BLHO Chapter 112

Chapter 112: Tonight There’s Wine (End)

The moonlight, like water, spilled over the flowering branches in the courtyard. Lin Shuangxu’s sleeves stirred a gentle breeze as he rose.

“It’s an honor to have the Immortal Master visit, I apologize for not greeting you sooner.”

“Young Master Lin need not be so formal.” Xingzhi’s eyes held a smile, his robes spread out like lotus petals as he bowed to Gu Meng Ning, “Your subject pays respects to the Emperor.”

“Immortal Master, please take a seat quickly, come sit next to me.” Princess Meng Ning nudged He Yuncheng with her elbow, “Move over there.”

He Yuncheng’s wrist guard clanked sharply against the celadon, having been pushed two seats away by her. He said helplessly, “Or should I just go outside, Your Majesty?”

“Don’t go out, we haven’t finished discussing important matters yet.”

He Yuncheng was too lazy to argue with her, so he silently moved over one seat.

Princess Meng Ning ignored him, watching Xingzhi gracefully take his seat. She did not act like an Emperor, but earnestly started a conversation with him, “It’s so difficult to meet the Immortal Master. Today, I finally get to enjoy the light of the General’s Manor.”

Previously, Princess Meng Ning had summoned Xingzhi to the palace several times, but he had declined, saying he was busy with affairs. It was unknown if he was truly busy or just making excuses.

“Your subject is apprehensive. It’s just that my wicked disciple has committed grave sins. As his teacher, I must take responsibility for his discipline. Therefore, I have been unable to spare the time these days. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”

Princess Meng Ning asked curiously, “How does the Immortal Master plan to punish the Grand Diviner?”

Xingzhi smiled faintly, asking in return, “How does Your Majesty wish me to punish him?”

Princess Meng Ning pondered for a moment, then said, “From the perspective of your immortal sect, the Grand Diviner did indeed commit a great wrong, a crime deserving of death. But from my perspective, he was my closest ally during my difficult times, and he has contributed greatly. Naturally, I must plead on his behalf, asking the Immortal Master to be lenient.”

Xingzhi’s gaze was clear and cold, as if he was nodding almost imperceptibly, but he did not say whether he agreed or not.

Princess Meng Ning did not press him further. Her fair hand held a jug, and the silver bracelet on her wrist reflected an arc of light as she poured wine. She then asked, “Just now, did the Immortal Master hear what I and General He were saying? Why is the annexation of Yan and Zhao unfeasible?”

“The fate of a nation is predetermined. If the time is not right, effort is in vain.”

Princess Meng Ning was unconvinced, “A land of barbarians, with such prosperous national fortune? Even if Bei Sheng joins forces with Qi Dynasty, it can’t shake it?”

“If Your Majesty doesn’t believe me, then consider that I said nothing.”

Princess Meng Ning had finally gotten him to say a few words, so naturally she had to act clever and obedient, quickly saying, “Your Majesty naturally believes in the Immortal Master implicitly.”

“Implicit belief, but perhaps you are not willing to listen, and will still insist on your own thoughts.”

Xingzhi’s appearance was not much different from the others at the table, only his speech revealed the demeanor of an elder.

He knew that the Emperor had summoned him to the palace again and again not to hear his honest advice, but to seek his approval.

Princess Meng Ning did not mind being seen through, raising her cup to toast everyone, “Let’s not talk about it, today we gather to only discuss personal matters, not affairs of the court. Immortal Master, this cup is for you.”

Xingzhi did not decline, raising his wine cup to drink with Princess Meng Ning.

Princess Meng Ning did not mention having a royal child at this point. After drinking, she wiped the corner of her mouth with her sleeve in a bold manner, praised the good wine, and suddenly thought of something, turning to look at Lin Shuangxu with a sour tone, “I keep calling you brother, but you and He Yuncheng are too heartless. When holding a banquet for the festival, you invited Immortal Master Xingzhi but not me, forcing me to shamelessly come to your door.”

Lin Shuangxu and He Yuncheng exchanged a glance, and just as they were about to explain, Xingzhi spoke first, “Your Majesty misunderstands the General and Young Master Lin. Today I came not at their invitation. The one who invited me was someone else.”

“Oh? Who is it?”

Princess Meng Ning did not know, and Lin Shuangxu and He Yuncheng were also confused for a moment.

Xingzhi looked around at the people gathered around the table and sighed, “The one who invited me to the banquet did not come tonight.”

It was not difficult to guess who he was talking about.

Lin Shuangxu pondered for a moment, then said, “The one who invited the Immortal Master was Lord Song?”

Xingzhi smiled.

