Chapter 173: Yin and Yang Chasers of Death

Chapter 173: Yin and Yang Chasers of Death

As May arrived, the weather warmed up, but the mountain still retained a slight chill. Chang Nian rose early to fetch water for her morning ablutions, meticulously tying up her hair in a masculine style, then selecting a newer robe to wear.

The Empress Dowager sat outside her chamber in a small courtyard, admiring the flowers. Hearing the sound, she turned her head and smiled at Chang Nian, asking, "Nian'er, are you going to visit the Empress?"

Mu Shufang had been personally persuading the local grain merchants in nearby towns to sell their grain for the past three days and had yet to return. It was likely that she wouldn't be back today. Chang Nian shook her head, obediently crawling to the Empress Dowager's knee and whispered, "Grandmother, I have some matters to discuss with someone today."

The Empress Dowager seemed a bit puzzled. The temple wasn't large, and she could usually hear any activities within. She hadn't heard of any officials scheduled to discuss affairs today, but it seemed Chang Nian was well-prepared.

"Whatever the discussion may be, just ensure you don't compromise your own well-being." The Empress Dowager gently stroked her hair with a kind expression. "One's life isn't solely dependent on wealth and honor."

Chang Nian smiled bitterly. "Grand Empress Dowager, at this point, who is still striving for riches and glory?"

The Empress Dowager was taken aback, as if countless memories flooded her mind in that instant. Her emotions swirled uncontrollably, causing her to close her eyes and softly cough twice.

"Grand Empress Dowager?"

"It's nothing." The Empress Dowager sighed, her eyes glistening with moisture. She patted her hand and said, "Do what your heart desires."

Chang Nian looked at the wrinkled face before her with confusion. She felt that Empress Grandmother seemed to know many things but chose not to speak or interfere, much like the Kwan Yin Bodhisattva in the main hall, overlooking all beings with compassion and silence.

Not pursuing the matter further, Chang Nian judged it was about time and bowed respectfully before rising to leave with Hong Ti.

Intrigued, Hong Ti asked, "Your Highness, where are we going?"

Chang Nian replied, "There's a pavilion on the slope of the back hill, beyond our guards' jurisdiction."

Hong Ti was startled. "Why are we going there? What if we encounter an assassin?"

"Relax," Chang Nian said. "There won't be any assassins. Only guests will come, and they'll be carrying some valuable leverage."

"Hmm…" Hong Ti didn't understand and could only feel anxious. She couldn't help glancing around and muttering softly, "We should have brought more attendants. Those few behind us won't be enough."

Chang Nian chuckled inwardly, thinking that one couldn't let too many people know about nefarious plans. A few trusted confidants would suffice.

The pavilion on the slope of the back hill was deserted. The gentle breeze carried the scent of wild grass. Following Chang Nian's instructions, Hong Ti tidied up the pavilion, poured hot tea, and then waited curiously nearby.

Who could be coming?

As the sun climbed higher, Chang Nian hummed a tune while sipping her tea, seemingly in no hurry at all. When she felt like it, she strolled behind the pavilion to pick a bunch of flowers, intending to weave them into a garland.

"Hong Ti, you're not supposed to wrap the garland like that," Hong Ti frowned, observing her actions. "These branches are crushing the flowers, and it doesn't look nice."

"I saw them do it this way on the streets among the common folk," Chang Nian mumbled. "It's just a circle, so it has to be wrapped around, right?"

"But you can't wrap the flowers like that. It should be like this..." Hong Ti couldn't resist and took over, demonstrating the correct technique.

Chang Nian watched as Hong Ti's fingers danced, swiftly crafting a beautiful garland that resembled the ones she and Ye Jiangbai had seen at the market when they ventured out of the palace together.

With slightly narrowed eyes, Chang Nian found herself somewhat distracted. She held wildflowers in her hand, yet she swore she could detect the faint fragrance of winter plum blossoms, a scent that eluded her origins.

If she had pretended ignorance and avoided involvement in these power struggles from the start, would their current outcome have been different?

