Chasing Rainbows

Chapter 5

At first, I went to his Wentao Pavilion, but later it gradually became him coming to my Jihong Pavilion.

It was clearly unsuitable for him to continue as the shadow guard commander of the Prince Huaiyi's mansion. Qi Long suggested that Yi Ge be put in charge of the security of the princess's residence. "My princess's residence doesn't have many people, and I have martial arts skills myself, so what's there to worry about?" Yi Ge himself said that he could recruit shadow guards for the princess's residence, and I had no objection. Let them recruit; perhaps they'll come in handy someday.

Yuan Ge appointed Yi Ge as the Right General of the Thousand Oxen Guard, ostensibly as the Emperor's personal bodyguard, but in reality, it was a sinecure. However, he was still required to report for duty and attend to social engagements, sometimes not even having dinner at the residence. But when he wasn't home, he always sent a message back through someone else.

Life went much as I had imagined. We addressed each other as "Princess" and "Prince Consort," treating each other with the utmost respect, much like any other official's family. Yi Ge wasn't exactly a taciturn person; once we got to know each other better, he would tell me some amusing stories from his shifts. However, he rarely showed any emotion on his face; even if his words made me laugh, he himself remained completely expressionless.

But I felt a pang of resentment. To be honest, my main job was to take care of the prince consort's daily needs, but did the princess's residence lack anyone to look after him? His courtyard had maids and servants; he had people to look after him. He even had a personal servant, whom he chose himself. So, besides practicing martial arts, I was still doing nothing. Life was peaceful, but was this the life I wanted?

I'm really looking forward to the martial arts tournament, which is supposed to be in early November. I originally planned to set off in mid-October, but now that the days seem so boring, I can't help but think about leaving earlier.

Before I could even speak, Yi Ge said that the Emperor had ordered him to go with Prince Huaiyi to inspect the borders of the Northern Di and Western Yi tribes. Although he was a general, he was ultimately just an inner guard and didn't seem to have anything to do with this matter.

I asked Qi Long, and apparently it was he who suggested bringing Yi Ge along, because he valued Yi Ge's intelligence gathering and analysis abilities. That makes sense; he's a secret guard, after all, good at those things.

The Western Yi have been quite restless lately, frequently using unclear borders as an excuse to cause disturbances. This is understandable, as autumn is approaching again, and as nomadic tribes, they need to store winter food. They are not good at farming, so they can only plunder here and there. It is estimated that Yunyang will also be disturbed by them, but this year it seems to be more frequent and serious.

I asked Qi Long, "Why did Brother Yuan send you?" Although Kun's father had taught him a lot in this regard, he still had no practical experience.

Qi Long said, "Grandpa was also a general who led troops into battle. I'm just following in his footsteps. Besides, don't underestimate your brother."

I said, I didn't underestimate it, I was just worried. It's normal for me to be worried, just like when you first came down the mountain to venture into the world alone.

Qi Long nodded and said, "Aren't you worried about Yi Ge?"

I said, why should I worry about him? And what is there for him to worry about?

Qi Long leaned closer and said, "You two aren't really being cold and distant, are you? He's still your husband, after all."

I said "Oh," and then added, "I just didn't expect that. We're fine, pretty normal. He's not too boring either, maybe we can become friends in the future."

Qi Long said, "Let's take it slow, just like Mother said, but you really shouldn't make Mother worry."

I think so too, but given how things have developed, it seems that it's not as simple as me deciding how things will turn out.

As the respectful husband of the princess, I saw my brother and husband off at the Ten-Mile Pavilion. Only then did I learn that several officers from the Shence Army were also going with them, including the newly appointed martial arts champion.

Autumn winds rise, leaves fall in golden hues, and the trees in the north will be bare in a decade, while the south is experiencing its most beautiful season. I begin to pack my things; they are heading north, but I am heading south.

I greeted Brother Yuan. Brother Yuan said, "Wu Bao, are you leaving again? I was thinking that now that you're married, you should settle down."

I said, "I've only been there once before. Besides, I've always wanted to find a good knife for my brother, and I've never been to a martial arts tournament before, so I'll just go and join in the fun."

Yuan Ge then said, "Why look for a sword? The Ying Ri sword that my aunt gave me is a peerless sword, isn't it? I don't use it much these days, so I might as well give it to Long'er and return it to its rightful owner."

