That night, dark clouds wept blood as the nine provinces shared in sorrow. The deity of the heavens opened their slumbering eyes to gaze down upon the mortal realm. Within the ancient city gates, the empire's foundations trembled in the northern wind, while the ambitious warlords of this chaotic era let out their first fierce roars of growth. The entire land of Ximeng awakened in that moment—a new era was coming, one that would inevitably sweep away all remnants of the old world like deadwood, allowing a new order to rise from the ashes.
A nation that produces heroes in abundance is an unfortunate nation, just as a life of peace is destined to be ordinary and trivial.
May 20th later became synonymous with bloodshed in later generations. This infamous night also successfully sustained a group of senior scholars hovering near the poverty line. Countless historians dedicated their entire lives to studying the details of that evening, digging through relics and ancient texts, energetically hosting one debate after another, and painstakingly authoring volume after volume of historical research. This even gave rise to several highly respected academic schools—the so-called Yan Faction, Zhuge Faction, and the predecessor of the Che Society all originated from this.
Regardless of whether the debate focused on who should bear primary responsibility for the May 20th Massacre, whether the social system of the Daxia Empire would inevitably lead to its collapse, or whether Yan Xun wore a black cloak or white robe that night, one question received unanimous agreement across all schools: the Great Alliance Society, which would play a dominant role in future historical developments, exerted an extremely important influence during this event. Historians extensively cited evidence, particularly scholars of the Yan Faction who displayed a protective, motherly bias, directing the blame for the massacre toward the Great Alliance Society. They presented evidence that shortly before May 20th (the exact date remains unverifiable), the Western Commander of the Great Alliance Society—Xihua, who had been leading frontier civilians in resisting the empire's cavalry in the desert lands—had just fallen under the empire's executioner's blade. This significant discovery provided strong theoretical support for the events of May 20th. Yan Faction historians righteously declared: "The great Emperor of Yanbei, benevolent and brilliant, with achievements shaking antiquity, could never commit such cruelty. The truth is clear—this incident was orchestrated by the Great Alliance Society itself, merely a private feud between political powers. We must not tarnish the Emperor of Yanbei's name."
Though other factions scoffed at their claims of "benevolence," they had to admit that the Emperor of Yanbei indeed deserved the praises of "brilliance" and "earthshaking achievements." As an academic debate, scholars maintained their own perspectives but did not openly refute the Yan Faction's clearly self-deceptive narrative. Thus, later historians collectively termed May 20th—the Great Alliance Society's Revenge Incident.
Amid halls overflowing with gold and jade, where rouge intoxicates and perfume enchants, the moment one stepped into the Fangui Hall, opulent fragrances assailed the senses. Slender-waisted women danced with flowing sleeves, officials gathered in small groups chatting cheerfully. The banquet had not yet formally begun, the main guests had not arrived, and the emperor—after a day of processions—was resting in the rear chambers. Thus, the atmosphere in the hall remained relatively relaxed.Due to her status, Chu Qiao could not enter the main hall and was seated in the second chamber of the side hall. Through a row of pillars, she could see the main hall bustling with people, a lively and noisy scene. The Great Xia Dynasty was prosperous, its population thriving, and the imperial family's grandeur was on full display.
"Miss," a soft voice suddenly sounded beside her. Chu Qiao turned to see a delicate young woman seated nearby, dressed in a light pink butterfly-patterned robe that gave her a serene and elegant appearance. She spoke politely, "May I ask which family you are from? I am from the Heluo clan, my father is Heluo Changqing. How should I address you?"
The girl had a gentle and amiable demeanor. Chu Qiao nodded politely and replied courteously, "I am the Crown Prince of Yan's personal attendant, Chu Qiao."
"Oh, so it's Miss Chu." The Heluo young lady's smile faltered upon hearing this. Though she responded politely, her attitude noticeably cooled. She turned to chat with other noble ladies nearby, even leaning slightly to the side as if afraid others might mistake her for being associated with Chu Qiao.
Soon, those around her evidently learned of Chu Qiao's identity from her, and various glances drifted over—some disdainful, some contemptuous, a mix of emotions laden with unspoken meanings.
Chu Qiao sat calmly, a faint smile curling her lips. She had long grown accustomed to the fickleness of human relationships and the warmth or coldness of societal attitudes.
