Chapter 28 Beauty Ruins: Heavenly Bow
Their schemes are far more than just shaking the hearts and minds of the people of Great Xia.
As the group stood before Yaohua Pavilion, the night had completely dissipated, and the morning light, swirling with mist, enveloped the entire pavilion, yet offered no warmth whatsoever.
By this time, almost all the guests in the pavilion had left, but they barged in with several armored soldiers, which was particularly eye-catching and attracted the attention of the few remaining guests and girls in the hall.
Sensing the visitors' ill intentions, the mother, who had already gone back to her room to rest, was hurriedly pulled out by the young ladies. With a forced smile, she went to greet them, "Gentlemen, it's already dawn, the young ladies should also rest. What's the matter that requires such a rush..."
Xie Xingzheng displayed his waist token and said coldly, "I need to investigate the case of the Beauty Market. Where is Yueying?"
Upon hearing the words "Beauty Market," the mother's expression visibly froze. She quickly regained her composure and tried to stop the group, saying, "There are still guests inside Yueying's house, and it's not appropriate to disturb them. Perhaps I should go and inform them first..."
Meanwhile, the soldiers had already asked the girls around them where his room was. Xie Xingzheng and Tang Yu immediately exchanged glances, ignored their attempts to stop them, and went straight upstairs.
The mother hurriedly caught up, but when she met Xie Xingzheng's icy gaze, she stopped in her tracks, frozen in place, and dared not say another word.
The group pushed the door open and entered.
The room was furnished with elegant and luxurious furnishings, and layers of gauze curtains created a misty atmosphere, behind which one could vaguely see a slender and graceful figure. Yueying was sitting upright at the table, calmly sipping tea, as if she had already anticipated their arrival.
And indeed, there were guests sitting opposite her.
"What brings you gentlemen here?" Yueying asked, her voice soft yet icy.
The sound perfectly matched the soft laughter from the shadows of the Beauty Market last night. Coupled with her nonchalant demeanor, it ignited a nameless fire in Tang Yu's heart, and she abruptly lifted the curtain and entered.
Her guests turned out to be two richly dressed men from southern Xinjiang. They remained calm and composed, showing no sign of being flustered by the intrusion of the group.
His entourage, dressed in tight-fitting clothes and carrying swords, exuded a sharp aura and were clearly from the Southern Frontier. He stepped forward, blocking Tang Yu's path, and coldly shouted, "How dare you be so rude!"
Tang Yu's fingers tightened, her expression hardening. Just as she was about to step forward, Xie Xingzheng pressed down on her shoulder.
The two envoys glanced at Tang Yu and then at Xie Xingzheng, giving him a less-than-friendly smile: "General Xie, it's been a long time."
Tang Yu was taken aback, realizing that they recognized Xie Xingzheng, and looked at them with a questioning gaze.
Xie Xingzheng remained calm, cupped his hands, and said in a deep voice, "I did not mean to be abrupt or disturb the refined enjoyment of the two envoys. However, this person is related to the Beauty Market in Zhongjing, which sells unregistered women. I am ordered to investigate the case and need to bring him back for questioning. Please do me the favor."
As soon as the words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall tensed up. Tang Yu suddenly realized that these two were actually the envoys from the Southern Frontier who had come to the capital this time. Her heart sank, and she had a bad feeling.
"Interrogate them?" The leading envoy sneered, his gaze sweeping over them, his tone aggressive: "General Xie, do you have any evidence? Or are you arresting people based solely on conjecture?"
Sensing that the two wanted to protect Yueying, Tang Yu couldn't help but step forward and ask in a cold voice, "Does Your Excellency know what the Beauty Ruins are like?"
"Oh? I'd like to hear it." The envoy raised an eyebrow, but his eyes were full of contempt.
Recalling everything that happened in the market last night, Tang Yu's chest tightened, her heart filled with anger and resentment, and her words were tinged with sorrow: "They treated foreign women as commodities, forcing them to fight wild beasts and take pleasure in bloodshed to create an extremely vicious performance!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere suddenly tensed.
Yueying sized up Tang Yu, who was dressed as a traveling doctor, and suddenly chuckled. A knowing glint flashed in her eyes as she spoke leisurely, "It does sound touching. But... what does it have to do with me?"
Tang Yu's eyes suddenly turned cold, wishing she could immediately step forward and expose his disguise. She said sharply, "Your voice is exactly the same as the Lord of the Ruins. Coincidence? That's too absurd!"
“Words without evidence are insufficient to prove anything,” the envoy retorted calmly, unmoved.
Tang Yu's fingertips almost dug into her palm as she sneered, "Fine! Last night, the woman behind the secret door had her sleeve torn, revealing a crescent-shaped mark on her left arm! Whether she's innocent or not, one look is enough to tell!"
After saying that, she suddenly reached out, trying to lift Yueying's sleeve.
"stop!"
The two envoys simultaneously shouted to stop them, slamming their fists on the table and rising abruptly. Their attendants rushed forward, shielding Yueying, their sword hilts clanging softly, their eyes filled with a chilling light.