I shook my head vigorously: "What Mother gives you is yours. Even if you give it to me, Brother won't take it."

Yuan Ge thought for a moment and said, "You love excitement, so you can go to the martial arts tournament, but you can't go alone. You should at least take Chunman and Eunuch Jing with you. Although Chunman only knows a little about martial arts, Eunuch Jing is a first-class expert. I'll feel more at ease if someone looks after you."

How could I travel comfortably with these two by my side? I quickly declined, saying, "That won't do, will it? Then there would be no one in the manor to take care of me?"

He replied, "Isn't it just routine sweeping? Even if Eunuch Li weren't here, he would still be meticulous."

Seeing that he was acting as if he wouldn't let me leave without someone else, I had no choice but to agree.

My plan is to go to Dragon City first, ask Baiyantang about the Ghost Palace, and then find out some news about the martial arts tournament, so that things will be easier for me to do.

October had barely begun, and the leaves in the trees of the capital city had already mostly fallen. Eunuch Jing drove the carriage, carrying Chunman and me, and we set off on the road south.

Chunman packed her things as if she were moving house. If it were me, it would just be a few clothes, some silver notes, and Jiying. So, while she was tidying me up, she took things out and said to her, "We're heading south." She retorted, "South? It'll be winter in the south, won't it? Princess, you should take this fox fur coat, shouldn't you?" This was a gift from who-knows-who—a pure white fox fur without a single stray hair. I sighed. Is there really such a glamorous heroine traveling the world?

With a good horse and a good carriage, the journey was naturally fast, and in just seven or eight days, the shadow of Longcheng came into view. I recalled that last spring I traveled east to Longcheng alone, wandering aimlessly, and by the time I arrived in Longcheng it was already summer. At that time, I was alone when I came down from Xuefeng Mountain, but when I arrived in Longcheng, Bai Yifei accompanied me.

When we arrived at Baiyan Hall, Shen Yimei had already returned to Nanfeng Fort. Shen Ershu, Shen Ershu, Shen Yisang, and Shen Ershu were all there. Shen Ershu smiled and said, "Wu'er, you've traveled quite fast. You only received your letter a few days ago." Although Yisang was smiling, there was a hint of loneliness in her eyes. I smiled and greeted him, but he ignored me and pretended not to notice.

Uncle Shen laughed and said, "Why didn't you bring your new son-in-law to meet us?"

I replied, "He is an official of the court. He went to the border with his brother. I couldn't stay still, so I came out for a walk."

I inquired about the Rainbow Chasing Blade and the Ghost Palace from them.

Uncle Shen and Second Uncle Shen consulted the family records and told me that the Ghost Palace was once the infamous Southern Evil Palace, on par with the Northern Evil Palace and the Si Evil Palace. It was founded forty years ago and destroyed twenty years ago. Although the Ghost Palace was located in Lingnan, its master was said to be from Nandan, and his behavior was eccentric. Because he practiced Nandan witchcraft, his actions were out of step with the Yunyang martial arts world, drawing attention from others. Ultimately, he incurred public wrath for using fresh human blood to feed his Gu poison, and was destroyed by the righteous forces of the Yunyang martial arts world twenty years ago. The martial arts alliance leader at the time was Chang Fang, the master of White Horse Manor, and the four great martial arts families and seven major sects all participated in the event.

"Taking blood to feed the Gu poison is a very common practice among the witch families of Lingnan, isn't it? Why would it provoke such public outrage?"

Uncle Shen said, "The Blood Jade Technique of the Ghost Palace involves feeding the Blood Jade with fresh blood, which is their Gu King, and then using the Gu King to practice. The Blood Jade needs living blood, so the Ghost Palace needs people to provide living blood. When they don't have enough, they kidnap people. Of course, people with internal energy are more suitable for nourishing the Blood Jade. Therefore, they sometimes attack martial arts practitioners, but they do so quite secretly. As a result, once they captured people from the Xiping Prisoner Phoenix Manor. Since the Prisoner Phoenix Manor and the Nanfeng Fortress are related by marriage, this matter was exposed, which led to a martial arts siege. It is said that at that time, the Ghost Palace Master had reached a bottleneck in practicing the Blood Jade Technique and lost half of his martial arts. After killing the Prisoner Phoenix Manor Master and the leader of the Azure Dragon Gang, knowing that he was no match for the powerful forces, he burned himself to death. The Holy Maiden of the Palace disappeared for some reason, three of the four protectors died in battle, and one was seriously injured and disappeared. The Ghost Palace in Lingnan was burned to the ground."

