Volume III, Real Ancient Capital, Chapter 59: Embrace of God
By Xiao Xiang Dong'Er | Translated and Arranged by Angel Chua
Back at Yingge hospital, the sky was already dark. Xiao Lizi, leaning in front of the door under the light of a palm lantern, suddenly saw Chu Qiao approaching. Overjoyed, the little one ran to her with a smile and said, "Girl, you're back."
Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow and asked, "What happened?"
Xiao Lizi replied, "It's nothing. Earlier, 'the world' (Yan Xun's codename) came back and asked about you. I heard he went out with A'Jing to find you."
"Oh," Chu Qiao nodded. "How long?"
"Maybe an hour," Xiao Lizi replied while attentively looking at the lantern. Suddenly, she noticed Chu Qiao walking towards Lam Tin Huan and hurriedly stopped her. "Girl, Lam Tin Huan is being cleared of snow by the minions. Let's go this way."
Chu Qiao paused, surprised, and slowly looked up, eyeing Xiao Lizi quietly.
Xiao Lizi looked embarrassed and murmured, "That road isn't easy to walk."
Chu Qiao's face hardened as she pushed Xiao Lizi's arm aside and strode forward. As she walked past the archway, she heard a tender female voice softly speaking, accompanied by the clatter of people working under the racks.
Chu Qiao stopped, standing in front of the archway. Calm but silent for a long time, she finally asked, "Who sent it?"
"The Northwest River official Wen Ting, as a marshal, sent it to the adults."
Chu Qiao frowned and said coldly, "It's him again."
Her tone was not pleasant, and Xiao Lizi shifted nervously, fearing that Chu Qiao might storm in without regard for the consequences.
"Shua!" Suddenly, Chu Qiao turned around and headed towards her room, speaking as she walked, "Tell them not to disturb me. I need to rest."
Xiao Lizi watched Chu Qiao disappear, and although she wanted to call after her, she realized that from where she stood, no one would hear her shouting.
At dinner, Xiao Lizi sent people to call for Chu Qiao twice, but she didn't come. Outside, Yan Shi Zi sighed, but secretly felt a surge of pride and confidence. Just as he was about to give up, Chu Qiao finally entered, dressed in white, still wearing men's clothing, as if she had not changed since returning from Yingge hospital.
Yan Xun was stunned and asked, "A'Chu, what are you doing?"
Chu Qiao looked up dully. "Before you approve the Yunyang Canal spring draft, there are a few issues I'd like to discuss."
A hint of disappointment flickered in Yan Xun's eyes, but he nodded and sat down. "Let's eat first."
"Oh," Chu Qiao nodded. "I am a bit hungry."
She sat down and began to eat comfortably. Yan Xun, watching her, frowned slightly, feeling a sense of unease. Despite her calm demeanor, something about her behavior left him with a nagging feeling of boredom.
Outside, the night was cold and dark, with sparse stars and floating snow. The snowfall had finally stopped.
"Mianyang's spring festival preparations must be stepped up. With the river's new governor struggling with water transport, time is running out. We need to make a plan."
Chu Qiao put down her chopsticks and, with a cold voice, pulled a white paper from her sleeve. "Last month, Licheng Salt Road had trouble. The newly appointed official, Wei Yan, and the Wei family's reorganization caused unrest among salt merchants. Yu's letter mentioned we should be cautious. Licheng plays a key role, and time will be critical."
"Also, Xihua's seat needs someone to take over. I'm considering He Qi, Yu's doorman. What do you think?"
Yan Xun nodded. "Look into it."
Seeing his fatigue, Chu Qiao raised her eyebrows and asked, "Are you tired?"
Without much interest in continuing the discussion, Yan Xun muttered, "It's fine."
"Then rest," Chu Qiao said as she stood up. "Prince Bian Tang will soon arrive at the imperial capital for Xia Wang's birthday, and the Huai Song messenger is on the way. Zhen Huang will be bustling."
Yan Xun didn't respond, watching as Chu Qiao turned to leave. Little maid Xiao Lizi chased after her, dressed in a robe, and soon their figures disappeared into the long corridor.
Yan Xun sighed softly, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his temples.
That day, after handling secret guild messages and dealing with officials at the Chaotang Shrine, Yan Xun felt it had been his most diligent effort since the last royal hunt. The hard work of royalty hadn't been this intense for quite some time.
