Volume III, Real Ancient Capital, Chapter 63: Needy Prince
By Xiao Xiang Dong'Er | Translated and Arranged by Angel Chua
Chu Qiao knew she was in serious trouble this time.
Too many issues weighed on her: killing Prince Bian Tang? Conspiring to undermine diplomatic relations between the two nations? Failing to honor promises?
Any one of these charges would be enough to put her to death. Never before had her life been so impulsively reckless. What had gone wrong? How had things spiraled out of control, as if possessed by ghosts?
She dared not look at Zhao Che's face. The noise of several women across the street was loud enough to pierce through the army's main tent. Standing behind Zhao Che, she mentally retraced the cause and effects of the incident, but no small detail could justify her actions. Now, she could only hope that this disaster wouldn't affect Yan Xun's camp and wouldn't bring any consequences to him because of her mistake.
"How long do you plan to keep talking?"
The cold voice cut through the air, low but frigid, carrying a sharp edge. The women instantly froze, startled. Zhao Che stood, fully armored, with an expression as hard as iron. He looked at them one by one and coldly demanded, "Are you done yet?"
"You!" A woman in a yellow-brown dress pointed at Zhao Che but was stopped by another, slightly older woman. "Little E, show respect to His Highness."
"Sister, sister…"
"Since His Highness is occupied with official matters, we will take our leave. However, we will not drop this matter. We have sent a messenger, and our nation will send envoys to properly address this issue. As for the girl…" She glanced dismissively at Chu Qiao and said lightly, "If His Highness refuses to hand her over, there's nothing we can do. We leave His Highness to deal with her as he sees fit. We won't intervene."
With that, she turned and left the main tent, followed by the other women, cold and distant.
Zhao Che stood quietly in the large tent, staring at the fluttering curtains without a word for a long time.
Chu Qiao, standing behind him, couldn't see his expression, but she could imagine his anger. To Zhao Che, the easiest solution would have been to execute her on the spot for her treachery. Yet, he had detained her instead and refused to hand her over to Bian Tang's envoy. What was his plan?
Chu Qiao swore that if he struck her now, she wouldn't resist.
Suddenly, her body tensed, as though there was something she wanted to say but couldn't bring herself to. Sweat formed on her forehead, her palms damp, and her pupils slightly dilated.
What was he thinking? Should she seize this opportunity? The emperor had been waiting for a misstep from Yan Xun. Could this be the excuse he needed?
Unconsciously, her hand moved toward the dagger at her thigh.
Zhao Che turned, his gaze strange as he looked at Chu Qiao. But then, unexpectedly, he grinned slowly and…
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Loud laughter erupted in the tent. Several generals walked in, joining in the laughter. Zhao Che clapped Chu Qiao on the shoulder and, with a thumbs-up, sighed, "Well done! Really well done!"
Chu Qiao blinked in shock, wide-eyed and completely confused.
"This Li Ce is a troublemaker," Zhao Che continued. "What kind of Prince Bian Tang is he? Always dressing in flashy colors, making a fool of himself. Someone had to knock some sense into him."
"Little girl, you did well," a burly man said. "Anyone who tries to punish you will have to deal with us first!"
Chu Qiao stood speechless for a long moment before she cautiously said, "Your Highness, I think this matter isn't so simple. I did hit the Prince of Bian Tang, and it was during an important royal celebration. Shouldn't we at least offer an apology?"
Zhao Che raised an eyebrow, looking at the crowd. "Did anyone see her hit him? I didn't."
The generals all shook their heads, feigning ignorance. One of them added, "Your Highness, if you wanted to hit him, you should've waited for a better opportunity. You should have beaten him in secret, where no one could see."
Chu Qiao looked around at the grinning men, feeling like she was about to cry.
"Don't worry," Zhao Che said kindly, patting her on the shoulder. "I didn't like you much before, but now that we're in this together, I won't treat you badly."
That day, the ice on the lake thawed, the winter snow melted, and the spring of the Great Summer Dynasty finally arrived at the tail end of early summer.
At night, the camp was quiet, with only the faint sound of music coming from the eastern corner. Bian Tang's envoy had said it was their custom to play music to help them sleep, especially after suffering such a blow. The melancholy tune hung in the air like a lovesick ballad.
Chu Qiao sat on the snowy ground, playing with the sword in her hand. Under the vast night sky, countless lights flickered. The frosty moonlight cast a serene glow over the camp, and soldiers patrolled lazily. It was not a battlefield, so the tension was minimal. Reflecting on the desolation, Chu Qiao sighed, "So much effort, only for it to fail."