I nodded; the Ghost Palace had only itself to blame for this. "And what about Zhu Hong?"

Uncle Shen continued, "It is said that Zhu Hong was a famous artifact from the previous dynasty, which was given to Nan Dan as a gift. Later, for some unknown reason, it was bestowed by the King of Nan Dan to his most favored eunuch. After that eunuch died, Zhu Hong's whereabouts became unknown. There are rumors that it is in the Ghost Palace. However, when the Ghost Palace was destroyed, due to the fire, the righteous martial arts sects of Yunyang did not obtain anything. So the truth of this matter is unknown."

I'm not sure, and I'm a little disappointed.

But Uncle Shen said, "Since the beginning of this year, someone has spread rumors that although the Ghost Palace was burned down back then, its underground palace is still there. The underground palace contains the treasures collected by the Ghost Palace over the years, as well as the Blood Jade Skill manual and other internal cultivation methods. I heard that the Ghost Palace Master is a person who loves to collect famous artifacts from all over the world, so there should also be unparalleled artifacts in the underground palace."

The idea that the Ghost Palace has an underground palace is somewhat believable. Although the surface structures of the Ghost Palace were destroyed by fire, no one could find the Blood Jade Gu or its location. They only managed to rescue those who had been abducted by the Ghost Palace to be used as blood donors before the fire consumed everything. However, although their blood was drawn daily, they didn't know where it went and never saw the Blood Jade Gu. Since it wasn't on the surface, it must be underground.

I believe that over the past twenty years, someone must have explored the Ghost Palace's underground chamber but failed to gain entry, which is why they released the news and attracted the attention of martial arts heroes. But that reason is irrelevant to me; I also have my own agenda, so I'll just follow along.

According to Baiyantang, the purpose of this martial arts conference is not only to elect a martial arts leader, but also to encourage the martial arts heroes to explore the underground palace.

I asked, "If there truly are treasures and riches, what should be done? First come, first served? Divided equally? Each taking what they need?"

Uncle Shen said meaningfully, "That depends on the leader." He then shook his head and said, "In the past, treasure hunting and the like were all done in private alliances in the martial arts world. This time, it's good that it's being brought up as a serious matter. I really don't know whether to praise the leader for his status or consider it a sign of decline."

Author's note: Just a quick transition.

I wasn't planning on updating today. But I got the urge and updated again.

Chapter Eight: Comfort

I've been in Hengshan for several days now, and the martial arts tournament is still a few days away. I've already explored most of Hengshan. The scenery there is quite nice. If you don't venture deep into the mountains, I particularly love a wild stream outside the town. It's situated in an open area, with a few not-so-lush wild trees by the stream, and mountains neither too close nor too far behind it. Since I have nothing else to do, I often go for a walk there.

There is a long pavilion by the stream, and beyond the pavilion is a mountain path paved with square stones, wide enough for a horse-drawn carriage to pass through. It is also one of the main roads leading into the mountains. It seems that this is also a common place for farewells on Mount Heng.

Autumn was in full swing, and the stream was shallow, clear, and very calm. The slightly deeper pools were like mirrors, reflecting the vibrant autumn colors of the surrounding forest—crimson like fire, yellow like gold, and emerald like jade—it was truly beautiful. I sat sideways on the railing inside the pavilion, gazing at the only path paved with square stones before me.

A few days ago, my brother sent a message saying that he would be representing the Si Xie Palace at the martial arts tournament, and that Yi Ge would also be coming. I estimate it will be in the next day or two, so I can take the opportunity to travel around and wait outside the town.

At noon, the sound of hooves echoed in the distance. It sounded like there were four riders. I wasn't sure how many my brother had with him, or who they were, so I just sat still. The horses came quickly. When the first white horse came, I was already sure it wasn't Qi Long, because I recognized the person on the horse. But it was too late for me to avoid it. I could only turn my head slightly, hoping that he was in such a hurry that he didn't see me clearly.

But he pulled on the reins and called out with a hint of doubt, "Little Mist?"