She poured herself a cup of clear tea, raised it to her lips, and drank. The taste was as bland as chewing wax. Lowering her head in silence, she waited for the opportune moment she sought.
The noblewomen on either side, unaware of her thoughts, saw her holding the cup and assumed she was drinking openly. Their disdain grew, and gradually, murmurs of contempt—words like "low-born commoner with no upbringing"—drifted to her ears. They controlled their volume well, ensuring their words were audible yet untraceable to any specific speaker.
Chu Qiao paid them no mind, letting them talk without even lifting her head to glance their way.
After a while, the voices beside her suddenly ceased, and a shadow fell over the tea. In the rippling water, a pair of eyes shone like stars, intense as turbulent waves surging beneath a dark sky.
Chu Qiao slowly raised her head to see Zhuge Yue standing before the many floor mats in the second chamber. He wore a deep purple robe with a dark crescent moon emblem embroidered on the sash, his ink-black hair loosely tied back with a matching ribbon. Tall and poised, his sleeves fluttered gently. Between the second chamber and the main hall lay a shallow pool of clear water. The breeze sweeping across it carried the fluttering fragrance of ink orchids, brushing against the man's robes with a faint, elegant scent.
All the young noblewomen in the second chamber were stunned. For these minor clans of the capital, the seven great families were legendary figures, no less esteemed than the imperial family themselves—many would never encounter them in their lifetimes. Though only a pond separated the second chamber from the main hall, for these small clans who had to scheme and spend heavily just to attend state celebrations, it was an insurmountable chasm. Especially when the man before them was Zhuge Yue, the recently prominent direct descendant and ruling young master of the Zhuge family—how could they not be utterly captivated?Zhuge Yue's gaze swept indifferently across the seating area, passing over Chu Qiao before he walked straight ahead. The young woman raised an eyebrow slightly, wondering if this man would come to cause trouble at this moment, but then she saw Zhuge Yue change direction and actually walk toward a nearby seat.
The young lady from the Heluo family flushed with excitement, springing to her feet so abruptly that she knocked over the tea on her floor mat, spilling it all over her dress. Flustered, she scrambled to make room for Zhuge Yue while desperately trying to hide the stain on her skirt, her face turning as red as beetroot, her hands fidgeting nervously.
Zhuge Yue didn't even glance at her as he directly took his seat, drawing up his knees and resting his elbows, his gaze fixed indifferently ahead as if he were looking at something, yet seemingly seeing nothing.
"Young Master Zhuge, p-please have some tea."
The Heluo young lady stood trembling nearby, her face beaming with immense delight. Amidst the envious stares of the crowd, she picked up a cup of tea and presented it to Zhuge Yue. The man didn't speak, casually accepting it, lowering his head to smell the aroma before taking a small sip without even looking up.
The Heluo girl was overjoyed, and immediately buzzing discussions broke out around them. For the fourth young master of the Zhuge family to accept this young woman's offered tea—what an extraordinary honor!
The Heluo young lady smiled like a blooming flower, though her movements still carried a hint of timid pettiness. Clutching the hem of her skirt, she slowly sat down beside Zhuge Yue. With sharp gazes piercing from both sides, her face flushed with both embarrassment and pride, she leaned closer and said in a charming, soft voice, "Young Master Zhuge, you haven't been back in the capital for long, have you?"
When Zhuge Yue didn't respond, the girl continued on her own, "At the last hunting assembly, we caught a glimpse of each other, though we were quite far apart. I didn't expect you to remember me."
Zhuge Yue remained silent, holding the white jade teacup, his brow slightly furrowed as if lost in thought.
Unlike the main hall, the seating in the second pavilion was quite close together. Although the young ladies from other noble families were gathered in their own groups chatting, their responses were absent-minded and off-topic—clearly, they were all straining to eavesdrop. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, the Heluo young lady bit her lower lip lightly, her voice growing even more delicate as she whispered, "Young Master Zhuge, I am Heluo Fei. My father is Heluo Changqing, a minor ritual officer in the Ministry of Rites..."
"Do you mind sharing your seat with someone else?"
The young man suddenly turned his head and asked in a deep voice. Heluo Fei was taken aback, her eyes widening in surprise and flattery. Zhuge Yue repeated, "I asked if you mind sharing your seat with someone else."