"A'Jing," Yan Xun called, his voice soft. "Send back the women Ji Wenting sent."
"Who?" A'Jing was surprised. "Isn't that something intended to confuse the elite? Won't this upset Ji Wenting?"
Yan Xun shook his head and sighed. "Those who can be fooled by superficial tricks are of no concern. People who matter won't be swayed by such tactics. It's better to win them over in other ways."
His voice grew vague as he continued, and A'Jing couldn't catch the last part. Yan Xun's lips moved gently, his eyes closing in thought: "Is A'Chu's trust greater than Ji Wen Ting's?"
But Yan Xun didn't seem to care too much. Hypnotizing himself with comforting words, he muttered, "A'Chu is still just a child."
Though, in reality, her behavior was far from that of a child.
"Son of the world," Xiao Lizi approached, handing over a large volume of documents. "This is what the girl just approved."
Yan Xun flipped through the papers, his expression lighting up as he found an unopened stack. "How come these fireworks haven't been touched?"
The maid scratched her head. "The girl said they were merely flattery and told the servants to send them back with a message to be more creative next time."
Yan Xun was momentarily surprised but soon smiled, handing the papers to A'Jing. "Do as A'Chu says."
With a light step, he headed back to his study.
A'Jing looked puzzled, holding the letters. The scent of the paper filled the air.
Two days later, the Eighth Princess Zhao Chun attended a pole ceremony. The princess, born of the same mother as Zhao Che, held high status in the royal family. As her ceremony proceeded, Yan Xun's patience with her unruliness wore thin. He sent A'Jing with a token gift, hardly paying attention to the matter.
Because of the controversy surrounding the hunting day, Yan Xun's patience with this unruly woman had gradually depleted. He carelessly sent A'Jing to deliver the gift.
When Chu Qiao looked at the gift list, Yan Xun was drinking tea in the hall. She glanced at the respectful but minimal words. The note mentioned the gift: two pairs of Wada wishfulness, four golden jade lions, and eight Huai Song Yujin.
Not expensive, not shabby, just in line with proper etiquette.
Chu Qiao shook her head, unsure of what impression this gift would make on Zhao Chun. For years, Princess Chun's affection for Yanbei's Pekingese had been a known topic in the upper-class circles of the capital. The Queen, Mu-Yunna, had tried to intervene, but Zhao Chun remained unruly and unnoticed by everyone, except for Yan Xun. He never paid much attention to the situation, leaving it alone and disregarding it entirely.
"Guizhi Jiayuan—homemade cinnamon—Cozy ding—an ancient cooking cauldron—and Chushan—leaving the mountain as a hermit. A'Chu, we should find time to go to Bian Tang, taste the Chushan wine, and eat a Jiayuan pill," Yan Xun said casually.
Chu Qiao looked up, noticing the sun. The weather was rare for this season, with no snow. Early that morning, Yan Xun had invited her to sit in the greenhouse. They spent the entire morning like old friends—each absorbed in their own thoughts, she reading a book, and he drinking tea. Suddenly, he broke the silence with his suggestion, and Chu Qiao smiled, nodding. "Yes, we should go together."
Seeing her happy, Yan Xun grinned. "When A'Chu grows up, she will be one of the most beautiful women of her generation."
Chu Qiao laughed. "What have you eaten today to sweeten your words like this? Or are you so used to flattering others outside that you can't stop, even with me?"
Yan Xun was momentarily taken aback. Life had taught him wisdom that sometimes couldn't be expressed in words. Chu Qiao, with her deep self-awareness, had learned a tacit understanding of many things—somehow, without experiencing them. She hadn't expected those words to slip out so naturally.
Chu Qiao bit her lower lip. "I'm sorry, I spoke out of turn."
Yan Xun shook his head. "A'Chu, you're the best woman in the world, and no one else compares."
His tone was casual, as if he were commenting on the food they had just eaten. Hearing these words, Chu Qiao was momentarily surprised. A faint blush spread across her cheeks, an unusual sight.
Though their relationship had always been intimate, they had never acknowledged their feelings explicitly. For years, they had acted as comrades-in-arms and close relatives, never crossing into the realm of romantic feelings. Hearing Yan Xun's sudden statement, Chu Qiao couldn't help but feel flustered.
