Chapter Seven, The Drunken Grave, Life and Death, Both Unclear

Since he does not disdain me, a female captive, for being dirty, I might as well accept his closeness with the grace of fine wine and exquisite swords

Xiangsi shook her head and said, "Father said that the capital of Yongdu is too noisy, and even the plum blossoms carry the dust of the world."

No... I am not asleep yet

Without any surprise, a guard at the door, covered in snowflakes, stood up in astonishment and respectfully said: "Madam"

He called out softly in frustration, hurriedly catching up to me, but cornered me against the century-old plum tree, firmly encircling me. With his head lowered, he pleaded softly, "It was my fault! I won't tease you anymore!"

He seems to possess a breath that resonates closely with mine, akin to the subtle and faint fragrance of the night plum, which captivates one to the point of being unable to refuse.

The sound of the wind is rustling outside, and faint noises can be heard between the roof and the window frames, indicating that ice pellets are falling just before the snow.

This statement indeed seems to have originated from the mouth of Chunyu Wang, who is known for his fastidiousness.

Taking two steps forward, just as I was about to walk over to take a look, Xiao Qi had already gripped the handle of his knife and blocked my way, lowering his head and saying: "Madam, it is dark outside and the snow is heavy, very cold indeed. Please return to the room to rest, so as not to worry His Highness."

He quietly sat down at the table after I tucked in the corners of the quilt for him, and poured himself some tea to drink.

His figure is tall and slender, and his appearance is elegant and ethereal, intertwining the regal grace of royal lineage with the subtle tranquility of one who dwells in the mountains. Standing there in the courtyard, exuding a refreshing coolness, without the need to raise a hand or lift a foot, one can already perceive his extraordinary charm, as if he were a celestial being, undeniably a rare and exquisite man in the world.

Excruciating pain piercing the heart

I do not like men kissing my lips

Did I say that? I squinted my eyes and mocked, "Your Highness, Prince Zhen, are you sure you are not talking in your sleep?"

Amidst the breathless murmurs, his strength grew ever greater, his back pressed against the trunk of the plum tree, causing a slight pain. As he braced himself with his hand, he inadvertently touched the tender buds of the plum branches, awakening the latent vitality within the old plum tree.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed and annoyed, I pushed him away and walked forward

He appeared even more disheveled, with his thick black eyelashes drooping. After a long while, he sighed softly and said: "It is all in the past now. I truly should not have been so preoccupied with her, causing you unhappiness"

It is not the humiliating madness of plunder that overwhelms me, nor the unbearable pain of invasion, but rather the perfectly exquisite pleasure.

He was momentarily stunned, and the intense anger that had gradually filled his dark eyes disappeared. He released his grip, allowing me to walk into the room, then turned his head to look at the old Mei beside him, his expression growing even more unpleasant.

Knowing his intentions, I said to Xiangsi with a hint of malice: "How about this, let Mother accompany you to sleep, and let Father sleep by himself, is that alright?"

Longing is the only excitement in these tranquil yet lonely days

He stood there, leaning against a sturdy old plum tree, looking lost and dejected, slowly raising the wine pouch in his hand to drink

The longing is indeed accompanied by a maid, residing alone in a large house. In this cold weather, he is likely reluctant to disturb his precious daughter who is in deep slumber

When the snow on the mountain has completely melted, I often take my longing and walk outside the plum grove for a stroll

Just as I was lost in reverie, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder and heard Chunyu Wang softly ask from behind: "Wanwan, do you like it here?"

Singing ... ... singing ?

I laughed and said: "Alright, but I have restricted your martial arts, so you cannot move and tire easily. How about you lift my restrictions, and we can use our lightness skills to go out and have some fun together?"

