Chapter Twenty-Two: Departure

Qin King Zheng's sixth year, October twenty-second.

It was an utterly ordinary day. Li Yu was in the courtyard, teaching Hu Ji how to play the vertical flute.

Just then, Xiao Tao ran into the courtyard, exclaiming, “Master, master, a strange person has arrived. She’s so eerie, so frightening—she says she’s looking for you.”

Curious, Li Yu made his way to the front hall, eager to see what kind of person Xiao Tao meant.

“Sister!” Li Yu cried out in delight.

“I don’t know you. You’ve mistaken me for someone else,” came a cold, icy voice.

“Jing Ni, one of the Eight Swords of the King of Yue, Number One of the Tian Division of the Net, is that you, sister?” Li Yu was so excited his teeth chattered.

“You know me?” Jing Ni asked, intrigued, for she had no recollection of ever meeting him.

She’d often heard his name during missions, and he had many epithets: “The cleverest man under heaven, a bringer of auspicious omens, the Literary Star descended to earth,” and others who described him as “a peerless gentleman.” None of them normal, Jing Ni thought, surely exaggerated. How could such a person exist? Even that one didn’t have such high praise—though he was handsome, his mind wasn’t quite right. Who meets someone and immediately calls them sister?

Li Yu was so excited he was incoherent. He couldn’t help it; upon arriving here, the first person he met was Jing Ni, and because of her, he felt he truly belonged to this world.

Only then did Li Yu notice Zhao Gao, who had accompanied Jing Ni.

Seeing Li Yu finally turn his attention to him, Zhao Gao’s mouth twitched.

Li Yu said, “Brother Zhao, you can leave now,” and tried to pull Jing Ni into the courtyard, but Jing Ni slipped away in a flash.

Li Yu sheepishly lowered his hands and said to Zhao Gao, “Brother Zhao, shouldn’t you introduce us?”

Zhao Gao’s voice was cool and indifferent: “Great Craftsman, I’ve already told Jing Ni about your situation on the way here. You know hers as well. What is there left to introduce?”

Li Yu was instantly disappointed, waving his hand at Zhao Gao. “Brother Zhao, did you tell her about leaving the Net?”

Zhao Gao’s dead-fish eyes stared: “Once a member of the Net, always a member.”

Li Yu chuckled, “Alright, I’ll go talk to the King about this. Brother Zhao, do you think this matter needs to trouble the old man?”

For Jing Ni’s sake, Li Yu was ready to risk anything.

Zhao Gao had only just gained power, granted by Ying Zheng himself. How could he risk upsetting him over this? He glanced resentfully at the sword in Jing Ni’s hand and said, “She can stay, but the sword must go.”

Li Yu shook his head, “Brother Zhao, I still think it’s best to inform the King.”

Zhao Gao said, “Farewell,” turned, and left—no nonsense.

Could Jing Ni still be called Jing Ni without her sword? Li Yu knew well that her name followed the sword; if Zhao Gao took it, would another Jing Ni appear in the martial world?

Li Yu bowed slightly, doing his best to maintain a refined air, smiling, “I am Li Yu, at the age of tying my hair. I know you dislike violence, sister. That’s why I brought you back. From now on, you need only protect my safety. You’ve heard it yourself—Jing Ni is no longer a Tian Division assassin, but my personal bodyguard. Sister, what do you think?”

Jing Ni said little, her icy demeanor unyielding: “Where is my room?”

She strode inward without another word.

People trained by the Net truly were cold as ice.

Li Yu refused to believe there was ice in the world that couldn’t melt.

Just then, Hu Ji came over, seeing Jing Ni walking silently inside with her sword. She asked curiously, “Husband, this sister is so cold. What’s your relationship?”

Li Yu savored Jing Ni’s beauty, saying, “She’s someone very important to me.”

He gently squeezed Hu Ji’s hand, “The supplies are nearly ready. In a few days, we’ll return to the Hu lands, rescue your father, and help your tribe grow stronger so you’ll never be bullied again.”

Hu Ji said, “Husband, you’re so good to me.”

Li Yu smiled, “You’re my wife, my Juliet.”

Hu Ji replied, “Then, husband, claim your Juliet.”

Li Yu was stunned. In this precocious era, Hu Ji was of marriageable age, but by modern standards, she’d still be in school.

Li Yu said, “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

Hu Ji protested, “You still treat me like a child. My mother had me when she was my age.”

Zhao Ji too, Li Yu thought, but said, “I think we should wait two more years.”

“How many two years does one have in life? Beauty fades, youth passes,” Hu Ji asked.

“I just worry about hurting you.”

…

The late autumn night was always so hard to endure.

Li Yu was in the midst of an internal battle.

