Translator: 🍓SassyStrawberry | http://www.sassystrawberry.com
Project: Phoenix Totem (凤凰图腾） | Author: Huaishang (淮上) | Rating: Mature
Trigger Warnings: Non-con, rape, underage, grooming, age gap, abuse of authority, problematic gong, harem politics, depression, suicide, murder, death.
Tags: Abusive obsessive love, Imperial Court and aristocracy, Strong x Strong characters, Jianghu grievances
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Chapter 5 The nighttime struggle for survival
FOR THE BEST READING EXPERIENCE, WE RECOMMEND READING THE CHAPTERS IN THE ORIGINAL FORMAT INSTEAD OF THE WORDPRESS READER.
An imperial bodyguard at the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace [1] seemed to hear the slight sounds of blades clashing in the night sky. However, these sounds were simply too easily overlooked, when he gazed in that direction with his mouth agape, the night sky seemed to have recovered its initial stillness and silence as if nothing had happened earlier.
“Was it that I’m too idle……” The imperial bodyguard gave a drawn-out yawn, before listlessly returning to his post.
Shangguan Mingde supported himself with his sword and turned while standing on the roof ridge, unilaterally obstructing three uninvited guests from entering the main path to the Eastern Palace.
Like a sharp crescent blade [2] slowly traversing to the middle of the sky. The night wind roared, its momentum causing the one’s sleeves to billow, and stinging bursts of pain in the knife wounds on his arm. The blood ran down his arm to his fingertips, and the feeling of wetness was extremely uncomfortable.
However, Mingde did not move. He couldn’t move, as long he even slightly gave way, a chink would be revealed in the main gate of the Eastern Palace. His entire body was in its most perfect state of readiness. On the contrary, this little bit of pain and fresh blood actually brought more clarity and sobriety to his state of mind.
The three assassins shared a look, the leader nodded slightly and smiled, :” This brother’s manner of dress doesn’t look like someone of the palace. Dare I ask how would I address you?” His voice was hoarse with age, his accent stiff and foreign – hearing it, one would know that he wasn’t a person of the Central Plains.
Mingde didn’t respond. However, it was another man behind the speaker, seemingly one of his subordinates, who whispered,” Black clothes, black robes, and silver masks, actually are the uniform of the Imperial shadow guards. Since when did the reach of the Imperial shadow guards extend to the Eastern Palace’s territory?”
The leader who opened his mouth first, now said,” Shadow guards? No wonder…… Er-di [3], you tell me. Will this one be troublesome?”
That Lao-er [3] laughed ‘Hehe’,:” If it’s the shadow guard, then it means that he possesses some ability [4]; You see that this brother’s arm here has been ‘teased’ by my “Three-colored blade”, but does he seem uncomfortable in the least?”
The leader gazed over intently. That black-clad shadow guard turned sideways, revealing the crescent-shaped new moon to one side, his other side merging deeply into the boundless darkness. His entire person seemingly having been carved out of stone, without the slightest tremor. The leader clapped and laughed, speaking in a hoarse voice,” –good! Good! How unmentionable! Before we pay our respects to the Crown Prince, we will have to exert some efforts in taking measures to send off this shadow guard on his journey.” After these words, there was a flapping sound, and he soared up into the air, like a great eagle spreading its wings, lightly enveloping Shangguan Mingde.
When martial arts experts fight, life or death is stark and immediate. Even a minor change in the light and shadows, positioning, state of mind, and vision can make up the difference between victory and defeat. The place where Mingde currently stood was well-thought-out, somewhat in the open, somewhat hidden, and mostly blocking the path. Whoever wants to take the road will have to pass him. The leader was well aware of the dangers of their night-scouting expedition into the Palace, hence he knew that the faster he dealt with the shadow guard before him, the better. So he initiated the fight with the ultimate killing skill that had made him famous; one could only catch sight of the flash of the blade glare from within his sleeve until it had already flown directly toward Shangguan Mingde’s throat below his mask!
At the same time, his subordinate lao-er also made use of this opportunity to take action. At a glance, Mingde could only see that the “Three-Colored Blade” was like a spiritual snake, pressing in suddenly from afar, it was evident their intention was to form a momentous two-pronged pincer attack. Looking at that blade stance, it had already sealed off any path of retreat!
