Chapter 770

“When Pei Ye was in Bowang, he admired Master Ming the most.” Li Piaoqing smiled. “At that time, Master Ming had him read the ‘Compendium of Six Dynasties Sword Arts,’ and when Master Ming was about to return, he still hadn’t finished it—he looked anxious every day.”

“Is that so? I never had the chance to meet him.” Li Xizhou sipped his wine slowly, then said, “Was Master Li quite magnanimous back then?”

“Yes, I never cared much.” Li Piaoqing said. “I’m not ambitious—so long as someone holds me in their heart, I’m content.”

“I see.” Li Xizhou nodded, smiling. “Is it still like that now?”

Pei Ye couldn’t bring his chopsticks down—whether it was the cook’s fault or if he’d suddenly lost his taste, every dish on the table tasted flavorless.

Li Piaoqing gazed at her with a smile, nodding clearly.

Li Xizhou lowered her eyes, refilled both cups—Pei Ye’s had remained untouched—and raised hers to lightly clink with the girl’s.

“I heard the emerald birds on Yilan Mountain are strange and beautiful—are there any that can fight hawks?”

“The emerald bird and jade cicada are both the souls of Jade Fei. Jade Fei’s sword grew from them. The bird you mentioned, called ‘Yellow Jade Fei,’ is the rarest and most mysterious kind of emerald bird on the mountain.” Li Piaoqing answered. “Besides seeing one ten years ago, no one has seen one in the past decade. But oddly, when I was traveling to the capital by carriage, I suddenly saw one outside the window—it was brilliant gold, flying extremely fast.”

“It sounds enchanting, but I’m unlucky enough not to have seen one.” Li Xizhou said. “Could you send me one? Even a common variety would do.”

“Jade Fei birds are never sold, but gifting them to friends is an ancient tradition. After I return, I’ll write a letter and ask my sect to send one to the Divine Capital.”

“We’ve only just met—we can hardly call ourselves friends. Master Li, beware of being accused of flattery.” Li Xizhou smiled.

Li Piaoqing laughed: “That’s fine. I’m certainly friends with Pei Ye—consider it a gift to him. It’s no different from giving it to Your Highness.”

“Indeed, it’s exactly the same. Then I’ll take advantage of Young Master Pei’s favor.”

Pei Ye opened his mouth, thinking they weren’t close enough to share possessions, but he lowered his head and said nothing.

“If you’re done eating, go take a walk.” Li Xizhou glanced at the silent puppet. “We’ll talk alone.”

Pei Ye lifted his head—first, he felt as if released from prison; second, his heart tightened again. Facing the two women—one with smiling eyes, the other with a detached expression—he couldn’t bear to leave them alone.

“What are you staring at? You’ve sat here silent—does your clothing fit well?”

“...It fits well.”

“Then go.” Li Xizhou looked at him.

Pei Ye turned to look at Li Piaoqing, who was eating a small melon, smiling softly:

“Why are you looking at me? I’m about to tell Your Highness something about the west. If you don’t want to listen, go wait outside.”

Pei Ye fell silent for a moment: “I’ll leave the kitten here.”

He tugged at his shoulders twice, but the black cat clung tightly to his clothes and wouldn’t let go.

“...”

Pei Ye slowly stood: “Then... you two talk slowly.”

“Mm.”

“Understood.”

Neither looked at him.

Pei Ye turned and trudged down the stairs, then glanced back one last time—the two were quietly eating.

His footsteps slowly descended, vanishing into the staircase.

Li Xizhou swirled the wine flask—it was empty. She said calmly, “When you told him to wait outside, what were you planning? Do you have intentions after nightfall?”

Li Piaoqing opened her eyes slightly: “Has Your Highness set a curfew for him? Ninth or tenth hour? I’ll return him punctually.”

Li Xizhou laughed: “I really like you.”

Li Piaoqing blushed: “I’m deeply honored.”

Li Xizhou ate two more bites, then stood: “Let’s go to the terrace.”

She wrapped her robe tighter and stepped onto the platform; Li Piaoqing followed behind.

“Bring tea. No more wine.” Li Xizhou instructed the maidservant.

Li Piaoqing said: “Let me brew tea for Your Highness.”

“Oh?”