Heluo Fei immediately shook her hands in delight, hurriedly saying, "I don't mind, Fei certainly doesn't mind."
"Oh, good." Zhuge Yue nodded, then lifted his head to look around, casually beckoning to a young woman watching him from further away. "You, come here."
The woman, dressed in crimson, walked over with a radiant smile and asked lightly, "Were you calling me, young master?"
"Yes," Zhuge Yue nodded and asked, "Do you mind sharing your seat with someone else?"
Heluo Fei stared blankly, still not grasping what was happening, but the crimson-clad woman understood immediately. She gave Heluo Fei a meaningful smile and said, "Since the young master of the Zhuge family has spoken, of course I wouldn't mind."Zhuge Yue said, "In that case, I'll trouble you to take her over."
He Luofei was instantly stunned and cried out in confusion, "Young Master Zhuge, you..."
"Alright now!" The woman in scarlet smiled charmingly and grabbed He Luofei's arm. "Did you really think a pie would fall from the sky? Let's go."
He Luofei's face flushed crimson, her silver teeth clenched tightly as she was dragged along by the woman in scarlet. Tears welled up in her eyes, nearly making her cry. The young noblewomen who had just been chatting happily with her moments ago now covered their mouths with cold sneers, their expressions barely concealing their schadenfreude.
Fanggui Main Hall was the largest principal hall in the Daxia imperial palace, formed by thirty-six palace waterside pavilions and over a hundred carved corridors and painted pathways winding and intersecting around each other. The glazed golden tiles, upturned eaves, and bracket sets were exquisitely crafted, creating a magnificent and splendid sight. The central hall enshrined the Fanggui Wine God, serving as the main Fanggui Hall, surrounded by four side halls connected by clear pond waterways. Orchid grass emitted delicate fragrances, flower arrangements encircled the area, with string and wind instruments playing alongside drums, while clear waves stretched vast and boundless.
At this moment, while the main hall was already bustling with most court officials in attendance and other pavilions were equally lively, only in the second pavilion was everyone vying to look toward Zhuge Yue's direction. The man calmly drank tea as if completely unaware he had become the center of attention, his black hair like ink, his clothing luxurious yet not ostentatious, faintly carrying an air of untrammeled elegance.
Just then, a horn suddenly sounded from the main hall announcing: "The Crown Prince of Biantang, the Seventh Prince, and the Thirteenth Prince have arrived!"
A buzz of excitement rose as all guests in the entire Fanggui Main Hall craned their necks to look. This eccentric and unrestrained Crown Prince of Biantang hadn't had a single quiet day since arriving in Zhenhuang, never accomplishing anything proper, fully embodying the demeanor expected of a prodigal son.
Perhaps because of today's solemn banquet, Li Ce wore a red brocade robe with black-edged ink orchid patterns. Though still flamboyant, it carried a more substantial gravity. The man wore his hair tied up with a golden crown, beaming with a radiant smile, so spirited it seemed as if he were the one getting married today, completely overshadowing Zhao Che and Zhao Song standing beside him.
Zhao Che's biological mother had recently passed away, so his attire wasn't lavish—a brown formal robe that fit him perfectly. The man frowned slightly, appearing rather impatient as he accompanied Li Ce, clearly not by his own volition.
Li Ce laughed heartily and cupped his hands saying, "My apologies for being late."
Drums and music swelled dramatically, with dancers performing grandly. Musicians played welcoming melodies in unison, bronze chimes ringing together in harmonious melodies. As Li Ce and his party followed the guiding palace attendants toward their prearranged seats, before they could sit down, a cold voice suddenly remarked: "I heard Crown Prince Li Ce arrived in Zhenhuang over a month early. For such a grand feast today, I wonder what caused your delay? Everywhere I've been, all I've heard are tales of Your Highness's romantic exploits. I wonder if today's tardiness was again due to some amorous encounter interfering with proper matters?"