Good evening

But his voice is clearly not a figment of my imagination

The force is neither too great nor too small, the time is neither too long nor too short, it is only at the moment when I am about to exhaust my strength that his pleasure is released, like the completion of a seamless pre-battle drill

Chunyu Wang must have noticed my distraction, so he said: "How about I take you to the other side of the mountain to have a look? There is a small hunting lodge in the valley over there, where we often stayed when we went hunting in the past. Spring is just around the corner, and the scenery there will be beautiful, with rhododendrons and camellias blooming all over the mountains, and the river in the valley is clear. We also hid a boat there, which we can row all the way downstream from the waterfall."

Turning his head, Chunyu Wang was just holding a tea cup, leisurely shifting his gaze from Xiangsi to my face, the corners of his lips forming a slight upward arc, resembling a smile, yet not quite a smile

He seems very willing to walk with us like this, traversing through this icy and snowy world until the end of time.

Indeed, dear mother, your voice is exceptionally pleasant. You must sing beautifully, don't you think

Seeing that both New Year's Eve and the first day of the New Year have been spent in the snow-covered mountains, I can no longer hope for anyone to come to my aid at this time, and can only pretend to be leisurely living in seclusion within this invisible cage

He scolded me, and my face immediately turned bright red. The fingers that had just rested on my shoulder gradually loosened one by one, and the originally bright and shiny eyes began to dim little by little

I have never found the answer, nor do I have the time to find it now

Chunyu Wang gently looked at Xiangsi and sighed, "Xiangsi, your mother does not wish to pay attention to the king any longer"

I coldly told the pale-faced man before me: "I have only learned how to fight since I was young, and I have never learned how to bear children for men! I am sorry, but if I were to become pregnant with your child, I would definitely not let him be born!"

By circumventing a frozen pond covered in snow and taking a few steps up the hillside, one can see Chunyu Wang.

Between the bed sheets, he does not conceal the intense emotions behind the coldness, and surprisingly, the call during the moment of confusion and passion was not mistaken.

Weakly falling into his embrace, my mind still drifting uncertainly, much like the dizziness experienced during each onset of illness, as if contemplating something, yet seemingly thinking of nothing at all. However, there was no splitting headache as during the episodes of illness, only his breath, silent yet omnipresent, enveloping me.

Having done more intimate things, why should we care about this?

Longing prompts me to say: "Mother, Father is not happy! You should stay with Father!"

Longing does not seem to induce any drowsiness; her clear and agile eyes dart around restlessly. Suddenly she says: "Otherwise, Mother, sing a song for me! When my wet nurse used to accompany me to sleep, I would drift off while listening to her sing."

He said goodbye, and bowed his head to kiss my lips

I instinctively struggled a bit, only to feel that I was being pretentious.

I am equally troubled, furrowing my brow in deep thought for a moment, I said, "Should I read military treatises? They are more interesting than poetry."

Chunyu Wang's eyes were imbued with elegance, a blend of joy and sorrow. At this moment, she took over her daughter's words and sighed softly: "It is different... your current smile resembles longing."

It is only now that I realize, at some point, he has stopped actively entangling with me, and instead, it is I who am straining my neck in pursuit of him

The truly serene nature is that which is pure and unadulterated.

a pure smile without a trace of impurity

I feel somewhat vexed for having gotten angry with him over such trivial matters, but upon reflection, I realize that I am his adversary; I am his captive, a woman he has forcibly taken. If I were to still consider his feelings, would that not be even more degrading than a woman of ill repute who is available to all

I frowned and no longer looked at those captivating Merlins, instead walking directly towards the wooden cabin

As I looked in the direction he pointed, all I could see were the hazy white snow drapes and the dimly lit plum grove, where could I possibly see any slopes? Let alone Chunyu Wang.

After the intense lovemaking, his body was extremely warm, with a slight sheen of sweat emerging. The subtle fragrance seemed to grow even more intense, deeply penetrating the lungs, undulating within the body like a feather, drifting and fluctuating unpredictably

He frowned and fell silent

From then on, I settled in this mountain area, and my life suddenly fell into an unprecedented state of tranquility and peace

Longing raised her head and asked, "Mother, where do you think such a garden could be built?"

