[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-name-that-echoes-through-eternity":3,"chapter-the-name-that-echoes-through-eternity-the-name-that-echoes-through-eternity-chapter-83":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Name That Echoes Through Eternity",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2282632,4466,"Chapter 83: The Imperial Princess","the-name-that-echoes-through-eternity-chapter-83",83,"\u003Cp>The retainers at the courtyard gate saw Li Hao and immediately bowed, knowing this young master was deeply favored by the First Lady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bright moon had just appeared, casting dappled starlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the courtyard, ornate lanterns had just been lit; warm light glowed through the window curtains of the main hall, and merry laughter drifted out—clearly, everyone was gathered in joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Bo and Qing Zhi followed Li Hao to the outer edge of the main hall, stopping at the steps, standing with hands clasped, waiting quietly for the banquet to end, ready to be called in if needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Li family’s rules were strict; these servants dared not overstep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Hao stepped inside, he saw a strikingly unfamiliar girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She appeared to be about sixteen, at the age of budding youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the girl stood nearly one meter seventy tall, slender and elegant, her eyes as cool and clear as frost-covered lakes, possessing a calmness uncommon among her peers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faintly, Li Hao could still discern the childhood curve of her round, pebble-like cheeks, but now that she had grown, her facial contours had become more refined and beautiful, like a flower about to bloom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wore a pearl-white dress, pure and elegant, its silk folds shimmering with tiny embedded crystals; though the style was casual, it was unmistakably priceless, and paired with her icy demeanor, she looked like an immortal stepping out of mist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, this was Li Wushuang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In addition, Li Hao saw that beside this long-absent cousin sat Li Yun and Li Zhining, brother and sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now they both sat with heads bowed, hands neatly placed on their laps, their faces beaming with foolish smiles, glancing occasionally at their elder sister amid the adults’ praise and laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That radiant figure, like a pearl, filled their eyes with hope and light, tinged with admiration and delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This demeanor reminded Li Hao of five years ago, when they first arrived at Shanhe Courtyard, sitting before him with cheeks propped on their hands, listening to his stories—exactly the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder it’s Shuang’er—so young and already at the Spirit Wandering realm. At fifteen, Spirit Wandering? That talent ranks among the elite prodigies; it’s highly likely she’ll reach the Three Immortalities in her lifetime.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the end of the Lady’s table, the Ninth Lady Jiang Xian’er spoke softly, her cloud-like hair gently pinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was the fiancée of Li Jiu Lang, Li Jun, and also a princess of the imperial family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Ninth Lady, Li Hao’s eyes could not help but show a touch of solemn respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ninth Lady was the youngest among all the ladies, only thirty-two this year; Second Master said she had once lived at the Li household for a time as a child, and that was when she met Ninth Uncle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were practically childhood sweethearts, separated as they grew, but later, when Ninth Uncle wandered the world in cultivation, he met Ninth Lady again, and feelings blossomed between them, secretly pledging their lives to each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ninth Uncle possessed extraordinary talent and was the Li family’s true dragon of the previous generation, so His Majesty of Yu did not oppose the match and granted them permission to wed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, though the engagement was settled, Ninth Uncle wished to achieve glory before marriage, to wed Ninth Lady in grand style; but after only two years in the army, he died on the battlefield, and the wedding was abruptly halted just before the date, a heartbreaking loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, with Ninth Uncle dead, the engagement should have been dissolved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could one really make an imperial princess a living widow?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ninth Lady was deeply devoted, declaring she would marry no one but Li Jiu Lang for life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a furious scene with the emperor who held all power in the palace, she came to Qingzhou, carrying Ninth Uncle’s ceremonial armor and robes, completing the marriage he could not fulfill, becoming the Li family’s Ninth Lady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This tale of devotion was known throughout Qingzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the household, all the ladies held great respect for Ninth Lady Jiang Xian’er; even Second Master and Fifth Master spoke of this imperial princess with deep affection—not out of status, but because of her loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li Hao first heard Second Master recount this, he was deeply moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this era, carriages and horses moved slowly; one lifetime was only enough to love one person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One lifetime was only enough to remember one person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike his own era, where a flick of the wrist could change one’s heart eighty times in a night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ninth Lady is too kind,” Li Wushuang said with a faint smile to Jiang Xian’er.