Lan Yin Bi Yue

Chapitre 9

Yun Shuihan glanced at the sky and finally couldn't help but ride over to Qin Ke and say, "General, it's past noon, we should set off."

Qin Ke withdrew his gaze and looked at the group of soldiers behind him, fully equipped and ready to depart, their fighting spirit high. They were all soldiers he had personally trained. Each one had joined his ranks with the ideal of fighting on the battlefield, defending the country, and bringing glory to their families, accepting his leadership. Now, however, they were to follow him to the Northwest, where they would still live a life of hardship and obscurity, forgotten by others. He felt a deep sense of apology towards them. Yet, on those youthful, vibrant faces, Qin Ke saw no complaints or discontent. Instead, he saw unwavering trust and undying loyalty.

Qin Ke laughed loudly, "Very well, soldiers! Let us follow me, Qin Ke, to create a new world together!" The crowd raised their weapons and banners, shouts rising and falling. Qin Ke brandished his long whip and rode ahead on horseback into the distance. The vast and mighty army followed closely behind, like a dancing dragon, their momentum magnificent.

A cloud of dust rose, obscuring half the sky. After the dust settled, Lin Suyang stood alone at the entrance of a distant alley, gazing into the distance for a long time. But the person did not turn back once more.

I looked down. I turned around. I bumped into a solid chest.

"I'm sorry," Lin Suyang said. He looked up and saw a familiar face. "Your Majesty..." Qin Hao covered his mouth, shook his head, and then released him.

"I didn't realize the Grand Tutor and the Imperial Uncle had such a good relationship," Qin Hao said, looking at Lin Suyang with a gloomy expression.

“Young Master, aren’t you also close to the Prince? Otherwise, why would you travel out of the palace incognito?” Lin Suyang retorted defiantly.

"You... Hmph." Qin Hao angrily turned and left. An Zhen, who was also dressed in casual clothes, glanced at Lin Suyang and hurriedly followed. Qin Hao didn't know why he was angry, but seeing Lin Suyang staring at the city gate, he felt something stuck in his chest, something he wanted to vent.

Upon returning to the palace, Qin Hao received a memorial from the Right Chancellor, Wang Cheng, which read: "The Prince of Yin led his army out of the capital and made a great commotion at the city gate. His display of power is extremely disrespectful... Qin Ke's military discipline is strict, and his rewards and punishments are clear. No one in the army disobeys him. Qin Hao is well aware of this. Today, he witnessed the immense power and momentum of Qin Ke's troops, which shocked him even more. It is no wonder that Emperor Shun wanted to resolve this problem for Qin Hao even after his death. Having such a person by his side is indeed a huge threat."

Qin Hao slammed the memorial on the table with a "bang" and sneered, "The news arrived 'timely' as soon as the Imperial Uncle left. These people are truly resourceful!"

During the morning court session the next day, Wang Cheng occasionally glanced furtively at Emperor Hong, who was seated on the throne. Having not heard the emperor mention the previous day's events for some time, he considered stepping forward to speak and remind him. However, before he could speak, Emperor Hong said, "That's all for today's morning court session. The ruler of Yanliao Kingdom will be visiting in two days. All of you, go and prepare to welcome the guest. Grand Tutor Lin."

"Your subject is present."

"Come with me to the Imperial Study."

"I obey the order."

With the announcement of "The court session is adjourned," the officials gradually left the hall. Wang Cheng glared at Lin Suyang and stormed off.

Lin Suyang strolled to the Imperial Study, only to find Qin Hao standing at the palace entrance waiting for him. Before he even got close, Qin Hao took out a stack of documents and handed them to him.

"As a member of the Hanlin Academy, you'll have to work harder these next few days. Here are the things to prepare; take them and read them carefully. Also, I'm assigning Ouyang Yufeng to you; I hope you won't disappoint me."

"Your Majesty, I obey your decree." Lin Suyang bowed slightly, then stood up and noticed Qin Hao was still looking at him. He asked in confusion, "Does Your Majesty have anything else to say?"