“Though I didn’t bring an emerald bird, I brought another Jade Fei treasure for Your Highness.” Li Piaoqing took out a small brocade pouch and bowed. “May I brew it for Your Highness to taste?”

Li Xizhou studied her for a moment: “Then I’ll trouble Master Li.”

Li Piaoqing took the tea set and small stove brought by the maid. Neither sat down; they placed them on the table to heat.

Li Xizhou rested her hand on the railing. The sky had turned slate-gray, the edges of red like dying embers.

The wind stirred the imperial daughter’s hair. She said: “When I speak with those I trust, I always ask what they wish to do—because those on different paths cannot work together, especially for long-term plans. Li Piaoqing, what is your ideal?”

“I am the head of Jade Fei Mountain. I live within my role, Your Highness.”

“You wish for Jade Fei Mountain to endure, prosper, and flourish.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Then certain future events will block you.” Li Xizhou said. “I believe four things may occur that you cannot prevent.”

Li Piaoqing said: “Sect rivalries, aristocratic fragmentation, northern barbarians advancing south, and the Immortal Court descending.”

Li Xizhou turned her head to look at her: “You truly surprise me.”

“What did you think of me before?”

“Three parts beauty, one part talent, six parts luck.” Li Xizhou spoke frankly. “When I heard you were coming to the Divine Capital, I thought you’d stage a tale of star-crossed lovers.”

“So in your first letter, you warned me.”

“Was that a warning?” Li Xizhou smiled. “I thought my wording was gentle.”

“Your Highness was courteous, but your edge couldn’t be hidden.” Li Piaoqing lowered her head, preparing the teacup, smiling. “No one likes being pointed at out of nowhere.”

Li Xizhou narrowed her eyes at her; Li Piaoqing met her gaze.

“I simply didn’t want to meet a fool at this critical moment.” Li Xizhou turned back, gazing down at the lake’s silk-like surface. After a pause, she said, “If I’d known you were like this earlier, I wouldn’t have minded.”

"I just didn't want to run into fools at a time like this." Li Xizhou turned back, gazing down at the lake’s silken surface beneath the night, falling silent for a moment. "If I’d known you were like this from the start, I wouldn’t have minded at all."

Li Xizhou smiled: “What do you think I don’t mind?”

“...” Li Piaoqing was speechless.

“You didn’t hide it—you’ve fallen for me.” Li Xizhou looked at her. “In just a few days, you’ve grown far more attached than I imagined.”

Li Piaoqing turned her head, softly: “Sometimes one’s ambition cannot suppress one’s feelings. Your Highness, forgive my foolishness.”

The terrace fell silent. Li Piaoqing poured the brewed tea into the cup and offered it to the woman by the railing: “Please, Your Highness, taste it.”

Li Xizhou took it, sipped lightly: “It’s acceptable—clean and sweet, with a mint-like freshness. I’ve never tasted anything like it.”

“This is Jade Fei’s medicinal tea, good for soothing the throat—it’s called ‘Little Leaf Fuzz.’ Would Your Highness like to order some annually for the palace? It’s very cheap.”

“...But the flavor is thin—no initial note, no lingering aroma, and it grows cloying. I don’t like it.” Li Xizhou set it aside carelessly.

Li Piaoqing said: “Still, please drink this entire pot.”

Li Xizhou couldn’t help smiling: “Pei Ye’s three parts laziness—half of it you taught him.”

“...Actually, he absorbed it from me.”

Li Xizhou lowered her eyes: “He insisted on staying here earlier—mostly because he feared I’d bully you. Did you notice?”

Li Xizhou lowered his eyes: "He insisted on sitting here mostly because he was afraid I’d bully you—didn’t you notice?"

Li Xizhou narrowed her eyes: “I’m starting to dislike you again. How do you manage to look so perfectly sweet—too little and it’s bland, too much and it’s cloying.”

Li Piaoqing kept smiling: “Your Highness has a prejudice against me. I’m naturally like this—around those I’m close to, I’m lively.”

“You’re not close anymore.”

Li Piaoqing’s smile froze. She pressed her lips: “Perhaps... that’s just how one is at seventeen or eighteen.”

Li Piaoqing’s smile froze, and she pressed her lips together: "Perhaps that’s just the demeanor people have at seventeen or eighteen."

“...”

Li Xizhou gazed lazily beyond the railing.