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To others, she showed no warmth, but toward this woman who loved Ninth Uncle, she held genuine respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hao’er has arrived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, He Jianlan, seated at the center of the hall, saw Li Hao; her smiling face brightened further as she waved:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come, sit over here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did the others notice Li Hao; Jiang Xian’er turned her head, gave him a gentle smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hao returned the smile; over the years, he had interacted with all the ladies, but only the First Lady and Ninth Lady made him feel truly at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking to the table, he saw two dishes he had previously asked Yuan Zhao to buy already laid out; he smiled, then handed the gift box to his cousin:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard Sister Wushuang had returned, so I prepared a small gift—I hope you like it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Wushuang’s gaze swept over the box, reached out, took it, her expression unchanged: “Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, she turned to hand the box to the gift stand behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yuerong, seated beside He Jianlan, spotted it and smiled: “Shuang’er, why not see what Hao’er gave you? In all these years, he’s never given anyone anything except food.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jianlan said calmly: “We lack nothing. The food Hao’er gives is handmade—that’s the most precious thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s true,” Liu Yuerong nodded with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Xian’er turned to Li Hao and smiled: “Hao’er, come sit. It’s been so long since I’ve had your pastries.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If Ninth Lady likes them, I’ll make some for you tomorrow,” Li Hao said, seating himself with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While they spoke, Li Wushuang frowned slightly; she had no interest at first, but since Second Lady had spoken, not opening it would seem like she didn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She opened the box casually and saw a porcelain bottle and a dragon-horn comb inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course—it was these common trinkets. Li Wushuang silently shook her head, lost interest, and moved to close the box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Liu Yuerong chuckled: “Hao’er is truly thoughtful—this dragon-horn comb is exquisitely crafted, clearly took effort. What’s in the porcelain bottle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhu Shen Dan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hao smiled at her. Li Wushuang raised an eyebrow, closed the box, placed it on the gift stand, and said coolly: “Do you think I need this kind of elixir?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was soft, yet the atmosphere suddenly chilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a hard reply to handle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Need it? That implied her talent was poor, that she relied on elixirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not need it? Then why send it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hao paused, then sighed helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, gift-giving was troublesome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shuang’er.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifth Lady Gao Qingqing, seeing her child’s tone was off, didn’t want any unpleasantness during the family banquet meant to celebrate her; she smiled to ease the tension: “Hao’er means well. You haven’t seen each other in years, and he didn’t know what you liked. This dragon-horn comb is fine, and as for the elixir, if you don’t need it, just keep it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yun, who had been obedient and quiet, now sat more boldly upon seeing Li Hao, as if feeling embarrassed to appear so meek before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Hao’s awkwardness, he leaned back strategically, imitating Li Hao’s usual calm expression, and snorted:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Hao, do you know my sister is a Rank-Nine Battle Body, an elite prodigy? She doesn’t need elixirs at all—taking them would harm her. Are you looking down on my sister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, he looked at Li Hao with pride; now that he had his elder sister’s support, he was no longer afraid of Li Hao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where did this rich kid’s fool son come from… Li Hao glanced at him with mild disbelief. This banquet is for your sister—I’d look bad if I stormed off, not you, you idiot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, hearing Li Yun’s words, Gao Qingqing’s face changed; she quickly pinched his back. They were family, and the First Lady was here—publicly embarrassing someone was unacceptable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yun winced, looked up, and met his mother’s stern gaze; mother and son understood each other—he realized he’d messed up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what did I do wrong? Wasn’t I telling the truth?