Chapter Fifty-Four: The Kunlun Tribe

“What are you talking about? I don’t understand.” Ye Zhanqing shook her head in panic.

“It’s nothing. I just came to check on you. If you need anything, you can tell me. I was quite worried at first, but now it seems there’s no need. For someone with no loyalty whatsoever, the road ahead will be treacherous. I came to help pave the way for you, but now, in His Majesty’s eyes, you’re the epitome of loyalty—a heroine who, after days of torture by the Western Depot, uttered not a single word.”

Jiang Yuyan glanced at Ye Zhanqing’s dazed expression, smiled softly, and said, “Take good care of yourself. I won’t disturb you any longer. Also, I hope the Emperor never learns I was here. You grew up in a poor family and should understand my intentions. Don’t let me down.”

With that, Jiang Yuyan gently pulled the quilt over Ye Zhanqing, waved at her, winked playfully, and left without looking back.

***

A cool breeze swept through as Jiang Yuyan found Zhu Yu, using the fine weather as an excuse. “It’s a pity to stay cooped up indoors on such a lovely day.”

With that, Jiang Yuyan dragged Zhu Yu out of the Hall of Tranquility, and the two strolled leisurely through the imperial gardens admiring the flowers.

Of course, the leisure was only for Jiang Yuyan. For Zhu Yu, every day was filled not only with state affairs but also with pondering how to deal with them if she ever left for the martial world.

Finally, Zhu Yu came up with a makeshift solution. The state matters she handled daily were already filtered through many layers, so there weren’t many that truly required her attention. If she replaced the couriers in advance, any urgent matters could bypass the usual palace channels and be delivered directly to her—faster than the standard process. For non-urgent issues, they could wait until her return.

Just as Zhu Yu was about to take a nap in the autumn breeze after exhausting her mind, Jiang Yuyan interrupted her.

Annoyance welled up inside Zhu Yu, but seeing Jiang Yuyan’s radiant smile, she had nowhere to vent her frustration. She could only follow Jiang Yuyan mechanically.

Normally, a walk through the imperial gardens wouldn’t take long, but today it felt endless.

As Zhu Yu was about to tell Jiang Yuyan she wished to return, Eunuch Wu hurried over, causing Zhu Yu to swallow her words.

“Your Majesty, the princess and prince consort of the Kunlun Tribe on the Western frontier request an audience.”

Eunuch Wu approached Zhu Yu and bowed as he spoke.

Zhu Yu frowned. “Kunlun Tribe? I haven’t received any formal letter from them. Do you know why they’re here?”

Eunuch Wu, well-prepared, replied without hesitation, “Your Majesty, it is the usual time for the Kunlun Tribe’s tribute. However, Princess Taka has stated that their tribe has suffered from both natural and man-made disasters this year and cannot gather the required tribute. She wishes to beseech Your Majesty to reduce their obligations.”

Zhu Yu pondered for a moment. “So, how much of the usual tribute did they bring this time?”

At this, Eunuch Wu faltered. Seeing his hesitation, Zhu Yu’s frown deepened. “What is it? Speak plainly. Why are you dawdling?”

“Your Majesty, only Princess Taka and her prince consort have come—without a single tribute item.”

A cold laugh escaped Zhu Yu.

In these times, disasters truly did claim countless lives. Even without meeting them, just hearing these words from Eunuch Wu was enough to soften Zhu Yu’s heart.

But to come to the capital empty-handed swiftly wiped away that fleeting mercy.

To ask for a reduction in tribute due to hardship was understandable, but to bring nothing at all—were they treating Jingguo like a fool?

This was more than a question of attitude; this was outright provocation.

On this point, Jingguo’s history was no different from the ancient dynasties in Zhu Yu’s memory. The so-called Celestial Empire always received shabby tributes from neighboring states and tribes, rarely anything of value, while the return gifts from Jingguo were often worth ten times more. And now, with just a request, they dared come empty-handed?

If she weren’t already burdened with troubles, Zhu Yu would have considered sending troops to flatten them.

“Go tell this Princess Taka: I have no time to see her. I’m tired from admiring the flowers and need to rest. If she’s sincere, let her wait at the palace gates. I’ll see her when I’m rested—no sooner. Repeat this to her, not a word more, not a word less.”

Zhu Yu gave her orders to Eunuch Wu.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Bowing, Eunuch Wu withdrew.

“What’s happened to His Majesty?” Jiang Yuyan asked cautiously, sensing Zhu Yu’s displeasure though she didn’t know the reason.

“It’s nothing. You go enjoy yourself. I’m going to rest.” With that, Zhu Yu returned to her residence.

Three days later, in the imperial study.

“Your Majesty, the princess and prince consort from the Kunlun Tribe have been standing at the palace gates for three days. Won’t you see them?” Jiang Yuyan probed as she ground ink for Zhu Yu.

Prompted by Jiang Yuyan, Zhu Yu suddenly realized she had completely forgotten about those two.

Her face darkening, she glanced at Jiang Yuyan. “The Kunlun Tribe is quite resourceful. Tell me, how did they get in touch with you?”

“You misunderstand, Your Majesty. I have no connection with them. I merely ran into them at the palace gates yesterday. They looked pitiful, so I asked out of curiosity.”

Hearing Zhu Yu’s displeasure, Jiang Yuyan turned pale and hurried to explain.

“You met them once and pitied them? That’s not like you. Tell me the real reason.”

“It’s truly nothing more. It’s just—the prince consort from the Kunlun Tribe seemed very familiar, like Young Hero Hua. But he was wearing a mask, so I couldn’t be sure. Your Majesty, do you remember Hua Wuque, Young Hero Hua? The one who helped rescue me at the Crimson Pavilion?”

At Jiang Yuyan’s reminder, Zhu Yu recalled that episode. Indeed, Hua Wuque had once served as a prince consort to a small state.

“All right. Go tell them to rest for now. They may enter the palace and see me tomorrow.” Zhu Yu gave the order casually.

Hearing this, Jiang Yuyan’s face brightened and she plucked up the courage to say, “I knew you weren’t so heartless. I saw your expression just now—you’d forgotten about the Kunlun princess and her consort, hadn’t you?”

With that, cheeks flushed, Jiang Yuyan hurried out.

Zhu Yu was momentarily stunned—how long had it been since anyone spoke to her like that? She shook her head, smiled ruefully, and muttered, “That little fox needs to be disciplined. She’s getting bolder by the day.”