The leading envoy's tone was icy: "General Xie, shouldn't you think things through before you act?"
He approached step by step, his words cold and sharp: "We came to the capital this time to maintain the hard-won peace between the Southern Frontier and the Great Xia. You want to slander and arrest a woman from the Southern Frontier without any evidence? Miss Yueying is a delicate young woman, and there are no marks on her arms, which we can testify to. If you insist on doing so, wouldn't you be publicly humiliating us?"
He paused, then said coldly, "Moreover, we will be setting off to return home tomorrow. His Majesty will be hosting a farewell banquet tonight. General Xie, if you intend to act rashly at this time, have you considered the consequences?"
Xie Xingzheng frowned, his gaze deep and intense. Having said all that, he knew he couldn't take the person away today.
He suppressed his anger for the moment and bowed in apology: "I was impolite today, but..."
The tone shifted abruptly, chillingly cold: "This matter will definitely be thoroughly investigated, and the criminal will be taken away openly and honestly in the future."
Tang Yu's fingers trembled slightly inside her sleeve before finally closing them. Her chest felt tight, and she could barely breathe.
On the eve of her departure with Xie Xingzheng, she stared intently at Yueying and asked, "Miss Yueying, you are also from the Southern Frontier, aren't you?"
“Of course.” Yueying smiled, her smile like a perfect mask.
Tang Yu's gaze grew colder and colder as she asked in a low voice, "When you see your own people being torn apart in public, does your conscience hurt? And you... do you really have a heart?"
After he finished speaking, the room fell into an eerie silence.
Tang Yu gave her a deep look, not caring about her answer, and with a flick of her sleeve, walked away without looking back.
*
Even though Xie Xingzheng immediately deployed men to secretly surround Yaohua Pavilion and keep an eye on Yueying, Tang Yu still felt that this matter would not be easily resolved.
Now, what Yueying is involved with is not only the Beauty Market, but also the Southern Frontier delegation.
Their schemes are far more than just shaking the hearts and minds of the people of Great Xia.
Obviously not.
But right now, there are more important things to do.
Tonight, Emperor Wen of Chu will follow Tang Yu's advice and reopen the decorated pavilion, recreating the "dragon parade" scene of the grand ceremony.
This time, having been invited, Tang Yu stood side by side with Xie Xingzheng on the decorated tower, unlike before.
Tonight, the moon is bright and the stars are few. The decorated pavilion, which was originally covered by black cloth, has once again been adorned with tens of thousands of palace lanterns, making it as bright as day and displaying its splendor.
Although the shadow of "the wrath of the dragon" still lingers, it only fuels the curiosity of the people. They gather early to watch the reopening of the decorated pavilion, holding their breath in anticipation.
Emperor Wen of Chu stepped onto the high platform, raised his hand in a gesture, and his voice echoed clearly in the night sky: "Regarding the matter of the floating dragon, I have consulted the Celestial Master. Heaven has revealed that it was the work of wicked people who disturbed the divine dragon. I have prayed day and night, and finally received divine guidance. Tonight, I will reopen the decorated pavilion and witness the blessings bestowed by the heavens together with my people!"
As soon as the words were spoken, a palace attendant lit a long fuse. Colorful smoke rose into the air, and moments later, fireworks shot straight into the night sky, exploding in a dazzling display. In an instant, the scene was filled with shimmering light and color, like a golden dragon soaring or a colorful phoenix spreading its wings.
Suddenly someone in the crowd shouted: "Look! A dragon and a phoenix playing together! It's an auspicious sign, a lucky omen for our Great Xia!"
The shouts spread like wildfire, with more and more people proclaiming "good omen."
The people, who had been filled with fear because of the "wrath of the dragon," now looked up and saw the auspicious dragon and phoenix, their joy clearly reflected in the firelight and colorful flames. Some wept with joy, while others knelt and kowtowed repeatedly, thanking Heaven for its protection.
At that moment, the entire city of Zhongjing seemed to be set ablaze, making the originally silent night more intense than the daytime.
Standing atop the high platform, overlooking the people of Zhongjing, Tang Yu felt a sudden sense of disorientation as she stared blankly at the magnificent fireworks blooming against the night sky.
It turns out that for the millions of ordinary people living here, the truth and the conspiracy may not be important, and they will never know.
Whether it's a dragon soaring or an auspicious omen, all that matters is bringing peace to the people and stability to the world; that's enough.
While uncovering the dark and bloody truth behind the scenes may be important, and bringing the perpetrators to justice may be satisfying, this illusory yet stable peace sometimes requires lies and compromises to maintain.
Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Xie Xingzheng, who stood beside her with a straight back and a cold expression. His gaze was fixed on the bustling crowd, which inexplicably made Tang Yu's heart skip a beat.
Perhaps, what he carries on his shoulders is the peace and smiles of the people of this city.
I recall the harsh words I blurted out in anger at the Beauty Market. Looking back now, I realize how tactless I was.