This banquet was initiated by Song Jiting from the beginning. As a new official, it was the time for him to smooth relations with important officials in the court. He Yuncheng, Lin Shuangxu, and Xingzhi were all people who would be pivotal in the Bei Sheng Dynasty in the future, so he naturally had to make friends with them.

But Li Yuliang’s death had a profound impact on him. One could imagine his state of mind at this time; he certainly had no desire to drink and socialize.

The reason why he didn’t come today was well known to everyone present, but no one spoke about it in front of Princess Meng Ning.

Princess Meng Ning was not foolish. When they didn’t speak, she took the initiative to ask, “Why do you all start looking so gloomy when Lord Song is mentioned? What are you thinking?”

The atmosphere froze for a moment, then He Yuncheng came forward to ease the tension, “Since Lord Song is not here, let’s not discuss him behind his back. Let’s continue drinking.”

Princess Meng Ning raised an eyebrow, and giving them face, picked up her cup. But the topic did not end there. Shaking her head, she lamented, “I think you all underestimate the Vice Minister too much. It’s just the death of an enemy, surely he won’t be so devastated by it, will he?”

No one answered her. Wine cups were suspended in their hands, and the atmosphere was somewhat subtle for a moment.

Just as He Yuncheng was thinking about how to stop her from speaking, suddenly, the copper bell on the eaves was startled by the night wind.

A hearty voice came from outside—

“Your Majesty is right, what earth-shattering event needs to be taken to heart and brooded over?”

Everyone turned to look and saw Song Jiting coming through the frost, a smile on his face, with no sign of sorrow.

“Lord Song?” He Yuncheng was surprised, “You actually came.”

Song Jiting laughed, “I was the one who invited everyone to gather, how could I not come?” He stepped forward and bowed, apologizing, “There were some matters in the manor just now, which delayed me. Please forgive me.”

After speaking, he bowed separately to Princess Meng Ning, “Your subject did not know Your Majesty was here, I was rude.”

Princess Meng Ning said happily, “Minister Song, you need not be so polite. This wine was lacking some flavor, and we were just waiting for you. Quickly take your seat.”

Song Jiting took the last seat at the table, and the banquet seemed to finally be complete.

And everyone noticed at this time that Lord Song did not come alone. Behind him was a tall, handsome man. When he sat down, the man considerately moved the chair for him. After ensuring it was proper, he guarded him at a distance.

Although the two did not speak, there was an unspeakable ambiguity flowing in their gazes.

He Yuncheng saw it and couldn’t help but ask curiously, “This friend has an outstanding appearance and extraordinary bearing. Who is he?”

Song Jiting answered plainly, “A servant in my manor.”

He Yuncheng started to pry again, “I’ve never seen him before.”

“Of course you haven’t seen him.” Princess Meng Ning picked up his words, “This is whom I just gifted to Lord Song the other day.”

“You gave him?” He Yuncheng chuckled, and couldn’t help but look at the man again. The more he looked, the more impeccable his appearance was.

“Yes.” Princess Meng Ning slowly picked up a dish, “Lord Song just moved into a new residence, it is inevitable that the manor will be deserted. I’m sending a pretty boy to serve and accompany him, to show my concern for my subjects.”

She placed the dish she had picked up in front of Song Jiting’s bowl, and asked him, “Lord Song, are you satisfied with this person?”

Song Jiting smiled and nodded, “Extremely satisfied.”

Princess Meng Ning said happily, “If you’re satisfied, then use him for now. Whenever you get tired of him, tell me. There are men like cattle hair in this world. Do you like those with outstanding appearances, or those with considerate natures, or those with full of knowledge who can discuss ancient and modern topics with you? As long as you want it, I can find it for you. When the old moon falls, a new moon will replace it. There’s no need to dwell on losing anyone.”

“Well said!” He Yuncheng applauded and echoed, his expression seeming utterly fake.

But the truth was just that. Those who stood at the pinnacle of power could get whatever they wanted with ease, and nothing was irreplaceable.

What was interesting was that these people under the moonlight tonight were all more sentimental than each other.

A white jade plate hung at the tip of the phoenix tree, and the clinking of crystal cups rang out. Laughter mixed with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus flowed in the courtyard.

Tonight, they wouldn’t return until they were drunk.

Song Jiting was just a scholar, his alcohol tolerance was not very good, but he still went around the table, offering each person a separate toast.

After a cup for each person, his white jade-like face was flushed with rouge color, and the servant in green supported his staggering figure. The Vice Minister’s robes were already stained with wine.

Song Jiting leaned on the servant’s arm to calm his drunkenness. After a moment, he straightened up again, and once again raised his wine glass, excitedly saying, “Everyone, let’s drink this cup to the fullest!”

