Chapter 58: The Coming-of-Age Ceremony (2)

After the sacrifice to heaven, the Chu Queen personally helps her pin up her hair, using a red jade hairpin inlaid with carved hibiscus flowers to secure the flying luan gold crown that symbolizes the princess's status. The exquisite dangling hairpin on the luan bird sways playfully in front of her forehead. She secretly turns her head and says to the Chu Queen: "Sister-in-law, is it okay now? This ceremonial dress is so heavy."

The Chu Queen smiles gently, signaling her to be patient. Under the guidance of the ceremonial officer, Han Xi again gathers her heavy skirts and bows to the throne, accepting the Chu King's reward, and then thanking the various states for their gifts one by one.

"Is this the Princess Han Xi you asked the Chu King to grant you in marriage the other day?" Huang Fei is watching Han Xi suppress her impatience and straighten her posture with a hidden smile when a feminine voice suddenly comes from the adjacent seat. Turning around, he meets those cold, narrow eyes without surprise.

Still in a fiery-red gorgeous dress, the wildness that King Ji Cang of Xuan never hides and his charming appearance are eye-catching wherever he goes. Since taking his seat, half of the gazes in front of Jian Fang Terrace have been on the ceremony, and half have fallen on him and the outstanding Shao Yuan Jun sitting with him.

Flicking his sleeves, Huang Fei's court dress, with its gold cloud patterns that seem woven from sunlight, brushes past the fiery color, his smile like a spring breeze: "Your Highness's news is truly well-informed. You even know such a small matter in our country so clearly."

King Ji Cang says slowly: "I naturally pay more attention to news about you than others. But I have one thing I don't understand. Since you requested the decree for marriage, and the Chu King is so obedient to you, why has there been no response? Huang Fei, what are you planning?"

Huang Fei smiles: "Your Highness is overthinking. Our King just doesn't want to wrong the Princess, and I also feel that I am dull and unworthy of the Princess's heavenly beauty, so I no longer insist."

Such an obvious excuse, yet he says it as a matter of course, and with a face as humble as jade. If the person in front of him were not King Ji Cang, and the speaker were not the dignified Shao Yuan Jun, people might really think this was the truth. With a *shhh* sound, King Ji Cang covers his mouth and laughs: "Others don't know, but you and I know. If you really wanted to marry this Princess, I'm afraid even ten Chu Kings couldn't stop you. A person like you, are you really willing to be a subordinate of the Chu King and unable to get a woman you want?"

Huang Fei drinks wine, calm and composed: "Our King is broad-minded and kind, and follows good advice. I am willing to be his subject. But Your Highness, rest assured, no matter what, I will keep Your Highness's agreement in mind."

King Ji Cang's long eyes narrow, wondering what he is thinking, when he suddenly leans forward: "What the Chu King is like, what does it have to do with me?" His voice is slightly long, his gaze enchanting and intense: "I am very interested in this young and beautiful Princess on the stage. Huang Fei, do you think your King would agree if I had the intention of marriage?"

Huang Fei raises his eyes. King Ji Cang is waiting to see his reaction when he suddenly hears a long announcement from outside: "The envoy from the Di Du has arrived!"

The envoy representing the royal family, holding the black-gold dragon-patterned imperial edict, proceeded slowly along the fragrant floral brocade carpet, escorted by two rows of honor guards. Looking down from a high vantage point, Zi Rao leaned against a corridor pillar, watching the majestic royal banners fluttering in the long wind. Her star-like eyes, deep and alluring, retracted their spring radiance, taking in the myriad expressions of the thousand people in Le Yao Palace.

The current Di Du, although it may not command the world with a single order, its orthodox royal power can bring special status and huge benefits to any country, enough to break the current relatively balanced pattern of the various states. A royal decree adds fuel to the fire, promoting the Chu King. The undercurrents between Chu and Xuan seem to have something breaking out, reflecting sharp light on the three thousand clear waters.

The Xuan Kingdom, which is equal in strength to Chu, destroyed Houfeng in the eleventh year of Emperor Xiang, subdued Rouran in the twelfth year, and in the second year of the Eastern Emperor, with the help of Young Master Yan, nearly marched south to take the Di Du in one step. If Zi Hao had not made a decisive decision, the world would no longer be the world of the royal family.

All of Zi Hao's layouts after entering Chu were only for this powerful force that sits in the north and can never be subdued. In the war of destroying the country, he needs a sword—a sword that can intimidate the world with its light when drawn, and can firmly guard the Di Du in its scabbard when sheathed. He will never allow the powerful Chu, which possesses Shao Yuan Jun and the Liefeng Cavalry, to form an alliance with the Xuan Kingdom.

