Princess Agents 特工皇妃楚喬傳 Chapter 148 English novel translation

Princess Agents - 特工皇妃楚喬傳

Chapter 148: Heart Like a Mulberry Path

Synopsis: Yan Xun questions how Chu Qiao escaped from DaXia with her army intact, and she did not want him to announce it was Zhuge Yue who had done it, so she concealed it.  Yan Xun is not satisfied with her answer, and that is perhaps the moment her feelings for him were nullified.  Chu Qiao leaves for war with no goodbye from Yan Xun.

Around a year has passed now, DaXia and Yan Bei are halfway into their war, and everywhere the world was changing again.  That is where we begin....

The day she left was a clear day, and even though the New Year was approaching the weather was cold.  The sky was a fine blue, like the water in a pool, without any clouds.  A gaggle of wild geese flew south, and the sun brought a taste of warmth with a spray of gold satin sunlight over the white snow.  A row of robust war horses along the horse road, in a continuous winding line, were altogether more than 2,000 people.

Now, it was the end of the following year, and in half a month it would be the New Year.  All along the road they had passed merchants from the mainland who dared to do business along this trade route, risking the danger for the promise of getting rich.  Now, Yan Bei's trade has flourished, so even if the war on the eastern border has continued, they use the southern waterway on the border to enter Yan Bei to do business.

Chu Qiao pulled down her heavy hood, lifting her face to the azure blue sky.  Her eyes were clear like water.  In the blink of an eye another year had passed, the once young girl has grown a bit taller, and the curve of her eyebrows possessed a more mature appeal and her hair was neatly wound up.  She was dressed in a cyan blue leather riding crop as she rode her fiery chestnut war horse.

Ge Qi came from the front of the line to report, "Excellency, He Xiao received a message that said we are to camp at the foot of MinXi Mountain tonight, and he has already taken the vanguard there and made preparations."

Chu Qiao nodded, and heard the cry of the war eagle overhead, and she suddenly lifted her head, her gaze looking into the distance.

After passing MinXi Mountain it was HuoLei plateau, and beyond that was Yan Bei's new conquest, the northwestern natural barrier.  That place used to be marked as DaXia territory on the map, and now it was Yan Bei's territory, and the war for Yan Ming Pass has been ongoing for a whole year.

In this year, many things had transpired. The prior year was a most turbulent and chaotic year for the continent that would be recorded in the history books.  After the war between DaXia and Yan Bei was halfway through, successive internal conflicts of the northern capitals and people in the interior created chaos for the seven kingdoms, which greatly limited the resources and scope of the northwestern war.  Zhao Che had no alternative but to change his original plans for war offense into war defense, and defended Yan Ming Pass to the death in order to stall for time until the internal unrest was quelled.  However just after his slow recovery, the emperor of Bian Tang suddenly passed away and the crown prince Li Ce ascended the throne amid political unrest.  Due to internal treachery and influences in the government sewing discord, DaXia and Bian Tang broke out into a small scale war on the border.  But for the fact Zhao Yang had been sent to the border, DaXia would have had to face the difficult position of fighting a war on three fronts.

The world had seen that just in the span of a year the former military power of DaXia was in obvious decline; in the west it was unable to recapture Yan Bei, in the north it was unable to placate the masses, in the south it was unable to subdue Bian Tang, and in the east it was economically pressured by Huai-Song.  Nowadays the continent no longer had any appearance of being unified.

Half a year ago Yan Xun officially ascended his throne on Sunset Mountain,  and northern Yan proclaimed itself a country, the country of Yan, altering its destiny.  With the exception of DaXia, he otherwise met with no opposition from Huai-Song or Bian Tang.  In this respect he finally became the real master of the northern Yan territory, firmly sitting on his royal seat both in name and in reality.

Chu Qiao did not go to his ascension ceremony that day.  She dismissed her subordinates and an climbed HuiHui Mountain alone, where NaDa Palace stood at its summit.  Originally built by Yanshi City for a queen, it was decorated with snowy white birds and flowers of stone.  Hidden in the natural bright red and pale yellow flora in bloom, it looked like an ink and wash painting.

Quiet and peaceful, there was not a single trace of bursting fireworks or the human world.  The upturned eaves and traditional architecture coupled with the sound of babbling water was a testament to how much that previous ruler loved his queen.

