Chapter 29: The Faint Moon's Shadow

  In the first year of Tongtai in Southern Chu, in May, Emperor Yong betrothed Princess Changle to Wei Kui. Kui was known for his virtues, but the princess cut off her hair and made a vow, refusing to submit. The emperor flew into a rage, but after a long while calmed down and secretly told the princess: "If you have someone in mind, regardless of whether he is virtuous or not, noble or humble, I will grant him to you." The princess remained silent.

  The Book of Southern Chu · Biography of Jiang Suiyun

  The crescent moon is like a hook, the night sky is serene and peaceful. Standing on the imperial steps, Princess Chang Le wore a plain white dress, silently gazing at the dim moonlight. These days, her originally plump face had been tinged with sorrow, her raven-black hair cut off halfway, now only reaching her shoulders. Although the palace maid had already trimmed it for her, it was still too short to be styled into a bun, so she simply tied it up with a silk scarf. The night wind was cool and refreshing, but Princess Chang Le's thin clothing made her feel chilled to the bone. Yet, she refused to return to her chambers. Such a night scene, he also couldn't sleep soundly. After a long while, she raised her pale hand, holding a folding fan with an inscribed poem on it.

  "Colder than the autumn water, fainter than the distant village, seeing the ferry head from afar. Fortunately, there is no painted place in the red and blue, painting a life of worry." She hummed softly, this was brought to her by Princess Yong some days ago, it was a folding fan written by that person's own hand, Princess Yong knew she liked Jiang Zhe's poetry, so she asked for it and gave it to her, Jiang Zhe may not care about a poem fan, but since she got this folding fan, she never left it for a moment, and no longer wanted to give it up.

  At this time, Lü'e came over, holding a cloak and begged: "Your Highness, you are torturing yourself like this, I, your servant, can't bear to see it. If the Emperor and Empress were to find out, they would certainly blame me for not taking good care of you."

  Princess Chang Le smiled slightly, took the cloak and said: "This palace is not so delicate, just like this night color, okay, you go rest first, this palace will go to sleep later."

  Lu'e saw that the princess's expression was still good, so she plucked up her courage and asked: "Princess, I don't understand. Xia Hou is a man of both literary and military talents, and he is extremely handsome. If you didn't like him, it would be fine, after all, everyone says that Xia Hou is elegant and refined. You are kind and gentle by nature, so if you didn't like him, there wouldn't be anything strange about it. But Wei Gongzi is not only superior in appearance, but also pure and self-disciplined, with no romantic entanglements whatsoever. Yet the princess doesn't seem to like him either, which really puzzles me."

  Princess Chang Le said lightly: "What do you understand? Alright, go."

  Lu'e's heart skipped a beat, and she saw the princess's elegant face with an almost imperceptible cold smile. The kind of imperial majesty that made Lu'e dare not say more, and she quietly retreated.

  Princess Changle let out a soft sigh, feeling the night was cold and the steps were chilly, her embroidered shoes icy. She was about to turn around and head back to her resting palace when a faint sighing sound came from the night wind. Princess Changle's eyebrows furrowed slightly as she said, "Who is lurking around my palace?"

  A flash of green, a woman in a green palace dress stood before Princess Changle. Princess Changle was slightly startled and said: "It's actually Han Youmei, why are you visiting the Cui Luan Palace at midnight?"

  Li Han drifted gently down and bowed: "I am engaged to General Qin today, but I thought of my sister's deep palace loneliness and couldn't help feeling uneasy in my heart. So I came especially, and indeed my sister has not rested yet. I wonder if my sister can let me in to talk."

  Princess Chang Le said lightly, "Sister has been keeping me company these days, I'm deeply grateful. However, it's late at night and people are quiet, so it's not convenient to talk. Sister should go back and rest."

  Li Han's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly as she thought for a moment, wondering if it was possible that Princess Chang Le had found out about her difficulties with Jiang Zhe in the Qin Manor. After all, everyone knew that Princess Chang Le admired Jiang Zhe's poetry and had taken a liking to him. Now, it seemed likely that this was indeed the case, as their last meeting had been warm and friendly, but now she was as cold as ice. If so, Li Han needed to get to the bottom of things, or else matters would spiral out of control.

  Li Han smiled and said, "I've long heard that Your Highness enjoys the poetry of Nan Chuzi. The other day, I was fortunate enough to see Jiang Shuangyan reciting a poem at the Qin Manor. Although it wasn't written by him, there's a line that says something good: 'Poetry expresses one's will.' Don't you want to know more about it, sister?"

