World of Hidden Phoenixes 11 – 12 (Summary)

Chapter 11

The days passed very quickly. Though no one came looking for Hua Zhu Yu, those were not easy days for her. It was very awkward for her to stay in the tent when Zhu Xiang was serving her guest.

Today, having reached the end of her forbearance, Hua Zhu Yu rushed out of the tent. Outside, no Northern soldier was guarding her tent. It seemed that Xiao Yin simply did not care or maybe had completely forgotten about her. This was a good thing, yet also a bad thing. It showed clearly that Xiao Yin determined to wage war against Southern Dynasty.

Judging from the size of the camp, she estimated this time, Xiao Yin brought a force of approximately two thousands men with him. When he came to Xianwang’s rescue, he had already kept precautions in his mind. Apparently Xiao Yin, this man, was not a foolhardy.

It was almost dusk, the sky was dyed with blue and orange. Hua Zhu Yu walked around in the camp. The camp was located below a high mound. Looking at the camp’s surroundings, it would be very hard for her to escape. Moreover, although the red tents were not guarded, there were soldiers patrolling inside the camp. It was not even easy to get out of this camp.

Wandering along the shores of a lake, Hua Zhu Yu immediately caught a patrolling soldier’s attention. After some talk and warning, she went back to her tent.

Back to her tent, Zhu Xiang’s guest had gone. Zhu Xiang sat on her bed, was counting her money and then gave some to Hua Zhu Yu. Hua Zhu Yu smiled and took the money. Since she wanted to flee, she would need money later.

After two days, Hua Zhu Yu already knew the terrain of this camp quite well. From a sergeant who came looking for Zhu Xiang, Hua Zhu Yu learned that Xiao Yin would bring his guards out tonight. Thus, she decided to flee tonight.

She came out of her tent, dressed like a prostitute. She learned from Zhu Xiang that some high-ranking sergeants would not go to red tents, they often called the prostitutes to go to their tents. She could just use this as an excuse in case she was found out by the patrolling soldier(s).

Even though Hua Zhu Yu did not have internal force now, still, she was agile. She successfully dodged two patrolling soldiers and arrived at the stable’s side.

Her eyes roamed the stable and finally settled on a horse. It was a rare, good horse, really well suited to her needs. She wanted to run away so much she actually forgot one a thing. This kind of horse usually recognized its master.

She took that horse out of the stable and when she tried to mount the horse, it suddenly lashed out at her with its hind legs. Fortunately, Hua Zhu Yu reacted very fast, she rolled on the ground to dodge the horse’s kick. Then, she jumped to her feet and was about to approach the horse again to tame it when she suddenly heard a sound of people talking.

Hua Zhu Yu’s heart chilled. She must not be found at the stable or else the excuse she had prepared could not be used and she would immediately be tied back.

Her eyes swept around the surroundings and saw two carts parked beside the stable. On the carts were several barrels, the scent of wine faintly emanated from them. Hua Zhu Yu opened one of those barrels and found it empty. She immediately climbed into that barrel and then closed it after that.

For now, she could only wait for the two people who spoke just now to leave and then get out of the barrel afterwards.

Unexpectedly, they came toward the carts. One of them said hoarsely “This time, the wine is truly worthy of its name, the taste is truly good.”

“Shh, don’t speak carelessly again, if his highness knows we drink this wine, we will lose our heads!” Another man whispered warily.

Suddenly, Hua Zhu Yu felt the barrel in which she was hiding shook. Those men unexpectedly lifted the barrel.

*****

Chapter 12

While lifting the barrel, the two people chatted. Hua Zhu Yu learned from them that this wine was sent from Northern Dynasty’s capital city. The wine would be brought into the storage tent.

Hua Zhu Yu remained curled up, did not dare to move even a little bit. When the barrel was put down and they went to again take another barrel, that was the chance for her to get out of the barrel.

Soon, the barrel seemed to be placed on the ground. Hua Zhu Yu was waiting for both of them to leave when she heard a sound of footsteps came over and someone asked “Is this the wine that just sent over tonight?”
That man then ordered the two to carry the barrel and follow him.

The wine barrel jolted Hua Zhu Yu, apparently, it was again put down on the ground. The sound of orderly footsteps grew distant, it seemed that those men had retreated.

Silent

No movement was heard, it seemed nobody outside.

Hua Zhu Yu quietly lifted up the lid of the barrel a little, squinted her eyes as she looked outside. It was a big tent. The tent was gorgeously furnished. There was a reddish brown long table with a bronze incense furnace on it. The incense furnace which was engraved with vivid and life-like dragon faintly sent out a wisp of smoke that gently curled upwards.

Whether it was in Southern Dynasty or in Northern Dynasty, besides emperor, only crown prince who could use things carved with dragon. This must be Xiao Yin’s tent. Her heart chilled slightly.

Her eyes swept around and found no one inside the tent. Just when she was about to climb out of the wine barrel, suddenly she heard a burst of multiple footsteps approaching the tent. Hua Zhu Yu hurriedly closed the barrel lid over herself again and listened closely.

The footsteps already entered the tent. Obviously there were several people there but no one spoke, making the atmosphere very intimidating.

“Zhang Xi, bring out the topographic map.” An indifferent voice with a hint of coldness spoke.

Xiao Yin, he returns so soon.

“Yes, Your highness!!” a slightly familiar voice answered.

“Your highness, is Marquis of Ping Xi, Hua Mu, really that difficult to deal with?” A loud, rough voice asked. It was Da Qi’s voice.

“Hua Mu is indeed not easy to deal with, but now he is missing a capable man, his army’s strength weakens a lot. So, we might have chance of winning.” Xiao Yin said lightly.

“Your highness, who are you referring to?” Da Qi asked.

“His highness is referring to a young general in Hua Mu’s army, Silver Face Asura, Ying Shu Xie. A man in his platoon who named Sha Po Lang is a gallant fighter. Moreover, it is said that, along with his 4 guards who called Ping, An, Kang and Tai, if the enemies troops meet them, will never be safe and sound.” again, another unfamiliar voice spoke.

“Is that Silver Face Asura very formidable, let me take care of him.” Da Qi exclaimed.

“I am afraid you don’t have that chance in your lifetime! He was already defeated at the hands of Zhang Xi. He is dead. It is just that, Zhang Xi, I am skeptical, has he truly been killed by you?” that voice said doubtfully.

“Humph, not even able to beat Zhang Xi, what Silver Face Asura” Da Qi scoffed coldly.

“Indeed, he was hard to deal with, I was merely lucky to be able to defeat him.” Zhang Xi said in a low voice. In fact, until now, he still did not quite believe he had killed that white-robed young general.

“Even though he is gone, but his subordinate, Sha Po Lang, a vanguard in Hua Mu’s army, still is not easy to deal with” Xiao Yin said. Changing the topic all of a sudden, he asked “What is that?”