She had sat at the top of HuiHui Mountain, listening to the carefree song of a shepherd down in the midsummer pasture.  His sweet voice rising and falling, bringing peace to the people listening, chasing away all the bitterness.

Gazing down at the horizon, down at the iron gray shadow of the mountain that covered her heart. Even though at the time she was leagues away it was though she could see the man dressed all in royal gold robes, his golden radiance dazzling.  The corner of her mouth tilted upward, and she smiled lightly.  Lifting her head, the cool breeze lightly touched her face.  The young woman's blue-green clothes gently swayed, a solitary and lonely figure, like a single blossom.

Today's YanBei is not what it was originally.  With Huai-Song's economic support Yan had a strategic advantage.  In the past year Chu Qiao had pushed construction and reform in Yan Bei's mainland so the world could estimate its slow rise.  Yan Bei was far ahead of the other three major countries in terms of military weapons.  Under Chu Qiao's leadership they built large scale arsenals, developed more than 30 large mines, built water conservation projects and altered Yan Bei's unsuitable farming conditions.   In Shang Shen alone, compared to a generation past, a large number of grain production areas were developed.  Grain production in Yan Bei was more than doubled now this past fall compared with previous years, ensuring the self-sufficiency of its army.  They also opened medical facilities and military schools, as well as developed business contacts with Bian Tang and Huai-Song, making the Yan Bei market prosper through caravan trade.

Although Chu Qiao's proposal to reform slavery never passed, slaves were rarely seen in the markets within her jurisdiction.  Her enlightened policies and growing social system attracted a large number of businessmen creating a large scale, established urban residential area in less than a year.  Once a barren land, it was comparable to the northwestern trade capital.

Chu Qiao now understood that a country that had once lived in darkness for many years would absorb the light like a sponge.  Yanbei had trade routes surrounding it, vast territory, fertile land, developed animal husbandry which served as a lifeline to the mainland, as well as vast mineral resources.  The people were silent and simple and hard working.  Living in the modern era for many years Chu Qiao had never seen a government with a clear plan or such enthusiastic citizens.  People here work for free and have no requirements for their quality of life.  Having tens of thousands of free laborers was almost unimaginable in modern times.  Chu Qiao could not help but feel that Yan Bei had all the perquisites for rising and maturing as a nation.  But for the years of war, it might have been one of the most powerful forces on the continent.

The southwestern garrison army was disbanded, and it was no longer a regular Yan Bei force.  Because they were stationed at the XiuLi river under HuiHui Mountain, the southwestern garrison army was renamed as the XiuLi Army and the people of Yan Bei called Chu Qiao Her Excellency XiuLi.

The XiuLi Army now consisted of 9,000 troops, and today was the last time they would deliver supplies to the front line.  Soon it would be the New Year and their soldiers should have a holiday.

Before the sky was dark they finally made it to MingXi Mountain.  There were many plains in Yan Bei and though MingXi was called a mountain it was just a small outcrop only a hundred meters tall.

When Chu Qiao and her contingent arrived, He Xiao had already arranged for the tents to be pitched and dinner to be cooked, and after having a mouthful of hot, meaty soup, she finally shed a few layers of the day's fatigue.

The night in Yan Bei was always the most beautiful.  Mid month, the moon was big and round, the snowy plains a swathe of pure white.  On the other side of the mountain was a tributary derived from the ChiSui River, now frozen solid.  (TN: OMG is this the place I think it is? TT__TT) Yesterday when passing MaWei City, the head minister had wanted to give Chu Qiao a gift, and she had inattentively put it in a large box in the horse carriage, and only now did she have an opportunity to open it.  It was a fine green wind cloak with marten fur trim.  The large article was well made, brightly dyed, consisting of luxurious marten tails, smooth to the touch.  Altogether it was a gorgeous, rare commodity.

There were four lit braziers inside the main tent, which made it rather stuffy, so Chu Qiao donned her large cloak and went outside.  She walked all the way to the foot of the mountain, but seeing as the scenery was just pure white between heaven and earth, she went alone to the top of the mountain where a few old plum blossoms stood proudly in full bloom despite the snow, achieving the pinnacle of enviable beauty.

Hidden away in a cluster it felt even more desolate.  Chu Qiao's lonely figure was framed by the icy cold full moon.

Some of the locals had said this mountain was a temple of a Yan Bei goddess, built by Yan Bei's ancestors in the early days.  Having weathered countless hundreds of years of wind and rain, it was still watching over the vast expanse of Yan Bei.

