Chapter 03: Wind and Rain

"What is your status that you can be compared to a mere commoner?" The mother's voice was soft, yet her words grew increasingly stern

In the eighth year of Yongxi, after the Yuzhang King's army rested for half a year in the central Yunnan region, they once again marched southward, fully prepared for battle, and defeated the southern barbarians, causing them to collapse completely. In just nine months, they subdued all twenty-seven tribes of the southern frontier.

My mother always says that a daughter's curiosity is too strong and not a good thing, but I just happen to have so much curiosity

The grand army has triumphantly returned to the capital, invigorating both the court and the people. The Emperor had originally intended to personally go out of the city to welcome them, but due to his long-standing illness, he could only command the Crown Prince to lead the officials in welcoming the troops, acting on behalf of the Son of Heaven to reward the three armies

Over the course of a full decade, Wang Tong of Yuzhang led his army to battle in various regions, striving to turn the tide and uphold the state in times of crisis, truly deserving to be regarded as a pillar of the court and the nation

The mother was taken aback, her delicate brows furrowing, "You child, you are talking nonsense again. What is so good about warriors fighting and killing"

I also couldn't be bothered to wait for them and went straight to the Eastern Palace to find Sister Wanru.

Aunt's elegant and serene voice suddenly resonated outside the hall

I turned my gaze and smiled, just about to tease him, when suddenly a deep and distant horn sounded, and the city gate slowly opened

Seeing my mother unhappy, I hurriedly smiled and said, "Brother is just joking, Mother, don't pay him any mind. Let's go, Aunt must be waiting anxiously in the palace!"

She has the least fondness for the warriors of the Han clan; upon hearing her brother's words today, it is inevitable that she feels annoyed

One hundred thousand troops could not all enter the city, yet Wang of Yuzhang brought only three thousand iron cavalry. Even so, it was enough to shock the entire capital.

As if my sister stepped aside, welcoming my aunt into the hall

Aunt stood up, approached me, gazed into my eyes, and spoke with a voice that resonated firmly.

The elder brother also behaved unusually, remaining silent and gazing intently at the scene before him, yet his grip on the teacup was tight, with his knuckles faintly turning white

Over the years, I have been scolded by my aunt with a stern expression countless times, yet never has any of those instances left me feeling as anxious as I do at this moment

The aunt smiled, yet there was not a trace of mirth in her eyes. "What interesting stories do you have? Do share them with me."

I dare not listen any longer, nor dare I think.

I vividly recounted the scene of seeing Xiao Qi to Sister Wanrong, leaving her and several maidservants utterly astonished.

The Consort Wei scoffed, saying, "Excessive slaughter contradicts the path of benevolence; one with bloodstained hands is no different from a demon."

Yet that world of iron and blood ultimately belongs to men, far removed from the gentle and tender land of daughters.

Everyone hurried to rise and pay their respects

When the war had just ceased, factions were rampant in the court, and the four great families were unwilling to yield to one another. My elder brother, renowned as the foremost talent of the age, married your mother, Princess Jinmin, bringing unparalleled glory. My younger sister was betrothed to the Prince of Qingyang, who held great military power, while I must become the Crown Princess, destined to oversee the six palaces, in order to ensure the Wang family's authority in the court, suppressing the aggressive Xie family, and solidifying the Wang family's position, allowing our clan to enjoy prosperity and honor.

The army completed its expedition against the southern barbarian tribes in just nine months, advancing with unstoppable momentum. All twenty-seven tribes of the southern region surrendered, expanding our territory southward by over six hundred miles. Our might instilled fear across the land, effectively cutting off the southern escape route of the rebels in Shu, causing the bandits to tremble in fear and retreat to Jianmen without daring to emerge.

"That's enough, you all may leave. From now on, the Crown Princess must be strictly restrained and must not err again." The aunt's expression was somber.

The voice of the Crown Prince could not be heard clearly from afar, yet one could see the dark black iron armor, with the snow-white plume glistening under the midday sun, radiating a cold brilliance

I took the tea cup from the hand of the maid and personally offered it to my aunt, sitting close beside her

The Emperor commanded the Crown Prince to lead the officials out of the city to welcome and reward the three armies

"I always feel that you are still a child, yet without realizing it, you have grown into such a stunning beauty." My aunt's lips curled into a faint, forced smile, her voice gentle; although it was clearly a compliment, it inexplicably made me feel uneasy.

In an instant, a tide of three thousand black-armored cavalry simultaneously erupted with a thunderous cry of "Long live!", shaking the ground and resonating throughout the capital and beyond

The concubine acknowledges her guilt! Just like her elder sister, her face turned pale, and she immediately knelt down, with the other concubines behind her hurriedly kneeling in a flurry.

