Nuit éternelle - Chapitre 4
What could it be? Feng Xinglie looked at the crowd of people who were watching the show with amusement, and smiled very calmly. This princess really has a lot of questions.
Why did she have to come back at this awkward time, right when the Empress Dowager pulled Ling Yuxiang aside for casual conversation, when she was all alone, and then insist on feeling special and sitting next to me? Could all of this be just a coincidence?
Those truly free from scheming in the palace are probably long gone. Feng Xinglie glanced in Empress Dowager Xiao Yun's direction and indeed caught a glimpse of amusement, while Ling Yuxiang's gaze remained gentle yet tinged with worry…
He must have noticed it long ago, right? Ever since the Empress Dowager started nagging him, he'd been subtly reminding her to pay attention to everyone coming and going around her. Hmph, hmph, this idiot! He can barely take care of himself, yet he has time to worry about her problems!
The emperor's deep smile, the empress dowager's observation, Princess Liuli's innocence—a mocking smile lingered on his lips. Feng Xinglie suddenly swallowed a mouthful of wine with a fierce glint in his eyes.
Damn it! If you had doubts, why couldn't you just say it outright and ask clearly? Why resort to this roundabout method, sacrificing so many unimportant people and causing so much unnecessary trouble? Is it really that hard to ask a sincere question? In your heart, is your own brother really less valuable than someone else's observation and attempts to sow discord?
Why did she have to get involved in something that clearly had nothing to do with her? Why did she have to watch these people's expressions, feign compliance, and play the role of a pawn in these pointless power struggles? The anger that had been simmering in her heart for far too long was now burning even more fiercely, and her extreme willfulness and bias erupted into the most intense madness at this moment.
What the hell are you talking about?! You brothers should resolve your own problems behind closed doors, it's none of my business! If you want to make trouble, have doubts, argue, or engage in some ridiculous palace intrigue, don't drag me into it! Who do you think I am, Feng Xinglie? Why should I act according to your wishes?
Feng Xinglie suddenly gave a seductive twitch of his lips and burst into a long laugh: "Princess, you jest. The Queen Consort of the God of War is certainly not skilled in delicate needlework. What I can do is..." A slightly provocative glance followed Ling Yuhan's gaze: "I wonder if any of you would be interested in watching this Queen Consort perform a sword dance?"
Amidst the surprised and puzzled gazes of the crowd, Ling Yuhan's expression suddenly darkened, and his look at Feng Xinglie became complicated. However, he smiled gently and said, "Since Princess Ronghua has such skills, I believe everyone should be interested."
Empress Dowager Xiao Yun's eyes flickered, and after a moment, she smiled and instructed, "Xiao Dezi, have Guard Qiu deliver a sword to the Princess."
Feng Xinglie looked arrogant and sneered, "No need for Guard Qiu." She raised her hand lightly and waved it casually. Suddenly, the sword at the waist of the bodyguard standing next to Ling Yuhan made a "hum!" sound and was actually drawn to her! In the blink of an eye, the gleaming weapon was firmly in her hand.
Silence fell over the room! The two guards beside the emperor had changed their expressions and stood in front of Ling Yuhan and the Empress Dowager. Everyone was shocked and retreated. This Princess Ronghua actually had such terrifying martial arts skills!
The two guards standing in front of Ling Yuhan felt their blood freeze. If such martial arts were used to assassinate her in an instant, they dared not say they could succeed even if they protected her with their own bodies. If there was anyone in the world who could stop her, it would probably only be the Prince of Zhenyuan! Ling Yuxiang remained seated, a hint of surprise appearing on his face, but then his eyes flickered as he fell into deep thought.
Ignoring the fear, shock, and dread of those around him, Feng Xinglie raised his head and smiled. He stopped in his tracks and leaped into the midst of the flowers. A sword gleaming with cold light was held before him, its gleam reflected in his dark, deep eyes. With a swift movement, the sword's power was unleashed, creating a blur of light and shadow wherever it went, making it impossible to discern the exact length of the blade.
