Chapter 16: The Return of the Daughters of the Yao Clan

Chapter 16: The Return of the Daughters of the Yao Clan

Yuehua Pavilion, At Sunset

The golden rays of the setting sun filtered through the light mist hanging over the gardens of Yuehua Pavilion, casting a soft glow upon the expansive lotus pond. There, pink blossoms stood proudly above the emerald water, their delicate petals quivering gently in the breeze.

In the waters below, colorful koi glided in graceful arcs—some playfully blowing bubbles, others leaping briefly into the air before vanishing beneath the surface. The gentle ripples of water harmonized with the faint buzz of bees circling the lotus stamens, weaving a symphony of serenity. A cool floral fragrance drifted through the air, as if heralding the slow approach of twilight.

Beneath a pavilion at the edge of the pond sat a young man clad in pristine white robes. His figure reclined in quiet ease, dark eyes gazing into the rippling water with thoughtful intensity. In one hand, he held a bamboo chopstick, toying idly with the fish below.

This was Li Feitian, also known as Qi Dongyang, the Ninth Prince of the Qi Kingdom—lost in contemplation amidst the tranquil hues of dusk.

Beside him stood Li Tingting, a maiden garbed in simple pale-blue attire. With composed grace, she remained ever-attentive, ensuring that no disturbance reached her lord.

"Your Highness, may I ask what weighs on your mind?"

Her voice was soft, gentle as she poured wine into the jade cup before him. Qi Dongyang lowered the chopstick, exhaled quietly, then reached for the cup.

"I've been trying to recall the face of my mother…"His voice was steady.

"…But it seems her visage has faded from my memory."

Consort Chen Xingyan, mother of the Ninth Prince, was once cherished by the emperor. Yet in the silent tides of court intrigue, she had vanished—erased from memory, as though she had never existed. No matter how he tried to recall her, her face would scatter like smoke in the wind.

The Visit of General Yao

Just as the quiet deepened, the heavy sound of footsteps echoed along the path before the pavilion. Li Tingting looked up, then whispered urgently:

"Your Highness, General Yao Lijun requests an audience."

Qi Dongyang set down his cup, narrowed his eyes slightly, then gave a subtle nod of assent.

Clad in iron armor, General Yao Lijun stepped forward with two retainers in tow. As the trio reached the edge of the lotus pavilion, a hush fell over the scene.

"Your servant greets the Ninth Prince."

General Yao bowed with clasped hands.

Behind him, two young women knelt gracefully—his daughters, Yao Ningjian and Yao Ninghe.

Qi Dongyang's eyes fell on them, yet he remained silent. A breeze stirred the lotus petals as if to fill the space left by unspoken words.

Yao Ningjian and Yao Ninghe kept their gazes lowered for a moment before the elder sister finally broke the silence.

"Your Highness…"

Her voice was firm, tinged with remorse.

"…My sister and I have truly wronged you."

"We misunderstood you from the beginning," added Yao Ninghe, her voice quivering. Her fists clenched tightly as she kept her head bowed."Today, we come to beg your forgiveness."

The two sisters bowed low, their foreheads nearly touching the ground, their sincerity clear in every gesture—a heartfelt repentance for the misjudgment they once held against the man who had aided them in their darkest days.

Qi Dongyang regarded them in silence, his gaze unreadable. Then, at last, a soft chuckle escaped his lips.

"What's past is past."

His voice was neither cold nor warm—measured and composed. He took another sip from his cup, then spoke again.

"I know you both are honest by nature. It is good to see you again. Congratulations on your father's release from prison. Rise."

The sisters exchanged a glance, then slowly rose to their feet, a faint sense of relief washing over their hearts.

Qi Dongyang gave them a slight smile.

"There is something I'd like your help with."

His words carried deeper meaning, causing the sisters to pause. Yao Ningjian clenched her fists again before replying with resolute sincerity:

"Your Highness has done more for us than we could ever repay. Even if it costs our lives… we would be honored to serve you."

Qi Dongyang chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"That won't be necessary."

He set down the wine cup and rose, clasping his hands behind his back. His gaze turned once more to the resplendent lotus pond.

"Tomorrow, the martial contest for your father shall commence…"

A gleam flickered in his eyes, and the faint smile on his lips hinted at hidden plans.

"…I may require your assistance when the time comes."

Then he turned toward General Yao, as if to acknowledge the unspoken understanding regarding the ties between the prince and the general's daughters.