On one hand, he secretly divides and suppresses the momentum of the Chu Guo, while on the other hand, he cleverly guides this force to confront the Northern Domain. On one hand, he subtly sends Huang Fei the best ally, and at the same time, he sets up a foolproof restraint. From Qie Lan to Han Xi, from Su Ling to Ye Xuanshang, careful arrangements and interlocking calculations, even emotions are under his calm and proper control—not cold, but not unnecessarily passionate.

Therefore, Zi Rao at this time does not doubt the result of Zi Hao's conversation with his uncle. He never does things he is not sure of.

"Uncle's wisdom and strategy are not inferior to Feng Wan's. A wrong calculation back then led to success or failure, and although he resents the former king now, he still cannot let go of the Di Du."

That magnificent hall that once dominated the world is an irreparable flaw in the King of Luo's heart, and perhaps also a brand that every royal descendant cannot erase. Now, the cold arrogance and sharp methods of the master of the Yong Dynasty will let the former King of Luo, the current Zhong Yanzi, see the dignity that the royal family should have—that is not to make the feudal lords perform perfunctory mourning before the late king's spirit, but to make them lower their noble heads under this royal flag today, and, the presumptuous ambition that should not exist.

On the golden royal flag, a mysterious dragon circles, riding the wind and clouds, drawing a fierce mark on Zi Rao's lazy eyes. She watches Huang Fei from afar, gauging every expression and every action of his through that perfect and elegant face, as if seeing the spirited eyes of the Eastern Emperor staring at the chessboard beside the white stone in the bamboo forest through those eyes that reflect clear light in the sunlight—

The game of chess between Shao Yuan Jun and the Eastern Emperor, although borrowed from Han Xi's hand, was still thrilling. A game of "Remaining Life in the Vast Sea" can be called a meeting of opponents, with waves rising, but it was truly hearty.

Watching the chess for three days, she had to admit that there is finally one person in the world who can rival the Eastern Emperor—if Zi Hao is the calm deep sea under the light clouds and breeze, then Huang Fei is the blazing sun shining on the Nine Domains, the blue sea is deep and far, not losing the arrogance of indulging the world, and the sunlight is fierce, with the conceit of devouring all things.

Then, how would two equally proud men be willing to bow down and submit to each other?

Separated by a room, what Zhong Yanzi said is exactly what Zi Rao is thinking: "Huang Fei is the disciple I taught with my own hands. I know his character and aspirations better than anyone. Wanting him to bow his head to others is harder than ascending to heaven."

Hearing this, Zi Hao smiles. In white clothes and flowing clouds, the smile floats in the wind like floating ice and broken snow, cold and unreachable.

"Uncle just needs to bring a message to him for me—does he want to imitate the Empress Feng and kill the historians, becoming a rebellious hero pointed at by thousands, or does he want to be a righteous hero and sage who pacifies the chaotic world, saves the common people from fire and water, and relieves the people from being hung upside down."

Zhong Yanzi's brow bone jumps, and he stares at him in shock. Just as he is about to ask, Zi Hao raises his hand, stopping his suspicion: "Uncle just needs to bring the message, and he will understand." Without saying more, he puts his hands behind his back, looking somewhat thoughtful, and then raises his eyes casually: "As for Qie Lan, I once promised her mother a request to never let that matter be known to the world. Uncle, rest assured, no matter what, I will never wrong her."

Although these words are spoken with a smile, there is an irresistible arbitrariness hidden between the lines, as if this were the Jiu Hua Palace where the monarch commands the subject. The King of Luo, as an elder, is solemn for a moment, then frowns: "What do you intend to do?"

Zi Hao says faintly: "This nephew has his own arrangements for the future."

Zhong Yanzi looks at him deeply: "Zi Hao, everything in this world can be calculated, except for the word 'emotion,' which is often unexpected. If you are too confident in your intelligence and hurt others and yourself, don't blame me for not warning you in advance."

"Thank you, Uncle, for the reminder..." Zi Hao's brows are full of smiles, and there is no fluctuation in his eyes, but suddenly, he and Zhong Yanzi both turn their heads to look outside the curtain. At the same time, a sharp sound of the zither shakes the entire venue, revealing a sharp provocative intent, which makes almost everyone's heart jump.

In front of Jian Fang Terrace, King Ji Cang draws the strings and waits, his gaze directed at Princess Han Xi, who is of a beautiful age on the stage.

Facing King Ji Cang's overbearing momentum, Han Xi is naturally at a loss, but the Chu King's expression is even more flustered, and he cannot help but cast a look of help toward Huang Fei, who is sitting in front of the seat.

