Chapter 57: The Coming-of-Age Ceremony (1)

At Quling Gorge, a deep, surging torrent rushes out from the craggy, rock-strewn mountain pass. It flows south, forming the vast, deep Feng Shui that connects to the Chu Jiang. To the west of this lies the Mu Guo, with its layered mountain peaks, while to the east stretches the undulating, fertile land of the Chu Guo.

There is only one road through the entire Quling Gorge leading to the border between Chu and Mu, along the banks of the Feng Shui. A troop of men is slowly advancing along the narrow, treacherous path carved into the mountainside. This group is dressed in ink-colored inner robes with silver-white warrior tunics worn over them; the tiger-pattern decorations on their armor indicate their extraordinary status, and even the steeds they ride are one-in-a-hundred fine horses.

As they are about to exit the gorge, the leader turns his horse around, returns to the center of the formation, and reports to a man: "Your Highness, further ahead we will enter the territory of the Chu Guo. We can board a boat tonight and switch to the waterway; we will reach the Chu capital by tomorrow."

"Send men ahead to make arrangements. We must board the boat before dark." The man looks to be under thirty years old, with deep-set eyes, thin lips, and a handsome face. He wears a pure white light robe and soft armor embroidered with exquisite white tiger patterns, with a long sword in a gold scabbard at his side. His expression is imposing, and his speech carries an unmistakable air of command, clearly accustomed to high status. If not for his flickering gaze, which often makes people feel he is somewhat gloomy and unpredictable, he would possess the bearing of a hegemon. This is the eldest son of the current Mu King, the Mu Guo Crown Prince who now holds sole power in the country—Ye Xuanyu.

For this coming-of-age ceremony of Princess Han Xi, the Chu King has invited guests far and wide. Apart from Princess Qie Lan of the Jiuyi Tribe, the guests are all young dignitaries from various states—some already enthroned as kings, others serving as crown princes—all of them holding great power and influence in their own lands, their words carrying immense weight. Among them, King Ji Cang of Xuan, Su Ling of the Xi State, and Prince Wanqi Boyan of the Rouran Tribe are all on the invitation list, and Tai Zi Yu of Mu is an honored guest.

At such a grand event, where wind and clouds gather, the coming-of-age and impending marriage of the Chu King's sister will inevitably have a significant impact on the situation in the Nine Domains. There is no reason for Tai Zi Yu to be absent. Before departing, he selected these sixty White Tiger Secret Guards to accompany him, and along the way, there were Mu Guo military forces dispatched to escort them. Seeing that they are almost at the Chu Guo, he finally orders the army to return to camp. Looking ahead, the mouth of the gorge is visible in the distance. The sky is growing dark, the cries of apes echo in the mountains, and there are no birds to be seen—a scene of desolate, chilling silence. He cannot help but spur his horse and command: "Speed up!"

The guard in front of him has just received the order when he suddenly feels a violent tremor all around. His mount lets out a long neigh, its front hooves lifting off the ground, nearly throwing him from the saddle. Immediately after, a deafening roar erupts ahead, and several massive boulders fall from the cliff top, severing the road in the blink of an eye.

Dust fills the sky, instantly burying everyone in darkness.

Before they can react, the faint sound of mechanisms rings out from the cliff. Suddenly, countless beams of light descend from the sky, whistling toward the direction of Tai Zi Yu like a torrential rain!

"Protect His Highness!" The four leading White Tiger Secret Guards leap back, their long swords dancing like sharp shields, blocking the barrage of heavy crossbow bolts and shielding Tai Zi Yu as they retreat to the cliff face.

This attack is sudden, and many of the sixty guards are killed or wounded. As soon as the heavy crossbow fire ceases, a group of men in black appears as if from the ground, swarming toward the remaining men.