It is already late, where can Chunyu Wang go?

Mother cannot sing

Whether dancing with a sword, playing the piano, or strolling through the plum forest with me and my longing, he appeared completely content, utterly indifferent to how cold and biting the weather was here

As I closed my eyes, trying to force myself to sleep, the door was gently pushed open. The footsteps were barely audible, yet they did not approach immediately. However, I heard a rustling sound, and it seemed that the room had become a bit warmer.

Treading on snow to admire the plum blossoms, boiling snow to brew tea, raising my head to see the Cangshan Mountains towering into the sky, with mist drifting gently; indeed, it is a life that transcends the mundane.

I was momentarily taken aback and quickly said: "Um... Mother is saying that we can have someone build a similar plum garden in the royal residence."

However, it is undeniable that this feeling is quite pleasant

Little Qi anxiously glanced at my expression and quietly asked, "Madam, aren't you going to persuade His Highness? He is still drinking"

Well, you should not worry.

However, Chunyu Wang is evidently different

He called out softly, "Wan Wan, Wan Wan..."

As I stepped out the door, I saw Chunyu Wang standing ahead, waiting. The moonlight in the mountains was exceptionally bright, its clear and pure radiance flowed quietly like water, enveloping him and the plum grove behind him in a translucent mist.

Biological daughter? Your Highness, if she is the mother of Xiangsi, then who is the woman buried on the hillside over there

His body stiffened for a moment, and the smile at the corner of his lips froze briefly, but he quickly replied: "It is not the smell of blood. Rather, it is... a fragrance akin to that of plum blossoms... Has no one ever told you this before?"

He carefully reignited the heater to drive away the chill from his body before coming over to embrace me

I feel as if I have become a small boat anchored amidst the surging waves, completely unable to act on my own, being lifted by him time and again to great heights, only to lose balance and plunge downwards, enjoying the pleasure he brings me amidst my helpless exclamations

I laughed and said: "As for longing... of course, it resembles Yingying very much."

I said, we have a baby girl now, let's have a baby boy next

"How dare you!" He gripped my shoulder again, the force so strong that it made me wince in pain. "You promised me that you would bear another son for me!"

The wintersweet is about to wither, while the spring plum blossoms are on the verge of blooming. It seems that this plum grove will remain lively for quite some time

Although I once thought of yielding to him in order to let him lower his guard and find an opportunity to escape, I cannot deny that the years of warfare have instilled in me a more hardened pride that refuses to submit

Longing yet not dependent, like a twist of sugar only rubbing against me in my embrace, "I do not want Sister Wenxiang to accompany me, I want Mother to be with me. Otherwise, shall I go to Mother’s room and sleep with Father and Mother tonight?"

I do not know how long I have tossed and turned, but I cannot sleep soundly. Thus, I put on my clothes, got up, and opened the door to check.

Soft and tender, she was carried back into the room by him, and naturally, it led to an intense and passionate lovemaking. His refusal to let longing sleep in our room was merely out of fear that longing would ruin his fine evening and disturb his good fortune

I shot Chunyu Wang a fierce glance, and he merely smiled, lowered his head to drink tea, and then continued to watch quietly, waiting silently

He gazed at my face, his warm breath brushing against my neck, and the smile in his voice was filled with tenderness

I lazily replied with my eyes closed: "If you had ever personally ordered the massacre of fifty thousand living beings, you would also carry that scent. However, I did not know that Your Highness enjoys the smell of blood left behind after countless killings"

I smiled and said, "Once the war settles down, I will return to Dairui and have Situ Ling build a plum garden like this one."

He is a trusted close guard of Chunyu Wang, who should always be stationed at the door of the bedroom. Yet, he can immediately determine where Chunyu Wang is headed based on the direction he leaves and dares to take the initiative to bring me here. How could he not know the story behind this grave? It is merely that he is unwilling to tell me.