"Uh... that's all for now, you can go now." Qin Hao quickly snapped out of his daze and waved his hand at him.

Back at the scholar's residence, Qin Yu took the court robes he had changed out of and asked, "I heard the King of Yan-Liao is coming?"

Lin Suyang rolled up his sleeves and said, "Yes, in two days."

"My brother has just ascended the throne and the situation is still unstable. At this time, Yan and Liao have come to visit. I wonder what their intentions are."

Seeing Qin Yu frown, Lin Suyang took her hand and said, "Don't worry, the Emperor is gradually gaining control of the situation. Besides, Emperor Shenghan of Yanliao Kingdom has only recently ascended the throne and would certainly not disregard his own safety to launch a military campaign against Da Yang. Whatever his purpose in visiting, we will handle it carefully." Hearing this, Qin Yu thought it made sense and relaxed.

"By the way, Ninth Prince..." Qin Yu remembered that Lin Suyang had been in a low mood since returning from outside yesterday, and wondered if it was related to the departure of Prince Yin.

Lin Suyang paused for a moment, then said, "I was going to see the Ninth Prince off yesterday, but I was too late. But I heard the ceremony was quite grand." He looked completely unconcerned.

Qin Yu lowered his eyes: "I see. It is indeed a bit of a pity."

"Yes. I'm a little hungry, let's go get some food." Lin Suyang said casually as he walked outside. Qin Yu watched his retreating figure and sighed softly.

In the second month of the first year of the Hongli reign, Emperor Shenghan, the ruler of the Yan-Liao Kingdom, visited the Great Yang Kingdom. The new Emperor Hong, along with his civil and military officials, personally received him in the Jinhe Hall.

To Lin Suyang's utter surprise, the powerful Emperor Shenghan, who had dominated Yanliao, defeated the formidable Crown Prince in a short time, seized the throne, and quickly won over the hearts of the people, was someone he knew well and had even spent some time with—Feng Hanyu! Hanyu Feng, Feng Hanyu—he should have realized it was the same person. Lin Suyang couldn't help but curse himself for being so stupid, but he was genuinely happy for his good friend, whom he hadn't seen for almost two years, to possess such talent and courage.

In the Golden Harmony Hall, Emperor Shenghan, dressed in magnificent robes, appeared composed, followed by envoys of equal imposing presence. As he passed Lin Suyang, Feng Hanyu—no, it should be Hanyu Feng—did not turn to look at him. Instead, he walked straight to Emperor Hong, offered a greeting, and said, "On behalf of the people of Yan and Liao, I congratulate the new emperor on his ascension to the throne and wish him long life and good health, as well as peace and prosperity for the Great Yang Kingdom."

Emperor Hong replied, "Your Majesty's words are auspicious. We are honored by Your Majesty's visit, and our Great Yang will certainly ensure that Your Majesty and all the envoys return home satisfied."

The two, one on stage and one off stage, chatted and laughed as if they were meeting for the first time, with a hint of hostility lurking beneath their smiles.

The Right Chancellor secretly gloated to himself, while Lin Cheng, seeing this scene, was somewhat puzzled. It seemed that there was something amiss between the two emperors.

Volume One, Peach Blossoms, Chapter Twenty-Six: The First Test (Part 1)

That evening, Emperor Hong hosted a banquet at the Weiyuan Palace to receive Han Yufeng and his entourage. All officials of the fourth rank and above were required to attend, and Qin Yu, as Princess Jingyang of the Great Yang Kingdom, was also to accompany Lin Suyang to the banquet. Before their departure, Lin Cheng repeatedly instructed Lin Suyang to remain composed, adapt to changing circumstances, and never embarrass the Great Yang Kingdom.

Lin Ziyan pulled him aside and solemnly said, "Brother, although that Saint Han Emperor was once your friend, that's in the past. Now you're in different positions, and it's hard to guarantee he won't make things difficult for you. You must be careful."

Lin Suyang laughed and said, "Ziyan, don't you believe in your brother's abilities? Don't worry." After saying that, he patted his shoulder and turned to walk towards the carriage.