"A'Chu," Yan Xun's mood shifted, and he gazed at her seriously. "You and I have been through eight years of hardship together. We've faced disasters, fought the same battles. Now, everything is coming to an end. Once we return to Yanbei, we…"
Before he could finish, a sudden call of panic came from the door: "Son, you are being summoned to the holy place!"
The emotions lingering in the air instantly dissipated. Chu Qiao stood up abruptly, dropping the calligraphy book she had been holding.
Yan Xun was startled. After seven years, the Xia Huang (The Emperor) had never summoned him—until now. What could this mean? Was it a blessing or something else?
"What should I do?" Yan Xun wondered aloud.
Chu Qiao's expression suddenly changed, her mood heavy. She turned around and coldly said, but after a moment of silence, Yan Xun, who had been lost in thought, finally spoke. "Do not panic. I shouldn't be in any trouble. I will go and see."
"Yan Xun," Chu Qiao called out.
Just as Yan Xun turned to leave, Chu Qiao grabbed his arm. Her hand was slightly sweaty, cold like snow, and she gripped him tightly, her worried eyes burning with the toughness of jade. "Be careful. Come back soon."
"Do not worry." Yan Xun's heart warmed at her concern. He patted her shoulder reassuringly. "I'll come back alive."
Xiao Liu arrived and draped a large fur cloak over Yan Xun's shoulders. With a few people accompanying him, Yan Xun left Yingge hospital.
Chu Qiao was restless all afternoon, unable to shake the feeling that something might happen. In the evening, when A'Jing returned, she quickly walked over to him, her voice cold with urgency. "How is the world (Yan Xun)? Why did you come back only now?"
A'Jing blushed, somewhat embarrassed, but still spoke slowly. "The world (Yan Xun) is fine. He is in the front hall, having joined the feast."
Chu Qiao took a deep breath, relieved. "That's good. But what happened during the Emperor's summons?"
A'Jing glanced around at the maids standing nearby, all looking at him with curiosity, waiting for his answer. Chu Qiao's brow furrowed slightly, sensing something was off. Her voice grew colder. "What is going on?"
"The emperor…" A'Jing hesitated before finally answering. "The emperor summoned His Royal Highness to… to arrange a marriage. He has chosen Princess Chun'er."
The young girls around them were momentarily stunned, wanting to say something but unable to find the words. Chu Qiao looked around, her eyebrows drawing tighter together as she frowned. In a low voice, she asked, "A marriage?"
"Girl…" A'Jing called softly.
Chu Qiao nodded slowly, murmuring to herself, "A marriage…"
"Girl, the world (Yan Xun) asked me to come and tell you as soon as possible. He said…"
"I'm fine," Chu Qiao interrupted, shaking her head. "There's too much edge at the royal banquet. Hurry back to protect him and make sure nothing goes wrong. I'm just a little worried about the emperor's intentions toward him. But now I understand."
Her usually composed face showed a flicker of emotion, her voice soft as she added, "Girl…"
"I'm going back to my room. You may go now." Chu Qiao turned around, her back straight, showing no sadness. She murmured to herself, "I still have much to do. Send Xiao Liu to my room—I need to prepare a reply."
Under the falling snow, Chu Qiao wore a yellow dress today, paired with a matching cloak. It was a rare occasion for her to display a trace of her feminine charm. The distant wind swept the snow from the ground, lifting her cloak. The cold wind seemed to trace her spine like an icy thread.
In the distance, the sunset slowly receded westward, like painted flames streaking across the sky—vividly colorful at first, but fading as it finally began to fall.
AC Afterthoughts
This chapter highlights the emotional tension and political intrigue surrounding Chu Qiao and Yan Xun's relationship. Their bond, forged through hardship, is tested as political pressures grow, particularly with the emperor's arranged marriage for Yan Xun to Princess Chun'er. Both characters suppress their emotions, with Chu Qiao maintaining a calm exterior despite her inner turmoil. The political landscape looms large, as personal desires are sacrificed for strategy, adding suspense and uncertainty.
The chapter foreshadows potential conflict, with Yan Xun's reassurances carrying an ominous tone, and Chu Qiao's anxiety indicating something significant is about to happen. Silent communication between the two conveys deep feelings, even as they avoid directly addressing their emotions. The chapter ends on a quiet yet heavy note, symbolizing a shift in their relationship and the challenges that lie ahead.