Chu Qiao raised her foot and followed up the rugged mountain path.  The snow at the top of the road was so deep it covered up to her knees, and she continued like this for over an hour until she reached the summit.

The entire temple was built of Xilan white stone, thought it was not very big.  It was as tall as four people, with a door facing east and west.  Chu Qiao stood at the western door, from where she could see the tall effigy of the goddess reaching the top of the roof, occupying nearly the entire space of the hall.

The main hall was rather dilapidated, with snow coming in from more than one place, everywhere draped with shriveled cobwebs and covered in grey dust: it was a real mess.  Only the statue remained spotless, standing loftily, the goddess' face was plain and pale like a lotus.  Looking at her, it seemed Chu Qiao was looking into the serene eyes of Yan Xun's mother, gentle like water, on the Nine Demons Dais so many years ago.  Her outline was faintly visible from the flying skirt, and her abdomen presented a high bulge, as if she was pregnant.

When she was very young, Yan Xun had once told her that Yan Bei had a female goddess and she was divided into two faces.  One face was a fierce god wielding a battle axe in her hand, representing conquest and killing.  The other side was a mother goddess who was with child, representing guardianship and reproduction.  True enough, she saw it for herself today.

She was about to go to the other side to take a look, and when she moved her foot she simultaneously heard the slight sound of a footstep from the eastern side.

A large gust blew through the large hall, from the western door passing the statue and out the eastern door.  Chu Qiao's figure abruptly stood still.  She slightly furrowed her brow and slowly reached for the Breaking Moon sword hanging at her waist.  Before she even pulled it out, the blade suddenly vibrated, as if in jubilation, and in the large hall it quietly hummed.

An idea came to Chu Qiao's mind and an inexplicable impulse came over her.  She involuntarily moved, walking to the left side of the goddess' statute, and then gently, every so gently poked her head out.

Outside, the snow flew, the cold plum blossoms were bursting with blooms.  As if by accident, he raised his eye to the space in between, and a delicate silhouette appeared like a ripple in that space before his eyes.

Beneath the goddess wielding a battle axe, he wore a silver grey fox cloak,  his hood half on, the sound of his white robes rubbing together as he moved, just like that elegant wind instrument of years past.  His eyes were like a cold lake, deep and solitary.  (TN: Noooo…what's with all these lake references….? TT__TT)  His lips were as if painted with drops of vermillion lacquer.

He was still as outstanding as ever, handsome and extraordinary, pushing the limits of worldly description and exceedingly difficult to describe.

A gust of wind from outside brought ash upward, some of it hitting his shoulder.  A faint plum blossom fragrance lingered under the bright and clear moonlight.  A split second slowly pierced a length of time, cast through this casual moment.  (TN: that was a really hard sentence….)

He seemed a bit surprised, not expecting to see her here.  In the instant their four eyes met, the years fell away like water, and the image from memory gradually overlapped with the face in front of them.  The years flowed and fate was ever changing.  The two were speechless, neither of them knowing what to say.

A pale yellow fledgling flew in from the cold, settling on the shoulder of the goddess.  Its small black eyes looked at both of them, and then chirped a sweet sounding melody.  (TN: even the gods are trying to give them hints ^_^)

The man gazed at her, his eyesight penetrating deep into the misty hall.  His brows slightly rose, as if he wanted to say something, but he remained speechless.  His gaze was like warm water, sweeping over her thin shoulders, brushing over her slender neck and gliding over her slim cheeks.  Finally, it rested on her surprised eyes, for a long time, until he calmly withdrew his gaze, and indifferently turned around.  The view of his back was rather cold and lonely.  The tip of his cloak swept through the fine layer of dust on the ground, stirring up particles to fall upon his felt snow shoes.

His footsteps were steady as he walked towards the snowy grounds outside the temple.

"There will be a heavy blizzard in the hinterlands in the next few days, be careful as you go."

Zhuge Yue had just approached the doorway when Chu Qiao's voice carried from behind him.  It was very calming, like a good cup of Long Jiang tea from Bian Tang, gentle, smooth and thoughtful, with a trace a sweetness.

He couldn't help but halt his steps, turn his head and raised his brows gently, "And you are not worried?"

Chu Qiao nodded honestly, "I am, but I have no choice."

