Chapter 60 Dust and Light (19) A dense, tingling sensation arose. ...
The sentence was abrupt and unrelated. Zhi Rou didn't know what Jia Yang meant. She looked up at her and saw that Jia Yang's eyes were lowered, with a scrutinizing and probing expression, as if she wanted to find something on her face.
Zhi Rou frowned, standing there silently without uttering a word.
Jia Yang didn't care about her answer; she just wanted to test whether she would feel guilty after seeing her. "No point," she muttered to herself, pulling back the carriage curtain. "Let's go."
The carriage sped away, and Zhi Rou watched from behind for a while, feeling puzzled, but didn't think much of it afterwards.
At the end of June, there were three days of heavy rain. As soon as the month changed, the weather immediately became hot. The lotus leaves in the pond were as green as jade, and occasionally a dragonfly would fly by, echoing the cicadas chirping in the treetops.
The news of Jia Yang's performance at Chang Le Tower reached His Majesty's ears that morning.
The emperor was furious and immediately ordered her to be summoned. The empress was also shocked and angry upon hearing the news. Fearing that Jia Yang had offended the emperor and was determined to die, she and the emperor agreed to take responsibility and summoned Jia Yang to Zhaoluan Palace.
That afternoon, Jia Yang had already arrived at Chang Le Lou, but because he was worried about his parents, he got up after a short while and went to a tavern.
Back at the Prince You's residence, it was completely dark. A string of palace lanterns swayed, casting an indistinct shadow of her.
Princess You was terrified when she couldn't find Jia Yang. She sent people to look for him, but there was no news for a long time.
At that moment, a dark figure swept in from the corridor. Princess You turned her gaze and stared at it. She knew that figure all too well. Who else could it be but Jia Yang?
The weight in her heart lifted instantly, and she hurried over. As soon as she reached her clothes, a strong smell of alcohol emanated from her, and Princess You felt slightly dizzy.
Feeling hot and flushed from drinking, Jia Yang's cheeks turned red. Upon seeing this, Princess You couldn't help but scold her sternly, "You're out drinking so late instead of coming home!"
The firelight shone dimly on the girl's face, and she chuckled softly. Her appearance was very gentle, but her tone was filled with a chilling coldness.
"You don't care about me, so why bother if I come back? Oh, right, you're worried I'll run away, and then there won't be anyone to arrange a marriage for the court? Mother, don't be afraid, I know what I'm doing. Even if I die..."
Before she could finish speaking, the princess slapped her hard across the cheek. She turned her face slightly and immediately felt a burning sensation on her face, as if she had been cut.
Princess You had always doted on this daughter and had never laid a hand on her. Now, both of them were stunned, and Princess You's hand was still trembling slightly.
Jia Yang spoke rudely, and since there were still the Emperor's spies in the mansion, Princess You was so anxious that the pain in her palms seemed to seep into her bones, and she didn't even dare to look at Jia Yang.
The slap seemed to dispel all of Jia Yang's drunkenness. She raised her hand to her cheek, letting out a muffled sound, it was hard to tell whether she was laughing or crying.
The moonlight poured down like water, and apart from the occasional croaking of frogs, there was not a sound in the garden.
Jia Yang slowly lowered his hands, curtsied to the princess, and asked to take his leave.
That night, Jia Yang lay in bed for a long time, thinking, and suddenly felt that she had nothing to worry about. Even if she did something outrageous, would the Emperor still hold a grudge against her father, a man with a mental disability?
Several days later, Jia Yang poured a packet of medicinal powder into the kitchen, and everyone in the mansion fell into a deep sleep, including the attendants sent by Her Majesty the Empress.
July 6th, overcast and rainy.
The imperial decree once again descended upon the Prince You's residence. Upon learning this, the Princess Consort was filled with rage, and was about to accompany Jia Yang to the palace when she was stopped by a single sentence from her.
"I cannot accept Mother's kindness." Then she turned to the eunuch who had come to deliver the decree and said, "Eunuch Chen, let's go."
This time when she entered the palace, the Empress did not arrange for a sedan chair.
Rainwater washed down from the roof tiles, making the world seem as if it were covered by a rolling beaded curtain. Walking through it, one's clothes were half-dampened by the slanting rain, and one's embroidered shoes were also soaked.
Upon arriving at Zhaoluan Palace, no one showed her how to change her clothes. Jiayang lifted her skirt, bent her knees, and kowtowed to the Empress, saying, "This humble woman greets Your Majesty the Empress."
As she was about to stand up, her gaze met the cold, phoenix-like eyes of the person above her. She was slightly taken aback, then lowered her head and knelt down again, her eyelashes trembling slightly.
The empress was over fifty years old, and power seemed to adorn her appearance; she didn't notice her teeth growing long, but rather exuded supreme majesty.
The rain outside had not stopped for a moment, and its scent carried into the hall, inevitably tinging it with a gloomy atmosphere.
