Princess Agents - 特工皇妃楚喬傳, chapter 184 english novel translation

Princess Agents - 特工皇妃楚喬傳 

Translator’s notes:  I really missed Chu Qiao and Zhuge Yue so I came back to the novel to do more translation.  

This chapter is mostly politics and the story of the imminent downfall of DaXia.  Chu Qiao, who used to be at the forefront of the story, now takes her position as an observer of things happening with and around Zhuge Yue.

I have to say, these characters stimulate my imagination and I really want to see them to the end to give myself some closure.   I really want these two to find their happy ending.

Chapter 184: With You I Am Fearless

In the blink of an eye, it was already the end of the year. Even though this year wouldn’t be counted as a very favorable year, but on the surface, the capital city still maintained a splendid and peaceful atmosphere.  Still half a month from the spring banquet, the capital’s governor called off the city curfew, and by the authority of the council of elders, he reduced the merchant tax for the period of the new year to promote merchant trade, to help the emperor’s economy prosper, published in the emperor’s name on the imperial edict.  The outer province officials entered the city to pay homage together giving praise and honor towards officials with outstanding merits during the year.

Just like that, within three days, the capital city regained its past elegance.  Under the government’s deliberate conniving, this new year was particularly extravagant as the wealthy families from countryside entered the city proper.  Inside the capital were ten miles of fanfare with colored satin draped along the trees, and the sound of song and dance rising and falling.  No matter how disorderly it was on the outside, how imminent the border war, the people of the imperial city were still immersed in a sublime dream of the Heavenly Court.  (TN: As a side note, the emperor is known as a ruler by divine right, a son of heaven, so in Chinese tradition, his court is an extension of court in heaven.)

A winter wind, icy and violent, blew past the city, carrying a befuddled  and warm, southeasterly breeze towards the distant north.

However the war with Yanbei at the northwestern border had indeed become more tense.  Zhuge Yue slept later and later, and often he practically stayed up all night.  The dripping wax of the candles in the study dripped down drop by drop, creating layer upon layer of liquid red ripples upon the candle holder that reflected his increasingly unpleasant facial expression.  His tall and straight back was rather like the shaft of a sturdy javelin. 

Three days ago, Chu Qiao finally saw Zhao Che again.

It had still been snowing that day, preceded by non-stop snowfall for four days, creating an accumulation at least two feet thick.  Walking through it nearly buried their legs up to the thigh.  These past few years Chu Qiao’s body had remained weak, unable to endure the cold.  She lazily refused to go out and mostly stayed in her chambers the entire day, dozing off.

That evening, the sound of Zhuge Yue’s laughter carried over from far away.  She was reclining on a soft divan and gently frowned, but happened to open her eyes.  She felt a chilled breeze on her face and lightly shivered.  Pulling off the coverlet draped over her, she slowly stood up.  Soon after, she saw a smiling Zhuge Yue pull aside the hanging curtain and say, “Xing’er, look who has come.”

As soon as he said it, following behind him someone entered the bed chamber.

Zhao Che entered with the light at his back, dressed in crow black, long robes with no embroidery or adornment, low keyed and quiet.  He still maintained that style, although he seemed a bit taller and thinner, but his face was unchanged.  His eyes no longer had that arrogant and obstinate look of years past.  They had changed to look deep and serene, like a cold and calm winter pond.  Even though he was smiling, in that smile there was a small portion of aloofness and caution.

Very placidly he gave her greetings, still the same as ever, slowly nodding, followed with a light smile, “We meet again at last.”

As swiftly as flowing water, food and dishes from the kitchen flowed onto their dinner table.  Zhao Che had brought QiangHu wine from the north, which was very pungent and spicy.  As soon as he opened it their noses caught the sudden fragrance of heavy alcohol.  He and Zhuge Yue drank and laughed together, recounting in detail the battles and situation of the past few days.  Occasionally they made impromptu comical gestures and remarks, mixing in a few jokes with mutual disdain.

