Volume III, Real Ancient Capital, Chapter 69: Hunting Grounds Distress
By Xiao Xiang Dong'Er | Translated and Arranged by Angel Chua
At this moment, in the true city of Cheng Yuan Qian Road, in the towering Zhuge Mansion, a deep, unwilling roar echoed. Several white-bearded doctors knelt on the ground, looking pale, trembling like chaff. Their faces were ashen, and their bodies quivered uncontrollably.
"Fourth Young Master," Xiao Yan's face was pale, his body soaked in blood and sweat. He lay on the ground, forehead beaded with cold sweat. His tears flowed freely as he trembled and said, "Master, let the medical officers take a look."
Zhuge Yue's green robe was soaked in blood, and his arm bore a deep, gaping wound. His injuries were severe, and blood poured from the wound. Yet, he seemed entirely indifferent to his own condition. He gripped a whip with an iron hook and stared at the cage, where two animals faced each other.
Inside the cage was an adult speckled tiger! Its thick tail swished, sharp claws glistened, and its lower body was severely injured, blood dripping steadily. Its eyes burned with resentment. Despite the danger, it showed neither fear nor the slightest plea for mercy.
Half a month ago, the tiger was a proud warrior. Now, it was a shadow of its former self.
"Here comes the master."
Someone called out, and the room fell into silence. Zhuge Muqing entered the room slowly, dressed in a blue robe that hadn't been changed. He glanced around the chaotic animal room, his brow furrowed slightly, and after a brief pause, he waved his hand and said, "Everyone, leave."
The servants, relieved as if pardoned from a death sentence, hurried out one by one, leaving behind only those attending to Zhuge Yue's injured arm. They quietly wiped their tears as they exited the room.
The door slowly closed behind them. Zhuge Yue remained where he was, his posture rigid, eyes fixed on the tiger in the cage, silent and unmoving.
"Are you still not convinced?"
The elderly man's voice broke the silence. Zhuge Yue straightened, but said nothing for a long time.
"Yue'er, all these years, what has Master Yue Qiu taught you?"
Zhuge Yue remained silent for a long while before responding, "To patrol my path and conduct myself in the way of an official."
"Fortunately," the old man nodded slowly. "Fortunately, he never intended to make you a king."
"Father?" Zhuge Yue's voice was low, tinged with fear.
"Yue'er, among all my children, you are the most intelligent—calm and meticulous in your youth. But you are also the most stubborn. Do you remember when you were young? When Old Batu offered his tribute to the Emperor, you liked the dog he brought and insisted on taming it. You spent over two months on this futile endeavor, sustaining countless injuries. When it proved impossible to tame, you ordered it killed and cooked. When I asked why, how did you respond?"
Zhuge Yue frowned, his voice barely a whisper after a long silence, "I told you, Father, that I enjoyed the process of taming it, not the dog itself."
"Yes," Zhuge Muqing said with a faint smile. "Your grandfather told me before he passed away that you were the one to carry the Zhuge family line. For years, I believed him. But now, I am beginning to have doubts."
"Father?" Zhuge Yue's brow furrowed deeply. "I..."
"For the sake of a mere slave, you quarreled with your elder brother. Later, you went as far as to swap the truth and disguise the facts. You acted with great cunning and secrecy. But did you really think I would believe you completely? Do you think your elder brother hasn't spoken of this?"
Zhuge Muqing's expression turned severe. "I thought after seven years in Wolong, you would have learned control. I did not expect you to still act impulsively, disregarding the consequences. Do you know what kind of resistance and disaster that night could bring to your future career?"
With a loud bang, Zhuge Yue suddenly knelt on the ground, head bowed, and said, "This son was reckless."
"You were indeed reckless!" Zhuge Muqing's tone grew icy. "Mu Hyuk's downfall and the weakening of the Batuha family in the northwest have left us vulnerable. Wei Shu You was brutally poisoned, and his whereabouts remain unknown. Who knows who will fall next? If the Zhuge family and the Elders' Shrine do not stand united, we will surely be devoured. We, as rulers and nobles, must guard against one another yet rely on each other for survival. This is the eternal iron rule and the secret to our family's prosperity. At such a time, how can you let yourself be distracted from our family's great cause?"
Zhuge Yue bowed deeply, his face unreadable. His voice was calm as he replied, "Your son understands his mistake."