As soon as the words fell, the crowd burst into laughter. Li Ce turned to look and saw a woman dressed in red as fiery as flames, with three red bird feathers adorning her hair, her face as pure and beautiful as snow, gazing at him with sarcastic eyes. It was none other than Huo Linger, daughter of the chieftain of the Huoyun Tribe from the nine major tribes of the Southern Wastelands.The assembled guests immediately turned their gazes over with knowing smiles. Huo Linger had once shared vows of eternal love with Li Ce, a matter that had caused quite a stir in the Biantang royal court, and even officials in the Daxia capital had heard whispers of it. Li Ce had even broken off his engagement with Biantang's Prime Minister Wen Shaolan for her, yet like most of the Crown Prince's romantic escapades, it vanished without a trace within two months. Judging by the young woman's tone today, it seemed the resentment in her heart remained unresolved.
Li Ce's eyes lit up, and he suddenly grinned, saying, "This is the Daxia imperial palace, not your fragrant bedchamber, Ling'er. What business is it of yours whether Li Ce is late or not?"
The Fang Gui Hall erupted in thunderous laughter. Huo Lie, the clan leader of the Huoyun tribe, glared furiously, his anger palpable, while Huo Linger, humiliated and enraged, snatched up her crimson whip from the table and made to rise.
Zhao Che immediately stepped forward, placing a hand on the young woman's shoulder, his expression calm as he lowered his voice and said, "This is the Daxia imperial palace. Please restrain yourself, miss."
Huo Lie reached out to stop his daughter, then shot a venomous glare at Li Ce, the hatred in his gaze so intense it sent chills down the spines of those even at a distance.
Zhao Che rose and returned to his seat, which was right next to Li Ce's. The outspoken and troublesome Crown Prince of Bian Tang laughed heartily, clapping Zhao Che on the shoulder, and said, "I owe you one."
As the music shifted, the hall filled with joyous sounds once more. Li Ce leaned in close to Zhao Che, craning his neck to peer around, and asked, "Where's Qiaoqiao? Have you seen her?"
Zhao Che frowned. "Who is Qiaoqiao?"
"The one serving as a soldier under your command," Li Ce gestured animatedly, "the one who punched me several times."
Zhao Che's frown deepened as he stared at this eccentric visitor from Biantang, wondering if he had some latent masochistic tendency—as if he couldn't feel comfortable without being punched a few times each day. Shaking his head, he replied, "I haven't seen her. This is the Daxia state banquet; her status might not be sufficient to enter the hall."
"Isn't she coming to her master's wedding?" Li Ce shook his head and sighed dramatically. "Poor Qiaoqiao. Yan Xun is getting married; she must be hiding somewhere, crying her heart out."
"Thirteen, have you seen Qiaoqiao? The pretty young girl by Yan Xun's side, the one who hit me."
Zhao Song, already resentful at being assigned by the emperor to accompany Li Ce, grew even more displeased at the mention of Chu Qiao. Stubbornly turning his head away, he replied coldly, "I don't know."
After asking several people without success, Li Ce suddenly sprang to his feet, swiveling his head to scan the surroundings. In the vast hall, aside from servants and dancers, he was the only one standing tall, instantly drawing the attention of everyone present. Countless pairs of eyes looked over in confusion, unsure what eccentricity this man was up to now. Zhao Che and Zhao Song were equally startled, fearing he might pull another outrageous stunt.
The Fang Gui Hall held hundreds of seats, and the four side halls beyond were packed with people. Li Ce scanned the area but couldn't spot the person he was looking for. The young Crown Prince of Biantang furrowed his brow as if pondering something of great importance. Suddenly, he took a deep breath, summoned his energy, and shouted at the top of his lungs: "Qiaoqiao!"The deafening roar instantly drowned out the music. The musicians were so startled they forgot to continue playing, and the hall fell into a silence so profound one could hear a pin drop. Everyone stared at Li Ce with horrified expressions, more bizarre than if they had seen a pig sitting on the throne.
A soft chuckle suddenly broke the silence. Chu Qiao turned to see Zhuge Yue maintaining a stern face, though the curve of his tightly pressed lips betrayed suppressed amusement. The man looked at her challengingly, seeming to take pleasure in her embarrassment.
"Qiaoqiao, where are you?"
The mad Crown Prince of Bian Tang continued shouting loudly as if he were the only person in the hall, completely disregarding everyone else's stares.
"Qiao—"
"Enough, stop shouting. I'm right here."
The young woman rose with a cold expression. Having spent years in dangerous environments that forged her resilience, she rarely showed frustration or awkwardness, but now stood in the second-floor side hall speaking in clear, crisp tones.
