Chapter 44 – Phoenix Chant
Tuoba Zhi’s character was very calm and rational. Afraid that starting a fight would hurt Murong Zhining and the pedestrians, he stepped forth and said to the noble young man, “I am Tuoba Zhi, only bringing my family out to see the lights. I don’t want to cause any trouble, so please make way, mister.”

The man refused to let it go. “What the heck is that? Never heard of that name before. And by the way, I am Wan Yuan. My father is a high-ranking official in the court, not someone you puny ants can provoke. If you’re smart enough, leave this little lady here and I’ll spare your life.”

A guard suddenly leapt forth. In a blink, a gleaming blade was pressed against Wan Yuan’s neck. “Who the hell is this dog? You actually dare to be so outrageous in front of our young miss? You’re in big trouble. Tell your underlings to step down, or I’ll take your damn head!”

Wan Yuan frantically waved his hands at his manservants. “Step back, step back, don’t let him hurt me.”

The guard drew back the blade from Wan Yuan’s neck. Then, he dragged him to a wall and gave him a good beating. Finally, the guard pulled out a tag from his waist and waved it before Wan Yuan. Wan Yuan was scared out of his wits upon seeing the words on the tag. He frantically stumbled up on his feet and ran like mad; also fleeing with him were his associates and servants.

After the hubbub, Tuoba Zhi noticed that the two girls didn’t enjoy themselves as much. He was afraid of further trouble as well, so he suggested, “My family has a secluded villa outside the city where the air is fresh. I’ll send people to clean it up and prepare some refreshments in advance. We can go there to continue enjoying the moon while drinking tea.”

Everyone approved cheerily. The guards dared not interfere with the princess’ decision, so they prepared a horse carriage for the group.

The villa wasn’t far from the city. It took over a large area as a garden house, looking magnificent with red bricks and green roof tiles. When informed of the four’s arrival, the family in charge of watching over the villa quickly tidied up the courtyard and prepared various snacks and fruits, which were then set up in the pavilion above the lotus pond backyard. Also, they hung up several dozen lanterns of various shapes on the winding cloister.

Fascinated as they entered the yard, the four sat down at the stone table in the pavilion.

A fully lit candlestick that was set on the table brightened up the surroundings. The full moon reflected in the lotus pond scattered into golden filings as the breeze blew by. Gentle winds carried the scent of osmanthus and the shades of the trees rustled. They all painted a stunning, poetic scenery.

Tuoba Zhi personally brewed a pot of his best tea and poured everyone a cup. Lian Kun drained it in one gulp the moment he received the cup. Tuoba Zhi smiled and shook his head at the guy.

Murong Zhining and Tuoba Lan first sipped some tea to cleanse their palates and spat it out in the salivary bowl. Then, they lifted their cups and smelled the aroma, slowly savoring the tea.

Lian Kun was appalled. “It’s only drinking tea, why are you guys being so particular about it?!”

Tuoba Zhi smiled elegantly, “If you want to taste the true flavor of tea, you first need to cleanse your palate. Your way of drinking has truly failed the fragrant flavor of this tea.”

Murong Zhining tried to save some face for Lian Kun, “Mister Lian is a man of a generous character and unrestricted by the regulations.”

Lian Kun touched his head with an honest smile. “It’s still Princess who understands me most.”

Tuoba Zhi ordered a set of qin stand and chair to be set up, before he carefully took a qin from his bag and placed it on the rack. “Today is a festival. It’s my honor to have my friends accompanying me on such a day. This humble servant will play a song to liven things up for Princess’ moon-viewing.”

Tuoba Zhi gently stretched out his slender arms and placed his fingers on the strings. A melody as soothing as water slowly flowed into the night. Murong Zhining was enraptured as she listened, her eyelashes slightly downcast and she whispered, “Good music, good qin. It’s perfect for the scenery tonight.”

Lian Kun curiously asked, “What’s the name of this tune?”

Tuoba Zhi continued to stroke the strings. Smiling without a word, he nodded toward Murong Zhining, throwing Lian Kun’s question to her. Murong Zhining’s eyes sparkled like stars as she explained, “This is a famous historical melody called “Autumn Moon over the Han Palace.” The sound of this qin is very high and graceful, it’s a very rare and good qin. Unfortunately, I haven’t enough knowledge to know its name.”