  Princess Changle's heart moved, and she said, "I'd like to hear more about it."

  Li Han-Yu glossed over the infighting among the crowd and only mentioned the poems selected by everyone. When he finally recited "the music ends, people disappear, on the river there are several green peaks", Princess Chang Le suddenly smiled slightly. Li Han-Yu knew something was amiss, but pretended not to know, continuing: "The poem chosen by Lord Jiang is excellent, these last two lines are especially meaningful, what does Your Highness think of Lord Jiang's taste?"

  Princess Chang Le smiled and said, "Magistrate Jiang's selection of this poem is mostly perfunctory. I've read his poetry, which is either elegant and refined, or majestic and powerful, or profound and meaningful, or calm and serene, but he doesn't have any works with such a spooky atmosphere." As she spoke, she couldn't help but glance at the poem fan in her hand.

  Li Han's heart moved slightly, and he said: "Sister's fan, would you be willing to lend it to me for a look?"

  Chang Le Gongzhu glanced at Li Han You and said, "There's nothing that can't be told to others. This fan was snatched from the hands of Er Wang Sao by me. Jiang Daren has rarely had any poems or lyrics circulating in recent years, and his handwriting is even rarer." She handed over the fan as she spoke.

  Li Han-yu softly recited the poem above, and felt a faint sense of sorrow wash over her. The poem's words were elegant and refined, and she couldn't help but say: "Governor Jiang's poetic talent is indeed unmatched in the world."

  Changle Princess took back the poem fan and smiled: "Mr. Jiang's poems are spread all over the world, if sister likes it, she can look for it."

  Li Han-Yu saw a faint smile on the face of Princess Chang Le, and suddenly asked: "Your Highness, why did you strictly refuse to grant marriage, could it be that you already have someone in mind?"

  Princess Chang Le remained expressionless and calmly asked: "Sister, do you know why Father is in such a hurry to choose a husband for me?"

  Li Han said: "Your Majesty loves and respects the princess deeply, this is known throughout the land."

  Princess Chang Le said faintly, "The imperial family's flesh and blood, the relationship is thin. Although Father Emperor dotes on me, he isn't anxious to choose a husband for me because of this. When Father Emperor sent me away in marriage that day, I often felt resentful in my heart. Therefore, if I couldn't marry someone I liked, Father Emperor would always feel like he owed me."

  Li Han's eyes changed color and he said: "Can sister blame Your Majesty?"

  "I have never had any resentment in my heart from start to finish. Chang Le has been fond of poetry and literature since childhood, and her temperament is even more gentle and obedient, not as strong and decisive as the women of our Da Yong dynasty. If it weren't for Father Emperor's and Mother Empress's love and favor, Chang Le would probably have no status to speak of. So when Father Emperor ordered me to marry far away, I was sad but didn't resent it. Moreover, this palace has been supported by the people of the world, how can we not make sacrifices for Da Yong? Therefore, even though I married into an enemy country and will never be able to grow old with my husband, and even killed my unborn child with my own hands, Chang Le has never resented Da Yong or Father Emperor. Now that Father Emperor wants me to marry again, it's naturally because he hopes I can be happy. However, this palace has gone through wind and rain, and long ago became disillusioned with the words 'love' and 'affection'. I only wish to serve Father Emperor and Mother Empress filially, and in the future, no matter which brother ascends to the throne, as a widow and weak woman, I probably won't be suspected of anything. At that time, Chang Le will accompany me in my old age, and this life will be enough."

  Li Han-yu sighed and said: "Your Highness, are you still thinking of the ruler of Southern Chu? He is just a mediocre person, why do you have to keep your chastity for him." While saying these words that she herself did not believe, Li Han-yu looked at Princess Chang Le with sorrowful eyes.

  Princess Chang Le said lightly: "There's no such thing. I'm just disheartened and disappointed, not everyone wants to emulate Wen Jun."

  Li Han said, "Wen Jun was originally a virtuous woman, but she encountered the talented Sima Xiangru and couldn't help herself. If General Jiang has his heart set on seeking the phoenix, I wonder what the princess's intentions are."

  Princess Changle gazed deeply at Li Han You, with a hint of chill in her eyes. Li Han You smiled and said: "The Emperor has already stated that if the Princess is willing, anyone can be the Prince Consort. Jiang Gongzi's talent is unparalleled, if the Princess agrees, I am willing to convey this to the Emperor on your behalf."