“It is a fine wine which just arrives, it is said that it is newly brewed wine from royal winery, so this subordinate then orders people to bring it over to your highness, does you highness want to try? It is said that it is really delicious.” Zhang Xi explained. A sound of footsteps came toward Hua Zhu Yu.

Hua Zhu Yu’s heart sighed. What a bad luck, really can’t hide anymore. This Xiao Yin, studying topographic map, then just study the topographic map, drink what fine wine?

Suddenly, a bright light hit her eyes, the barrel lid was already opened.

“*surprised* Who are you?” a maid who opened the lid was unexpectedly quick-witted, she pushed the barrel. Hua Zhu Yu had no enough time to stand up, the barrel already fell, she rolled out of the barrel. Subsequently, she heard a sound of swords drawn from their sheathes. Countless swords were already placed on her neck.

“It is indeed a fine wine ah” Xiao Yin’s voice came coldly from behind. Cold, murderous tone could be heard in his voice.

*****

World of Hidden Phoenixes 8

Chapter 8

Although Hua Zhu Yu was saved, she did not get good treatment.

After they had come down the mountain, the guard put Hua Zhu Yu down, tied up her hands and stuffed her into a sack on the cold man’s order. Once the sack’s mouth was bound, she could not see anything. Then, he tied the sack onto a horse’s back like she were just a thing.

Shortly, the horse started to run, ran very vast, its rider did not slightest care about her. Hua Zhu Yu bumped on the horse’s back, many times she was unable to breathe, and nearly fainted.

Unbeknownst to her how long they had traveled, sound of horses’ hooves galloping gradually slowed down, gradually people’ voices sounded.

Hua Zhu Yu was carried on a guard’s shoulder down the horse’s back, she heard that guard’s voice asked “Your majesty, what should we do with this woman?”

“Take a look first whether she has died!” a man said faintly, there was bone-chilling coldness in his voice, just like this Northern air, so cold that it made people shiver.

The guard opened the sack’s mouth, took Hua Zhu Yu out of the sack. The sudden bright light caused her to close her eyes instantly.

After a moment, she slowly opened her eyes. She was in a state of total disarray that her original looks could not be told anymore. The blowing wind carried along Northern cold air, ruffled her hair. Her face was smeared black and dirty, her hair sprawled messily. Only a pair of black clear eyes exuded a brilliant radiance.

They were in a gently sloping field, there were hundreds of tents linked up into a single stretch. Constantly, there were Northern Dynasty’s soldiers came out of the tents, they did not speak, all looked respectfully towards the man before her.

Hua Zhu Yu was very familiar with this kind of scene. Clearly, this was actually a place where an army quartered.

“A pair of pretty eyes, but… it is a pity.” The man in front of her narrowed his eyes and sighed lightly. Only now Hua Zhu Yu could see clearly this man who stood on a high slope last night. He wore a purple cloak and was casually standing there. He had tall stature. Carving-like handsome face, a pair of long eyes slightly closed, revealed a glimmer of brilliant purple color.

Purple eyes?!

That pupils of those eyes were just like high grade ice jade, the brilliant purple color added a touch of charm. If the icy cold aura that he gave off and a hint of mockery in his cold smile were overlooked, this man was truly a feast for the eyes.

Unfortunately, his natural icy cold, hard to get close aura made people could not help but overlooked his outer looks.

Who is he?

Hua Zhu Yu recalled someone called him ‘your majesty’ just now, then this man must be Xiao Yin, the crown prince of Northern Dynasty, the man whom she was going to marry.

Hua Zhu Yu had heard about Northern Dynasty’s crown prince before.

There was a talk widely spread among the people about South White Phoenix, North Purple Roc, West Ashura and East God of Fortune. These four were well known as being peerless in martial arts.

Xiao Yin, the crown prince of Northern Dynasty, was the north purple roc. (I’m really not sure I translate the other three correctly, so rather than delay my update, I just leave it for now)

At that time, Hua Zhu Yu scoffed at it, what four peerless men, how many people were there that truly worthy of their names. Just took her as an example, her reputation was out-and-out fake, so they must also not be necessarily really peerless.

But, at this very moment, it appeared that this man, the purple roc before her, truly had a peerless master demeanor.

Hua Zhu Yu’s scrutiny surprised Xiao Yin. He did not expect that this woman’s nerve was actually not small, he had never seen people who dared to look at him straightly this way before.

He brought a spear in his hand up to Hua Zhu Yu’s chin, narrowing his eyes, he scrutinized her, shiny tip of the spear reflected together with brilliance in Hua Zhu Yu’s eyes and made her black pupils shone even more brightly. Xiao Yins’ wrist moved slightly, the sharp spear’s tip scratched Hua Zhu Yu’s chin skin, a drop of blood dripped down the tip of the spear.

Xiao Yin frowned. Such delicate skin, this is a woman of Southern Dynasty?

“Crown prince, don’t act rashly. Even though this time we fell into Southern Dynasty’s scheme, but as long as the princess is not dead, perhaps this matter still can take a turn for the better.” xian wang said with a deep note in his voice.

“Royal uncle, you have always been soft on Southern Dynasty, but you also have seen that Southern Dynasty has been eyeing us, Northern Dynasty. The matter this time is merely a pretext. Even if we can avoid it this time, they still won’t let us off next time. Why not meeting the enemy head on, are we, Northern Dynasty, afraid of them?” Xiao Yin spoke coldly, withdrew the spear from Hua Zhu Yu’s neck.

Hua Zhu Yu became alarmed on hearing that, if Northern Dynasty determined to wage war against Southern Dynasty, was she be able to stay alive?!

No!
She could not die.
She wanted to live, there were still many things she needed to do! Hua Zhu Yu thought.

“Crown prince….” Hua Zhu Yu began to speak, and at once found her voice so hoarse that she felt terribly uncomfortable. She did not drink a single drop of water for one day and one night, the corners of her mouth had long been chapped, her voice had long been hoarse.

“What crown prince said is right, Southern Dynasty has an ambition, but…. *cough* *cough* *cough* *cough*” Hua Zhu Yu kept coughing. She was speaking disjointedly for a long time “Presently, It is better to avoid war, you know very well that you stand no chance of winning war at this time. I may be able to help you avoid this war …*cough” *cough* *cough*….”

Xiao Yin lowered his head and stared at the woman whose both shoulders were shaking with a violent cough, he held out his hand and someone hurriedly brought over in both hands a wine pouch made of cowhide. He opened the wine pouch, a strong fragrance came out of the pouch’s mouth.

Reaching out, he pinched Hua Zhu Yu’s mouth open and poured the liquid from the wine pouch into her mouth. This seemed to be Northern Dynasty’s special milk wine. It was salty and fishy. It carried pungent fragrance of wine.

The wine filled her mouth too fast and choked her, white liquid came out of her nose and she felt an unbearable pain, but Xiao Yin did not stop nevertheless. He grasped her hair firmly and continued to pour the wine. Finally, he was willing to stop when Hua Zhu Yu could drink no longer that the wine dripped out of her mouth and nose.