After the song was finished, Tuoba Zhi replied, “This qin has been passed down from my ancestors. My father said it didn’t have a name. Princess, please grant it a name with your precious words.”

Murong Zhining moved the candlestick closer to carefully observe the qin. Its body was unadorned and naturally simple. When played, it made a high and clear sound. Without a doubt, this was one rare fine qin.

Murong Zhining sighed with emotions. “In ‘The Collection: Appreciation of Renowned Qins,’ I have seen Sima Xiangru’s Green Damask, which looks very much like this one. I can see that this qin is also made of paulownia wood and intentionally modeled after Green Damask. While it’s slightly inferior, it’s still a great qin. The sound is high and pleasant like the sound of a phoenix’s cry, so let’s call it ‘Phoenix Chant.’”

Tuoba Zhi clapped his hands. “Wonderful name! Only someone of Princess’ talent and knowledge could have come up with such a great name.”

Tuoba Lan looked at Murong Zhining in reverence. “Big sis you are so well-versed. Lan’er admires you!”

Tuoba Zhi poked her forehead. “If you played a little less and read a little more as our father said, you may be able to be as clever as Princess.”

Tuoba Lan pulled a face at him.

Lian Kun hung his head in contemplation. After quite some time, he said, “I don’t understand qin, but my father is keeping a fine qin in his collection. It’s name is what Princess has said just now, Green Damask, or so my father said. I can bring it for Princess to take a look when I have a chance.”

Upon hearing this, Murong Zhining’s eyes shone brilliantly. “That would be great. I’ve heard that Sima Xiangru’s Green Damask is the best of the four great qins. I absolutely want to witness it for myself.”

Lian Kun’s face dimmed a little in worry. “My father has no eyes for these things, so it might just be a fake and will disappoint Princess.”

Murong Zhining said, “As long as it’s a qin, I will want to see it.”

Tuoba Lan peeled a chestnut and held it up to Murong Zhining’s lips. “Brother Lian, both your and your father’s eyes are very alarming. But since it’s something that big sis likes, you mustn’t forget to bring it for her to see.”

Lian Kun repeatedly nodded.

Murong Zhining gave a faint smile. “Since everybody is in such a great mood, I will also play a song to add to the fun.”

She then sat down straight and properly. As her hands gently stroked the strings of Phoenix Chant, and a beautiful melody flowed out with her with the movement of her slender fingers.

Tuoba Zhi closed his eyes and listened with his soul. “This is ‘White Spring Snow.’ Just like Princess, the song is extraordinary and so complicated that very few people can understand it. It’s truly an exquisite tune.”

Lian Kun didn’t understand what Tuoba Zhi said at all. “I only knows three words: it sounds pleasant!”

Tuoba Lan covered her mouth and smiled. “Big sis’ music is indeed a combination of refined and popular tastes.”

——

The General Estate. Chiyun Yuexuan was drinking in the small yard Murong Zhining used to stay in. During this time, he had been drunk and awake, then getting drunk again no matter how much people tried to persuade him out of it. Yan Feng had summoned him several times, but he evaded it and stayed rooted in his estate. Wu Siyuan was so anxious he had to ask for help from Chiyun Nan.

When Chiyun Nan entered the small yard, he saw Chiyun Yuexuan sitting alone at the stone table and draining down one cup after another. He strode over, snatched the wine cup from Chiyun Yuexuan’s hand and shouted, “And I actually didn’t believe it when Officer Wu said you were dead drunk all day long. You… why are you torturing your own body like this? What exactly are you trying to achieve from this?!”

The drunken Chiyun Yuexuan stood up and pressed his face close to Chiyun Nan. “Who… who are you? How do you lo… look exactly like my… my father?” He then shoved Chiyun Nan. “Old man, how dare you pull… pull a long face at me just like… like him? You dare to… give me a..attitude? Who do you… you think you are?!”

Chiyun Nan roared in fury, “Men, come! Take him to the underground prison in the General Estate! Without my order, no one is allowed to release him!”

Together with two guards, Wu Siyuan threw Chiyun Yuexuan into the underground prison. Towards Chiyun Nan, Wu Siyuan not only revered him, but also greatly appreciated his decisiveness.

With a somber face, Chiyun Nan asked Wu Siyuan, “Just what happened? How did he become like that?”

Wu Siyuan lowered his head and respectfully replied, “General he… perhaps it’s because of Princess Fengyi.”

