Chapter Five: Yanfei, Scarlet Smoke

Five hundred years ago, after breaking away from the Daoist tradition and founding the School of Yin-Yang, the Qinling—Li Mountain was established.

The wind stirred the rocky laurels, their fragrance wafting in the dew; a white deer startled, circled the wall and vanished.

The mountain ranges stretched endlessly, dusk dimmed the landscape, the setting sun bled across the horizon.

Atop Li Mountain, the summit gleamed like gold, edged by the dreamlike sunset—so surreal it seemed almost unreal.

The headquarters of the School of Yin-Yang.

In the nine palaces of Divine Land, the Sun, Moon, Stars, Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth Palaces encircled and guarded the central hall—the Capital of the Gods.

Stargazing Tower.

Under the slanting sunlight, a bronze palace door slowly opened, and a woman stepped out.

She wore a long dress of blue and yellow hues, tightly fitted to her tall, alluring figure. Her jet-black hair was tied low, adorned with a slender hairpin and deep blue gemstone ornaments.

Her features were dignified and delicate, her skin flawless, radiating unparalleled beauty and noble elegance.

She was the one Li Yu longed for—the Flame Princess of the Eastern Commandery, renowned as the most extraordinary woman of the School of Yin-Yang in five hundred years.

The Flame Princess recalled her recent conversation with Donghuang Taiyi:

The cycles of heaven, fate’s unpredictability—half a year ago, the literary star shifted, followed by Sirius, and recently the Emperor Star flickered anomalously. The signs all pointed north, and your destiny has altered accordingly. I calculated, and it is connected to these celestial anomalies. Half a year ago, a person appeared on Kunlun Immortal Mountain—his fate is peculiar, inaccessible from past or future, outside the Three Realms, beyond the Five Elements. Travel to Xianyang and observe him on my behalf.

...

Gazing at Li Yu, who was squatting and muttering to himself, the Flame Princess wondered if this was indeed the man whom Taiyi described as having such an unusual fate?

Even Taiyi could only discern a faint trace—just that his first appearance was half a year ago at the divine Kunlun Mountain, then transferred to Xianyang. Nothing could be foreseen before that, as if a stone suddenly gained sentience—remarkably peculiar.

Most strange of all, in recent days, the stars have shifted abruptly, without warning; every constellation is in flux, especially the northern Emperor Star, whose brilliance suddenly intensified, coinciding with his audience with the King of Qin.

If Li Yu knew, he would be astonished, for Donghuang Taiyi was truly terrifying—his first appearance in the Qin era was indeed half a year ago on Kunlun...

The Flame Princess had intended to leave, but unexpectedly, Li Yu stood up, raised his head to the moon, and murmured, "Feiyan, oh Feiyan, do you know how desperately I miss you? Why is it so difficult to see you, even once?"

Graceful as a startled swan, elegant as a swimming dragon.

Glorious as autumn chrysanthemums, luxuriant as spring pines.

Like light clouds veiling the moon,

Like drifting winds that swirl snow.

From afar, she appeared radiant as the sun rising through morning mist;

Up close, she was dazzling as lotus emerging from clear waters.

Her proportions harmonious, her form perfectly measured.

Shoulders sculpted, waist slender as silk.

Her neck extended in elegance, her fair skin revealed.

Natural fragrance, unadorned by powder.

Her hair piled high as clouds, brows refined and graceful.

Lips bright red, teeth gleaming within, eyes luminous, dimples subtle.

Her beauty extraordinary, demeanor serene and composed.

Her gentleness captivating, more alluring in speech.

Her attire unique, her bearing matched the portraits of ancient heroines.

Robes shimmering, jewels adorning her ears.

Gold and emeralds in her hair, pearls accentuating her figure.

Shoes for distant travel, skirts of mist-like gauze.

A subtle scent of wild orchid, her steps lingering by the mountain’s edge.

Having finished his ode, he lowered his head, lost in reverie, as if savoring the beauty of the woman in his heart.

In truth, the moment Li Yu squatted down, he realized it was no hallucination; people may vanish, but their scent remains! The fragrance clinging to the air made him suspect she was nearby—what better time for romantic words?