The young woman could not help but shrug her shoulders, and let out a rather worried look.  The words from her mouth carried the feeling of an early, temperate spring, and Zhuge Yue's eyes flashed a similar warmth.

Zhuge Yue's tone remained stead as he said, "Rest assured, my disguise in entering Yan Bei 's interior has nothing to do with the war, it won't harm your interests."

"That's good," Chu Qiao smiled.  "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Yes," Zhuge Yue nodded honestly.

Chu Qiao was surprised, not expecting that there would be, and hurriedly asked, "What is it?"

"Don't report me."

Chu Qiao stared at him, never once thinking the Zhuge Yue could tell a joke.  She stood surprised for a long time, and only after that did she respond, "How could I?"

The little fledgling chirped happily, the flew straight to a corner towards a brazier.  A scent of meat wafted in the air, and Chu Qiao took a few steps over to the goddess, and saw a short mahogany carved stool in the corner of the hall, with a delicate copper basin on top of it.  Cooking over a small fire, a thick soup bubbled, the fragrance of meat permeating, with a few plates of raw meat and vegetables placed aside.  An octagonal silver wine jug was placed on its side.

Chu Qiao smirked and pointed as she said to Zhuge Yue, "You're leaving?  Then this is all mine?"

Zhuge Yue thought for a bit, took a few steps toward the front of the stool, lifted his robe and sat down, lightly saying, "That would be a waste."

Zhuge Yue was worthy of being born into an aristocratic family of a large clan, growing up in gold and jade splendor, and even if he was away form home, out in an environment like this, he continued with his usual idiosyncrasies.  His food was always the best and most exquisite without exception.  There were thinly cut lamb slices rolled together neatly and fresh vegetables cleanly washed with drops of water still clinging to them, who knew how he preserved them so well, along with chopsticks cast in sterling silver and engraved with an intricate and delicate filagree.  Zhuge Yue took up a roll of lamb meat and placed it in the simmering copper basin, letting the meat change color as the soup rippled up and down and churned about.

Layers of steam drifted out, filling the space in between the two of them.  Eating out in cold weather like this was really a treat in life.

There was a whole set of cups, and Chu Qiao still remembered Zhuge Yue's old habits.  Back in QingShan Pavilion, even if he always ate alone, he always placed a full set of dinnerware on the dinner table, as if many people would be coming to eat with him.  (TN: That's kind of sad, bro….)

She picked up the wine jug and poured a cup for him, as well as one for herself.  Zhuge Yue watched and with a puzzled brow he asked, "I thought you never drank wine?"

Her hand gripping the cup trembled slightly, since he was right.  She never drank alcohol before, but since when did she start to like such a thing that befuddled the mind?  (TN: since she's had to turn a blind eye to the stuff Yan Xun does, probably…. )  She slowly raised her eyes and said calmly to him, extending her cup, "I pass on this blessing, and honor your with this cup."

Zhuge Yue's eyes were keen and he did not raise his cup, but quietly took her measure.

Chu Qiao raised her eyes and drank it down, saying indifferently, "This cup, is to thank you for these years past, repeatedly refraining from killing us and raising a helping hand."

Not having seen her for year, Chu Qiao seemed taller. Her eyebrows had thinned over her delicate and pretty face.  Her eyes were very large, and it was if they were covered with an added layer of haze, obstructing anyone's view.

With a cup before him, Zhuge Yue did not drink but only took his chopsticks, quietly added meat to the pot and did not lift his eyes when he said, "If you're going to eat, just eat, where did all these words come from--are you reciting a script?"

Chu Qiao frowned, "Every meal has an opening toast."

Zhuge Yue said dryly, "I get enough of that from the old men in the capital, I don't have enough energy to accompany you in saying such things."

Chu Qiao quietly muttered something to herself and took some meat with her chopsticks to eat.  Zhuge Yue saw that she was eating it too quickly, strongly urging her, "Careful, it's hot."

As soon as he said it, Chu Qiao cried out, as if she really burned her mouth.  Zhuge Yue looked at her with slanted brows and uttered, "Serves you right."

Although she did burn her tongue, the food was delicious.  The two of them sat there, and in the beginning, there may have been ulterior motives behind the idle chitchat.  But gradually, they focused on eating, and after a while, they got to the bottom of the large pot of boiling lamb meat.  Still unsatisfied, Chu Qiao took her chopsticks and fished around for more inside the pot, and like a rabbit, ate all the vegetables and leaves remaining inside.

