Heaven is the shore of mortal dust

Chapter 126

I wandered around in a daze until I arrived at a scenic spot. There were artificial hills, towering black rocks, and dense bamboo shadows, making it a truly tranquil place.

Wei Zijun was a little tired from walking, so she sat down behind the artificial hill. As she was about to get up, she heard a man and a woman talking.

"Now we don't have to worry about her seeing us together anymore. Li Siyi is dying." The woman's voice was soft and charming.

"Let her go. She's so sick. Besides, she only thinks we're having an affair. She won't tell anyone. After all, she won't watch her two brothers kill each other." The man's voice was a steady baritone.

"Bei Ji, if we stay together like this, what will happen when he remembers to favor me and finds out that I have already lost my virginity?" the woman said worriedly.

"Don't worry, he won't. He doesn't even understand what women's pleasures are. Right now, he only has Lianwu. If he wanted to, he would have come long ago."

"But isn't he afraid? After all, my father is the Vice Minister of the Secretariat, and Consort De's father is the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. If he doesn't win us over, isn't he afraid that the forces here won't support him?"

"He's afraid? He wouldn't have seized the throne so subtly. He has influence in the martial world, and he has the support of powerful ministers like Wei Shulan and Zheng Zhuotang. My second brother is also inclined to support him, and now there's this Feng King. I really regret not stabbing him a few more times back then. Now he's transferred most of his troops to Wei Feng's command. What does he have to fear? He's never been afraid from the beginning. If he were afraid, he wouldn't have ascended the throne." The man's tone was somewhat cold.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zijun was startled. Judging from the man's words, he should be the eldest prince, Li Beiji. She had never met him before because his fief was in Jiangnan. He had just returned to the capital, and Wei Zijun happened to be in Shu County, so they had not met.

For Wei Zijun, they had never met, but for Li Beiji, it was different, since he was the one who stabbed her in the abdomen.

As she tried to slip away to meet the prince she had never met before, some strange noises came from behind her.

The woman first hummed in agreement, followed by a series of kissing sounds. Hearing the kisses, Wei Zijun's face flushed.

After the rustling sounds, heavy breathing and soft moans followed.

Wei Zijun desperately wanted to leave, but fearing to wake the two, she endured the torment of the noise. Until, a giant spider drooped down above her head. The spider she feared most, the one that terrified her more than death itself; it was the spider that made her want to weep at the sight of its web…

Then, she instinctively let out a scream that went out of control, and rolled away in extreme fear. Then, she saw that patch of spring light.

A stunningly beautiful and alluring woman leaned against a large tree, her clothes half-open, her eyes glazed over, her legs wrapped around a man's strong waist.

The handsome man, his trousers half-undone, was sucking hard on the woman's rosy breast, his powerful movements eliciting soft moans from her.

The two remained in that position, staring in astonishment at Wei Zijun, who had suddenly rolled out.

Wei Zijun, disheveled from rolling around, looked at the scene that made her blush and her heart race, and laughed awkwardly, "Excuse me, gentlemen, please continue, please continue."

Having said that, she straightened her clothes and gracefully departed. The two men were left staring blankly at Wei Zijun's receding figure.

Wei Zijun's soft heart did indeed bring her trouble.

From that day on, rumors began to circulate in the palace that the Wind King was a woman.

The rumors spread far and wide, and the court officials were all discussing it.

“Look at the Wind King, look at the way he walks, his butt sways like that, he might really be a woman.”

"The Wind King wiggles his butt when he walks? I don't see that."

“Sigh, you have to look closely. You have to imagine him as a woman, and the more you look at him, the more he looks like a woman.”

"Yes, what man has such a long and thin neck? And if you look closely, he doesn't have an Adam's apple."

"Now that you mention it, it really does look like him. Look at his waist, it's so thin, like it would break if the wind blew it."

"I think so too. What man would be so fair-skinned? Haha, look at that delicate skin, I really want to pinch it."

"Hahaha--"

Such rumors grew until the celebration banquet began.

Volume 3, Dayu Chapter 111: Physical Examination

No one dared to refuse the Emperor's victory banquet. Moreover, officials and ministers from all walks of life donned their most solemn official robes and flocked to the Wude Hall to exchange greetings and congratulations.

These officials came from various places, most of whom had never met Wei Zijun.

It was evening, and outside, a eunuch loudly announced the name of the newcomer.

"Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Zhang Shi, arrive—"

"General of the Flying Cavalry, Chang Huairui, has arrived—"

"Right Valiant Guard General Zheng Zhuotang, arrive—"

"General Zheng!! It's been a long time."

"General Chang, how have you been lately? It's been a long time since I've visited your residence."

The ministers who arrived first exchanged pleasantries with each other.

"Prince Feng has arrived!"

Upon hearing this, the chatter subsided.

Seeing Wei Zijun, one of the two main characters of today's victory celebration, being surrounded by a group of subordinates and buried among these burly and tall generals, her face was not even clearly visible.

The crowd whispered among themselves, glancing sideways from time to time.

Wei Zijun knew what they were talking about; it was nothing more than treason, surrendered officials, enemies, and ruthless killing.

In reality, the discussion focused more on her bravery in battle and the emperor's favor towards her. Of course, there were also discussions about the fact that she was a woman.

"Hmph! Shameless!" A military officer snorted coldly from the sixth or seventh table on the right.

He Lu turned around abruptly, but Wei Zijun grabbed him. "Don't cause trouble!"

People can say whatever they want, and she can ignore whatever they say. As long as they don't provoke her, she can remain indifferent to these comments.

Wei Zijun's seat was at the very front of the civil officials on the left, and also the closest to the dragon throne. Opposite her was a row of military generals, most of whom were already kneeling. Wei Zijun truly didn't know whether she was a civil official or a military general. As a civil official, she held military power and led troops into battle; as a military general, she was the King of Feng, who held a fief. In this era where the left was revered, she was still placed among the civil officials on the left.

Only after sitting down did Wei Zijun begin to observe the Wude Hall, which she was entering for the first time.

The Wude Hall, adjacent to the East Palace, was where Emperor Wen of Sui issued his edict to depose the crown prince. The entire hall is adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, its vibrant reds creating a magnificent and dignified atmosphere. Perhaps due to the occasion, the hall has one less row of golden pillars than other palaces, totaling fifty in number, each adorned with gilded dragons, their forms dynamic and spirited.

The emperor's throne faces south and sits atop six steps, adorned with intricate carvings and gilded details, exuding luxury and exquisite craftsmanship.

Every year on New Year's Eve, the emperor would usually host a banquet for the regional princes in this hall. It is also said that the imperial examinations were held here.

"Your Highness Prince Jing, Your Highness Prince Yue, have arrived—" A sharp voice rang out, and the hall fell silent once more.

The two princes entered hand in hand. They had somewhat similar appearances; one was majestic and heroic, while the other was exceptionally handsome, yet both carried the innate sense of oppression of royalty.

The two chatted and laughed as if no one else was around, seemingly searching for something, which made those who wanted to curry favor hesitate.

Once he found the figure, Li Hongyi strolled slowly toward Wei Zijun.

"Fourth brother! This victory has brought another great achievement to our Great Yu." Li Hongyi smiled maliciously, then lowered his voice and whispered to Wei Zijun, "However, I think I heard someone say that you are a woman."

Wei Zijun stepped away from his pale face. "Just because someone says so doesn't mean it is? Then haven't I wasted all these years? I didn't even know I was a woman. Do you think I'm stupid?"

Li Beiji, standing beside him, smirked and interjected, "Perhaps the Wind King truly doesn't know?"

Wei Zijun raised an eyebrow at him. "Don't know? I just don't know if I encountered the King of Yue a couple of days ago. I really can't remember." Anyone with common sense would understand the threat: If you mess with me, you'll be in big trouble. It's best if we all stay out of this.

Sure enough, Li Beiji coughed twice and sat down at the end of the table.

Li Hongyi chuckled, "Still as sharp-tongued as ever." He then grabbed Wei Zijun's hand, "I heard that Fourth Brother single-handedly broke through a formidable pass with his arrows, but there aren't any calluses on his hands. Is that true?"

"Does Brother have to keep talking to prove you can speak? Ziju had calluses, but they've disappeared because she doesn't shoot arrows often." His constant pestering made Wei Ziju a little impatient.

"Zijun thinks her older brother is nagging? It's been two years since I've seen you!" Li Hongyi pouted, sounding somewhat aggrieved.

"Then sit down properly and stop saying sarcastic things." Wei Zijun pointed to the mat on the ground next to her; he was sitting in the same seat as her.