Their coordination was exceedingly tacit and ferocious, the leader squawked once, smiled, and hissed out,” My good brother, let’s send you off!”
– However, the words stopped here. Even before the tail end of his words had fallen, he felt a chill on his wrist. This coldness spread lightly and gradually across his wrist, so slight as the night frost gently floating in the breeze, but it was heavy as a powerful, immensely heavy [5] broadsword cleaving downwards.
It was at this moment, he suddenly realized with a shock, that the sharp knife in his sleeve was no longer in its original place; his sleeve was currently empty. He glanced downwards and in that instant, his entire body felt a chill: the ‘blade within a sleeve’ that had made him famous, was actually slipping steadily and silently into the hands of that Imperial shadow guard!
This was only something that happened in a flash [6], he had originally not intended to leave the shadow guard who stood before him alive, hence when he had pounced over he had used his full speed. At present, it was too late for him to pull back. The tip of the blade was firmly aimed at him, and he slammed his chest at the blade with unstoppable momentum!
The leader’s first thought was, how is this shadow guard so fast? His second thought was practically despairing: It is the Heavens who have destroyed me [7]!”
– Actually, it wasn’t the Heavens who killed him. It was that at this time, Lao-er’s three-coloured knife had already pressed against Shangguan Mingde’s arm, and the tip had actually penetrated the outer layer of skin. Shangguan Mingde felt pained, and he exhaled violently at this. A breath of his true qi rose upwards, and he lifted his leg and sent Lao-er flying with a kick.
The speed was so swift that Lao-er barely managed to push aside the Leader with his palm. Only to hear the almost imperceptible sound of the blade sliding into his body. After which the two of them, one on the left and the other on the right, both collapsed to the ground.
In his desperation, he had smacked the leader three feet away and stabilized himself with some difficulty. He hurriedly felt at his chest and felt that the night-travelling clothes had a gaping rip made by the blade qi, and below it was his own still-beating heart. He lowered his head to look at as wrist, the weapon had been knocked down by a single blow, and his wrist now had been deeply scratched, the cut going from shallow to deep, as if it had been scraped by someone’s long fingernail.
His so many years of cultivation had been foiled by a single move, while he felt a deep rage and hatred in his heart, he plastered a mocking smile on his face,” Why, could it be that this shadow guard is actually a female?”
That Lao-er who had been sent flying by Shangguan Mingde’s kick, fell solidly on the roof ridge finding a sweetness in his chest, as a stream of blood gushed out. He couldn’t even reply. At this time, the third person who had until now remained silent and hadn’t made a move, suddenly replied in an indifferent tone, “ He’s not actually a woman.”
After pausing for a moment, he then said,” I can probably guess who he is in the shadow guard. He is still young and his speed is curiously fast. In another two years, he should be even more skilled. However, there is no harm in the three of us working together tonight, it should be sufficient to kill him here.”
Shangguan Mingde’s shoulder had another wound, and his chest was churning. Upon hearing those words, he looked toward the third person’s face. That third assassin was veiled with a black cloth, and one couldn’t make out his features. Shangguan Mingde’s heart felt slightly chilled: Who is this person that is actually so familiar with the shadow guards division? Those on this earth who know of his status, number no more than ten-odd people. So who could this person be?
The Zhengtai Palace was shrouded in dense darkness. Several wisps of moonlight filtered into the walls and curtains, yet powerlessly faded away into the endless night. The daytime prosperity and splendour were silenced. This Imperial golden and jade resplendence is really too icy cold. In the depths of the night when no one is around, it seems particularly lifeless.
The Qianwan Emperor sat alone at a table, sitting by himself and thinking of goodness knows what. The tieguanyin tea in his hand had just passed the boiling point and was ready to be drunk.
A pair of eyes flashed above one of the beams of the Great Hall and kept a close watch on that cup of tea. Most people at such a height and visibility wouldn’t be able to see things clearly, but if they are experts who specialize in poison and night raids, then the time and effort required to make out such details are negligible.
The Qianwan Emperor raised the tea and took a sip as if he hadn’t noticed anything. But after a while, his head fell to one side, seemingly to have lost consciousness.
That black shadow then leapt down from the rafters, and sneered,” □□ Emperor, is this all that you are capable of? Well, no wonder they wanted to send three people to assassinate the Crown Prince. I alone am sufficient to kill the Emperor.”
