Yun Qian Meng turned to look at Qi Jing Han with disdain instead.

  After all, if they let Yun Qian Meng show her sickly face, not only would Yun Qian Meng's reputation be ruined, even the other ladies of Western Chu might be looked upon with scorn. On ordinary days, they had their own disagreements, but when it came to their general interest they could be quite united.

  "Does the Tenth Prince really wish to look upon our ladies with such scorn? Even though we are physically weak, but we know well the saying that it is better to die than to be disgraced. His highness, the Crown Prince, came here sincerely. Eldest Prince and Tenth Prince are using any means to deliberately make things difficult for an ill and delicate lady here on my Western Chu. If word were to get out, wouldn't it make the other states laugh at us?" Qu Fei Qing had been holding Yun Qian Meng's hand under the table and immediately discovered the alarming temperature of her palm. She had immediately became very angry at Qi Jing Xuan and Qi Jing Han, and said these firm and angry words, making the people who had thought her meek look at her in a whole new light.

  "What is Qu xiaojie getting angry for? We have come from so far away, yet you still doubt our sincerity? From Qu xiaojie's words, could it be you are instigating disharmony between our two nations' relations?" at this moment, Qi Jing Yuan spoke lightly, but his tone carried the hint of a threat. Because of his words, the atmosphere was suddenly pervaded with a sense of hostility that even the frost of that autumn night seemed to freeze up, making people feel cold.

  "Crown Prince is really quite eloquent. But still, there is no glory in winning after arguing with these delicate women." Rong Yun He had spoken up with indifference. Everybody turned their eyes to the direction of the voice and saw this person who never used to speak up. Underneath the moonlight, one could see a look of cold detachment in his eyes.

  Even though Rong Yun He's current appearance was cold and heartless, the words he had just spoken left a good impression on the ladies present.

  "Oh? Rong gongzi had such a point of view? I greatly admire this protectiveness towards the fairer sex. But if Rong gongzi were to have this way of thinking in the battlefield, then I'm afraid he would have long lost his life. Which flower are you protecting?" Qi Jing Yuan sneered as he retorted, his hawk-like gaze had a cruel glint as it swept over all the young ladies in front of him. Everybody had lowered their heads as expected, a few with more courage did not lower their heads but their complexion still paled.

  "Doesn't Crown Prince know the saying 'reasoning follows a course, but to each his own specialization?' Crown Prince may be very proficient in military matters, but Rong gongzi is very knowledgeable in business and trade. Rong gongzi may not be as good as Crown Prince on the former, but Rong gongzi wins against Crown Prince on the latter. Moreover, Western Chu is currently enjoying peace and prosperity, the Emperor and Empress Dowager are empathizing with the citizens. Why would they rashly unleash the army and bring about a terrible situation that could shake the foundations of the country?" Yun Qian Men was fully aware that Rong Yun He usually did not interact with people. His eloquence could probably not be on par with the Crown Prince's, so she took advantage of the space between their breaths to reply casually.

  Only Qu Fei Qing knew that Yun Qian Meng spent all the strength in her body to deliver each word. The hand she held in her own had tensed into a fist, making Qu Fei Qing's heart ache.

  "Yun Qian Meng is still eloquent in her illness. It makes bengong doubt whether the sickness is real or fake." Qi Jing Yuan once again shot his eyes towards Yun Qian Meng, who remained with her back straight in her seat. Even though her face was covered by the veil, one could still feel the piercing gaze from her black eyes.

  Qi Jing Yuan's mouth curved up into a bloodthirsty smile. He was about to speak but Rong gui fei, with a smile on her face, suddenly said, "Emperor, let us all watch the singing and dancing. The singing and dancing had stopped and we were only left with idle chatter."

  After saying this, Rong gui fei turned to look at her younger brother but only saw that his expression was one that said he did not want to get involved. She sighed lightly but resumed her dignified expression and sat elegantly in her seat.

  Emperor Yu Qian looked at her flawless profile, then nodded towards the Chief Eunuch. Soon, music could be heard.

  The mood in the Imperial Garden then eased up. Various officials raised their cups for a toast and chatted with each other cheerfully.

  Yun Qian Meng slowly unclenched her fist and smiled at Qu Fei Qing, "Biaojie, I'm fine."

  Qu Fei Qing did not believe her and eyed the faintly red skin on the back of Yun Qian Meng's hand. She said with concern, "How can you be fine when your temperature is so hot? Those three from the Northern Qi are narrow-minded and petty. Previously, it was the three of them that breached the capital and murdered those people. Now, they are sitting there, satisfied with themselves as if their actions were justifiable, as if nothing had happened at all. They are really so shameful."

  Yun Qian Meng listened to the complaints of this da xiaojie of ancient times and could not help cracking a small smile. She replied in a calm manner, "Biaojie, there is no need to get riled up. Even though they bullied us weak women, we were still not taken advantage of. There are many important officials present, how could they let the Northern Qi be impudent to us?"

  Qu Fei Qin calmed down a little after hearing Yun Qian Meng's consolation. She placed her own swallow's nest in front of Yun Qian Meng and said with concern, "Have some of this swallow's nest. You can't drink wine while your body is in this condition. Taking care of the body is what is most important."

  Yun Qian Meng picked up the cup of swallow's nest soup and gently nodded.

  While the two of them were speaking, a commotion broke out on the women's side. Yun Qian Meng lifted her eyes to see a young lady in purple r
obes walking over to them.

  "An interesting show happened while you were not here earlier." Qu Fei Qing had naturally seen Qi Ling'er walking over and quickly explained to Yun Qian Meng in a soft voice, "She is the number one beauty in Northern Qi, Princess Qi Ling'er. After her dance earlier, she must now have all the men prostrating themselves beneath her pomegranate robes. It may have lead to Hai Tian, who performed afterwards, making some mistakes. Her performance of the <> was barely satisfactory that those princes form the Northern Qi even ridiculed her."

  When she heard this, Yun Qian Meng's black eyebrows slightly raised underneath her veil as her eyes looked at Qi Ling'er again. From the way she carried herself, one could tell that she was an Imperial Princess and was very well educated in matters of etiquette.

  Looking back at Qi Ling'er's figure and face, it was certainly accurate to call her a devastating beauty. Another look at Hai Tian revealed that she appeared to have some hidden indignation between her brows. It must be that good-looking girls would have this look when they encountered an even more beautiful girl.

  "Qi Ling'er greets Hai Tian junzhu. Junzhu's name has spread across the Northern Qi, acclaimed by all as a talented and beautiful lady. Ling'er pays respects to junzhu." After Qi Ling'er slowly made her way to Hai Tian, she spoke in a warm and raised the cup of wine in her hand at Hai Tian.

  These easy-going actions did not diminish Qi Ling'er's status in people's eyes. In fact, it made people feel that she was well educated, as it exhibited her dignity and manners even more.

  Hai Tian was naturally also quite skilled in matters of keeping up appearances.

  She held back the urge to reject Qi Ling'er's gesture and just smiled at her good-naturedly. When Qi Ling'er had reached the front of her table, Hai Tian stood up.

  When she heard Qi Ling'er compliment her, Hai Tian's lips curved into a breathtaking smile. In a calmer yet cold tone, she replied, "Princess praises too much. By following the herd and repeating what everybody says, no one would know how much truth there is in words. Only today did Hai Tian comprehend that the world is a big place. Princess' dance made Hai Tian feel ashamed, so how can I be praised by the Princess? I also raise my cup to you."