Zhuge Muqing didn't respond immediately. Instead, he walked over to the cage and stared at the tiger, now just a shadow of its former self. The old man's narrow eyes squinted slightly before he suddenly drew a long knife from a nearby rack. In one swift movement, he thrust the blade into the iron bars of the cage, slicing through the tiger's neck as easily as cutting through mud. A thin line of blood spurted skyward. The tiger convulsed for a moment before falling still.
Zhuge Yue turned his head, his expression unchanged as he looked at the bloodied mess, not uttering a word.
"Children," Zhuge Muqing said quietly, "Animals are not all the same. Some, like dogs, can be tamed and used. Others, like tigers, can only be killed to avoid harm. This is the truth of the world, one that you must learn."
The cold night wind howled, and the heavy smell of blood lingered in the air.
"This time, the Elders' Shrine must join forces to avert disaster. Prepare yourself."
Still kneeling on the ground, Zhuge Yue lifted his head slightly and asked, "Who has the Wei family sent?"
"Who else?" Zhuge Muqing sneered. "The Wei family is bereft of successors."
With the thin crescent moon overhead and silks of rain hanging in the air, an army clad in tattered uniforms, with gaunt bodies and worn-out faces, still lingered outside the imperial city. It had been days since they arrived, but they were yet to be allowed entry. They had no choice but to camp outside and wait until morning. Suspicion clouded their minds as they gazed at the towering city walls, their frustration mounting as they stared at their own city garrison. The soldiers could no longer suppress their anger, which soon erupted into complaints.
"What's going on here?" a soldier bellowed as he entered the tent, his stomach growling loudly. In his frustration, he flung his helmet to the ground and shouted angrily.
"Quiet!" someone hushed him. "Be careful, or Major General Shu will hear you."
"So what if he does?" the soldier retorted. "We're supposed to be a dignified division, but look at us now! We're dressed in rags and can't even enter our own city. We haven't had a decent meal in ten days, not even a bowl of rice. Even the Northwest Army is better off than we are!"
Another soldier chimed in, "Yeah! General Shu cares for the common folk so much, but look where it's gotten us. We march across the land, build congee fields, fry pans for the masses, and yet, we starve ourselves. Even our warm clothes are given to the peasants. Look at my feet—they're swollen from all this marching in the cold."
"Whose feet aren't swollen?" another soldier added. "My legs are in constant pain. The worst part is that even the military brothel camp was dissolved. These past two years under Major General Shu have been tougher than life in a monastery."
"Honestly," the first soldier continued, "General Shu isn't a bad guy. He treats everyone equally, but he's too soft on civilians. During the battle at Yu Zhan County, we had a head start against the Fourteenth Army by half an hour, but Shu made us take a detour around Baishanling to avoid trampling the people's crops. That's how the Fourteenth Army snatched our victory! No wonder, despite his martial prowess and noble birth, his military rank hasn't risen like others from prominent families."
The conversation grew louder until a sharp voice cut through, "Shut up!" Deputy Lieutenant Yelu entered, his tall posture and cold expression silencing the soldiers. "It's late. Go to sleep." His tone was stern, brooking no argument.
The soldiers immediately quieted down, and Yelu glanced at the distant tents billowing in the wind, lost in thought.
After two long years, he had finally returned.
Three days later, the messengers from Huai Song arrived in Zhen Huang City. As always, the special envoy was led by Nalan Hongye, the long princess of Huai Song.
The Nalan family of Huai Song and the Li family of Bian Tang shared a long history, tracing their lineage back to the Han nationality. Their ancestors had served as officials during the Dazhao Dynasty. One particularly famous ancestor, Nalan Jie, repelled the grassland cavalry outside Yao Pass, leading his troops in a relentless pursuit that spanned three thousand miles. His forces penetrated deep into the Helan Tianshan Mountains, defeating the invaders. That victory marked the first triumph of the East over the Prairie, after which the cavalry's influence waned. It wasn't until 300 years ago, under the command of Pei Luohuang, that the cavalry regained its former glory. Although the Nalan family had since changed their surname after entering the Central Plains, their proud heritage from the grasslands was never forgotten.