"General Yao, do you feel confident about tomorrow's challenge?"

"Your servant has been imprisoned for many years—my strength may have waned somewhat. Yet I still believe I can best the warriors of Chu."

"How confident are you?"

"Eighty to ninety percent, Your Highness."

"No," Qi Dongyang said calmly. "We are confident of your complete victory."

"But—"

"No 'but'. Leave that to me. You need only prepare for battle—and you must not fail. You must not."

With that, General Yao was dismissed, leaving only the Yao sisters behind—who still had much to speak of, after the long time apart.

Arena in the Imperial Palace

The air around the grand martial arena buzzed with excitement, as nobles and commoners alike gathered to witness the climax of this momentous contest. The scholarly duel held the day before had given the Qi Kingdom a narrow lead. Should today's martial challenge end in another victory, the conflict would conclude decisively—Qi would not only retain its territory, but also secure a thirty-year truce from the Chu Kingdom.

Yet beneath the roar of the crowd lingered a tension more palpable than silence. A brisk wind swept across the polished stone courtyard, scattering fallen leaves across the arena floor. Sunlight glinted off rows of gleaming weapons prepared for the challenge. Imperial guards stood in tight formation around the arena, their hands gripping weapons with vigilance and caution.

To the north of the arena rose the dais of the Emperor, with the Empress, princes, and senior ministers seated below him. Directly opposite were the seats reserved for Princess Chu Xiuying and the Chu delegation. Her expression was calm, yet her eyes burned with the fire of unwavering resolve.

A rhythmic drumbeat rolled across the arena, reminding all present that soon, this space would be drenched not in ceremonial pageantry, but in the heat of battle. This fight was no mere contest of martial skill—it was a duel that would determine the fate of two nations.

"The Chu Kingdom shall not let Qi claim victory so easily,"

whispered one voice among many.

The drums beat steadily as Princess Chu Xiuying stepped into the arena. All eyes turned to her tall, commanding figure, robed in crimson like a phoenix descending from the heavens. She walked with the grace of nobility and the force of conviction. In her slender hand, she gripped the hilt of her sword, her arched brows drawn with determined pride.

"Before this duel begins, I have one additional condition."

Her voice was sweet but resounding with authority.

The entire crowd fell into silence, hanging on her every word.

"If the Chu Kingdom emerges victorious, Qi must surrender ten more cities."

A collective gasp erupted across the arena. Ministers of Qi furrowed their brows in unease, while those of Chu exchanged smirks of satisfaction.

Standing upon the dueling platform was Qi Dongyang, the Ninth Prince, who narrowed his eyes slightly. A playful smile curved his lips as he turned toward Princess Chu, observing her with quiet scrutiny before stepping forward to face her directly.

"Isn't that condition… a bit unbalanced? Should not Qi receive an equal stake?"

The princess arched a brow, her gaze sharp with disapproval.

"Fair? What do you mean by fair? And what is it you propose?"

"If Qi wins," Dongyang said casually, "then we shall claim ten cities from Chu as well."

"Agreed."

She answered without hesitation—but the prince's grin only widened.

"Still… I feel that the terms lack a certain value."

"What do you mean?"

He stepped closer, his tone calm yet commanding as it echoed across the arena.

"If I win—not only shall I claim ten cities from Chu—but I will also claim you, Princess, as my concubine in the Qi Kingdom."

His words crashed into the crowd like a thunderclap. Gasps and murmurs surged from every direction. Ministers from Chu leapt to their feet in outrage, while those from Qi chuckled with undisguised delight.

Princess Chu Xiuying's eyes bore into him, her fair cheeks tinged faintly with crimson.

"You would use the spoils of war to coerce a woman? Is that not an act of cowardice?"

Dongyang shrugged.

"War is not only about blood and land. Sometimes, it concerns people… especially you."

"I refuse to accept!"

Her voice rang out defiantly. But Dongyang merely smiled.

"In that case, Qi shall also reject your demand for ten cities."

The princess pressed her lips into a tight line. She turned to glance at her ministers, whose faces were grave. Though none approved of Dongyang's terms, to back down now would mean forfeiting the right to negotiate. That, she could not allow.

At last, after a long silence, Chu Xiuying spoke again, her voice steady.

"Very well. I accept your condition."

A renewed wave of astonishment swept through the audience. Qi Dongyang gave a soft laugh and responded smoothly:

"Then let us see… who among us shall triumph—today and tomorrow."

To be continued...