He leaned toward her slowly and gave a faint smile. This cold man’s smile actually had indescribable charm, only that there was a hint of mockery that could make people shiver in that smile.

“Ben wang¹ is not afraid of war, also doesn’t want to avoid it. Also, you may rest assured, even though you are not the woman whom ben tai zi² takes a fancy to, even though you are only a substitute, but ben tai zi won’t let you die.” Finished speaking, he smiled faintly, and then left while coldly commanding “Come, send her to red tent.”

¹ and ² This is how Xiao Yin refers to himself, wang means king, tai zi means crown prince,.

Xian Wang could hardly believe his ears, crown prince actually wanted to send the princess to red tent? But that red tent was the place for army prostitutes, is that possible…?

*****

My Comment

So, that is our another male lead in this novel, *facepalm* not any better than Ji Feng Li.  At first I thought ‘how I am going to continue read the story with this kind of male leads”. Sometimes I give up reading because of unlikeable main male or female leads. Then, I decided to give a chance to Xiao Yin (I am not sure I get the name right) , not Ji Feng Li, well I’am unfair here .

World of Hidden Phoenixes 6 – 7

Chapter 6

A mist in the mountain had dimmed vision, yet Hua Zhu Yu’s mind was suddenly crystal clear like a bright mirror.

This was obviously a killing conspiracy.

The relationship between Southern Kingdom and Northern Kingdom had not been harmonious. After taking control of West Borderland (Xi Jiang), perhaps emperor already intended to conquer Northern Kingdom. Unexpectedly, Northern Kingdom proposed a marriage alliance to establish a peace between the two kingdoms which would hinder emperor’s ambition.
Common folk longed living in peace, if there was no reason for war and the emperor insisted to engage in a war, he would lose support from them.

However, if she were assassinated once she was out of Southern Kingdom boundary, this would surely stir a huge uproar. Undoubtedly, Southern Kingdom would point the finger at Northern Kingdom. At that time, it was justifiable to dispatch troops to war with Northern Kingdom.

She was not replacing someone to marry, but to die.

Initially, Wen Wan was selected by Northern Kingdom’s envoy to be the bride, later someone should have known the emperor’s ploy, not willing to let Wen Wan die, thus she, Hua Zhu Yu was made a sacrificial lamb.

The person who knew the emperor’s ploy was perhaps Chancellor Ji Feng Li.

In Southern Kingdom, Hua Zhu Yu was known as a young lady who was unvirtuous, talentless and unappealing. If people were given a choice to choose between Wen Wan and Hua Zhu Yu, certainly they would choose Wen Wan, the first best young lady of Southern Kingdom.

Furthermore, she was daughter of Marquis of Ping Xi, Hua Mu. If she were to die, her father undoubtedly would be furious. He would lead a punitive expedition of Hua household’s army into Northern Kingdom to revenge her death. The fighting on the battlefield would be even more bold and fierce.

Hua Zhu Yu really admired this scheme of Emperor and Ji Feng Li.

It was not that she held no hatred in her heart but she did not have free time to think about this at the moment. She needed to think how to deal with her imminent assassination conspiracy.

After figuring all of this out, Hua Zhu Yu’s eyes were limpid and cold, not only she showed no sadness, but she looked even calmer. She, Hua Zhu Yu, was not just sitting and waiting for death type of person.

“Jin Se, you tell the guard who is driving the carriage at once that I am somewhat feeling unwell and need to take a rest, get him report to Xian Wang, do not let the troops enter canyon, rest for a while.” Hua Zhu Yu said to Jin Se in a low voice.

Jin Se went and did as she was told. Before long, the troops halted, turned out they stopped just right before the canyon entrance.

“Miss, what is the matter with you actually?” Jin Se asked, her eyes full of concern.

“Jin Se, don’t panic, there is someone wants to kill me, we must escape from here” lowering her voice, Hua Zhu Yu said. “Lend your arm to support me, we get off, don’t let anyone follow us, for a moment think of a way to look for a hiding place, hide first”.

The only idea for now was to hide.

Since the Emperor had determined to kill her, the Sergeant of Northern Kingdom certainly unable to protect her, because the Emperor was perfectly clear about number of Northern Kingdom troops assigned to escort the bride. The number of assassins sent certainly sufficient to work smoothly. Moreover, that grizzled, bearded Xian Wang was not skilled in Martial Arts.

Hearing that, Jin Se was startled, her face went pale white, almond-shaped eyes opened wide, she did not say a word, took Hua Zhu Yu by the arm and assisted her down from the horse carriage.

Thinking that Hua Zhu Yu needed to relieve herself, the guard let them go and tactfully did not follow them since this was not the first time they asked him to watch over and they went by themselves.

Jin Se supported Hua Zhu Yu while they walked a few paces, they turned toward cliff, Jin Se bent down, carried Hua Zhu Yu on her back and used her qing gong. The summit was covered with lingering snow throughout the year. A creaking noise sounded as they stepped on it, cold wind hit their faces. Mountain road was rugged and craggy, icy air chilled them to the bones.
The snow below their feet suddenly slid, the two people were rolling down the hillside.

They heard a sound of horses neighing coming from behind. In this dark and gloomy night, the sound was particularly ear-piercing. There was a scent of blood on the night wind, drifting from a distance. Clearly, the assassins who were hiding in the valley before had started moving.

Jin Se got up from snowy ground, was about to carry Hua Zhu Yu on her back and run again.

“Jin Se, don’t run, the moonlight is clear and bright tonight, they will discover us right away, find a place to hide first.” Hua Zhu Yu raised her eyes and looked into the distance, only to see steep mountain roadside, there was a patch of short shrubbery next to it.

Jin Se looked at a thick snow mantle before her eyes, bit the bullet, all of a sudden, her hand reached out and started taking off Hua Zhu Yu’s clothes.

“Jin Se, what do you want to do?” Hua Zhu Yu asked sternly.

Jin Se did not say a word. She again reached out her hands to remove a phoenix coronet on Hua Zhu Yu’s head.

Hua Zhu Yu suddenly understood what Jin Se wanted to do but she was powerless, unable to stop her, could only looked on helplessly as Jin Se changed her own clothes with Hua Zhu Yu’s wedding dress.

“Jin Se, don’t be stupid…” before Hua Zhu Yu could finish her protest, Jin Se sealed her mute acupressure point.

The night grew later, full moon was hanging upon the horizon, its light was clear and bright like water, enfolded Jin Se who wore head-to-toe red. She smiled slightly, her eyes were misty, she sniffed back the oncoming tears.

“Miss, that time, if it were not for you, Jin Se would have been abused to death by the rogues earlier, all these years Jin Se have been taken under your care. If miss encounters difficulty, Jin Se certainly should help. Hiding in the mountain can only avoid them temporary, not escape the assassins’ pursuit. Only if Jin Se disguises as Princess to die, they will stop the pursuit.” Jin Se slowly said, took a pendant off her neck and put it around Hua Zhu Yu’s neck.

