The Third Scholar of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 46

The thought of the unpredictable Corpse Child, who could appear at any moment, lurking behind you with a green glow, ready to strike a fatal blow when you're off guard, sent chills down Li Yuxuan's spine. Wang Rou, with her exceptional martial arts skills, still couldn't escape death; what chance did she and Zhan Zhao have of winning?

The three rode slowly side by side in silence.

Stepping outside the city, an official road leads straight to Bianliang. Her life began on this road, and will it end on this road as well? The old monk's words inexplicably appeared in Li Yuxuan's mind at this moment: "Do not refrain from doing good because it is small, nor do evil because it is small. Remember to prioritize great good."

What is the greatest good?

Xu Qingzhi stopped his horse without turning back, his back straight and his head slightly raised: "Don't see me off, I'm leaving now. See you in the capital."

Li Yuxuan bit her lip and finally asked, "What are you going to do?"

"My memorial requesting to resign from my official post and return to my hometown has already been delivered to my mentor by express courier, and it should be on the Emperor's desk by now, right?"

"...You...don't regret it?"

Xu Qingzhi's expression was not visible, only the back of his head as he shook it: "No regrets."

Zhan Zhaochi approached him, whispered something, and then patted him on the shoulder: "Have a safe journey!"

"Bon Voyage!"

The sound of hooves rang out, and Xu Qingzhi pulled on the reins, causing the horse to gallop forward. Li Yuxuan shouted loudly at the departing figure, "Brother Xu, go back and tell the Prince to find a way to postpone the wedding date. I will find a way to marry him." As he shouted, tears streamed down his face.

Xu Qingzhi dared not turn around, fearing that if he did, he would never be able to move again. When he finally turned around after walking a long way away, he could only see two blurry figures still standing there. He loosened his clenched fists, leaned over and fell onto the horse's back, stroking the horse's smooth mane, and was unable to catch his breath for a long time.

Li Yuxuan stared blankly at Xu Qingzhi's departing figure, the clatter of hooves jarring her ears. Everyone was sacrificing for her, but what was she doing? What had she done? Was she accepting their sacrifices with a clear conscience? None of them had any obligation to sacrifice for her.

She suddenly realized she understood the old monk's words. Her identity wasn't entirely useless; at least she could use it to seek peace for them.

She turned her horse around and galloped back towards Luoyang. Zhan Zhao, unsure of her intentions, followed silently behind. They were all so kind and understanding; when you need to be silent, everyone will be there to protect your silence.

"Brother Zhan, please contact Xu Zhu for me and tell him I'm returning to Khitan. Have him send his men to inform Brother Xiao in advance and ask him to come and pick me up."

"Why?"

"There's no why, you'll know when you get there."

"You're not going to the capital?"

"I'll go someday."

...

"Tell me which way to go?"

"Wait for my pigeons to arrive."

Once you understand something, bad things can turn into good things. Just like the old saying "a loss may turn out to be a blessing in disguise," Li Yuxuan now feels that facing his identity is not as difficult as he imagined.

After hiding in the mud for so long, it's time for her to stick her head out.

At Li Yuxuan's insistence, the two traveled day and night without rest. Whether it was the sulfur and saltpeter on their bodies that worked or the corpse doll that they had damaged, it did not bother them along the way.

When the two women, their hair disheveled and covered in dust, appeared outside Yanmen Pass, Xiao Feng was already waiting for them with his men.

She was too exhausted to say anything more, and only said, "Take me to see Emperor Daozong. I'll take a nap on horseback first."

She didn't know how long she slept; all the fatigue from the days of travel had culminated in this deep, dark sleep. When she woke up, she found herself in bed, covered with a white tiger-skin rug. Touching the tiger's ears, she confirmed that she had indeed arrived in Dadu.

When seven or eight maids saw that she had woken up, they all surrounded her and addressed her as Princess.

Looking at the scene in the room, Li Yuxuan knew that she had successfully transformed from a fugitive into a princess in a fairy tale.

Fairy tales always end like this: the princess and the prince lived happily ever after...