I couldn't help but smile and nodded, saying: "Indeed, it is a good place for seclusion."

The breath he exhaled seemed to carry the faint fragrance of the night plum blossoms outside, lingering softly as he parted his lips to whisper.

I vaguely remember that this Imperial Guard is surnamed Qi, and that Chunyu Wang and others all called him Little Qi. Thus, they mocked him, saying: "Little Qi, you truly have it hard, braving the cold outside, drinking snow and dining on frost. Surely, you are practicing the Daoist methods for becoming an immortal and attaining enlightenment!"

I smiled, moved his neck closer, and then went to kiss him

I let out a soft grunt in my heart as I closely examined the grave site, which was surrounded by barren land, devoid of any grave mounds or tombstones. Only an old plum tree stood by, as if it were the sole emblem of the identity of the grave's occupant

I lazily replied, and when I opened my eyes, I saw his hand resting on my shoulder

This extraordinarily handsome man smiled even more brightly upon seeing me come out, reached out his hand to pull me over, and embraced me, lightly sighing: "I have never seen anyone who can coax a child to sleep like you do!"

Xiao Qi nodded, "Yes."

In the midst of our tender moments, I suddenly sensed something unusual. I slightly opened my eyes and saw him gazing quietly at me. Under the moonlit night, his eyes were as bright as autumn waters, shimmering with light. Upon noticing my gaze, he merely curved the corner of his eye, and within his gaze, there flowed a gentle light reminiscent of moonlight.

Wen Xiang and Ruan Yu naturally followed me, but they knew I detested their blatant surveillance and did not dare to go too far. At times, I would merely feign annoyance, glare at them a few times, and tell them to keep their distance. With the help of my longing, I could find opportunities to leave as many marks as possible.

I listened with disdain, lazily glancing at him, taking the hand of longing to explore other rooms

Whose grave is it

Since childhood, I have often been praised for my handsome appearance, intelligence, and exceptional martial skills, yet I have rarely heard anyone compliment my singing voice, nor has anyone taught me how to sing

A grove of plum trees, several wooden cottages, unfolds like an ink wash painting in the deep, secluded valley

It is merely a drill, with flashes of swords and blades, yet no blood and flesh are seen flying about

Spring has already arrived, yet the old plum tree has not blossomed. Instead, it gradually resembles other wintersweet trees, bursting forth with a subtle hint of new green.

Chunyu Wang did not argue with me, but merely smiled and looked towards the willows swaying in front, where the lovesick were playing among the plum trees.

Holding a cup of hot wine, I sip while watching the thoughts of longing busily chirping in the snow as they bend down to pick plum blossoms, or perhaps using an inverted basket to clear a patch of snow to catch the birds foraging for food, busy all day long in great delight, thus making these monotonous days pass a little quicker

The longing sparkled with big eyes, the dark pupils shining brightly, as it grasped and rubbed my arm, hesitatingly looking towards his father

Chunyu Wang shook his head and said: "I have been coaxing her for five years, isn't it your turn to coax her now? I only need to win over her mother!"

As the heavy snow blankets the night, it conceals all beauty and ugliness, composing a mournful elegy from the subtle fragrance of the night plum blossoms

His fingers were somewhat restlessly fidgeting on my garment, gently caressing my shoulder. After a moment of hesitation, he said: "In that grave lies an old acquaintance of mine from years past. Occasionally, I think of him and go over to take a look."

Most of Chunyu Wang's trusted confidants are aware of the awkwardness in my relationship with him. When I was asked about it, Xiao Qi seemed quite surprised, his chestnut-colored eyes glanced over me before he pointed towards the east and said: "He has gone over to that slope."

Through the heavy snow, I couldn't see his expression in the dark night. I only felt deep sorrow and helplessness, accompanied by the dancing snowflakes and the faint fragrance of plum blossoms, quietly approaching.

The warm and bright light in his eyes disappeared, replaced by another kind of intense heat.