Over the millennium, the Nalan royal family had dwindled in number. By the time of Emperor Nalan Liedi, there were only two direct descendants: a son and a daughter. After Emperor Liedi's death during a battle in southern Xinjiang, his younger son, Nalan Hongyu, ascended the throne. However, the Empress Dowager was frail and incapable of managing state affairs, so Nalan Hongye, the emperor's elder sister, became the Empress Regent.
In the past five years, the power of Huai Song had grown considerably. Trade and commerce flourished, and the nation enjoyed peace and prosperity. Nalan Hongye and her brother earned immense respect, with the princess's prestige rivaling that of the emperor. Yet, few realized that the young princess, who wielded such power and influence, was still under 21 years of age, having ascended to her position at the cusp of adulthood.
On a breezy day, the academy doors opened, and Prince Li Ce appeared beneath the gallery, smiling brightly, his eyes narrowing as he waved to the person he was eagerly waiting for.
A young woman dressed in a turquoise palace gown stood in the courtyard. However, she did not acknowledge the prince. Instead, she turned and made her way toward Shangyi Square.
"Jojo!" Li Ce called out after her, his voice sticky with familiarity. He was dressed in a loose green python robe, cinched at the waist with a matching jade belt. His handsome face broke into a playful grin as he rushed to catch up with her. Stopping in front of Chu Qiao, he laughed, his eyes bent in a charming smile, "Are you angry?"
Chu Qiao took a step back, putting some distance between them. The gallery curved around a lake, where small fish swam lazily in the crystal-clear water, and plants floated gently on the surface.
"Jojo, I didn't mean to ignore you. I knew someone would come for you, and I wanted to see just how charming you are."
"Prince Li, this is the Grand Palace Court. Please behave accordingly," Chu Qiao replied, her tone cold and measured.
Li Ce's playful expression faltered for a moment. "Jojo, must you always push people away?"
"Li Ce," Chu Qiao's frown deepened. "You are an extremely unpleasant person."
Li Ce smiled again, waving his fan open. "This is the first time anyone's ever said that to me."
"Is that so?" Chu Qiao smirked. "The truth is a rare thing, it seems. Well, let me be the first to speak plainly to you. I can't stand you. I hate how you dress in garish colors and flit around like a monkey. I hate your affected accent, your sly eyes, your honeyed words that are followed by chaos. We are destined to be enemies, so stop pretending to be a friend. Either act like a prince and maintain proper decorum, or stay out of my way. I am nothing but a humble servant, and I cannot afford to be entangled in the favors and whims of someone like you. Whatever game you're playing, find another woman to play with."
With that, she turned and walked away.
"Wait! Don't go!" Li Ce called after her, reaching out to grab her sleeve. Chu Qiao's brows knitted, and with a swift movement, she sidestepped. Li Ce stumbled, his body twisting awkwardly as he plunged into the lake.
"Help! The prince fell into the water!" someone shouted from a distance.
In the afternoon, Chu Qiao sat in the porch of Shangyi Square, surrounded by trees and blossoming flowers. The sun shone warmly, and the air was filled with the scent of new life.
Suddenly, a dark shadow loomed behind her. The person's breathing was slow and measured, and their steps were cautious. It was clear they had martial training, but they were not yet fully skilled.
Chu Qiao, wiping a delicate piece of pottery, listened carefully. She gently placed the object down, waiting for the right moment.
A hand lightly touched her shoulder. In an instant, she struck back, her elbow and wrist moving in perfect unison.
A loud yelp followed, and a man fell flat on his back in the mud, his clothes now covered in dirt from where Chu Qiao had watered the plants earlier.
Li Ce's face was a picture of misery as he lay in the mud. "Jojo! I just changed into these clothes!" he complained, frowning deeply.
Chu Qiao merely glanced at him coldly before returning to her pottery.
Li Ce struggled to his feet, limping over to her. He crouched beside her and said, "Jojo, Princess Nalan Hongye will be entering the city this afternoon. Did you hear?"
"My status is too lowly for me to greet the Jade Leaves of Huai Song."
Li Ce, undeterred, sat on the bench beside her, taking up half of the seat. "You're not going? I'm not going either. Let's go outside the city instead. I heard the hunting grounds of Daxia are vast, and the winter bears are just waking up."
"I'm not interested," Chu Qiao replied coldly.
Li Ce, still holding his chin thoughtfully, frowned. "Where should we go, then? I'm not familiar with this place. The palace is dull, Xia Huang's matters are tedious, and Zhao Qi hasn't shown up for three days. The officials they sent me are all old men. Every time I yawn, they start shaking in fear. It's unbearable."
