This chapter was translated by Sian for only and edited by Din2.
By Qian Lu
Chapter 51
Promise
Xuanyuan Yi’s complexion looked cloudy, Murong Shu Qing did not want to provoke him either, so she restrained the smile on her face. She planned to go pa.s.sed him and returned to Die Cui Xiao Su to sleep again.
Unfortunately, before even she raised her legs to go, Xuanyuan Yi’s arrogant voice came through: “Did Chu Qing make things difficult for you?”
It should not be regarded as making this difficult for her! Murong Shu Qing casually smiled and said: “No, Princess was only discussing about women’s clothing with me.”
Just now when Lu Yi was fl.u.s.tered and exasperated to scold him, he could basically understand what Lu Yi was saying. He knew that she was not willing to explain so Xuanyuan Yi did not ask anymore. But his complexion was still not pleased.
Being silent for a moment, Xuanyuan Yi said: “I have to leave to Lin Feng Guan (border area) around shenshi (3-5 pm).”
Murong Shu Qing who was originally smiling lightly, she slightly pursed her brows when she heard what he said. Ten days ago, she heard that there was some military movements due to the civil matters in Cang Yue, but she did not think that Dong Yu would actually dispatch Xuanyuan Yi to Lin Feng Guan. Murong Shu Qing was somewhat disapproved and she said: “Although Cang Yue is having some unusual movements now, but they have not declared a war with Dong Yu, if you go now, you are not afraid to lose the people’s trust.”
Xuanyuan Yi became famous when he was young, he was even praised as ‘the G.o.d of War’. When he left for the border station this time, it was only an excuse to make Cang Yue to defense its border, and brazenly dispatch its troops outside of Lin Feng Guan.
Xuanyuan Yi did not expect that she would know about Cang Yue’s gathering military matter, he originally came to say goodbye to her, but he unconsciously wanted to a.n.a.lyze this with her now: “That is why I am only bringing 3,000 troops this time, the purpose is only to inspect the border station. Yan Rui’s power struggle is more and more intense, regardless who the next Emperor will be, his first work will be to bring the laws and discipline within the Imperial court under control, to take care of his own country, and he will not be enemies with Dong Yu temporarily. But Cang Yue’s monarch is always ambitious, now that he has an unknown fierce General, You Xiao, we have no choice but to guard against him.”
He discussed this just in case conclusion with the Emperor two days ago, they decided not to give Cang Yue any opportunity to take advantage of the situation. Even though he knew that she did not approve the decision, but she did not refute it anymore either. Xuanyuan Yi did not plan to discuss the real conclusion with Murong Shu Qing again, he did not have a lot of time, since shenshi was almost here. The purpose of Xuanyuan Yi to come here and speak was: “I came here to speak to you about one matter today.”
With her thought still immersed with Cang Yue’s hostilities, Murong Shu Qing faintly answered: “Say it.”
“Wait until I come back.”
“What?” Murong Shu Qing slightly raised her head startlingly, she was somewhat surprised when she looked at Xuanyuan Yi, did she hear it wrongly?
“I said, wait until I come back.” His voice was less colder and firmer, but the firm and aggressive sound echoed again.
“Why?” Murong Shu Qing gently asked.
Watching attentively at Murong Shu Qing who showed a tranquil and somewhat questioning face, Xuanyuan Yi remained silent, but Murong Shu Qing did not immediately asked again, so the two people were looking and facing each other like this from then on. After a long time, Xuanyuan Yi reached out his hand and gently took a few strand of her hair that were being blown by the cool breeze, and put them back behind her ear.
Xuanyuan Yi suddenly held Murong Shu Qing’s slight cold hand closely, his hand that was holding a sword all year round, was rough and thick. A pair of his eagle eyes that looked untamed, were reflecting her figure. She was really so special, and he was unable to let her go: “I hope to be that wholehearted person, I know what you want, so wait for me to come back and I will give you my answer.”
He knew? It seemed that when she said that words that day, he really remembered it, but this man would actually ask another person to wait for him, and he was still overbearing. She only thought that he did not necessarily understand what her requirement was, the only one, equality, freedom, but because of his words that he hoped to be that wholehearted person, she would answer: “Alright, I will wait for you.”
After Xuanyuan Yi walked out, Murong Shu Qing went sitting inside Die Cui Xiao Su’s pavilion, but she did not lie down on the cozy couch. So sitting just like this, she already finished drinking the tea that was on her hand, but she did not put the cup down, and actually stroke the cup lightly from time to time. Her sight was always looking at that white chrysanthemums that were up front, but she did not seem to appreciate the flowers.
Not speaking at all, and looking pensively, Lu Yi who was beside her, did not understand it, Xuanyuan Yi Gongzi rushed over to say goodbye, it showed that he appreciated Miss, and was Miss happy or not happy now?
Unable to guess or understand what was in her mind, Lu Yi stepped forward to take the empty teacup that was still held by Murong Shu Qing, and she said in a soft voice: “Miss, the old Madam sends someone over to ask you to the front hall.”