"I heard you were promoted?  Congratulations."

Zhuge Yue said faintly, "Just as well, killing 80,000 Yan Bei troops, in exchange for meritorious military service. I heard you were promoted also?"

"Thank you.  I dealt with the remnants of DaXia's army at the MeiLin Pass, and also took down some government official."  Chu Qiao glanced at him and asked, "I heard you you had become commander of the western military forces, and you are no longer under Zhao Che?"

"I cannot discard what the Emperor has accorded me, and it was an insignificant contribution.  I am indifferent to this glorification."  Zhuge Yue then faintly added, "I had heard that the southwestern garrison forces were forced to retire their name, and was expelled from the Yan Bei regular forces, and their weapons were scaled back."

"The XiuLi Army is now more of a local peace keeping force, it is reasonable to limit their weapons.  But I had heard the Wei vassal clan sent Wei Shuye to come to Yan Ming Pass.  Isn't that just trying to infringe on your authority?" Chu Qiao raised her brow and smiled.

"Having wishes is always good, but whether or not one can achieve one's goal is another thing entirely.  I heard that the leader of the DaTong Association, Wu Daoya, has been banned from the Sunset City and didn't even participate in this winter's troop review."

"All organizations have their share of internal conflict, you yourself have risen and fallen.  Moreover, there are still a few things I heard that might not be accurate, such as Zhao Yang pulling troops to win at the southern line, which would drag on the hind legs of the war in the western front, so I don't know if it's true or false."

"The phrase 'three-legged tiger' is not said in vain.  I had heard you reformed Yan Bei's inland, invoking prosperity with commerce; even DaXia tradesmen have secretly done business with you all.  That is certainly not a simple task."

"I'm just operating on a small scale.  I had indeed heard that at the battles of Cao Qiu and Jin Hui you broke through Yan Bei's army, capturing 1,000 troops from the Second Army's Eighth Division.  Otherwise, we would have been able to use the opportunity to change DaXia's destiny and rush into its interior."

"DaXia has been standing for 300 years, you can't just charge into it just by saying you're going to charge into it.  I heard about 10,000 people in the northern tribes starved this winter.  Aren't you worried that they would declare open war now and take over the Northern Road?"

"They will come regardless.  Worrying about it isn't going to change that.  I had also heard the rural people in northeastern mountain region of DaXia want to follow Yan Bei's example and become independent.  Do you think they will be successful?"

"I heard Ms. Yu of the DaTong Association is only a figurehead now."

"I heard that DaXia's government gave an empty legislative seat to the Murong clan of HeXi last month, altogether making 30 years of HeDong and 30 years of HeXi."  (TN: I think she is poking fun that the seat did not go to his clan, and it also sounds rather 'punny'....)

"I had heard Yan Bei developed a very sturdy material from which they can forge even stronger weapons that are tougher than iron, and that it was of your making?"

"I heard the emperor passed his 46th decree locking down travel to root out espionage, limiting the circulation of goods in the market, and also using the army against Huai-Song, by your initiative?"

"I heard your recent mission was to deliver supplies to Yan Bei's base camp, and if the supplies didn't make it, the base camp would be cut off."

"I heard your current mission was to find out about Yan Bei's trade news, and to find out the extent of its trade contacts' influence, and at the same time purge all of DaXia's trade here."

*Hmmmmm*

The sound of two long hums suddenly interrupted their conversation.  The treasure sword that was placed on the ground started to hum, and it quivered slightly.  It seemed it could sense the atmosphere of daggers drawn and the scent of gunpowder.  The yellow bird was long since gone, outside the snow was falling heavily, leaving only two people sitting and facing one another.  The charcoal fire continued to burn, the liquid inside the copper pot continued to roll and boil, and the bright red chili pepper inside was like the color of fresh blood flowing out of slain soldiers.

In the end it was a different view point, in the end they were hostile adversaries, and just now, it was as if they were purposefully egging on this volatile mood, as if reminding themselves: this person is not my friend, nor is this person anything else, this person has their own responsibilities.

"I had heard, after this year, you will marry Yan Xun."

Zhuge Yue finally lifted the cup of wine and raised it to his lips, as if he had just carelessly spit out that sentence.

Chu Qiao lifted her head, calmed the disorder in her chest, and whispered, "I had also heard, you were already engaged to General Le Xing's daughter."