When Li Yu returned to his room, ready to sleep in the upper bunk, he lifted the covers and found a charming figure waiting inside, her body damp from being wrapped up too long, cheeks flushed—a sight too adorable, clad in the sleepwear designed by Li Yu, half-revealed, clinging to her skin from sweat.

Li Yu gulped, staring at the shy girl on the bed. “Wife, what are you doing here?”

Hu Ji saw Li Yu’s eyes fixed on her, mouth agape, drooling.

She was satisfied, sitting up and gesturing to the empty space beside her. “Husband, it’s cold—come in,” she said, flirting with her eyes.

Li Yu hesitated, “I am a gentleman.”

Hu Ji teased, “A grown man, pretending to be bashful?” Then she pulled Li Yu onto the bed.

Li Yu protested, “Let’s be clear—just sleeping together, nothing else.”

“Whoever makes a move is a beast,” Hu Ji said with a seductive smile.

…

With a piercing scream, the midnight sky shifted unpredictably.

If anyone observed outdoors, they’d notice tonight’s starry sky was unusually bright, silver moonlight suffused with a faint purple glow—a strange sight.

Tonight was brighter than usual, and those walking the streets cast clear reflections.

…

“Husband, am I useless? You… didn’t…”

“How could that be? Everyone’s first time is like this. You’ll get used to it, and come to like it. Besides, my affection for you isn’t just about this.”

“Husband, are you a beast?”

“…”

…

At dawn, Hu Ji felt the lingering warmth beside her.

Opening her lovely eyes, she saw Li Yu busying himself around the room.

“Husband, what are you doing?”

“I made you a loving breakfast. You lost a lot of blood, so you need nourishment.”

“Husband, you’re wonderful.”

…

Outside the courtyard, Xiao Tao yawned as she saw Hu Ji emerge from Li Yu’s room, sticking close to him with a demure look. Xiao Tao was speechless—her room was near Li Yu’s, and though others might not know, she’d heard everything last night, kept awake the whole time. “Ah-ha—”

“Xiao Tao, didn’t sleep well last night!” Li Yu asked, curious at her yawning.

“Master, you’re so unfair—hey! Sister Hu Yu, did you hurt your foot? You’re limping. Should I fetch a doctor?” Xiao Tao teased.

“No, no need, thank you, Sister Xiao Tao,” Hu Ji replied, embarrassed.

“I couldn’t bear it—should call you Madam now, Li Master,” Xiao Tao joked, wanting to tease them for causing her insomnia.

Li Yu nodded openly, “Yes, from now on, Hu Ji is your mistress.”

“Sister Xiao Tao, Hu Yu is a false name. My real name is Hu Ji,” Hu Ji whispered, feeling guilty. She’d just arrived, and yesterday they called each other sisters—now she was someone’s mistress.

“Hmph,” Xiao Tao turned up her nose and skipped away to spread the gossip.

“Poor upbringing—sorry to embarrass you, Madam,” Li Yu said, rubbing his nose.

“Husband, I prefer you to call me wife,” Hu Ji said affectionately, clinging to his arm.

He habitually practiced a set of Tai Chi. Whether it was happiness or something else, today his energy flowed much smoother, nearly twice as strong as usual. Li Yu had a bold guess, but found it outrageous.

Impossible.

He finished, exhaled, and then noticed, besides Hu Ji, another person—Jing Ni.

“Sister Jing Ni, you’re up early!” Li Yu greeted her.

“The sun is already high,” Jing Ni replied, expressionless.

“Sister, how was my practice just now?” Li Yu sought conversation.

“Very mysterious—never seen it before,” Jing Ni thought for a moment and replied seriously.

“Of course, it’s the life’s work of a top grandmaster. Want to learn, Sister Jing Ni? I’ll teach you,” Li Yu offered warmly.

“No,” Jing Ni answered succinctly.

“Sister, do you prefer boys or girls?” Li Yu asked randomly.

“…If there’s nothing more, I’ll go,” Jing Ni turned to leave, not wanting to be entangled.

“Sister, what do you like to eat?” Li Yu called after her, but Jing Ni didn’t look back, closing her door.

Jing Ni hadn’t slept well last night, her room next to Li Yu’s and Xiao Tao’s. With her senses, she’d heard even more than Xiao Tao. If not for Li Yu’s mysterious Tai Chi, she wouldn’t have come out.

“Husband, I want to learn Tai Chi—why not ask me?” Hu Ji pouted.

“No problem, I’ll teach you now—sink your qi, tighten your belly—”

“Smack!”

“Husband, why did you spank me?”

“Your bottom’s too perky, needs tightening,” Li Yu said seriously, playing the strict master.

But his eyes were lecherous, perhaps because of her new status as wife, Hu Ji’s allure had doubled.

“It’s just naturally big—that’s not my fault. Didn’t you just say you liked it last night?”

“You little enchantress—see how I handle you,” he said, scooping Hu Ji up and running toward the house.

