091 Urgency at the Frontier Post

“Snap.” He increased his pressure, trying to bring Mo Feiyuan down, but it did nothing. Instead, Mo Feiyuan’s blade had already pierced straight through to his throat.

“Ugh...!”

Yun Heng stared at Mo Feiyuan in disbelief. “How? How is this possible? What technique did you use?”

Could he still talk?

Just a little closer...

Mo Feiyuan’s sword, merciless and precise, tore through Ye Heng’s throat again and again. Blood spilled freely.

No one expected him to die so fast. Everyone was stunned into silence.
Ye Heng’s followers had no reason to keep fighting once their leader was dead. The loyal troops broke apart on their own.

Ye Heng convulsed and tried to speak, but not a single word came out.

Never had he thought he’d die so easily—he had overestimated his own abilities.

After a few more weak struggles, he was still as stone.

Mo Feiyuan did not even look at him again. He turned his gaze to Yun Feiyue.

“You’re all right?” he asked.

Yun Feiyue smiled sweetly and nodded toward herself. “Look at me. Do I not look all right?”

Mo Feiyuan checked her carefully and, satisfied there was no problem, nodded with relief.

Yun Feiyue peered at the dead Ye Heng and said, “You’ve made him dead with such haste. You weren’t even done playing yet.”

A faint twitch crossed Mo Feiyuan’s lips.

Yun Feiyue pouted, her face all helplessness. “Oh well. If he’s dead, he’s dead. Anyway, I don’t seem to have anything to do here. Commander Wei’s wife, carry on.”

Commander Wei’s wife was still sparring with Ye Heng’s two top lieutenants, but she was slowly gaining the upper hand. The rest of Ye Heng’s men began to pull back one by one.

It was less a retreat than a collapse.

No master, no soldiers. Why would they stay?

So the battle was effectively won before it had truly begun.

Yun Feiyue had little to occupy her and, since Yue Qi’s injuries had also mostly healed, she wanted to leave. Little Mumu naturally refused, so she stayed on for a few more days.

It was only after Yue Qi, with the backing of several ministers, Commander Wei’s household, and his own army, prepared to take the throne that the whole place exploded into movement.
The mere announcement of the ascension shook everyone.

News spread quickly that Yue Qi was a man.

Word traveled across the Golden Saber continent: everyone had said the princess of Jing was beautiful beyond compare, and now it turned out that dazzling princess was male.

Yun Hai could not bear it and headed straight to Jing City.

In the morning, while Yun Feiyue was still watching the scenery as if nothing could touch her, Yun Hai rushed in with a strained face.

“Moon, where is Yue Qi?”

Seeing Yun Hai, Yun Feiyue was startled. “Second Brother, what brings you here? Did you come because you miss our Luo Yunhuang?”

Yun Hai, breathing hard, his expression turning dark, snapped, “What are you saying! I’m here to find Yue Qi!”

“Second Brother, what’s the matter with you?” Yun Feiyue smiled at him.

Yun Hai snorted. “Find Yue Qi! That fellow has deceived my pure feelings for years. Today I am going to cut off his little cock!”

“Pff—” Yun Feiyue couldn’t help laughing. Seeing how upset Yun Hai was, she reined it in a little. “Second Brother, what’s happened?”

“He’s a man!” Yun Hai said, bitter with resentment. He had loved a man for over ten years; losing that was no small sting.

“And now you like Luo Yunhuang, don’t you? Whether Yue Qi is man or woman has little to do with you, really.”

Yun Feiyue gave him a serious look. It was a fair point. Yun Hai thought about it and seemed to accept, though he still looked unsettled. Ten years of feeling does not vanish with one explanation.

He finally said, “By the way, where is Yunhuang?”

“Luo Yunhuang? She should be at Qingwu Hall.”

Since that day, Luo Yunhuang had not seen Yun Feiyue again. She was likely left there. For Yun Feiyue, it was not necessarily a catastrophe; given her own difficult situation, she felt awkward dragging Yunhuang into Jing’s affairs.

Yun Hai was curious about Qingwu Hall. “How did she end up there?”

Yun Feiyue shook her head. “I don’t know. I’ll ask next time we meet. Second Brother, you didn’t come all this way just to cut Yue Qi’s throat, did you?”

Yun Hai huffed and turned his gaze to the sky, refusing to answer.

