Volume III, Real Ancient Capital, Chapter 47: With friends coming
by Xiao Xiang Dong'Er | Translated and Arranged by Angel Chua
The youngster woke up late at night. Two braziers stood in the room, the air dry. Chu Qiao's throat was parched, and she fumbled for some water to drink.
On the small table, as usual, sat a pot of milk from the South Blue Temple's snow deer, a rare and precious commodity. Chu Qiao poured a small cup and drank, the warmth of the milk soothing her dry throat from top to bottom.
The room was very dark, but the moon above was large and bright, casting its glow across the sky. As Chu Qiao opened the window, the moonlight illuminated the room. She sat in her chair, resting her elbows on the window ledge, her lips curved into a faint smile.
Countless times, she had looked at this yard, and with the passage of time, she still couldn't tell if it was all a dream, a fleeting memory, or a fantasy. Eight years had passed since she came into this world. Eight years, enough to change a person's thoughts, beliefs, vision, and struggles for their ideals.
Two stakes stood in the yard, bearing the scars of more than seven years of practice, even visible in the moonlight. These were the marks left by her and Yan Xun as they practiced martial arts together. In the early years, they dared not train during the day and only practiced at night, quietly wielding their knives. Yan Xun had mastered the finest techniques, and Chu Qiao had blended the world's martial arts into her own style. Occasionally, passersby would be frightened by the eerie blue gleam in Yan Xun's hair, and they would leave quickly, shivering.
In the west warm room, two sets of bedding were always prepared. At that time, they had no trustworthy servants. The two children often slept in the same room, each with a sword at hand. When one slept, the other stayed awake, always on guard. A thin string tied to the door bolt would alert them to any movement, and at the slightest sound, they would draw their knives and leap into action.
The antique vase on the bookshelf was always filled with emergency first-aid supplies, rarely used but always prepared. Even their chopsticks were like silverware, used to test for poison by feeding small rabbits. They never ate a meal without first ensuring it was safe, and in those early years, they rarely had a fresh pot of hot rice.
Whether in the heat of summer or the chill of winter, they always wore soft armor under their clothes. Whether eating or sleeping, a weapon was always within reach. Time passed slowly, but despite the difficulties, they grew side by side. Hope no longer seemed distant, and the future, once bleak, now held a glimmer of promise. For the first time, Chu Qiao felt a sense of belonging. After years of violence, conspiracies, and survival, she no longer felt like an outsider longing to escape.
In truth, from the moment she entered the imperial city, their fates had been intertwined.
Chu Qiao looked to the northwest sky, where Yan Xun had often described the Yanbei grasslands, their homeland. In every cold night, every moment of humiliation, and every surge of hatred, they looked to the sky, dreaming of a brighter future.
Taking a deep breath, she closed the window and returned to her desk, spreading out a map and studying it carefully.
The door creaked open, and a man entered, wearing a white cotton gown trimmed with fine camel hair. His clothes were elegant, and his face, Qing Jun, was strikingly handsome. Chu Qiao looked up and smiled, greeting him as he sat down. "Up late again?" she asked.
"You're not asleep either," Yan Xun replied, setting down a food box. "You skipped dinner. Aren't you hungry?"
As if on cue, Chu Qiao's stomach growled. Embarrassed, she rubbed her belly and smiled. "If you hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have noticed."
"Well, here's something for you to eat. Let's see if it's to your liking."
"Ah!" Chu Qiao's eyes lit up as she peered into the box. "Pear dumplings!"
"Yes," Yan Xun smiled. "I know you love them. I had them prepared just as you like, kept frozen for days, waiting for you to return."
Chu Qiao grinned, her eyes narrowing in delight. "Yan Xun, every time I eat these, it feels like home."
As Chu Qiao ate, Yan Xun handed her a cup of deer milk, watching her quietly. Moonlight beamed through the window, casting a soft glow on the room. The flickering candle added to the sense of peace and warmth.