Zhuge Yue nodded: "Well, the wedding day is not far off."

"General Meng is already aged, General Le Xing's power is firm in the government.  If you married his daughter it would greatly benefit your career."

Zhuge Yue laughed lightly, "The next time I see you I may have to hail you as the Queen of Yan."

Chu Qiao shook her head, saying sternly, "Yan Bei has already declared its independence, to be precise, you would have to hail me as the Empress of Yan."

Zhuge Yue simmered, drinking alone, and didn't say a word.

Wind blew in between them, bring with it an icy cold chill.  Chu Qiao stared at Zhuge Yue, shuffling between everything that had come and gone between them in a trance.  She was spellbound for a while, holding her cup, not knowing what to say.

"I have seen him."

"Who?" Chu Qiao asked.

"During that time when I led my soldiers to kill members of the southwestern garrison army."  Zhuge Yue lifted his head and slowly said, "His name is Cheng Yuan, and now he is the leader of the first army, succeeding Wu Daoya, and he is presently a real power player in Yan Bei second only to Yan Xun."

Chu Qiao quietly lowered her eyes and said nothing.  Zhuge Yue looked at her, meditated upon her for a long while, then nodded his head and said, "You were right to return to Yan Bei's inland.  The internal influences within the Yan Bei Army are twisted and intertwined, it was never a place for you to stay."

Chu Qiao smiled, "Right, this past year I've lived quite comfortably."

"That's good then," Zhuge Yue chuckled.  "The political strategies in Yan Xun's position include the Yan Bei Army, its power is multi-faceted and disorderly, and also the DaTong Association, and its roots run deep.  If not for the threat of our army, Yan Xun would have been deemed unnecessary and cast aside.  One or two people with insight and good intentions is useless.  Seizing power inevitably becomes a game of chess.  The fact that you understand this benefits you greatly."

Chu Qiao nodded her head, "I understand there is always a high price paid for any great achievement.  A little setback won't topple me."

Zhuge Yue laughed.  His fox cloak bunched up against the slight blue stubble growth on his chin.  Zhuge Yue was beautiful, and in that beauty there was still a bit of sinister quality, but in this moment as he was sitting in front of her like this, he spoke words that only the two of them could understand.  She suddenly felt as though this person had a deep understanding of himself, while there were some things that Yan Xun didn't understand, and even things she was unwilling to face.  But he was keen enough to be able to go through the clues and figure it all out rather clearly, including her dreams, her beliefs, her hopes, her happiness, her frustrations, and the like.

This man was a frightening individual, he had an acute intuition for fighting, he possessed strong martial arts skills, he possessed artistic talents and he had the backing of his rich and powerful family.  However, there was one thing Chu Qiao had never been able to clearly see or know.  After all these years, what exactly did this man want?

Yan Xun wanted his revenge; to level the DaXia empire and be in contention to take over the world.  Zhao Che wanted the throne; to make his country rich and powerful and be master of a dynasty of heroes.  Li Ce wanted DaXia; as well as to recover the lands taken and revitalize the great Tang Dynasty.  But as for Zhuge Yue, what did he want?  No one knew, nor could anyone see clearly.  Staring into that pair of pitch dark eyes she felt as though she would gradually fall inside them.  His gaze was like that of an eddy, as he deeply stared at her.  On the surface it was breezy and light, but inside there was an unexpected burning fire.

And perhaps, perhaps he did say what he wanted once, in the misty rain of Bian Tang's JiangNan, as he held her and suppressed his pride as well as his anger when he said in a low voice, "I also need you."  (TN: *fangirl swoon*)

If that was the case, how could he possibly have uttered it from his own lips?  However, those words eventually became her magic barrier, confining her in a nightmare she would never overcome in her lifetime, becoming like a bad joke, as she would never have the ability to respond.

"Zhuge Yue, the swords on the battlefield are blind, the actions of the government are also unpredictable, you must take care of yourself."

Zhuge Yue smiled warmly, and he rarely showed such a gentle expression.  He looked up at the goddess effigy in the large hall, and slowly said, "Those things, cannot wound me."

Everyone had a weakness, and his will soon take up someone else's last name, and after that, he would never have any weaknesses again.