Chu Qiao frowned, her voice cold: "No."
Li Ce, holding his chin, frowned in return. "Then where should we go? I'm not familiar with this place. This palace is incredibly dull. Xia Huang's affairs are as authentic as they come, but that Zhao Qi fellow hasn't been seen for three days, and they've stuck me with a bunch of old men. Every time I yawn, they start trembling with fear—it's unbearable."
"Ah! Is that His Royal Highness Prince Li Ce, being rude to the servants?"
Several female attendants from Shangyi Square appeared, and upon seeing Li Ce, they were instantly alarmed. They hurriedly knelt in respect, clearly shocked by his presence.
"It's fine, it's fine. Please, stand up," Li Ce waved them off with a smile, looking very friendly. His eyes, narrowed into a smile, conveyed warmth as he addressed the small group of palace ladies.
Chu Qiao glanced at Li Ce but frowned even more. She couldn't help but think how everything he had said that morning seemed like nonsense. His casual behavior was becoming more irritating, even when directed at others.
"You all carry on. I'll just sit here for a while," Li Ce said, sitting down with none of the formality or presence befitting a prince.
He engaged in light conversation with the women, behaving in a way that seemed far from princely.
"Jojo, let's go hunting in the city!" he suddenly called out again.
Chu Qiao didn't respond. She stood up, carrying a basin of water, and walked toward the room.
Li Ce got up to follow her, walking quickly. "What do you think? Jojo, let's go?" he asked again.
Still, Chu Qiao said nothing and began to pack some books.
Persistent, Li Ce leaned sideways and asked again, "Jojo, let's go, okay?"
Chu Qiao silently resolved to ignore him, continuing to work calmly, busying herself with anything she could find, without uttering a word.
"Jojo, let's go, okay?"
"Jojo, you didn't say anything when you agreed," he persisted.
"Qiao Qiao, deep down, you want to go, don't you? You just can't bring yourself to admit it, right?"
"Qiao Qiao, I know you're not really angry with me. After all, you pushed me into the cold lake, and I didn't get mad."
"Qiao Qiao, how come you still haven't changed your clothes? When are we leaving the city? If we wait much longer, it'll be dark..."
Chu Qiao didn't know what had possessed her to actually leave the city with him.
This was her first time stepping out of the real city when there wasn't snow covering the ground. The vast hunting grounds were green and beautiful. Li Ce wore an exaggerated red robe, adorned with large embroidered peonies that looked tacky, yet somehow, he still managed to exude an air of elegance.
He rode a striking white horse with a purple silk flower tied around its neck, resembling a groom on his way to a wedding. After standing still for about half an hour, Chu Qiao finally asked her first question, though reluctantly, "Weren't we supposed to be hunting? Why haven't we started?"
Li Ce's eyes widened in surprise. "How could I do such a cruel thing?" He leaned closer, whispering in her ear, "I'm not like those people from the Great Xia, who spill blood so thoughtlessly and show no respect for life."
Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow. "Then why did you come here to hunt?"
With a grin, Li Ce opened his fan and said smoothly, "I just wanted an excuse to be alone with Jojo."
Chu Qiao, immune to his nonsense by now, raised her whip. "Didn't you just say the people of Xia have no respect for life?"
"Exactly," Li Ce replied. "I've heard that they even hunt people. It's barbaric."
Chu Qiao's heartbeat quickened at the thought, and she asked, "What about the royal family of Sui and Tang? How do they treat their slaves?"
With a strategic smile, Li Ce shook his head. "That's a Xia custom. In Bian Tang, we believe in creating life, not destroying it."
"Creating life?" Chu Qiao frowned, puzzled by his words.
Li Ce let out a playful chuckle, then leaned in close and said with a mischievous smile, "Jojo, would you like to try? The Prince's noble bloodlines are available—free of charge."
Chu Qiao's expression turned icy, and she shot him a cold glance. "A dog's nature never changes."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Li Ce trailing behind her, followed by a large group of elite guards. Ever since the deaths of Mu He Xi Feng and Wei Shu You, tensions had been running high with the approaching birthday of Xia Huang. The palace was under strict security, with elite guards posted everywhere. Even Li Ce wasn't an exception.
