[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations":3,"chapter-the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-46":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Nation of Ten Thousand Nations",{"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},2333014,4562,"Chapter 46: Marriage (Part Two)","the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-46",46,"\u003Cp>On the spiral staircase, Cesar encountered Princess Sibylla.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Cesar had awakened and Baldwin had awakened, they still waited several days before meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Baldwin was brought back to the Holy Cross Castle, everyone witnessed that solemn miracle; even while he slept, people constantly requested to visit or serve him—though such requests were never granted, not only because Baldwin remained weak, but also because his leprosy symptoms still persisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it could now be said this was God’s trial rather than punishment, Amalric I, after much deliberation, still placed Baldwin’s health first, ignoring the anxious letters and pleas, and only allowed a few trusted individuals to enter his chamber once Baldwin had passed the critical phase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them were Raymond, Count of Tripoli, and his son David; Bohemond, Prince of Antioch, and his son Abigail; along with several other vassals and their heirs. Though these boys could no longer return as pages, their fathers would likely return to Prince Baldwin’s side over the coming months—he was resuming his lessons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As previously mentioned, the prince’s curriculum had always been full, and his instructors, besides his father Amalric I, were his ministers and generals: Raymond taught horsemanship and lance, Bohemond taught falconry and archery; grammar and astronomy, the more refined subjects, were covered one-third by the late former patriarch, the rest by other clerics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Baldwin was confirmed to have leprosy, the former patriarch fled faster than if he’d seen a Saracen; Raymond and Bohemond also withdrew. If Baldwin were no longer the king’s heir, a monk had no right to demand a count or prince as his tutor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the troubling chapter could finally be turned. Leprosy remained a threat, but no one doubted Baldwin could become a valiant commander—Saint George’s spear had revealed his destiny. As for infertility and death before thirty, it mattered little; kings without heirs were everywhere, and those who died before thirty were common.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the visits of these important figures, Prince Baldwin’s chamber grew cramped. Considering Cesar had also received the “blessing,” Baldwin preferred he remain in the room rather than accompany him—where he’d have to bow, serve, and attend guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, when Baldwin confirmed no visitors would come that day, he immediately summoned a servant to find Cesar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Cesar did not expect that, as he carried the box of saffron and box of honeyed mulberries (he knew Baldwin wouldn’t lack these, yet sharing between friends always brought joy) up the spiral staircase, he met Princess Sibylla face to face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Sibylla had once been called a jewel among flowers; she still was, but now the jewel had been polished—sharper, brighter—even in the dim spiral stairwell, she seemed to glow, as if past failures had left little mark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cesar felt comforted: in the farce triggered by Count Etienne’s arrival, the two kings were the instigators; Princess Sibylla was an unquestioned victim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his standpoint, whether out of simple sympathy for the victim, affection for Baldwin’s only sister, or loyalty to Damara’s mistress, he could never remain indifferent—or watch coldly, or rejoice as others did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sibylla watched Cesar too. She had once wanted this child—he was so handsome, he ought to be beside her like a brooch, bracelet, or ring—but as soon as she learned he was Baldwin’s new page, she abandoned the thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not out of love or pity for her brother, but because she long knew that only Baldwin held a vital place in their father Amalric I’s heart—now compounded by guilt. Even a wise, handsome page, let alone a stone, Amalric I would never permit her to compete with Baldwin for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is hard to say how much of her offer to Baldwin—to devise a clever accident to eliminate suspicion of Cesar—was for Baldwin’s sake, and how much stemmed from the long-simmering malice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crush a rose, tear a silk brocade, shatter a gemstone—the more perfect, the more flawless, the more satisfying the destruction!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the “Selection Ceremony,” Sibylla did not return to her chamber to rest, but knelt in the chapel, silently praying. Those who saw her believed her piety and affection genuine; none knew how turbulent her heart truly was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes she cursed them both, begging God not to bless them; sometimes she prayed He bless only one. When she imagined Baldwin gazing at the page’s back with envy, or Cesar slowly sinking into obscurity after failing to receive the blessing, she wanted to laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did she want him to come to her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No. She would order Abigail to summon an Isaac slave merchant, and let the slave return to his fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet in the end, only Sibylla herself fell into anguish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>God is merciful. How merciful!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Count Etienne left the Holy Cross Castle, though officially he was returning to France to seek King Louis VII’s consent before marrying Princess Sibylla, all knew this was merely an excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, soon Louis VII’s reply arrived, filled with apologies: he could not approve the marriage, though he gave no specific reason. All who heard it understood perfectly, exchanging subtle glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even among her maidservants this attitude appeared; she knew they mocked her behind her back. Not every maid was as innocent as Damara… She despised them, and they likely did not love her either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Count Etienne’s arrival and departure had shattered something perfect. Beyond the maids, the noble youths surrounding her now regarded her with clearer eyes. She was still worth pursuing, but her value had steadily declined—Prince Baldwin had received the blessing. Perhaps he could have children? Perhaps his life might extend to forty or fifty years?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially now, Amalric I’s betrothal to Manuel I’s grandniece was settled: Princess Maria Komnene would arrive in Arasal on the Feast of Saint Agnes (January 21), and marry the king on the Feast of Saint Peter (June 29).