  Chang Le Gong Zhu's gaze became even colder, and she said coldly: "Li Han You, this palace has been in the Grand Palace of Da Yong for many years, and also served as the Queen of Nan Chu. Although I have lived a secluded life, do you think that this palace truly doesn't have any schemes?"

  Li Han's expression changed greatly, and he bowed down to apologize: "Your Highness, please calm your anger. I am truly sincere and cannot bear to see the princess with a worried look on her face. If I have offended you in any way, I am willing to take the blame."

  The Princess Changle's expression became even more icy, and she said slowly: "General Jiang is a man of noble character. If it weren't for the Second Prince being such a person, ordinary people would find it difficult to persuade him to surrender. Although he is like this, he is not someone who can be easily insulted by common people. I admire his talent and respect his character. How could you misinterpret my intentions? I know that the current situation in the court is complex, but I am already an outsider. Why do you insist on dragging me into it? Princess Jingjiang, although I don't like to fight, if you continue to pressure me, I will have no choice but to report to the Emperor and become a nun immediately. At that time, it would also be in line with your wishes."

  Then, Princess Chang Le said coldly: "This palace is tired, please ask Princess Jingjiang to return. The dew is heavy at night, and you should be careful. If there are such rumors again, this palace will have to ask the emperor and empress dowager to take charge."

  Li Han Yu gazed at the back of Princess Chang Le, a hint of regret flashing in her eyes. She had never expected that the gentle and amiable Princess Chang Le would have such an unapproachable side. If she continued to meddle, and enraged the princess into leaving the palace, she feared no one could persuade the Emperor to calm his thunderous anger. For now, she could only temporarily let go.

  She hastily returned home and saw that Empress Gui was waiting for her with a serious expression. She quickly went forward and said, "Auntie, why have you come? Is there something important?"

  The imperial concubine said, "The master of the sect has passed down an edict, and Huo Ji Castle has already been sealed off by your senior sister. It is certain that no one can escape alive. However, as there are many rumors circulating in the capital, we must handle this matter with caution."

  Li Han-Yu smiled and said: "Elder sister's martial arts are unparalleled, she must be able to capture him easily." But then her eyebrows furrowed slightly as she added, "However, how can the Crown Prince's situation be salvaged? It is harder to guard against people's mouths than it is to guard a river. The Sect Master has always taught us that, I wonder if Uncle Master has any plan."

  "You don't have to worry too much, you've done a thorough job of cutting the grass and eliminating the roots. Now no one has any evidence to prove that the Crown Prince is involved in this matter. As for Secretary Liang, he's already a bird in a cage. Just wait for some time and then kill him to silence him, and it will be over. Although controlling the Ministry of Revenue is crucial, we can't alert the Crown Prince, so we can't do it openly. I'm afraid it would be enough to just arrange for some of our people to go in quietly. This position as Secretary is too important, let's just let the Crown Prince deal with it. However, the other party that cooperated with Jinxiu Alliance might also know something. Do you have any leads?"

  Li Han Yu bitterly smiled and said, "How to say it, the one cooperating with Jin Xiu Alliance is Tian Ji Pavilion of Nan Chu, but their power is in the dark, now they are completely gone without a trace. Even the business firms they controlled have all been lost. This Tian Ji Pavilion is really mysterious and unpredictable. Our power in Nan Chu is not strong enough, it's really beyond our reach."

  "Remember this, that's all. Master Door said, if we can't stop people from talking, then let them shift their attention. Since the Crown Prince has gotten into this kind of trouble, we need to make others get into some trouble too. The more chaos, the better. This way, who will still remember the Crown Prince's affair? Even if they do, as long as we support the Crown Prince in ascending to the throne, who would dare bring up this matter again? The most important thing right now is that we can't lose the Emperor's favor. As for Chang Le's situation, it's best you don't interfere."

  Li Han said: "Disciple obeys orders, I already have a plan in mind, so Master Uncle can rest assured."

  Ji Guifei said softly: "You are the sect leader's beloved closed-door disciple, how could I not worry? You do things well. Your eldest senior sister has obtained the sect leader's true teachings, but after all, the sect leader has not yet chosen a successor. If your merits are great enough, I will certainly speak for you in front of the sect leader."

  As soon as this was said, Li Han's eyes flashed with a hint of madness, but she quickly regained her composure and replied: "Thank you, Master Uncle, for your kind intentions. I have always respected Eldest Senior Sister deeply and dare not harbor such wild notions."