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Li Yun was stunned, Li Hao merely smiled. He wouldn’t rise in anger, nor would he nervously explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My cousin doesn’t need this elixir, but my cousin brother might. You can give it to him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hao smiled faintly: “And the comb—if you don’t like it, you can give it to Zhining.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Wushuang’s expression darkened; she understood the hidden barb—was he saying her brother was inadequate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spoke directly, uninterested in beating around the bush; as for face, she didn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t you hear me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hao feigned surprise, thinking: these siblings both seem a bit dim. Li Wushuang narrowed her eyes, ready to lash out—but Gao Qingqing coughed to interrupt: “Shuang’er, Hao’er is young, doesn’t know your situation. He gave you Zhu Shen Dan out of goodwill. Why are you upset with your cousin?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Xian’er, seated beside Li Hao, smiled sweetly: “Shuang’er, if you don’t like it, I’ll make up for it for Hao’er.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Shuang’er, Hao’er meant well,” Liu Yuerong quickly added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Wushuang stared at Li Hao, said nothing more, and simply placed the box on the gift rack behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, footsteps approached outside, followed by Yuan Zhao’s voice: “Hao-ge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hao turned to see Fourth Lady and Yuan Zhao arriving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Yuan Zhao’s call, Xiao Yujing’s already calmed mood flared again—this brat, why did you call out to him first? Anyone would think you came to celebrate Li Hao! Angry as she was, she couldn’t scold him publicly with so many present; instead, she hurried forward with a smile: “Sisters and younger sisters, I’m late. This is Shuang’er? Oh my, it’s been years—look how tall and beautiful she’s grown! Qingqing, you’ve raised such a wonderful daughter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a few sentences, the atmosphere revived, and everyone’s attention shifted, masking Yuan Zhao’s rudeness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Hao sat calmly at the table, smiling. These ladies—all of them were no pushovers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Zhao greeted Li Hao, and the brothers exchanged a glance—they knew no rift had formed; Yuan Zhao relaxed and smiled as he handed his gift to Li Wushuang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s this?” Liu Yuerong asked, intrigued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Open it and see,” Yuan Zhao said, not knowing what his mother had placed inside, but clever enough to smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Wushuang frowned, slightly exasperated, but opened it anyway—inside was a sharp short dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s the famous dagger ‘Han Xiang’!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Qingqing immediately recognized it, her eyes wide with surprise as she turned to Xiao Yujing: “Fourth Sister, this is a renowned divine weapon—they say it can pierce the body of a Three Immortalities-level demon king.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Yujing smiled: “It’s Yuan Zhao’s gift. As long as Shuang’er likes it, that’s all that matters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Qingqing snapped back to reality and told her daughter: “Thank your cousin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Wushuang’s eyes brightened slightly; she truly liked the dagger. Though she used a sword, she had another hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carried on her person, in close combat where the sword couldn’t be used, the dagger was as useful as a short sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, cousin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said softly, her tone gentle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuanzhao waved his hand with a smile and sat down beside Li Hao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after, the remaining Third Lady and Eighth Lady also arrived one by one, and soon everyone was present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jianlan knew that Li Wushuang had just returned to the mansion and disliked crowds, so she had not summoned the concubines from the various courtyards; thus, those present were all direct family. Though the number was not large, it suited Li Wushuang’s preferences better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides the ladies, Li Wushuang’s father, Li Xuanli, returned from the meditation mountain deep within the mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He appeared to be in his forties, exuding an air of scholarly grace; years ago, he had suffered severe injuries on the battlefield, but compared to his other brothers, he had at least escaped with his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surviving grave injuries from demonic beasts was no small feat, as the Li family’s sons were prime targets for concentrated demon attacks on the battlefield—once wounded, they were relentlessly hunted by demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the Li family had guarded the border for years, slaying countless demons and accumulating countless grudges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the demon clans, the four divine general mansions — apart from the Wang family — were mortal enemies, whom they longed to devour, drink the blood of, and sleep upon their hides!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2192,"2026-06-20T02:15:40.176Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","9ee8f853c26fbef47da53809178a398daa19539f5101d29e23f634f444b5081b","the-name-that-echoes-through-eternity-chapter-84","the-name-that-echoes-through-eternity-chapter-82",929,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-name-that-echoes-through-eternity-cover.jpg"]