Having said this, he wanted to go forward to investigate further. Who’d have expected that upon reaching out, he suddenly got a shock: The body of the Emperor under his hands, was obviously still alive!
Even before his shock could abate, his hand had already been grabbed tightly. Although he tried to break out of it, in this split second, that cup of tea was spilt on him. At this moment, he knew in his heart, it’s over, it’s all over.
That tea was precisely the cup of tieguanyin that he had poisoned. The poison worked in a dramatic manner, upon contact, one’s skin would fester, ultimately rotting down to the bones. There is absolutely no chance of survival.
The Qianwan Emperor watched as the assassin crashed to the ground, snorted coldly once, then got to his feet and brushed at his sleeves,” With such petty little tricks, he dares call himself an assassin. Does the Xiwan Country not have any people of ability?”
He raised his voice,” Attend me!”
Zhang Kuo hurriedly rushed over from the inside of the palace and lighted the lamps. Looking at the corpse on the floor, he was unfazed,” Does your Majesty have any instruction?”
The Qianwan Emperor waved his hand, and said,” Drag that out for burial.”
Zhang Kuo bowed and said,” Yes.” Then he asked,” Your Majesty, having heard this person’s words, the situation at the Crown Prince’s side will be extremely dangerous, should we send reinforcements?”
The Qianwan Emperor did not make a sound. The candlelight flickered and reflected against his face. In the light and shadow, his expression seemed to be somewhat distorted. After some time, his voice was heard,” …Zhen has had the intention to abolish the Crown Prince for a long time……”
Zhang Kuo’s expression changed gradually at this.
“The Crown Prince is irresolute and hesitant and possesses a woman’s soft nature and benevolence. He does not possess the ability and sagacity to manage state affairs. In the future, if he ascends the throne, it will not be a blessing for the country. Regrettably, the Crown Prince has Mingde’s complete and stubborn protection, hence Zhen has been tardy in removing him from his position.”
Zhang Kuo said,” May this slave [8] be bold enough to ask Your Majesty for instruction on the will of the Emperor?”
The Qianwan Emperor said,” This father can’t bear to personally murder his son, so let others carry it out on his behalf.”
In order to abolish the Crown Prince, he can only be confined within the Imperial Clan Court, but if he dies to an assassin’s blade, then at least he can be buried with full pomp and ceremony in the ancestors’ Imperial Mausoleum.
Zhang Kuo prostrated deeply at this,:” The Emperor [8] is compassionate!”
It was already late in the night, but the Crown Prince had not slept. He sat by his bed, holding a copy of the “Lao-Tze’s Treatise on the Response of the Dao [9]”, and recited aloud as if in delusion or in ecstasy: Those who desire to be heavenly immortals, must carry out 1,300 deeds of kindness. Those would be earth immortals, must carry out 300 deeds of kindness……”
The senior shanggong [10] (a female official) dressed in crane yellow palace clothes offered him some tea, and whispered,” Your Highness [11] should rest early.”
The Crown Prince turned a deaf ear to her words, and the senior Shanggong tried to bear it, and spoke aloud,” Your Highness！ The battle on the frontlines has not yet ceased, and undercurrents are surging in the imperial court. His Majesty has the intention of abolishing your title! How can you still bear this with equanimity, and read books on immortal cultivation?”
The Crown Prince was stunned by this and put down his book. He sighed:” Ah-Cui, it’s not as if you don’t know. What is the point of me being the Crown Prince? If it was possible, I’d have already……already……!”
The senior Shanggong placed the teacup down on the table heavily, and spoke harshly,” Your Highness! What kind of talk is that? Is the position of Crown Prince something that you can choose to be or not to be? Your Highness, how can you face the Empress and Shangguan-daren!”
The Crown Prince was at a loss for words, and could only shut the book. He sighed loudly and drank his tea. Who’d have expected the sudden noises of metal and stone clashing agitatedly, which was followed by the sound of a person screeching, startling the Crown Prince so badly that his hands shook,” Ah! What’s going on? What happened?”
The senior Shanggong’s eyelid twitched, but she was much bolder than this soft and weak Crown Prince. At this time, she pressed down on the Crown Prince and said,:” Your Highness must be calm.” She snapped out,” Attendants! Protect the Crown Prince!”