She allowed her maids to dress her up in a new outfit: a black mink coat, a carved gold crown, long boots and trousers, an apricot-gold embroidered skirt, and a bright red cloak with gold trim. Around her neck was a long string of jade beads, and on each wrist were dozens of jingling agate or crystal armlets. With the gold, silver, copper, and iron embroidery on her clothes, she walked with a joyous, drum-like sound.

If they had pierced ears, who knows how many more weapons they would have worn on their ears. No wonder the Khitans are called barbarians; with so many things jingling and clanging every day, even the most delicate little girl would turn into a powerful and strong woman.

Price is life! When life beats you up, you must learn to enjoy it.

Li Yuxuan took a deep breath and let them put more rings on his fingers. When they put the third ring on his finger, he couldn't take it anymore and shouted, "Enough! Take me to see the Emperor."

"The Emperor and Prince Xiao are waiting in the outer hall for the princess to wake up."

Li Yuxuan turned and walked outside. It seems that Yelü Hongji is quite nice to his cousin who suddenly appeared out of nowhere. I wonder if he will still be so nice to her once he knows her conditions.

Xiao Feng once told her that finding the descendants of the tragically deceased Empress Dowager Xiao was Emperor Xingzong's dying wish. The death of Empress Dowager Xiao had always been a hidden pain in Emperor Xingzong's heart, and he lived in the shadow of Xiao Nujin throughout his life, until he died in depression without ever fulfilling his wish.

After navigating several corridors, the maid stopped in front of an open door: "Please come in, Princess. The Emperor is inside."

Li Yuxuan glanced at his clothes and stepped inside.

Princess of Jin

Upon seeing Li Yuxuan enter, Yelü Hongji and Xiao Feng stood up together. Both smiled as they looked at her. Yelü Hongji stepped forward, scrutinized her for a while, and chuckled, "Wearing such clothes, you do indeed resemble the Empress Dowager Rende somewhat. From now on, you belong to the Great Liao. Your safe return has finally fulfilled your father's wish. Enjoy all the riches and honors that are rightfully yours on the Great Liao grasslands!"

Li Yuxuan was a little uncomfortable with being addressed as a princess of Jin, but he still knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you!"

Yelü Hongji reached out to help her up: "From now on, we're family, so don't be so formal. You don't need to stand on ceremony when you see me. Our Liao Dynasty isn't as full of formalities as the Southern Dynasty."

Li Yuxuan stood up stiffly: "Yes!"

"Now that you've returned, you should learn your native language and script. You and King Xiao both returned from the Southern Dynasty, and you have a good relationship. Let King Xiao teach you this!"

Li Yuxuan knelt down again with a thud: "Your Majesty, I have a request for your permission to return this time!" She deliberately emphasized the word "sister".

Yelü Hongji was taken aback by her action, but his eyes only flashed for a moment before his expression returned to calm. He lowered the hand that had been reaching out to help her up, looked at Xiao Feng, and said calmly, "I knew you wouldn't come back like this. Speak, what are your demands? As long as it doesn't harm the country, I will grant them."

Xiao Feng looked directly at her and shook his head almost imperceptibly: "Just say what you have to say. You are now the Princess of Jin of the Liao Dynasty. The Emperor will not blame you."

Unfortunately, Li Yuxuan did not see his actions. "I request Your Majesty to propose a marriage alliance with the Song Dynasty on my behalf! This matter will absolutely not harm the country and its people, but can ensure the peace of the border between my Great Liao and the Southern Dynasty."

"A marriage proposal? You want a political marriage?!" Yelü Hongji blurted out, rejecting the idea without hesitation: "My Liao princesses will never be sent for political marriages. As long as you are willing, the men of Liao are yours to choose from. Whoever you fancy, I can arrange your marriage." He smiled at Xiao Feng: "Don't you think so, Brother Xiao?"

Xiao Feng gave an awkward smile: "I don't know much about her affairs."