His praise left the Flame Princess blushing to her ears—he compared her to a heavenly goddess. In ancient times, few women could withstand such adulation, unlike the free-flowing love talk of later eras. Moreover, he cited the immortal "Rhapsody of the Goddess," the highest realm of love letters. For the Flame Princess, whose heart had yet to awaken to romance, the effect was profound.

Li Yu slowly turned, while the Flame Princess, tempted to flee, trembled but held her ground.

Li Yu gently raised his head, his gaze traveling from his toes to her eyes, and time seemed to freeze.

Just like a scene from a Qiong Yao drama, Li Yu mused...

The Flame Princess, unable to bear the embarrassment, turned her head aside.

Li Yu resumed his performance, walking toward her, pinching his thigh and feigning pain, then inhaled sharply and said,

"Fairy, am I dreaming? If so, I hope never to wake! If this is real, please tell me: how might I pursue such a beautiful Celestial Maiden of Heaven?"

The Flame Princess, facing such a scene for the first time in her life, had no idea how to respond.

Those around her had either feared her or revered her—never had she met someone who pursued her at their first meeting.

If it were someone else, she would have slapped him already, but this man's fate was special, and Taiyi had instructed her to observe him closely. She had intended to watch him secretly, but tonight, by accident, she was discovered.

Now things were as they were.

For the novice in love, the Flame Princess, Li Yu was an old hand—a master in theory.

---

Seeing the Flame Princess remain silent, Li Yu smiled:

"I, Li Yu, have been impetuous and startled the fairy. I apologize. Though I have admired you for a long time, it was wrong to be so forward at our first meeting. I have the right to pursue you, and you have the freedom to refuse, but I hope you will give me a chance—a chance to court you."

The Flame Princess' mood eased, her face shifting from shy to serious:

"Sir, today is our first meeting. We have never met before. Why do you harbor such feelings for me?"

Li Yu smiled—communication was good, as long as she didn't just fly away, he had a chance. He replied,

"Do you believe in destiny, fairy? Some people meet once and it lasts a lifetime, while others turn away and are forever parted."

Discussing fate with the School of Yin-Yang was the perfect approach—they believed in little else.

The Flame Princess said, "All things in the world have their patterns; human destiny can be traced. Though heaven's ways are unpredictable, spring, summer, autumn, winter, the movement of stars, the rise and fall of dynasties, birth, aging, sickness, death—these are all governed by heaven's laws, not to be defied by mortals."

Li Yu replied, "You may not believe it, but I have known you for a long time. Otherwise, how could I have immediately recognized your name? My teacher once divined for me, saying I would meet a woman of the Ji family, named Flame Princess, courtesy name Feiyan, and that we would meet in Xianyang. Since arriving here, I have dreamed every night of a woman, pure as jade, transcendent, like a phoenix singing at dawn, passionate as fire. I knew then that she was the one destined for me, and over time, my heart yearned for her."

At this, the Flame Princess' serious expression reddened again:

This scoundrel! Smooth-talking—clearly not a good person! Yet...

Could it really be destiny? Otherwise, why do I feel no aversion to him?

The Flame Princess said, "You should just call me Feiyan. I cannot bear the title 'fairy.'"

Li Yu responded, "Feiyan, I think we can start as friends, get to know each other. Give me a chance—also a chance for yourself. After all, Heaven says we are destined, and Heaven is supreme! Right?"

He continued, "Feiyan—Yun Feiyan Bi, what a beautiful name. I am Li Yu, courtesy Mengde, at the age of study. From now on, you may simply call me Li Yu."

The Flame Princess was speechless. Judging by his height, she thought he was about her age, but he turned out to be three years her junior...

Sensing another lull, Li Yu changed the topic: "To win someone's heart, you must first win their stomach. Feiyan, what flavors do you prefer? I may lack in other skills, but I am a master cook. Once the Ministry of Works perfects iron-making, I'll have them forge some kitchen tools for me—bronze wares are not convenient, but I have other ways. My barbecues are unmatched. Feiyan, you must try them someday—I guarantee you'll be enchanted and promise yourself to me!"