“Miss, Jin Se has been wearing this thing since I was small. It is a family keepsake. Jin Se’s greatest wish is to reunite with my family. This wish, Jin Se asked Miss to fulfill it for Jin Se.” Jin Se said as she carried Hua Zhu Yu into a deep gully. Then, she continuously scooped some snow and sprinkled it on Hua Zhu Yu’s body. In a moment, Hua Zhu Yu was buried in deep snow.

Icy chill in the air was often overwhelming, yet it could not be compared to cold despair and desolation of her heart.

Jin Se

Jin Se…

Hua Zhu Yu’s lips kept opening and closing, trying to call out that name but no sound was coming out.

A clump of snow fell into her slightly opened mouth, trickled down her throat, seeped into her heart. She felt suffocating pain as if an invisible hand had grabbed her heart. She tried to reach out her hand, wanted to brush away the snow covering her body but it was futile.

Amidst a sound of chaotic footsteps could be heard faintly someone shouted “over here, the woman is over here!”

Howling wind, sound of people fighting, sound of swords clashing, soon after followed by a nasty laughter.

“Boss has given us a pretty good task ah, look at this delicate skin and fair complexion, look at these charming eyes, tonight we are really lucky.” A boorish man said.

*****

Chapter 7

Tonight, we, brothers are really lucky. We can get a taste of a young lady of capital noble family, haha…” another man said.

Even though Hua Zhu Yu was covered in snow, she still could hear wicked lust in that voice.

Her surroundings were icy cold, yet Hua Zhu Yu’s heart was burning with flame of anger.

She tried to exercise her qi¹ but her dan tian² was completely empty and she felt unbearable sharp pain in her meridians³, as if they were to explode at any time, her internal force was no more. Not willing to accept it, she tried again once more time. A burst of cold qi slowly rose inside the dan tian, in split a second it flowed all over her body, and her limbs weakened even more as a result.

¹Energy flow / life force energy.
²Natural center for human body’s qi.
³经脉 Jin Mai : any of the channels through which qi is believed to circulate round the body.

What poison is this? It is same as tendon weakening except it cannot be removed.

Hate!

She had never hated a person like this before.

She hated Ji Feng Li!

She also hated herself. She should not have let Jin Se follow her. She should have let her together with Tao Se go back. Jin Se’s martial arts were no match for the well-trained assassins.

Jin Se….

Don’t you touch her, don’t you hurt her!

She opened her mouth and was yelling in vain. Her lips were trembling violently, the sealed mute acupressure point caused her throat to issue no clear voice other than a coarse crowing sound. Both her hands were trembling, tried hardly to brush away the snow covering her, little by little.

At last, there was a bit of chilly moonlight before her eyes, she could finally get her head out of the snow blanket, but then she heard Jin Se’s miserable cry. A twinge of pain struck Hua Zhu Yu’s heart, and suddenly, blood gushed out of her mouth.

The white snow in a split second was stained red, looked like plum blossom blooming in the snow, chillingly beautiful. Her body was shaking all over incessantly and the pain in her heart nearly suffocated her.

Jin Se….

She is just a servant girl, she is innocent, why does she have to suffer such humiliating and brutal treatments for her.

Why!?

She strived to crawl out of the deep gully, however, she had no strength left, she only felt her weak body was light as a feather. The icy cold of snow remnant covering her melted, soaked her clothes and froze her conciousness….

Didn’t know how much time passed, she was awakened by a faint sound of people speaking.

“Your highness, there is one person still alive here, hey, it is a woman” said a man’s voice, surprised.

Hua Zhu Yu felt herself was being dug out by a pair of arms of the snow. Hua Zhu Yu just realized then, she was unconscious before.

How long have I been unconscious? How about Jin Se?

Hua Zhu Yu’s breathing suddenly grew hurried, chilly moonlight shone on her face, the black eyebrows-coloring mark on her left face was soaked by melted snow, her face was smeared black, under the black color was actually deathly pale.

Her line of sight swept over some people there and landed on distant snowy ground.

Not a soul in sight there, only blood. Dark red blood and snow blended together.

Under rays of moonlight, that scene was striking and horrifying.

That was Jin Se’s blood.

Hua Zhu Yu felt her head spinning, everything before her now seemed to appear bloody red. At once, the round bright moon seemed to be brilliant red. That was distorting red, shattering red and maddening red.

Red light and shadow flitted across Jin Se’s delicate and pretty face.

She didn’t have any siblings, in her heart, Jin Se was like a sister to her. Although Jin Se was always indifferent and appeared aloof, but only she knew, in her heart was so warm. Even though she encountered misfortunes since she was still a child, she never resented heaven and laid blame on others⁴. On the contrary, she was kind-hearted, many times, she helped starving beggars.

⁴Yuàn Tiān Yóu Rén 怨天尤人 Blame everyone and everything but oneself.

She is only seventeen years old ah!

Jin Se is in the prime of her life

cannot see her anymore, cannot see her soft, shallow smile, cannot hear her cold and indifferent words

Tears blurred Hua Zhu Yu’s eyes.

Jin Se died for her!

“Who are you? Are you Princess Mu Yun or that servant girl?” a voice asked uncertainly.

Hua Zhu Yu’s eyes widened as she was taking a clear look at the person who just spoke.

Over 50 years of age, a grizzled beard was stained red, likely blood. A pair of bright piercing eyes were looking at her, filled with anticipation.

This is….?

“Wangye, could it be that you have never seen the princess?” an imperial guard beside him asked cautiously.

“According to Southern Kingdom’s customs, the bride’s wedding veil is meant to be removed by the bridegroom in the bridal chamber, therefore Benwang have not seen her” that Wangye who stood before her said calmly.

It seems this person is Northern Kingdom’s xianwang.

He is actually not dead?!

That’s right, to put a blame on Northern Kingdom for this assassination, xianwang must not die.

“You are Pincess Mu Yun, right?” Xianwang stepped forward hurriedly, asked anxiously.

In her ears suddenly sounded a cold snort that sounded like indifference, sounded like arrogance, sounded like disdain….

Hua Zhu Yu slowly turned her head, only to see a man stood on a hillside, tall stature was wrapped in chilly moonlight. He gave off an endless cold air that caused people affraid to get close. His face was hidden in moonlight shadow, could not be seen clearly, only felt a pair of shining intimidating eyes, his majesty and imposing arrogance.

He stood there in a high and mighty manner, like a monarch overseeing his people.

“It is not good to stay longer here, save the person first and talk again after we return.” The man spoke with deep and low voice. The faint tone was like a light wind that brushing gently, but it could freeze just like frost.

Hua Zhu Yu opened her mouth to speak, still no sound came out, and when a guard at her side saw this, he lightly patted her body, unsealed Hua Zhu Yu’s acupressure point for speech.

“Don’t go, (I) beg you to find her, must save her” Hua Zhu Yu crawled on snow-covered ground.

It was the first time in her life, she felt low as dust. For the first time in her life she was begging for a favor.

Even if Jin Se was dead, she still had to find her, she could not let her corpse be left in this desolate hill. This was the only thing she could do for now.