“Don’t play dumb, Second Brother. Tell me plainly—what are you really here for?”

She was not in the mood for dithering. Yun Hai was too sharp to be fooled here, and with her own feelings clear, she continued:

“She’s beautiful to me. Attraction can change, you know.”

And anyway, Yun Hai was still handsome.

After a long pause, he spoke again. “Moon, I’m not only here for you and Yunhuang. I heard Jing is in chaos. Grandfather asked me to inspect on you. I’ll also go by Qingwu Hall for Yunhuang. Do you want to come with me?”

Yun Feiyue shook her head. She did not want to visit Lady Yuqie. If Luo Yunhuang had chosen to stay in Qingwu Hall, Yun Feiyue did not want to summon her.

She knew Luo Yunhuang’s status and also knew the connection between Mo Feiyuan and the Grand Elder. She was in a bind.

Since Luo Yunhuang had chosen to stay there, Yun Feiyue no longer wished to burden herself with the matter.

Each person has a path to walk, and she had no right to choose it for another.

A friend lends aid when help is truly needed; it does not mean they are forever bound to stand side by side.

Yet Yun Hai’s situation was different.

“Second Brother, do you truly care for Yunhuang?”

Yun Hai gave a low, heavy nod. “If I didn’t, would I travel this far? Anyway, I’ll deal with Yue Qi first, then we’ll handle Yunhuang.”

“Second Brother, Yue Qi is badly wounded now. He’s under care.”

Yun Feiyue did not try to hide anything. She saw how fixated he was—if he had his way, he’d storm in and beat him up.

Yet Yue Qi was protected by dangerous people; Yun Hai likely could not harm him anyway.

When she saw Yun Hai’s flustered state, she sighed with pity. Poor Yue Qi.

Soon, fighting sounds burst from the northern garden of Yue Qi’s quarters.

Yun Feiyue covered her ears and pretended not to hear, then lay back again to watch the scenery.

“Mother, Yue Qi is being crowned today. Aren’t you going to watch?”

Little Mumu said it in earnest.

“Pack up. We’ll leave shortly.”

Little Mumu nodded uncertainly. “Then I’ll bid little You farewell. You’ll leave after Father seals the new emperor?”

“Yes,” Yun Feiyue said. She added nothing.

She had spent so long in Jing City without truly enjoying anything. Since arriving, she had been trapped by one matter after another in the capital. No wonder she felt so sour.

Little Mumu, seeing her mood, said no more and obediently returned to her room to pack her small bundle.

Outside, someone entered the courtyard.

Yue Qi strode in carrying the beaten Yun Hai in his arms.

No longer in disguise, he wore a violet nine-dragon robe, with a filigreed gold-and-violet crown. A translucent gem flashed on the front of it, and he shone as if lit from within.

His face now fully showed the unmistakable air of a man, Adam’s apple rising at his throat. Clearly, he had used some forbidden art before to mask his male traits.

“So you came?” Yun Feiyue’s voice was flat, unreadable. Lately her mood had been low; matters concerning Yunhuang, Yue Qi, and Ye Heng were unrelated on the surface, yet together they pressed on her mind. She had the feeling she had missed something important. She had thought about it for long and could not untangle it; in the end, only that heaviness remained.

Yue Qi dropped Yun Hai to the ground.

“You bullied my older brother.”

Yun Feiyue looked at him with irritation.

Yun Hai nodded violently. “That guy was already ruined, wasn’t he? And yet! He had top people around him and still couldn’t beat him!”

Yue Qi grunted. “I did only bully him.”

He was showing off.

“Isn’t this asking for death?”

Yun Feiyue glared. “Are you trying to die?”

“Try it! If you’re brave, kill me!”

She clicked her tongue. “Right—that means he knows you’d never truly kill him.”

“I won’t kill you today, but I won’t promise I can’t break you in half.”

She flicked her index finger and whipped out her fire-whip, striking at Yue Qi.

He dodged quickly, but his body no longer moved as before and he could not fully evade.

Fortunately, she drew back in time. Had she not, he would have been ruined.

“Since this is your accession day, I won’t make a scene. That doesn’t mean I won’t remember. Stay your hand next time, especially with my brother.”

She said it with no patience left.

Yun Hai looked at her with an anxious, almost pitiful face and nodded in full agreement. He would have preferred this whole person, yet here he was, powerless.