Zhuge Yue had few friends, and in this world there was someone who could talk to him like this.  Perhaps with the exception of this man before him, there was no one else who could.  Chu Qiao quietly sat at one side, nursing her drink and listening to them tell of things past, with unflattering anecdotes from when they spent their youth in the military together.  After having grown up, they each thought highly of themselves up until the war suddenly started, the government and the people decayed, and the smoke of the alarms blew free and easy in all parts of the country.  The imperial power faded and they gradually came together.  

They each were of noble birth, their status aloof, their hearts with ambitions large enough to swallow the sun, their minds talented enough to run a country.  They were both stubborn and obstinate, young with lofty sentiments, but willfull.  Neither of them did this for the country, nor for worldly recognition.  They were both proud and aloof to the extreme, their characters persistent, and both were rebels in the eyes of their clans, set aside as different.  They were both born into splendor, both stripped of that same splendor, both having had to climb back up from the mud and dirt, step by step back into the center of power.  However, though their hearts were forged from iron, it was difficult to conceal their warmth and sincerity after all.  Male friendship, especially after such a long time, left things unspoken like this.

Chu Qiao quietly sat to one side, rarely seeing Zhuge Yue glowing with pride and happiness like this, and even more so, had never seen Zhao Che speaking so freely and uninhibited.  (TN: Chu Qiao probably feels like a third wheel to this bromance… -__-;)

In a daze, she seemingly saw two poplar trees who had withstood wind and rain, standing shoulder to shoulder, slowly growing into two towering, age-old trees.

Another shadowing image crossed her mind unconsciously, of those dark days of her youth, those unconstrained, dangerous days.  While Zhao Che and Zhuge Yue were standing shoulder to shoulder deep in this world’s sea of people, she had also once hacked her way through a road of brambles and thorns with someone.  Only after a while, they no longer could reach the same goal on their divergent paths.

That night, Zhuge Yue indeed became quite drunk.  His ability to drink had never really been very good,  but he had always imposed self-discipline.  Except that night, facing a reunion with an old friend, he had been a bit free and easy and quite forgot.

Chu Qiao was well aware that he was really very tired.  In recent days, there were large snow storms in the northwest, poor harvests in the southwest, and one third of the country was awash with starving refugees. The grain and clothing regulated to them were exploited by the local government officials and their families, causing long delays before even reaching the hands of the commoners who needed them.  Zhao Yang was the center of power in the imperial west, but he allowed the pubic greed of his subordinates and indulged their clans in order to win the support of the upper classes.  Within a half month, 200,000 westerners died, and over a million people fled south, east and even northwest.  Before the gates of Yang Ming Pass, Tang Hu Pass and the Shao Pass, there were large numbers of refugees who didn’t have enough to eat.  Hundreds of people died of starvation daily, but the emperor would rather spend his riches on repairing his palatial buildings.  With the coming spring banquet, he was unwilling to send troops to deliver food for a way for these people to live.

Zhuge Yue had written more than ten petitions, but with the exception of a few untitled government officials, no one in the government, literary, or martial circles cared to support him.  All his written memorials were ignored, his admonishing edicts were bundled up.  The government and the people were respectful and submissive on the surface but they indulged in creature comforts.  The elders of the council were like a group a decaying locusts, and they only had eyes for whatever their large hands could reach.  They only let the local officials sing their praises and turned a blind eye to actual disaster.  He told them that the local disasters were serious and more than 200,000 people had died in the western region.  They told him that the realm of DaXia was ascending, that the people lived auspicious and happy lives and he was therefore speaking nonsense.

He told them that at the points of YanMing, Tang Hu and the Shao Pass there were gathered hundreds of thousands of people fleeing disaster.  If they still did not relieve the congestion there would be a public uprising, and that would breed great disaster.  They responded that the three passes were strongly fortified, and outside the gates were miles of fertile land, a broad and level expanse.  There was law and order in the local townships, the people were honest, and there was not a single pickpocket or bandit to be found.