“Husband, I’m wrong—help! Sister Jing Ni, save me!” Hu Ji cried, flustered.

“Heh! Not even the emperor could save you now,” Li Yu said, possessed by villainy.

Suddenly—

Li Yu felt a cold chill shoot up to his head.

Turning, he saw Jing Ni behind him, hand poised on her sword.

Li Yu stammered, “Sister Jing Ni, Hu Ji and I were just joking—why are you here? Put the sword away, wouldn’t want to accidentally hurt the child.”

Jing Ni replied, “What child?”

Li Yu glanced at Jing Ni’s belly, his meaning clear.

Jing Ni’s face went from red to black, and she slashed at Li Yu with murderous intent.

Li Yu watched the sword’s aura pass half a centimeter from his head, cold sweat pouring down.

“Just joking, Sister Jing Ni, I apologize!” Li Yu quickly pleaded.

“She spent her first night last night, she needs rest today,” Jing Ni said, turning and vanishing inside.

“Cold outside, warm inside—Sister Jing Ni is really adorable,” Li Yu mused, pleased by her concern.

But surveying the room, ruined by Jing Ni’s sword, he was left wanting to cry—no sleeping there tonight.

Worthy of the name Jing Ni.

He headed to Xianyang Palace to discuss preparations for the journey beyond the frontier with Ying Zheng.

Then to Ganquan Palace.

Every time he met Zhao Ji, Li Yu felt a renewed sense of wonder. Perhaps it was illusion, but her skin truly grew more beautiful—perhaps love’s nourishment.

They lay together, whispering lovers’ secrets.

“Yu’er, I want to give you a child,” Zhao Ji murmured, tracing circles on Li Yu’s chest with her delicate fingers.

“Mother, are you serious?” Li Yu’s gaze turned solemn.

He knew it was easy to speak, but nearly impossible to accomplish. One misstep, and the abyss awaited—like dancing on a cliff’s edge.

“Is mother shameful?” Zhao Ji said miserably.

“No, you’re the most beautiful woman in the world,” Li Yu replied earnestly.

“Mother wants to bear your child now. If I don’t, I may never have the chance,” Zhao Ji caressed Li Yu’s handsome face.

“…”

“Are you unwilling?” Zhao Ji frowned.

“One isn’t enough—at least three,” Li Yu said, flipping over to passionately bombard the beauty beneath him.

Even the bedframe shook, cheering them on.

Li Yu felt time was never enough.

By the time he arrived at Yixiang Courtyard, the moon was already high.

He wished he could split himself—opening a harem demanded time above all.

When he saw Liu Feixu, he realized Zhao Ji wasn’t unique; Liu Feixu’s skin too had visibly improved. Stroking her tender skin, Li Yu felt something was amiss—why was he so easily aroused?

He asked the palace doctors, not daring to explain the real reason, only requesting a preventative check-up. After much study, they concluded the prince’s vitality surpassed ordinary men—no issues whatsoever. Li Yu, unconvinced, consulted several doctors—same answer.

Could it be Tai Chi? Yet his Tai Chi had no offensive power—was it just preparation for the harem? But legend said Zhang Sanfeng died a virgin.

Unable to figure it out, he stopped pondering and pulled the enchantress in his arms into a waltz. Watching Feixu dance gracefully, Li Yu vowed never to let her suffer again.

Perhaps their hearts were aligned.

Liu Feixu gazed at Li Yu with deep affection.

“Husband, knowing you makes me so happy.”

“I’m honored that fate brought us together.”

“Husband, let’s have a child.”

“?...”

“What, don’t want to?”

“How could I not—it’s just so sudden.”

“I really want to bear your child.”

“What are we waiting for?” Li Yu said, pulling Feixu into his embrace, carrying her to the bed.

“Let me help you change,” he said, biting at her sash.

…

When Li Yu returned home, he saw Jing Ni’s room still lit, thought nothing of it, and walked toward Hu Ji’s room.

Jing Ni looked out the window at Li Yu, suspicious—was he a perpetual motion machine? And how could he dare to be with the Empress Dowager? Wasn’t he afraid of death?

…

October twenty-fourth, all preparations were complete. Li Yu led out his beloved black horse, ready to depart.

“Li Si, keep an eye on the commerce alliance. If trouble arises, contact Chancellor Lü.”

“Sister Jing Ni, just rest at home—don’t go anywhere. Ah, don’t draw your sword—disturbing the fetus isn’t good. My goddaughter is precious. Fine, I won’t say more—you’ll find out soon enough.”

“Brother Zhao, are you sure about lending me the Six Sword Slaves? Ow, I must accept your kindness, Brother Zhao—how could I refuse?”

“Thanks to Master Gongshu for sending so many mechanical beasts.”

“Xiao Tao, don’t be too mischievous at home, or you’ll face the family law when I return.”

“Let’s go!”

…