Aunt shot me a glare, then turned to look at someone who resembled an elder sister, "Is it the custom of the Eastern Palace to allow the women of the court to discuss the ministers?"

The iron cavalry in black helmets was divided into nine columns, standing in strict formation. At the forefront was a heavily armored figure wielding a sword, adorned with a tuft of white tassels on his helmet, sitting upright on a warhorse clad in black armor, his posture as straight as a sword. He led the way, reins in hand, with the nine columns of cavalry following in order behind him, their steps synchronized, each sound of their boots echoing throughout the Chaoyang Gate.

There were faint tears shimmering in my aunt's eyes, yet her resolve was unwavering and resolute

The blood of the southern barbarians washes the general's armor, as the general's long sword sweeps across the borderlands, once again illuminating the capital—this prince of a different surname, the only one outside the royal family, the renowned general who has achieved remarkable military feats, the King of Yuzhang who commands an army of a hundred thousand, is indeed the person whom the world speaks of as if he were a deity or a demon—King Yuzhang, Xiao Qi

Without further ado, I took my mother by the arm and left, only glancing back to wink at my brother

Aunt gazed directly into my eyes, her voice chilling, "If one day you are to endure great injustice, give up what you hold dear, and do something you are utterly unwilling to do, even at a great cost, Ah Yu, would you be willing?"

After rewarding the troops, he boarded the carriage and returned to his residence, feeling dazed and speechless all the way.

My aunt caught my gaze, but there was a tremor; her expression was somewhat unusual, and she turned away, no longer looking at me

He stopped three steps away from the prince, slightly lowered his head, and knelt down sideways on one knee

The voice of my elder brother sounded from behind, tinged with tension, "That is Xiao Qi."

Aunt unexpectedly summoned my mother into the inner chamber for a private discussion, yet refused to let me enter

The dazzling midday sunlight suddenly dimmed, and it seemed as if a chill had abruptly settled in the air

Born in Huzhou to a common family, he joined the army at the age of 16 and was promoted to a military advisor at 18, serving under General Jingyuan in the campaign against the Turks. In the battle at Shuohe, he led a hundred iron cavalry, devised a brilliant plan, and launched a surprise attack behind enemy lines, burning their supplies and provisions. With his own strength, he killed over 100 enemies, leaving a mountain of corpses, and sustained 21 serious injuries yet managed to survive. The Turkic army suffered a heavy blow and was further struck by a frontal assault from the main forces, retreating a thousand miles. Not only did they recover the two states of Shuohe that had been occupied by the Turks for many years, but they also seized 600 miles of fertile land north of Shuohe in one fell swoop

From the imperial court to the bustling streets, no one is unaware of the illustrious reputation of Wang Yuzhang

I bit my lip and raised my gaze towards her: "That depends on what it is for, and whether it is more important than the things I hold dear."

In an instant, I thought I was confronted with an endless tide of black iron, shimmering with a metallic cold light under the sun

"The concubines and I were merely listening to the princess..." It was as if my sister had no ulterior motives at all, and she actually reported the matter truthfully. I hurriedly interrupted her, exclaiming, "They are listening to my evaluation of this year's new tea, aunt, you should try this new tribute silver needle tea; its quality is even better than that of previous years!"

A large black brocade flag with a gold border is held high, fluttering in the wind. On it, there is a striking silver hook-shaped iron mark forming the character "Xiao".

Auntie held my shoulders and said word by word, "Our proud identities, beauty, and talents... are all bestowed by our family. Without this family, neither I nor you, nor even future generations, would have anything. We enjoy this glory, so we must also bear the same responsibility."

Coincidentally, the queen has summoned you. It has been two days since you last paid your respects to your aunt. Come with me. Mother helped me tidy up my disheveled hair and smiled at my brother, "How is the military inspection? Is it still interesting?"

For the first time in fifteen years, my flawless glass illusion has cracked.

Aunt, father, and older brother's tone becomes solemn every time they mention this person's name.

The three characters "Yuzhang Wang" are like a curse, always making me think of slaughter, victory, and death.

In an instant, the surroundings turned dark, and the world in my heart, resembling a fairyland of exquisite beauty, suddenly lost its color, revealing the underlying desolation.

I stared at my aunt blankly, unable to speak.

In my heart, there is a sudden jump, fingertips turn cold, countless thoughts flash through like lightning, but my mind is in a mess.

In this year, Xiao Qi was promoted to the title of Prince of Yuzhang due to his extraordinary achievements, becoming the only non-imperial clan prince outside the royal family of the current dynasty.