Shen Tan spoke more than usual after drinking too much, raising her cup and chuckling as she recited, “Chang’e must regret stealing the elixir.” He Yuncheng, emboldened by the alcohol, was stirred to display a bit of literary talent, and thought of a line of poetry he had memorized as a child, picking up the second half of the verse, “Azure sea, blue sky, heart for every night.”

Princess Meng Ning tearfully tugged at Lin Shuangxu’s sleeve, her voice soaked in the sweetness of osmanthus wine. She repeated the same words several times, saying that she had not been loved since she was a child, and had suffered all kinds of grievances in the cold palace. She had finally escaped the cage of her childhood, and now she was being bullied by a heartless person. Her brother must stand up for her.

Lin Shuangxu calmly peeled a crab shell, placing the extracted crab meat one by one into Princess Meng Ning’s bowl, “Autumn crabs are fat and rich, perfect to pair with wine. Eat while you cry.”

It seemed that only Xingzhi had a light buzz, his demeanor was proper, and he leisurely drank alone, watching the juniors laugh, scold, and do as they pleased.

Song Jiting recovered, and once again carrying the green jade wine pot, went around the stone table, staggering in front of Xingzhi.

The Vice Minister’s steps were unsteady, but his gesture of toasting was as solemn as presenting a memorial in the main hall, “Immortal Master… I offer you another cup.”

Xingzhi smiled and touched cups, “Lord Song is too polite.”

The wine swayed in the cup, and Song Jiting said, “I heard that Grand Diviner is the Immortal Master’s beloved disciple?”

Xingzhi jokingly corrected him, “Wicked disciple.”

His attitude was light, but Song Jiting was full of respect, “I’ve heard some rumors about your sect’s junior members. To be honest, I’m very interested. If the Immortal Master doesn’t mind, I’ll visit you another day and ask you about the methods of seeking immortality and enlightenment.”

“Lord Song, if you are interested, you are welcome at any time.”

The two drained their cups, and Song Jiting wiped the corner of his lips with his sleeve, “May I be so bold as to ask one more question, what is the Grand Diviner doing now? How does the Immortal Master plan to deal with him?”

“Haven’t decided yet, depends on his remorse.”

“I heard that… the Grand Diviner was involved because he secretly practiced necromantic arts against the natural order, implicating the sect. Is this true?”

Xingzhi looked at him with a smile that wasn’t a smile, not giving an answer.

Song Jiting’s eyes were blurred with drunkenness, but his unspoken thoughts surged like an undercurrent.

“What else does Lord Song want to ask?”

“Nothing really… just curious, in this world, is there really a necromantic art that can keep the souls of the dead in the world?”

“Lord Song, when a person dies, they become a ghost. Evil ghosts have no heart. Raising ghosts becomes a danger, and in the end, it harms the living.” Xingzhi turned the cup in his hand, the cup wall reflecting the starry sky, “Wicked ways, must not be touched.”

Song Jiting’s drunkenness faded away, and he smiled casually, “I have learned. Thank you Immortal Master for satisfying my curiosity. I was being too inquisitive.”

Fireworks exploded at this moment.

Thousands of golden and silver threads intertwined in the night sky, illuminating Fengdu City as if it were daytime.

It was time to worship the Moon God.

“Everyone!” Princess Meng Ning, supporting herself on the stone table, rose to her feet, her skirts sweeping across the fallen golden osmanthus flowers, “Follow me to the Moon God procession!”

Zhuque Avenue was surging with a tidal wave of cheers. The Moon God’s chariot, carried by twelve people, was just turning the street corner. Behind the snow gauze curtains was the courtesan disguised as the Moon God, a stunningly beautiful face, a golden crescent moon painted between her eyebrows, and a silk scarf flying in the wind. A rain of flower petals fell from the sky.

On this side, five fine steeds led the way, trampling on the beauty of the world.

He Yuncheng’s black cloak fluttered in the wind, Lin Shuangxu’s silver scale armor reflected the lights, Shen Tan’s red python robe had golden cranes that seemed ready to take flight, Song Jiting’s fingers on the reins were pale and about to break, but he straightened his back, and Xingzhi’s white horse was adorned with silver bells, each clear sound causing the people on the side of the road to gasp.

The five of them entered Zhuque Avenue in a line, and the crowd retreated like waves of wheat.

“It’s the Empress’s imperial carriage!”

The people excitedly stood on tiptoes to watch, wanting to catch a glimpse of the Empress’s demeanor.

The old man selling sugar figures forgot to extinguish the stove, and the sugar syrup on the iron plate burned into an amber-colored moon.