A crisp sound echoed in the stillness. Chu Qiao looked down at the sword, noticing it hadn't been properly sheathed. Her brow furrowed as she pulled it out.
The sword was unique, four feet long, with a pale blade, and faint dark red veins running through it like dried blood.
"A good sword," a voice commented from behind.
Chu Qiao turned to see Zhao Che approaching, dressed in a black robe. He sat beside her and asked, "What's it called?"
Chu Qiao shook her head. "I don't know."
"You don't know your own sword?"
"This sword isn't mine," she replied.
Zhao Che nodded without pressing further. He took a swig from a flask and offered it to her with a challenging look.
Chu Qiao shook her head. "I don't drink. It clouds the mind."
Zhao Che was surprised for a moment before murmuring, "I used to think the same, but then I realized it's just how the world works."
"Zhao Che, I think you're confused about today's events."
"Am I?" Zhao Che smiled but said nothing more.
Chu Qiao continued, "You insulted the emperor openly and didn't intervene when I fought with the prince. And yet, you later defended the emperor. Do you think your subordinates still trust you after that?"
Zhao Che chuckled lazily. "And what should I have done? Handed you over? I let someone else do my dirty work. Why should I be grateful?"
"You shouldn't act this way," Chu Qiao said quietly. "You're not what I imagined."
"And how should I be?" Zhao Che asked, turning to look at her. "Like the obedient princes in the imperial court?"
"Shut up!" Chu Qiao snapped. "Do you even know what you're saying?"
"Of course I do," Zhao Che said coldly, his gaze darkening as it wandered to the distant horizon. "Sometimes, I want to burn it all down."
He lowered his head, speaking slowly, "I've been manipulated by others for over a decade, calculating my every move. It wasn't until I was sent to the frontier that I found peace. And sometimes, it feels better to be with the rough soldiers out here than with those in the imperial court. They may be fierce, but they're more honest."
"Chu Qiao," he continued, "I brought you to Xiaoqi camp today for one reason: Are you still loyal to Yan Xun, or are you with me now?"
Chu Qiao met his gaze steadily. "I just want to survive. That's all I've ever wanted."
Zhao Che's eyes flickered, and after a long pause, he nodded. "From now on, follow me wholeheartedly. No one will hurt you again."
The woman knelt in the snow. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Scattered lights flickered like desperate stars as Chu Qiao returned to her tent, her clothes drenched. Soaking in the steaming tub, her thoughts swirled like the water around her.
Everyone in the imperial city was a master of deception. She was no different.
Xia Huang had killed Mu He, with the emperor's support and the help of the thirteenth prince and the Wei faction. But he had been excluded from their inner circle, sent away to oversee lesser matters. How could anyone not feel resentment?
A wise emperor can tolerate a son's petty outbursts, but he cannot abide a deep-seated grudge that bides its time, waiting for an opportunity for revenge.
An imperial prince, striving for the throne, might despise an incompetent brother who shows his emotions openly, but he cannot tolerate a calculated rival who hides behind a facade of cooperation while scheming to seize power.
No one would believe that a mere archer dared to strike a neighboring prince. It was obvious there was someone else behind the scenes, pulling the strings. It was clear to see.
Chu Qiao had been waiting for him that night. She knew Zhao Che would have investigated her. How could he not? She was nothing more than a nameless slave, yet here she was, in the middle of all this. If he had tried, he would have uncovered everything. That was why she had quietly taken up Zhuge Yue's sword, the Broken Moon Sword, the finest blade forged by the master swordsmith Feng Ya. Would Zhao Che recognize it?
If Zhao Che knew of her entanglement with Zhuge Yue, he would understand that her alliance with Yan Xun was a matter of survival. Zhuge Xi had been killed, and she had nowhere else to turn in this cruel world.
If Zhao Che realized these things, he would also know that her relationship with Yan Xun was built on necessity, not loyalty. And only by grasping this would he consider using her for his own purposes.
Eryu (Dragon River) was full of lies, deceit, and betrayal. You manipulated me, thinking I was none the wiser. But when the time comes, we will see who emerges victorious.
"People?" she muttered, leaning back against the edge of the tub, her voice cold. "They're just pawns."
Far away, at the gate of the Golden Temple, a hawk soared through the sky. Yan Xun, seated in his quarters, began writing a letter. He knew the Bian Tang situation was stabilizing, and his only concern now was the Wei faction and Zhuge Yue.
The lanterns flickered, casting shadows as the letter was consumed by flames. Xia Huang's son-in-law, the prince of Yanbei, issued an order: within three days, if Wei's forces submitted any memorials to the court, they were to be cut off.
