Edited by : Otwentyfirst

  A moment later, a total of thirty red lanterns made of muslin were a.s.sembled in a straight line, stretching ten feet in length. The candles inside were burning vibrantly.

  Huangfu Wu Shuang positioned the arrow and pulled back the string, slightly constricting his eyes as he aimed at the lanterns. With each tw.a.n.ged release of the string, the lanterns began to drop one by one.

  Kang w.a.n.g Huangfu Wu Shang watched Huangfu Wu Shuang with wide eyes. His face was slightly pale, revealing a nervous and timid expression, yet his movements were by no means stiff. As soon as he picked up his bow, it seemed as though he was immersed in his own universe. His eyes were focused as he began to shoot, each time with three arrows firing straight forward.

  Before the time it took to finish a full cup of tea, the thirty lanterns had all been shot down by the two people.

  Because they employed different arrows, they waited for the guards to finish collecting the lanterns and announce the result. After a moment, the guards returned to announce that Huangfu Wu Shuang had shot down 14 lanterns while Huangfu Wu Shang had shot down 16.

  Having heard the results, the Emperor knitted his brows as he glanced over at Huangfu Wu Shuang with a cold countenance. It seemed tonight the Emperor was extremely disappointed in Huangfu Wu Shuang.

  Hua Zhu Yu, who was watching beside Xiao Yin, didn’t expect Huangfu Wu Shang’s archery skills to be so high.

  "If he hadn’t practiced for at least 2 years, Kang w.a.n.g’s archery skills wouldn’t be that developed!" Xiao Yin leaned in and informed Hua Zhu Yu. "On the surface, Southern Kingdom appears as calm as water, but the turbulent undercurrent is surging. You cannot continue to remain here."

  Hua Zhu Yu knew Xiao Yin was concerned for her but she still replied with resolution, "Be it mountains of daggers or seas of flames, I cannot leave this place!"

  Dejected, Xiao Yin shifted his gaze elsewhere as his face returned to its previous ice cold bearing. He let out a sigh as his eyes revealed traces of helplessness.

  Utterly flabbergasted, Huangfu Wu Shuang originally a.s.sumed those games caught by Huangfu Wu Shuang were hunted by the Imperial guards. He had not antic.i.p.ated Huangfu Wu Shang’s archery skills to be this great. Tonight, Huangfu Wu Shuang was thoroughly defeated and his beautiful face was soon enshrouded by dark clouds as he gloomily withdrew.

  However, the Emperor did not scold him this time and just lightly waved his hand and said, "Alright, you may step down, the match shall end here tonight."

  Once the Emperor finished speaking, he appeared calm and collected and did not continue to speak any further.

  Ji Feng Li took a step forward, paid his respects and said, "Your Majesty, I heard that the people of Northern Kingdom enjoy singing and dancing in front of the campfire. Since Crown Prince Xiao learned our kingdom’s sword dance yesterday, why don’t we broaden our knowledge and learn their heroic dance tonight considering that the campfire is already set up!"

  The Emperor’s complexion relaxed a bit upon hearing this and he said with a smile, "Crown Prince Xiao, don’t know if it’s possible for you to perform a dance and broaden our knowledge."

  Xiao Yin accepted the request and instructed Hui Xue to bring the hu qin forward. He had brought it along even to a place like this. Hua Zhu Yu had seen Xiao Yin play the hu qin once before so she recognized it immediately. The instrument was black in color and it was evident that Xiao Yin played it often from its glossy appearance. Crafted at the head of the bow was a dragon head, which from a glance, made it appear quite imposing. Settling on the gra.s.s, with one hand on the body of the qin and the other on the bow, Hui Xue began to play the instrument.

  A deep, low tone rose, like the pa.s.sing breeze of the gra.s.sland, it was coa.r.s.e and wild as well as bold and unrestrained. While playing the qin, Hui Xue began to sing, "I yearn to see your smiling face, to hear your voice, and reside within your home, to lift your wine cup…… and welcome the sunshine of incoming spring, to witness your sincere smile, to listen to your moving voice, and stay in the warmth of your home, I pray in silence for you for I have fallen deeply for your soul……"

  This was a Northern Kingdom’s love song.

