Chapter 55: The Danxin Stone Pendant
Having changed into his ducal casual robes, Xie Qianli tucked the Danxin Stone Pendant into his sleeve pocket.
Because of the marriage rumors, his mind was now a mess of chaotic thoughts. He rushed to the palace, only to hear that the Sovereign was in Shanglin Park and the summons for the Amnesty Mission had changed.
“Why the change?” Xie Qianli asked.
His tone was urgent, wanting to immediately clarify if the marriage bestowal was true. This frightened the little eunuch responsible for delivering the message, making him stammer and explain even less clearly.
“Because of the Barbarian King. His Majesty has to reject the Barbarian King again.”
The word “again” was worth pondering; the Barbarian King was obsessed with marrying Huachao.
As for Ying Xi refusing again, the rumor heard outside Yunyong Tower roared like thunder in Xie Qianliâs ears: His Majesty has long since found a match for the Princessâthe Xie Manor is going to produce another Prince Consort.
Xie Qianli turned and ran.
The little eunuch shouted anxiously from behind, “Lord Duke! His Majesty forbids courtiers from following into Shanglin… Park…”
The eunuch’s trailing voice dissipated; the speed of sound simply couldn’t catch up with the speed of the man.
Shanglin Park.
The early summer sunlight was fine. Deer called yo-yo near Yichun Palace; several small white deer grazed at the edge of the palace garden, while cranes danced.
Suddenly, the Barbarian King laughed loudly and blew a short flute in a rapid, long note. Instantly, seven or eight peacocks rushed out from unknown corners of the garden. Landing, they spread their massive tail screens, their high-pitched cries scaring away the white deer. The little deer fled in panic. The celestial cranes flapped their wings and scattered.
The peacocks transformed into several round fans, arranging themselves neatly in a semicircle around Ying Xi, shaking their emerald tail feathers, lights flashing shimmeringly.
The Barbarian King spoke in a gruff voice: “Your Majesty, look at this magnificent and magical scene. If Benwang performs this for Princess Huachao, will the Princess like it?”
Ying Xi frowned secretly.
âHuachao will only hide further away from you.
The green peacocks brought by the Barbarian King were bullies. Shanglin Park had no beasts of prey, so they ran rampant in the garden, having long exceeded their designated territory. They snatched food and water from other animals and scratched and bit the mild-mannered blue peacocks.
The Barbarian King refused to leave Chang’an and often entered the palace to back them up, making the peacocks even more fearless.
While shaking their tail screens in formation, seeing the unwilling deer returning to nibble grass, the peacocks flashed their feathers in unison, driving the herd of deer far away.
“Yo-yoâyo…”
The deer’s cries were full of grievance.
The deer were filing a complaint.
But as the Emperor, how could he bicker with the Barbarian King over animals fighting for dominance?
Moreover, the Barbarian King could only vent his anger through animals.
During this time, the Barbarian King had been firmly rejected countless times in his quest to marry Huachao, yet he still refused to give up.
Did the Barbarian King truly have deep feelings for Huachao?
Ying Xi rationally denied it.
First, he didn’t believe in the “love at first sight” the Barbarian King claimed; men with such thoughts were purely motivated by lust.
Second, regarding the dowry: the more he kept her, the more the Barbarian King knew Huachao was important. If he could get her, there would surely be a large amount of wealth.
Third, marriage should be voluntary. The Barbarian Kingâs bitter entanglement had already lost all grace.
Finally, judging the Barbarian King’s appearance, Ying Xi took another glance. This man was a full head taller than him, with dark skin and eyes as large as copper bells.
Ying Xi tried not to judge people by appearance, but observing his features, he could still clearly feel the Barbarian King was arrogant, greedy, and haughty.
Not to mention the tragedy of the previous life…
If not for the fact that he was about to use troops against the South and didn’t want the Barbarian King causing trouble, Ying Xi planned to delay until the Barbarian King had to return to his country.
If the four seas were at peace right now, Ying Xi thought, Zhen would tie you up right here and install a new King for the Southwest.
Even an Emperor had his difficulties.