Ling Yuxiang gazed intently at her, and the moment the sword trembled, his eyes were fixed on her! He was so stunned that he almost stopped breathing. A stunningly beautiful woman, dressed in snow-white robes, wielding a long, green sword, danced amidst a field of flowers, creating a scene of fierce battle! The falling petals did nothing to diminish her beauty, but rather added a touch of tragic grandeur to her sword dance. Just as it reached its climax, the sword suddenly shifted, and the wild and untamed figure transformed into a clear spring, moving slowly, while a melodious song rose from her lips:
"Greed for a lifetime of fame"
Chasing the fleeting clouds of power and wealth
In a moment
Who can judge who won or lost?
Is he a hero or a scoundrel?
God has not yet decided.
Become king or loser
"It also depends on fate..."
Her snow-white dress and wildly flowing black hair created a breathtakingly beautiful dance. The sword wind suddenly quickened, and her song followed:
"...Is this three feet of yellow earth enough?"
Bury your infamy for life
A vow made in life and death, true love is too hard to find.
Is it being affectionate or heartless?
Prove it with your life
People can change their feelings endlessly
Lies are fair...
The swordplay instantly expanded and intensified with the suddenly rising pitch, its heroic spirit soaring to the heavens:
"...this three feet of yellow earth"
Can it bury your ambition for hegemony?
As time passes and stars shift, who will remember this humble official?
Don't lament being born at the wrong time.
It was destined long ago that Heaven would destroy your reincarnation.
This three feet of yellow earth
Can it bury your ambition for hegemony?
As time passes and stars shift, who will remember this humble official?
Don't lament being born at the wrong time.
"It was already destined by Heaven to destroy you in the cycle of reincarnation."
It was such a pure white, yet for some reason there was a strange feeling that it was burning, as if she were in a raging fire, determined to burn to ashes!
Who will bury the hero? All this hypocrisy, this scheming and infighting, what is it all for? What are you after? Wealth and glory? A place in history? What use are such fleeting illusions? Ling Yuxiang, hero or coward, the victor is king, the loser is villain—the world is always that simple! Ling Yuhan, man's calculations can never match fate's. Regardless of your true feelings, if Ling Yuxiang dies, will you not feel heartache for your own brother?
To dominate and leave a mark on history, being merely a prince or a peerless genius is not enough. If the emperor doesn't employ capable people, who can be respected and admired by thousands without any power or influence? Have you ever considered that, besides Ling Yuxiang, how many of your remaining generals can fill his void? If foreign countries invade, which general can lead a disunited army to victory?
If you truly bury this generation of heroes, all you will get in return is the inevitable destruction of heaven!
At this moment, Feng Xinglie's sword aura was filled with true power, which had already caused a flurry of flying petals. The cluster of broken petals gradually turned into a round ball, which wandered freely among the sword energy. At the most intense moment of the dance, it suddenly exploded with a crisp sound of a green peak breaking through the air. The sharp long sword, with specks of cold light, shot straight towards Ling Yuhan's table!
Everyone was so engrossed in the breathtaking sword dance that no one could react in time, and they could only watch helplessly as the sword flew past!
But before he could even utter a cry of surprise, a clang was heard as the longsword was slid perfectly into the scabbard at the waist of the guard beside Ling Yuhan, causing the hanging rope to tremble.
Feng Xinglie stood amidst a flurry of falling petals, a confident smile finally appearing on her lips. Arrogant and unyielding, Feng Xinglie had never once lowered her head in her life.
Amidst the shock and silence that filled the room, a sudden burst of applause erupted.
"Slap! Slap! Slap!" Ling Yuxiang was so focused on slapping his hands until they hurt, his face expressionless as he gazed intently at her, his eyes unable to leave her figure for a moment. It was as if the world only contained her breathtaking beauty, which had just appeared in a fleeting moment.
Everyone finally came to their senses, and thunderous applause and cheers erupted in the Imperial Garden!
Feng Xinglie walked up to Ling Yuxiang, his lazy smile returning to his face: "How was my dancing?"
"Peerless, unparalleled in the world!" Ling Yuxiang enunciated each word clearly and forcefully, as if afraid of mispronouncing a single word.