I couldn't very well say something like Aunt Shen did: "Please call me Madam Yi. My husband calls me Xiaowu." So I raised my face and pretended to be extremely surprised, asking in return, "Young Master Bai, what a coincidence!"

His smile froze, and he asked, somewhat hurt, "Xiao Wu, why do you call me that? You won't even call me Yi Fei anymore?"

Just as I was about to say, "I'm afraid I won't be able to call you by that name anymore," a sleek horse behind me stopped, and a man jumped off, saying, "Miss Qi, it's you! What a coincidence!" I had no choice but to stand up and greet him, "Young Master Nan!" Since he had arrived, the two behind him were undoubtedly Shen Yimei and Nan Ya. Sure enough, Shen Yimei's surprised voice came from behind: "Wu'er, you've arrived first? Were you waiting for me here?" I opened my mouth, but honestly replied, "Sister Mei, I didn't know when you came. I was just sitting here." She clearly didn't believe me. At that moment, Nan Ya, on the last horse, also dismounted, smiling and greeting me, but there was no smile in her eyes. She went up and took Bai Yifei's arm, acting coquettishly, "Brother Bai, you ride so fast, I can't keep up." Looking at her involuntary nervousness, I felt both amused and angry, and a sour feeling welled up in my heart.

Bai Yifei patted her reassuringly and said, "You don't need to rush like this. Your sister-in-law will take care of you. I have something I want to discuss with Master Tao." As he spoke, his eyes were fixed on me.

Nan Ya leaned even closer to him: "Brother Bai, I'm a little tired. Why don't we rest here? We just happened to run into Xiao Wu. It's been almost a year since we last saw each other."

Bai Yifei nodded: "Okay, you're a bit weak, you should rest for a while. It was my oversight."

Before me, the sky was high and the clouds were light, a gentle breeze was blowing, and the sun was blazing, yet I could only feel the movement of the wind. I felt tears welling up. Even after so long, I still felt pain, I still wanted to cry. But I couldn't. Nan Ya had her brother and Bai Yifei behind her, but I had no one to support me and let me cry. Although Eunuch Jing and Chun Man, who were by the woods, heard the commotion and came over, they weren't the ones who could support me and let me cry.

Suddenly, a clear, cool voice asked with surprise from behind, "Madam, how long have you been waiting here? You must be tired." I turned around in surprise, and a large hand gently pulled me into a broad embrace that smelled of pine. I opened my eyes wide in disbelief, "Husband?" His deep eyes held a smile, "Hmm? Didn't expect me to come so quickly?" I nodded.

I had heard the sound of horses' hooves earlier, but I assumed it was the rest of the Nanfeng Fortress. I never expected it to be Yi Ge. It seems he witnessed everything that just happened. Was he doing this to save face for me? I didn't expect that a shadow guard could act so well. With him cooperating with me like this, what reason did I have not to continue the act? So I leaned closer to his chest and said, "It's alright, I didn't have to wait long." I felt his arm tighten around me.

He brushed a strand of my wind-blown hair behind my ear: "I know you arrived first and were anxious. Are these your friends? Oh, this young mistress of Nanfeng Fortress, I've seen her before."

Bai Yifei, Nan Cong, and others looked at him with some surprise, and even Yi Mei was somewhat astonished.

Just as I was about to introduce them, Eunuch Jing came over with a smile, clasped his hands in greeting to Yi Ge, and said, "The Prince Consort has arrived? The princess has only been here for less than an hour, how wonderful that you two are so in sync."

Upon hearing this, Bai Yifei and the other two were so shocked they couldn't close their mouths. Nan Ya couldn't hold back the most, exclaiming, "Qi Wu, you, Princess? Prince Consort?" Eunuch Jing turned his face away and shouted, "How dare you! How can you address the princess by her name?"

I gently shook my head: "Eunuch Jing, since I am in the martial world, I don't care about such things." Then I said to the four men: "This is my husband, Yi Ge."

Yi Ge put his arm around me and calmly greeted the four of them.

Nan Cong said, "Yi Mei, you said in early August that you were going to the Northern Di to attend the wedding of an old friend. So it was Miss Qi's wedding?"

Yi Mei nodded and smiled, "Yes, it's not Miss Qi, it's Princess Hongni of Beidi, Princess Hongni of Yunyang."

Bai Yifei's eyes had shifted from surprise to an emotion I couldn't understand.

