Chapter 219

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

　　As the sun rose above the morning fog, journeymen and merchants from the countryside passed by as they sang their tunes out loud while selling their merchandise. Gradually, the sun approached its zenith. Groups of horse riders passed by slowly, consisting of officials’ daughters on their way to the temple, armed escorts, and vigilante swordsmen often depicted in wuxia novels. Some of these people came up to greet her as they saw her standing in the pavilion. However, she did not see anything. She stood there quietly as her surroundings became noisier, then quietened down. As the sun rose and set, the moon took over as the main distinct object in the sky. It was crescent-shaped and silver in color, and resembled a mother’s benevolent complexion.

　　The landscape was desolate and deserted. She stood alone; her limbs had turned numb. As the sky gradually darkened, she could not see anything else but the pale moonlight shining on the weeds. Her journey, her future… everything had disappeared. She took a deep breath and lowered her head, shaking her neck which had turned stiff. She released her pent-up frustrations by sighing to herself from within, and then burying it deep in her heart.

　　The light breeze swept across the vast plains, causing the blades of grass to rustle. Her heart was empty as many past memories flashed across her mind. Everything had become distant; only a piece of barren white ground remained. Everything that she had experienced the past ten years went up in smoke, all that was left was a bleak, desolate outlook.

　　She turned around and grabbed the horse’s reins. The horse turned around gently and brushed its head against Chu Qiao’s face, looking at her in worry.

　　“Hurhur,” Chu Qiao laughed as she felt a little itchy. This was Liu Xing, her horse which Zhuge Yue had returned to her after raising it for many years. They remained as close as ever. She reached out her hand to push him away and chided in a hoarse voice, “Liu Xing, stop it.” Her hand brushed across her cheeks accidentally, as she realized that the winds had inflicted some wounds on it. She was stunned as she turned towards Liu Xing. The horse turned forcefully towards the north and snorted at her, wanting to bring her after a certain someone.

　　“Good boy,” she stroked its head gently as she leaned on its neck. The horse had aged, just like her heart, which had been scarred by countless experiences. “Let’s go,” she stood upright and pulled her horse along as she walked towards the south.

　　The moonlight shone on her body, casting a long shadow on the white ground. The nocturnal crows were alarmed as they flew across the path. The young lady’s shadow slowly faded into the distance, finally disappearing after some time. Perhaps, calmness and tranquility traditionally preceded the storm.

　　It was the seventh day of the new year. The city of Zhen Huang was still submerged in a joyous mood. A bout of heavy snowfall had enveloped the city in white. A group of soldiers entered the city gates to the salutation of the sentries, until they disappeared at the end of the long street.

　　Zhuge Yue entered his residence by the rear gate. Outsiders who harbored the hope of fishing out any intel had their dreams dashed, as the servants of Qingshan Court had made preparatory works many days in advance. Zhuge Yue stepped into the courtyard emotionlessly as he threw his cloak into Huan’er’s hands. With a heavy tone, he questioned, “Where’s the person?”

　　“He’s inside. He has been waiting for a long time.”

　　As the room doors were pushed open, a fragrant sandalwood smell drifted out from inside. A man dressed in a black robe stood up; he was handsome, the contours of his face were defined. The look in his eyes was sharp and intimidating, yet graceful. The two of them exchanged stares for a while. Finally, the cold look on Zhuge Yue’s face thawed away as he broke out in a smile. He took a step forward as both parties patted each other on the shoulder forcefully, then embraced each other.

　　“Did everything go well along the way?” Zhuge Yue dislodged his sword hanging by his waist, sat on the chair, drank a mouthful of tea from Zhao Che’s cup, and asked.

　　Zhao Che laughed in response. He had matured, having gone through many of life’s ups and downs in his years at the border. Evidently, he was no longer that arrogant, unrestrained prince that he once was.

　　“It was good, just that I couldn’t get used to the smell of the cosmetics here. On my way here, I sneezed quite a few times.”

　　Zhuge Yue replied humorously, “Luckily you’re talking to me. If it was any other person, you would have received a beating.”

　　Zhao Che snatched his teacup back and looked at him from the side of his eyes. “At this juncture, you can still banter like that. Looks like you don’t hold the man from Yan Bei in high regard.”

　　Zhuge Yue raised his eyebrows and asked, “You think they’re responsible for this too?”

　　“It’s obvious.” Zhao Che laughed coldly as he continued, “During the first northern conflict, Song was secretly supplying rations to Yan Bei through the southern waterways of Tang and along the northwest. During the second northern conflict, Song cooperated with Yan Bei as they conducted military drills near the eastern borders of Xia to capture our attention. There is definitely some unknown relations between Yan Bei and Song. It’s only that I’m not clear who exactly is able to persuade Princess Nalan to cooperate with Yan Bei.”

　　“There’s no need to know this person. Knowing their real motives will be sufficient,” Zhuge Yue replied calmly, not wishing to waste further time on this topic. He turned around and asked, “How are things at the northeast? How are your preparations?”

　　As they delved into this topic, a proud expression slowly appeared on Zhao Che’s face. He declared confidently, “You don’t need to worry. The northeast is stable under my supervision. The trade routes at Roulan have been opened up. The land along Hu’e in the western regions have been made fertile. The civilians there are leading comfortable lives. We have been carrying out secret reconstruction works for two years. Presently, the land of Donghu is under my rule. With your economic support, it has become a prosperous place. In three to five years, the vibrancy of Donghu will not lose out to that of Xia.”