After the Crown Prince finished announcing the edict, Xiao Qi received the yellow silk edict with both hands, stood up, turned to face the generals below the platform, stood tall, and held up the edict with both hands.

Suddenly, my aunt spoke up, "Have you ever felt wronged by anyone or resented anything from childhood until now?"

Daughter of the noble family of Tianhuang, in this lifetime, all I need is to hide under the protection of my father, brothers, and husband. The battlefield and its bloodshed are nothing but a distant and unattainable legend for us. As for rewarding the army, I am not particularly interested, but I can't help but be curious in my heart.

In the middle of the entrance passage to the city, there is a red carpet laid out. Two columns of imperial guards stand on both sides, dressed in bright armor. The royal bright yellow canopy and feather fans lead layer by layer to the high platform at the end of the passage.

Killing intent, only those who have been through countless battles and calmly face life and death on the battlefield possess such a sharp and restrained killing intent.

That person is so far away from us, so distant that I cannot discern their features; merely gazing from afar has already instilled in me a sense of oppression and suffocation

I bit my lip hard, wanting very much to turn around and escape, not wanting to hear her continue speaking

I felt a slight disdain in my heart and was quite unconvinced. Just as I was about to refute her, I heard Sister Wanrong shake her head and say, "How can the rumors of the marketplace be trusted? If that were true, wouldn't it turn people into demons and monsters?"

However, at this moment, despite being several dozen zhang away, I do not dare to look directly at that person

Just entered the courtyard, my mother, dressed in palace attire with a high bun, came towards me with Aunt Xu and her maidservants, seeming to be about to go out.

Gazing at my aunt's piercing gaze, I was momentarily speechless, yet my heart tightened with waves of anxiety.

Aunt gazed at me, her eyes deep and seemingly lost in thought, "A daughter's feelings, Aunt understands as well. Zidan is a very good child, but, Ah Wu..." She hesitated, her expression suddenly sorrowful, closing her eyes and falling silent.

From the day we were born, we have been surrounded by glory and have grown up in honor. Under the sky, apart from princesses, the most esteemed are the daughters of the Wang family who are well-versed in literature. When you are in it, perhaps you are not aware. Since I entered the palace at the age of eighteen, I have witnessed many sad and bitter events inside and outside the palace, and the rise and fall of lives. Do you know how those lowly-born women without family support are humiliated and drifting in the palace, their lives not even worth as much as ants? Once they lose power and fall, even the most prominent families may end up worse off than the common people... Do you know how those lowly-born women without family support are humiliated and drifting in the palace, their lives not even worth as much as ants? Once they lose power and fall, even the most prominent families may end up worse off than the common people...

My father often said that the daughters of the Wang family far surpass many ordinary sons

He said, this person has descended from the heavens, which is a blessing for the family and the nation, but perhaps also a suffering for the common people

A sudden tightness gripped my chest, and only then did I realize that I had forgotten to breathe, with fine sweat seeping from my palms

The Crown Prince unfurled the yellow silk and read aloud the imperial edict of reward and commendation

Aunt lowered her gaze and smiled, the smile faint and sorrowful, "In my youth, I too was carefree like you, cherished and protected by my family since childhood... However, there will come a day when we are destined to bear our own fate, and we cannot forever be sheltered under the wings of our family"

This matter is due to Awu's excessive words, the fault lies with Awu, please punish her, Aunt! Just as I was about to kneel down, I was stopped by Aunt's hand gesture.

"It seems like there is no ... ... does it count if my brother bullies me?" I forced a smile and pretended to be relaxed as I looked towards my aunt

Xiao Qi rose to fame through a single battle, advancing from a mere soldier to the position of deputy general of the vanguard, earning the deep trust of General Jingyuan. During his three years stationed at the border, he repelled over 100 incursions by the Turks, personally slaying 32 Turkish generals on the battlefield, including the son of the Turkish king, which severely weakened the Turkish forces. Xiao Qi's reputation spread far and wide across the northern deserts, and he was promoted to the rank of General of Ning Shuo, earning the title of "Heavenly General" among the people

The news of victory arrived, invigorating both the government and the people. Only my father seemed to have anticipated this outcome long ago; he merely smiled faintly, feeling gratified yet harboring a hint of concern. I, however, could not understand what he was worried about

The aunt sat down in the first seat, glanced at the women in front of her without showing any emotion, and asked, "What is the Crown Princess busy with?"

The glory and responsibility of the family ... ... I felt as if I had been struck suddenly by a giant hammer, my heart in a daze, stirring endlessly

Even Zi Dan has mentioned this name in a way that I cannot comprehend, with a complexity in his tone.

