Reign of the Phoenix

Chapter 43 – Mid-Autumn Festival Night
Nanjin City, Sangrou Palace.

Murong Zhining leaned against the large terrace railing of the sleeping chamber on the second floor, taking in all of the scenery outside the palace into her eyes. Sangrou, located on the ground higher than the rest of the Imperial Palace, was the palace that Murong Ruoyu personally picked to be her quarters. Murong Zhining loved this kind of structure, the broad, open-spaced design made her feel like she wasn’t actually confined in a heavy palace.

At the rosewood table on the terrace, Tuoba Lan was making tea for Murong Zhining. “Big sis, come, have a taste. This is the Mingqian tea personally processed by my brother, also the best tea our family produced this year.”

Murong Zhining retracted her gaze and went to sit down at the table. She had specially asked Han Yao to give Tuoba Lan permission to enter the palace at any time.

Tuoba Lan set down a small pot of tea. A maid came to her side, holding a tray that carried a cinnabar-red Jun Kiln salivary bowl. Murong Zhining sipped some tea to cleanse her palate and spat it into the salivary bowl, then accepted another cup of tea to savor in depth.

Tuoba Lan watched Murong Zhining with a doting expression. “It’s a pity that the tea I brew is not as good as my brother’s. He pays most of his attention to making teas and can always bring out their aroma and flavor to their utmost.”

With a smile, Murong Zhining joked, “You two siblings have spoiled my mouth rotten. What would I do if you guys decided to ignore me in the future?”

Tuoba Lan rested her chin in her hand. “My brother is but a common man and isn’t worthy of you, or else he could make you tea every day.”

Murong Zhining looked lonely. “I really envy the children of families like yours. At least you guys can go everywhere you want, while I…”

Tuoba Lan pouted. “My clumsy mouth has upset you again. But, hey, I still come to accompany you often, don’t I? By the way, the Mid-Autumn Festival is in a few days. Big sis, you can ask your imperial father to let you go out to the festival with me. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, there will be lanterns in the city, it’s gonna be lively!”

“Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!”

Murong Zhining quickly glanced down. “My mother is coming.”

The two girls ran downstairs to the courtyard and welcomed the phoenix carriage. After paying their respects, Murong Zhining and Tuoba Lan supported Murong Ruoyu on either side to the terrace upstairs.

Murong Ruoyu was a very warm and easy-going person. Looking to be only in her thirties, she looked young and beautiful. She smiled and held Tuoba Lan’s hand. “Good child, you and your brother saved Ning’er, and I haven’t even properly thanked you two for it. Please come often to accompany Ning’er so that she won’t feel lonely.”

Seeing the empress’ gentle personality, Tuoba Lan spoke very casually, “Reporting to Your Majesty, in fact, saving Princess was done by another person. He is Grand General Chiyun of Huayan. If it hadn’t been for him, I’m afraid Princess… would have had to suffer some hardships.”

Murong Ruoyu turned to look at Murong Zhining in doubt. “I have also heard from General Huyan that General Chiyun saved you. Why did he leave right after escorting you to Nanjin without saying goodbye?”

Tuoba Lan instantly prattled, “General Chiyun had nearly lost his life saving our Princess. Not to mention, he is a young hero, and he grew up to be so handsome like Pan An. He and Princess look great together. Too bad he angered our princess…”

Murong Zhining hastily squeezed Tuoba Lan under the table. “General Chiyun and I are only friends, friends who have no chance to see each other again. What do you mention him so much for?”

Murong Ruoyu looked at her daughter with a soft smile. “To be a match for my Ning’er, he must be excellent in all aspects. If you have feelings for him, Ning’er, I will send people to Huayan right away and make him come to ask for your hand in marriage.”

Murong Zhining nearly jumped in fright. She quickly changed the topic, “Mother, your child is still too young, I’m not in a hurry to get married. That’s right! Lan’er said that the Mid-Autumn Festival will soon be bustling in the capital. I want to go out for a break, please grant me permission, mother.” She coquettishly swayed Murong Ruoyu’s arm.

Murong Ruoyu lovingly looked at her daughter. “Whatever you want, Ning’er. I’m only afraid that you’re not happy. I will have the guards follow you in disguise.”

Huayan’s Imperial Capital, General Estate. Chiyun Yuexuan sat alone in the small yard where Murong Zhining had been imprisoned. On the stone table next to him were five empty wine jugs and a cup. The man was obviously drunk.

Wu Siyuan had looked in from outside the gate several times, but he dared not come in to console him. Nearing the 15th of the 8th month , the moon was particularly bright. As Chiyun Yuexuan chugged down one cup after another, the wine jug in his hand was quickly emptied.

Chiyun Yuexuan roared toward the gate. “Fetch me several… several wine… jugs! You servants! How did it get.. get to this? You lot won’t even let me drink wine anymore? You dog servants…”

Wu Siyuan brought a jug into the yard. “General, what’s the point of getting yourself drunk like this every day? You not only harm your own well-being, but also delay the national affairs.”

Chiyun Yuexuan forcefully took the jug from Wu Siyuan, then poured a cup and drained it in one gulp. “Well-being? Nation… national affairs? What does that have to do with me? National affairs are Yan… Yan Feng’s affairs. As for my well-being, who cares now? Hmmm?”

Wu Siyuan poured him another cup. “General, you have never let yourself go like this before. I know you’re suffering, but it can’t be to the point where you want to destroy yourself like this, right?”