He told them DaXia’s moment of capsizing, to survive or perish, was approaching, that the elders deceived themselves and others; that the court and government were without direction; while the local officials embezzled insolently and if they were not punished, great chaos would ensue.  They indeed reneged and framed a case against him, claiming he was assuming importance by amassing troops, manufacturing the chaos of the court and commons, and monopolizing power into a dictatorship.

The disputes within the government were like a pot of boiling gruel, while the common folk were dying everywhere at every moment.  They pointed out the submission of the populace under the umbrella of merit and virtue, and in long epistles sang praises of the emperor’s kindness and love.  The government was peaceful and righteous, the blessings of DaXia’s throne was boundless and unbroken.  Then they turned and accused him of not having any evidence, and of slandering the government for no reason.

Evidence?

She had heard he was in his study yelling at a few prominent generals, so angry that his cheeks were steeled in fury, and his eyes were like lake water, rolling with waves.

They turned a blind eye to the dense and dark mass of refugees outside the three passes, to the countless dead corpses across the land in all cardinal directions.  Nowadays, they were deaf to the heartfelt cries of the sorrowful that shook the earth.  They had indeed deceived themselves and others holding onto land that was corroding  beneath their feet and praising it as the best.  And they ridiculed him for not having evidence?

(TN: the author uses the phrase, 米虫进献的万民伞, which refers to a paper umbrella, most likely bound with string and rice glue, that was traditionally given to a favored official by his people when he left his district as a token of gratitude.  A “May you be protected from rain and foul weather” sort of thing.  But here, the author refers to the umbrella as infested with bugs (rice weevils), most likely eating away the glue, as the people are dying and the officials continue to deceive themselves.  It is a poignant political commentary indicating that the prosperity of a kingdom is nothing if the people are suffering).

That night, before going to sleep, he had gone silent for a long while.  Then by her ear he gnashed his teeth and said if he could take a sword and cut away all the bugs in one swing he would.  

He said it in such a low and suppressed tone, it caused Chu Qiao to shiver as if a layer of frost was climbing up her back.  She reached out her arm to embrace his waist, lightly touching his upper arm only to feel his muscles pulled tight, his fists clenched, and his skin was as cold as solid ice in the forests on top of Mt. Long.

However, Chu Xiao knew that he could only say it.  Even though he was so inclined for a moment, even though his position was advantageous, even though his held military power, even though he was estranged from his House, there were still some things, still some people, and still some responsibilities he simply could not ignore.

Though the emperor was supposed to be a dead man a while ago, but these days he was getting better.  His mind was clear and occasionally, he would even attend court.

For this ruler who had held his seat for many years without being deposed, no one dared look down on him.  In these many years, he seemed to always have the same tendencies. Anytime, anywhere, exhibiting a passing interest in politics, but in the moment anyone dared to take a half step forward, he would unleash devastation upon them.  Fourteen years ago, the King of Yanbei was such an example.

However, people were starting to wonder again, since the emperor was old after all, and was not an immortal god.  Now Zhao Che and Zhao Yang were in a position to fight over who can better please the emperor, who can know the emperor’s mind more, and who had the most wins over the other.  Now, the emperor was happy over the state of things.  In this moment who would dare to replace the ambiance with scenes from the disaster in the southwest to ruin his mood?  Even Zhao Che had no choice but to suppress his critique of the situation in the west.

At that time Zhao Che was not in the capital city, and Zhuge Yue had been a single tree propped up as a center of resistance.  He had the backing of the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce as well as the merchants and large households to supply him silver and grain to be transported to the three passes.  But it was, after, just a drop in the bucket.

Once, the soldiers at Shao Pass made a mistake in the food distribution, and because the grains were scarce to begin with, the rice porridge was too thin.  When the people confronted a soldier about it he was heavy handed, which led the refugees to counter with a small scale riot.  Soldiers and civilians fought, about 30 soldiers died while about 50 people were killed, and nearly 100 others were injured.