Even under surprise attack, the White Tiger Secret Guards are no ordinary soldiers. The two sides engage in a fierce battle on the narrow mountain road, and for a time, blades flash and blood splatters against the deep cliff. The road ahead is now completely blocked; to enter the Chu Guo, they would have to go around the distant Yu Ridge via Chuan Yun Pass, which would make it impossible to reach the ceremony in time. Protected by several men, Tai Zi Yu stands outside the battle circle, his face gloomy. Seeing that the White Tiger Secret Guards have held off the assassins, he is about to order a retreat when suddenly, a sharp sword aura strikes from behind him!

Tai Zi Yu has received the true teachings of the Heavenly Sect since childhood and is one of the top sword experts in the Mu Guo. The moment he is attacked, he leaps from his horse, his long sword springing from its scabbard, carving a fierce arc of light in the darkness. Without looking back, he strikes backhand at the opponent's opening!

Under the sword light, a man in gray and masked appears in mid-air. Tai Zi Yu's horse lets out a neigh and collapses to the ground; before it can struggle, it falls into the mountain gorge with a miserable cry. The four White Tiger Secret Guards are simultaneously entangled by several black-clad figures who appeared like ghosts, dragging Tai Zi Yu and the others completely into the fray.

Blades clash all around, and it is difficult to distinguish friend from foe. Tai Zi Yu locks onto the assassin leader, displaying the composure of a master who remains calm in battle. His long sword strikes at an exquisite angle, trembling in mid-air and attacking his opponent with a heart-stopping, sharp whistle.

The man in gray also suddenly turns, returning the sword strike from mid-air.

As the two swords clash, a burst of brilliant light erupts between them!

With two soft *shhh* sounds, both figures retreat simultaneously. Blood spurts from the left shoulder of the man in gray; he failed to dodge Tai Zi Yu's counter-strike. However, the tip of his sword also grazed Tai Zi Yu's chest, tearing through his soft armor. A piece of peach-blossom-patterned stationery flies out along with the blood, spinning rapidly before falling into the rushing torrent below the cliff...

Three thousand peach blossoms bloom in the jade heavens, a magnificent scene on earth at Le Yao Gong.

Le Yao Gong, chosen to host the guests from various states for Princess Han Xi's coming-of-age ceremony, is built on an inland lake formed by the confluence of the Yuan River and the Chu Jiang. The two waters merge, creating a thirty-mile-long clear lake like a mirror. On it, eighteen exquisite water pavilions are built, centered around Jian Fang Terrace. Each pavilion is a world unto itself, with a beautiful view at every step. Floating bridges paved with carved colored stones wind and connect them, and the flying eaves are arranged in a staggered, elegant fashion. Amidst them, lush flowers reflect in the water, blooming in succession in the breeze. If viewed from above, the jade towers ripple in the clear water, and the jade palaces drop their fragrance. The reflections in the lake are layered with light and jade, just like a gorgeous flower blooming on the shimmering waves, a sight of incomparable beauty. Jian Fang Terrace is named for this.

With a thousand twists and turns and intricate carvings, the floating bridges are only for viewing; the palace maids and servants traveling between the water pavilions always go by boat. On the day of the ceremony, Jian Fang Terrace is decorated anew. In the center, a sacrificial altar built from a single piece of jade stands in a vibrant vermilion, symbolizing the Chu royal bloodline. The Vermilion Bird divine bird seems to be spreading its wings to soar in the sunlight, echoing the graceful royal flag in the sky. Surrounded by five-colored feather banners, it is a sight of dazzling, unbearable splendor. The jade steps in front of the terrace and the imperial road below are all clustered with fragrant flowers and paved with pearls and jade. Wherever one looks, it shines brilliantly, making one suspect that the shimmering light of the lake has spilled over it. For the coming-of-age ceremony of a mere princess, it is truly extravagant to the extreme.

For the convenience of viewing the ceremony, the curtains in front of the water pavilions on all four sides have long been hung up with gold hooks. Only a small pavilion on the north side of Jian Fang Terrace has curtains draped on all four sides. Under the fluttering light gauze, one can only see faint silhouettes, unable to see the situation inside, which is very different from the other viewing areas.