Murong Shu Qing raised her head to look at the sky, the sun was already setting, a trace of the golden sunshine was sprinkling within Die Cui Xiao Su, as if it coated it with a layer of gold to cover its coldness and simpleness, and made it reveal a different luxurious and warm feeling. He should already start on his journey.
Murong Shu Qing got up and lightly kneaded her somewhat stiffed waists, she asked: “What time is it now?”
Tidying up the tea set that was on the table, Lu Yi answered: “Almost youshi (5-7 pm).”
Youshi, so the birthday feast had already started.
Murong Shu Qing stepped out of the pavilion, and sighed: “Then, let’s go.” Another boring banquet.
Lu Yi was following behind her, when they almost left Die Cui Xiao Su, she could not help to say: “Miss, are you not going to change your dress?” That Princess deliberately set herself against Miss, there would be many people, if she was doing this again, how could it be good if she insulted Miss again. Moreover, the Murong’s family, not to mention flowery brocade dress or a rare treasure, it was really not worthwhile to suffer this humiliation.
Murong Shu Qing stopped her footsteps, and turned around to ask: “Do you think I should change the clothing?” This girl was still confused with this one issue.
Murong Shu Qing stood facing the wind, her face showed a relax smile and warmth, her dark green cheong sam was moved lightly by the wind, her flying hair was moving elegantly. Under the streaking of the golden ray, she was as if a tenacious green jade bamboo, as if a proud green lotus, this kind of Miss did not need those magnificent dress and many pearls to manifest her beauty and status. Lu Yi thought deeply for a moment, nibbling her chestnut lips, she firmly said: “No need to change.”
Knowing that she finally understood, Murong Shu Qing smilingly said: “Then, what are we waiting for, let’s go.”
“Yes.” Lu Yi finally showed her smile, and followed Murong Shu Qing out of Die Cui Xiao Su.
Walking around the winding corridor, they could hear the brouhaha sounds. When they slowly arrived at the front yard, there were already 40-50 tables in a row, everyone came to congratulate the birthday person one after another. Qi Zhong Lin wore a dark red and gold chang pao, a black silk brocade belt that showed the mythological animals embroidery to avoid evil spirits. Even though he was wearing it on his stomach, but it still give people a bold and powerful energy.
Qi Zhong Lin was standing above on the Master’s seat, and cupped his hands to thank everyone, his candid laughter, and his tall and straight waist, still looked like they were the same as in those years (when he was young), when he turned over the Imperial court hall with his elegant manner.
Being able to be the Qi’s family today could not be trifled with either, Murong Shu Qing was here at the small front yard, it looked like this was during an Imperial court session, everybody was at least a third level officials. Rong De Ren and Lin Hang were also here.
On the Master’s table, there were only Qi Zhong Lin, He Xiang Jun, Prince Rong Ning, Princess Chu Qing, the current Prime Minister, Bi Xu Sheng, Qi Yun, and the Qi Yu’s couple.
There were so many people within the Qi’s family, Murong Shu Qing was most interested with the Qi Yu’s couple. The young general and Jiang Hu heroic female’s romance story would always make people discuss it enthusiastically. Rumor said that they exchanged blows that led to friendship, from enemy to become sweetheart. Murong Shu Qing carefully looked at them, even though the current Qi Yu and Dong Ruo Xue were already over 40 years old, there were some unavoidable traces on their bodies due to time, but the man was still well-built and handsome, and the woman was graceful. The two people would discuss whisperingly from time to time, and also exchange their expressions with their young son who was on an adjacent table from time to time, their expressions were flowing with a complete understanding. They were indeed a couple. Looking all around, she did not see a 17-18 years elegant youngster, in this case, that family’s 18 years old Qi Feng Hua had not returned yet.
Murong Shu Qing was leaning on the side of the courtyard wall, carelessly looking at this noisy small courtyard, she was not anxious to enter. And the silk dress that she was wearing, did not attract the attention of these n.o.ble guests, so she was also happy and feeling free to continue watching a bustling scene.
Qi Rui was chatting and laughing in the middle with two men, one of the men was wearing a bright clothing, light blue brocade silk clothing, there was a jade ornament ta.s.sel on his waist. His long hair did not use any gold crown jade silk and it was only bound properly, it was rather an azure silk ribbon that was casually bound on the back of his head. He showed an indolent and luxurious appearance, this person should be that man who happened to admire the full moon with her that night, the Qi’s family famous ‘dandy man’, Qi Feng Xian. The other person was a lot more low-key, the sky blue plain scholarly clothing that he was wearing, looked rather conspicuous and relaxed on his body. His features looked handsome and elegant, his bearing was also calm and fitting, at first glance, he appeared to look like a smart scholar. Combining his handsome and bright appearance, his glory and splendor were threatening the Qi family’s two brothers (QR & QFX) who were sitting together, he was actually not inferior in any respect.
“Shu Qing, come over.”
Murong Shu Qing was just about to turn around to look to another table to continue watching these rarely seen personages who gathered together here, but He Xiang Jun’s calling, made her to be the center of everyone’s attentions.