Zhuge Yue stood up, his slender figure standing under the moonlight had a transcending beauty.  His whole body was like a sculpture, his cheeks lit with a resplendent light.  He quietly looked up at the tall effigy of the battle goddess. Her beautiful face shimmered with a swift and fierce, heroic atmosphere.  The ancients had carefully sculpted her a suit of red armor.  Everywhere the red rock had traces of color, as if it was dripping faint streaks of blood.  She held a sharp battle-ax in her hand, standing against the back of the pregnant goddess, her eyes were keen and sharp, like an angry flaming sword.

For a moment Zhuge Yue's mind went into deep contemplation.  He could not describe the feeling he had when he first saw the goddess' effigy.  In this trance, it was as if he could see another person through her, and like this goddess that person possessed firm beliefs and noble ideals.  The old him frequently scoffed at things like this.  As a child he wandered about inside the sphere of his family's power and influence, and he was used to seeing traps of intrigue and conspiracy.  The belief that human nature was the root of all evil was already ingrained in his heart.  Calculation and conjecture was a necessity of life, as commonplace as sleeping and eating.  But later on, gradually, he finally understood that when a person lived for others it was the most beautiful moment for that person.  He didn't know what powers were sustaining her, nor did he know how she could be so firm in her steadfast sincerity.  He never believed in fate, but there were times that he would think that perhaps Heaven's will was on her side.  Perhaps even Heaven would hate to let down someone like her.

Those feelings he thought were loathsome or shameful had very early on taken root in his heart.  He hated his own weakness and insanity, but he was unable to resist that part of his heart that burned him more with each passing day with this idea.

He already couldn't figure out when it all started, at the time they were both still very young, and she was not even as tall as a horse's withers.  How did such ridiculous feelings come about?

However, after so many nights past, going back to that midnight dream, he would always remember the child's eyes before she left.  There he saw perseverance and an unwillingness to yield, like a little hell cat that would never acquiesce to the hunter's whip.  He thought he must have been confused, confused for many years, confused within such a firm belief, confused by those sharp, pointed eyes.  She had also said to him many times before, "Zhuge Yue, just you watch!"

And so he watched her this entire time.  He watched as she came out of her cocoon and became a butterfly, watched as she climbed to the top, watched as she exhausted herself, watched as she was toppled over and over again only to climb back up every time, watched as she stood beside another, and despite her being hurt and treated unfairly, she never wavered, standing firm like a mountain.

In this life, who would stand by you when you fell into purgatory? Who would you count on to mutually depend upon to survive when you were left with nothing?  Who would follow you so closely and pledge their life?  Who else would stand unwavering after being shut out in the cold?

Yan Xun, how lucky you are, yet you still don't know how to cherish her.

Zhuge Yue shed a smile, turned, and walked outside.  The wind whistled outside, and with a *whoosh* it blew his cloak, the hem of his coat fluttering, and he went straight away.

If you cannot have it, why not just freely let it go?  In his life's vocabulary, Zhuge Yue did not use the word "please." (TN: The phrase is 请求 which means 'request' but it also has a tinge of begging or entreaty to it, so I used 'please' because Zhuge Yue doesn't 'beg' but he also doesn't say please  ^_^)

"Zhuge Yue!"  Chu Qiao suddenly called out.  Zhuge Yue's body was shocked to a halt.  The young woman eagerly hurried over, her footfalls stepping deeply into the snowy ground.

Zhuge Yue turned his head and frowned slightly, "Is there something else?"

Chu Qiao took the Breaking Moon sword from her waist, and then gripped it in her hand, giving it to him.  Her face was solemn when she said, "Take care on your journey."

Zhuge Yue looked at the sword in her hand, but he did not take it, nor had he any inclination to return the Breaking Rainbow sword at his waist.

Chu Qiao slowly felt a bit awkward, but she obstinately continued to hold out her arm, her eyes fixed on him, like a child who refuses to eat when she can't have any candy.

"What do you mean by this?"

Chu Qiao bit her lip, taking a moment to ponder, then finally said, "All out war between Yan Bei and DaXia will soon break out.  At that time it will be difficult to avoid meeting on the battlefield. I will show no mercy, and you don't have be considerate of me either, we…."  (TN: SMH)

Zhuge Yue's expression suddenly became a lot cooler, and he lowered his head, and slanted a frown.  His stare made Chu Qiao a bit uncomfortable, and her voice gradually became smaller.

"Xing'er, in all fairness, if we met on the battlefield would you really cut off my head?"