  The imperial concubine Ji smiled slightly and said, "Alright, you can go take care of your business now."

  Looking at Li Han's back, Ji Guifei smiled faintly. Having been in this world of fame and fortune for a long time, she had already known that no matter what kind of person, if they said they could easily abandon the temptation of fame and wealth, it was all a lie. Fame, power, wealth, and glory were not things that could be easily given up. Even if one didn't love money and fame, the kind of authority that came with holding power, where one word could make the world bow its head, was even more intoxicating. How many people in this world could resist such temptation?

  Huò Jì Chéng crouched in the thick grass, holding his breath and not daring to move. His heart was burning with rage at this moment, constantly cursing his incompetent subordinates for not properly executing their plan, which had led to them being easily annihilated by Qín Qīng's army. What he hated most was Fèng Yí Mén - they had been chasing him for a whole day and night, and if it weren't for his expertise in hiding his tracks, he would have probably fallen into that woman's hands long ago.

  Suddenly, under the dim moonlight, a figure appeared before Huo Jicheng. It was a woman in blue clothing, with simple and unadorned attire, typical of the common women of Dayong. As a native of Shu, Huo Jicheng had an eye for fine fabrics and could tell at a glance that the woman's clothes were not made by a famous tailor, but rather seemed to be handmade by someone skilled in weaving and sewing. If he had seen her under normal circumstances, Huo Jicheng would have thought she was just a village girl from the countryside. But now, in this place, she filled him with a sense of foreboding.

  The woman lit a fire, and as the flames danced, they illuminated an ordinary face. Her features were unremarkable, but the calm and collected expression on her brow gave her an air of mystery. Huo Jicheng's heart skipped a beat as he recalled the rumors about Fengyimen. It was said that the master of Fengyimen was so beautiful that she only accepted disciples who were equally good-looking, with one exception: her first disciple, Wen Ziyun. Wen Ziyun had been taken in by the master when she was young and was neither talented nor particularly skilled, but she possessed a perseverance and determination that earned her the master's true teachings.

  Now, at just thirty years old, it was said that Wen Ziyun had already mastered seven or eight parts of Fengyimen's martial arts. She had been the master's most trusted assistant during the campaigns against Li Yuan in the west and had fought bravely, with blood on her hands. After Dayong had pacified the Central Plains, she had returned to Fengyimen and rarely ventured out. It was said that more than half of Fengyimen's disciples had learned their martial arts from her, under the master's guidance.

  Huo Jicheng was skilled in a mental technique that made his heartbeat and breathing extremely faint, at this moment he seemed like an inanimate stone, he felt that the woman was concentrating her mind to listen to the wind blowing through the grass around her, so he didn't dare to take a deep breath.

  The woman seemed to be somewhat disappointed, waved her hand to extinguish the fire, and disappeared into the night. Half a time later, Huo Jicheng slowly moved his body, exercising his numb limbs. He adjusted his breath for a moment, looked at the starlight in the sky, judged the direction, and remembered that Tianji Pavilion had sent news before. If he could reach a farmhouse thirty miles ahead, he would be able to send him out of Dayong State. Huo Jicheng felt that his energy had recovered a lot, and he started his journey again.

  Traveling at night was a very difficult task, and Huo Jicheng was a startled bird, looking around cautiously all the way. Finally, at dawn, he arrived at a small farmhouse. The farmhouse was very remote, with no one in sight for miles around. Huo Jicheng secretly observed it for half a day without discovering any ambushes, then approached and knocked on the door. When the door opened, two 15- or 16-year-old boys saw Huo Jicheng and revealed joyful expressions. As Huo Jicheng entered the farmhouse, he caught sight of Han Wuji's figure.

  Han Wuji saw the city of Huo and sighed, "Huo Mengzhu, why are you so stubborn? The first time you launched a surprise attack and succeeded, I advised you to withdraw quickly, but you refused. Now that the Brocade Alliance has suffered heavy losses, what will you do?"

  Huò Jì Chéng said with a sigh: "It was all because of my subordinates who instigated me, that's why I fell into the trap. But it doesn't matter, the Brocade Alliance still has a small number of people outside, as long as I can find them. In three to five years, I can rise again. However, for that batch of goods, I'll have to ask you to help me sell them."

  Han Wuji smiled and said: "Why must you take action for me? I'll buy this batch of goods at 50% price, you bring the silver ticket and leave, isn't it better than both hands empty?"

  Huojicheng exclaimed in surprise: "Brother Han, are you serious?"