The Empress remained silent. Jia Yang's neck ached from bowing her head so low that she bit her lip and struggled to support herself.
After a long silence, the person at the head of the table finally uttered a sentence: "Jiayang, you have quite the nerve."
Her heart skipped a beat, and she said, "This humble woman does not know..."
The Empress interrupted coldly: "Do you think you can escape the responsibility of a political marriage by ruining your reputation? By using such foolish means to defy the imperial decree, are you disgracing yourself or His Majesty?"
Jia Yang, nervous and uneasy, kowtowed again: "This humble woman dares not."
Her fingertips traced a few lines on the cold floor tiles, her voice slightly hoarse, "If there is another way out, I hope Your Highness will show me... I am willing to repay you with my life."
"Your actions already warrant death. Do you still dare to speak of repaying me with your life? Is your life worth more than the peace of the borderlands and the cessation of hostilities?"
The Empress gave a soft hum, "Jiayang, you overestimate yourself. Your life isn't worth that much."
Upon hearing this, Jia Yang's hands, which were lying on the ground, clenched even tighter, his red nails digging into the brick surface, almost tearing his flesh off.
Wasn't her life worthwhile?
Jia Yang's eyes stung with tears. Some words had been weighing on her heart for a long time, remaining unspoken. Now that the situation was about to be settled, she finally broke her straits and asked, "Why me?"
She raised her head, tears streaming down her cheeks, her voice filled with endless grievance and resentment, "His Highness commands me to leave my country and be buried in a foreign land with just a word... Why... Why me?"
The Empress stared at her intently for a while, then raised her hand to signal. After all the palace servants had left the hall, she spoke, "You ask why? Fine, I'll tell you."
A skirt with cloud and dragon patterns came into view, and even on a cloudy day, the gold threads on it still reflected a few strands of dazzling light.
"You are not the biological daughter of Prince You, yet you hold the position of county princess, receiving the support of the court and the people, living a life of luxury for fifteen years. What right do you have to question me?"
Jia Yang's pupils contracted, and he remained stunned for a long time, his face turning deathly pale.
How could this be... Mother... How is this possible?
She slightly raised her eyes and saw the Empress looking down at her without any emotion, knowing that the Empress's words were not a threat.
Jia Yang's body swayed violently, as if the whole world had collapsed, and he heard a constant ringing in his ears.
No wonder, no wonder... Jia Yang recalled the past and finally understood why her mother dared not speak up for her in front of the Empress; why everyone said that she did not look like her father; and why other princes' daughters were all granted the title of Princess, but she was not.
From the very beginning, she was powerless to resist.
A profound sense of confusion welled up inside me, and gradually my tears stopped, leaving my eyes looking somewhat empty.
The Empress silently looked at her, shook her head and said, "I will not force you. Think it over yourself. Do you wish to marry into the Northern Li as a princess and still have some dignity? Or do you wish to atone with your death along with the Princess? These are the only two paths. You know which one to choose."
My knees were numb from kneeling for so long, and a cold, hard sensation traveled from the tops of my legs to the soles of my feet, making my body sway slightly.
Jia Yang gritted her teeth, lowered her head, and after a long while said, "This subject is willing to obey Your Majesty's command... Thank you for Your Majesty's mercy."
Having achieved her goal, the Empress's gaze remained sharp, but a complex emotion flickered in her deep pupils. She softened her tone and said, "Get up."
Jia Yang thanked them again, using her hands to brace herself against the ground as she stood up, her legs still trembling. She bent slightly at the waist, trying her best to adjust, and only after she had recovered did she straighten her back and take a deep breath.
Seeing her like this, the Empress summoned a servant to come back inside, and a palace maid wrung out a handkerchief and handed it to her.
Jia Yang took it, gently wiped away the tears on her face, her eyes still lowered, lost in thought.
She probably wanted to resent someone, but couldn't find anyone to hate. Besides the imperial family, who else could she hate? Her mother? Unable to vent her resentment, her beautiful face finally turned cold.
Before long, the rain subsided, and a hint of blue appeared in the sky again.
The Empress was about to have someone lead Jia Yang to a side hall to change her clothes when, unexpectedly, she opened her mouth and said, "Your Highness, I would like to ask you for someone."
The following day, Qixi Festival, Zhi Rou and Song Hanjin, along with her second sister, played a needle-throwing game in the courtyard to test their skills.
Zhi Rou made two clumsy attempts, and Song Hanyin teased her a few times. It wasn't a big deal, but the words inadvertently mentioned Aunt Lin, which made Zhi Rou pout and walk away without saying a word.
Song Hanjin glared at Song Hanyin, but ultimately couldn't be bothered to waste her breath on her. She grabbed her skirt and went to find Zhirou.
"Don't be upset. There are river lanterns on the Yunliu River tonight to build a bridge. I'll go with you."
Hearing this, Zhi Rou turned her gaze, her eyes lingering on her strangely for a moment: "Sister, you're willing to go out again?"