"Haha, I knew you'd be here!" Li Ce clapped his hands and laughed, turning to address the others. "Everyone, please continue. Don't mind me. Musicians! Resume the music!"
Crown Prince Li Ce strode across the seating area, not caring that his robe swept over wine cups as he ran across the main hall.
Only then did the numerous young ladies in the second-floor gallery focus their attention on Chu Qiao, their expressions shifting between surprise and suspicion.
"Qiaoqiao, are you drinking? Drowning sorrows in alcohol only makes them deeper!"
Chu Qiao returned to her seat with a furrowed brow. Such conspicuous attention would definitely hinder tonight's operation. With critical moments approaching, she had no time to deal with him. Her face remained cold as she said firmly, "Your Highness holds a noble position and should not disregard etiquette like this. Please return to your seat."
"Qiaoqiao, I'm so touched—you're always thinking of me." Li Ce smiled, his eyes narrowing into slits like a fox's. He moved to sit beside Chu Qiao, but when she remained firmly centered without making space, he rubbed his nose and moved to the next seat. Beaming at some unknown young noblewoman, he asked, "Fair lady, might you spare this seat for me?"
The girl, merely thirteen or fourteen years old and unaccustomed to such bold advances, stood up in a daze. Li Ce thanked her and happily took the seat, causing the palace attendants responsible for banquet etiquette to hurriedly deliver his golden cup and utensils, creating a flurry of activity.
Chu Qiao sighed helplessly. Now the second-floor side hall had become even livelier than the main hall. As the crowd's attention followed Li Ce, they were surprised to discover Zhuge Yue sitting nearby as well, and various speculations immediately began circulating under the high ceiling.
"Fourth Young Master Zhuge, we're both men of good taste. Come, let's toast to Young Master Yan's grand wedding!"
Li Ce leaned past Chu Qiao, raising his cup toward Zhuge Yue from a distance with enthusiastic warmth.
Zhuge Yue smiled faintly, lightly raising his cup in acknowledgment, and drank the toast without saying a word.At that moment, drums and horns suddenly sounded before the hall. Everyone looked up to see the Emperor of Daxia, clad in golden robes, slowly emerging from the majestic golden palace. Chu Qiao followed the crowd as they stepped forward and knelt in reverence. When she lifted her head, she noticed that Emperor Xia's temples were streaked with white frost, his face gaunt, and his eyes, deep as an ancient well, slowly swept across the assembly before settling on her face.
The young woman immediately lowered her head, her heart pounding wildly. The long-reigning Emperor of Daxia indeed carried the aura of a sovereign, his subtle authority restrained yet palpable.
Li Ce stood to the side. As an envoy from another kingdom and bearing the title of Crown Prince, he was exempt from performing the kneeling ritual. The man not only had a keen sense of smell but also sharp eyes. Noticing her unease, he quietly moved closer and, amid the chorus of officials shouting "Long live the Emperor," whispered, "Don't be afraid of him. He's just an old man, putting on an act—just like the one back in my home country."
If possible, Chu Qiao truly wanted to punch him again, but unfortunately, this thought could only cross her mind. After the formalities were completed, everyone returned to their seats. Emperor Xia said a few opening remarks before turning his attention to the second pavilion, smiling lightly as he remarked, "Crown Prince Li, why have you taken a seat over there? Was the position I arranged for you not to your liking?"
"Not at all, not at all," Li Ce chuckled casually. "It's cooler over here, and I find it more comfortable."
Emperor Xia nodded and said, "Zhuge Yue, then you shall keep Crown Prince Li company."
With that one sentence, he preserved the Zhuge family's dignity. Without even glancing at Zhuge Mu Qing's expression in the main hall, Zhuge Yue responded in a low voice, "Your servant obeys the decree."
"Has Young Master Yan's carriage entered the inner city yet?"
An official stepped forward and replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, we have not yet received any report from the city gate guards."
Emperor Xia frowned slightly, and Chu Qiao's heart immediately tightened with anxiety. She heard Emperor Xia nod and say, "Today is not only my birthday but also the day I marry off my daughter. I have watched Yan Xun grow up since he was a child, and I am very much at ease entrusting my daughter to him. All of you are pillars of the state. Although the Yanbei faction once rose in rebellion, I have always held this child in high regard. After today, Yanbei will welcome a new King of Yan. I hope all of you will work together in unity to strengthen the prestige of our great Daxia."