Chu Qiao sighed as she glanced over at Li Ce, her heart suddenly filled with unease.
"Jojo, wait for me! I'm not used to this horse," Li Ce called out again.
Chu Qiao sighed heavily and turned to see Li Ce awkwardly trying to control his mount, his body twisted uncomfortably, while the horse barely moved.
Frowning, she said, "Didn't we establish on the first day that you can't ride? You don't even dare move on horseback. You claimed to be an equestrian master."
Li Ce gave an embarrassed smile. "Well, that horse was a thoroughbred, gifted from southern Xinjiang. I grew up with it, and it always listened to me. I only ever learned one fancy riding trick, and that's all I've been using."
"Why didn't you bring that horse today?" Chu Qiao asked.
Li Ce replied naturally, "You're riding a pure black horse with a white nose, so I thought it fitting to find a pure white horse with a black nose. Didn't you see it?" He bent down and moved aside the silk flower tied around the horse's nose, revealing the small patch of black hair. "See? Very distinguished."
Chu Qiao felt drained. She glanced at his peach-like face and realized that trying to talk sense into him was futile. Shaking her head, she muttered, "Li Ce, if your façade is an act, then you're far too deeply entrenched in your role."
Li Ce smirked. "The Prince's job is to stir trouble in Zhen Huang, but my heart is true. No matter the situation, I remain merry and free."
Chu Qiao sighed again, her eyes scanning the surroundings, but an intense anxiety suddenly filled her chest.
Suddenly, the sound of hoofbeats grew louder, and Chu Qiao sprang into action, pushing Li Ce off his horse.
"Jojo! Why are you shoving me so violently—"
"Shut up!" she snapped, just as a hail of arrows rained down on them. In the distance, countless enemies appeared on the high slopes, all armed with crossbows, their bowstrings twanging menacingly. Several of Li Ce's guards were struck by arrows and fell from their horses. Without hesitation, Chu Qiao grabbed Li Ce and rolled with him to the ground, narrowly avoiding the body of the white horse, which was soon riddled with arrows. The horse's body twitched violently as its life slipped away.
"Are you kidding me?" Li Ce yelled, still in shock. "I got myself ambushed?"
"Damn it!" Chu Qiao cursed, her eyes narrowing as the situation escalated. The sound of battle echoed all around them. Armed with heavy swords, the attackers in civilian clothes charged forward, shouting as they came.
"Protect His Highness!" Meng Jiao, Li Ce's number one guard, called out as he rushed forward with a few others. Fortunately, everyone had brought their weapons for the hunting trip, but it didn't seem to be enough to fend off the ambush.
Chu Qiao quickly killed a few attackers, then turned to see Li Ce standing behind her, panic in his eyes. Furious, she shouted, "Do you even know how to fight?"
Li Ce nodded, though not very convincingly. "Jojo, protect me!"
"Idiot!" she snapped, kicking him hard in the knees. Li Ce dropped to the ground just in time to dodge a flying arrow.
"Don't panic! Take on the enemy at the front, use archers for cover, and ready the horses for a breakout!" Chu Qiao ordered as she grabbed a bow and began returning fire. Her arrows found their marks as if guided by instinct, and several enemies fell with sharp cries.
In all directions, arrows flew, and chaos reigned. The enemies outnumbered them by the hundreds. Chu Qiao grabbed Li Ce and began to run toward the nearby forest. "Retreat into the forest!" she shouted, guiding the survivors toward the trees.
Amid the chaos, a large man with a sharp blade approached Li Ce. Chu Qiao swiftly kicked him in the groin, sending him to the ground with a pig-like squeal. Before he could recover, she brought her sword down, slicing through his skull. Blood sprayed onto Li Ce, who recoiled, fumbling for a handkerchief to wipe his face clean.
"You idiot! Now's not the time!" she scolded, pulling him toward the woods. The dense trees quickly blocked most of the incoming arrows, though a few still managed to reach them.
The attackers, seeing their prey retreat into the woods, discarded their crossbows and brandished swords instead, charging into the forest after them.
The attackers swarmed like locusts, but Chu Qiao, wielding her sword with precision, led the remaining guards in their fight. By now, there were fewer than fifty of them left, and many were seriously injured. Their chances of survival seemed slim.
"Jojo! Jojo!" Li Ce shouted again, catching Chu Qiao's attention. She turned to see a large man charging at him with a heavy blade. Meng Jiao, barely standing, was trying to defend himself.