A child riding on his father’s shoulders almost burned someone’s hair with his rabbit lantern.

The girls on the embroidered tower threw down sachets, almost hitting Lin Shuangxu’s forehead. He Yuncheng caught it with quick eyes and hands and threw it into Shen Tan’s hand, causing a burst of laughter from the embroidered tower.

Song Jiting raised his head to look at the moon in the deafening cheers, the fireworks flickering in his eyes. For a moment, he saw the bloody sunset of the execution ground that day turn into a sky full of stars.

Princess Meng Ning sat in the palanquin, her fair hand lifting the beaded curtain, watching the moonlight of all of Fengdu City prostrate at her feet.

The land was so beautiful, this wealthy world made the passionate even more passionate, and the regretful even more regretful.

The endless affairs of the world, let them flow like water, walking and seeing.

Tonight there’s wine, I only ask to be drunk in the eyes of my beloved.

–

“Slap.”

In the teahouse, the storyteller slapped the table with a startling sound. At the exciting point, he excitedly said, “Just at this critical moment, there was a loud noise in the sky, and the entire night sky was suddenly burned blood-red by a scarlet light. A raging fire broke out in the imperial palace, and after the palace walls were burned, a few large characters were clearly revealed: A True Dragon is Born… Speaking of, it is our Empress…”

His tone was exaggerated, and the people below forgot to drink their tea and didn’t bother to eat their candied fruit. They were absorbed in his exclamations and sighs, truly believing that she was the Empress chosen by heaven, truly remarkable…

“Continue, continue!” The audience urged, throwing copper coins on the storyteller’s table at the exciting part. They deeply believed in these mysterious and strange things he was saying.

Only the two people in the farthest corner slowly drank their tea, occasionally slightly raising the corners of their mouths, calm and quiet.

It was He Yuncheng and Lin Shuangxu, who were ordered to inspect the military preparations in various places.

They passed by this place and casually found a teahouse to rest, unexpectedly hearing an exaggerated and strange story.

He Yuncheng couldn’t help but laugh, “This storyteller, is he hired by the Emperor herself with money? Still a true dragon descending from heaven, why doesn’t she say she’s the reincarnation of the Queen Mother of the West.”

Lin Shuangxu also laughed, “It’s harmless. Appropriate strange tales and legends are beneficial to winning people’s hearts.”

He Yuncheng shrugged his shoulders, agreeing, naturally not going up to take down the stage, and drank the tea in his cup.

“Let’s go.” Lin Shuangxu also put down his teacup, “It’s getting late, we still have to rush to Liaozhou tomorrow, don’t let the officials wait.”

“Mm.”

The two rose and left the teahouse. Before leaving, He Yuncheng threw a piece of silver into the storyteller’s money bucket.

Such generous patrons were rare, and the storyteller happily tried to keep them, “Are the two guests leaving now? I’m about to tell the story of the General Who Pacifies the Nation, that is absolutely wonderful, wouldn’t you like to stay and listen?”

He Yuncheng didn’t turn his head, casually waving his hand as he crossed the threshold, “I’ll come back to listen next time.”

The heat of summer had passed, and in the blink of an eye, it was autumn. The two of them set out from Fengdu and headed south, walking along in the bright autumn sun.

The first yellow leaf fell at their feet, and He Yuncheng lowered his head to pick it up, playing with it in his hand. He turned to see that under the azure sky, Lin Shuangxu’s eyebrows and eyes were as gentle as water, and the endless threads of affection drowned out many years of sorrow.

He took Lin Shuangxu’s hand, wrapping his cool fingertips in his warm palm.

“Continuing south is the territory of Qi Dynasty. I heard that it is not like Bei Sheng, with its long winters and white snow. There are picturesque mountains and rivers there, with the four seasons like spring.” He Yuncheng asked him, “Speaking of which, it can be considered your homeland. If you have the opportunity in the future, would you like to go and see it?”

Homeland, not really.

But if it’s with He Yuncheng, the beautiful scenery of the world is worth seeing.

Lin Shuangxu stopped, turned around, and gently hugged He Yuncheng.

The sky was high and the clouds were light, and the phoenix trees gently shook. He Yuncheng smiled indulgently, “Aren’t you in a hurry to get on the road?”

Although that’s what he said, his arm wrapped around Lin Shuangxu’s waist.

“Not in a hurry,” Lin Shuangxu said.

Except for the road to see you, there is no road in this world that must be rushed.

Heroes and brave men cannot keep up with the pace of the changing times.

The rise and fall of dynasties, the turmoil of the land, no one can control.

The happy events of the world, only true love lasts forever.

-End of the Full Text-