Xiǎo Qī chuí tóu dào: "Shǔ xià bù gǎn."

I am helpless, looking at the pitiful appearance of lovesickness, and I can't bear to leave like this. Besides, I have to accompany her father even if I don't accompany her. I can't get away with it anyway.

Oh!

It is well said and very considerate, yet it is clear: if I continue to be polite, I am merely a prisoner without any freedom, like Chunyu Wang.

Here, however, there are not crowds of servants like in the royal palace. Although they also burn braziers for warmth in the house, no one is arranged to prepare hot tea at night. Therefore, what he is drinking at the moment must be cold tea.

There is some regret in lovesickness. "Does the mother know how to recite poetry? The father recites poetry, and he recites it very beautifully."

I heard in my ears, feeling that although his tone was gentle, there was clearly a mocking intent. So I said, "I really can't coax a child. You can coax her to sleep in the future, and I won't care anymore!"

I am not unhappy.

When he lay down on the bed, the embrace he gave me was warm, carrying the scent of silver frost and charcoal.

Amidst the swaying branches, the petals are like silk and butterflies, fluttering down like rain. Amidst the flower rain of lovesickness, the brows open and the eyes smile, with an innocent and pure and lovely smile, clean and free from any impurities.

When facing lovesickness, I didn't explicitly say that lovesickness resembles me, because I resemble her mother, so much so that her father likes me as much as he likes her mother.

She opened her bright black eyes wide, her expression somewhat troubled, clearly struggling to articulate her thoughts.

Until a long, long time later, I watched as the last bit of the Qin family's soldiers and horses disappeared in the overwhelming sword light and the pouring rain of blood. Alone, I rode my horse towards the destined tragic ending. All the while, I couldn't help but think, if on that night, I hadn't gone to find Chunyu Wang, if I hadn't insincerely given him a cloak, would our eventual outcome have been different.

A very pleasant scent, light and refreshing, as if it wants to blend with the faint fragrance wafting from the plum forest outside.

Although I repeatedly remind myself that his whereabouts have nothing to do with me, I feel as if I am under a spell; the more I wish to fall asleep quickly, the less I can; the more I try not to think about where he is, the more I am consumed by suspicion.

Then, there was emptiness and coldness beside me, but it was him getting up from the bed.

Even when I was intimate with Situ Ling, I instinctively avoided his kisses. I truly detest the unfamiliar breath that confuses me, and that dirty feeling is worse than being invaded. After many years in military uniform, I am often reminded of my gender when I am about to forget it, which makes me abhor sexual intercourse between men and women and avoid it at all costs.

Chunyu Wang saw me in a trance, carefully observing my expression, and softly said, "This house was rebuilt after the fire, and all the furnishings are arranged in the original style. You must like it here, right?"

Put her dishonest arm into the quilt, I patted her and said, "It's not early, go to sleep!"

I asked, "Have you seen where His Royal Highness Prince Zhen has gone?"

I forcefully opened his hand and almost laughed coldly: "Chunyu Wang, can you stop daydreaming in broad daylight?"

I felt a slight burning sensation on my cheeks. I raised my hand and gently tapped her little head, saying, "Why are you so easily startled? When has your mother not smiled at you?"

His hand was raised slowly, yet he drank quickly, gulping down several mouthfuls, then lowered his head and silently gazed at a mound in front of him.

His pupils were dark and bright, as if the sunlight of the New Year had penetrated straight into them and overflowed softly. Even his voice was gentle and lingering. "If you conceive my child, I will no longer restrain you. However...you are not allowed to think about leaving again."

He certainly refused to let me regain my skills. Although this medicine is not very strong, it can disperse its effects on its own within a month. But that damn Li Hong, he remembered to send me another pill after twenty days, and he wouldn't leave until he saw me swallow it.

When I retreated in a somewhat embarrassed manner, he had already gently wrapped himself around me, so soft that it made my heart tremble involuntarily, and unconsciously I tilted my head to receive his kiss.