The two maids serving here are close confidantes of Princess Han Xi, knowing that inside is a very important guest of the Princess, and they have orders not to disturb them easily. Zi Hao walks into the elegant room alone. Inside, a man in plain gray robes with a flowing beard sits, a cold and arrogant aura emanating from his free and easy figure.

"Zi Hao pays respects to Uncle." A faint greeting. Zhong Yanzi does not seem too surprised by his appearance. Although he has retired from the world for more than ten years, he is well-versed in maneuvering through court politics and guessing human hearts. Just now, when that girl Zi Rao suddenly appeared and invited the old Daoist to find wine, he knew there must be a reason. Sure enough, the one who came is the current Eastern Emperor.

Without turning around, he remains seated at the desk, watching the scene outside the window, his tone a mix of sighing and mockery: "You have good methods. With little effort, you have already reduced the momentum of this grand ceremony in Chu by thirty percent."

Outside the light gauze, to the right of Jian Fang Terrace, near the Chu King's throne, is a seating area that seems much livelier than others, standing out at a glance.

Early this morning, a royal decree suddenly descended from the Imperial Capital, officially promoting Princess Qie Lan to Queen of the Jiuyi Kingdom, granting her cities and land, and bestowing great favor. Before celebrating Han Xi's coming-of-age, they first celebrated Qie Lan's promotion to Queen. The momentum of the Jiuyi Tribe is not what it used to be, vaguely chasing Chu and Mu. Various states have sent gifts to show friendship, and Qie Lan's seat has been changed from the lower position to a place of honor opposite King Ji Cang of Xuan. And this place was originally reserved for Tai Zi Yu of Mu.

Tai Zi Yu's party suddenly returned due to an urgent matter at the Feng Shui border and ultimately failed to reach Chu. Attending the ceremony on his behalf is the Third Young Master, Xuan Shang. After the battle on the long street, the Third Young Master of Mu rose to fame. Now that Tai Zi Yu is absent without cause, and Shao Yuan Jun is personally accompanying him, the various states cannot help but notice the changes. People coming to make connections elsewhere are endless, making him another lively spot in the venue. Even Helian Yiren has uncharacteristically put aside his grievances against this murderer of his son, chatting and laughing with him, and even patted him affectionately on the left shoulder before leaving. Ye Xuanshang, intentionally or unintentionally, dodged to one side and then quickly exchanged glances with Shao Yuan Jun beside him.

When Helian Yiren turns around, his expression sinks. Two days ago, Tai Zi Yu was attacked by assassins at the Chu-Mu border, leading to his absence from the ceremony. The Shao Yuan Jun Mansion is highly suspicious. But Huang Fei has been with Bai Shu'er for the past two days and could not have acted personally. Therefore, the only one whose martial arts are on par with Tai Zi Yu and who wants him dead is the Third Young Master Ye Xuanshang, who has openly joined forces with the Shao Yuan Jun Mansion and will benefit the most from this matter.

The test just now confirmed this. The Helian Hou Mansion and the Shao Yuan Jun Mansion are at odds and cannot coexist, and Tai Zi Yu is also unable to coexist with Ye Xuanshang. The alliance between the two will inevitably end in the defeat of one side; it just depends on who strikes first.

Through the gauze screen, neither Qie Lan's eye-catching elegance in her snow-white attire nor the comings and goings around Ye Xuanshang can be seen very clearly. Matters that are already settled do not need much more attention. Zi Hao brushes his sleeves and sits down opposite Zhong Yanzi.

Zhong Yanzi looks at him: "If my guess is correct, Tai Zi Yu must have fallen into your trap, leading to Ye Xuanshang taking his place. And here, Qie Lan is granted cities and land, with royal favor so great that it almost overshadows the protagonist of today's ceremony. Five hundred miles of royal territory—you are certainly generous."

Zi Hao is composed, saying unhurriedly: "Uncle is too kind. I am merely returning a favor I owe Ye Xuanshang. And as for Qie Lan, five hundred miles of royal territory is not little, but it is not too much either. That is what she deserves."