Weiyi Palace is located southeast of the Jinhe Hall, in the center of the largest imperial garden in the palace. It is early spring now, and various tender shoots are just beginning to appear in the garden, and the flowers are gradually showing their colors, creating a vibrant scene. Qin Yu, dressed in heavy palace attire, followed behind Lin Suyang, her posture elegant and noble, showing no trace of the mischievous and lively girl she used to be.

After passing through layers of flower-lined paths, Lin Suyang and his group arrived at the main hall of the Weiyi Palace. As soon as they stepped into the hall, the noise inside instantly stopped, and everyone turned to look in their direction.

No wonder, Lin Suyang was dressed in a dazzling white robe tonight, with a deep purple gauze over it. His belt shimmered with a faint silver light, and exquisite jade perfectly adorned his slender figure. His hair was tied up high, with a few strands of black hair fluttering in the wind. Coupled with his peerless beauty, even the charming and graceful Qin Yu beside him paled in comparison. Who could not be amazed? Who could control their eyes?

Qin Hao, seated at the head of the table, was truly amazed once again. Turning his head, he saw Han Yufeng staring intently at Lin Suyang, and felt extremely displeased. So he cleared his throat a few times, and the people in the hall reminded each other to come back to their senses.

"Tsk tsk tsk, what a pity..." Han Yufeng said, turning his head to look at Qin Hao.

"I wonder what Your Majesty the Holy Emperor regrets?" Qin Hao asked, looking at him.

"Oh, what I regret is that Grand Tutor Lin is not a woman, otherwise she would surely have captivated the hearts of countless fine men. I never imagined that the men of the Great Yang Kingdom could be so strikingly beautiful, making my Yan Liao Kingdom ashamed of its reputation as a land of beauties."

Everyone knows that the Yan-Liao Kingdom is famous for its beautiful women. The historically renowned Empress Wenxi was the most beautiful woman in Yan-Liao, renowned for her beauty. Legend has it that she was not only unparalleled in beauty but also in talent. After marrying the emperor, she assisted him in pacifying the country and became a wise and virtuous empress. Therefore, many people from other small kingdoms considered it an honor to marry a woman from Yan-Liao, and thus called Yan-Liao the "Kingdom of Beauty."

Upon hearing Han Yufeng's words, Lin Cheng and Qin Yu both frowned. Qin Hao's expression was complex. Wang Cheng seemed lost in thought. The other officials also had varying expressions. For a moment, no one noticed that Lin Suyang, the protagonist of the discussion, had slowly walked up to Han Yufeng.

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. However, I believe that a person's appearance, whether beautiful or ugly, is merely a physical form. Although it is predetermined at birth, after death, it is nothing more than a skeleton. Who is any different? Since we are born into this world, everything can change, be lost, or be gained. Why bother with judgments limited to a single moment? How can it compare to being true to oneself?" Lin Suyang said, looking at him.

"Good. Well said. You truly deserve to be called the number one talent in our great central region." General Xin clapped his hands and laughed first. The others also clapped and cheered.

The envoys beside Han Yufeng exchanged glances, unable to conceal the surprise and admiration in their eyes. Han Yufeng, however, paused for a moment, then laughed loudly, "Grand Tutor Lin is indeed remarkable. I am ashamed. I will punish myself with a cup of wine. Please forgive my inappropriate words just now." With that, he poured two cups of wine, handing one to Lin Suyang and keeping the other for himself.

Lin Suyang took the wine, glanced at it, and finally said to Han Yufeng, "How dare I? Your Majesty, please." He then drank it all in one gulp. Han Yufeng watched him finish before tilting his head back and drinking his own.

Seeing this scene, Qin Hao felt not only displeased but even more annoyed. So he said, "Since there's nothing else, everyone, please sit down and listen to the songs and dances. Grand Tutor, please take a seat as well."

Lin Suyang bowed to Qin Hao and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for not blaming me for being late." She raised her head and smiled, her beauty captivating.

As they reached their seats, Qin Yu looked at him with concern. Lin Suyang smiled, gently squeezed her hand, and whispered in her ear, "It's alright." Then he turned to watch the song and dance performance. Qin Yu glanced at Han Yufeng across from her, her furrowed brows remaining unchanged.