A'Jing gasped in shock. The matter was of great importance. If things went wrong, it could jeopardize years of carefully laid plans. Hesitant, he asked, "Son, won't the cost of this be too high?"
"Losing A'Chu is a far higher price."
"Son?"
"A'Jing," Yan Xun said, gently adjusting his robe, his jade-like face composed, his brow slightly raised, "Remember, A'Chu's life and death are more important than anything else. Understand?"
A'Jing's voice rose, incredulous. "More important than Yanbei?"
Yan Xun gave a faint smile. "If she isn't here, why would I return to Yanbei?"
A'Jing was struck with fear. Kneeling, he coldly asked, "But you are the son of Yanbei, the master of Datong, the hope of the people. How can you throw all that away for personal reasons?"
Yan Xun's smile turned bitter. "When I was trapped and left for dead, where was Yanbei? Where was Datong? Where were the people? For years, I endured hardship, living like a thief—one part revenge, the other to protect those I care about. The people and their struggles mean nothing to me but dust."
Astringent frowning, A'Jing asked, "In that case, why let her fall into the hands of others? Why not keep her under your protection?"
The young man slowly lifted his gaze, his eyes resolute. "Because I believe in her."
"I believe she is like an eagle soaring in the sky. I believe she is a blade that will never bend. I believe she is the only person who truly understands me. Together, we will stand side by side, fighting for what we believe in."
"A'Jing, I expect your loyalty to her to be as unwavering as your loyalty to me. Protect her as I do because I am her. I am the leader of your comrades and the hope of the common people. If she is gone, I will become a devil."
A'Jing was taken aback, stunned by Yan Xun's words. For years, they had pledged allegiance to this man, believing he would be the noble prince of Yancheng City, caring for his people and respecting Datong. But now, they realized their assumptions had been wrong all along.
They were gambling, a gamble so enormous it could topple everything in an instant.
"Don't panic," Yan Xun said with a faint smile. "I'm not afraid of Datong falling. Yan Xun is not Yancheng. I don't play by their rules, nor am I a puppet. I fight for what is in my heart."
A'Jing bowed his head, his tone turning cold. "The world, Yan Xun, is as cold as ice."
"There's no harm in that," Yan Xun replied, as a gust of cold wind blew through the open window, tangling his hair. His eyes looked far into the distance, and though his voice was soft, his words were unshakable as they reached A'Jing's ears.
"I want to be a man, not a lord."
The wind, biting and cold as iron, carried the scent of soldiers and battle.
An hour later, a letter was delivered to the Feather Girl. In the summer garden, a figure stood, frowning. "Girl, that woman is Yan Shi Zi's weakness. Sooner or later, she'll cause a major incident."
"Yes," Sangcang replied coolly. "How could a girl make such a big impact without seeing the bigger picture?"
"Do you intend to report this, or will you hold onto her as a contingency?" the other woman asked.
The Feather Girl, her expression indifferent, turned to Xi Rui and asked calmly, "What do you want to do? Do you think we should hold her, or should we kill her and be done with it?"
Xi Rui hesitated for a moment, then bowed his head. "I had no such intention."
The Feather Girl continued, "Do you know what true strength is? A strong military might defeat a hundred men; strategic prowess can outsmart thousands. But true strength lies in a heart of steel—unconquerable, relentless. Only those with such a heart, with unyielding perseverance, can overcome any danger and ascend to the highest throne, reaching heights that even Yan Xun cannot."
She put down her letters and sighed deeply. "I no longer need to worry about the Lord. He has grown. From now on, you will carry out his will without needing to ask me."
"Girl?" Xi Rui asked in surprise.
"Thankfully," the Feather Girl said with her eyes closed, "years of captivity haven't completely destroyed his faith in humanity. If he were a dark, vengeful man without trust, no one in this group would make it back to Yanbei alive."
"This little girl named A'Chu is the hope and treasure that God has given to Datong!"
Initially, Zhao Che and the others were convinced that Prince Bian Tang wouldn't let the matter go. They had made thorough preparations for a prolonged confrontation. Yet, to their surprise, the next morning, Li Ce announced his intention to head to Zenith, deciding he wouldn't remain with the military for the time being.
While Chu Qiao wasn't afraid, she did feel a sense of relief. No matter what Li Ce might say about the situation later, at least for now, he had decided to leave on his own, which lightened the burden of her potential charges.
Three days later, Prince Bian Tang arrived at the Xiaoqi Camp in Yingzhen.
This marked the first time in two years that the two nations had sent royal envoys to re-establish diplomatic relations. The Great Summer Dynasty placed great importance on the event, with the three princes, led by Zhao Qi, personally heading out with a grand procession to welcome the visitors from ten miles away.