When Yue Qi came to the manor, Zhuge Yue had been in his study.  It so happened that Chu Qiao was also present.  She never asked about Zhuge Yue’s affairs, but they occasionally crossed paths, and Zhuge Yue never kept her in the dark.  (TN: unlike Yan Xun…) It was because of this that she had heard the slander the officials were saying of him on this matter, and heard of the blasphemy and the complaints of the people outside Shao Pass.  With darkened expression Yue Qi repeated what they said word for word, that they had scorned him for embezzling their relief supplies, cursed his black heart as a blood sucking dog official, saying he intentionally wanted the people to suffer, and cursing his cruel and unscrupulous line to die without heirs.  (TN: harsh…)

He listened all along, his face without a single change, but what he was unwilling to say to Yue Qi his eyes could not hide.

After Yue Qi had left, she didn’t dare go to him.  The cold afternoon sun that day lightly sprinkled across his face that was getting more gaunt.  He sat on his chair quietly drinking his tea as if nothing had happened.  But Chu Xiao noticed that the base of his teacup was gradually leaking water, and even though the white jade tea cup was still in his hand, a crack had suddenly appeared along its side.

Yes, they were dying.  They were hungry.  Natural disasters and man-made disasters had come one after another, and the people had no way to live.  They government was still corrupt and siphoning money.  They should be cursed.  But the people did not know the court had already given up on the matter.   No one would heed the exploitation by the local officials.  The reports were forcibly suppressed.  The official response was that all matters would be delayed until after the Spring Banquet.

Every bowl of porridge and every meal the refugees ate was was derived from the sale of Zhuge Yue’s various estates and properties throughout the land.  A man as proud as he was, lowered himself to appeal to the merchants of the capital, and asked them to join together and assist the people through this disaster.

He was too tired.  Tired to a point beyond his limit.  That is why he drank until he was drunk, bemoaning the stupidity of the emperor at the table, decrying the incompetence of the court, calling Zhao Yang an idiot and threatening to separate his head from his body this very night.  (TN:  Zhuge Yue is an embarrassing drunk…. -_-;)

He was really drunk.  To the point of being a sorry mess.

That night, Chu Qiao personally escorted Zhao Che, also drunk, to the door.  But as soon as he crossed the threshold the seventh prince who was just staggering underfoot suddenly stood up straight from the waist.  His eyes were no longer dazed as he quietly said to her, “Go back inside, and take good care of him.”

Chu Qiao watched him, standing quietly without saying a word.

There was a trace of coolness in Zhao Che’s expression as they stood opposite one another, and vaguely it seemed they had gone back to a time many years past.  At that time, the national power of DaXia was strong, its standing was first of the three countries, and he was the proud imperial prince.  She was the eye-catching instructor personally appointed by the emperor, standing in front of the loud military camp as she once said to him indifferently, “If you leave the camp today, you will die.” (TN: this refers back to a scene in book One)

How was life so bizarre?  

At the time, they had both harbored their malicious intentions, they had both taken precautions against one another and were plotting against each other.  How could they expect that one day they would stand entrenched together and become comrades in arms?

“The situation has come to this, and I am powerless to stop it.  If it goes on like this it will become a revolt against all of DaXia.  Right now, we still don’t have the strength.”

Zhao Che spoke in a low voice, his face unwavering.

Chu Qiao no longer looked at him, and turned to leave, (TN: LOL, girl still gives 0 F*…. ^__^;) but Zhao Che suddenly called her name from behind.  She turned, and saw his earnest expression as he said, “Old Fourth is a good man.  Don’t let him down.”

Chu Qiao’s gaze gradually narrowed, a faint trace of light flashed through them like the glint of a sword.  She slowly opened her mouth and whispered, “You also.”

Her meaning was ambiguous.

He was also?  Also what?  A good person?