Ying Xi walked and casually said, “Zhen heard that beloved minister can not only tame peacocks but also has war elephant troops and lion-tiger troops. Is this true or false?”
The Barbarian King said proudly, “Of course it’s true! Once my lion-tiger troops are released, even the strongest soldiers will be scared into fleeing everywhere!”
“My war elephant troops are shaped like mountains. When they walk, it is like rolling thunder. When they charge the formation, one step takes one life, leaving bloody mud everywhere.”
“I also have bull troops…”
The Barbarian King was still triumphantly boasting about how powerful his forces were. He couldn’t see that Ying Xi was thinking: If those beasts of yours really faced the Longwu Army, dealing with you would be just a matter of a prairie fire.
Ying Xi praised, “The Southwest is rich in talent and resources. Beloved minister is truly mighty.”
The Barbarian King laughed loudly. “Of course! Of course! Your Majesty overpraises!”
The Barbarian King completely failed to realize the contradiction in terms. He had met the Emperor of Chang’an several times; the Sovereign was incomparably noble, and this was the first time he had received praise.
Just as the Barbarian King felt he could brag heavily upon his return, Ying Xi asked, “I wonder, since beloved minister has been away from your borders for so long, is there anyone looking after these elephant armies and lion-tiger armies?”
The Barbarian King paused.
Immediately, in the bright sunlight, the Barbarian King sucked in a breath of cold air. His expression remained normal, but his spine went cold.
He was plotting in Chang’an; was someone in the Southwest also plotting for his throne?
The elephant army was arrogant and had to be well-fed and walked before they would fight. The lion-tiger army required meat for every meal; would the subordinates deduct rations? What if someone bribed the beast-taming soldiers to rebel?…
He couldn’t think about it. The more he thought, the less he could stay.
The Barbarian King’s brow twitched slightly, his expression revealing a bit of irritability.
Ying Xi, as a fellow ruler, found it effortless to provoke him.
Therefore, Ying Xi continued to sigh: “Zhen envies beloved minister, able to put down domestic trifles and follow your heart, walking around outside.”
“The heart is separated by the belly; Zhen cannot let go.”
“Zhen’s empire is too vast; Zhen also cannot let go.”
The Emperor who claimed he couldn’t let go of the empire had actually just returned from a huge wandering trip among the common people.
In reality, the ambitious Southern Barbarian King pretended not to care on his face, but had already decided to leave Chang’an immediately.
The Barbarian King made a final request: “Your Majesty, the Lesser King’s audience today is still about that matter. The Lesser King wants to marry Princess Huachao as a wife.”
“The road is long and far; I will protect her safety.”
“When the Princess enters the Royal Palace, she will surely be the primary wife. Our children will inherit the Southern Kingdom’s rule. I hope Your Majesty will fulfill this!”
Ying Xi said, “On this matter alone, Zhen respects Huachao’s wishes. If she does not agree, I will not let her marry.”
“But she is your sister! Doesn’t the Central Plains say the eldest brother is like a father? Can Your Majesty not make a decision for a woman?”
Speaking to this point, the Southern Barbarian King’s eyes widened.
Fierce muscles almost burst out of his clothes. He had always been the one to give orders in the Southwest, yet in front of Ying Xi in the Central Plains, he was thwarted at every turn. Now, the Barbarian Kingâs true nature was exposed, his breathing heavy.
Lang Xun stepped forward and shouted, “Impudent! You dare to be disrespectful to His Majesty!” The guards drew their blades halfway, each preparing for battle.
Ying Xi was certain the Barbarian King wouldn’t dare do anything, otherwise he wouldn’t walk out of Shanglin Park alive. He raised his eyes to meet the Barbarian King’s gaze.
“It is precisely because Zhen can make the decision for my sister. Life is short; that is why I hope my sister can marry a man who will absolutely not force her, to spend the remaining decades of her life.”
The implication was: the more you force it, the more impossible it is.
If conflict was unavoidable, the Emperor would not be threatened.
The green peacocks all surrounded Ying Xi, tails cocked and feathers bristling, boosting the Barbarian King’s momentum around the two of them.