Hearing this, Zhong Yanzi's eyebrows suddenly twitch, and he scans him: "What do you know?"

Zi Hao brushes his robes and sits down, turning his head: "There are no outsiders here, so Uncle need not have too many reservations. Since I am the head of a clan, I naturally know what I should know. Uncle took Qie Lan as a disciple and protects her everywhere; isn't there a reason for this? Even if Huang Fei's introduction was not arranged by Uncle, it was already within Uncle's expectations, right?"

Zhong Yanzi stares at him for a moment, his expression somewhat complex, then lets out a heavy snort, appearing very dissatisfied: "What use is it for me to protect her further? This girl is the same as always on the surface, but in reality, she already looks at you differently. What exactly are you planning?"

Zi Hao lowers his eyes, a silent, faint smile appearing: "Uncle loves Qie Lan; it is human nature. But Qie Lan is only slightly closer to her nephew; why is Uncle so nervous?"

Zhong Yanzi's face grows more annoyed: "Since you know the truth, yet you sleep and travel with her, and bestow constant rewards. Hmph! I should have thought of it earlier. From the very beginning, when you led her to stab you with a sword, it was a calculated move. Qie Lan doesn't say it, but she has always felt quite guilty in her heart. With a little more of your methods, she naturally obeys you. This bitter-meat tactic of yours is too realistic. Don't you even care about your own life?"

"Uncle is right." Zi Hao raises his eyes slightly, calmly accepting his words: "For the sake of the big picture, this nephew truly does not fear any means. This body is like this, and others are the same."

The smile on his lips is faint, yet it does not reach his eyes. Today, he seems uncharacteristically different. Even though he looks as gentle as ever, and his words sound peaceful, there is an undeniable firmness in his demeanor. That inadvertent display of imperial majesty constantly reminds people of his noble status, making those faint smiles as cold as ice and snow, with a hint of isolation.

At a sudden glance, a familiar feeling flashes through Zhong Yanzi's heart. That feeling stirs up vivid images buried in more than ten years of time, causing his deep brows to furrow, and his gaze becomes sharp: "Not afraid of any means? Good! Truly like her. Deserving of being that woman's foster son; the scheming and methods are exactly the same, and even worse!"

Zi Hao's expression does not change, saying faintly: "If it were not so, this nephew would probably not have the opportunity to sit here and talk with Uncle today."

More than twenty years of teaching and upbringing—one learns just by watching. The woman in Chonghua Palace who personally taught and raised him, accompanying his growth as a mother, played the entire Yong Dynasty in the palm of her hand single-handedly. That level of scheming and momentum made the entire royal family bow and submit.

To achieve her goals, she would use any treacherous means; to achieve her goals, she would treat bloody slaughter as a joke. Even this overbearing woman was once extremely wary of the Eastern Emperor when he was a youth. Therefore, she researched deadly poisons and put them into his medicine, just to firmly control this chess piece. However, medicine and poison cannot extinguish everything; the only thing that changed was his smile, subverting light and darkness. Now, he covers all joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness with a smile as warm and cold as jade.

Since entering the room, Zi Hao has always had a smile on his face. He is dressed in plain clothes today, and even the ribbon in his hair is a faint, flawless white. Under such a clean background, what is revealed in that dust-free, faint smile is a scene of cold wind and color.

Outside, elegant music suddenly starts—bells, chimes, and strings, magnificent and melodious, gradually rendering a graceful and joyful atmosphere. Umbrella canopies rise like clouds, and feather fans open in pairs. The Chu King and Queen's boat docks, and the ceremonial guard rises on Jian Fang Terrace. The ceremony has officially begun.

Zi Hao lowers his gaze, raises his hand to pour wine, and suddenly asks: "Does Uncle still remember what day today is for the royal family?"

Zhong Yanzi is slightly stunned. When he realizes it, his heart tightens fiercely.

The year of Xinyou, Gengshen, Jiazi day, at the third quarter of the Si hour, Emperor Xiang passed away in the Shuangwen Hall of Zhao Ling Gong.

