Chapter 449 - 376: In This Imperial Family
Chapter 449: Chapter 376: In This Imperial Family
After the Second Prince, Qin Jingyuan, threw open the border gates, the Jin Kingdom’s army of a million soldiers swiftly took control of several cities.
Along the way, not a single general resisted.
Any generals who might have harbored a hint of defiance had all been removed from their posts by Qin Jingyuan and placed under house arrest.
In less than a month, the Jin army had arrived at the State Capital of Luzhou.
Qin Jingyuan, accompanied by his wife, went out of the city to welcome the Jin army.
"Yan Liuyun of the Jin Kingdom. I greet you, Prince Jing."
The Jin Kingdom’s lead general, Yan Liuyun, dismounted and bowed to Qin Jingyuan.
However, his tone and actions betrayed his contempt for Qin Jingyuan, even bordering on disdain.
But Qin Jingyuan acted as if he noticed nothing, bowing in return. "I have long heard of Marquis Hu’s great name. Seeing you today, General, you truly have an extraordinary bearing. And a mere glance at the Jin army is enough to inspire awe."
"Prince Jing, you flatter me. On this venture into the Qin Kingdom, it is I who will need to look to you for guidance."
As he spoke, Yan Liuyun glanced at the Jin Kingdom’s Eldest Princess, Ji Yue.
His gaze toward Ji Yue was somewhat complicated, but she acted as if she hadn’t seen it, simply lowering her head and standing by her husband’s side.
Qin Jingyuan noticed Yan Liuyun’s gaze but continued to act as if he knew nothing.
"Marquis Hu, please, come inside. I have already had my servants prepare a banquet to welcome you!" Qin Jingyuan cleared a path, inviting them into the city.
"Then I shall trouble the Prince."
Though Yan Liuyun spoke of being "troubled," he showed no courtesy at all, walking straight into the city.
Aside from a few high-ranking generals, the Jin Kingdom’s million-strong army encamped outside the city.
The people of the Luzhou State Capital watched Qin Jingyuan lead the Jin generals inside, their gazes filled mostly with contempt, but no one dared to say a word.
A few hot-blooded youths who wanted to throw eggs at Qin Jingyuan and his group were held back tightly by their fathers, who stopped them from acting rashly.
"It seems Prince Jing is not very popular."
Yan Liuyun smiled at Qin Jingyuan, the corners of his mouth curling up with a hint of disdain and mockery.
Qin Jingyuan just laughed. "They are merely commoners. Why should I bother with them? Once I’ve breached the capital and become their Monarch, won’t they have to shut their mouths obediently?"
"Heheheh..." Yan Liuyun chuckled a few times. "The Prince has a point."
"This way, Marquis Hu." Qin Jingyuan made an inviting gesture and continued to lead the way for Yan Liuyun and the other generals.
Before long, the group arrived at Prince Jing’s Mansion.
Qin Jingyuan had prepared a feast of rare delicacies and ordered his servants to entertain the Jin generals well. Dancers performed one after another in the courtyard, and the music of lutes and flutes filled the air.
Furthermore, Qin Jingyuan had his own tens of thousands of soldiers in Luzhou deliver wine and meat to the army outside the city, rewarding them generously!
After three rounds of drinks, Qin Jingyuan and the Jin generals appeared to be getting along splendidly.
Two hours later, the banquet was drawing to a close.
Qin Jingyuan invited Yan Liuyun and the other generals to stay at the Prince’s Mansion.
"Since the Prince is so kind, to refuse again would be to disrespect you. We humbly accept."
Yan Liuyun and the others only feigned refusal for a moment before immediately agreeing.
"Excellent, excellent." Qin Jingyuan looked dead drunk. "Marquis Hu, please, make yourselves at home. I can’t hold my liquor, so I’ll be retiring first."
"I must also take my leave to help my husband inside," Ji Yue, at his side, curtsied and supported her husband as they walked into the main courtyard.
"Take care, Prince. Take care, Princess."
Yan Liuyun casually cupped his fists in a half-hearted farewell.