For a full hour, Li Yu did most of the talking, with the Flame Princess listening. Occasionally, she interjected, but only because Li Yu prompted her. Her daily life was simple—training or carrying out tasks, which were few and far between. She was essentially a novice at living.

After Li Yu's persistent efforts, their relationship grew much closer.

Having agreed to accompany the King of Qin to the Wu Sui frontier the next day,

Watching the Flame Princess vanish into the night,

Li Yu hummed a tune as he hopped back to his room,

Eagerly awaiting tomorrow.

...

As the sun rose,

Outside the gates of Xianyang Palace,

Two carriages waited by the roadside.

By the carriage stood three men: the flamboyant Zhao Gao, fiddling with his fingers and appearing bored;

On the carriage stood Ge Nie, arms folded over his sword, face serious; on the other side, a young man holding the envoy's staff, looking bewildered—Li Yu guessed this must be Li Si.

Li Yu approached, unconcerned about being late.

He greeted them with a cupped fist, "Everyone is up early—Is the King inside?"

At that moment, the curtain on the carriage lifted, revealing the King of Qin, Ying Zheng.

Seeing Li Yu, Ying Zheng smiled, "Are you satisfied with your residence, sir?"

Li Yu cupped his fists, "What the King has bestowed is naturally satisfactory. There's only one issue—it’s a bit too large. It takes ages to get anywhere, even for a meal."

Ying Zheng laughed, "You have no family yet, so the house feels empty. When you have children and grandchildren, it will be lively."

Li Yu replied, "Thank you for your auspicious words, Your Majesty."

Ying Zheng said, "This trip is a private inspection; outside, address me as Lord Shang. Since you are here—Zhao Gao, let’s depart."

Li Yu quickly apologized, "Your Majesty, could we wait a little longer? I’ve invited someone, and she should be arriving soon."

Ying Zheng was curious, "Oh? Whom have you invited?"

Li Yu replied, "The Flame Princess of Eastern Commandery I mentioned yesterday. I met her last night and arranged to travel together—an extra precaution."

Ying Zheng's interest piqued, "You’ve met the Eastern Commandery’s Flame Princess of the School of Yin-Yang? Are you satisfied?"

Li Yu smiled, "Very satisfied. In this life, I will marry none but her."

Ying Zheng laughed, "Then in six days, I shall grant you marriage. You will be a great asset to Qin, and the Flame Princess is well-matched."

Li Yu replied, "Your Majesty is too generous—I dare not accept. But I wish to pursue love freely, and have her truly fall for me. I do not want our feelings tainted by politics."

Before he finished speaking, a shadow appeared behind him—she had heard everything.

The group was instantly alert; Ge Nie reacted fastest, sword drawn, while Zhao Gao leapt from the carriage, eyes fixed behind Li Yu.

The familiar fragrance filled the air—Li Yu knew who it was and quickly said, "Be calm, everyone. This is the Flame Princess I just mentioned. Ge Nie, put your sword away—don’t scare her!"

He turned and smiled, "Feiyan, you’re here!"

He pointed to the carriage, "Inside sits the King of Qin."

The Flame Princess bowed slightly, "Eastern Commandery of the School of Yin-Yang greets the King of Qin!"

Ying Zheng scrutinized her, "Outside, call me Lord Shang."

Then to Li Yu, "You have excellent taste."

Li Yu stepped slightly forward, shielding the Flame Princess. Ying Zheng laughed and dropped the curtain, while behind him, the Flame Princess blushed, casting Li Yu a glance, but her upturned lips betrayed her good mood.

Li Yu boarded the other carriage, Zhao Gao driving, Li Yu in the center, the Flame Princess on the left, Li Si on the right—a bit crowded. Ying Zheng had invited Li Yu to ride with him, but Li Yu declined.

What’s the point of riding with two old men? With a beauty beside him, the journey was far more enjoyable—even if cramped. Why didn’t Li Si join the other carriage? He has no sense...

Ignoring Li Si, Li Yu turned his head toward the Flame Princess, saying nothing, just quietly gazing at her—her white teeth and red lips, clear eyes, impossible to tire of. Seeing her in person was far different from anime.