The man heard her plea, the intimidating eyes dully swept over her body, chilly gleaming waves in his eyes were like river streamed, yet the eerie coldness of his eyes could not be concealed. This kind of imposing look gave people a feeling of suffocation.

He merely casted a glace at Hua Zhu Yu, coldly commanded his mans “You don’t take the person to leave quickly.” finished saying that, he turned and left.

The guard picked Hua Zhu Yu up off the ground, carried her on his back, and went down out of the mountain.

Looking at the moon, she chuckled as tears were streaming down her face.

Jin Se, I cannot do anything for you now, but one day I will settle this account for you.

*****

World of Hidden Phoenixes 4 – 5

Two chapters for this time. I shortened chapter 4 and 5. Some parts were summarized.

Chapter 4

Hua Zhu Yu woke up to find herself in a luxurious and elegant room. She knew she was in palace now. Tao Se, her dowry maid, was waiting on her there. She was confused and sad that emperor again suddenly issued a decree, and this time ordered her miss to marry a crown prince of Northern Kingdom.

Hua Zhu Yu still felt weak in her whole body. Except for being powerless, there was not any other symptom of poisoning. It seemed that she was fed with tendon weakening powder, probably to prevent her from refusing to marry Northern Kingdom’s prince and causing a ruckus.

Hua Zhu Yu asked her whether she had any news about her father but Tao Se did not know since in the palace news was kept strictly.

Outside the room, a young palace maid reported to Hua Zhu Yu that Aunt Qing Luo requested an audience with her and Hua Zhu Yu let Aunt Qing Luo came in. Aunt Qing Luo was a not too old palace maid, she seemed around thirty something years. She was ordered by emperor to help Hua Zhu Yu dressed up since Northern Kingdom’s envoys had come to pick her up and they were going to leave immediately.

Seeing her looks, Aunt Qing Luo was a bit surprised at first. Hua Zhu Yu was ugly, but Aunt Qing Luo did not say anything and acted normally. Yesterday, Hua Zhu Yu’s grandmother had Hua Zhu Yu dressed up prettily but on a sedan chair, she secretly painted a black birthmark on left side of her face. Originally, she planned to use this to play a joke on Ji Feng Li, but now, this fake birthmark which made her looks ugly could be used to fool the emperor. Knowing that she was ugly, he might cancel this marriage. Thus, Hua Zhu Yu only allowed aunt Qing Luo to do her hair only and did nothing to her face and clothing.

A sedan chair was already waiting outside. Tao Se and a few palace maidservants helped Hua Zhu Yu to get into the sedan chair. The sedan chair was carried to front gate of the palace. Emperor, empress, civil and military officials were there. Hua Zhu Yu was helped by Tao Se to step down from the sedan chair and bade farewell to the emperor and the empress.

Probably, the empress already heard news of the ugly birthmark on Hua Zhu Yu’s left face. She did not permit Hua Zhu Yu to lift open her bridal veil. She told Northern Kingdom’s envoys that bridal veil was one of marriage customs in Southern Kingdom. It was only meant to be removed by the bridegroom in the bridal chamber, otherwise it was inauspicious, and misfortune would befall on this marriage. This was an important marriage to secure an alliance between the two kingdoms, they naturally complied.

Hua Zhu Yu did not dare to act recklessly since she had not got any news on her father. Thus, this event ended peacefully. Tao Se helped her again to get into a carriage that had been prepared by Northern Kingdom.

Ministry of rites sent 500 soldiers to escort Hua Zhu Yu. Along with Northern Kingdom’s envoys, they went westward, out from Yu Town. In the evening, they arrived at Yuncheng District and spent the night in a biggest inn there.

After she finished having a dinner, Hua Zhu Yu leaned on the back of a couch. She did not know what drug was fed to her by Ji Feng Li. Tendon weakening powder wore off after twelve hours. Now, twelve hours had passed but she was still so powerless, did not know whether this drug could bring harm to her body or not.

She was about to lie down on the couch to rest when suddenly there was a sound coming from window. Someone climbed into the room. Tao Se was so happy to see that person, Jin Se.

*****

Chapter 5

Jin Se was also a Hua household maidservant. Unlike Tao Se who was a child of maidservant in Hua household, Jin Se was bought on street. Hua Zhu Yu was only five years old at that time. She went out to take a walk on the street with her grandmother. They saw a few rogues were whipping a little girl. That little girl was around six or seven years old. She wore ragged clothing, her hair was unkempt and there were bruises on her face and body. She was then bought by Hua Zhu Yu’s grandmother from the rogues and brought back to Hua’s residence. Because she did not tell her name or anything about herself, grandmother then named her Jin Se and let her became Hua Zhu Yu’s personal maidservant. They both grew up together and had a close relationship. After Hua Zhu Yu left Hua’s residence, Jin Se was then serving her grandmother. All these years when Hua Zhu Yu was away, and a young lady of Hua family was required to attend banquets, Hua Zhu Yu’s grandmother would let Jin Se disguised as Hua Zhu Yu. Thus, Jin Se had been very low key. However, this unexpectedly led to Hua Zhu Yu’s reputation as a nameless, lack of talent and no virtue young lady.

Jin Se believed and blamed herself that this led Hua Zhu Yu into current situation. Hua Zhu Yu, of course did not blame Jin Se, this had nothing to do with her. Seeing her so sad, Hua Zhu Yu lied to her that she paint an ugly birthmark on her left face and that scared Ji Feng Li.

From Jin Se, Hua Zhu Yu finally got news of her father and grandmother. Her grandmother already knew she was going to marry the crown prince of Northern Kingdom. Her grandmother was very sad and worried that she sent Jin Se to take care of Hua Zhu Yu. Hua Zhu Yu’s father might not have known about this marriage yet. After he sent Hua Zhu Yu off to marry Ji Feng Li, he immediately left for west border under emperor’s decree.

Tao Se was so stubborn that she was unwilling to return to capital and left Hua Zhu Yu. Hua Zhu Yu had Jin Se tied Tao Se up and then asked Xian Wang¹ of Northern Kingdom to let Ministry of Rites Sergeant to sent Tao Se back to capital. She did not want Tao Se to suffer with her in Northern Kingdom since it was uncivilized territory and had a frigid weather. Actually, she wanted to send both Tao Se and Jin Se back but now she was powerless and having no one to accompany her would not be good. Although Jin Se was not highly skilled in martial arts but it was still better than Tao Se who had no martial art skills at all.

                    ¹ This how brother of Northern Kingdom’s emperor was called. He was the crown prince’s uncle.

After half a month, they finally arrived at Yu Mount, a boundary between Southern Kingdom and Northern Kingdom. The five hundred soldiers of Southern Kingdom only escorted Hua Zhu Yu up to this point, and then they went back to capital.