　　“You shifted the civilians secretly. Did the higher-ups discover it?”

　　“It’s all thanks to Wei Shuye, who has been pulling the strings for me in court. Also, Donghu is too far away. It has Baicang Mountains as a screen too. The civilians there are ethnically diverse as well. The higher-ups have not taken notice of this.”

　　Zhuge Yue nodded and replied in a heavy tone, “That’s good.”

　　Zhao Che let out a long sigh as he patted Zhuge Yue’s shoulder, a curious look in his eyes. He smiled slightly as he remarked, “You have put in your best efforts towards Donghu. If you have time, you can visit the place. You haven’t seen AhRou in a long time too.”

　　As the flames at the fireplace flickered, its warmth spread across the entire room. Time had passed fast; in the blink of an eye, it had been another two years. The two of them, who had been despised, who had nothing to their name, stood at this place face to face, looking at each other as if it was a dream.

　　That year, when Zhao Yang failed in his conquest at the north, when Zhao Qi died tragically, Zhuge Yue and Zhao Che stepped up to the forefront by leading the Xia troops, who were coming off a heavy defeat, back to Yanming Pass, sparking the start of the second northern conflict. In the year that they worked together, they turned from political enemies at loggerheads with each other to wartime comrades who looked out for each other. As they went through countless bloodshed together, a bond of steel was forged between them, hence forming the most stable partnership in the continent of West Meng. The men, who had both suffered many hardships, easily become acquainted with each other. From their initial wariness against each other, a sense of appreciation, respect, and trust between each other slowly developed, through the times of life and death they had experienced in common.

　　Their communication with each other was temporarily cut off as Zhuge Yue lost at the battle of Yuegong, while Zhao Che was stripped of his military power and brought back to Zhen Huang. After Zhao Che arrived back in Zhen Huang, he did not cut off ties with Zhuge Yue. Instead, he mobilized his troops to conduct numerous rescue operations in Yan Bei, while he tried to salvage his name and reputation in court. Ultimately, the officials were angered by his actions. Zhao Che was implicated as well, as he was exiled to the harsh impoverished northeast regions to watch over the borders there.

　　The treatment that Zhao Che experienced allowed him to see the despicable characters at the helm of this dynasty in decline, once again. His family only did this as they could not kill him. Disappointed, he left that place, journeying towards his destination. However, as he was about to reach the place, he bumped into Zhuge Yue, who had tracked him down from afar.

　　The two noble aristocrats, who had lost everything, then made a blood pact to rescue their country, under the icy cold land ravaged by the northern winds. With this, they wandered off in opposite directions towards their respective corners where nobody disturbed them, knowing that they had each other’s backs as they fought for their country patriotically. However, Zhao Che knew the real reason behind Zhuge Yue supporting Xia in this manner, helping them to avoid countless crises. It was mainly to repay the debt of gratitude owed to him. He was cold on the outside, but warm on the inside. He remembered every single favor that he owed, regardless of how trivial it was.

　　“How is the emperor’s illness?”

　　Zhao Che’s eyebrows raised as he replied calmly, “He’s severely ill. Looks like he doesn’t have much time left.”

　　Zhuge Yue frowned as he stated in a heavy tone, “We still need some time.”

　　Zhao Che nodded as he laughed, “However, this might not be the case too. Many years ago, the physicians said the same thing as well. He’s still alive today. He’s an ambitious person, he won’t die that easily.”

　　Zhuge Yue turned around, frowned, and chided, “He’s your father after all.”

　　“Forget that. We are only father and son by name. If Wei Shuye did not intercede on my behalf, I might not even have been assigned to the borders. I would have had my head chopped off at Jiu You Platform. Everyone knows this. Hypocrites like him make me feel disgusted.”

　　Zhao Che looked more like a soldier, having spent the past two years in hardened conditions. He looked at Zhuge Yue and said in a heavy tone, “What about you? How will you deal with this matter?”

　　Zhuge Yue looked up towards him and asked, “What do you think?”

　　“In my opinion, why don’t you just agree with the marriage and see how they react? I think they’re expecting you to reject the marriage offer. Why don’t we surprise them?”

　　Zhuge Yue frowned slightly. This was indeed the best way that they could improvise. However, he smiled, not uttering another word as his expression remained stoic.

　　“Matters of love are the downfall of a hero. I’m afraid that you are the perfect fit for this phrase. Up till now, have you not given up?”

　　Zhuge Yue avoided his question and retorted, “There is another way out as well. If they want to play this game, I will happily oblige. I can divert their attention and carve out another opportunity for you.”

　　Zhao Che replied in a heavy tone, “They are aggressive this time around. Do you have any escape routes?”

　　“No escape routes?” Zhuge Yue smiled as he replied coldly, “I’ll make one myself then.”

　　Zhao Che nodded as he stood up, holding his sword in his hand. His black robe accentuated his already intimidating posture. With a stern tone, he said slowly, “It’s meaningless to plot endlessly against other people. Ultimately, our swords will do the talking. Fourth Brother, it’s no longer like the past. If things are not to our liking, there’s no need to tolerate anymore. With your power, no one can force you.”

　　Zhuge Yue laughed in an appreciative manner as he said, “You make me seem like a weak lady being forced to do things I don’t like. I appreciate your intentions though. You must hide yourself carefully, since you sneaked into the city.”

　　Zhao Che declared, “No matter what, I still had to visit you.”