"Yes, yes, the Heir of Yanbei is exceptionally talented and will surely become a wise ruler."
"Your Majesty's benevolence is widespread, forgiving past wrongs. Young Master Yan will surely be deeply grateful to Your Majesty and pledge his life in loyal service."
"Princess Chun is virtuous and beautiful. Young Master Yan, blessed by heaven and favored by Your Majesty's great kindness, will undoubtedly serve the nation with utmost dedication."
"With such a benevolent emperor, our great Daxia is destined to experience its greatest resurgence in a thousand years."
...
Flattery never fails. A chorus of praises and accolades immediately erupted, with everyone singing praises in unison. Emperor Xia wore a faint smile, clearly accepting it all with great satisfaction.
To put on a convincing act, one must go all the way. This way, even if Yan Xun were to die by the sword, no one would suspect the Daxia imperial family. Chu Qiao scanned the main hall and indeed found no one from the Batuha Family present. Strangely, even the Eldest Princess of Huai Song was absent, which left her momentarily perplexed.
Just then, a guard in blue attire slipped into the side hall of the second pavilion, approached Chu Qiao from behind, and whispered something into her ear. Chu Qiao nodded, and the man retreated.
Seeing this, Li Ce immediately leaned over, acting as if they were close friends, and whispered, "Qiao Qiao, who was that? What did he say to you?"
Chu Qiao frowned at him, wanting to say something but feeling that any response would be pointless. She simply turned her head away and ignored him. Undeterred, Li Ce continued to lean over, bypassing Chu Qiao to ask Zhuge Yue, "Brother Zhuge, do you know?"
Zhuge Yue smiled faintly, the corners of his lips curling slightly as he replied calmly, "If even the Crown Prince does not know, how could I possibly know?"
Li Ce nodded. "You're right."
At that moment, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the hall, accompanied by what sounded like a woman crying loudly. Everyone in the hall turned to look outside. Emperor Xia raised an eyebrow and asked sternly, "Who is making noise outside?"
A guard, wiping cold sweat from his forehead, rushed in, knelt, and reported, "Your Majesty, it... it is Princess Chun."Everyone was momentarily stunned by these words, but Chu Qiao had already guessed the general situation from the subordinate who had just left. Emperor Xia frowned and asked, "Chun'er? What is she doing here?"
"Her Highness said... she said she has urgent matters to discuss with Your Majesty."
"Today is her wedding day. What does she mean by disregarding propriety and rushing here? Send her back. Tell her Young Master Yan is about to enter the city," Consort Shu, seated beside the emperor, said coldly with a crisp tone.
"Chun'er must be growing impatient from waiting," Consort Xuan covered her mouth with a light laugh, then lifted her gaze to Emperor Xia with watery eyes, softly chuckling, "After all, Chun'er is only sixteen. It's possible she's feeling a bit frightened."
"As a royal princess, such lack of decorum is utterly improper! Guards! Take the princess away and severely punish the matrons and servants responsible for watching over her!"
Upon hearing this, Consort Xuan immediately teared up, speaking in a delicate, fragile voice, "Sister Shu, Muhe Empress has just passed away. How can you treat her daughter like this? Don't you feel any guilt toward our sisterhood?"
"How dare you—"
"Father! Chun'er has something to say!"
A loud cry suddenly echoed from outside the hall. Everyone in the main hall turned to look outside with astonished and uncertain expressions, their minds racing with countless thoughts. After a long silence, Emperor Xia finally spoke in a deep voice, "Let her in."
A long wind blew in from outside. Zhao Chun'er stood there in her magnificent crimson wedding robes, her hair slightly disheveled from running all the way. The delicate young girl's face was pale as she entered the hall under everyone's gaze. The night wind lifted her wedding robes, making them flutter like the wings of weeping blood-red butterflies, possessing a shattered, disordered beauty.
"Father!" The young girl stood tall in the hall, then suddenly fell to her knees with a thud, kowtowing deeply as she declared clearly, "Please revoke your decree! Chun'er does not wish to marry anymore!"
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