  Han Wuji said, "How dare I deceive you? These goods we will slowly sell out, and in the end, we won't suffer a loss. But Brother Huo, you want to reorganize the Brocade Alliance, how can that be done without money?"

  Huo Ji Cheng bowed deeply and said: "Thank you, Brother Han, for your kindness. If I, Huo, have a chance to turn my fortunes around, I will definitely not treat Brother Han unfairly."

  Han Wuji smiled and said, "I don't dare, many friends have many roads, I am also following the orders of the master. Alright, Brother Huo, you go take a bath and change your clothes first, I've already prepared wine and dishes for you to eat your fill, after that, put on the clothes I've prepared for you, disguise yourself, and with the complete set of identity documents I've prepared, you can leave freely."

  Huo Jicheng worriedly said: "But Fengyimen's Wen Ziyuan is pursuing her relentlessly, how can she give up."

  Han Wuji smiled and said, "Don't worry, Alliance Head. I've already prepared a corpse to replace you. The corpse is in the next room. Once you leave, I'll set fire to the farmhouse and make it look like you were murdered."

  Huo Jicheng's heart skipped a beat as he said, "Let me take a look first to see if the substitute looks alike."

  Han Wuji pointed to a small door, and Huo Ji walked in to take a look. On the wooden bed inside, there was indeed a corpse, whose build was very similar to his own. He felt relieved this time, it seemed that Tianji Pavilion didn't plan to kick him while he was down.

  After changing clothes, he wolfed down a meal and drank another cup of tea. However, his whole body felt sore and unbearable, probably due to the exhaustion from running all night. He wished he could take a nap, but with pursuers behind him, Huo Jicheng had no choice but to say, "Looks like I have to leave, this place is not safe anymore."

  Han Wuji smiled faintly and said: "Sorry, Lord Huo, you can't go anywhere now."

  Huo Jicheng was shocked and wanted to jump up, but his legs felt numb and he couldn't move. He stared at Han Wujie in horror and said, "You're going to betray me too."

  Han Wuji coldly said: "As fellow Shu people, although we have not devoted ourselves to restoring the country, we also will not cruelly harm our own people. You took on the role of Jin Xiu Alliance Master and harmed to death many Shu people who did not want to go with the flow. Your crimes are too numerous to be recorded."

  Huo Jicheng angrily said: "What does this have to do with you? You've gained quite a few benefits from me, haven't you?"

  Han Wuji said calmly, "Yes, we have relied on you quite a bit, but today you're at the end of your rope. We don't want to be implicated by you. You know some things about our Tianji Pavilion, and besides, the pavilion master has already given an order to silence you before Fengyi Gate can find out that there's still someone behind you pulling the strings."

  Huojicheng's heart skipped a beat, thinking that although he had been in high spirits these days, most of his actions were actually suggested by him. Had he become someone else's pawn? He thought highly of himself and couldn't help but feel furious at this thought, his eyes blazing with anger.

  Han Wuji smiled faintly and said, "Lord Huo, beneath the nine springs, don't forget to apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Han Zhang when you see them. Also, my young master asked me to pass on a message: Miss Roulan is doing well." A glimmer of understanding flashed in Huo Jicheng's eyes as he said, "You're here to avenge Han Zhang."

  Han Wuji no longer spoke, and from his sleeve slid out a dagger, which he lightly swung, cutting off the throat of Huo Jicheng. As this rampaging man's life came to an end, his eyes still held injustice and gnashing anger.

  Han Wuji took out a jade bottle, poured the powder inside onto He Jicheng's body, and after a chilling hissing sound, He Jicheng's corpse turned into a pool of clear water, leaving behind only clothes, shoes, socks, and some scattered items. Han Wuji said calmly: "Shanzi, Qu Huang, you guys collect these things, we should also leave."

  When Han Wuji took two young men to clear all the clues and set fire to the farmhouse, not long after they left, Wen Ziyun also arrived at this place. She had discovered that someone was covering up Huo Jicheng's tracks and created many fake trails to lead her astray. However, she finally found out about Huo Jicheng's true whereabouts, but unfortunately, it was too late. She only found a charred corpse. A strange cold light shot out of her eyes as she examined the corpse. Since she arrived in time, most of the body had not been burned yet, except for the face which was already charred beyond recognition. Wen Ziyun smiled coldly, this corpse could be identified as a martial artist just by looking at its hands and feet. Huo Jicheng wanted to escape, but it depended on whether she would allow it or not.