King Ji Cang suddenly uses the opportunity of the gift to force Princess Han Xi to play the zither, which is beyond everyone's expectations. According to Chu etiquette, unmarried men and women playing the zither together implies marriage. If according to common sense, the Xuan and Chu kingdoms sit side by side in the north and south, each being a hegemon, it would not be surprising if there were a marriage alliance. But it is well known that King Ji Cang hates women, and Princess Han Xi's marriage affects the pattern of the various states. This sudden change cannot help but freeze the eyes of ten thousand people.

The entire Jian Fang Terrace is unusually quiet. Crossing King Ji Cang's dazzling red clothes, everyone's eyes are focused on one person. That person suddenly laughs softly. This laugh breaks the oppressive silence, like a spring breeze flowing, jade water creating waves. The previous joyful atmosphere ripples and turns, and the lake light and wind color are comfortable and pleasant.

The owner of this laugh puts down the jade cup in his hand unhurriedly, shakes his sleeves casually, and stands up: "Princess Han Xi is not proficient in music. If Your Highness has the interest, I am willing to accompany you with a song. I wonder what Your Highness thinks?"

In front of King Ji Cang is an ancient zither as bright as blood jade. The zither is six feet long, only three inches wide, with five ice-silk strings, each as sharp as a blade. The zither is named "Seizing Color."

King Ji Cang's Seizing Color zither and his Blood Luan sword—I am afraid no one in the world would not be terrified by these two weapons. This zither once shocked the 100,000 iron cavalry of Rouran, and this sword once slashed the mountain and sea cities of the Houfeng Kingdom.

In the past, in front of Chifeng Mountain, one man and one zither faced the invasion of the Rouran tribe's army alone. The color of the Manjusaka flowers blooming like red flames is still a shame of the Rouran nation that cannot be erased.

Seeing this zither, Wanqi Boyan, who is sitting below King Ji Cang, lowers his eyes to endure his anger, his hands clenched into fists at his sides, his heart full of unwillingness—as long as King Ji Cang does not die, Rouran will never have a chance to rise. But how many people in this world are sure to beat this Seizing Color zither?

Huang Fei stands in front of another zither, his slender fingers wiping the strings casually. A clear sound is plucked, and he tilts his head slightly to listen, smiling and praising with closed eyes: "Pure as the purity of jade, high and clean as the cold moon. Good zither! Your Highness's gift is truly well-intentioned. I thank you on behalf of the Princess."

Raising his eyes, a sharp light shoots from his handsome eyes, staring at the presumptuous opponent in front of him, the arc of his smiling lips picking up a perfect sharpness.

King Ji Cang raises his eyes, his gorgeous and charming style shocking people's hearts: "Why be so polite, Your Highness? Just don't forget our agreement."

Huang Fei smiles and nods, his sleeves fluttering, like a jade tree in the wind: "How could I dare to forget Your Highness's agreement?"

The strings on Jian Fang Terrace break, and even Zi Hao and Zhong Yanzi, who are in the high pavilion, feel a chill in their hearts.

The edge of the sword is pressing on the face!

At first, there were a few cold sounds that were sharp and intertwined. However, as the finger techniques of the two people on the stage became faster, thousands of troops and horses came from afar, and the thunderous sound of hooves rolled up ten thousand miles of yellow sand, instantly like black clouds covering the sun, rushing to submerge the mountains and plains. Its momentum was surging and unstoppable.

The killing intent of drinking blood overflowed the sky. Almost without a moment's pause, the two armies clashed, the shouting was deafening, the sand was blowing in the face, and flesh and blood were flying! War horses neighed sadly, thunder drums rang, and sharp sounds pierced the sky and the sun. Hot blood splashed on the face, and one could even clearly hear the sound of long swords splitting chests and sharp arrows piercing bones. The three armies went back and forth, fighting and killing, the mountains and rivers shook, and the rivers collapsed! It was clearly the shallow lake wind in the third month of spring, but it felt like ghosts crying and gods howling, thunder and lightning collapsing.

*Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! * In front of the Chu King, who was closest to the zither desk, the cups burst one after another, and the wine splashed. Helian Yiren hurriedly ordered the guards to escort the pale Chu King and Queen directly off the stage. This kind of zither sound, even experts like Su Ling and Ye Xuanshang had to use their protective true energy to resist in order to sit firmly in their seats. The surrounding maids and guards retreated with the royal carriage, and those who were weak could not support it and fainted directly.

Internal energy controls the zither sound, killing in the invisible. Although everyone present asked themselves if they could try, no one dared to face this strong and overbearing momentum.

On the stage, King Ji Cang's black hair faced the wind, and the Seizing Color zither's blood sound was wild, like a hellfire burning, driving the ghosts and gods on the battlefield to take lives; Huang Fei's eyes were closed, and he always had a faint smile on his face, only seeing his wide sleeves fluttering, the wind rolling and clouds roaring, and he did not give up his sharpness.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 59 =====