No, Zhao Che understood exactly what she meant, but she did not wait for his response.  She turned and left.  Her body frame was light and thin, as if a sudden gust of wind would blow her away.

He is a good person, so don’t disappoint him.

The sky was a pitch-black canvas, full of starlight.  The wind blew from a distance.  He breathed it in deeply and could smell the hunger that came from the west.

When Chu Qiao returned to the room everything had been cleared away and there was no trace of Zhuge Yue who had lain drunk on the bed.  She walked all the way back to the study and opened the door, only to see him clear eyed, getting back to the matter at hand and writing with a passion as soon as he sat down by the bookshelf.

She watched him silently for a long time; watched as he finished writing, sealed the letter with wax, and then slowly walked over, kneeling by his side.  She took one of his hands and bent over to rest on one of his knees without saying a word.

The candles in the room burned quietly, from time to time a spark would sizzle, and break the silence.  The aroma from the incense burner rose and became a fine smoke.  His dry and slender fingers gently stroked her long hair. 

“Xing’er.”

He whispered her name. His voice was weighed down with tiredness and hard work.  But that was all he said, and nothing followed.

Her cheeks rested against his thigh, and she was surrounded by his scent. Her voice was like layers of gentle waves, quietly echoing in the room.  “I completely understand.”

His knee trembled, and he held her hand even tighter.

Yes, she did understand everything.  She understood his hard work and his fatigue.  She understood his disappointment and disdain for everything around him.  The emperor was muddled.  The princes were embattled. The ruling government was corrupt and incompetent.  The various institutions of the empire were dying.  After going through the hardships of war, after personally witnessing the suffering of the commoners, after reversing his fortunes and coming out from the wilderness, how could he bear to continue watching the ugliness of the country and its officials?

However, persistently, he was still a part of this battle. It’s just that he used Zhao Che’s superior position to cast aside all innocent thoughts.   But now, before seizing everything, he had to experience such a cold winter.  He didn’t even know what would be left after they stood atop the white bones and skeletons. After they brought down their enemies, what would be left of the world?

Civilization would be destroyed, the people would be slaughtered, the armies would be snuffed out, the country extinguished and what would be left was perhaps only them, facing the smoke and ash of a smoldering and devastated land, with thousands of lives buried by this battle.

Shifting politics, what was the meaning if after battle they destroyed everything and at such a price. Would they be able to pay it?

“Xing’er, I’m really not a good person.”  

He said it softly that night, just as dawn approached.  (TN: does anyone else find it odd that he’s always watching her, no matter where she is? It was like that when she was talking to his grave when she thought she was alone, it was like that when he watched her as Li Ce took her away from the battlefield.  He never lets her out of his sight, not even when drunk, lol.)

***

The next five days were so dark that it shocked the whole country of DaXia, and, even the whole continent.

The refugees outside of the three passes finally rioted.  They captured the manor of the ruling clan and looted the grain and money.  Because of hunger they begged.  When that didn’t work they stole.  When that failed they robbed.  When that wasn’t enough they rebelled.  

The officials forced them to rebel, and the people had no choice but to rebel.  

Hundreds of thousands of unarmed refugees took wood and stone to pry open the gates of the manor and ignited a bonfire in the thick soil of Western Yunan.   Countless died in the chaos.  The officers and men in the Yunan region seemed thin like paper paste and were as fragile as shafts of wheat.  Despite the repeated reports that the chaotic force was extremely strong, and they were being led by extremely capable leaders giving them pointers here and there.  No one believed it, and they all laughed it off as pretext and sophistry.

The officials were shocked, in succession reporting the events to the throne, but how could the hundreds of officials in court report it to the government now of all times, and report it to the emperor?  They could only secretly dispatch the army to placate the chaos.