Song Hanjin raised an eyebrow slightly: "When did I say I didn't want to?"
"My older brother wanted to accompany us to Huiwen Pavilion to watch the opera yesterday, but my sister didn't agree," Zhirou whispered back.
Upon hearing this, Song Hanjin's attitude changed faster than turning the pages of a book. In an instant, she turned around and said, "If Fourth Sister doesn't want to go, then forget it. I'll save myself some money..."
Before she could finish speaking, Zhi Rou fluttered over like a butterfly: "Go away, go away!"
Summer days are long, and even past midnight, the sky over the capital still glows with a soft light.
The streets were bustling with people, and the bright red lanterns hung on bamboo poles. Although the light was slightly dimmed, the red glow spread across the faces of passersby, creating an indescribable sense of peace.
It was rare for Zhi Rou and Song Hanjin not to wear round-necked robes when they came out, but they insisted on waving Korean folding fans that they had bought from who-knows-where.
Song Hanjin looked at her, but couldn't find a trace of familiarity, so she asked, "Who are you imitating?"
“Sheng Xingyun.” She smiled, waving her hand even more exaggeratedly.
Song Hanjin frowned deeply, snatched the fan from her, threw it to Pei Cheng behind her, and muttered under her breath, "Fancy nonsense."
Zhi Rou glanced back reluctantly, then turned around and saw a stall next to her displaying masks. She bought one, held it up to her face, and exclaimed, "Sister, look at me!"
Song Hanjin was a few steps away from her, surrounded by a bustling crowd and overflowing lights. She held a mask in her hand, painted with what looked like a demon. Song Hanjin chuckled and said softly, "You're so childish."
Zhi Rou strode after her, and Song Han Jin glanced at her dismissively: "If you're wearing it, I won't walk with you."
"No, sister, look at it! How brave it is! With it on, it will protect you. Who would dare come near?"
So, I should thank you?
The more Song Hanjin looked at her, the more disgusted she became. "Take it off quickly, it really doesn't look good."
"No," Zhi Rou insisted.
Song Hanjin paused for a moment, then said, "Whatever you say."
He turned and walked away, as if trying to avoid her.
Zhi Rou caught up with her in a few steps, grabbed Song Han Jin's arm and wouldn't let go. She struggled desperately but couldn't break free. Zhi Rou was like a leech, and the two of them clung to each other all the way to the riverbank.
Here, shadowy figures dart about, and lanterns on the river connect one after another, forming a bridge of lights. The dazzling light shines into Zhi Rou's eyes, and her thick eyelashes flutter slightly: "So beautiful."
She stared intently for a while, her gaze drifting elsewhere, and saw two tall figures standing by the railing on the stone bridge. One of them looked at her and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
“I saw my older brother,” Zhi Rou said to Song Han Jin.
Wei Yuanzhan was also there, with his older brother.
Song Hanjin followed her gaze and looked up. Just then, Song Qiyu stepped down from the stone bridge, and their eyes met from afar.
She paused for a moment, then suddenly turned away: "Ignore him." She walked away from the crowd.
Zhi Rou quickly followed, asking, "Is your sister still angry?"
She spent most of her time practicing riding at the training ground these days, and didn't actually spend much time at the manor. But every day when she returned home, she would run into her older brother.
He couldn't win Song Hanjin's favor, so the things she returned ended up in Zhirou's hands, and she sent them to Juexuan.
As the sun dipped westward, only a few wisps of indigo hung in the sky, and the night quietly began to fall over the capital.
Song Hanjin didn't stop walking. Zhi Rou's voice reached her ears. She pursed her lips and didn't answer.
She wasn't exactly angry; she just didn't want to see her brother leave the capital. Sometimes, she really wished her brother could be a carefree person like Song Qizhang, but most of the time, she looked down on Song Qizhang's shameless attitude.
My brother comes from a prominent family and has the blessings of his ancestors. He is also accomplished in both literature and martial arts, and clearly has a bright future ahead of him. Why does he have to join the army?
Zhi Rou didn't know how to comfort her. Everyone has their own ambitions, but this was definitely not a sentence her third sister wanted to hear.
The two walked slowly in unison, their sleeves billowing in the warm breeze.
Suddenly, someone removed Zhi Rou's mask from behind, the thin thread brushing past her earlobe, causing a dense, tingling sensation.
She stopped and turned around. The boy, wearing a mask, stood motionless in front of her face. His fingers were long and slightly curved, with veins visible on them and distinct knuckles.
Beneath the mask, a pair of eyes held a hint of amusement, as if teasing her.
Just by looking at that hand, Zhi Rou knew exactly who it was. She lifted her eyelids slightly and said, "Wei Yuanzhan, give it back to me."
“Okay.” He put down his mask, his eyes casually glancing at Song Hanjin for a moment before landing on Zhirou’s face. He was like a Cheng Yaojin who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
He smiled and said to Zhirou, "Come with me."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