Peacocks didn’t know swords, but they could clearly judge body size. The Barbarian King was far stronger than Ying Xi.
However, the Barbarian King didn’t have a peacock’s brain. Judging the situation to be unfavorable, he immediately retracted his ferocity and reverted to humility and politeness.
The Barbarian King lowered his head: “Your Majesty, please forgive the Lesser King’s rud…”
Before he could say the word “rudeness”!
The seven or eight green peacocks, having been around the Barbarian King in the Southwest, had long developed the habit of willfully scratching and hurting people.
Seeing the Barbarian King’s movement now, they mistook it for an intent to attack Ying Xi. The flock of birds took flight, lunging at the Emperor!
The scene was as if a chaotic cloud of green suddenly rose in Yichun Palace.
Peacocks had sharp claws; a hit would surely tear flesh and draw blood.
But at this moment, a black streak pierced through that layer of green cloud. The speed was instantly maximized. Before the guards could react, the black falcon kicked the attacking peacocks away viciously.
The peacocks tumbled.
The black falcon circled rapidly!
Fear of eagles was the instinct of all birds.
The flock of peacocks scattered in an uproar. The falcon completely cleared the field, calmly drew an arc in the sky, and landed on Xie Qianliâs left shoulder.
Only then did it slowly spread its wings, raising its head to emit a cry that resounded through the entire Shanglin Park: “Screeeechâ“
The pitch was so high it almost pierced the ears!
The hundred beasts of Shanglin Park trembled.
Even the Barbarian King couldn’t control his body from swaying, the sharp long cry echoing in his ears.
Hunting falcons were hard to tame; this eagle was the finest among eagles.
Eagles only obeyed the strong. The Barbarian King shifted his gaze from the eagle to the man.
The newcomer wore brocade ducal robes, the sunlight reflecting off the gold tracery all over his body. His wide robes and broad sleeves concealed no weapons, but his steps were steady, his demeanor revealing the deep foundation of a martial artist, along with a pair of determined black eyes.
The newcomer submitted before the Emperorâs boots, kowing, his profile showing a lowered nose tip.
The black falcon leaped to stand solemnly before Ying Xi.
Xie Qianli spoke clearly: “This subject has returned from the long journey with the Amnesty Mission. On the return trip, we destroyed five bandit strongholds, eliminated over a hundred fierce bandits, discovered two instances of collusion between officials and bandits, and executed the guilty officials on the spot. Hearing the Holy Driver was entertaining guests in Shanglin Park, this subject came for an audience. May Your Majesty be at peace.”
Ying Xi said faintly, “Rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Xie Qianli stood up. Man and eagle stood beside the Emperor, as if a lofty mountain had risen beside Ying Xi. The falcon stared intently at the Barbarian King.
The Barbarian King was even more terrified.
Recalling the words he just heardâexecuted guilty officials on the spot?
Naturally unaware that Ying Xi had authorized the Amnesty Envoys to act as they saw fit, the Barbarian King felt the man opposite him acted with terrifying ferocity!
Yu Jing chimed in with a smile, “The Duke of Ying has worked hard. At noon, His Majesty arranged for this servant… The Duke of Ying was to be summoned alone tomorrow upon returning to the capital, intending to prepare a reception banquet for the Duke. But the Duke is so loyal, he came to see His Majesty on his own.”
Tacitly not mentioning Xie Qianli’s error of appearing without a summons, Yu Jing tried his best to beautify the feelings between sovereign and subject.
The Duke of Ying’s Xie Manor was a golden signboard in Great Qin.
Seeing that Ying Xi and Xie Qianli were of one heart, the Barbarian King completely lost the courage to cause trouble and took his leave from Ying Xi with fear and trepidation.
Ying Xi then went with the flow, bestowing some gold and silver valuables upon the Barbarian King, worth more than the tribute he brought.
After lingering in Chang’an for many days, the Barbarian King finally quit while he was ahead and left Shanglin Park.
As soon as that black tower-like figure left, Xie Qianli relaxed slightly in front of Ying Xi.
He didn’t know about the reception banquet or the summons; he simply wanted to confirm the next course of action with Xie Qianliâthe Emperor wanted to aim South (Tu Nan).