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this age, brides-to-be usually arrived early in their future husband’s land—to quickly learn this unfamiliar place, where they would spend the rest of their lives, and to reverse their decades-long “identity”—to transform from princess of one realm to queen of another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Maria arrived in Arasal at the end of January and married by the end of June. The people mocked the king as “eager,” while sharp-eyed ministers guessed he sought a healthy heir quickly—on the battlefield, swords had no eyes; the crown could not shield a king from arrows or spears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the king’s new wife became pregnant, Sibylla’s claim to succession would be further diluted. If the child were a boy, even if Baldwin had no heir, his brother could inherit Arasal upon Baldwin’s death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the little slave she had once treated as a mere “object” had, through the prince’s trust and God’s blessing, risen beyond his former station onto a radiant path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing there, she could see his future plainly: servant, page, squire, knight, minister, general. God favored him even more than Baldwin. Baldwin might die in his prime, but this one would live on—he would become the new king’s confidant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was so clever, so beautiful, so devout. He would live a hundred years, crowned with glory… perhaps even carve out a domain for himself, becoming count, prince, king…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And she? A wife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How unfair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you going to find Baldwin?” Sibylla said, her blue eyes depthless: “Go. He is waiting for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Baldwin saw Cesar, he stepped forward, and the two embraced tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hardly dared believe it,” Baldwin said, excited: “Of course, I saw it—the light pouring from you, so brilliant—but then I fainted. When I woke, I was terrified, fearing it was a hallucination from my own eagerness. Thankfully, they told me it was real. I saw Saint George; you saw Saint Jerome.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, the prince paused, frowning: “Did Saint Jerome make shields?” But he quickly dismissed it. Knights had seen the Virgin too—yet still rode victorious on the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took his friend’s arm and sat with him at the small round table, as always. First they ate heartily, satisfied, then called servants to clear the remnants. After dismissing others, Baldwin pulled Cesar onto the rug and began examining and dividing his gifts together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cesar produced the saffron and honeyed mulberries. The two boys sat cross-legged, eating sweet preserves as they opened the boxes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jewels and spices were most numerous—expensive, small. Next came weapons, then fabrics—or rather, silk, cotton, and linen, all stored directly in the warehouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin told Cesar to wait a moment, then took a small oak box from the corner cabinet. It was no larger than a foot square, palm-high. Before he opened it, Cesar guessed it must be the dress sent by Princess Maria.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, Baldwin pulled out a vivid deep-purple cloak, its length reaching only to Baldwin’s knees—but such deep purple edged in gold was reserved for emperors or kings alone if it reached the ankles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This… is Byzantine style, or perhaps Persian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chest held more than just the cloak: a fine belt, permitted only to royal members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the belt, Cesar remembered something. “By the way,” he said, “Abbot John also gave me a sash.” He showed it to Baldwin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin clapped his hands in delight: “Perfect!” he said. “I already asked the castle steward to find some, but the Byzantine emperor guards this deep-purple silk tightly—even the richest merchants struggle to obtain it. Abbot John is truly meticulous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you want me to accompany you to welcome the Byzantine princess?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin gave him a look of obvious certainty: “But wrapping it around your arm isn’t enough. I have a short cloak here—silver in sunlight, gold in moonlight. I had the maids sew this purple trim onto the hem, so we’ll look like brothers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Baldwin, you’ve already given me so much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A lord is responsible for his page’s food and clothing,” Baldwin said, leaning back on his hands. Sunlight fell on his face; now, when alone with Cesar, he no longer wore veil or gloves—the handsome face still bore some red patches, but most skin remained smooth: “Besides, the king says he will launch war against the Fatimids within three years. Then we’ll be his squires.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. We are brothers before God. It makes no sense to demand you serve me,” Baldwin said lightly. “The problem is: while you’re my page, I can cover your expenses. But as a squire, you must equip yourself with many things… it’s a large expenditure. Though some generous lords provide these, your reputation improves if you acquire them yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I remember Count Etienne gave you money,” Baldwin sat up, counting on his fingers: “And Geoffrey of the Templars gave you a hundred gold coins.” Cesar had told him all: “Shield, chainmail, iron boots, longsword, dagger, leather tunic, surcoat, quilted cotton undergarment, gloves, knee-guards… horse… harness… If you want Toulouse armor, prices rise further.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course,” he smiled, “if my father wins a great victory, we can take some things from the battlefield.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Cesar’s rare embarrassment—Baldwin knew his friend was fastidious, almost obsessive about cleanliness—he burst out laughing. Cesar realized he was only teasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But you really must change this habit,” Baldwin said. “Father showed me his armor from the battlefield…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone knocked at the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin frowned. “I said no one is to disturb us unless it’s Father or a teacher.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cesar rose to open the door. Outside stood a lord in a dark gray velvet sleeveless tunic, gold-buckled belt. His servant looked uneasy; Cesar nodded to him, and the man fled like the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lord studied Cesar’s face—green eyes, black hair—clearly the prince’s favored page. His tone softened: “Please tell His Highness,” he whispered, “I am Balian of Ibelin. My sister-in-law wishes to see Prince Baldwin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since arriving at the Holy Cross Castle, Cesar had never stopped memorizing the tangled, headache-inducing noble genealogies. He knew Balian of Ibelin—a small fief near Jaffa. But his sister-in-law?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let her in,” Baldwin’s voice came from behind Cesar: “She is the Countess of Jaffa and Ascalon, my…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1992,"2026-06-20T20:58:34.857Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","d31433aaabf9ded5a3b820b8ea90f04fa8a7164e8b1d6ce996016be412c4bd7f","the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-47","the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-45",168,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-cover.jpg"]