Zhuge Yue's voice was deep and slow, as if this sentence did not come from his throat, but it seemed to come in concert with his thick heart beat.

Chu Qiao's palm was very cold, but it was still slightly sweaty, her mouth went dry and she had to take a deep breath.  Pushing down the out-of-sorts feeling in her heart, she slowly said, "I will not kill you.  But I will do my best to defeat you."

A deep laugh came forth, and Zhuge Yue lowered his head and shook it gently.  He had nothing to say but took the sword from Chu Qiao, and step by step he trudged through the snowy ground, turned and left.

"Unfortunately, I cannot."

The hoarse voice echoed on the mountaintop.  Large gusts of wind blew across, and instantly tore the sound to pieces.

It wasn't that he could not, insofar as he was not willing.  Because he always knew that for people like them, at a time like that, failure meant death. 

As for him, how could he possibly deprive her of the only bargaining chip she had?  (TN: her bargaining chip is her life, and he could never take her life, therefore he would willingly die by her hand)

As the snow fell it became heavier and heavier.  On the eastern side of MinXi Mountain was an ordinary group of merchants, dressed as traveling business men in Anjing camp.  They seemed to be Zhuge Yue's people.

Chu Qiao stood at the doorway of the temple, watching the man's back slowly disappear into the snow and wind.  Her entire body felt like a sheet of ice.  She walked inside alone and took the wine jug off the floor and took a sip.  The warm heat of the liquid smoothly flowed down her throat, bringing a bitter but fragrant and rich flavor.

She looked up to see the war goddess' fierce gaze looking back at her, as if reproaching her for her impetuousness and failure to see the grand scheme of things.  On the other side, the mother goddess' eyes were gentle, as if she understood all her suffering.  She slowly settled down on the ground, leaning against the tall pillar as she sat, holding her thin knees, looking as though she were a child that had yet to grow up. 

For the first time in her life, she put her hands together in prayer and closed her eyes, her weary voice quietly echoing through the large hall, "Where is the path to the future?  I can no longer see it clearly."

Translator's notes:   This chapter is REALLY long, so I didn't have the energy to translate all of it.  I was only looking for this scene where they meet again, but I didn't think they would be separated for an entire year after meeting under the tree.  After the next major event (I think the Frozen Lake scene is coming up with all these icy-water-lake references) they will be separated even more.  Considering he spent 8 years away from her while she was growing up with Yan Xun and still his feelings did not change, he can probably handle it.  I feel like she's gonna fall apart though.

On the second day of her return to base, he finds a way to give the Breaking Rainbow sword to her.  At the end of the chapter, it's clear that Chu Qiao is no longer in love with Yan Xun.  Though Yan Xun tries to woo her over again she is extremely unresponsive and eager to go on her next mission.  We then see Yan Xun is plotting something behind her back.  Zhuge Yue is a thorn in his side and they learn that Zhue Yue will soon be returning to the capital.   As she departs her camp to embark on her next mission, her sword suddenly warns her that Zhuge Yue is in trouble.  Dun, dun, duuuunnnnnnn! 

As an afterthought, I finally realized that through this entire period she had his sword with her, and he wears the one that was meant for her.  Through thick and thin, when she was fighting for ChiDu City, while she was defending Bei Shuo City, his sword was with her as if it was the only way he could support her while she was in Yan Bei, but nevertheless, he supported her.  It's like she carried a part of him with her wherever she went. She is such a dunderhead for wanting to give it back (insert face palm here).  Also, it's kind of funny that the swords are suddenly magic swords, but oh wells, just roll with it.  ^_^; 

This scene is significant because this might be the first time she eats with him in the novels, though the TV series had her eating all the time…I especially loved that episode when the actress Zhao YiLing pigs out in front of Lin Genshin/Yuwen Yue after the bath fight in Bian Tang.  Zhuge Yue eats alone, always waiting for someone.  The fact that he eats with her here is his way of saying how he considers her an important person in his life.

But I also hate this scene because the two of them aren't saying anything of substance to one another and it feels like a goodbye.  The author loves to tease, but he's been built up so much, more than any other male character in the novels, from the very beginning I thought Zhuge Yue was designed to be Chu Qiao's counterpart.  Had the next traumatic event not occurred, they would have let each other go and married other people.  Ironic since they both have a very sharp understanding of one another.  Even the sword, the bird and the goddess were rolling their proverbial eyes.   -KERO