Xie Qianli secretly squeezed the Danxin Stone Pendant in his sleeve, the corners of his mouth turning up.
He wanted to hand over the stone. He hadn’t figured out the wording yet. Holding the stone in his palm, he inhaled gently.
But Ying Xi had been cold to him recently: “Did Zhen inform the Amnesty Envoy to have an audience tomorrow, yet you come here to throw your weight around?”
Xie Qianli was stunned.
He wanted to see him desperately because of the rumors in the streets that he would bestow a marriage between him and Princess Huachao.
Breaking the rules and trespassing at the Yichun Palace gate was because he heard the Barbarian King was pestering endlessly, and he feared the King would hurt someone.
Xie Qianli didn’t think he was too much in the wrong.
But he didn’t know that Ying Xi misinterpreted his hostility toward the Barbarian King as affection for Princess Huachao.
Ying Xi didn’t realize this was jealousy; what he showed was dissatisfaction with everything about Xie Qianli. Seeing him made him very unhappy.
Xie Qianli kowtowed: “This subject knows his crime. But on the return journey, this subject heard rumors regarding a bestowed marriage…”
He raised his eyes. Ying Xiâs dark grey eyes were dim. Not knowing what taboo of the Emperor he had touched, he immediately silenced his voice.
Ying Xi said hoarsely, “If Huachao has intentions toward you, I will bestow it on a lucky day next month.”
Xie Qianli panicked, raising his voice: “That is inappropriate!”
Panic could also be interpreted as urgency.
Since several years ago, Ying Xi knew Xie Qianli liked beautiful women. His heart felt inexplicably as if crushed by a giant boulder, painful and heavy.
Yet the Emperor smiled and said, “You have indeed reached the age to marry and have children. The Xie Manor is sparsely populated now; you should spread branches and scatter leaves for the Xie family. If Minister Xie truly cannot wait, the earliest will be the end of the month. Zhen will personally officiate the wedding; this is Zhen’s grace to you.”
Yu Jing shook his head secretly and warily retreated far away.
Outside Yichun Palace Hall, sovereign and subject faced each other.
One standing, one kneeling.
Xie Qianli gripped that Danxin Stone tightly in his hand, hurting his palm bones to the point of breaking!
He looked up at Ying Xi from below. The other was cold, noble, untouched by the mortal world, always distant yet sometimes close to him.
Lowering his head, he clenched his teeth, muscles in his jaw jumping, his chest almost exploding.
Did Ying Xi have a heart?
But what heart should Ying Xi haveâwas Ying Xi wrong to let him marry!?
Any Emperor who pitied his subject would worry about the marriage of a subject of age.
Ying Xi wasn’t wrong, nor did he speak wrongly. Marrying a princess was a supreme honor; the Emperor officiating was the greatest grace.
Ying Xi was actually looking after him.
The bright moon was shining on him again, intense bitterness flowing through every vein.
In his heart and lungs, a clearer thought brewed. Xie Qianli wanted to shout it out.
âI don’t need this kind of care.
âI like…
Xie Qianli ruthlessly pushed it down. That thought, which completely violated ethics and was treasonous, gradually acknowledged itself and walked onto a deviant path.
That was wrong!!!
His throat trembled lightly, cold sweat pouring down.
His thoughts could not reach Ying Xi; silence instead became tacit agreement.
The afternoon sun of early summer was intense. Combined with having walked the Barbarian King for a long time, Ying Xi felt dizzy.
Blinded by the sunlight, the Emperor stumbled, his body tilting.
Xie Qianli stood up and hurriedly supported the Emperor. The Danxin Stone Pendant fell out of his sleeve with a clatter.
Roll, roll, rollâ
The Emperor had just steadied himself when he focused his eyes and saw a stone. That couldn’t be Xie Qianli’s item; he never had the habit of wearing ornaments.
But he carried it with him. The stone was heart-shaped, adorned with an imperial yellow tasselâsomething only the imperial family could possess.
Ying Xi’s brow twitched slightly: “Huachao’s item?”
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