Chapter 9: The Depths of the Flute's Sound, Water Clouds and Sky

  Purple gauze smoke screen, sheep fat white jade pillow, you dust yourself from the couch to sit up, but your body is very weak, and again a daze.

  A pair of hollow silver incense balls hung in the room, wafting a soothing medicinal scent that calmed the mind. No wonder she had slept for so long. She struggled to get out of bed and looked around.

  The room was not decorated with anything fancy, but it had a unique charm everywhere. On the long table, there was a jade bamboo pen holder, several sheets of snow-white letter paper, and a crystal wide-mouthed flat vase filled with clear water, on which floated a single leaf of white lotus flower, its pure leaves and white petals exuding an air of elegance. The warm sunlight streaming through the window made her think of the person who had placed her here. On this sweltering summer day, however, there was an unusual chill in the air, and as she looked around, her eyes fell on a painting hanging on the wall.

  The painting depicts a night lake with lotus flowers under the moonlight. She stands in the bright room, looking out at the scenery, as the gentle breeze slowly enters the room. The painting seems to lightly bring out a touch of silver moonlight, refreshing and elegant. The eye-catching part is painted with light green color, using the freehand brushstrokes with light ink, hook-shaped strokes, and moistening the colors, carrying the shadowy beauty of the wind and moon in a natural way, falling into the deep night colors, with bright and dark hues unfolding, fading away quietly. The gentle breeze stirs up ripples, the wave lights are hazy, the middle brushstrokes flow freely, but at the end of the strokes, a few fine details are painted with meticulous care, depicting the curved green branches, the white lotus flowers swaying gently in the moonlit night, with delicate and subtle beauty.

  From a distance, the scenery is bright and elegant, but up close, it's full of subtle charm. Standing in front of the painting, one feels as if they're inside it, seemingly transported to a moonlit lotus pond, savoring the breeze and inviting the moon, with an elegance beyond compare.

  She stood in front of the painting for a long time, with subtle praise in her heart, and saw that there were a few lines of poetry written at the end of the scroll, which seemed to be recording the scenery in the painting.

  Smoke curls around the faint moon

  The moon invites the clear breeze

  The wind and shadows bring the lotus leaves green.

  Emerald waves condense into green mist.

  The poem has a clever connection between the beginning and end, but it doesn't quite rhyme or have a pleasant tone. She read it once and furrowed her brow, then suddenly a look of surprise flashed across her eyes.

  Attached to the poem is the title: In the year of Xin You, on a mid-summer night, I was ordered to record the elegant works of poetry by my eldest brother, fifth brother, ninth brother and eleventh brother in the Cong Cui Pavilion, to commemorate the wonderful brushwork of my seventh brother.

  At the end of the letter, there is a single character - Ling.

  She raised her hand to stroke the last character, with a sharp and bold brushstroke, yet elegant and calm. Against the beautiful moonlit lotus, it seemed slightly cold and hard. Just like when a painting is unfolded, a sudden peak rises from the calm river, the flow of the river suddenly breaks off, stirring up waves that crash against the shore. The mountain reflects in the water, the water carries the mountain, yet it's hard to put into words the unique charm of this style.

  The strokes, the signature, almost palpable with the force of the brushstrokes, like a knife cut, made her unwittingly think of someone. She hesitated, pondering, without noticing that someone had entered the room.

  "Has Feng Niang awakened?" A soft and pleasant greeting reached her ears, she turned back in surprise.

  The speaker was a tall and slender woman, who walked elegantly to her side with a smile, while the maid following beside her said: "This is our King's wife, Wang Fei."

  "You bow your head and say with courtesy: 'I have seen the princess.'"

  Jing Fei ordered her maid: "Go and invite Doctor Zhou, tell him I'm ill here."

  "You needn't trouble the princess," said Qing Chen Dao. "I have some knowledge of medicine myself; it's just a minor matter, nothing serious."

  Jing Fei was slightly surprised: "I didn't expect that Feng Niang not only played the piano well, but also knew medicine. Such a gentle and elegant person is indeed delightful to see. However, I still need to observe carefully, as Your Highness has entrusted you to my care, I must be meticulous."