Chiyun Yuexuan heavily smacked the cup on the table. “Wu Siyuan, you… you use water to trick me! Scram! I ain’t wanna hear!”

Wu Siyuan earnestly tried to straighten him out with heartfelt words, “Since we grew up together, we can be considered brothers. Listen to this brother, darkness will pass as long as there’s hope in your heart, but if you extinguish your own hopes, what you’ll face would only be endless torment.”

Chiyun Yuexuan hysterically shouted, “Scram! I just hope I’ll be drunk to death!”

Shaking his head, Wu Siyuan left the yard. Chiyun Yuexuan stood up and staggered into the room, falling head-first into bed, where he covered his face with the blanket and wailed.

When Luo Siyao came by to check, she looked in from outside the door and saw no movement from Chiyun Yuexuan. The girl approached the bed and removed the blanket from his face, then took off his shoes and put the blanket over his body.

Chiyun Yuexuan suddenly grasped her hand. “Ning’er don’t run, I swear I’ll never hit you again.”

Luo Siyao pulled out her hand with a wry smile. She left and closed the door.

The 15th of the 8th month, a round, bright jade pot hung high in the sky. In the noisy capital of Nanjin tonight, lanterns of various shapes dangled outside the houses, quite an eyeful as they showed off their beauty.

Tuoba Zhi and Lian Kun, bringing Murong Zhining and Tuoba Lan, wandered along the streets of the capital.

Murong Zhining looked charming and lovely today, dressed in a set of pink satin common clothes and carrying a rabbit lantern in her hand. The party of four chatted in high spirits as they commented on the bizarre-looking lanterns along the way.

Clad in a white brocade robe with bamboo patterns, Tuoba Zhi walked at the front. He fluttered his folding fan and crooned, “Colorful lights illuminate an entire city, in the moonlight I see the Moon Lady.”

Murong Zhining said, “Pray forgive my ignorance for not knowing the origin of the poem you’ve cited.”

Tuoba Lan gracefully cupped his hands. “I’m ashamed, there is no source. I was just babbling out of emotions.”

Murong Zhining sighed with admiration, “Mister Tuoba is extraordinary. This poem not only holds profound artistic conception but also matches perfectly with the scenery tonight.”

Lian Kun went along and chimed in, “Great poem, great poem!”

Tuoba Zhi folded his fan and eyed Lian Kun mischievously. “I actually want to test your knowledge, Brother Lian Kun. In ‘shared the same graceful scenery even though thousand miles apart,’ what does ‘graceful scenery’ indicate?”

As an ignorant and incompetent playboy, Lian Kun naturally didn’t understand. “As the name suggests, of course it’s a beautiful lady.”

The other three hid their chuckles.

“Brother Lian’s love for beautiful ladies has reached its pinnacle. I respect you.” Tuoba Zhi shook his head.

Lian Kun stroke the back of his head. “Did I answer it wrong?”

Tuoba Lan stuck out her tongue at him and pointed to the bright moon above. “It refers to the moon. But I suppose you weren’t completely wrong, that place indeed has the pretty sister Moon Lady.”

Murong Zhining covered her lips and smiled beautifully.

As the streets were getting more and more crowded with people watching the lanterns, the disguised guards didn’t dare to be careless. They followed Murong Zhining closely with sharp weapons hidden in their clothes. When Tuoba Lan saw lanterns being sold in the streets, she pestered Tuoba Zhi to buy her a fish-shaped palace lantern, which she then held in her hand as the four kept walking with great interest.

Tuoba Zhi bought a basket of roasted chestnuts and handed it to his little sister. “You help Ning’er remove the shells.”

Lian Kun was quick to take the job upon himself, “Such a trivial task should be left to me.”

Tuoba Zhi pushed Lian Kun aside and laughed at him, “I’m scared that Ning’er will hate chestnuts with the smell of a smelly man on them.

Murong Zhining and Tuoba Lan instantly covered their mouths and chuckled out loud. Lian Kun rolled his eyes in exasperation.

The four were having a great time looking around when suddenly, a commotion broke out on the streets ahead. Several women who had come to watch the lights were fleeing towards them in the chaos, while a group of people noisily followed them.

Tuoba Zhi pulled Murong Zhining behind him and looked forward. It turned out that several well-dressed young men of noble families were chasing and teasing the beautiful girls who had come to sight-see. Afraid that this would bring trouble for Murong Zhining, Tuoba Zhi wanted to take her away.

However, Lian Kun wanted to be a brave hero for the damsels in distress. He stepped forth and shouted to the noble juniors, “How dare you vermin openly harass women right under the reign of the Heaven’s Son? Let go of that little lady right now, or I won’t be polite!”

A noble young men in light-pink, cloud-patterned brocade let go of the girl in his arm and walked toward Lian Kun in a ferocious manner. “Where’s this wild donkey from? Don’t you know who I am?” When the young man spotted Murong Zhining behind Tuoba Zhi, his eyes practically glowed. “My, my! This little lady is so beautiful, come here and let me take a good look at you.”

Seeing the situation escalate, the guards instantly rushed in front Murong Zhining’s party to protect them.

Since the guards were dressed in ordinary clothes, the noble seniors didn’t take them seriously. “Hurry and hand that little lady over to me, and maybe I’ll let you lot leave.”

One of the guards shoved him. “Scram! Don’t disturb our young miss’ light-viewing, or we’ll have your life!”

With a malicious expression, the noble young man waved his hand behind. At the signal, a dozen or so vicious-looking thugs approached them with weapons in hand. The atmosphere instantly grew tense.