[The Wind Rises in Kyoto: Chapter Eight - Your Words]
A brief silence fell as Feng Xinglie and Ling Yuxiang stared at each other. Ahead, Ling Yuhan's deep eyes flashed, and he suddenly smiled earnestly: "I never expected this. The rumors at the border are truly absurd. Such a stunning beauty has been portrayed like that. I was so mistaken. You, my brother, have gotten such a good deal. The Princess Consort's martial arts skills are unparalleled. She is truly worthy of being the wife of the God of War. It's all thanks to my misjudgment. Princess Consort Ronghua and you, my brother, are a match made in heaven. Heaven has been so kind to you. You are so blessed, my brother!"
Feng Xinglie glanced at Ling Yuhan indifferently. His mouth had the air of a ruthless emperor; he had clearly abandoned "her" intending to teach Ling Yuxiang a lesson, but now that the situation had changed, he spoke with a high-sounding voice, attributing it to "heaven's favor," as if he had facilitated a marriage and deserved praise. To utter such blatant lies so smoothly, his skin was truly thick.
Ling Yuhan suddenly changed the subject slightly, seemingly teasing: "It seems that my brother didn't know that Princess Ronghua could perform such a wonderful sword dance. No wonder you suddenly became so enthusiastic... Haha, I'm joking. You are still newlyweds, so please return to your seats. I won't disturb you any longer."
Seemingly lighthearted banter, yet carrying a hidden meaning—was it meant to sow discord? Feng Xinglie and Ling Yuxiang both chuckled subtly, tacitly acknowledging the Emperor's words. Ling Yuxiang thanked him, then deftly grasped Feng Xinglie's hand, his long, slender fingers gently entwining her delicate fingers beneath his sleeve. The cool, smooth skin slipped into his palm, sending a shiver through him. He gently squeezed her palm, then softly pulled her close, putting his arm around her shoulder, and led her back to where Feng Xinglie had been sitting.
Feng Xinglie frowned but ultimately did not resist. Although she acted impulsively and willfully, she was not ignorant of the overall situation. She dared to be so presumptuous because she had something to rely on.
Partly because of her identity as a princess of the Southern Kingdom, even if Ling Yuhan was furious, he couldn't possibly do anything to her in public. Although the Southern Kingdom was just a small border country, Ling Yuxiang had already led his troops back home. If they were to cause trouble or make any moves, wouldn't the emperor have a headache? Furthermore, her current actions had clearly told everyone that she was not a foolish princess. Even the spies Ling Yuhan sent to the Southern Frontier couldn't have discovered that Princess Jinghua possessed martial arts skills. So why was she keeping them hidden? Ling Yuxiang had just returned from the Southern Kingdom with his troops. No one could say for sure if she and Ling Yuxiang had some other relationship. On the other hand, considering that Ling Yuxiang's potential power was not as simple as he knew, would the emperor dare to act rashly?
Most people had left their seats when Feng Xinglie was performing her sword dance. Half of them were frightened at the front, while the other half were so amazed by her sword dance that they unconsciously gathered around the flowerbed. Now they returned to their seats with embarrassed smiles. However, it was fortunate that they were used to this kind of environment. Before long, they had no shame and seemed to have completely forgotten their earlier embarrassment.
The look in his eyes as he sized up Feng Xinglie was no longer filled with contempt, but rather with admiration, greed, and burning jealousy.
Since he's capable of it, Feng Xinglie is naturally qualified. What are these opinions? Didn't he see enough back in the Qin Dynasty? The most beautiful woman in Qin, Lian Ji, was always by his side, and her jealous eyes, which seemed to want to tear him apart, were many times more ferocious than the gazes of these young women now.
Before long, Empress Dowager Xiao Yun got tired and had to return to the palace. The people who came here were all good at reading people's expressions and knew that the Empress Dowager was sending people away in a roundabout way. Before long, they all took the excuse of not being able to hold their liquor and left.
The Empress Dowager pulled Ling Yuxiang toward Qinyuan, saying they were going to continue reminiscing. Feng Xinglie wanted to return to the Prince's Mansion first, but he was stopped by four guards after taking only a few steps.
"His Majesty wishes to see Princess Ronghua." Although the tone was one of negotiation, the attitude was clearly firm. Feng Xinglie sneered inwardly. Wasn't the Empress Dowager taking Ling Yuxiang away just creating an opportunity for Ling Yuhan? He wasn't surprised at all and followed after her.