But, the great Minister of War, Zhuge Yue, asked in return, “The empire has ascended in the world, and the people of the west have just become a part of its prosperity.  How could they commit treason and heresy by rebelling?  Surely, this is the biggest jest in the world.”  (TN: Zhuge Yue did not want to send the army to crush the rebellion and kill more people than necessary)

As a result, the issuing of troops was delayed, and delayed, and the chaos in the west became more and more pressing.  On the 24th of December a fast messenger horse entered the capital.  The rider was covered in blood, in his hand he had a report from Cao Chang Qing, and he vomited fresh blood and collapsed onto the Imperial Road.

The city was shocked.  At the forefront, the emperor was furious, yelling and cursing at the court.  On the spot he deprived Zhao Yang of the title of Master of the Western Provinces.  Zhao Che did not benefit from any of the turmoil.  On the contrary, it was the one who hid the key facts, the Seventeenth Prince, Zhao Yi, who led the army into the southwest to quell the chaos.  Zhuge Yue, who had prevented the immediate dispatch of troops to stop the chaos was punished with house arrest.  Several times, Zhao Che went to plead his cause and was dismissed by the emperor.

However Chu Qiao knew the origin of this turmoil.  When Zhao Che went to the manor and saw Zhuge Yue, he suddenly was furious and called him a madman.  Zhuge Yue nevertheless showed a smile and hooked an arm around his shoulder, saying “I only wanted to leave you some capital when you ascend.   If they are all dead, who would you lead as emperor?”

In the civil strife of the western Yunan region, there were countless deaths and injuries, and seven or eight of the ten large families of that clan ruined, with 80,000 dead in the revolt. But as Zhuge Yue had said, 80,000 in exchange for millions of lives saved, the exchange was really worth it.

Yes, it was worth it.  The southwest clan was destroyed, Mu Xiao Gong’s power was greatly diminished, and Jing Han was also affected.  Zhao Yang had angered the emperor and was cut off.  Though Zhao Che had no derived any benefit, but he also lost nothing.  Only Zhuge Yue was forced into house arrest to reflect, and for the time being, he retreated from DaXia’s political stage.

Everything seemed to go according to his plan.  But Chu Qiao clearly remembered how in those few days, every time he heard some people somewhere had been massacred en masse, where the rich had been shackled and thrown into dungeons, where defenders had been completely annihilated, where commoners had dropped into the grass, and the over the top news was nothing but bandits and murder   and the like, his nights were sleepless, and how extremely worried he was.  Everything had to be perfect.  If there was any slight deviation, if the people he sent could not restrain the chaos, could not avoid the local militia, could not incite some of the soldiers into armed rebellion,  then the entire result would have been bloody and muddy, and the entire southwestern region would be engulfed in the vast flames of war, and the consequences would have been disastrous. 

What they said about him was right, he really was crazy.

She was worried that he would be discouraged be depressed because his power was wrested from him, but indeed he was the one comforting her instead, saying he would finally be able to spend the end of the year with her.

The spring banquet finally arrived, and the arrogant former Minster of military affairs was left out in the cold, but inside the court laughter was rare.

Although the the news of the chaos in the southwest had passed into the capital, it did not affect the excitement and fanfare of the emperor’s big celebration day.  The streets and alleys were noisy and the government coordinated with local wealthy businessmen to set off fireworks in the square.  The laughter of children penetrated the heavy wall and blew in with the gentle wind into their lofty mansion.

Starting from three days prior, Zhuge Yue had ordered new decor for the entire manor. Scarlet red lanterns were hung up high to follow along the doors of the entrances of the winding corridor, the flowers outside the windows were a brilliant red.  Meticulously and carefully, the serving maids cut out various patterns such as the Canopus constellation representing the God of Longevity, XiLing’s deer of longevity, the eight immortals crossing the sea, the goddess Guan Yin, and thousands of other auspicious pictures.  They put out potted red flowers, lending color and extravagant aromas everywhere, and the servants changed into new clothes, a riot of more red, in one jubilant horde.