Under his constant gaze, the Flame Princess grew uncomfortable, and Li Si felt awkward, fiddling with his staff. He recalled how Chancellor Lü had summoned him last night, saying the King of Qin had a task, though nothing specific. Early that morning, Li Si was the first at the city gate, seizing the rare opportunity. After years of study, this was what he had waited for.

Yet after waiting, all he got was a staff, no instructions, just told to wait. No one mentioned what they were to do, and the King of Qin himself had left the palace. The more he thought about it, the more confused he became.

Li Si cupped his fists, "Sir, what business does the King of Qin have outside Xianyang?"

Li Yu smiled at Li Si, "The King is troubled and wishes to travel. As ministers, we follow his lead and help ease his worries."

Seeing Li Yu dodge the question, Li Si fell silent. The King is the foundation of the realm—his movements cannot be taken lightly. Traveling around? A story for children!

Li Yu, thinking quickly, said, "On this inspection, you are in the open, the King in the shadows. Your official task is to serve as envoy to Han."

Li Si was startled, "The King is going to Han?"

Li Yu put on a mysterious expression, neither confirming nor denying.

---

He then turned to the Flame Princess, whose discomfort grew under Li Yu’s fiery gaze, prompting her to say, "Li Yu, if you keep staring, I’ll get out of the carriage."

Oh—a threat now.

Li Yu smiled, "As the saying goes, happiness brings health and longevity. Appreciating beauty brings happiness. I am admiring the world’s beauty for my own well-being, not out of mere lust!"

Listening to his lengthy, crooked logic, the Flame Princess was utterly speechless. She couldn’t out-talk him, nor did she want to hit him. Every time she spent time with Li Yu, it felt different from being around others—warm, inexplicable.

She simply liked being with him. It was strange, like a drug, irresistibly attractive.

She wondered why, having only known him for less than a day. Could this be what Li Yu called love at first sight?

As the sun set, mountains surrounded them, smoke curled from the roadside. Li Yu busied himself preparing food, with Ge Nie helping. King Ying Zheng read by the fire; Zhao Gao played with his nails; Li Si sat at another fire, also reading. The lives of the ancients were simple and, frankly, dull!

Li Yu cleaned the mountain pheasant and wild rabbit caught by Ge Nie, set up a makeshift grill for the rabbit. For the pheasant, he searched long for lotus leaves and wild ginger, wrapping it in yellow clay.

Holding the round bundle, Li Yu said to the Flame Princess, "Feiyan, this is a delicacy, a rarity even emperors cannot enjoy. Only I can make it!"

He hoped for a compliment.

The Flame Princess glanced at Ying Zheng nearby.

Ying Zheng’s voice called out, "Looks like I’ll have a feast tonight!"

Li Yu felt awkward, but placed the food in the fire—rabbit roasting above, chicken below—perfect.

After an hour of careful tending, two wild rabbits and two pheasants were ready.

The aroma wafted, tempting everyone. In such a simple setting, Li Yu had truly cooked a feast.

Ying Zheng tasted a rabbit leg—an unprecedented flavor. He asked, "What is sprinkled on top?"

Li Yu said, "Cumin powder, from the Peacock Kingdom and Egypt!"

Ying Zheng was puzzled, "Peacock Kingdom? Egypt? I’ve never heard of them!"

Li Yu replied, "The world is vast—far more than the Seven States. Beyond the Central Plains, there are even broader lands."

Ying Zheng asked, "Have you visited all these places?"

Li Yu answered, "Not personally, but I know of them. My lineage values reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles. Through generations, we glimpsed the world’s true face. Compared to the world, the Central Plains are as rivers to streams."

Li Yu became enthusiastic, "South of the Central Plains lies the Peacock Kingdom, as large as the entire Central Plains. Westward is the Arab Empire, equally vast. Further south is an immense continent, five times larger than the Central Plains."

He illustrated with five fingers.

At this point, Li Yu stopped, knowing it was enough for them to digest. No need to say more—they would struggle to accept it.