"Aside from my imperial brother, this is the first time someone has actually given me a headache." Yun Garden was an extremely quiet and refreshing courtyard with few palace servants. It was not as magnificent as one might imagine. Feng Xinglie was quite amazed by the surrounding scenery. Then, a smile appeared on his lips. He figured that Ling Yuhan would not be walking with his brother's wife in a crowded place.
Ling Yuhan, who was standing in front of me, had changed into casual clothes. His handsome face was reflected in the peach blossoms in the garden, which was extremely pleasing to the eye. When he stood next to Ling Yuxiang, he always felt that he was not handsome enough. Now that there was no comparison, he was a handsome man who could drive countless women crazy.
"It's my pleasure," Feng Xinglie replied casually, his expression revealing nothing particular.
"Do you know why I invited you here?" Behind Ling Yuhan's gentle smile lay an undisguised shrewdness. The palace was a complex place, and he had stabilized his power amidst the rise and fall of the regime. How could he be a simple person? Before Feng Xinglie could speak, he continued, "Until today, I, like the Empress Dowager, believed that you were truly the weak and helpless woman who was rumored to be, an abandoned child of the Southern Kingdom, and a good-for-nothing princess. That's why the Empress Dowager and I arranged this banquet."
"But my performance in the Imperial Garden today is inconsistent with what the Empress Dowager and the Emperor investigated, isn't it?" Feng Xinglie said calmly, his expression revealing neither joy nor anger.
Ling Yuhan's eyes flashed, and he smiled at Feng Xinglie: "Not only are they inconsistent, they are completely different."
"So, what was originally just a facade for the Southern Domain might actually be a place of trouble," Feng Xinglie continued with a relaxed shrug.
"Although the Southern Kingdom is a small country, it is located directly south of our Great Ling Kingdom and borders the Great Ling Kingdom directly."
"The Qin Kingdom to the southwest and the Qingqiu Kingdom to the southeast are both powerful states. If the Southern Kingdom is sandwiched between them, forming an encirclement, and the soldiers of Qin and Qingqiu form a battle line, then even if the Great Ling Kingdom's rule isn't in imminent danger, it will inevitably suffer damage to its national strength. Although the Southern Kingdom didn't intervene in the Battle of Baihui Pass, its attitude was ambiguous. You can't be sure what they're thinking." Feng Xinglie casually recounted these situations. As the Wind Queen of Great Qin, how could she not understand the state of the world?
Ling Yuhan cast an admiring glance his way and sighed, “You are indeed clever. We are not afraid of just one country, but the Great Ling Kingdom has not been established as long as those two countries. If they really form an alliance and start a war, I am afraid that even the Emperor’s brother will suffer.”
"So this princess sent for marriage is actually just a pawn. Sending her to Ling Yuxiang serves two purposes: first, it serves as a warning to the Southern Feudal vassals not to forget their true status; second, it serves as a warning to Ling Yuxiang that his reputation and power have exceeded the bounds of what a subject should have, and that he should rein himself in."
“You are just a pawn of the Southern King. I originally planned to continue investigating the Southern King, but since you are a smart man, there is no need to.”
The scene of the Southern King coughing up blood flashed before his eyes again, and Feng Xinglie sighed softly: "It has nothing to do with the Southern Tribe. They are just a small tribe, without a leader of unparalleled talent. How could they dare to embark on a dangerous path that could lead to their utter destruction at any moment? Being caught between two countries, they are in the most dangerous position. Moreover, Qin and Qingqiu are simply incapable of uniting." Many insightful people could guess the "cause of death" of the Great Qin King Feng, and Qingli certainly knew it too. If he had known, even if it cost him his life, he would never have cooperated with Qin Han! Thinking of this, Feng Xinglie felt a warmth in his chest, and a smile unconsciously appeared on his face.
Upon hearing Feng Xinglie's words, Ling Yuhan didn't react much, seemingly considering their credibility. He then changed the subject, saying, "Brother Xiang has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, excelling in both literary and martial arts. His strategies are outstanding and his methods are astonishing. To be honest, back then, I truly wished he were the emperor. I've lived in the palace for many years and am still capable of scheming, but when it comes to talent, Brother Xiang is far superior to me."