After a few more feigned exchanges, Han Yufeng suddenly said, "Your Majesty hasn't yet seen the songs and dances of Yan Liao, has he? Today, I have specially brought Xuan Ge, the number one dancer of Yan Liao, to perform for Your Majesty and the ministers of Da Yang. Xuan Ge's dancing is unparalleled in Yan Liao. Your Majesty, would you mind if Xuan Ge performed now?"

Seeing Qin Hao nod, he raised his hand to pat the door. A moment later, a masked woman dressed in revealing clothes walked in gracefully.

Her hands were boneless, her jade-like fingers slender and delicate. A thin veil couldn't conceal her willow-like waist. Looking at her face, though veiled by fine silk, her alluring eyes and captivating charm were still visible. With a few turns to the music, her long hair flew, her fair skin appearing and disappearing, a rich fragrance wafting through the air. A long veil in her hand swirled around her skirt with each dance, like gentle ripples that dazzled the eyes.

As the music grew more intense, her movements became increasingly flamboyant. With several butterfly-like dances, her handkerchief fluttered down, revealing her peach-blossom face, eliciting gasps of amazement from the crowd. She was slightly inferior to Qin Yu and far less so than Lin Suyang, but each possessed a distinct charm. Qin Yu had transformed from her previous willful and lively nature into a gentle and dignified one, while Lin Suyang remained consistently aloof and polite. This dancer, Xuan Ge, however, was unrestrained in her behavior, radiating an extreme allure and charm.

Ignoring the infatuated gazes around her, Xuan Ge spun around a few more times and arrived in front of Emperor Qin Hao. The gauze curtains fluttered lightly, a fragrant breeze swept across his cheek, and her beautiful eyes looked at him with tender affection, her charming smile seemingly capable of melting anyone's heart.

Qin Hao maintained a stern and imposing expression, his brows furrowed. Xuan Ge felt a little scared, but she was even more worried about being punished if she went any further, so she tried her best to arouse Qin Hao's interest. After several attempts to seduce him, he still didn't look at her like he did with others, so she could only look at Han Yufeng. After receiving a hint, he bowed and retreated as the music ended.

Han Yufeng glanced at the ministers who were still savoring the performance and Qin Hao, who still had a cold expression, and said to him with a smile, "I wonder what Your Majesty thinks of Xuan Ge's performance?"

"Indeed, her beauty is a rare sight. Thank you for your trouble, Your Majesty." Qin Hao said calmly, taking a sip of wine.

"Not at all, not at all. Since His Majesty likes him, why not accept Xuan Ge as a concubine? It would be a waste of the good intentions of the people of Yan and Liao," Han Yufeng suggested.

Qin Hao frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure in his expression, but after a moment he said, "Thank you very much in that case."

“It is truly an honor for Xuan Ge to have the Emperor’s favor. I believe that the diplomatic relations between our two countries will be even smoother and more stable.” A sly glint flashed in Han Yufeng’s dark eyes as he continued, “Furthermore, I have heard that the Great Yang Kingdom is full of talented people. I would like to ask a question, and I wonder if anyone here can answer it.”

"Oh, what is the problem, Your Majesty? Please ask," Qin Hao said.

"My question is, what kinds of people are there in this world?"

"What kind of people? What kind of question is that?"

"There should be two kinds, good people and bad people, just two kinds," someone replied. Immediately, someone else chimed in, "Yes, yes, just two kinds of people."

"No, it should be two types of people: adults and children."

"In my opinion, it should be men and women..." A heated debate ensued, creating a lively scene.

"I wonder if Grand Tutor Lin, who is known as the number one talent in Yundu, knows the answer?" Han Yufeng smiled as he looked at Lin Suyang, who was serving food to Qin Yu.

Lin Suyang put down his chopsticks and slowly replied, "I believe that what my colleagues have said is all reasonable. His Majesty's question is broad and without any limitations, so there is no absolute answer."