Tang Yu lowered her eyelashes, gently pursed her lips, and thought to herself: After today's banquet, if there is a chance, I still have to apologize to him.
*
This auspicious omen has reassured the people, and their joy is overwhelming. Emperor Wen of Chu returned home satisfied, and then invited his ministers and the southern border delegation to a banquet at night. This was both to commemorate the auspicious dragon and phoenix of the day and to bid farewell to the southern border envoys the next day.
The palace was brightly lit, filled with the melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments. Amidst the clinking of golden goblets, the grandeur of the nation was on full display. Emperor Wen of Chu was in high spirits, frequently drinking with the envoys from the southern border, and even unusually, praising the Xie family.
Taking advantage of the lively atmosphere at the banquet, an envoy from the southern border stood up with a smile, bowed, and said loudly, "Your Majesty, besides the Blood Hibiscus, we actually have another treasure that we wish to present to Great Xia."
Emperor Wen of Chu raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What is it?"
The envoy clapped his hands. Immediately, three servants carried in a huge, black bow into the hall. The bow was heavy and thick like iron, gleaming with a chilling light, and it was clear at a glance that it was no ordinary object.
The envoy spoke with a hint of pride: "This is the most precious treasure of our southern border. Because it weighs a thousand stones, it is named 'Heavenly Bow,' and it cannot be drawn without the power of a god."
After speaking, he beckoned to a warrior from the southern border who was sitting at the table and asked Emperor Wen of Chu for a chance to demonstrate his skills.
Emperor Wen of Chu had no suspicions and ordered the palace servants to bring out the archery target. The warrior from the southern border was tall and strong, with bulging muscles in his arms. With a deep shout, he steadily picked up the heavenly bow, and then, with all his might, he drew the bowstring open.
He aimed at the bullseye, and with a "whoosh," the arrow pierced the air and went straight into the bullseye!
A cheer immediately erupted from the hall.
Unexpectedly, the envoy turned his head and looked around, a hint of provocation appearing on his lips: "I wonder if anyone in Great Xia is willing to give it a try?"
A young general, full of youthful vigor, slammed his fist on the table and stood up. But when he stepped forward, gathered his strength, and grasped the bow to lift it, he found that the heavenly bow was indeed as heavy as a mountain. Even though he gritted his teeth and picked it up, his arm muscles trembled uncontrollably. However, he had already used all his strength, and he could no longer draw the bow and shoot at the target.
Finally, exhausted and ashamed, he gave up and knelt down to beg for forgiveness.
Emperor Chu Wen's expression turned cold, but he did not punish him. He only asked in a cold voice, "Is there anyone else in my Great Xia who would like to try?"
However, having suffered an initial defeat, everyone in the hall hesitated, and no one dared to step forward rashly, causing the atmosphere to momentarily freeze.
At this moment, Xie Xingzheng slowly stood up.
His features were cold and stern, and his aura of murderous intent suddenly intensified. His voice was steady and calm: "I will."
Having said that, he strode into the hall and grasped the bow. Everyone in the hall held their breath, watching as, illuminated by the candlelight, he appeared calm and composed. With a slight effort, he lifted the bow, seemingly without lifting a finger. Then, aiming at the bullseye, he pulled back on one leg for leverage, instantly drawing the bow taut like a full moon.
The next instant, the arrow shot through the air with a sharp gust of wind, and landed firmly in the bullseye, alongside the arrow of the warrior from the southern border.
The hall erupted in even louder cheers, and Emperor Wen of Chu also showed a hint of satisfaction.
Unexpectedly, the envoy from the Southern Frontier showed no panic. Instead, he laughed loudly: "General Xie is indeed worthy of his reputation! However, the fact that a mere ordinary warrior from the Southern Frontier can fight to a draw with the number one young general of the Great Xia proves that every warrior from the Southern Frontier is no less than that of the Great Xia!"
His words were sharp and provocative, accompanied by arrogant laughter, causing the expressions of the officials in the hall to change slightly, but they could not find any words to refute him.
Just then, another clear laugh rang out: "General Xie is indeed famous, but to say that all the warriors of the Southern Frontier are invincible because of this would be an exaggeration."
The crowd looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the speaker was an unfamiliar face, a frail scholar dressed in plain clothes. He had delicate features, a smile on his lips, but a cold and sharp glint in his eyes.
This person was Tang Yu.
She met the envoy's disdainful gaze, and her smile deepened.
This envoy was the very person who had stopped her at Yaohua Pavilion during the day. All the anger and frustration she had accumulated today now transformed into a sharp edge, ready for her to seize this opportune moment and retaliate.
Tang Yu flicked her sleeve and said calmly, "It's just a bow. In my Great Xia, an ordinary person like me can draw it."
[Author's Note]
Yesterday I revised a few chapters of the story "Floating Light and Swimming Dragon," and some of the transitions were awkwardly written, which is hard to describe. I suddenly felt a little guilty, so I'm really grateful for everyone's understanding.
The revisions only make the sentences flow better, without changing any plot points. Thank you!
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