"Your Majesty, as you know, because of my sister's situation, many people in the Southern Dynasty are plotting to attack the Liao Dynasty. I really can't bear to see war start because of me. After all, I was the one who didn't know my true identity and deceived them first. So I beg Your Majesty to grant my request."

"If the Southern Dynasty wants war, what are we, the Great Liao, afraid of?" The young Yelü Hongji stood up. "There's no need to discuss this further; I will not agree to it. Tonight's banquet will be held at Xulong Palace to celebrate the safe return of the Princess of Jin. You two come along! I'm tired, so I'll go back to rest." Li Yuxuan's words had probably greatly displeased him, and he left without looking back.

She and Xiao Feng were left staring at each other, wide-eyed.

Xiao Feng shook his head: "Princess, you are too impatient. The Emperor has been waiting for you here all night. You should at least thank him for his kindness."

His reminder made Li Yuxuan realize her rashness; it was all her haste that caused the trouble. Now, five whole days had passed, and she wondered how things were going with Prince Xin. If he had already married, what need did she have for a political marriage? "Where is Brother Zhan?"

"He didn't come with me; he's waiting for your news at my place."

Can I come with you to your place?

Xiao Feng stood up: "Let's go! The Emperor hasn't restricted your movements."

As the two were talking, a loud voice came from outside: "The Emperor has decreed that Princess Jinyang should receive the decree."

Li Yuxuan scratched his fingers in confusion: "They just left, what decree could there be?" A large group of maids filed in from outside, carrying a dazzling array of miscellaneous items. Seeing this, Li Yuxuan knew Yelü Hongji was using a policy of appeasement and surrender. How could he have known her bad habit of responding only to soft words and not to force?

Seeing Li Yuxuan looking at him, Xiao Feng quickly took a step back: "I didn't say anything."

A middle-aged man wearing a rooster-comb hat strode in: "By imperial decree, Princess Jinyang, receive the decree."

Li Yuxuan had no choice but to kneel down and accept the imperial decree, along with a room full of servants and a room full of glittering gold and silver jewels that he would never need in his lifetime.

Seeing the servants taking their places, Li Yuxuan said to Xiao Feng, "Let's go!"

As the two left the palace, everyone who saw Xiao Feng treated him with utmost respect, but their gazes towards her were filled with curiosity. The Khitan were a people who deeply revered strength, and they genuinely respected anyone who spoke with power. Li Yuxuan knew this. If she wanted to live here, she would need to carve out her own path again.

However, she didn't intend to stay here for long; it was just a temporary measure.

At the Southern King's residence, Zhan Zhao, having received a message from the white dove, was listlessly drinking and waiting for Li Yuxuan to arrive.

When Li Yuxuan and Xiao Feng went inside, they saw Zhan Zhao, who was drunk as a braised shrimp, raising his cup to invite the birds in the tree, making a trio of guests.

Li Yuxuan's heart sank, and she felt inexplicably panicked. Her intuition told her that something must have happened. She walked over, snatched his glass, and threw it away: "What's wrong? Brother Zhan? Why are you drinking so much?"

Zhan Zhao, his wine cup snatched away, staggered to his feet. Seeing it was her, he burst into laughter, pointing at her and saying, "Are you stupid? Why would I come to the capital with a fool like you instead of going back to Bianliang and arresting that fool directly? Hahaha, alright now, is it done? Are you satisfied? The Prince has married as scheduled, and Lord Xu has resigned. Clean, isn't it? Truly clean, isn't it?"

Li Yuxuan clenched his fists to keep himself standing, without saying a word.

The world fell silent; even breathing became inaudible.

Is he still breathing? Her heart aches terribly, a agonizing pain as if it's shattered. The two people she cares about most, they've given up their dreams and lives for her? She doesn't want that, she doesn't want that—.

Did she still make a mistake? Why didn't Prince Xin wait for her? Why was Xu Qingzhi so foolish? Prince Xin was already married, why did he still resign from his post? Ten years of hard study, why, why? Were they all deliberately conspiring to make her life unbearable?