  You smiled slightly and no longer pushed for excuses: "Both music and medicine are half-understood, familiar but not skilled, so it's a waste of the princess's heart."

  Jing Fei smiled and said, "Your one melody on the zither at Chu Yan Jiang made our prince surrender in admiration. Now it's all the rage in Yi Ge City. His jade flute has never fallen to second place before anyone else. Whoever can get his praise must not be an ordinary musician."

  You can't help but recall the scenes from before, as if you've fallen into another inexplicable farce, with roles and plot twists spinning around like a revolving lantern, leaving one breathless.

  At that moment, the feeling of touching the strings was as if to pour out all the suppressed pain and melancholy of these days into one song, soaring through the clouds. When the sharp strings cut open her fingers and blood splattered out, she felt an unprecedented sense of relief. She gently clenched her hand, and a faint pain was drawn from the wound on her fingertips.

  You sighed in the dark, looking at that painting: "The meaning of the painting is profound and interesting, the sound of the zither is close to human feelings. At that time, I was eager to win, the sound of the zither rose and fell, revealing a sharp and bitter tone, fearing that Your Highness would actually despise me."

  Jing Fei said: "Although I didn't hear the song, he has already commented on the four words 'Sword Gallbladder and Piano Heart', it must be sad but not hurt, excited but not fierce, let him truly appreciate it." She saw that Qing Chen was looking at the painting, so she said again: "This is the prince's own handwriting, painted with lotus flowers in the Idle Jade Lake of the mansion. If you feel bored, you can go for a walk there. The lotus flowers are about to bloom these days, and it will be open soon."

  "You seem to have a different style in your painting and poetry."

  "Speaking of this poem, it's actually a pleasant thing. This was the year we invited the Emperor and all the princes to come to Xianyu Lake to admire the lotus flowers. Everyone got drunk and had a few more cups, and the prince borrowed wine to make this painting. The crown prince and others were watching from the side, and they casually recited a few lines, but somehow the emperor heard them and immediately ordered someone to 'write these few crooked poems on the painting and hang it up, let them look at it when they sober up'. Only Ling Wang was not drunk, so he picked up his pen and wrote it down. A few days later, they came back to the mansion, and as soon as they saw the poem, the eleventh prince immediately spat out his tea and asked how many good lines there were that night, why only this one crooked poem was recorded? Ling Wang glanced at him and gave two words, 'imperial order'. In the end, they refused to let the painting be hung in the front hall again, so it had to be moved here. It's been many years since then, and the lotus flowers on Xianyu Lake have bloomed well every year, but it's not as lively as that time."

  You dusted off the poem and read it again, with a faint smile, saying: "It turns out that this is Ling Wang's handwriting, I thought the word 'Ling' was the name of the poet who wrote the title."

  Jing Fei said: "The current Ling Wang clan is ranked fourth in the imperial family, with the 'Tian' character generation, and a single name with only one 'Ling' character."

  Your eyes sparkled with a wave of light, and you almost couldn't help but blurt out the three words "Ye Tian Ling". You involuntarily raised your hand to touch your chest, and your heart skipped a beat with great excitement!

  Just then, the imperial physician arrived, and Empress Jing said, "Are you still feeling unwell? Have someone take a look at you quickly."

  "Thank you, Princess." Qīng Chén's smile slightly unfolded, how could there be such a coincidence in the world?

  The imperial physician bowed to Empress Jing and came forward to take her pulse. After carefully examining both of her hands, he took out paper and pen to write a prescription. Empress Jing instructed the maid who had just spoken: "Fei'er, have someone follow Imperial Physician Zhou to fill the prescription, don't be careless."

  Fei'er nodded and took the doctor out, whereupon a voice from outside asked after her health. It seemed that someone had quietly asked something, and then Doctor Zhou said: "This young lady has a weak heart and blood, insufficient energy, and recently she must have been through some turmoil and exhaustion, but with a few days of recuperation, it will be fine."

