Accord de Mu Yucheng

Chapitre 73

"No," he replied calmly. "I don't like others touching my woman."

“This woman is getting in my way now.” I said it sincerely, and I wasn’t surprised that he objected immediately. “I heard that General Pang has become her regular customer recently, and he’s secretly planning to dump me on Yelü Mengshuo?”

"Isn't it good?" He closed his eyes again and tightened his forehead.

"I really hate her personality of not tolerating anything and always blowing it away. You know my principle is that if there's a grain of sand in your eye, you can't tolerate it; you have to gently and softly blow it away." As I said this, I picked up my teacup and started blowing on it.

"Is there a difference?" His head seemed to be hurting more and more.

She blew on the tea in her hand repeatedly, "or rather, she hated it even more that she looked down on me like a grain of sand."

"So what?" Still no eyes open.

"You'd better tell your woman to be more honest. It's not wrong to be a little clever, but she needs to learn to be cunning with different people. If she's wrong, she'll be seen as foolish." I shook my head and sighed. "But you can rest assured, I'm busy with my own affairs right now and have no time or desire to care about those ambitious but unlucky women. I just need you to keep an eye on her. If she's secretly colluding with Pang Jian's people and plotting something wicked, I'm afraid the prince will become my enemy. It seems unacceptable for a woman to cause such a commotion between us..." I knew we were destined to become enemies, but I didn't want it to be because of a woman.

"Are you going to say that if I don't want to be your enemy, I should stay away from that position?" He chuckled almost imperceptibly.

That saved me a lot of trouble. I nodded. "I wasn't planning on saying this so soon."

"Is this what you've always thought?"

"If you become emperor, to be honest, I won't get much benefit. In the past, I could at least become the empress, but things are different now."

"Can't we both take a step back?" He suddenly opened his eyes and looked at me, his eyes full of weariness. "I can give up that position, and you don't have to fight for anyone else. Maybe I can give you a promise."

"One step back leads to another, and when there's nowhere left to retreat, it's a lose-lose situation. Shouldn't we at least settle this once and for all?" I looked at him, a smile gradually spreading across my face. "Do you still have any expectations of me? Give me a promise, but can you truly keep it? If we don't become enemies, you're disloyal and unfilial. I'm already in this state; how can I drag you down with me? One day you'll be unable to forgive me—just as you couldn't forgive those who usurped the country and betrayed us. Loving me but unable to forgive me, don't you feel pain? Perhaps one day, I'll be the one to seize your family's empire. Perhaps one day, I'll be killed by your family. At that time, won't you be in pain? Your wife, scheming and plotting in court every day, might one day, in her sleep, become a victim of the royal power struggle, a prisoner. And you—will you help me manipulate power in the court? Will you?"

"I—" His brow twitched, and he gave a bitter, unbearable smile, "—I can't—"

"Because you are not a person of power; your heart is only for the world." I sighed deeply.

He stared at me blankly, and I knew I had seen right through him.

"You followed the Emperor to put the Rong family to death, not for the sake of the royal family's personal interests. It was because my father was ambitious and unfit to be a wise ruler. You eliminated my father for the sake of the world, and your imperial father wanted to exterminate him, but you protected him in many ways, also because you were worried that the deep resentment would destabilize the country. You were willing to defy the world, to be disloyal, unfilial, and ungentlemanly, all for the sake of the world." "You knew all that?" He stared at me blankly, shaking his head in surprise.

I've understood these things for a long time, but I just didn't want to admit it.

"Yes, I knew you were a man with the world in your heart from the time you devoted yourself to controlling the drought. I don't hate you, just as you said, I have never hated anyone. I understand all of this, but my heart is too small to contain the whole world. I am not as great as you, with the ambition to protect all living beings. I was just born and raised in a world of power and only know how to take the interests of my family as my own responsibility. Therefore, I will spare no effort to wipe out my enemies, because I have been forced into a corner with no way out."

He sat up straight, looked at me, pondered for a long time, and slowly said, "Can't the world include you?"

"It's a pity that the people you cherish in the world don't include me." I looked into his eyes, trying to sense that he was admitting it all. "It's not that you don't want to, but that you will ultimately betray me for the sake of the world."

This is fate, a fate that prevents us from being together... It was the beginning of our destiny, starting with the forced abdication and execution of Crown Prince Yanlun... What hinders us is not human effort, but the power of heaven.

"Compared to being a carefree prince, you are indeed more suited to taking over the main palace and protecting this world. However, I am more adept at causing chaos in the world... It seems that our decision to leave each other was the right one."