She dug her nails into her flesh. No, this can't be true, it can't be. Prince Xin said that no matter what, he would protect her and not allow anyone to hurt her. His words were still ringing in her ears. How could he possibly give up on her?

When Zhan Zhao saw Li Yuxuan's face drain of color in an instant, he was startled and sobered up considerably. He hurriedly brushed aside the wine jar and walked towards her: "I didn't say anything. Don't take what I said while I was drunk seriously."

Li Yuxuan shook her head and forced a smile that was even more unpleasant than a bitter one: "They finally protected me in their own way, didn't they? I don't want their protection. I want to go back. I want to go back in the name of the Princess of Jin of the Great Liao. I am no longer that Khitan who was hiding. I am the princess of the Great Liao. I am not alone. I have the entire Great Liao standing behind me. I don't need anyone's protection in any way."

"Yu Xuan~" Xiao Feng glared at Zhan Zhao, then stood next to Li Yu Xuan, unsure of what to say. He knew about her relationship with them, and he himself had been suffering from emotional turmoil, so he could empathize with how Li Yu Xuan felt at this moment.

"I'm going back right away, in a grand and open manner. I'll make them regret their decision—" She couldn't hold back her tears any longer and choked out, "Brother Xiao, don't you think so? Aren't they too foolish? Aren't they?"

“They are the true men that Xiao Feng admires.” Xiao Feng put his arm around her shoulder: “You didn’t misjudge them. I’m very pleased.”

“But I wish they were a little more selfish and vulgar, not so aloof and self-righteous. None of them care about my decision…” Li Yuxuan wiped away his tears forcefully with his hand: “Are they going to make me suffer for the rest of my life? I refuse to accept that. Brother, go and tell the Emperor to come with me to the Central Plains. I—I dare not go back alone.”

Zhan Zhao tossed the wine jug aside and walked up again: "I'm going back too. I'm going to see those two guys and then I'll just wander off and live my own life, ignoring everything else. A life without any pressure is so carefree—"

Xiao Feng looked at Li Yuxuan, who was wiping away tears with his hands: "Alright, but you must also promise me that you will attend the banquet properly tonight. This banquet is where the Emperor will announce your identity to everyone. Only by attending this banquet will everyone acknowledge your identity, and only then can you return openly and proudly as you said."

"good!"

————————

The Xulong Palace was brightly lit and filled with a festive atmosphere. Ministers and imperial relatives from all walks of life came to pay their respects to the newly arrived Princess of Jin. There were also members of the Rende Empress Dowager Xiao's family who saw her as if they were seeing long-lost relatives. They chatted with her about their family matters and envied her good fortune in escaping death. She only gave them a perfunctory reply before pestering the Emperor and the two brothers, Prince Xiao, to have a drinking contest, which went on until the sky darkened and the sun and moon lost their light.

In the cold north, the wine is strong; after a bowl of wine, one's eyes seem to bloom with light. Li Yuxuan, who usually has a good tolerance for alcohol, overcame the burning pain in her throat—or rather, her throat had become numb from drinking too much—and drank even more heartily.

In this hazy, harmonious atmosphere fueled by alcohol, Yelü Hongji lost a game of rock-paper-scissors and agreed to let Xiao Feng escort Li Yuxuan to the Southern Dynasty to fulfill her unfulfilled wish, but on one condition: she must return afterward, otherwise he would not be able to face his deceased father.

That's acceptable.

Having achieved his goal, Li Yuxuan beamed and poured a bowl of wine for Yelü Hongji: "Come on, you lost, keep drinking. Until everyone is too tired to get up tomorrow morning."

Goodbye, Prince Shin

It sounds simple, but actually setting off in the name of a Liao princess is not so simple. First, Yelü Hongji, in the name of the emperor, wrote an official letter stating that the Liao Dynasty was willing to be friendly with the Song Dynasty and send the Jin princess to Bianliang. He then stamped the letter with the imperial seal and sent it to the Song capital by fast horse. Then, he assigned Li Yuxuan's troops, the gifts to be delivered there, and the accompanying officials. This was the simplest part. Having Prince Xiao accompany him was a great honor.