  "A warm and jade-like voice said: 'Alright, you carefully prepare the medicine, come again tomorrow.' Along with the words, footsteps approached."

  Jing Fei got up and went out to greet him: "Your Highness is back."

  The warm breeze carried a few flower petals across the corridor. Yè Tiān Zhàn stepped in from behind the curtain, a faint smile on his lips, and an air of elegance that was both captivating and soothing. Perhaps it was because the sunlight was too dazzling, but Qīng Chén slightly turned his head to avoid Yè Tiān Zhàn's gaze.

  "Do you feel a bit better?" The gentle voice of Ye Tian Zhan made her heart skip a beat, she quietly bowed down: "Thank you, Your Highness, for saving me."

  Yè Tiān Zhàn said, "It's just a small effort, why must you thank me? Moreover, 'Under the emperor's feet, within the imperial city walls, there are people who disregard the law, relying on power to bully others, and do evil. As the crown prince who 'upholds the heavenly grace and supports the common people', how can I just stand by idly?" His words carried a hint of a smile, yet didn't make one feel constrained, but rather as if he were speaking casually.

  "You didn't have to say that, it's just a small effort for Your Highness, but for us women, it's a great kindness. We should thank you." She looked up and found that Empress Jing had already left with her maid, leaving only the two of them in the room.

  Yè Tiān Zhàn said, "This case I've taken charge of. The people from the Changmen Gang and the Tiānwǔ Zuì Fǎng in the Imperial Capital can't escape, most are already locked up in prison. If you're feeling a bit better, I'll take you to see if there's anyone who slipped through the net."

  "You may go now."

  The royal guards had prepared the horses, which were strong and agile, with golden bridles and jade saddles, all of which were carefully selected fine steeds. Ye Tian looked at Qing Chen, paused for a moment, then turned to instruct his attendants: "Prepare the carriage today."

  "You will ride a horse."

  Yitian Zhan smiled and said: "In that case, let's exchange it for a smaller horse."

  You patted the horse's body, raised your eyes slightly and said, "No need." From now on, there won't always be someone specifically changing horses for you whenever and wherever. She examined the horse, unexpectedly finding her past experience of learning horse riding at the racing track useful here. She took a deep breath, stepped on the stirrup, held onto the horse's body with a bit of force, and swung her leg over to mount the saddle. The horse shifted uncomfortably due to the increased force from her hands when she jumped up, causing her body to sway involuntarily. However, she gritted her teeth and used her waist strength to steadily climb onto the horseback. Lowering her head, she saw Nian Tian Yan smiling in approval, with a layer of sweat already forming on her palms.

  Yè Tiān Zhuàn took over the reins handed up by the guard, neat and nimble, wiping his clothes as he mounted: "Let's go."

  You lightly grasped the reins, and the night sky seemed to be accommodating her, just keeping pace with her as she rode slowly. Only after some time had passed, when he saw that she was slightly getting used to this horse, did he increase their speed.

  You dust on horseback to measure Yige City, but see the streets on both sides of nearly 100 steps wide are all shops and business districts, pedestrians come and go merchants like clouds, shopkeepers call out to welcome guests, in the hustle and bustle occasionally see foreign businessmen and women, dressed in distinctive and elegant attire, adding to the prosperity and excitement.

  She passed by several magnificent buildings and saw that one of them had the four characters "Tian Wu Zui Fang" (Heavenly Dance Drunken House) hanging high, with red ink and gold trimmings, beautifully decorated top to bottom. The remnants of a luxurious past could still be seen, with the shadows of fragrant cars and precious horses. However, two striking white seals at the entrance had ruthlessly sealed off this intricately carved building, and several black-clad guards stood watch at the door.

  Ye Tian Zhan followed her gaze and smiled, "It's been less than two days since the Tian Wu Zui Fang was sealed off, yet even the Prime Minister Wei Zongping wants to ask about it. It seems that there are quite a few officials involved in this matter."

  "You must have gotten into a lot of trouble because of me."