  It was very bold and unrestrained. The sanguine melody was exciting as well as stirring. Adorned in a tight-fitted purple gown, Xiao Yin’s figure appeared quite strong and vigorous. Together with the three guards, he began to dance to the rhythm of the beat, inching closer to the source of the music. His movements were free and easy as his footsteps powerfully struck the ground. His pitch black hair fluttered across his forehead while the band at his waist continued to swing along with the music. His strong build appeared proud as an eagle soaring in the skies as he performed the vibrant and powerful dance, leaving all who watched, blown away.

  Actually, when Hua Zhu Yu was still in Western Jiang, she had also learned of this type of dance. Often when they were victorious on the battlefield, they would drink to celebrate. At such times there would inevitably be entertainment, like this kind of dance, which had some influence from Western Jiang.

  Although Hua Zhu Yu thought the dancers back then appeared energetic and happy, she hadn’t felt that the dance itself was very beautiful. Tonight was different though. Tonight Hua Zhu Yu suddenly felt the invigorating dance was quite charming. It seemed the one dancing truly influenced the mood!

  She didn’t think she could ever dance with the same unrestrained pa.s.sion and vigor as Xiao Yin.

  Under the flickering light of the blazing campfire, he appeared exceptionally handsome and those pair of deep purple eyes exuded an indescribable charm.

  A+A-Chapter 80.1

  This type of dance was completely novel to the people of Southern Kingdom. This kind of dance was lively, fun, and possessed an enchanting appeal. A few Imperial guards couldn’t help but move along to the beat, quietly shaking their bodies. Seeing this, the Emperor laughingly said, “If the Crown Prince of Northern Kingdom has learned my Southern Kingdom’s sword dance, then you all should get up on stage and learn the heroic dance of Northern Kingdom, no need to stand on ceremony.”


  With the Emperor’s encouragement, the group of Imperial Guards couldn’t help but step forward to learn the dance. Presently, the hunting ground was filled with the sound of music, pounding of footsteps, and the flickering of the campfire.

  Sitting on the side drinking wine, the Emperor watched with narrowed eyes. Today was a rare occasion to drink to one’s heart’s content, unlike those previous constrained feasts. The officials sitting below drank wine while eating roasted meat and it wasn’t long before they became drunk.

  At that moment, an incident suddenly took place.

  As the campfire was dwindling down, a few guards stepped forward, intending to add more firewood yet at that precise moment, a strange gust of wind blew pa.s.s, completely extinguishing the fire.

  Instantly, they were enveloped in the darkness of the night with only the glow of the ember and a few torches casting faint light. The guards swiftly advanced to start the fire again yet at that moment, cries of wolves rang out, sounding particularly forlorn. Amidst the mountains, in the quiet of the night, the howls of wolves were nothing unusual to fear. Which mountains did have at least one or two wolves? Even if there were a pack of wolves, with such a large group of people present, what was there to fear? Moreover, all the vicious beasts were already taken care of yesterday.

  But following the series of wolf cries, another kind of growling noise sounded from within the forest, seemingly not too far from them.

  Hui Xue suddenly halted her playing and everyone was frozen in place. The guards reached for their weapons and quickly surrounded the Emperor, surveying the surrounding with vigilance. The majority of the people who were drunk had somewhat sobered up now.

  This kind of growl was not that of a tiger, ape, wolf, nor panther but that of a bear-like Beast. When she was stationed at Western Jiang, she had once entered into the depths of the jungle with her subordinates and had came across this type of Beast before. It’s just that she had never once exchanged blows with it firsthand. According to the natives of Western Jiang, this bear-like Beast was raised by the deity of Agriculture since ancient times, or so they were told by their ancestors and those before them. Distinct from other animals, it was incredibly huge, not only that but it was also exceedingly intelligent, even tigers, panthers and wolves feared it. It was said that anywhere the bear-like Beast went, other species would suddenly disappear without a trace, that even the wild wolves were scared at the mere sight of it. If a person were to come across such a beast alone on the street, naturally it was not likely for them to return alive. It was no wonder the wolves’ cries just then sounded so miserable.

  Hua Zhu Yu did not expect such a beast would appear in this mountain. It seems as though the guards protecting the Emperor haven’t encountered the bear-like Beast before, probably never even heard of it. Clutching tightly to their swords, their hands shook as they entered the forest.