"Is Your Majesty regretting that you did not refuse when Ling Yuxiang pressured the former ministers?"
"Royal conflicts have always been brutal. He was unwilling to see his brothers turn against each other, and he was unusually insistent, so I went along with his wishes and took this position."
“But now, after being emperor for so long, the emperor hears people around him all day long saying that the God of War Ling Yuxiang has won another battle, that the God of War Ling Yuxiang has quelled another bandit gang, that the God of War Ling Yuxiang is exceptionally talented and unparalleled in the world. Even his own brothers will have different feelings and will feel that this person is challenging his imperial authority.” Feng Xinglie suddenly chuckled coldly.
“Since I’ve taken this position, it’s only natural to have such thoughts. An emperor can’t completely trust those around him.” Ling Yuhan showed no remorse for Feng Xinglie’s disrespectful words. His expression remained unchanged, and he readily admitted it without hesitation. His words carried a faint solemnity: “I can tolerate a brother, but the emperor cannot tolerate a perfect war god whom the people yearn for, unless that person is dead.”
"You're quite honest." Feng Xinglie's beautiful eyes narrowed instantly: "What is it about him that you can't tolerate?"
“Palace coups have been common throughout history, and people’s mindsets can change over time. Perhaps Xiangdi didn’t want to be emperor before, but how would I know what he thinks now? Moreover, you may not know that many ministers have already jointly submitted a memorial stating that Prince Ling, relying on the emperor’s favor, has seized power, amassed an army, and intends to rebel. The memorials are still in the imperial study, stacked high. Such memorials come every day, and I’m getting annoyed just looking at them.”
“Those people are just jealous of Ling Yuxiang’s high position and power, and the fact that he is not in court for many years, so they are looking for an opportunity to frame him.”
Ling Yuhan smiled gently: "How could I not know? But Brother Xiang doesn't care about the changes in the court. He still leads troops outside all year round. His soldiers only have the God of War Ling Yuxiang in their minds. Do they have any regard for me, the emperor? Even if Brother Xiang doesn't intend to use his troops to his advantage, wouldn't his soldiers force him to take this step? But he is my own brother. How could I possibly do that to him? So after discussing it with the Empress Dowager, I gave you to Brother Xiang."
"You want me, this good-for-nothing, to remind him of his lack of self-awareness, to make him look foolish and damage the prestige of the title 'God of War,' to let the people of the world see that the God of War is not a god, and to let the entire court see that you do not value him as much as they think, that you have already begun to doubt him, in order to quell public anger and stabilize your and Ling Yuxiang's identities, is that right?"
"You really are... I truly regret pushing you to Xiangdi. If you were my woman, with such discerning eyes, you would undoubtedly be the head of the harem." Ling Yuhan suddenly smiled strangely, then continued, "In these chaotic times, the Ling Kingdom's ability to hold its own on this vast land is truly fragile and cannot withstand further turmoil. For the sake of the country, I must do this. I don't really intend to seize Xiangdi's military power; I'm just putting on a show for the ministers. Xiangdi should understand."
"So, for your sake of righteousness, I should cooperate with you instead of stirring things up, right?" Should understand? What a wonderful "should understand"! Ling Yuhan, you really are so thoughtful, so benevolent!
A blatantly sarcastic smile spread across his face, and Feng Xinglie finally couldn't help but sneer and shake his head:
"Hmph, hmph, what you say certainly sounds grand and reasonable, but in my opinion..."
"That's all fucking bullshit!"
[The Wind Rises in Kyoto: Chapter Nine is All Bullshit]
"In my opinion, all your so-called grand principles and righteousness are utter bullshit!" This vulgarity coming from the mouth of a woman who was so beautiful she was almost inhuman was easy to ruin the mood, but Feng Xinglie's sarcastic and somewhat wicked expression made her look strangely alluring and enigmatic.
Ling Yuhan's face suddenly turned ugly. His smug feelings were suddenly ridiculed, which would be unbearable for anyone, especially since he was the emperor, who was second only to the emperor!