  "Don't worry, trouble isn't always trouble, everything has its pros and cons."

  Just as they were talking, there was a sudden commotion at the city gate. The guards used their long spears to push aside pedestrians and clear the road, allowing several swift horses to gallop past, kicking up clouds of dust.

  Several young men on horseback, dressed in brocade and jade robes, looking radiant and spirited, wherever they went, people were shocked and rushed to avoid them, but they didn't slow down at all, and galloped past in an instant.

  You didn't expect them to rush over like this, and there was no time to avoid it. The horse under her suddenly became frightened, let out a loud whinny, and was about to stand up. Fortunately, Ye Tian had quick eyes and hands, and quickly pressed down on the reins for her. The horse snorted several times, its hooves restless, before finally calming down after a while.

  It was almost a mess, and Qīn dust frowned and looked forward. Those people had already run out several steps. One of them suddenly pulled the reins of his horse, turned around and stood still: "Seventh Imperial Brother! How is it you?" It was Yè Tiān Liáo.

  He stopped, and the others also reined in their horses and returned. When they saw Ye Tianzheng, they all dismounted: "We've seen the Seventh Prince!"

  Ye Tian Yan swept his eyes over them, and found that they were all sons of aristocratic families. They were used to being arrogant every day, no wonder they didn't know how to restrain themselves. His eyebrows tightened slightly, but he didn't scold them. He smiled lightly and said: "Forget it." To Ye Tian Hui, he said: "What are you doing? Rushing around in the city without fear of startling pedestrians?"

  At night, Tian Liang was sizing up the dust, and after recognizing her, he smiled and said: "It's actually Feng Gongzhu, sorry, I ran too fast just now and scared your horse." He then turned to Ye Tian Zhan and said: "Just returned from Kunlun Garden, everyone hunted a leopard today, and they were all in high spirits, so they forgot about these things." His horse was tied up with many hunting spoils, and it seemed that they had gained a lot.

  Ye Tian Zhan said: "Rushing on horseback all day, it's inevitable that the Empress would know and scold again."

  Ye Tian Liao smiled and said: "Then don't let the empress know, where are you all going?"

  "Gyeonggi Province." Yeo Haneul said.

  "Go ahead, I'll follow soon!" Ye Tianli waved his hand at the people behind him. The crowd responded and left, Ye Tianli turned around and said: "Have all the rebels of the Changmen gang been brought to justice? I'll go with you to take a look, I heard that Wei Zongping wants to protect Guo Qi?"

  "It's not that he's protecting him," Ye Tian Zhan said, as the group slowly moved forward: "He just wants to suppress the case." Just now, among the crowd, there was also Wei Jia's eldest son, Wei Xiao. The old man was already worried about the case, but this young master had caused trouble and was still having a good time. With a father who ranked third in the imperial court and a sister who was the crown prince's consort, they were truly carefree.

  "Is the Wei family really involved in this matter?" Ye Tianhui said: "They didn't expect that the Emperor would thoroughly investigate after the Crown Prince reported it to him that day, huh? Humph! Does Guo still want to support the Tianwu Zui Fang?"

  Ye Tianxian smiled and said, "As soon as you return to the palace, you will report to the emperor about the incident of the Tianwu Zui Fang crashing into the imperial boat, it's hard not to investigate thoroughly. Moreover, selling civilians as prostitutes, how can Guo Qi hold on? He must have moved the Wei family out. Wei Zongping has indeed taken advantage of the current war with the Turks, and the emperor does not want to shake the court at this time, wanting to drag this matter out, making big things small and small things nothing."

  You stood beside, silently listening, until you couldn't help but glance at Ye Tian Zhan, whose profile was as handsome as jade. Suddenly, the deepest part of your heart resonated with a familiar image, causing a sharp pain in your chest. You stared absent-mindedly at those familiar eyebrows and eyes, that upright posture on horseback, without hearing what they said next, nor noticing Ye Tian Zhan casting an intentional or unintentional glance her way, followed by a spring breeze-like smile escaping from the corner of his lips.