Based on her personality, Hua Zhu Yu would have fled partway to Northern Kingdom. However, she could not afford to do that, her father and grandmother would be implicated. Moreover, her martial arts was not recovered yet so she was not be able to escape. Jin Se had tried to unseal her internal force many times but always failed. She suspected this was caused by the poisoned wine that she drank. She really hated Ji Feng Li for this.

After walking for almost one day, Northern Kingdom’s envoys decided to camp in the mountain. They were going to cross the mountain tomorrow early in the morning. After crossing the mountain, then they would be in Northern Kingdom. That night, It was extremely quiet there. Hua Zhu Yu had an uneasy feeling that something terrible was going to happen. Formerly she would not feel afraid. Perhaps, that because her internal force was sealed and she was still in weak state.

She told Jin Se to lift the carriage curtain. She took a look at the surrounding area and she felt cold in her heart. In military perspective, apparently, this place was most suitable for an ambush. Surely, this marriage was not so simple just a marriage, but it was a conspiracy. This was game of chess. She was part of it, an important pawn necessary in this game.

*****

World of Hidden Phoenixes 3

The two maidservants at Hua Zhu Yu’s right side and left side could not help but tremble from fear, thought that this person made them felt uneasy for no reason.

“Miss Hua also has something to say, does Miss Hua want to defy the imperial edict?!” Chang gonggong asked in an unpleasant tone.

If she had been able to disobey the edict, she would done it. However, Hua Zhu Yu knew she could not afford to do that. Her father, Hua Mu from Ping Xi, was loyal and devoted to this Northern imperial court, if she fails to comply imperial edict, the first one who want to execute her is not someone else but her father. Perhaps, because this kind of blind loyalty, emperor would be able to treat them, Hua family, this way. Her father was stationed in border region. Because the border region was still unstable, the emperor did not let him return to capital for ten years. This time, Hua family’s army succeeded in defeating Western Liang. Western Liang was left with no choice but to make peace by offering its five great cities. The entire country celebrated this and Hua family asked for many rewards. The emperor had no choice but to allow her father to return to capital and honored him a title of Marquis of Ping Xi. She, this nameless, lack of talent and virtue daughter of Hua Mu, was also granted an enviable marriage.

Now, the emperor again all of a sudden decreed her to go and marry, this matter is really complicated and she cannot understand at all, but sooner or later she is going to investigate it throughly. Presently, she still needs to discuss the matter with her father to make a decision. However, they wants her to accept this imperial edict now? It is not so easy.

Hua Zhu Yu made up her mind and said in a light tone: “Chang gonggong, now your servant is no longer Miss Hua but Madam Ji, does not know whether this imperial edict should be accepted or not? Your servant and Chancellor Ji’ marriage was also decreed. If your servant accepts this edict, does not it mean your servant goes against the sacred edict, your servant really does not what to do.”

Chang gonggong was rendered speechless. He did not anticipate that Hua Zhu Yu would say this. The emperor did indeed issue an edict to bestow a marriage upon her before. The emperor should annul the first edict before granted her another marriage decree, but that will make the emperor go back on his words.

Chang gonggong was somewhat awkward, hesitating over whether he needs to return to the palace to request for another imperial edict or not. However, emperor will blame him for being incompetent in handling this affair. In the midst of confusion, he spotted Ji Feng Li, put on his ingratiating smile and asked cautiously “Xiangye, you see….”

Ji Feng Li was looking at the burning red candles, his eyes were dark and liquid like ink, and they were shimmering elegantly. He looked back toward Chang gonggong, faintly smiled and told a maidservant who was standing near him “Bring an ink brush, ink stick, paper and ink stone here.”

The maidservant left hurriedly and soon returned with a tray that held a writing brush, ink stick, paper and ink stone in her hands. She moved cakes and pastries on a table aside, spread the paper there, put some water into the well if the ink stone, grinded the ink stick on the surface of the ink stone, and handed the writng brush to Ji Feng Li.

Ji Feng Li took the writing brush and dipped it into grinded ink and started to sway the brush on the white paper. Before long, the white paper was filled with black ink words.

The ink on the paper had not yet dried, the maidservant picked it up. She blew it gently and then put it in Hua Zhu Yu’s hands.

A snowy white paper, black ink words.

His handwriting was bold, unrestrained, vivid and lively. It was so elegant that Hua Zhu Yu really admired it.

Unfortunately, this was a piece of divorce certificate.

Hua Zhu Yu gazed at two big words of divorce certificate written on the paper before her eyes, a chilly smile touched the corner of her mouth, her prideful eyes flashed a trace of sadness.

Indeed, in life, troubles should be expected. It did not occur to her that someday, she, Hua Zhu Yu would get a divorce certificate.

This Ji Feng Li was indeed worthy to be an Imperial Chancellor who gained the favor of the Emperor.
By divorcing her, she was unbound from Ji Feng Li. This allowed the Emperor to decree her to marry Northern Kingdom’s prince. The previous imperial edict did not need to be discarded this way so that no one will say the Emperor reneged on his promise.

“Indeed, worthy of being an Imperial Chancellor, the handwriting is really beautiful, Hua Zhu Yu is very honored to be able to get a valuable calligraphic work of Chancellor Ji. Hua Zhu Yu will surely treasure it.” She said in a lazy voice with admiration in her tone, not a trace of insincerity could be heard it seemed like she was really fond of Ji Feng Li’s handwriting.

There was no one in the room who did not feel amazed. Normally, If other woman was put in this kind of situation, she would cried, got angry or hysterical.

However, she did not cry, get angry or even have a complaint.

is this woman stupid? Why is she so calm? They thought.

“Sorry to trouble jiejie to help Hua Zhu Yu accepts the imperial edict, and Hua Zhu Yu thanks jiejie in advance.” Hua Zhu Yu smiled and said to a maidservant at her right side.

Hearing that, the maidservant reached out her hands to take the imperial edict from Chang gongong and then shoved into Hua Zhu Yu’s sleeve.

“Please, Princess Mu Yun, stay in palace temporarily tonight, tomorrow early in the morning, the Northern kingdom’s envoy will come to the palace and pick Princess Mu Yun up.” Chang gonggong spoke. He changed so fast that now he addressed Hua Zhu Yu as Princess Mu Yun.

The maidservants who were brought by Chang gonggong from Palace came over and held onto Hua Zhu Yu’s arms to help support her.

With a divorce certicate tucked in one sleeve and an imperial edict tucked in another sleeve, head covered by red veil, Hua Zhu Yu left the room.

She could not move and no one helped her to lift the veil.

Even if she had been able to move, she still would not lifted her veil. She did not want to see these people.

Outside the room, snow was still fluttering intermittently. The red veil was being blown up occasionally, allowed Hua Zhu Yu to see the courtyard which was decorated with big red lanterns and double happiness words. Nevertheless, she could not feel festive atmosphere. In contrary, she felt those red colors looked like blood that shined with a harsh bright light.

Hua Zhu Yu took a deep breath, pulling the chilly air into her lungs. She was shivering from the cold.

This was her wedding night.

An unforgettable night in her life!