Yun Feiyue gave her own warning as Yue Qi stepped close, closing in on her.

“You’re angry?”

“It’s obvious.”

“Are you angry because I’m a man? Or because I got hurt? You’re not angry about Yun Hai being beaten, are you?”

Yue Qi said this with complete confidence.

Yun Feiyue let out a slow breath. “In life, the first requirement is self-awareness. What you are means little to me.”

One sentence drew a clean line between them.

Yue Qi’s brow knotted. “If you had known I was a man earlier, would it be better?”

Yun Feiyue nodded. “If I’d known sooner, I would have crippled you then. But afterward, you did help me.”

Yue Qi’s expression darkened. So that was his place in her eyes.

“I mean, if I’d known you were a man, if you hadn’t married Mo Feiyuan...”

“No ifs. I have always loved him, so I was going to marry him.”

She smiled and held his gaze steadily.

Yue Qi gave a faint smile. “I see. I understand. I’m being crowned—aren’t you coming as my guest?”

Yun Feiyue shook her head. “I won’t go. I wish you success. You’ll do fine.”

He gave a brief nod. More words would not matter. In an instant, they had grown strangely distant. That distance was best for both of them. They each understood where things stood.

“Though I hate others not submitting to me, you are different.” He clenched his fist, turned, and left.

Only then did Yun Feiyue turn back to Yun Hai. “Second Brother, don’t go provoking Yue Qi often. His temper is terrible.”

Yun Hai was already full of grievance; hearing this made him bristle more.

“Moon, why must you side with him? He fooled me by dressing as a woman. If you had married already, you’d be done worrying about your life; but I’m the one anxious! No one cares for me, no one loves me. I’m pitiful.”

He exhaled and straightened his clothes. “I’m going to find Yunhuang. I’ll avoid making a fuss with Yue Qi for now.”

Yun Feiyue, though slightly uneasy, knew his nature. “Fine. I’ll go with you. I’m not sure if they’re still there.”

She stepped out with him.

Outside, the city was jubilant.
A new emperor’s enthronement and general pardon naturally called for a national celebration. Crowds thickened the streets, flowers everywhere.

They passed through the busy avenues and came to Qingwu Hall.

Qingwu Hall in Jing’s capital was only a branch branch, so there weren’t as many attendants as at the Mo family residence—but it was still far from empty.
Today, with the coronation, even Qingwu Hall’s staff were dressed festively.

Because they had seen Yun Feiyue before, one glance from the steward recognized her instantly.

“Ah, Miss Yun, is that you?”

She nodded once, no ceremony. “Is Yuqie here?”

“Unfortunately not. Our mistress went to the palace for the enthronement this morning.”

“And Luo Yunhuang?”

“Miss, she probably already left.”

The steward answered vaguely. Yun Hai cut him off sharply. “Tell me plainly—whether she is here or not. Don’t give me this uncertain nonsense.”

His rough tone grew unpleasant; after a few exchanges, the steward’s own face turned sour.

He gathered himself. “To be honest, we truly don’t know. After you and Miss Yun separated, she left. I never saw where she went after that. But she is not here now.”

Yun Hai gave a breathless, disappointed snort. “Not here? All this for nothing, then. Seems Yunhuang and I are not meant to meet now.”

Yun Feiyue tilted her head and studied the steward closely. “You are certain she is not here?”

Though uneasy under that gaze, he answered stiffly. “Absolutely certain.”

Yunhuang was not here, and she had not come to find Yun Feiyue. It felt odd. The two had parted without farewell the other day, which did not feel like her style. Yet because of Yun Feiyue’s relationship with Yuqie, Yun Feiyue hadn’t sensed anything wrong.

But now the steward’s hesitating expression seemed evasive, and that pricked at her.

The steward, feeling her gaze sharpen, turned away and avoided looking at her.

“Ahem.” Yun Feiyue said, “I’m needed elsewhere. If there’s nothing else for me, I’m leaving.”

She took her leave.

Outside, Yun Hai still muttered curses about Qingwu Hall.

“Moon, why would Yunhuang be there? Did you pawn her off to pay a debt by buying something there?”

Yun Feiyue’s face darkened. “You are impossible. Even if I had debts, I would never trade Yunhuang away.”