  Across the thick iron bars of the Kyonggi prison, Qing Chen saw Hu San Niang again.

  Unlike others, she was locked in a cell alone, leaning against the wall with a somewhat dispirited expression. Despite her wretched state, her body still exuded a soft and alluring charm that was captivating. When she heard footsteps, she lifted her head to see Qingchen, and her eyes flashed with hatred. Qingchen stood outside the cell, looking at her for a moment before she coldly said: "I didn't think I'd fall into your hands this time. Who are you, anyway? How could you mobilize the Jingyi Bureau to hunt us down so ruthlessly? Do you want to wipe out the Changmen Gang entirely?"

  You dust only felt very funny, she was not quite clear what the capital is a government office, to adjust the troops surrounded by should be Ye Tian Zhan, she slightly turned her head, but only saw Ye Tian Zhan warm and elegant smile, light cloud and gentle breeze.

  She shook her head at Hu San Niang and said, "I am no one, you are just too evil, the retribution has arrived, even if I wasn't here today, it would still end up like this. But if I really could mobilize the Jingqi Department, then eliminating the Changmen Gang would also be justified, why leave you to continue harming women?"

  Hu San Niang stood up from her cell, her beautiful eyes staring at her: "I, Hu San Niang, will remember you!"

  You stood there calmly, looking at her with a calm expression. The hatred in your eyes and the clarity in hers touched, and it disappeared without a trace. She said lightly: "Thank you so much, but I don't plan to remember you."

  She said and turned to Ye Tian Zhan: "I recognize everyone here, I haven't seen the others."

  Ye Tianchen remained by his side and nodded: "Then let's go."

  As he came out of the prison cell, he said: "Look at this woman's appearance and dress, she doesn't seem to be a native of China, but rather a barbarian woman."

  "You shook your head: 'I don't know her background, but it seems like she has a special status in the Changmen Gang.'"

  Ye Tian Zhan said, "Since the surrender of the Western Regions and the Northern Dynasties, many Huns have come to trade in the past few years. Now it's not unusual to see them in the capital, and you can often find Hun women in the song and dance halls. It's really chaotic."

  "It is a mutually beneficial and good thing for countries to come and trade, which shows that the prosperity and strength of our dynasty has attracted them. The more people who come, the more goods are exchanged and profits are made, and this will only add to the prosperity of our dynasty. To solidify the foundation of our country and open up the four borders, we will become strong and prosperous without decline. How can it be compared to war, which is much harder to control a country?"

  "It's rare to hear someone say that."

  You raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly: "I'm just talking nonsense, don't mind me, it's indeed hard to avoid chaos when there are many people."

  At this time, Ye Tian walked back from another cell, laughing and saying: "The songstress of the Tian Wu Zui Fang was also detained, inside a group of beautiful women were crying and wailing, it's rare to see such a scene in a big prison."

  "They say that they are just implicated, and there aren't many who are actually related to the case. In a few days, when nothing comes of it, they will be released."

  "His Majesty is being overly cautious." Ye Tian Liao smiled and said: "What are you planning to do with this case?"

  "Jing Qi is after all the fifth brother's jurisdiction, I'm just temporarily taking over his duties when he's leading the troops. For a case like this, it's best to wait for him to return and make the final decision, unless Father Emperor has other instructions."

  You unintentionally furrowed your brow slightly, and Ye Tian Xuan looked at you: "Don't worry, I've taken on this matter, and I'll see it through to the end. Moreover, since you lost to me, I must give you an explanation."

  Your gaze lingered in his eyes for a moment, and he lowered his head, saying, "I still say the same thing, thank you, Your Highness."

  Those bright and gentle eyes still burn her heart, she hates herself for being unable to calmly gaze into anyone's eyes, except for the same warmth in front of her. This makes her recall the pain of waking up from a beautiful dream, this kind of pain can unknowingly grow thorns in her heart, gradually leading her into a suffocating abyss.

  When you try to forget but can't, that's when you realize the memories buried beneath indifference have seeped into your bones and blood. Each time they're stirred up, they shatter your heart.