Seeing everyone stunned by the world's size, Li Yu reminded, "Journeys are taken step by step; meals one bite at a time. If you don’t eat now, the meat will cool and lose its flavor."

The group exchanged glances, suddenly finding their meat less appetizing—the collapse of their worldview was not pleasant.

Night fell,

The moon shone for a thousand miles,

The stars glittered,

On a green hillside,

Li Yu and the Flame Princess stood gazing at the starry sky.

The Flame Princess murmured, "Li Yu, do you think immortals truly exist?"

Li Yu answered, "Of course! There are two kinds—spirit beasts and monsters from the Classic of Mountains and Seas, and those who are spiritual idols, like Fuxi and Nuwa. They existed, and after death, were worshipped and became gods."

The Flame Princess asked, "Can a person become a god after death?"

Li Yu replied, "A person is both flesh and spirit. Some die, yet live on; some live, yet are already dead. Death is not to be feared—what is frightening is living without meaning. Broadly, it means benefiting the nation and people; personally, it means benefiting those around you, your family, and loved ones."

He added, not forgetting to flirt, "For example, I was aimless until I met you—now my life has meaning."

He gazed at her with deep affection, feeling the atmosphere was perfect—night bringing its own allure.

Li Yu reached out, quick and sure, and before the Flame Princess could react, her jade hand was captured—a first touch by the opposite sex, her pure body electrified, strength drained, letting Li Yu hold her.

Li Yu, holding her slender hand, kneaded it, soft as jade, long and delicate, visibly excited—

For he, too, was holding a woman's hand for the first time,

His nervousness no less than hers—after all, drama and reality differ greatly.

With an apologetic look, Li Yu said, "Your beauty makes me lose control—my apologies."

Then, kneeling on one knee, he declared, "I wish to love, protect, and care for you all my life. You are my guiding light, illuminating my existence. Will you walk the rest of your life with me?"

The Flame Princess was utterly stunned. Never had she seen such a confession, unsure what to do. If she had to choose between killing and Li Yu’s romantic entanglement, she’d rather kill—she was skilled at that. No one had taught her about love or what to do next! She was at a loss—who could teach her?

She looked at Li Yu, who held her hands and gazed at her, and said softly, "I’m older than you..."

Li Yu replied, "In my hometown, we say, ‘A woman three years older is gold!’ Older is better—gentle, considerate, understanding. Especially Feiyan, who is the perfect wife!"

The Flame Princess said, "We’re moving too fast—after all, we only met last night."

Upon hearing this, Li Yu stood up, still holding her hand, "I was too hasty, afraid to lose you. Sincerity moves even stone. In time, you’ll not be troubled by this. No need to force yourself—my apologies."

He changed the subject, pointing to the night sky, "Feiyan, do you know why tonight we see only starlight, not the moon?"

Feiyan raised her head to look, and saw the moon, which had been high, now hidden by clouds.

Li Yu said, "Because of your appearance!"

Feiyan scoffed, "Nonsense—I don’t have such power."

Li Yu smiled, "The Celestial Maiden in the sky, seeing such beauty on earth, hid in the clouds, too shy to compete."

Feiyan blushed deeply, mortified, and vanished into the night, leaving Li Yu alone...

She felt that if she stayed, she would die—the racing heartbeat threatened to burst from her chest. What was happening to her? Who could tell her?

The autumn night was chilly. Sleeping in the carriage, Li Yu drooled and instinctively moved toward warmth.

Morning light streamed into the moving carriage; Li Yu shifted his neck and opened his eyes, seeing Feiyan’s nose and shy face.

He smiled awkwardly, greeting her, "Good morning."

He carefully moved his head away from Feiyan’s smooth, snow-white thigh.

Apologizing, he said, "Why didn’t you wake me?"

He then addressed Li Si, "Envoy Li, you saw and said nothing—her reputation is more precious than heaven and earth. What am I to do?"

He solemnly said to Feiyan, "Feiyan, I am not that kind of vile man. I will take responsibility. Please rest assured."

Feiyan shyly nodded.

By the hour of Shen, the wind and dust brought the group to their destination.