Without hesitation, Chu Qiao leaped forward, her sword flashing as it cleaved through the attacker's shoulder. The man screamed as he fell to the ground, his skull shattered.
Suddenly, a high-pitched sound emanated from Chu Qiao's sword, surprising her. She hadn't expected the sword, named "Broken Moon," to make such a sound, but there was no time to dwell on it. Pain flared in her shoulder as an enemy struck her. Gritting her teeth, she retaliated, thrusting her dagger into her attacker's eye before spinning around to finish him off with a stab to the heart.
"Qiao Qiao! You're hurt!" Li Ce exclaimed, rushing toward her.
"Forget about me!" she growled. "Meng Jiao, take your master and retreat west!"
"No! I won't leave you!" Li Ce protested.
Stubbornly, he grabbed a nearby sword and made a few clumsy swings. "Men! Charge!"
Hearing this, Chu Qiao felt a chill run through her.
She hadn't wanted to be dragged into this mess. With her skills, she could easily escape the forest and leave all this behind. The enemies were after Li Ce, not her. As long as she left him, she would be safe. But hearing his earnest shout, she hesitated. Li Ce might be a fool, maybe even manipulative, but in this moment, his resolve was genuine. He had saved her several times already. Without her help, he would have been dead by now.
With a sharp "snap," Li Ce's sword broke before he could even strike his enemy, sending him tumbling to the ground.
"Idiot!" Chu Qiao cursed, grabbing his hand and yelling at the others, "Follow me!"
Her "Broken Moon" sword cut through the enemy weapons with ease. As one of the attackers staggered in shock, Meng Jiao cut him down with a fierce blow.
The group finally reached the top of a high slope, where they could see a fast-moving river below, its surface foaming like churned ice.
"Jump!" Chu Qiao shouted, kicking one of the assassins away as she called to the others.
"What?" Li Ce leaned over, staring down at the water. "Jojo, we'll freeze to death!"
"If you want to die, then stay here!" she snapped.
Li Ce hesitated on the slope, but just as he did, he spotted an attacker swinging a knife at Chu Qiao from the side. Without thinking, Li Ce picked up a large rock and hurled it at the attacker's head. The blow landed with a sickening crunch, and the man tumbled down the slope.
"Haha!" Li Ce exclaimed proudly. "I got him!"
The others, inspired by the prince's unexpected success, began using the same tactic. For a brief moment, the enemy's momentum faltered.
"Come on!" Chu Qiao yelled, grabbing Li Ce and dragging him down the slope. As they plunged into the river, the freezing water engulfed them, pulling them under.
Chu Qiao fought to swim to the surface, but something held her back. Furious, she glanced down and saw Li Ce clinging tightly to a rock as if his life depended on it.
Letting out a silent curse, she yanked his hands free and dragged him away, just as a volley of arrows rained down from the banks. The screams of their allies echoed behind them, clearly falling victim to the enemy's trap.
The river's current was strong, and after what felt like an eternity, the two finally managed to surface. Gasping for breath, Chu Qiao looked back at Li Ce, who was paddling frantically.
"Hold on, Jojo! We're almost out of danger!" he shouted, his voice now serious, without his usual playful tone.
For the first time, Chu Qiao saw Li Ce without his mask of carefree charm. His face was pale, his lips blue, and his eyes were focused and determined. He was no longer the jester she had come to know.
Chu Qiao tried to speak but found herself too weak from blood loss. The river around them was tinged with dark red, and the cries of the enemy still echoed from the banks. As they floated down the river, Chu Qiao's strength continued to wane.
In the distance, fires burned on the hillsides, signaling that no matter which direction they went, danger awaited them. The scale of the ambush was immense, and the number of attackers unimaginable.
The river roared louder as they approached a waterfall. The sky seemed to spin as they plunged over the edge. Clutching each other tightly, they hit the water below, and everything went black.
AC Afterthoughts
This chapter provides an intense blend of action, familial dynamics, and deep-rooted political intrigue. The narrative dives into the tense atmosphere of Zhuge Yue's family, illustrating the burden of expectations placed upon him by his father, Zhuge Mu Qing. The father-son conversation reveals that despite Zhuge Yue's perceived cleverness and skill, his stubbornness and impulsive nature cast doubt on his potential to lead. This dynamic highlights the complicated relationships that exist in such powerful families, where success and failure can affect not only individuals but entire clans.