Yun Hai grumbled two irritated sounds, “Who knows what you might do? In case you did—whatever. Looks like I won’t find Yunhuang. Better that I go back with you. Moon, are you heading home to the Yun household?”

Yun Feiyue shook her head. She had calculated: soon the Mo family examination would come. Returning then might be too late.

“No need. If you return, tell Grandfather I’m well. It’s just... Yunhuang...”

She turned her head toward Qingwu Hall once more. “I don’t know if she’s there. I’ll ask Yuqie again.”

Yun Hai pouted in annoyance. “How could Yuqie be with Yunhuang? Tell me the truth.”

Yun Feiyue snorted. “Why should I tell you? Second Brother, don’t bother me when there’s no need. If you’re this concerned, you’d do better to find Yunhuang yourself.”

Yun Hai was swallowed by her words.

“Fine, fine. Women are a bother.”

“No wonder you like men.”

“Are you just changing the subject whenever it suits you?”

They argued all the way back to the general’s mansion. By then, the investiture ceremony had already begun.

From three hundred li beyond Jing’s palace outward, the whole expanse was packed. People crowded so tightly that the avenues flowed like a river of bodies.

Yun Feiyue frowned slightly. If only she had gone with Yue Qi to the ceremony...

It seemed she would have to wait until Yuqie came back...

In one night, Yue Qi had transformed from prince to prince-emperor, making men like Yun Hai lose their minds and many women lose their composure. He was young, beautiful, and now an emperor.

The enthronement went smoothly by all reports. Because the crowd was so enormous, Yun Feiyue did not mingle with it. She returned to the general’s house, and with Little Mumu began packing, preparing to leave.

She thought the storm had passed—until an urgent alarm came to the mansion, shaking it to its core.

“Alert! Enemy forces have invaded the border and already taken two cities!”

“Enemy troops?”

Impossible. Jing and Chu are neighboring states. If enemies existed, it could be Chu, yes—but Chu had only just stabilized. Bei Chenyu would never be foolish enough to attack Jing.

“What is going on?” Yun Feiyue cut off the messenger as he arrived.

“Who are you?” the man asked, suddenly realizing he had not recognized her.

“Don’t ask me who I am. Tell me what happened on the border.”

The man hesitated. Seeing Yun Feiyue in the general’s residence and likely an honored guest, he decided to answer plainly; such news would soon reach everyone anyway.

“It was Chu’s army. Taking advantage of the former emperor’s death, they launched war and have already advanced straight to the capital.”

He gasped for breath, hatred for Chu clear in his face.

Yun Feiyue frowned. Could Bei Chenyu really be so reckless? Even if he agreed, the Yun family would not, and without the Yun family’s support he could not finance war.

In Yun Feiyue’s judgment, Bei Chenyu could not be the one.

Then who?

“Are you sure you’re not mistaken? Which Chu unit was it?”

“Haven’t ever mistaken. Even if I’m wrong, would the commander be wrong too? It’s Chu’s own King Bei Chenyu himself leading the troops. We had enjoyed decent relations before. But he attacked so suddenly and broke through a city at once. Looks like Chu can’t bear us anymore.”

Yun Feiyue understood. The inner coup and the state of unrest in the outer court were not yet known publicly in Chu. In a world without fast communications, such rumors could remain hidden.

Bei Chenyu, hearing of Jing’s upheaval and knowing Yue Qi had pulled troops back from the border, struck at the exact moment of chaos.

She could no longer wait.

“Go report to Commander Wei.”

Yun Feiyue gave instruction and decided to go into the palace as well.

The enthronement had just ended. Everyone was drinking in celebration, but the news was urgent. Yun Feiyue conveyed it to Commander Wei.

Commander Wei was drinking when the message arrived. At the news, he nearly spat out the wine, spraying it across the floor. His reaction was so dramatic that those nearby turned to stare.

“Commander Wei, what happened? Are beautiful women too much for you?” two lecherous old men joked.

Commander Wei, patient by temperament, ignored them and glanced at his wife.

Lady Wei sensed trouble immediately, looked at Yun Feiyue, and gestured her over.

“Come have a cup with your sister.”

Yun Feiyue took a cup, touched glasses, then leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Lady Wei, the frontier is in danger.”

The smile vanished from Lady Wei’s face.