As the two walked further away, Yan Liuyun’s gaze remained fixed on Ji Yue.
Only after Ji Yue was out of sight did Yan Liuyun sit down again.
Yan Liuyun picked up his wine cup and took a heavy drink.
Ji Yue helped her husband back to their room, gently laying him on the bed, taking off his shoes, and pulling the covers over him.
She personally drew a basin of water from the courtyard and gently wiped her husband’s face.
After tending to her husband, Ji Yue carried the basin out of the room and emptied it.
But just as Ji Yue was about to return to the room, she saw Yan Liuyun walk into the courtyard.
"This is Prince Jing’s private courtyard. Do you know what crime it is to enter without the Prince’s permission!" Ji Yue berated him, her brow furrowed.
"Please forgive me, Princess." Yan Liuyun cupped his fists in a bow, then cast a spell to block out sound and Divine Sense. "But I missed you too much, Princess. I couldn’t help myself, hence my rudeness!"
"Get out!" Ji Yue said coldly.
"Princess..."
Yan Liuyun’s expression was very complicated.
"Our Jin Kingdom has now entered the Qin Kingdom. Alongside the Chu and Yan Kingdoms, we will destroy Qin. The combined might of our three kingdoms is far beyond what the Qin Kingdom can withstand. So what if this Qin Jingyuan ends up as the Sovereign of Qin?
Does he really think he can keep everyone in line after seizing the throne this way?
To say nothing of others, King North Desolate and the Frost King, Xiao Mo, will surely counterattack the Qin capital.
At that time, the Qin Kingdom will inevitably fall into chaos.
If Qin Jingyuan doesn’t want to die, he will have to rely on our Jin, Yan, and Chu Kingdoms.
When that happens, our three kingdoms can carve up the Qin Kingdom!
What will Qin Jingyuan even amount to in the end?
You are a princess of such noble status. Why must you follow him?
If you are willing, Princess, I will stay by your side."
"Insolent!" Ji Yue said angrily. "Do you have any idea what you’re saying?! Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell my husband everything you’ve said?"
"Of course not." Yan Liuyun shook his head. "No matter what, you are the Eldest Princess of our Jin Kingdom, His Majesty’s most precious daughter. How could you say such a thing and commit such an unfilial and disloyal act?"
"Besides!" Yan Liuyun took a step forward. "My heart for you, Princess, is as clear as the sun and moon!"
As he spoke, Yan Liuyun reached his hand out toward Ji Yue.
But Ji Yue decisively took a step back, a cold light in her eyes. "I’ll say this one last time! Get out! Do you think I have no influence with my father, the Emperor? That you can just bully me as you please?!"
"I wouldn’t dare!" Yan Liuyun dropped to one knee. "I only want you to know the sincerity of my heart, Princess. From beginning to end, it has never changed."
"I’ve told you many times, I have never liked you. And no matter what, I will not allow my husband to come to any harm. My status as Eldest Princess still carries some weight!"
Ji Yue turned away.
"You should leave now. I will pretend I didn’t see you and that I know nothing. But if you come looking for me again, I will tell my husband everything."
Hearing Ji Yue’s words, Yan Liuyun looked as if he wanted to say more but stopped himself.
In the end, Yan Liuyun just sighed heavily. "If that is your wish, then I shall take my leave. But no matter what, my heart will always be with you, Princess, waiting for you to change your mind."
Yan Liuyun gave a deep bow with cupped fists, then turned and left.
After Yan Liuyun left, Ji Yue collapsed to the ground as if all her strength had abandoned her.
Her mind went completely blank, unable to process what she was thinking.
After a long while, Ji Yue finally stood up and walked back into the room.
Ji Yue sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes trembling slightly as she looked at her husband lying there.
Ji Yue reached out, gently stroking her husband’s cheek as a tear slowly trickled from the corner of her eye. "My husband... As a daughter, I am unfilial; as a wife, I am unfaithful... What am I to do...
Why must my husband and I...
...be part of this imperial family...?"