Zhuge Yue also resumed his way of life and work, reverting back to the days of Qingshan Pavilion.  He had always been a self-disciplined person and did not partake in the bad habits and pastimes as other sons of wealthy households such as hunting and riding.  Now that he was free, his days were spent more leisurely, he was careful to take care of his body, and presently spent his time reading and planting flowers.  Every morning in the early hours he was forced by Chu Qiao to exercise and build up his physique, the two of them learning from each other as they exchanged views of their skills.  One by one they competed with sword, spear and bow staff, always attracting the attention of the servants in the manor.  After a while, seeing Zhuge Yue had no reaction, they each in turn grew a little braver, and occasionally would applaud and shout out praise when witnessing one of them execute a brilliant move.

The days passed tranquilly and smoothly like this, as if they were in the quiet of the storm, calm enough to make a person nervous.  (TN: hate it when the author throws out ominous metaphors like this….)

The New Year came in this kind of quiet atmosphere.  She put on a new dress, brilliant red, all around its color enviably bright and beautiful.  The person reflected in the mirror had a face that shone like the rosy dawn of the three spring months, as if it was filled with endless joy and hope overflowing in the silk.  Zhuge Yue stood behind her, wearing a misty cyan blue robe, looking dangerously handsome.  He randomly selected a gold hair pin adorned with a bright pearl and skillfully wound up a spring green silk sash around her head, inserting the pin in the gap between her bun and hairline.

Chu Qiao looked at herself in the mirror and was momentarily embarrassed. She had never seen herself like this.  It seemed from a a very young age she had decided that women wearing read and green were extremely tacky, then, after being tossed about from place to place in her youth she was less inclined to dress up.  But wearing it today, it felt as though layers warmth came upon her a bit at a time, like ocean waves.  Her cheeks were bright like spring peach blossom, or like autumn crocus, and even her brows and lip line displayed a joy and warmth that could not be concealed.

Though she originally though it tacky, she no longer held that opinion.

Mei Xiang stood to one side and watched her with a smile, her face full of joy.  Zhuge Yue stepped forward lazily, smiling at the mirror and said, “You really are exceedingly beautiful.”  (TN: The phrase 倾国倾城   literally means the face of a woman lovely enough to cause the fall of a city or state, devastatingly beautiful, or in Western terms, a face to “launch a thousand ships.”)

Chu Qiao pushed him aside in embarrassment, her ears tinged red, and said, “You exaggerate.  Stop speaking nonsense.”

Zhuge Yue smiled as he gazed at her, saying, “I was speaking of myself.  What were you thinking?”

Furious, Chu Qiao reached out to pinch him, Zhuge Yue dodged to avoid it, and said to Mei Xiang, “Look at your household’s miss.  She flew into a rage just because I didn’t praise her.”

Mei Xiang smiled but did not retort.  The sun outside was extremely warm.  Far away there was the sound of firecrackers. 

Over the many years, this was Chu Qiao’s most peaceful New Years.  She even cooked and taught others how to wrap dumplings. She even wanted to enlist Zhuge Yue, but a certain someone exerted male chauvinism as he looked down at her in disdain and walked away. (^__^;)

They ate the New Years dinner, set off firecrackers, and hung the lanterns.  Zhuge Yue ate the dumpling with the red date in it, and the servants came to give him New Years congratulations.  He was in such a good mood he rewarded them with gifts that flowed like water, and the entire manor was filled with the sounds of happy people thanking his generosity.  The gates of Zhuge Manor were closed, and all those who came up were blocked off outside.  Only at midnight Zhao Che sent people to bring two jugs of good wine.  Chu Qiao and Zhuge Yue drank it together.  They drank until Chu Qiao’s head was dizzy, and in her drunken stupor she fell into Zhuge Yue’s embrace.

The servants were setting off firecrackers outside, and the popping sounds carried inside, full of jubilation. In her stupor Chu Qiao seemed to see Li Ce’s smiling fox eyes, and she reached out to grab it, only to grasp thin air.