The two maidservants helped Hua Zhu Yu to get into a sedan chair. The sedan chair was then lifted by imperial guards and headed toward the Imperial Palace. Hua Zhu Yu sat down on the sedan chair, felt a stinging pain in her knee gradually fading as the effect of poisoned wine getting stronger. She stumbled and sank into darkness.

———————————————————————————————————————–

Note: I make some changes because I think it is more appropriate:

Previous Chapters  ↓  Chapter 3

Beijing                         =  Capital

General (Ji Feng Li) = Imperial Chancellor

World of Hidden Phoenixes 2

Hi everyone (^0^)/ sorry for the late update. Actually, I planned to post new chapter(s) weekly, every Monday. I got some problems in translating, especially with idiom and description of voices, something like that. Therefore, I needed more time to ponder about those things. Even though translating a novel is harder than I thought, but I really enjoy it. So here is the second chapter, hope you enjoy it ^^

Chapter 2

Light of the candles reflects against her polished nails. It causes their colours to shine brightly, seems like they were laughing at her hand, how she cannot even hold a small wine cup.
Is she poisoned? Tendon Weakening Powder? Or more vicious poison?

Only a moment ago, she praised the wine in her heart, it was sweet, rich and mellow tasting than she ever had drank, a bride should drink this kind of wine. She never once thought this was actually a cup of poisoned wine.

She has just returned to Beijing a few days ago and idled for several days, her vigilance will be degenerate to such an extent. Which bride would have thought of drinking a cup of poisoned wine on her wedding night?

She wants to take a look at Ji Feng Li, whether he was also poisoned. Because of a mandarin duck embroidery bridal veil on her head, she cannot see anything clearly besides red colour of her veil. By this time, she cannot even lift a thin layer of the bridal veil. All of her strength drained out of her body, she is unable to get up out of bed and slowly falls limp onto the ground.

If it was in the past, a cup of poisoned wine could not take her down easily no matter how strong the poison was. Now, she is no difference with ordinary people without her internal force¹.

¹Internal Martial Art

Since returned to Beijing, Dad sealed her internal force, fear she would get into trouble. In fact, she knew that Daddy was afraid she would not want to marry Ji Feng Li and flee from this arranged marriage. However, Daddy did not know her, since she was young, she felt admiration for Ji Feng Li.
Unlike Beijing’s aristocrats who have backing from their families in Imperial Court, Ji Feng Li originally was a poor scholar who relied on his own capabilities.

“Come!” Hua Zhu Yu hears Ji Feng Li’s voice in her head. His voice is light, like a warm South wind. She comes to a realization upon hearing this warm South wind kind of voice. Obviously, Ji Feng Li was not poisoned.

Hua Zhu Yu laughs, a smile is slowly blooming upon her face, after a while, it fades a bit and eventually freezes on her lips.
She should have thought, such an outstanding person like Ji Feng Li who has ten thousand people at his command, in this world which people could poison under his nose, except it was his own doing.

Two maids walk into the room gingerly and sweep away shards scattered on the ground. The maids do not know she is kneeling on a shard of the cup. A sharp pain is spreading in her knee, tingling that reminds her all of this is not a dream.

“Why?” Hua Zhu Yu asks coldly. Why did he do this to her? He did not need to go so far as to poison her just to break up this marriage right?
She really cannot figure out!
Was this the best lover in Yu City ladies’ hearts would do?

She does not hear an answer, only feel two shining eyes looking at her, it is sharp and deep. Hua Zhu Yu’s heart is filled with thrill. Such sharp eyes, his existence cannot be ignored.

A man’s slender hand reachs toward her body slowly, that hand fingers touch a tip of the veil, seems to want to uncover the red bridal veil. However, his fingers which about to lift the red veil pause and then suddenly withdraw. He does not uncover her veil, perhaps he does not want to see her!

“Why do you ask it? Even the cup will not ask why do you throw it!” he answers calmly.
Of course the cup will not ask because it is a thing!
Is she in his eyes same as that cup? Even she was dashed to pieces, she did not need to ask why.
Hua Zhu Yu’s eyelashes tremble, her lips curl with a hint of sneer.

No one speaks and the room goes silent, while there is a sound of someone walks gingerly coming from outside.

“Xiangye….” a maid whispers at the door to announce her presence, “Chang gong gong² from Palace comes to announce an imperial edict.”

²gong gong: eunuch

“Arrange an incense table to receice the imperial edict here!” Ji Feng Li says lightly.
Two maids arrange an incense table in bridal chamber hurriedly. After a while, brocade curtains are opened, there is a numerous and diverse sound of footsteps, an old chamberlain in his high-pitched voice shouts: “Hua Zhu Yu, please receive an imperial edict….”
Two maids kneel before the incense table and that Chang gong gong starts to read out the edict.

Hua Zhu Yu did not think this edict was inteded for her. No wonder Ji Feng Li commanded to arrange the incense table here. After he finished the day in worship hall, he left hastily, she heard that he went to Palace. He should be aware this edict is inteded for her or maybe it was requested by him.

The edict content is very simple, she, Hua Zhu Yu will be sent and married to a Kingdom in North.
She will be sent to marry!

If she did not remember incorrectly, the one who will go and marry is Wen Wan, a daughter of Grand Tutor Wen.

Ever since South Kingdom has defeated Western Liang, South Kingdom’s influence is becoming increasingly powerful in various states. Eastern Yan and North Kingdom have sent an envoy came to befriend with South Kingdom.

A few days ago, a Crown Prince of North Kingdom sought a marriage alliance and that is a marriage to take an Imperial Consort.

However, no one is willing to go to North Kingdom and marry its Crown Prince. Between four Kingdoms, North Kingdom has a frigid climate. South Women are not fit to live there. Previously, North Kingdom had taken a Princess from other state, because she could not adapt to cold climate, less than a year she got cold and eventually died young.

Furthermore, Prince of North Kingdom is said to be very oppressive. Emperor is naturally reluctant to marry off his only daughter, Huang Fu Yan who is a pampered and favorite child, to North Kingdom’s Prince and to let her suffer a lot of hardships. Therefore, it is promised to choose a daughter from imperial officials.

An envoy of North Kingdom requested several paintings of most prestigious imperial officials’ daughters in South Kingdom and has delivered them to North Kingdom as quickly as possible³. Finally, North Kingdom’s Prince chose Wen Wan. Although Wen Was was reluctant, but it was difficult to disobey a sacred decree. She heard that Ministry of Rites has sent to hundred soldiers, and tomorrow early in the morning along with an envoy of North Kingdom escorts Wen Wan to North Kingdom.

³Actually I simplified this sentence, originally, the novel used this idiom 快馬加鞭 (kuài mǎ jiā biān) which literally means to spur on a swift (making an effort to accelerate the speed of progress in order to develop rapidly and advance as quickly as possible).

Now, all of a sudden, the Emperor issues an edict, orders her to go to North Kingdom and marry its Crown Prince. The Emperor was getting old that he seems to forget she get married according to his will, but it is not mentioned in the edict and she is just referred as Miss Hua.
Miss Hua?!

