Eternal Night - Chapter 165
Yuepo looked at her very seriously: "That day will never come. You know, I've always considered you a brother."
Eight years later, he appeared in Kyoto. His handsome features possessed an ethereal elegance, and his eyes, beneath his sharp brows, gleamed with wisdom. He used Xiaoxing to frighten her. She didn't want him to come closer, but he said, "I'll come closer to you."
But his gaze was no longer as clear as it had been in his childhood. More often than not, when he looked at her, there was a hint of sadness beneath his gentleness. Every time she was with him, she felt as cautious as if there was no tomorrow.
Yongye's mind was filled with Yuepo. Who hurt whom, and who harmed whom?
"Yongye!" Feng Yangxi, who rushed into the cave, cut the rope with his sword. Yongye fell into his arms, his eyes glazed over as he looked at a corner of the mountain wall.
Soldiers rushed forward, and Yongye suddenly awoke with a start: "No!"
Her voice was loud, echoing for a long time inside the cave. Yongye clutched Feng Yangxi's clothes, tears streaming down her face: "Please, don't chase after him, never find him... I beg you!"
She suddenly burst into tears, all her sorrow erupting at that moment.
This was the second time he had seen her cry. The first time was for the rose, but the second time was for that person. A sharp pain shot through Feng Yangxi's heart. He held her tightly and replied in a hoarse voice, "Okay."
He picked her up and strode outside, shouting, "Seal off this place! Tear down this town! Not a single tile is left!"
At the entrance to the valley, Prince Yan rode leisurely on his horse, only breathing a sigh of relief when he saw the men and horses withdraw.
Feng Yangxi, holding Yongye in her arms, got onto the carriage road without saying a word: "Let's go, there's no more Wandering Valley."
The night in his arms stirred, and tears slowly slid down his cheeks.
He sighed, gently wiped away her tears, and carefully pulled her into his arms.
Crown Prince of Daqi
The silken curtains, like clouds, cascaded to the floor. Her gaze shifted to her side; a large, carved wooden bed was covered with embroidered dragon and cloud patterns on its sheets. Yongye jumped up like a startled rabbit.
She was wearing a loose, light purple silk dress that trailed on the ground, and she almost tripped. Barefoot on the cold gold bricks, she felt somewhat lost.
Is this the palace? Is this the Eastern Palace of Qi? Yongye lifted the curtain, letting in light. She squinted; it was quiet all around. She took a few steps and heard someone approaching. Yongye slipped behind the curtain and heard two maids' voices: "Your Highness hasn't woken up yet? It's almost noon."
She coughed lightly, and the sound immediately disappeared. Two maids curtsied to her and said in unison, "This servant will assist Your Highness in changing your clothes."
"No need, I'm hungry, let's eat now."
The two maids were a little flustered and were about to speak when Yongye frowned: "Don't talk to me about those palace rules, I'm hungry now."
Sitting at the dining table, she slowly began to eat. Halfway through, she remembered that on the way back from the valley, Feng Yangxi had apparently fallen asleep in the carriage while holding her.
A pang of sorrow lingered in her chest. Yongye took a deep breath, determined to stop thinking about him, to banish him from her memory forever. There would be no such person, no Youli Valley.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty requests that you have a meal before you visit the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion."
Where is this?
"Your Majesty, this is Jichang Palace."
This isn't the Eastern Palace. I remember Prince Yan saying that the Crown Princess lived in the Luan Palace of the Eastern Palace. How did she end up here?
"Go prepare a set for me..." Yongye sighed. She could no longer wear men's clothing. "A simple ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress)."
Regardless of whether it's the Eastern Palace or the Luan Hall, this is still the imperial palace. Feng Yangxi… didn't he know she lacked internal energy and would have difficulty climbing over the walls to leave the palace? How could Feng Yangxi throw her into the imperial palace like that?
Yongye wanted to laugh out loud.
The moon's essence is thus, and so is the wind's flight!
Who says assassins can find happiness?
She glanced at the magnificent palace and made up her mind. Leave, leave far, far away. Gone is the Valley of Wandering, gone is the Moon's Soul, gone is the Wind's Breeze. She still has herself.
Yongye calmed down.
She was now facing the Emperor of Qi. She did not want to marry Crown Prince Yan, she simply did not want to. This thought was simple, yet it seemed so difficult.
Nothing in this world could stop her now. Yongye felt a deep longing for her father and mother, who were far away in Anguo. She longed to return to Wanyu Courtyard and stay at home.
After changing her clothes and styling her hair, she shook her head; it wasn't too heavy. Yongye lifted her skirt and strode out: "Lead the way."
Tianji Pavilion is the tallest building in the Qi Imperial Palace. Atop a spacious stone platform made of black marble stands a three-tiered, nine-ridged, gable-roofed hall with timber frame construction. It is magnificent. It is said that from Tianji Pavilion, one can see the entire capital city.
As Yongye stepped onto the stairs, he looked back and saw two maids panting as they ran. He knew he was much stronger than them. Yongye smiled and slowed his pace once they caught up.
Looking up, even from this angle, one could feel awe. What kind of person was Emperor Qi? It is said that the heart of an emperor is unfathomable. Was he like Emperor Yujia, who had a pig-like face but a sharp mind, or like Emperor Chen, who was gentle, refined, and dashing? Yongye secretly wondered what the outcome of this meeting would be.
She had been married into the Qi palace for over two months after arriving from Anguo. The journey had been fraught with twists and turns. How would the Qi Emperor view this Crown Princess who didn't want to marry the Crown Prince?
As she pondered, Yongye reached the top step. Imperial guards stood on the wide stone platform. An old palace attendant, seeing her arrive, quickly went inside to announce her arrival.
Yongye stood quietly outside the Tianji Pavilion. After a short while, an old palace attendant came out with a smile and said softly, "His Majesty has been waiting for Your Highness for a long time."
"Thank you, Your Excellency," Yongye said politely, lifting her skirt as she entered the palace.
The Heavenly Mystery Pavilion was exceptionally spacious, with windows all open, letting in breezes from all directions. Yongye felt a sense of peace and tranquility here.
Her eyes caught a glimpse of a black dragon robe, and she knelt down to pay her respects: "Anguo Yong'an greets Your Majesty." She was still using Anguo's identity; the world had changed overnight, and she refused to accept it.
"No need for formalities. Come closer and let me take a good look at you." The Emperor's voice was weak, but his long reign as emperor still imbued his voice with an air of authority.
Yongye stood up and slowly walked to Emperor Qi. Just as she was about to bow, he stopped her: "Come, sit next to me."
Yongye thanked him and sat down.
"I pardon you and grant you immunity. Raise your head and speak to me."