"I have never made such a choice before."

"I'm sorry, I already did it before you." I straightened my sleeves, tied up my hair, and looked up again, as if from another world. "Before you betray me for the sake of the world, I should at least be smart and stay away."

With no reason to remain seated, I finally stood up and said, "Excuse me."

His hand slowly grasped my wrist, stopping my hurried steps. I stopped. He still didn't say anything, just held my hand tightly. But that feeling was more powerful than a thousand words, making it impossible for me to leave. Now that he was holding my hand, I didn't know if he wanted me to stay, or if he just wanted to hold my hand, or if he had something to say, or perhaps—

His fingers slowly loosened, letting me go.

I turned and left, the breeze caressing my face, and my heart finally calmed down... became lighter.

Chapter Thirty-Two: Premeditated Plot

At dusk today, an unusual color appeared on the horizon. Nangong had once said that a dark sunset was not a good omen. But Lu Li insisted that today was an auspicious day and issued an edict to host a banquet for the Liao envoys.

A palace servant from Chaoyang Palace came to deliver a message to escort the two Liao envoys to the banquet hall. I saw them off to the door. It was very windy, and Yelü Mengshuo turned around and said, "No need to see them off."

"I'm not giving this to you," she replied expressionlessly, turning her head away from him.

"goodbye."

I was taken aback. When had he ever been so polite? I looked up; the group had already vanished, raising a cloud of dust. Only the gleam of his sword at his waist caught my eye… The wind was strong, causing withered leaves to fall. I couldn't help but marvel—they were spring leaves. Their figures grew increasingly distant, and I couldn't help but tremble. The strange color on the horizon grew brighter… Was it a trap? Lu Li wouldn't be so reckless. Even before a battle, one shouldn't kill an envoy. He should know the consequences better than anyone. Could it be… this is the result the Liao people wanted? Suddenly, I remembered Yelü Mengshuo's unusual behavior at parting. Did he anticipate Lu Li would kill him, or… did he know he was going to die?

He needed an excuse to invade the Central Plains, he needed to find a reason for the Liao people... He barged in with a clear conscience, and he actually took the gamble.

And he... must die... to win...

In this gamble, both of them are in danger.

What about me? Do I still have the ability to stop it? Should I... even try to stop it? And how could I possibly stop it...?

He suddenly clenched his fist, his fingernails digging painfully into his palm.

The banquet was held in the main hall of Shangyang Palace. Glass lanterns hung high above the eaves, and red palace gauze draped the ceiling, creating a harmonious interplay of light and shadow, a vibrant interplay of blue and white, and dazzling dragon heads. The vermilion walls, carved railings, and jade steps showcased the opulent craftsmanship of the Central Plains. Palace maids dressed in pale chrysanthemum green held tall candles, illuminating the hall as if it were daytime. The air was thick with the fragrance of ambergris from large incense burners, their wisps of smoke lingering in the air. Outside the hall, palace lanterns also hung high, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled splendor. Tonight's grand banquet in Shangyang Palace was undoubtedly the most lively scene in the palace at that moment.

Lu Li sat on the throne in the main hall. Princess Yao sat at the head of the table, closest to Lu Li. Next was Qin Lanruo. It was clear that all the consorts, whether principal or concubine, were meticulously dressed, their magnificent robes shimmering and sparkling, their jade pendants jingling. Below the hall, singing and dancing filled the air, the sounds of string and wind instruments never ceasing. One was immersed in a scene of "chimes, flutes, zithers, and pipes intertwining, their sounds melodious and graceful." To the lower left sat the royal family and nobles. The princes remaining in the capital were also seated among them, dressed in brocade robes, their expressions haughty. To the lower right were the Liao envoy and Yelü Mengshuo.

Lu Li was in high spirits today. He chatted amiably with the envoy and other officials, occasionally letting out a hearty laugh.

I carried a tray, mingling among the palace maids, standing not far behind the Liao envoy.

"Someone come here. Bring wine and food—" Lu Li waved his sleeve. A group of palace maids hurried in from outside the main hall.