On that day, stars fell at Qishan, leaving no trace. The East Sea suddenly suffered a natural disaster; the sea raged like anger, the earth shook, and five coastal cities were turned into ruins at the bottom of the waves. Thousands of people were buried and lost.

This day should have been a day of mourning for the royal family and the entire world. Mourning the death of the King, stopping strings and bamboo, ending singing and dancing, banning wine and meat, stopping smoke and fire, and the people wearing plain clothes. However, since the death of Emperor Xiang, the feudal lords have not had a single act of mourning, and the royal family has been unable to impose any restraint.

The wine is full. Zi Hao slowly raises his hand to toast the King of Luo, and drinks it all in one gulp.

Zhong Yanzi's expression sinks suddenly, and he shouts: "Today is the anniversary of your father's death. You do not issue a decree to observe mourning for him, but instead drink wine for pleasure! As a son, you are truly too unfilial!"

Zi Hao still smiles, with no sign of sorrow, his voice clear and faint: "I do not issue a decree because he is not worthy."

The ritual of nine sorrows, the former king who personally created this chaotic world, is not worthy.

Strong wine pours into his heart, his eyes like cold jade.

What is filial piety? He does not need others to teach him. If he cannot erase the brand of mediocrity and cowardice on that man, then all so-called "filial piety" is meaningless.

Zi Hao stands up, his hands behind his back, coldly watching the singing and dancing outside. When he turns back, he places a jade pendant from his sleeve onto the desk.

It is a jade pendant with a coiled dragon pattern, the green tassel at the bottom looking as bright as new, but the jade itself bears the traces of time, clearly having been rubbed often, making it look smooth and clean. It is a beautifully carved piece of jade with a lifelike flying dragon. However, a charred crack right in the center cuts the dragon that was originally soaring through the clouds in half, making the entire image look jarringly ferocious.

"Uncle should still recognize this object, right? This is a relic left by the former king before his passing. Today, this nephew returns it to its original owner on behalf of the former king."

Zhong Yanzi's body shuddered. How could he not recognize it? On the reverse side of this jade pendant was a "Luo" character carved in gold seal script, the strokes vigorous and elegant, the structure refined and graceful. It was a personal inscription written by his royal brother, Emperor Xiang, after a bout of heavy drinking—a small congratulatory gift personally bestowed upon him by the Emperor at the celebratory banquet when he was first enfeoffed and granted his own territory.

Since that day, he has never left this jade pendant, until the fire in Liyang Palace that destroyed everything, burning his heart and the jade.

The grace of the sovereign and the bond of brothers, all clearly before his eyes; the sorrow of living separation, the hatred of death.

The unclosed eyes in Zhao Ling Gong condensed into the quiet, cold, deep gaze of the Eastern Emperor, tugging at the pain in the depths of King Luo's eyes.

However, Zi Hao says nothing more, as if everything ends here, and his purpose in coming is just as simple as returning the object to its owner.

With a long burst of drum music, the flowers on Jian Fang Terrace retreat. The singing and dancing end, and the elegant music starts again. The jade steps paved with brocade rise into the distance. Amidst the flying flowers, a bright, charming red reflects into his pitch-black pupils.

The gorgeous and solemn ceremonial dress does not affect Han Xi's joyful steps. She walks lightly on the fragrant flowers covering the ground, her smile greeting the sunlight, her long hair flying unrestrained under the binding of a gold ring. Seeming impatient with the ceremonial officer's slow guidance, she gently waves her sleeves, and colorful butterflies arrive as if carried by the lake waves, fluttering up and down behind her flying sleeves, dancing nimbly. She laughs mischievously, ascending Jian Fang Terrace amidst countless stunning gazes. Following the ceremonial officer's long chanting, she kneels and bows according to the ritual, sacrificing to the gods. In the process of completing those complex rituals step by step, she does not forget to secretly observe the guests from various states, with a curious and amused expression.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 58 =====