Chiyun Nan violently flung his hand. “Ridiculous! I didn’t believe when I heard people discuss about how this rebellious son competed with His Majesty for a woman, but from what I’ve seen today, that’s actually true. Just what kind of fox is that woman to be able to bewitch them both to this point?”

Wu Siyuan cupped his hands. “Your Highness, please don’t believe in their hearsay, the truth is not like what you’ve heard. Princess Fengyi has returned to Shangxia. After some time, General will forget about her.”

With a heavy heart, Chiyun Nan looked at Wu Siyuan. “The General Estate will be entrusted to you for the time being. Without my order, do not give him anything aside from food and drink. By the way, when you have time, come by my estate to visit your aunt.”

Wu Siyuan bowed and assented.

In the underground prison cell, Chiyun Yuexuan quietly lay on the haystack with his arm under his head. Having stayed here for five days without alcohol to numb himself, his mood had slowly recovered. However, his heart still ached badly every time he thought of Murong Zhining. He couldn’t stop remembering her, her stubborn eyes, her charming smile, the stunning glance when she slightly turned her head, and the cool breath when she blew on his wound.

Just like that, Chiyun Yuexuan repeatedly tortured himself, relentlessly punishing himself without mercy. Having no alcohol, he could only use pain to paralyze himself. After several days of struggling, he finally thought it through and decided that he needed to slowly forget Murong Zhining, because that was the only way to stop him from hurting her any further.

When Chiyun Nan dismally entered the underground prison, Chiyun Yuexuan crawled up from the haystack and knelt. “Your child greets you, father.”

Chiyun Nan angrily scolded, “You still know I’m your father? Do you know what you’re doing to yourself?”

Chiyun Yuexuan was ashamed. “I have been reflecting that last few days and know what I’ve done wrong. I sincerely want to repent.”

Chiyun Nan’s expression grew calm. “If you seriously mean it, then I’m happy for you.” He then hesitated a little and said, “You must remember well, you’re destined to be extraordinary, there are more important things waiting for you to do. Quickly pick yourself up and put your energy into repaying your country.”

Chiyun Yuexuan cupped his fists, “I will definitely recover and live up to your expectations.”

Chiyun Nan suddenly changed the topic, “By the way, you’re not young anymore. I will find a suitable girl to be your wife and spare you from overthinking all day. If you don’t have someone you like for now, you can take in a concubine first.”

Chiyun Yuexuan’s heart was like dead ashes, utterly hopeless. “I will listen to your arrangement.”

In the Imperial Study, Yan Feng looked tranquil as he flipped the book in his hand. Chiyun Yuexuan entered and knelt to pay his respects. “Your general greets you, Your Majesty.”

Yan Feng cast him a glance. “Rise. You look much better. This time, I didn’t call you here to bicker, so let’s talk about something light and easy. Like I said last time, I will betroth Princess Jingrong to you. Go back and discuss with your father about the preparation for your grand wedding.”

There was no trace of emotion on Chiyun Yuexuan’s face. “So Your Majesty is forcing marriage on me? Whatever, it doesn’t matter who I marry.”

Yan Feng violently slapped the desk and roared in rage, “Insolent! Marrying my little sister is an insult to you or something?! You’re more and more unruly by the day. If it wasn’t that Jingrong has liked you ever since little, I wouldn’t have married her to you! You can leave. I will discuss the marriage with Commandery Prince Yan. You just behave and wait for your wedding. That’s right, since you have guarded the borders for so many years, it’s time I have you back in the capital for a new role.”

Chiyun Yuexuan cupped his hands. “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but I prefer to be stationed at the border pass. That place has people and the warmth of humanity.”

Yan Feng furiously swept the flower vase on his desk to the ground.

After that, Yan Feng summoned Chiyun Nan to the Imperial Study. After the formalities, Yan Feng had Chiyun Nan sit down next to him.

A maid entered with two cups of tea and placed them down. Yan Feng made an inviting gesture.

“I’ve called you here this time to discuss about General Chiyun’s marriage. The Chiyun family has rendered outstanding merits for defending Huayan’s territory for generations. I want to betroth Princess Jingrong to General Chiyun, and would like to discuss their wedding with you.”

Chiyun Nan lost his composure for a moment at those words, his hand trembled and nearly spilled the tea. He looked troubled. “This can’t do. How can my son be worthy of Noble Princess with his status? Your Majesty, please revoke your order.”