Aunt is angry with Awu... I looked at my aunt timidly

Her gaze lingered on me for a long time, as if it pierced through me and reached into the distant past. "I too have cherished something deeply; it was the greatest joy and sorrow of my life... Yet that joy and sorrow were merely my own. In comparison, there is another matter, deeper and heavier, from which I cannot escape or abandon—that is the honor and responsibility of my family

As if an elder sister leading the other maidens, they all kowtowed and withdrew. The empty hall was left with only me and my aunt facing each other.

The phoenix carriage stopped in front of the mansion gate. The maid lifted the curtain, but my brother was not there as usual, standing in front of the imperial carriage with his hand outstretched, waiting to receive me.

I pursed my lips, feeling an inexplicable strangeness in my heart, as if both melancholy and excitement, a sensation I had never experienced before.

At the mention of Zidan's name, my face flushed, my heart was uneasy, and I just shook my head randomly, not daring to tell the truth to my aunt.

When I finally had the chance to witness this legendary figure, who was said to be like a demon or a god, and finally had the chance to see with my own eyes the army that was said to be invincible in battle, for some unknown reason, I inexplicably felt afraid.

I was stunned. If I were to talk about feeling wronged and blaming others, who in the palace could understand my grievances? What could make me resentful? Only Zidan's departure. However, this answer could not be spoken to my aunt.

From a distance, everyone's faces were blurry and indistinct. We could only guess their identities based on their clothing. Standing to the left of the Crown Prince, the person dressed in bright red court attire must be my father. I tugged at my older brother's sleeve and imitated a sweet and delicate tone, saying, "Young Master, when will you also wear a dragon robe and jade belt, and stand out among the officials?"

They are the soldiers who returned from thousands of miles away, using the enemy's blood to brighten their own battle robes.

Surprised, I leaned forward to take a closer look and saw my older brother sitting on horseback, holding a purple reins adorned with pearls in his hand, gently stroking the white horse beneath him, lost in thought.

"The military might of Wang Jun of Yuzhang is impressive, his demeanor extraordinary." However, my brother did not smile; he looked at our mother and said with a sigh, "I feel ashamed, only today do I understand that a true man should be like this!"

"Young Master, you have arrived at the residence!" I approached his horse and, imitating the maid, bent slightly and smiled.

Aunt's gaze is as deep and cold as water, "What each person cherishes is not the same, what is most important, and what is most worthy?"

Long live our Emperor

Five days after my birthday, my brother took me to see the military parade

I have heard that Wang of Yuzhang has killed over ten thousand people," said the side consort Wei, pressing her hand to her chest, her expression filled with disgust and fear. Another person beside her took over the conversation, saying, "Not just ten thousand, it is feared that the number is beyond counting. I have also heard that he has a penchant for drinking human blood!

Time and again, I listened to my father and brother speak of the battles ahead, and time and again, I was shaken by the harrowing accounts of the war.

The man rode forward alone, dismounting from his horse ten zhang away from the high platform. He removed his sword and handed it to the ceremonial official, then slowly ascended the high platform step by step

The music and rites concluded, the general with the black horse and white reins halted his horse, slightly raised his right hand, and the numerous generals behind him immediately came to a stop, their actions resolute to the utmost degree

In the seventh year of Yongxi, the southern border was invaded by the barbarian tribes. The recently pacified King of Yuzhang once again led his troops southward. He faced fierce battles against the enemy in the southern border, which was suffering from floods and rampant epidemics. Additionally, roads were destroyed by the floods, and supply lines were cut off. After several perilous situations, Xiao Qi made a decisive decision on the battlefield, determined to cross the Lancang River at all costs, and forcibly drove the southern barbarians back eight hundred miles, leaving them with no strength to invade from the north.

The Imperial Guard, adorned in golden helmets and bright armor, wielded sharp swords, yet these three thousand iron cavalry, with the frost and dust of battle still unwashed from their armor, completely overshadowed the imposing presence of the Imperial Guard. Before them, the once-glorious Imperial Guard instantly became like puppets on a stage, merely decorative and utterly useless.

It was as if the entire capital fell into a solemn silence in an instant

I lowered my head and smiled, as my mother always regarded us as children, and my elder brother still loved to watch the excitement just like when we were young

More than a month ago, news arrived of a great victory in our southern campaign

As if bowing her head and lowering her eyes, she said, "In response to Your Majesty, the humble servant is currently enjoying tea and conversing with the princess."