Flags were raised along the route, drums pounded, and the streets were lined with people eager to witness the spectacle. Armored soldiers escorted the procession, making it a grand sight, almost as majestic as an emperor's own journey.
However, as the Bian Tang horse approached, the palanquin curtains lifted, and out stepped Prince Li Ce. He wore a bright yellow robe, but his fur coat appeared off-color, and his gait, though steady, was marked by a high-necked posture that didn't quite match his blunt facial expression. If not for his awkward appearance, it would have been perfect.
Zhao Che and Chu Qiao, previously calm and relaxed, were suddenly caught off guard, their faces turning grim. Even the Bian Tang envoys appeared uncomfortable.
None of them had imagined that Prince Li Ce would present himself in such a state!
Zhao Qi and the civil and military officials of the Xia Dynasty were left speechless. The entire delegation was unprepared for this display. Yet, being seasoned politicians, the officials recovered quickly. Wei Guang, the head of the Wei faction, sighed and remarked, "I've long heard of Prince Li Ce's reputation for being a romantic, charming prince. Today, I see that he truly outshines the sun and the moon."
As his voice faded, the others rushed to agree. The civil officials began reciting poetry and singing praises, setting Li Ce's arrival to music, extolling his beauty and virtue beyond all measure. The military officers, though less eloquent, chimed in, calling him "handsome" and "elegant," each grasping for the right words.
Li Ce smiled through the praise, but as he did, a sharp pain hit him where his wound still ached. Grimacing, he waved it off, muttering through clenched teeth, "It's good to hear such words." The compliments, it seemed, were enough to soothe his pride.
One had to wonder what Emperor Bian Tang might have thought of this.
As the procession continued, trumpets blared triumphantly, the music resembling that of an imperial victory march. But just a few steps into the city, Prince Li Ce frowned and complained, "Why is the horn blowing like we're heading into battle?"
Zhao Qi was momentarily taken aback, his heart sinking as uncertainty crept in. The triumphant horn was, in fact, part of royal ceremonial protocol, reserved for emperors and victorious armies. For visiting royalty, the tunes had to match their rank. But now, the prince of Bian Tang seemed dissatisfied.
After a hasty round of negotiations, Da Xia had to make some concessions. The triumphant horns were replaced with softer, more lavish melodies, played by brightly dressed young women. The procession resumed with a more graceful tone.
Though his face betrayed no pain, Li Ce frequently peeked through the carriage curtains, waving with a friendly smile at the gathered crowd, acting approachable and cheerful.
"He's not just a cunning fox," Chu Qiao thought to herself. "He's truly a fool."
She sighed and followed the Xiaoqi camp's Prince Li Ce into the Golden Temple.
Zhao Che and Deputy Cheng accompanied him into the palace, while Chu Qiao returned to the cavalry camp with the soldiers. Just as she arrived, she spotted a black hawk circling above. One of the crossbowmen spotted it, pulling out his bow and firing at it. However, as the arrow flew, it missed, and the hawk gracefully evaded the shot, soaring arrogantly above the group before flying off.
"Chu Qiao, head archer! Why did you shoot my arrow?" the soldier called out.
Chu Qiao spared him a cold glance before spurring her horse into the camp.
After days of hard work, there was finally some time to rest. The soldiers, except for those on sentry duty, quickly fell into a deep sleep.
Dressed casually, Chu Qiao slipped out of a side door.
The weather was getting warmer, and Chishui Lake had begun to thaw. From a distance, she saw a man standing by the shore, dressed in white, his posture elegant as the breeze ruffled his clothes.
Chu Qiao smiled and called out, "Who are you trying to impress with that pose?"
Yan Xun turned around, smiling gently. His eyes scanned her up and down before he asked, "Are you scared?"
"No," Chu Qiao replied with a sly grin. "I don't even know how to spell the word 'fear.'"
"You say that, but your lips tremble when you speak." Yan Xun chuckled. "The entire Imperial City knows by now. You can be considered a warrior."
Chu Qiao was taken aback. "The entire Imperial City knows? No one protested?"
"Zhao Che never saw you hit anyone. The entire cavalry camp claims they didn't witness anything either. Even Prince Bian Tang refuses to admit you struck him, insisting he merely fell. With no investigation from the higher-ups, how could the emperor know the truth?"
Chu Qiao laughed. "I should have hit him harder."
"A'Chu, are you getting used to military life?" Yan Xun asked.
"Fortunately," Chu Qiao nodded. "Zhao Che doesn't fully trust me, but despite his tests, everything is still under control."