"Ha-ha-Zijun, when did you become so amazing? Back then, there was a little kid who would almost faint from being scared if you cut his finger. Now you've grown up so much?" Li Hongyi sat down on the ground.

“Progress is natural, but self-mutilation is something I can’t do…” Just as I was about to retort, I suddenly heard the eunuch’s shrill voice again. “Grand Commander of Hebei, Chen Chang, has arrived—”

Wei Zijun was overjoyed upon hearing this. Her third brother was back?

Indeed, Chen Chang, who was originally stationed in Yiwu, was transferred to Hebei Province① due to Goryeo's restless ambitions. Because of this victory celebration, Li Tianqi recalled him so that he could see his long-missed fourth brother.

Upon entering the main hall, Chen Changjin began searching for the seats at the head of the table. When he spotted Wei Zijun, he excitedly strode over.

"Third Brother—" Wei Zijun had barely uttered her call when Chen Chang pulled her into his arms.

After a long while, Chen Changfang said, "Fourth brother—third brother missed you." Chen Changfang cupped Wei Zijun's face in his hands, "Let third brother see if you've changed."

"Third Brother, you've lost weight." Wei Zijun also carefully examined Chen Chang.

"Nothing has changed, not a bit, but she seems even more beautiful now," Chen Chang grinned.

Wei Zijun punched him in the chest in retaliation, saying, "Third Brother is even more handsome. Now that you've gotten so thin, you look even more frail and delicate, making you even more pitiful to behold."

Chen Chang burst into laughter, just then, a eunuch's shrill announcement rang out: "His Majesty has arrived—"

A short while later, a group of palace maids and eunuchs emerged from the left, holding parasols and raising round fans, escorting the cold and aloof emperor into the Wude Hall.

Immediately, shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" erupted. Li Tianqi glanced at Wei Zijun, who was drinking tea. He couldn't help but smile inwardly; making her shout "Long live the Emperor!" with those people was probably tantamount to killing her.

The emperor arrived, and the banquet began. The guests drank wine and watched the women from the imperial music academy sing and dance, while elegant and refined music filled the hall.

Those military officers were all rough and boorish men, and before they knew it, some of them had gotten drunk.

Just as the second wave of dancers went down, a general on the right suddenly said, "Some people are really shameless. They killed countless of my patriotic soldiers before, and now they can drink and make friends with us, their enemies, without batting an eye!" The voice was so loud that everyone in the hall could hear it clearly.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zijun paused for a moment, realizing it was a veiled criticism of her. She glanced at the military officer, then continued drinking her tea, remaining silent and not even raising an eyebrow.

Who told her to kill so many people! Some of those she killed were their beloved generals, and some were even their brothers.

Seeing that Wei Zijun remained silent, the drunken general became even more enraged. "Hahahaha, look at him, so meek and submissive, he looks just like a woman. Even with a knife to his throat, he probably wouldn't dare to utter a sound, and might even wet himself in fear, hahahaha... hahahahaha..."

As soon as the drunken general finished speaking, another drunkard stood up unsteadily, "Who said she looks like one? Haven't you heard? She's a woman, a complete woman."

Upon hearing this, Wu Qiaoshi, the Chamberlain of the Secretariat, suddenly spoke up: "General Zhao, you can't speak carelessly. Who told you that the Wind King is a woman?"

"Who told you that? Everyone's saying it now. There's no smoke without fire. He must have been seen naked, ha-ha-ha!"

There was no expected uproarious laughter. Those who had served as subjects for a long time knew how to read people's expressions. The people weren't blind; as General Zhao spoke, every single one of them secretly glanced at their master's expression. Seeing their emperor's eyes, cold enough to make a snowstorm fall in September, and his tightly pursed lips revealing his extreme restraint, they were struck by a chilling sight.

General Zhao shouldn't forget that it doesn't matter who this person is, who they killed, or whether it was a man or a woman. He is His Majesty's beloved minister.

"Someone come here!" Li Tianqi called out.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Two imperial guards stepped forward, awaiting orders, but he remained silent for a long time. They dared to look up and found that their emperor was staring intently at the Wind King. The Wind King was truly composed, remaining calm and collected, his expression unreadable.

Seeing that His Majesty remained silent for a long time, the guard dared to ask, "What are Your Majesty's orders?"

"Drag these two away! Execute them!"