I never knew that there would be such a person in this world

What piques my curiosity is a person

The Consort's face flushed with a rosy hue, "According to the esteemed opinion of the Princess, is slaughter indeed a path of benevolence?"

Answer me. My aunt does not allow me to hesitate or waver

Without waiting for my response, my aunt smiled again and asked, "Has there been any news from Zidan recently?"

The aunt only brought two palace maids to attend her, and I did not see my mother accompanying her. As I was gazing outside the hall, I heard my aunt calmly say, "There is no need to look anymore; I have already asked the princess to return to the residence ahead of time."

However, once the first crack appears in the glaze, it will inevitably continue to break until it shatters completely

I looked at my aunt in astonishment, momentarily at a loss for words

Everyone was engulfed in this resounding cry, even the illustrious royal guard appeared dimmed in comparison

I raised an eyebrow and smiled, "When the campaign has already begun, how can there be kindness? Even if there is some killing, Wang of Yuzhang acts for the country and the people, as a pillar of the nation, his contributions benefit the state. How can we slander a meritorious minister in this way? If it were not for the general's blood staining the borders, could you and I enjoy peace and tranquility here?"

I have never seen my aunt speak to me with such an expression, subtly, as if an ominous feeling weighed heavily on my heart

I do not like this imperial concubine, who, relying on the crown prince's favor, behaves arrogantly and disrespectfully in front of Sister Wan. I immediately cast a cold glance at her and said: "What does the way of benevolence mean? In these times of rising smoke and flames, can mere words of benevolence resist tigers and wolves, and make the foreign invaders willingly lay down their weapons?"

At noon, with the harmonious sounds of music and ritual, after the three resounding beats of the golden drum, the Crown Prince, dressed in a deep yellow court robe, ascended the high platform amidst the throng of officials.

"Are you going out, Mother?" I said with a smile as I held onto her.

Aunt remained silent, staring directly at me with a strange expression that truly made me feel somewhat anxious

This sound is so imposing and powerful that even we, far away in this pavilion, can faintly hear it

Brother glared at me, "You little brat, when did you learn to speak sarcastically?"

Well said

Accustomed to the majesty of royalty, even in the presence of the Emperor, there has never been a trace of fear

Hundreds and thousands of common people crowded the sides of the main road into the city, making it impossible for water to flow through. Any pavilion that had a view of the city gate was already filled to capacity. However, my brother had reserved the entire floor of Yaoguang Pavilion early on, which is the tallest pavilion near Chengtian Gate, allowing me to have a commanding view and clearly see the grand spectacle of the army entering the city

The elder brother lowered his head in silence; although he often argued with his father, he never uttered a word of defiance in front of his mother

The person rumored to have emerged from the Blood Pool of Asura now stands before everyone, ascending the high platform and gazing down upon all beings, exuding an aura as formidable as that of a celestial deity

I never knew that the splendid marriage of my parents and the dignified grace of my aunt concealed such profound bitterness and depth

Aunt retracted her smile, her gaze deep and complex, filled with both affection and a hint of pain. "Having grown up this much, I fear you still do not know what true grievance is."

This person's name has been heard too many times; some say he is a god, while others say he is a demon

My brother came to his senses, glanced at me, sighed again, tossed the white jade and silver whip to the attendant, and leaped off the horse

That knife is a knife for killing enemies, the sword is a sword for killing enemies, and a person is someone who kills enemies

That person emanates a fierce and piercing radiance, compelling others to feel utterly exposed and without refuge.

In the fourth year of Yongxi, the governor of Yunnan stationed troops and, in a show of self-importance, colluded with the Bai Rong tribes to declare himself king. General Xiao Qi of Ning Shuo was ordered to launch a western expedition. He simultaneously blocked the enemy's vanguard at Luolang Pass while taking a detour through Qianzhou, forcibly opening a supply route through the steep mountains, and unexpectedly launched a surprise attack on the heart of the rebel forces. Along the way, he encountered the barbarian tribes that had submitted to the rebels and resisted the imperial court. After failing to persuade them to surrender, Xiao Qi, in a fit of rage, massacred the city, exterminating the barbarian tribes. Seizing the momentum, he dealt a crushing blow to the Bai Rong, recapturing Yunnan and beheading all thirteen leaders of the rebels as a warning to others. Xiao Qi continued his pursuit of victory, and over the course of two years, he pacified the southwestern border, commanding an army of one million with great merit, and was appointed as the Grand General of the State.

The individuals and events within legends are particularly mysterious and alluring

A few days later, the army is about to return to the capital.

I seized the opportunity to grasp my aunt's hand, gazing at her with tears welling in my eyes, "Aunt..."