No, Chang Nian shook her head, dismissing her own thoughts. Her birth had predetermined her fate; it was something she couldn't escape by simply hiding. Unless she were heartless and indifferent to the lives of the other Zhao family members, treating them as mere dust in the wind.

But evidently, she was not capable of such detachment.

Neither was Ye Jiangbai. He, with his ambitious nature, could never abandon the grand plan he had meticulously cultivated for so long. Emotional entanglements were but a dispensable spice in his world. If she aligned with him, she would earn his protection; if she opposed him, there would be no mercy, as arrows would rain down without hesitation.

With a downward gaze, Chang Nian gently tossed the flower crown back into the grass.

"Hmm?" Hong Ti was puzzled, unable to comprehend the situation. She glanced at her master, who seemed troubled, and decided not to speak further.

The freshly-made flower crown lay forlornly in the grass, as if it had been wronged.

As the sun neared noon, movement could finally be seen on the hillside. Zhao Chang Nian turned her head and saw Ye Jiangbai accompanied by Ye Liang approaching from a distance. His white robes billowed in the mountain breeze, while his ink-black hair danced wildly, resembling an immortal in a painting who had accidentally stepped out of its frame—except for the fact that Ye Liang behind him was clad in dark attire.

"Your Highness?" Upon recognizing the visitors, Hong Ti's face paled in shock. "This!"

Chang Nian sat calmly with his chin in hand, watching the scene unfold with a low chuckle. "Doesn't it resemble the Yin and Yang Messengers of the Underworld?"

Hong Ti: "..." At a time like this, the prince was still making jokes! That was the Duke of State, and if a fight broke out...

"Your Highness," Ye Jiangbai approached the pavilion, bowing with a smile.

"Duke, you're too kind," Chang Nian responded with a polite bow of his own, his face equally bright with a smile.

Hong Ti: "???"

"The weather is exquisite today. I merely intended to enjoy the mountain breeze, but encountering Your Highness was a pleasant surprise, a stroke of fate." Ye Jiangbai casually sat on a stone bench and glanced at the two teacups on the table, raising an eyebrow. "Your Highness is waiting for someone?"

Chang Nian smiled. "I was simply savoring the mountain air alone. Since Duke Guo has arrived, let us share this cup together."

With that, she emptied the cooled tea and refilled the cup.

Ye Jiangbai laughed heartily. "Your Highness truly embodies nonchalance." He then picked up his own teacup and drained it in one go.

These two individuals who were once determined to eliminate each other were now sitting here, carefree and enjoying tea together. Hong Ti found it hard to breathe, utterly perplexed. Chang Nian, however, seemed entirely at ease, as if nothing had transpired before. After finishing both cups of tea, she said, "Duke Guo is unexpectedly leisurely to ascend the mountain."

Ye Jiangbai smiled faintly. "My entire family, the Ye clan, is under Your Highness's custody. If I didn't come to the mountain, wouldn't that make me appear disloyal and unfilial, unrighteous and unkind?"

"Duke Guo is insightful," Chang Nian acknowledged with a bow. "But how did Duke Guo assume that you would encounter your family members on this trip up the mountain?"

"Because Your Highness wishes to return to the capital, and I crave my family's reunion. Both parties have something to negotiate," Ye Jiangbai replied, not looking at her, his gaze fixed on the distant mountains. "Since Your Highness is waiting here, it seems you are open to discussion."

Chang Nian lowered her eyes.

She had guessed correctly. Without Zhao Funing, the capital now had Prince Wu. Ye Jiangbai, unable to resist alone, sought her assistance. The Ye family was merely a stepping stone for both sides to descend gracefully without losing face.

Yet, such words were empty, and the smiles on both their faces were insincere. In the end, she and he were no different from the other imperial princes and court officials in the palace.

"Very well," Chang Nian responded. "If Duke Guo is willing to escort the Empress Dowager back to the capital, I have no qualms about releasing the entire Ye family."