Turning his hand palm up he gathers the clouds, turning his hand palm down he turns them to rain ¹¹, hide the sky with one hand¹², do whatever he pleases.
This is exactly the Emperor!

¹¹翻手为云覆手变雨 (fān shǒu wéi yún fù shǒu biàn yǔ) : very poweful and capable.
¹² 一手遮天 ( yī shǒu zhē tiān) : to hide the truth from masses.

Chang gong gong has completed his task to read out imperial edict, he holds the edict in his hands and arrogantly says: “Please Miss Hua receives the imperial edict!”
Hua Zhu Yu’s knees do not move nor does she speaks!
A silence in the room.
“Please Miss receives the imperial edict!”
Chang gong gong in high voice shouts again.

Even if she could do it, Hua Zhu Yu still would not move. However, even though she is unwilling, two maids forcefully help her to stand up, hold both her hands to take that bright yellow edict.

In her whole life, this is her first time feeling “They are the knife and cutting board, we are the fish and the meat”, so powerless. She feels humiliated for the first time in her life.———

“Hold on!” At lenght she speaks.

Her voice is not loud, the tone is very light, but everyone who listens to it can feel cold murderous intent in this tranquil voice.

————————————————— ———

Ji Feng Li is one of male leads, so what do you think of him?
I’m the kind of person who holds on to grudge (not in real life). I have this tendency of “poisoning my own heart”. Sometimes, when I have read to many sweet and fluffy novels, I will want to read angsty novels where I can hate the male lead(s) for treating the first female lead badly. I will put him on my blacklist and decide to never forgive him for whatever reason(s) he has, not that easily… haha… (Till the newest chapter of Black Bellied Prince’s Stunning Abandoned Consort in Suteki’s blog, I still do not forgive Mo Wen Chen yet :p ).
How about you? Clearly here, Ji Feng Li made a bad impression to us reader in this chapter, will he be able to make this up? Could you forgive him for whatever reasons that he did this to our female lead?

References:
http://www.theepochtimes.com
http://www.yabla.com
http://www.chinesetools.eu

World of Hidden Phoenixes 1

In South Kingdom, Spring always comes early. Streets and courtyards where the ground predominantly start to become green, trees grows and flowers bloom. However, this year is somewhat different, it has entered February and just a night before, suddenly it was snowing and weather became colder.

The snow caught Yu city people off guard. There is one more thing equally as unexpected as the sudden snowfall that suprised people. That is a news of General Ji Feng Li about to marry General Hua Mu’s daughter from Pingxi.

From family point of view, this marriage is a perfect marriage, equal status and blessing from heaven. Nevertheless, in Yu people eyes, gap between the bride and the groom is a bit too wide. General Ji Feng Li is a legendary figure. He is hardly unknown. With his outstanding talents he made a name for himself at a young age. He was given a rank as General at nineteen by Emperor, making him the youngest General in South Kingdom. Despite having outstanding talents and status, he is a down to earth person, he is close to common folks. In these three years, he do a lot of things that benefits common folks therefore he is loved by many people. Moreover, he is said to be handsome, gentle and elegant. He is the best lover who adored by young ladies over Yu city and whole South Kingdom.

Now, this best lover is about to be someone else’s lover, do not know how many woman have their hearts broken. Although they know they are unworthy of General Ji, but they hope General Ji would marry a suitable woman so that they might feel better. However, the woman he is going to marry is a daughter of General Hua Mu.

In Yu city, there are many beautiful and talented ladies from a good family background, some are well known. Most famous is a daughter of Wen Tai Fu, Wen Wan. She is said as the best lady in South Kingdom, not only very beautiful, but also excelled in poetry and painting, she is a rare talented lady. In the palace, there is third princess, Huang Fu Yan, likes to play Qin, it is said her Qin skill is amazing. A daughter of a minister called An Rong, though not as beautiful as Wen Wan, her emboridery skill is well-known throughout Beijing.

People will be able to count few talented young ladies in Beijing to ten in one breath, but for General Hua Mu’s daughter, they do not even know her name, let alone count her in. Such unsightly, unvirtuous, and very mediocre lady, certainly is not fitted to be General Ji’s bride. Even God does not feel fair that suddenly it is snowing at this time.

Anyway, the snow was not be able to stop this marriage, first day of February, Hua young lady was carried to General Ji’s Residence.

Night, a bank of snow driven by wind started piling up.

Hua Zhu Yu is sitting on the bed, lifts her red embroidered bridal veil up which covering her face. Red curtain, red draperies, red dragon and phoenix candles make it clear she is a bride. After all, she cannot escape! Even if she could avoid this marriage, in the future she still would face another marriage. Though she never met her husband before, she is still looking forward to seeing him.

“Miss, your face is too pale, let slave helps you to apply some make-up, you like this, fear would scare General Ji.” Tao Se, a dowry maid whispered.

Although Tao Se has been her maid in Hua residence since childhood, but Hua Zhu Yu did not live in Fuchu before, so that Tao Se does not know her personality. She really cannot understand why her miss purposely appears unattractive.

These days, she hears a lot of injustice rumors about how her miss is not good enough for Xiangye. In her eyes, her miss is more beautiful and talented than those beauties in Beijing, but her miss has reputation as an unsightly, lack of talent and unvirtuous lady.

Hua Zhu Yu jokingly raises her eyebrows, laugh lightly: “If he was scared by my appearance, then better just leave him, he was not deserved to be my husband.”

Hearing what Hua Zhu Yu said, Tao Se who adores Ji Feng Li like those Yu city ladies say “Xiangye will not be scared.”

Distant footsteps from outside can be heard, Tao Se anxiously motions for Hua Zhu Yu to cover the bridal veil. Looking at Tao Se’s nervous state, Hua Zhu Yu smiles brightly, brighter than spring bloom. Her fingers just put down the veil, brocade curtain of the door is open, a sharp cold air rush in.

“All of you withdraw.” An elegant voice sounded, the tone was light and it conveys a sense of grace and composure. Tao Se bows her head and with few maids withdraw together. After a period of time, there is still no movement, because of the veil covering her face, Hua Zhu Yu did not know what was Ji Feng Li doing that he have not lifted her veil yet.

A long silence….

Hua Zhu Yu is sitting on the bed leisurely. She will not lose her patience easily. Finally, there is a sound in the room, wine being poured into a cup. A slender hand hands a cup of wine to her. The cup is light, light red and has relief decorations, The wine is dark red, brilliant color like a beauty’s blushing cheeks. She don’t know what wine it is and never drank wine before. She takes gulp down the cup of wine. At first, the wine was tasted bland then slowly reveals hints of sweetness and pleasant fragrance, which lingering longer, it is a really good wine. She is about to put her cup down and hands a cup of wine to Ji Feng Li but the cup slips from her hands. It falls to the the floor and breaks into large and small pieces, each piece is gleaming with bright light.

Hua Zhu Yu frowns and lowers her eyes to see her hands weakened suddenly.