After a while, she said: “Nearby matters—the Eight Waters and Eighteen Valleys—you may sort them out as you please. Who you befriend, what alliances you forge—it’s all up to you. In the end, restore clarity to the Eight Waters of Immortal Terrace, a vital region guarding the capital, and don’t leave it to private sects. For distant matters—the four I mentioned—I wish to discuss them with you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. Piaoqing listens.”

"The only sects in Longxi that threaten Jade Fei are Tianshan and Kongdong. You may cultivate ties with them—I won’t interfere. You said you wish to obtain the qualification for Alliance Leader from Immortal Terrace—I grant it. Afterward, I’ll write you a note; take it to Zhang Siche, the Vice Director of Immortal Terrace." Li Xizhou said. "From now on, the alliance between Northern Longxi and Jade Fei will be sanctioned by the court and Immortal Terrace. Should any issue arise, you may seek support from the capital."

Li Piaoqing said nothing, silently watching her.

“My only demand,” Li Xizhou said, “is that I won’t interfere in sect affairs. But one day, if Jade Fei becomes dominant in Northern Longxi, you must bear the responsibility of defending the land and protecting the people. You yourself mentioned the northern barbarians advancing south—this problem I won’t solve for you. You must solve it for me.”

Li Xizhou looked at her.

Li Piaoqing was stunned. It was a simple, clear demand—but upon closer thought, the implications were chilling: “Your Highness, defending borders and ensuring peace is the duty of orthodox sects. But Your Highness speaks of resisting the northern barbarians—how could a sect possibly muster such manpower and resources?”

“Then who in Longxi has such manpower and resources?”

“If we speak of sects, then Tianshan. If we speak beyond sects... the Li family of the Five Great Clans.”

“Correct. The Li family.” Li Xizhou said.

"If you must name a sect, it’s Tianshan; if not, then the Li family of the Five Great Clans."

“Master Li understands the situation in Longxi. On the sect side, Tianshan and Kongdong lead; on the court side, it’s the prefectural offices and Immortal Terrace. But if the northern barbarians ever advance south, the only force capable of resisting them in Longxi is the Li family.” Li Xizhou said. “Only the Li family’s roots run deep across a thousand miles of land, their influence present in every trade and industry. They can bind Longxi into a single force. As long as the Li family endures, the barbarians cannot take Longxi.”

“This structure has endured for centuries. Sects cannot penetrate the Tang court; aristocrats cannot climb the mountain gates. The court governs local affairs without holding power, merely managing them—each side knows its place, and all are satisfied. Thus, to destroy the aristocracy is like destroying a nation—that is the unshakable strength of Tang’s Bloodline.” Li Xizhou said.

"Master Li understands the situation in Longxi. On the martial side, Tianshan and Kongdong lead; on the imperial side, it’s the government and Immortal Terrace. But if one day the Northern Barbarians march south, the only force capable of resisting them in Longxi is the Li family." Li Xizhou said. "Only the Li family’s roots run deep across this vast land, their influence permeating every industry—they can bind Longxi into a single force. As long as the Li family endures, the Northern Barbarians will never conquer Longxi."

“But what if the Li family loses this control? What if the Li family vanishes?” Li Xizhou said.

Li Piaoqing froze. Then her eyes slowly widened.

She had heard this princess sided with the new faction—the one seeking to purge the old, to crush the aristocrats’ reach... But weakening the aristocracy had been Tang’s founding banner, a recurring cycle—how could it... “How could the Li family vanish?” she stared blankly at the princess.

“All things change. Seas become mulberry fields. The Tang dynasty itself is only a few centuries old—what can be truly certain?”

She had heard this prince sided with the new faction, aiming to dismantle outdated traditions and curb the aristocratic clans’ reach… but weakening the clans had been the Tang Dynasty’s founding principle since its inception, a cycle that kept repeating—how could it… “How could the Li family possibly vanish?” she stared blankly at the prince.

"The world changes in a hundred ways; even the sea can become mulberry fields. The Great Tang has stood for only a few hundred years—what can be truly certain?"

"...There must be some reason."

Li Xizhou fell silent for a moment: “The collapse of any structure has only two causes: either internal conflict has reached a resolution, or a new force has intervened.”

“...Which one is the Prince referring to?”