Yue Qi, who had already been curious when Yun Feiyue entered, became even more attentive when he saw her conversing with Commander Wei and Lady Wei. He had invited her to the ceremony, but she had shown no interest. The fact that she now sidestepped Mo Feiyuan and spoke first with the commander and his wife seemed unusual. He signaled them to come forward and hear what was happening while the ministers stayed at a distance, and kept his voice low.

When Commander Wei explained the frontier emergency, Yue Qi understood at once.
To secure the throne, he had pulled troops back; now that the borders were threatened he would have no choice but to release them.

He looked at Yun Feiyue as if to say something, but she lifted her cup first.

“May Emperor Jing enjoy endless years.”

Yue Qi drank it all in one gulp. “Thank you.”

Only then did Yun Feiyue move toward Mo Feiyuan.

He touched her forehead gently. “Are you all right? Why come in like this all of a sudden?”

“Something happened. I came to see if Jing’s beauties have already stolen you away.”

The intimacy made him take another swallow at once. The liquor burned through him.

Abruptly, he stood and left his seat.

The eunuch announced that the new emperor had suddenly felt unwell and stepped away.

The ministers did not mind. A sovereign was accustomed to leaving as he pleased.

Yun Feiyue looked at Yuqie beside her. “Where is Yunhuang?”

Yuqie merely touched the gold mask that covered her face. “I don’t know.”

Her tone remained cool and distant.

“She was clearly left at Qingwu Hall. Don’t tell me you know nothing of that.”

“Even if I did, what of it? Yunhuang’s feet are on her own, and if she wishes to go somewhere, how can I command her?”

Yuqie lifted her cup. “A sip?”

Yun Feiyue drained hers in one swallow. “The last thing I ask is this: if I ever find out you laid a hand on Yunhuang, I won’t let it rest.”

A soft laugh came from behind the mask. “‘I won’t let it rest.’ I’d like to see what that means.”

Mo Feiyuan took Yun Feiyue’s hand and linked their fingers. “My wife, let us go.”

They left together, hand in hand.
Several ministers watched them with envy.

“Shenyin-jun and Miss Yun are truly made for each other—close in feeling, like paired geese and mandarin ducks.”

“Exactly! That pair is excellent. I heard there was a battle when they married; even the elder of the Yun family had to intervene.”

“Shh. Some perfect pairs never last.”

They passed the palace gates. Only then Mo Feiyuan asked, “Has something happened?”

Yun Feiyue answered with a helpless little smile. “Nothing escapes your eyes. Yes—there is trouble. Bei Chenyu has designs on Jing. He may be trying to found his own capital.”

“Do you intend to intervene?” Mo Feiyuan asked quietly.

She smiled brightly. “Only my husband could see through this so quickly. In a few days is not the Mo Elder Council exam? Since I’m occupied with the elders, you can’t say I’m free for anything.”

“Perhaps it may be postponed,” he said. “Only that.”

Yun Feiyue’s composure fluttered like silk in wind. “The elders are tedious old men.”

He nodded. “They are.”

She pursed her mouth and did not answer further.

Mo Feiyuan tightened his hold on her hand slightly. “Feiyue, we leave this afternoon.”

She nodded. “Good. Then we leave this afternoon.”

“Moon, I had Little Mumu pack everything already. We’re ready to go.”

When they returned to Commander Wei’s residence, the commander was already in full martial readiness, dressed in uniform and about to depart.

“Commander Wei, are you leaving today?”

“Frontier war is urgent. I must leave at once. There’s no time for ceremony.”

“I’ll go with you,” Yun Feiyue said at once. “I’m headed to the border anyway.”

Commander Wei hesitated. “I’ve heard Bei Chenyu and you were close, but this time he is the rebel. Jing and Chu have long been on good terms. If Chu attacks us, we won’t let it stand.”

Yun Feiyue smiled without answering. Who had said they were close?

She and Bei Chenyu were farther apart than eight poles of bamboo. “Don’t worry. Bei Chenyu is a traitor of Chu. I won’t save him.”

That calmed Commander Wei somewhat. He waved broadly. “Then come.”

“To you, wife,” he said, taking Lady Wei’s hand. “I’m leaving. Keep Little You in the house and see to her.”

Little Mumu looked at Wei Ziyou with reluctance. “You’ll be missed, Little You. Once Mother settles these matters, I’ll come back for you. Give me a hug.”