  Hua Zhu Yu quickly stepped forward to stop them, “The situation has yet to be a.s.sessed, you shouldn’t act rashly.” The bear-like Beast’s body was solid as a rock, ordinary swords couldn’t harm it. If these guards impulsively charged at it, they would merely

  be courting death.

  But how could these guards listen to the advice of a little eunuch. They urgently rushed forward to display their loyalties in front of the Emperor and shoved her aside, shouting, “Move over, move…… don’t block our way!”


  But suddenly the cries of the wolves ceased and the birds atop the trees took flight, scattering.

  A large black figure emerged.

  Resting high above in the night sky, the moon’s rays of light in addition to the few lit torches enabled the people to vaguely see that this beast was even larger than a black bear with a face full of large bristles. Seemingly, it was more cunning compared to the foolish black black and its feet were remarkably agile. It appeared as powerful as a tiger as it charged towards the group of people.

  This bear-like Beast was very fast and it seemed as though it knew the Emperor’s place was heavily guards so it bypa.s.sed the Emperor and headed directly towards Kang w.a.n.g Huangfu Wu Shang whose face was frightened pale.

  Having just competed with Huangfu Wu Shuang, Kang w.a.n.g Huangfu Wu Shang was currently sitting in the corner drinking wine with only a few guards protecting him. Seeing the charging bear-like Beast, the guards brandished their swords at it but to no avail. Stabbing at it was no different from stabbing a boulder. Instantly, their swords were broken to pieces.

  “Don’t attack randomly, its whole body is as st.u.r.dy as a rock, only the spot of white fur beneath it’s jaw is its weak point!” Hua Zhu Yu shouted.

  Only now did the people realize how impressive this bear-like Beast was. Frightened, a few guards escaped. But among Huangfu Wu Shang’s guards there fortunately was one whose marital arts wasn’t half bad. He rushed forward to protect Huangfu Wu Shang with one hand striking the beast with his sword. But to find the chance to attack the spot of white fur was not easy. He continued to attack the beast and shouted to Huangfu Wu Shang, “Your Highness, quickly escape!”


  Huangfu Wu Shang was easily scared and his face was sickly pale as he trembled in fear at the sight of the bear-like Beast. He quickly tried to run away, but his left leg which was already healed, appeared to be somewhat limping.

  Seeing him escape, the beast lifted its paw and clouted the guard who was blocking its way. The beast then charged after Huangfu Wu Shang, raising its paw intending to strike his back. Under these circ.u.mstances, Hua Zhu Yu couldn’t help but run forward and extend out an arm to pull the youth towards her, reducing the impact of the strike. Spitting out a mouthful of blood, Huangfu Wu Shang fainted.

  Hua Zhu Yu dragged Huangfu Wu Shang back a few steps and laid him down on the ground. With a burst of wind, the approaching bear-like Beast had leap over her head.

  With no weapons and merely relying on her lightness skills (qing gong)it wasn’t hard for Hua Zhu Yu to escape. But if she were to escape, Huangfu Wu Shang would undoubtedly die under the strike of the bear-like Beast.

  Though Kang w.a.n.g and Huangfu Wu Shuang were rivals and both were sons of her enemy, Hua Zhu Yu was clear who was responsible for the debt and she did not wish for this innocent youth to die like this.

  A number of guards had recovered their senses and quickly grabbed their bows and arrows.

  But it wasn’t easy to hit the Beast’s fatal point. The arrows rained down on the Beast leaving it full of wounds but they were merely flesh wounds and did not actually harm it in the least and instead incited its fury even further. With an ominous glint in it’s eyes, it pounced towards Hua Zhu Yu.

  Hua Zhu Yu quickly made a move for the arrow near Huangfu Wu Shang’s waist. Tightly grasping it in her hand, she began to pour internal force into it. She then raised her two arms high, concealing the arrow. To others, it appeared as though she wrestling with the bear-like Beast. It’s body was heavy and it was strong as a tiger, terribly ferocious as though it would break her arm at any minute.

  At once, at this moment of life or death, a purple shadow swiftly approached, so quickly that others could not clearly discern who it was.

  A+A-Chapter 80.2

  Editor: Otwentyfirst

  The distance from the place Xiao Yin was performing to Hua Zhu Yu was a bit far. When the bear-like beast appeared, he rushed towards Hua Zhu Yu but who would’ve thought that before he could reach her, the beast attacked.