Before I could respond, I heard someone behind me answer calmly yet decisively: "No."

Could it be that you really slept in another room

This is a mountainous area, where there are not many houses. The number of people he brought along is around seven or eight, and together with the servants who originally stayed here to clean, the place is already filled to capacity. Aside from those on duty, it is likely that everyone else has already gone to bed.

Wherever it passes, the bones become soft and the muscles weak, as if struck by a drug that renders one powerless

In the midst of winter, blooming plum blossoms dominate, with winter plum being the most prominent. There are Su Xin Mei, Hu Ti Mei, Jin Zhong Mei, and the exceptional Sandalwood Mei, known for its large, fragrant flowers. Amidst the sparse shadows and slanting branches, the flowers are like jade ornaments, naturally arranged. Walking along the flower path, one can only feel the faint fragrance filling the sleeves, a sense of tranquility and relaxation, as if floating in the cool and fragrant air. Suddenly, there is a feeling of being detached from the world, as if transcending reality.

He has always been gentle and quiet, and his already handsome features appear even more serene and soft these days. Even when he plays the guqin, it exudes a style of high mountains and flowing water, transcending the mundane. This perfectly complements the surrounding white snow and pure plum blossoms, making it a pleasing sight. If he were merely an elegantly shaped plum tree, allowing me to let Changxi escape far away, I would certainly be more willing to set aside grievances and appreciate him properly.

Outside, the snowflakes are indeed fluttering down like willow catkins. A faint fragrance can be detected, but the plum tree in the distance has already become blurred in the hazy snow and sleet

Now, since he is quiet, I shall regard him as a part of the scenery!

I casually responded with a sound, and glanced at him with a slightly nervous look in his eyes. It was only then that I realized he was explaining something to me. So, following his lead, I asked, "Your Highness, to think of an old friend in the middle of the night, it shows that you are a person of deep emotions and loyalty."

He held me tightly, burying his face in the space between my shoulder and neck as if in a trance, breathing deeply, and suddenly smiled, saying: "Wanwan, do you know? You have a very pleasant scent about you."

With just a slight struggle, he already sensed it and softly said: "Did I disturb you?"

However... However... It's different...

Poetry, ah...

Suddenly looking back, there is no path left to take

I hesitated, "Mother does not know how to sing."

At night, Nature slept with Chunyu Wang in the same place. He seemed to have something on his mind and slept restlessly. At times, he held me tightly, and at other times, he suddenly let go and turned to the other side. At times, he sat up with his clothes draped over him, staring blankly ahead.

I suddenly understood and turned to ask Xiao Qi, "Is that... a grave?"

I was annoyed by him, unable to fall asleep, so I angrily said, "If you can't sleep, then go sleep in another room, otherwise I'll move out. How can anyone sleep like this?"

The hill mentioned by Xiao Qi is not far from Meilin, and it is even within the range of Meilin.

As expected, I saw him turn pale and stand there as if he had lost his soul.

At this moment, there was a faint whisper from Chunyu Wang outside, but upon closer listening, it could not be heard.

Perhaps, it is because of his elegance and cleanliness, perhaps, it is because of our shared interests... I cannot distinguish any further, I only know that when he kisses me, an inexplicable warmth surges up in my heart, slowly engulfing my entire body.

His eyes became confused and chaotic, his breathing quickened, pressing me against the tree trunk, continuing to entwine, feeling both of our bodies getting hotter and hotter, as if they were about to ignite.

Chunyu Wang behind him remained silent for a long time, but his longing was expressed through clapping hands at his feet, saying, "Mother is smiling, Mother is smiling! Mother looks so beautiful when she smiles, no one can compare!"

Xiao Qi glanced at me oddly before softly replying: "I do not know, my subordinate."

Fair and slender, with distinct finger bones, like the hands of a scholar playing the zither and flute. How could they resemble the hands that easily subdued my skilled opponent, Chi Yu Hao, back in the day?