She was really drunk but her head was so clear.  She remembered the years she passed in her own time, her friends at the academy and her colleagues from the military department.  She remembered her white-haired grandfather.  She recalled the years she spent wildly running and enduring hardship, and the several times she wandered into life and death situations.  She remembered Mr. Wu and Miss Yu.  She also remembered Jing Zi Su and many others who had died or were still living, as well as Li Ce and Yan Xun….

Happiness came so quickly, it had made her worry about personal gains and losses, and everything felt as though it were a dream.

She buried herself in Zhuge Yue’s arms, her nose filled with his pleasant scent like birch leaf pears.  Her eyes were slightly wet, and she lifted her head and looked at his handsome profile, and with bright eyes she suddenly said, “Zhuge Yue, I love you.”

Zhuge Yue was stunned.  He lowered his head.  Even though they were surrounded by servants, her voice was so loud it even overwhelmed the sound of the firecrackers.  Stunned, everyone had turned their heads to look at her.  But she completely ignored them and simply said in a loud voice, “Zhuge Yue, I’ve fallen in love with you!”  (TN: face palm…she is even more embarrassing than he is when drunk…)

A southeasterly wind passed through the hall, some people snickered low.  Jing Jing and Mo’er’s laughter was heard from far away.  Her cheeks had turned charmingly red, her eyes seemed to gather water, her gaze was direct.  In the span of half a year it seemed as though the face of the beautiful girl of seventeen or eighteen had returned.  (TN: recall back to the time they met again, before she left for Yan Bei) Just like that, she looked at him so directly, her smile beaming, her face written with the word ‘happiness’ in bold letters.  (TN: it seems the damage wrought by her many trials and by Yan Xun were finally smoothed over, with Zhuge Yue’s love and care.)

With a ‘whoosh’ the wind blew past her ear, and she was suddenly lifted up in the air and unceremoniously carried. Then, in front of everyone’s stunned faces, Zhuge Yue grazed a few bites from the table filled with dishes, and turned to retreat to the bed chamber.

The quilts on the bed were all new, all in red, the color of happiness.  On them, layers upon layers of embroidery.  There were mandarin ducks on the water, the cowherd and the weaver girl, there were magpies and the goddess Guan Yin to grant children.  A warm sweetness seeped through everywhere.

His eyes had darkened, revealing traces of fiery temper as he pulled open his collar and resolutely stared at her.  He said in a restrained voice, “Little siren, I will never again give you wine to drink.”

As soon as he said this, he bowed his head to firmly kiss her lips.  His breath was hot like fire, strong like a flame, and wherever he kissed, she went limp and numb.

The corners of her eyes were smiling as she hugged his waist and enthusiastically responded in kind.

Romance hung low, surrounded by brocade; the long night was noisy.  (TN: *blush*)  Outside, it was also filled with the sounds of lively laughter.

There were too many unpredictable variables in life.  You never know when the storm will come, or how big the waves will be, or whether they will overturn everything you have.  Some feelings that had been bitterly suppressed, those words that had been hidden for so many years, those emotions that were kept inside, had finally found a way out.  Everything is unpredictable, and all that can be done is to cherish what is in front of you.

The splendid brocade, the billowy curtain flying every which way,  she lay upon layer and layer of luxury, clinging to his body.  Emitting a fine sweat, both her body and mind were satisfied and worn out, she recoiled back into his arms.  Across his shoulders she looked out the window, separated by a layer of window paper, in the far-reaching heavens beautiful fireworks were faintly visible, wreaking havoc and wandering across the sky.

Whatever happened in the future, she would no longer be afraid. 

Tranlator’s note:  That got hot really fast…. Hahahahah, wasn’t expecting it. ^__^;  Hope you enjoyed it.  Seven chapters left, plus one epilogue….  Game of Thrones final season is coming back this month, so I will definitely be distracted.  But I will put up the next chapter as soon as I can.  - Kero

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