Han Yufeng nodded and said, "The Grand Tutor is absolutely right. However, I have an answer here that I believe everyone will agree with."

He leisurely picked up his wine and took a small sip before continuing, "I believe there are four kinds of people in the world. Men, women, neither men nor women, and..." "And what else?" someone asked anxiously.

"Also, they are all men and women." His meaningful gaze remained fixed on Lin Suyang.

"Neither male nor female can be a eunuch, but what about someone who is both male and female?" Li Kuangjin asked curiously, listening intently.

"These are both men and women, meaning they are born as women but dress as men, or born as men but dress as women," Han Yufeng explained slowly.

"This... are there really people like this in the world?" Li Kuangjin said in surprise.

"It's no big deal. It's common for women to disguise themselves as men to ensure their safety when they go out. As for men disguising themselves as women, I don't think I've ever heard of that before," General Xin said, stroking his beard.

Qin Hao's heart skipped a beat, and his eyes involuntarily turned to Lin Suyang. Wang Cheng's eyes lit up, and a cunning smile appeared on his thin, weasel-like face. Qin Yu gripped Lin Suyang's hand tightly, but Lin Suyang merely glanced at Han Yufeng and said indifferently, "Interesting, interesting. I didn't expect His Majesty Sheng Han to understand the lives of ordinary people so well. I think the people of Yan Liao Kingdom are blessed from now on."

Han Yufeng smiled slightly and said nothing more.

Volume One, Peach Blossoms, Chapter Twenty-Seven: The First Test (Part Two)

The moon was high in the sky, its light mostly obscured by heavy clouds. A chilly wind rustled the leaves in the garden. Lin Suyang and Qin Yu walked side by side on the path leading out of the palace.

After checking that no one was around, Qin Yu breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "It's finally over. My heart was pounding so hard just now."

Knowing her concerns, Lin Suyang said, "It's all in the past now. I think he was just testing me. This failure should make him back down. Besides, we'll deal with whatever comes our way. My talents are not to be underestimated."

It was rare to hear Lin Suyang joke, so Qin Yu laughed along: "You're always so arrogant. But without solid evidence, I don't believe Han Yufeng can do anything. You should be more careful in the future."

"Shh..." Lin Suyang put his index finger to his lips and whispered, "Walls have ears." Qin Yu quickly covered his mouth and nodded.

"Ah!" Qin Yu suddenly exclaimed.

"What's wrong?" Lin Suyang asked.

“My earring is gone,” she said, touching her empty earlobe.

"Let it go, you still have plenty," Lin Suyang said dismissively.

"No, you put that on me yourself, I have to find it. It might be in the Weiyi Palace. Wait here, I'll go look for it." After saying that, Qin Yu hurriedly went back while searching.

Lin Suyang remembered that when she went out earlier today, she noticed that the earrings she had been wearing for a long time hadn't been put on yet, so she finally couldn't resist and put them on for her. She hadn't expected that the earrings would be so appreciated for such a small gesture. What would she do if she put earrings on for her every day from now on? Lin Suyang thought to herself as she sat down on a nearby stone bench.

A series of light footsteps came from behind. Lin Suyang turned around alertly and asked, "Who is it?"

Then a somewhat familiar laugh reached his ears. "The prince consort is quite vigilant, isn't he?"

Emperor Han Yufeng of the Yan-Liao Kingdom slowly emerged from the shadows in the distance. Lin Suyang looked behind him. There was no one else.

Han Yufeng seemed to read his mind. He said teasingly, "Don't worry. There's no one else here. It's just the two of us..." Han Yufeng slowly approached Lin Suyang. He whispered the last sentence almost in his ear.

Han Yufeng's hot breath brushed against Lin Suyang's ear as he opened his mouth. It tickled, yet it only intensified the fear in his heart. He forced himself to remain calm and keep his expression unchanged, but his delicate earlobe uncontrollably turned red and moist. Seeing this, Han Yufeng's heart fluttered, and he couldn't help but gently kiss it.

Lin Suyang was startled. He abruptly shoved Han Yufeng away and said coldly, "Your Majesty, please have some self-respect!"