Nan Cong cleared his throat and said, "So, are the princess and her husband going to Qingyu Manor? Why don't they go together?"

I shook my head and chuckled: "I don't stay at Qingyu Manor, I stay at Wangtian Pavilion in Hengling Town."

Shen Yimei said, "That's on the way, Wu'er, shall we go together?"

Yi Ge said, “Young Master and Young Hero Bai, why don’t you go first? I found the scenery here very beautiful and originally wanted to linger for a while, but I heard Madam’s voice and rushed over. Now I want to stay and take a look.”

Shen Yimei, with her shifty eyes and feigned knowingness, said, "Looks like you've only been apart for a short time, and you're newly married. Hehe, it's alright, it's alright."

I blushed at the opportune moment and said to her, "Sister Mei, take care, I won't see you off."

She laughed and mounted her horse, saying to Nan Cong, "Husband, let's go!"

Nan Ya smiled and mounted her horse. Only Bai Yifei seemed to want to say something as he passed by us. He glanced at Yi Ge, who was holding me, but ultimately didn't say anything. He just nodded to him and rode away.

I said to Eunuch Jing and Chunman, "You two should go back first. The Prince Consort and I will just walk around here for a bit."

Everyone had left, leaving only the two of us by the empty stream. I struggled slightly and said, "Everyone's gone, there's no need to act out our deep affection anymore. Thank you, my prince consort." But he still didn't let go, embracing me as we walked a few steps towards the stream. He pressed me down onto a large rock and whispered, "Do you want to cry? Cry for a while."

I was shocked again. Can he really read minds? I've known him for five months (if you can call that meeting) – spent over a month together, and then separated for over a month. Although I've gradually gotten used to his calm and aloof demeanor, and occasionally thought of him during that month apart, we've never been close enough to confide all my secrets to him. But today, I'm a little overwhelmed. Even though I made the decision to come to Hengshan and prepared myself to see them, actually seeing them wasn't as calm and collected as I'd imagined. I still can't quite handle it.

My pride had reached its limit, and I couldn't hold back any longer. I buried my face in his chest and silently shed tears. At first, only droplets fell, but more and more tears streamed down my face until I finally sobbed. He gently patted my back, and when I finally looked up, he pulled out a handkerchief from somewhere and handed it to me. Between sobs, I wiped away my tears and said, "Thank you so much, Yi Ge." I suddenly felt awkward calling him "Prince Consort" anymore.

He then said, "Are you feeling better? If you're still upset, I have another method I use myself." He also stopped calling me "Princess."

What is it?

"They galloped wildly on their horses in deserted places."

I looked at his black horse standing by the stream: "There's only one left now."

He took my hand and stood up: "I'll take you."

I mounted the horse first, and he simply placed a hand lightly on the horse's rump, and it was like a fallen leaf trailing behind me. It was the first time I had truly experienced the extraordinary skill of his light-footedness.

He held me firmly with one arm, flicked the reins with the other, gave a soft shout, and the black horse galloped straight off. The whistling wind echoed through the mountains, our hair was torn and tangled by the wind. I tried to keep my body low to the ground, closed my eyes, and felt the horse's speed. Galloping here was naturally more expansive than the grasslands of the northern barbarians, but the feeling of riding the wind allowed me to slowly release my emotions, and my mind gradually calmed down.

I don't know how long we'd been running, but suddenly I worried about the black horse. It had traveled a great distance, carrying two loads, and had run for so long; I wondered if it could withstand the strain. The Northern Di people always valued their horses, and it wouldn't be good if it got hurt. I turned to him and said, "Stop, the horse is exhausted." He tightened the reins, and the black horse gradually came to a stop. We had probably already run about ten miles.

I dismounted and said to Yi Ge, "I feel much better, let's walk."

He led the horse, and we slowly walked back.

I asked him, "You use this method to relieve your sorrow, have you also been hurt by someone?"

He shook his head: "No, it's just that in life, there are always more unpleasant things than pleasant things, and you always have to find a way to get out of trouble."

I chuckled to myself inwardly. Indeed, I was troubled by love and thought heartbreak was the greatest sorrow in the world. Little did I know how many things in this world were far more difficult than heartbreak. As a shadow guard, Yi Ge must have faced far more pressure than I, a mere princess in name only.