  Moreover, at this point, there was no way to make the beast retreat. Xiao Yin employed his lightness skills to quickly reach Hua Zhu Yu and pull her into his chest, but there was no time to escape. He could only turn around and shield her with his body, receiving the beast’s devastating blow.

  Hua Zhu Yu could hear the bones of Xiao Yin’s shoulders breaking. No matter how much internal force he had, he was still injured.

  At that same moment, the arrow in Hua Zhu Yu’s hand flew out like lightning, stabbing towards the white fur beneath the beast’s jaw. Letting out a roar, it staggered backwards and fell to the ground. It’s miserable roars continued, progressively getting softer and softer until it finally ceased entirely.

  The beast’s vulnerable spot was it’s chin, the softest area on its body. When she stabbed its chin, she felt as though there was already a sharp object embedded there. This was strange but she didn’t have the time to investigate.

  After stabilizing herself, she laid Xiao Yin down on the ground and examined his injury. Her hands were stiff yet somewhat trembling as her heart pounded frantically in her chest. She had witnessed countless deaths on the battlefield but she had never felt as nervous as she did in this moment.

  Many people had been scared senseless as the mountain finally restored to its previous serenity.

  “How, how are feeling?……” Hua Zhu Yu nervously gazed at Xiao Yin. Beneath the moonlight, his healthy wheat-color skin had turned deathly pale as blood constantly seeped out at his shoulder.

  His face was pale as snow, making his eyes appear even darker and unfathomable. His pair of deep purple eyes locked onto Hua Zhu Yu as though confining her, not allowing her to struggle free. A relieving smile appeared on his lips.

  “Your Highness, how are you? Is the injury severe?……” His four bodyguards came running towards them. Hui Xue anxiously asked as Lui Feng quickly helped Hua Zhu Yu up and tore the clothing at Xiao Yin’s shoulder to examine the injury.

  The severity of the injury made everyone take in a deep breath, but Xiao Yin made it appear as though it was nothing and said, “It’s nothing, it’s fine……” His voice was getting softer and softer. As though they had not been careful and placed pressure on his wound, he furrowed his brows and lightly coughed as streams of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.

  Huangfu Wu Shang was carried to safety by the guards and the Emperor quickly called for an Imperial doctor to come take a look at his injury. Amidst this scene of chaos, a miserable growl

  erupted as a callous black shadow approached from behind the Emperor.

  After the run in with the beast the Imperial guards had lowered their guard, not expecting another beast to appear. From a glance, this beast was even larger than the previous. It appeared to be a male and was coupled with the previous beast. After witnessing its partner murdered, this beast was even more aggressive, throwing a few guards backwards and charging directly for the Emperor.

  These two beasts were completely uninterested in the guards, one charged towards Huangfu Wu Shang while the other charged towards the Emperor. At this moment, in the group of guards protecting the Emperor, one stepped forward, brandishing a rope. He wound it around the beast’s two ankles and forced it to stop. Although its momentum was impeded, the strike it directed at the Emperor was still enough to slam him to the ground and cough up blood.

  A number of officials rushed over in a flurry of steps to surround and protect the Emperor. Hua Zhu Yu furrowed her brows and observed. She recognized that the guard employing the rope to tie the beast’s ankles was one of the three figures beneath Ji Feng Li- Tong Shou. Unexpectedly, Tong Shou was not guarding Ji Feng Li but was protecting the Emperor.

  Hua Zhu Yu watched on with indifference in her eyes. She saw Ji Feng Li within the crowd of officials surrounding the Emperor. His eyes were narrowed and there was no elegant smile upon his lips. But he did not appear to be anxious at all, just reserved and cold. Lan Bing stood on the side guarding him, as though he was afraid Ji Feng Li would suffer an injury.

  Hua Zhu Yu couldn’t help but scoff in her heart. A person like Ji Feng Li didn’t need someone to protect him.

  This Tong Shou’s martial arts was truly outstanding. He employed the rope to wind around the beast and tied the other end to a large stone. The beast let out a dauntless bellow and reached out to yank the rope with a violent force. Unexpectedly, the stone was pulled and dragged along.