A moon-shaped cup, jade chopsticks, a gold plate, and a silver bowl—each item was laid out in order on the table, displaying the extravagance and wealth of royalty. A line of palace maids filed in, bringing delicacies and fine wines. I remained impassive, wary of the chilling undercurrent beneath the luxury. My gaze swept lightly across the jade steps. Lu Li was talking to Yao Shuhuan, making her smile broadly. Snapping out of my reverie, I suddenly saw Yelü Mengshuo pull something from his sleeve. My body tensed, and I held my breath. An inconspicuous palm-colored bottle slowly poured out a yellowish-brown powder, which dissolved upon contact with water in the moon-shaped cup, becoming colorless and odorless. The people around us were either chatting or enjoying the song and dance; no one paid any attention to their actions. Lu Li remained engrossed in the wine, while Yelü and the Liao envoy exchanged a glance. A chill ran through me from head to toe.

The orchestral music paused briefly. The dancers quietly withdrew. The people in the hall, in high spirits, began to speak.

"Today, we are holding a grand banquet on behalf of our Emperor to entertain the envoys from the Liao Kingdom. Firstly, they have traveled a long way to congratulate our dynasty on its peace and prosperity, and we, the Central Plains, should certainly fulfill our duties as hosts. Secondly, we are demonstrating to all the people of the world that our dynasty and the Liao Kingdom will be friendly for generations to come and will not invade each other."

As expected, Yelü and the Liao envoy stood up and walked to the center of the hall, each holding a luminous cup.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness, and on behalf of all the people, thank you for the Emperor's grace." The Liao envoy stared at Lu Li and spoke politely, without a trace of a smile. "I would like to offer you a toast on behalf of our Emperor of Liao, to show our friendship between our two countries for generations to come."

Lu Li looked at them, a faint smile slowly spreading across his lips.

“Well said. Based on the envoy’s words, I am willing to drink three hundred cups with you—I’ll drink this one first.” Lu Li’s face was already slightly flushed. In his slightly drunken state, watching him gracefully drink the wine in his cup, a trace of worry crept into his eyes. Drink three hundred cups? Just this one cup could destroy the world he cherished so much.

"Hahaha—Your Highness certainly has a good capacity for alcohol." The Liao envoy laughed, raising the wine in his hand. "I'm happy to keep you company—"

As he lowered his eyes, his peripheral vision swept over Yelü. Yelü Mengshuo was unusually cold and composed, flawlessly raising the cup, the moon-shaped cup as soft as white jade, about to bring it to his lips.

My chest tightened suddenly, and I dropped the object I was holding—

“My lord—” I walked a few steps to Yelü and stared at him intently. He looked puzzled, with a hint of annoyance; I had disrupted his plan to die. I grabbed his hand suddenly; it was holding a wine cup. My lips trembled slightly. Suppressing the trembling and the chill that rose from my feet, I stared straight at him, pursed my lips, and took a breath: “How could you forget that everything that enters your mouth must first be inspected by this servant?”

Yelü was startled, a flicker of disbelief flashing across his eyes, his brows furrowing tightly. I felt his hands tremble involuntarily.

Taking advantage of his distraction, I easily took the wine glass and smiled faintly, "Master—I've tried it, it's not too late for you to drink it."

Even though I am just a passerby in your life, I have no reason to watch you leave twice.

Everyone around us was watching, wondering what kind of drama was going on. I slowly looked up at the indifferent man on the throne, his face always bearing that unchanging, faint smile, almost imperceptible, but I couldn't see a trace of warmth or joy in his eyes. His gaze met mine, and I feared he would pierce the pain in my eyes. I gritted my teeth, looked away, and simply stared at the contents of my cup…

Struggling to maintain a weak smile, I felt a stinging pain in my lips. Before me lay a moon-shaped cup filled with fragrant imperial wine, its clear color like a spring, its cool, lingering aroma emanating from it. Indeed, beautiful things are often the easiest places to conceal evil.

Her eyelashes trembled uncontrollably; it turned out she was afraid of death too… She abruptly closed her eyes, the cold glass touching her trembling lips…

A hand swung down and slammed into my cheek, the cup slipping from its grasp... wine spilled into the air, the moon-shaped glass shattering on the jade floor with a crisp sound. I stared in astonishment at the trembling hand; even as it touched my face, it still stung painfully, just as it had done by the sewage pool earlier, only now its face was even more contorted than the trembling hand.

"What are you, daring to touch my wine?" He had regained his composure, and his words were not abrupt. His deep eyes were filled with boundless coldness, and his hands, no longer trembling, gripped the drinking knife at his waist again.

"Yelü—never mind." The Liao envoy glanced at me and sighed.

Does "that's enough" mean you're no longer blaming me, or that everything is over?

I stared blankly back at that cold, stern face. Why did you push my hand away? Did you abandon your plan? Because you didn't want me, an innocent person, to be implicated... so you gave up?