"A'Chu," Yan Xun said, handing her a white handkerchief as she finished eating. It was natural for her to wipe her mouth, and in a cold tone, he added, "Those who sold you to the stone merchants..."
"Yan Xun, don't start with me," Chu Qiao interrupted before he could finish. "I know you did it, but this was my decision. It may seem careless and cruel, but leaving those people alive when we weren't strong enough to face them was unwise. I brought them back because I wanted your help, not because I needed an explanation."
Yan Xun's eyes softened, and he smiled. "I just didn't want to hide anything from you."
"Yes," Chu Qiao smiled in return. "We agreed—no more secrets, no misunderstandings. No matter the intention, hiding things only causes pain. We can't afford to make that mistake."
Yan Xun chuckled lightly. "Alright. Then, about this trip to South Ji Shan, the original text tells me there's no size limitation—big or small."
"Well," Chu Qiao smiled as she turned to the desk, pointing to a map. She began studying it meticulously.
The day was misty and quiet as Yan Xun sipped his tea, while Chu Qiao completed her drawings on the chart. She pointed to a specific area and said, "As long as Meng's family or General Meng Tian doesn't move toward this place today, we don't have much to worry about. What we should be concerned about is the Shen Jin Palace and the Wei clan. And let's not forget about Zhuge Huai."
Yan Xun raised an eyebrow, his tone cold. "Zhuge Huai? Isn't he still in Beijing? Zhuge Muqing has been gradually stepping out of the elder's circle in recent years, leaving Zhuge Huai in charge of most matters. He's definitely going to intervene."
Chu Qiao shook her head. "The Empire has lasted three hundred years, and the Elder's family has changed hands several times. The founding fathers, like Zhuge, who emerged from the prairie alongside Peiluo the Great, knew how to weigh their choices and avoid being thrust into the spotlight, unlike Mu He, who craved popularity. Zhuge's strategy is like that of an ancient king, quietly recovering power by acting behind the scenes. It's this measured approach that has kept them in control for so long, despite the turmoil."
Chu Qiao pointed to the chart. "Over the past few months, I've gathered information. Zhuge's clan might not show much on the surface, but there's been small-scale movement of supplies—river salt, iron ore, and forage. It's not a big operation, but it happens often. Zhuge has shifted their interest from Song Water to West Cold City, collecting the Tian Mu grain tax, and hasn't returned in two months. It seems minor, but in my opinion, this city, though small, is crucial to our return to Yanbei. Yao Water, Fusu, and Chishui Road are all central hubs with important strategic value. We can't ignore this."
"And look here, on the eighth day of last month, the elders agreed to let Zhuge return from the military essays. However, instead of sending his son to oversee the southeast camp, Zhuge Muqing went to the southwest camp, where the Batuja family resides, bordering both the southwest and northwest territories. If the Zhuge family isn't secretly negotiating with the Batuja family or planning a covert pass through Song, why would they station outsiders so close to the heart of their camp? And more importantly, didn't you notice that Zhuge Yue will be returning soon?"
Yan Xun nodded. "I've been keeping an eye on it. You mentioned this a few days ago after the girl you sent to me reported back."
"Oh?" Chu Qiao's eyes brightened. "'Yu girl'—is that how she's called?"
"Yes. She mentioned that it's still early. The Xia Wang Tai Shou's elite forces are gathering, but the situation is complex and constantly shifting. We can only respond based on how events unfold."
Chu Qiao's brow furrowed, and she slowly raised her head to look at Yan Xun. "Yan Xun, are you sure? I'm worried about unforeseen accidents. We need to be fully prepared."
"A'Chu," Yan Xun replied, his tone firm, "the world is unpredictable. There's no perfect strategy. Haven't we been preparing for this for years?" His cold eyes met hers, and he reached out to hold her shoulder. "A'Chu, do you not trust me?"
Chu Qiao nodded. "I trust you."
"Then let go of what's already broken," Yan Xun said with a faint smile. "This situation is on me. The trip to South Ji Shan has already taken a toll on your health. You're sick and can't work yourself too hard."