“The Immortal Court is descending. I believe the Li family has already begun seeking initiative. Do you, Master Li, sense anything?”

Li Piaoqing did not answer. She looked at the Prince: “Then, is there no internal cause?”

“Master Li is joking. The Lin blood is the foundation of the Great Tang. The aristocratic clans and the Great Tang are one and the same—how could they collapse from within? Unless the Great Tang itself is dying.” [107] Li Xizhou’s tone was light, as if answering a trivial question, yet Li Piaoqing gazed at this woman, more breathtakingly beautiful in the night. It was fifteen days before the Lin blood test; this was their first meeting. Suddenly, she felt with inexplicable certainty that this woman was about to do something earth-shattering.

Li Xizhou’s tone was light, as if answering a trivial question, yet Li Piaoqing gazed at this woman, more breathtakingly beautiful in the night. It was fifteen days before the Lin blood test; this was their first meeting. Suddenly, she felt with inexplicable certainty that this woman was about to do something earth-shattering.

This premonition was like an illusion—fleeting, gone in an instant. Li Piaoqing placed her hand on the railing: “Then, if the Immortal Court descends and the aristocratic clans vanish... what does the Prince mean?”

Li Xizhou looked at her: “You could replace me.”

Li Xizhou looked at her: "You could replace me."

“Compared to the aristocratic clans, I would rather see the sects control the regions,” Li Xizhou said. “The clans are tumors grown from the Great Tang—powerful, but draining its blood and flesh. The sects are trees rooted in the land of the Great Tang; their flowers and fruit bloom from their own roots.”

“I wish to see the sects bound more deeply to the Great Tang. There are many problems, yes—but better than the unshakable aristocratic clans.”

Li Piaoqing stared, stunned: “What merit do I possess?”

Even in her most lofty fantasies, the girl had never imagined Yufei replacing the position of the Longxi Li family. She thrived beneath the shadow of Mount Tianshan, managing her own affairs. Shaolong was already vast enough territory.

Even if the world’s great balance was about to shift, how could she possibly seize such a position?

“Nothing is predetermined,” Li Xizhou said. “At least for now, you stand in a very suitable position. The Li family may well take interest in you. Who can say what lies ahead? Let us speak now, and see as we go.”

"Nothing is predetermined. At least for now, you stand in a very fitting position—the Li family may very well take an interest in you." Li Xizhou said. "Who knows what the future holds? Let’s start by talking, and see how things unfold."

Li Piaoqing fell silent for a moment: “Thank you, Prince, for your insight. Piaoqing will remember it well. The Longxi Li family has recently been attempting contact with Yufei. I cannot promise you anything—just as you said, we shall see as we go.”

“Hmm.” Li Xizhou nodded. “This is your view on the aristocratic clans’ fragmentation and the northern barbarians’ southern advance. As for Mount Tianshan and the descent of the Immortal Court, they are one and the same matter. We will cooperate with Mount Tianshan. Your stance within it is your own to decide—I hope you will cooperate as much as possible.”

"Mm." Li Xizhou nodded. "This is what you called the aristocratic fragmentation and the Northern Barbarians’ southern advance. As for Tianshan and the Immortal Court’s descent, it’s the same matter—we will cooperate with Tianshan, and you must choose your stance yourself; I hope you’ll cooperate as much as possible."

“Then that’s all.” Li Xizhou turned, leaning against the railing. “I have little interest in Yufei. I would have acted on the Li family’s affairs even without you. Today, I came chiefly to meet you.”

She gazed at the girl gathering the tea set beside the table.

“I also came to meet the Prince,” Li Piaoqing said.

She did not look up, her hands clinking softly.

Li Xizhou said: “What difference does the night in the Divine Capital hold compared to Longxi?”

“The Divine Capital’s lights are like brocade. When you look up, your vision is invaded—the night is no longer clear and enveloping. In Shaolong, on a clear night, one sometimes suddenly loses all sense of up and down, and feels a sudden dread of falling.”

“That is the words of one who has attained the Three Mysteries.”

“The Prince has such feelings even in the Divine Capital?”

“Hmm. I have a question for you, Master Li.”

“Please ask.”

“What do you think,” Li Xizhou crossed her legs, “is his feeling toward Mingqi Tian?”

"What do you think," Li Xizhou crossed his legs, "is his feeling toward Ming Qi Tian?"