The contrast between Zhuge Yue's familial conflicts and the subsequent scene with Chu Qiao and Li Ce reflects the varying struggles of the characters. While Zhuge Yue grapples with familial duty and political positioning, Chu Qiao finds herself drawn into the chaos of an assassination attempt alongside Li Ce. Their interaction provides a much-needed balance of lightness amidst the tension, with Li Ce's humor juxtaposing the life-threatening circumstances they face. His carefree nature masks a deeper seriousness, and the transition from playful banter to intense survival shows his hidden complexity.
The action scenes are gripping and fast-paced, with detailed descriptions of the ambush and battle making the reader feel as if they are in the midst of the fight. Chu Qiao's resourcefulness and martial prowess are on full display, underscoring her strength as a character. However, the chapter doesn't shy away from showing her vulnerabilities—both physical and emotional—as she struggles with her wounds and the overwhelming odds.
One of the more thought-provoking aspects of the chapter is the discussion of life and death, particularly in the context of hunting and the treatment of slaves. This theme underscores the novel's ongoing exploration of power, authority, and morality. Both Zhuge Yue's and Chu Qiao's experiences highlight the harsh realities of their world, where survival often requires sacrifice and difficult choices.
Also this marks a significant turning point in Chu Qiao and Li Ce's relationship. Chu Qiao, typically cautious, reluctantly leaves the city with Li Ce, whose carefree attitude initially contrasts with her seriousness. However, as the situation becomes life-threatening, their dynamic begins to shift. Li Ce shows a more vulnerable and serious side, while Chu Qiao, despite her reservations, steps in to protect him.
Themes of trust, protection, and role reversal emerge as the pair go from being the hunters to the hunted. The hunting trip becomes a metaphor for survival, with Chu Qiao's skilled combat abilities in stark contrast to Li Ce's inexperience. The ambush raises the tension, and their eventual escape deepens their connection.
This chapter develops their relationship from opposites to unlikely allies, highlighting the slow evolution of trust between them. The unresolved tension and ongoing danger leave the reader eager for what lies ahead.
In summary, this chapter does a remarkable job of weaving together multiple layers of action, character development, and thematic exploration, keeping the reader engaged while subtly setting the stage for future conflicts. The intense battle sequences contrast well with the more reflective moments, creating a dynamic and emotionally resonant chapter.
Focus on Zhuge Yue, Chu Qiao, and Zhuge Muqing
This chapter reveals the intricate dynamics between Zhuge Yue, Chu Qiao, and Zhuge Muqing, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and familial duty. Each character's motivations and actions provide insight into their evolving relationships and individual struggles, making this a pivotal chapter in the narrative.
Zhuge Yue: Torn Between Duty and Emotion
Zhuge Yue's character is deeply conflicted. On the one hand, he is bound by his family's expectations and the heavy weight of responsibility as the son of Zhuge Muqing, the head of a powerful family. On the other, his impulsiveness and emotions, especially concerning Chu Qiao, often lead him to act against the rigid structure of his upbringing. This chapter highlights Zhuge Yue's internal struggle as he faces his father's disappointment.
Zhuge Yue's stubbornness is both his greatest strength and his downfall. His refusal to conform fully to his father's rigid expectations makes him a more empathetic and human character, yet it also puts him in dangerous positions, especially when it comes to Chu Qiao. His father, Zhuge Muqing, reminds him of his impulsive decisions in the past and how they risk the family's power and reputation. Zhuge Yue's relationship with Chu Qiao further complicates his standing in the family, as his emotional attachment to her clashes with his responsibilities.
Chu Qiao: A Catalyst for Change
Though Chu Qiao is not directly involved in every scene between Zhuge Yue and his father, she is central to their conflict. Chu Qiao's presence challenges Zhuge Yue's commitment to his family and his father's vision for him. She represents a force that pushes Zhuge Yue to question the family's oppressive and political motives. Chu Qiao is a symbol of Zhuge Yue's desire for independence and a life guided by his own choices, rather than by his family's expectations.