"Yan Xun…"
"I don't want the one person I need to return to Yanbei to die," Yan Xun's voice dropped to a low whisper. "I have no family left. A'Chu, you're the most important person in my life."
"A'Chu, do you remember that year, when we had just entered the Holy Gold Palace? I was gravely ill with a fever, but you told me something I will never forget."
Chu Qiao blinked in surprise, and Yan Xun's expression softened as he recalled the moment. "You told me that I could rest easy because you would stay awake until I woke up. I slept for four days, but you stayed awake, taking care of me. You promised we would sleep together only when both of us could finally close our eyes in peace."
Chu Qiao bowed her head, her lips curling into a faint smile. After a long pause, she looked up. "Well, then if I'm not going, I'll stay here with you, waiting for the day you take me away."
Yan Xun's eyes brightened, and his smile was as warm as the first thaw in March. The few boring months they had endured suddenly seemed to pass in a flash.
"A'Chu, we came into this together. We'll get out together. You have to believe me because in this world, we only have each other."
That long winter night, with snow falling softly outside, everything seemed calm. But no one knew the fierce undercurrents hidden beneath the surface. The unpredictable forces lay dormant, ready to boil over at any moment, like a tidal wave waiting to crash. People walking along the shore could only tread carefully, trying not to let their clothes get soaked by the muddy waters. When a person's strength isn't enough to fight the tide, all they can do is avoid being swept away.
As Yan Xun left Chu Qiao's room and watched the lights go out, his expression grew cold. He looked up in the direction of Xia Hua Dian, his gaze sharpening like a blade. His fingers clenched, snapping a dry branch in his hand. He closed his eyes, remembering a night long ago.
Back then, A'Chu had been only nine years old, and she had gone out to find medicine for him while he was sick. She had been secretly followed by Wei Shu You's men, and they cornered her. More than twenty hired men beat her savagely, yet she refused to flee or fight back, even though her flesh was torn, and blood streamed down her body. When he arrived, she was on the brink of death but still clutched the pack of herbs in her hand.
From that day on, Yan Xun swore to himself that he would never allow those who were close to him to be harmed again. He vowed that the people he cared about would not have a second chance to suffer.
Though he had been waiting for the right time for years, he knew he had to wait a little longer.
Yan Xun opened his eyes, his gaze clear. Tomorrow, Zhuge Yue would also return. It had been seven years since he'd seen his old friend. He wondered if Zhuge Yue was doing well.
His shoulder wounds had long since healed, but the hatred that had taken root in his heart still festered. Yan Xun gave a cold smile, turned, and stepped into the dark night. His stature and demeanor, combined with his clothes, swayed gracefully with the wind as he disappeared into the shadows.
Afterthoughts
This chapter reveals the deep emotional bond between Chu Qiao and Yan Xun, highlighting their shared past, their struggles, and the lengths they've gone to protect one another. The atmosphere is thick with nostalgia as Chu Qiao reflects on the hardships they endured together, illustrating the transformation from vulnerability to strength over the years.
Their relationship is more than mere friendship or companionship; it is one built on mutual trust, shared trauma, and a fierce determination to survive and succeed together. The narrative also paints a picture of their constant vigilance and how survival has shaped their every action, from wearing soft armor at all times to testing food on rabbits to avoid poisoning.
The moonlit setting creates an ambiance of quiet reflection, allowing the reader to sense the weight of their journey. The interactions between Chu Qiao and Yan Xun show the tenderness of their bond, especially in the small moments, like sharing food or Yan Xun's gentle teasing.
Furthermore, the subtle political undercurrents reflect their precarious situation. Chu Qiao's strategic mind is on full display as she analyzes maps and contemplates their enemies' movements, while Yan Xun's cold resolve hints at his deep-seated desire for revenge. The contrast between the warmth of their personal moments and the cold reality of their world builds tension, hinting at the looming dangers they must face.