Yan Xun nodded silently and added slowly, "Take care of yourself. If things don't work out, don't push too hard."
"I know. Don't worry," Chu Qiao replied.
"I won't keep you much longer. Take this token," Yan Xun said, handing her a small wooden badge. "It carries the seal of the collegiate guild. They'll follow your orders without question."
Chu Qiao accepted the token, studying its simple design. It was engraved with an image of the vast sea and a single character on the back: "Same."
"I should go," Yan Xun said, turning to leave.
"Yan Xun!" Chu Qiao suddenly called out.
He turned, looking at her with surprise. Chu Qiao, momentarily caught off guard by her own outburst, smiled awkwardly. "Be careful on your way."
Yan Xun smiled warmly, as gentle as the spring breeze that made the willows sway. His clothing fluttered as he said, "Don't worry, I will."
Chu Qiao stood still, watching until his figure disappeared. Then, she slowly walked back to the Xiaoqi camp.
Later that night, Yan Xun dismounted his horse and faced a group of people. His expression turned cold. "What's the situation?"
A'Jing quickly replied, "Wei Shu gathered information overnight. He found two soldiers from Xiaoqiang Camp who are willing to testify that the girl beat Prince Bian Tang. They plan to take the evidence to the Golden Palace."
"Wei Shu You?" Yan Xun repeated the name slowly.
"Son, what should we do? Even though Prince Bian Tang is ashamed and doesn't want to pursue the matter, if this evidence goes public, the girl will be in serious trouble."
Yan Xun's eyes darkened as he turned to A'Jing. Coldly, he said, "Tonight, gather our men and deal with this."
A'Jing hesitated for a moment before asking, "Deal with it? Do you mean…"
"Kill Wei Shu You," Yan Xun said, his voice sharp as a jackal's bite. His once soft expression had hardened. "He's lived long enough."
AC Afterthoughts
This chapter expertly balances political intrigue, personal dynamics, and the constant threat of violence. The narrative pivots between moments of lighthearted banter and the darker undercurrents of looming conflict, giving the reader a glimpse into both the humanity and ruthlessness of the characters.
At the heart of the chapter is Chu Qiao, a character who moves deftly between survival and strategy. Her interaction with Yan Xun demonstrates the bond between them, but also the complexities of trust in a world where allegiances can shift overnight. Despite the camaraderie she shares with Yan Xun, we can see that Chu Qiao remains cautious, aware of the fine line she must walk between loyalty and self-preservation.
Yan Xun, on the other hand, shows more depth in this chapter. His willingness to protect Chu Qiao at all costs, even going so far as to order the death of Wei Shu You, reveals the lengths he is willing to go to safeguard her. However, his cold, almost brutal determination to eliminate threats also highlights the darker side of his character—a leader who is prepared to sacrifice anything and anyone to protect what he values most. His admission that he would become a "devil" without her is telling; it shows that while he appears calm on the surface, he is deeply shaped by trauma and loss.
The chapter's tension heightens with the arrival of Prince Li Ce. His odd, flamboyant behavior contrasts sharply with the gravity of the diplomatic event. His actions, though seemingly foolish, make him an enigma—a wildcard in the political game. While Chu Qiao dismisses him as a fool, his ability to downplay the situation hints at a more complicated character who uses charm and unpredictability as his weapon in a highly charged atmosphere.
The wider political setting, especially the introduction of Zhao Che and Zhao Qi, serves as a reminder of the looming diplomatic crisis. The shifting loyalties, hidden plots, and barely concealed animosities between the camps add layers of tension. The fear of being exposed or betrayed at any moment permeates every interaction, especially when Wei Shu You's investigation threatens to unravel everything.
In many ways, this chapter is about the cost of survival. Characters like Chu Qiao and Yan Xun are constantly calculating, making decisions that will allow them to navigate the treacherous waters of political intrigue without losing themselves or each other in the process. Yet, as we see with Yan Xun's increasing ruthlessness, the question remains: how far can one go to survive before they lose their humanity?
The ending leaves us with a powerful cliffhanger—Yan Xun's deadly order to kill Wei Shu You. This moment encapsulates the darker themes of the chapter: the sacrifices, betrayals, and brutal decisions that come with power in a world where every action is a gamble. It leaves readers pondering the weight of each character's choices and the personal costs that are sure to follow.
In conclusion, this chapter is a masterful exploration of the complex web of loyalty, power, and survival. It carefully weaves together moments of levity, deep emotional bonds, and harsh political realities, setting the stage for the inevitable collision of personal and political stakes. As the characters continue to navigate their dangerous world, we are left wondering who will emerge victorious—and at what cost.