  The group of people that were protecting the Emperor all backed away and the Imperial Army charged forward but did not dare to approach the beast too closely. They raised their bows and arrows and aimed at the beast, launching a rain of attacks. It was uncertain whose it was but an arrow at last had hit the target under the jaw and the beast let out a wretched growl as it fell.

  After this frightening turn of events, everyone was extremely anxious. In the end, three important figures were injured, requiring the care of the imperial doctors.

  The night was already late and it was impossible to return to the summer palace so the Emperor instantly ordered the Imperial Army within the summer palace to rush over and

  and spend the night guarding outside. Several campfire were lit around the camp, burning through the night.

  Hua Zhu Yu stayed to wait on Xiao Yin as he did get hurt because of her. His camp was divided into two parts, an inner and outer. Hua Zhu Yu waited in the outer camp as she watched the imperial doctor rushing in and out of the inner camp, making her feel somewhat anxious.

  Finally, the imperial doctor took his leave.

  Hui Xue went to boil the medicine while Lui Feng said Xiao Yin had invited her to come in. Lui Feng, Qing Yun, and Bi Yue then all tactfully retreated.

  Inside the camp the candles gently flickered. Xiao Yin was leaning back against the bed, his shoulder wound was already treated and bandaged with thick white gauze. His complexion appeared much better compared to when he was first wounded. Fortunately, the beast struck his shoulder, if it had struck his back, it was uncertain whether he could be resting in bed like this.

  Recalling that incident she realized what a risky move it was.

  Hua Zhu Yu sat down on the chair, gazing at the wound on his shoulder for quite a long time before asking in a hoa.r.s.e voice, “Does it still hurt?”


  Xiao Yin swept aside a few disorderly strands of hair on his forehead and replied with a smile, “No, it’s just a minor injury, merely insignificant.” Once he finished speaking, a sadness appeared in those deep purple eyes as he continued, “That day I shot a barbed arrow at your shoulder, now I know how much pain you must’ve felt back then. This shoulder injury can be considered my retribution. Yatou, you need not worry about it!

  Xiao Yin still clearly remembered all the times he had hurt Hua Zhu Yu. Often, when recalling such events he would be full of self-blame.

  Hua Zhu Yu felt it was hard to breath.

  Xiao Yin traveled thousands of miles to find her and even risked his life to protect her. His actions not only moved her but also planted the seeds of an unfamiliar feeling in her heart.

  She lowered her gaze, concealing the tears that threatened to emerge. When she looked up again, she said with a smile, “Your Highness, you don’t have to feel guilty about things of the past, those matters, there’s no need to mention them again. The things that you owe me, you’ve already completely repaid them.”


  Having heard what she said, Xiao Yin’s eyes became increasingly bleak.

  He did not face her as he fixed his gaze on the candle’s flame. It seemed as if he had to employ every last ounce of strength to ask, “The debt is paid? Your meaning is we no longer have the need to see one another, is that it?” After a long silence, he turned around to look at her and slowly spoke in a hoa.r.s.e voice. “Could it be apart

  be apart from this debt, there is really nothing else between us?”


  Hua Zhu yu was slightly startled.

  Nothing else?

  Nothing else?

  Like a sharp sword, this question p.r.i.c.ked her soft heart.

  “Disregard our ident.i.ties, is there nothing ……” his voice somewhat choked as it was difficult to speak such things aloud when he was sober like this.

  Within the camp, the atmosphere sunk to an impa.s.se.

  “You don’t want to follow me, alright, I won’t force you. But what you are doing here is too dangerous! The appearance of those beasts tonight is definitely not a coincidence. I think you also recognize that. Letting you remain in this turbulent southern Kingdom’s Imperial Palace, I truly don’t feel at ease,” Xiao Yin slowly said.

  Hua Zhu Yu also knew that tonight’s affairs wasn’t something that happened by chance. Especially those two beasts which did not harm others but specifically targeted the Emperor and Huangfu Wu Shang. She was certain there was someone pulling the strings behind the scene. And today was merely the beginning. It was uncertain how the situation in court could change tomorrow.

  “Rest a.s.sured, I’ll be fine. I’m sure you know what it is that I want to accomplish. If I don’t do this, even if I continue on living it would be no different from dying. So don’t stop me, if ……if ……I’ve handled this matter, perhaps I will look for you in Northern Kingdom,” Hua Zhu Yu slowly said with lowered lashes, concealing the emotions in her eyes. No matter what he said, she still would not leave this place.