At the same time, Chu Qiao is pragmatic and clear-headed. Her influence on Zhuge Yue is not just emotional but also strategic. Her experiences and worldview make her a strong and independent figure, someone who navigates the dangers around her with precision and logic. Zhuge Yue's protective instincts toward Chu Qiao suggest a deep bond, but it also places them both in vulnerable positions, especially given the complexities of Zhuge Yue's political obligations.
Zhuge Muqing: The Unyielding Patriarch
Zhuge Muqing represents the old world of power and control, a man deeply rooted in the traditions of family loyalty and political influence. His disappointment in Zhuge Yue is not just personal—it is a reflection of the fear that Zhuge Yue will fail to uphold the family's legacy. Zhuge Muqing sees Zhuge Yue's compassion and emotional impulses, especially concerning Chu Qiao, as weaknesses that could compromise the family's power.
Zhuge Muqing's philosophy is cold and pragmatic. His lesson about the tiger—how some animals can be tamed while others must be destroyed—is a metaphor for how he views the world. For Zhuge Muqing, there are only two paths: control or eliminate anything that threatens the family's authority. His strictness and disdain for Zhuge Yue's "recklessness" serve as a reminder of the dangers of deviation from the family's expectations.
At the same time, there is a subtle hope in Zhuge Muqing that Zhuge Yue will fulfill his potential. Despite his harshness, Zhuge Muqing sees a savviness in his son that could make him a powerful leader if only he could abandon his emotional ties and focus on the family's survival.
Zhuge Yue and Zhuge Muqing: The tension between Zhuge Yue and his father revolves around Zhuge Yue's inability to meet his father's cold, calculating expectations. Zhuge Muqing's strict, unyielding stance contrasts sharply with Zhuge Yue's more emotional and impulsive nature. Their relationship is marked by disappointment, but also by a sense of unspoken hope that Zhuge Yue can grow into the leader Zhuge Muqing envisions.
Zhuge Yue and Chu Qiao: The bond between Zhuge Yue and Chu Qiao is complex. On the surface, Zhuge Yue's protectiveness might appear to be a liability, something that weakens his position in the political landscape. However, Chu Qiao's presence also represents Zhuge Yue's humanity. She forces him to question his family's oppressive methods, making him more sympathetic and relatable. Their relationship is built on a foundation of mutual understanding, but it also poses significant risks to both.
Zhuge Muqing and Chu Qiao (Indirectly): While Zhuge Muqing and Chu Qiao do not interact directly, her influence on Zhuge Yue is a point of contention for Zhuge Muqing. To Zhuge Muqing, Chu Qiao represents a distraction, something that could lead his son astray from the family's goals. However, Chu Qiao is also a force for change, possibly pushing Zhuge Yue to become a leader who is different from the cold, unfeeling patriarch his father wants him to be.
Loyalty vs. Individuality: Zhuge Yue's struggle between his familial loyalty and his personal feelings for Chu Qiao is a central theme in this chapter. Zhuge Muqing's worldview is one of strict loyalty to the family above all else, while Zhuge Yue's actions suggest that he values personal connections and emotional ties, even at great personal cost,
Control and Power: Zhuge Muqing's philosophy about controlling or destroying anything that cannot be tamed reflects his belief in the necessity of power and dominance. This ideology is contrasted with Zhuge Yue's more compassionate approach, particularly in how he views Chu Qiao. Zhuge Yue's reluctance to follow his father's ruthless strategies suggests a potential shift in how power and control are wielded in this world.
Legacy and Expectation: Zhuge Yue is seen as the family's future, but his failure to adhere strictly to the family's legacy causes friction with his father. Zhuge Muqing's expectations weigh heavily on him, and much of the tension arises from Zhuge Yue's inability or unwillingness to fully step into the role his father has crafted for him.
Final Thoughts
The interactions between Zhuge Yue, Chu Qiao, and Zhuge Muqing represent the collision of personal desires and familial duty. Zhuge Yue is caught between two worlds: the one dictated by his father's iron will and the one he envisions for himself, shaped by his growing attachment to Chu Qiao. Zhuge Muqing's dominance over his son and his disdain for Chu Qiao's influence reflect the old guard's resistance to change, while Chu Qiao embodies a new perspective that challenges the status quo.
This chapter highlights the difficult choices that come with power, loyalty, and personal connections. Zhuge Yue's evolution will likely hinge on how he navigates these opposing forces and whether he can reconcile his father's expectations with his own sense of identity and loyalty to Chu Qiao.