At this moment, the noble prince on the jade steps calmly spoke, "Someone, bring the general another cup of wine."

Lu Li, don't you find it strange? Or did you already see through the clues and just want to let it all pass?

Yelü smiled bitterly as he took the other moonlight cup, drank it all in one gulp, and a hint of disappointment flickered in his eyes. I felt somewhat embarrassed and forced myself to walk back. The looks I received from those around me were incomprehensible and mocking; I must have looked ridiculous to them.

"You—come up here." That languid yet alluring voice belonged to her. Yao Shuhuan smiled; she certainly couldn't miss the chance to watch the show. A hand affectionately rested on her shoulder—that slender hand that had been holding me last night. Lu Li glanced at me with a faint smile, then looked at the beauty beside him with doting affection.

I lowered my eyes and stepped forward, kneeling at their feet. "Your Highness, Your Highness—"

Chapter Thirty-Three: Together

"You're such a loyal girl," Yao Shuhuan said with a fawning smile. "Why don't I get to be served by a girl like that?"

"Your Majesty is an exceptional person, and I am clumsy and inadequate in serving you." My voice was not loud, but it was firm.

"I'm afraid I won't find another girl as loyal as you." She paused, her smile freezing. "However—if you can test the wine for me like you would a general, I'll feel more at ease drinking it."

I frowned slightly, but still managed to reply, "Your Majesty asked me to test it, so how could I refuse? I'm just afraid of—tainting Your Majesty's cup."

"Don't be afraid." She smiled, casually picked up a clear jade cup, swirled the wine inside, suddenly felt discomfort in her throat, coughed lightly, spat it in, and then handed it to me. I stared blankly at the murky liquid in the cup, feeling a lump in my throat.

"This is the one—" she said, handing me the glass, which I had no choice but to take.

"Sister—this doesn't seem quite right." Qin Lanruo's voice was hesitant.

"He's just a servant—you're worrying too much, little sister." Yao Shuhuan said, leaning on Lu Li's shoulder. She was now spoiled and arrogant.

I held the cup, and my hand suddenly ached.

Xiaoyu had knelt beside me without my noticing, and she pleaded softly, "Why should the masters make such a mess of things for a little girl?"

"You sure know how to talk. Her not drinking makes me feel awkward."

Xiaoyu clenched her fists tightly. Seeing that Lu Li remained silent, she could only sigh softly and whisper in my ear, "Bear with it. Things are different now. The Grand Commander is watching from below. The Prince has no choice..."

I sneered. "Things are different now..."

He suddenly looked up. It's just alcohol. One sip and it's done, right?

"Thank you for the wine, Your Majesty." I said, enunciating each word clearly.

A barely perceptible hint of smugness played on Yao Shuhuan's lips. She turned to Lu Li and said, "Your Highness, was my little joke funny? I saw you seemed bored, so I tried to amuse you..."

He gently pulled Yao Shuhuan closer, leaned in, and whispered intimately in her ear, "Thank you for your trouble, Your Highness... It is indeed amusing."

The wine glass was at my lips when I froze. The word "ridiculous" was particularly jarring, spoken in a low voice, yet even so… I heard it clearly. I bit my lip hard, staring at him, remembering his worried and concerned expression last night. Knowing I shouldn't believe him, I still believed him, utterly and completely. What talk of having the world in my heart? How are you any different from the tyrants of Xia and Shang?

She abruptly stood up and shoved the wine in his face. The shove seemed to instantly quell most of her anger. The wine splashed all over his face, slowly sliding down his smooth, jade-like cheeks and wetting his collar. Perhaps my action was too sudden; no one had time to react. Yao Shuhuan stared at me, speechless, some of the wine also splashing onto her.

Lu Li maintained a faint smile, quietly looking at me. After a long while, he slowly spoke, "Only today did I realize... it was you."

The sound was so soft that only he, me, and Yao Shuhuan could hear it, but the woman hadn't come to her senses yet.

“It wasn’t me…it was her,” I replied coldly.

The only person in the world who can get angry with you, cry with you, laugh with you, be fierce with you, and be furious with you is Zhaozhi.

And I... am just a lowly servant, always yielding, taking every step cautiously, only wanting to protect the person I am destined to protect, but I also have a bottom line of patience, and I can be provoked by you because of the remaining memories...

Everyone waited in silence, awaiting my fate. Perhaps some were already wondering how many more hours I had left to live.

I stood upright in the hall, refusing to kneel or step down.