  Xiao Yin turned around to look at her, deep in the depths of his eyes appeared a trace of surprise. His purple eyes burned brightly, enough to cause apprehension in others. He had thought that Hua Zhu Yu hated him and wanted to sever the relationship between them. He did not expect her to say that she would willing return to find him.

  His large hands stretched out to wrap around her slender, lily-white ones.

  “The medicine is here.” Hui Xue raised the curtain to carry the medicine in.

  Hua Zhu Yu stood up, intending to give the chair to Hui Xue but she didn’t expect Hui Xue to reject it and instead say, “Princess, today His Highness was wounded because of you, you should withstand the hardship a bit and feed him his medicine!”


  Hua Zhu Yu could only reluctantly receive the bowl of medicine. Peering inside she saw a concentrated viscous liquid making her knit her brows. She brought the medicine to Xiao Yin and said, “Good medicine is bitter, you should quickly drink it!”


  Xiao Yin did not move and looked at her with a relaxed smile, “You’ve been an eunuch for so long, yet you don’t know how to feed a patient their medicine?” He was actually really happy inside because he could tell she’d never done this before.

  It was true that Hua Zhu Yu had never donehad never done this before, not in the military nor inside the palace. Huangfu Wu Shuang had so many people to serve him that work like feeding medicine was not required of her.

  She had never done this for someone else.

  Hua Zhu Yu furrowed her brows and looked at the wound on Xiao Yin’s shoulder and it appeared he wouldn’t be able to lift his hand. She weakly smiled, raised a spoonful of medicine, blew on it, and brought it to Xiao Yin’s mouth.

  Xiao Yin quickly opened his mouth, and Hua Zhu Yu very quickly fed him. Xiao Yin drank just as quickly. This scene really confused Hui Xue who was standing on the side watching with knitted brows.

  Instantly, the bowl of medicine was finished.

  Early next morning, Hua Zhu Yu heard that both the Emperor and the prince’s conditions had stabilized. However, due to the Emperor’s age his internal organs and inner qi were damaged.

  Therefore, the Emperor had to stay in Qing Jiang Palace to recuperate.

  The Emperor entrusted matters of the court over to Kang w.a.n.g Huangfu Wu Shang to manage and ordered the Left Chancellor Ji Feng Li, Imperial Tutor Wan, and Right Chancellor Nie to a.s.sist him.

  The Crown Prince Huangfu Wu Shuang was completely forgotten.

  Hua Zhu Yu knew something wasn’t right.

  She feared the Emperor was suspecting Huangfu Wu Shuang to be involved in last night’s incident, however he had no evidence otherwise he would’ve deposed him of the Crown Prince position already.

  The emperor was suspicious of Huangfu Wu Shuang for two reasons. First, he was fond of animals and enjoyed partic.i.p.ating in animal compet.i.tions. Moreover, when he went to Jiangbei to handle the disaster relief fund, he had pa.s.sed by the summer palace. He had stayed outside for more than a month which could have given him the opportunity to gather the two beasts for the attack. Second, the Emperor was paying more attention to Kang w.a.n.g Huangfu Wu Shang recently, intending to motivate Huangfu Wu Shuang, but Wu Shuang always felt pressured. Particularly, when he had lost to Wu Shang in the archery compet.i.tion. Furthermore, the Emperor had been scolding him repeatedly recently. Huangfu Wu Shuang would inevitably carry grievances in his heart.

  Combining all these factors, the Emperor increasingly felt that Huangfu Wu Shuang was the prime suspect.

  Kang w.a.n.g Huangfu Wu Shang nearly lost his life during yesterday’s incident so he was not a suspect.

  Furrowing her brows, Hua Zhu Yu recalled that the beast already had something sharp embedded in its chin before she stabbed it. It appears an expert had already made a move before she did. Huangfu Wu Shang had already fainted on the ground so it was unlikely to be him. She was certain that someone else was protecting him besides her at that time.

  Thinking up to here, Hua Zhu Yu decided to bid farewell to Xiao Yin and went to look for Huangfu Wu Shuang.

  A+A-Chapter 81