The imperial bodyguards broke down the door, and surrounded them,:” Shanggong-daren, what is the matter?”
Even before the words fell, there was again the sound of weapons clashing outside. The imperial bodyguards drew their blades, but before they could rush out, they heard a pained ‘Ah’. Then a person again burst through the entrance and flew towards the great hall.
That person flew inside in a very strange manner, he hadn’t come in by his own volition, but instead had been kicked in the chest by someone. Later a black-clad, silver-masked Imperial shadow guard leapt down, his entire body bathed in blood. His actions were ferocious and lethal, with a short dagger into the man’s chest, he decisively ended that man’s life.
The Crown Prince was startled into screaming,” Ah! Kill…killed a person!”
The senior Shanggong used a hand to cover the Crown Prince’s mouth, but it was too late. Another assassin came from the Great Hall’s window and rushed in, stabbing in the direction of the Crown Prince with a knife.
The foremost imperial bodyguard rushed over with a crash, but the assassin jumped out of the encirclement and killed his way through. The Imperial shadow guard looked up and ignoring his own serious injuries, he exerted himself in a desperate dash in this direction. His speed was strangely swift, and in a state of anxiousness, he used his hands to grab at the assassin’s blade. The assassin saw that the situation was not good, and he wasn’t keen on the battle, hence he vigorously drew back his knife, and turned back to flee.
The senior Shanggong yelled,” Give chase!”
The Imperial Bodyguards were in hot pursuit, and that Imperial shadow guard gasped, breathing deeply with his mouth. When the blade had been drawn back, his palm had been cut deeply almost to the bone. This was in addition to the severe injuries all over his body. He was barely able to keep himself standing at this time.
It was at this time, that the Crown Prince was unusually brave for a time, he rushed over to support the shadow guard, asking in an alarmed manner,:” Mingde! Mingde, are you alright?”
Shangguan Mingde lifted his gaze and scolded him,:” Why is Your Highness still hanging about here? Hurry up and get inside!”
The Crown Prince wavered at this,” But Mingde, you must go see the Imperial Physicians. This palace will summon the Imperial Physicians for you… Hurry…hurry and call someone to invite my Queen Mother……”
Mingde raised a hand and slapped him once,” Do you want to make such a ruckus that everyone will know about it?”
The senior Shanggong tugged and dragged at him,” Your Highness! Your Highness hurry up and leave! Hurry!”
It was at this time, outside the door came the sound of Zhang Kuo’s shrill voice,:” The Emperor–has arrived—!”
The palace gates opened and the palace lamps were lit one by one. Everyone was stunned speechless at the sight. The Emperor’s bright yellow imperial chariot was approaching, and the crowd hurriedly knelt down one after another. Until the bright yellow dragon-embroidered soft shoes stepped onto the Eastern Palace’s bright red carpet, then they heard the Qianwan Emperor’s icy voice,” As chaotic as a battlefield, what’s going on here? Crown Prince, are you planning to rise up in rebellion?”
The Crown Prince was so frightened that his voice quivered,” To…to respond to Emperor Father…this son [12]…this son……”
The Qianwan Emperor impatiently interrupted him,” Senior Shanggong!”
The senior Shanggong immediately stepped out of the line of people, bowed for blessings, and then said,” To respond to your Majesty, there were assassins in the Eastern Palace. It is fortunate that the shadow guard lent a hand to protect the Prince, and has already exterminated the assassins.”
The Great Hall fell into an anxious and fretful silence. After a while, the Qianwan Emperor asked softly,” Where are the assassins? Why does Zhen not see any?”
The senior Shanggong was startled at this. Not just her, but even Mingde was frozen in place at that moment.
The assassins’ corpses were on the ground of the Eastern Palace, why is the Emperor flatly denying their existence?
“Crown Prince,” The Qianwan Emperor spoke one word at a time:” It is late, you go rest.”
The Crown Prince trembled with fear as he knelt before the Emperor, and retreated slowly under the watching eyes of the crowd. Mingde lay on the ground and didn’t get up, staring rigidly at the Qianwan Emperor.
No wonder no reinforcements came after he had set off the shadow guard distress signal; He had thought it was because the shadow guards were forbidden to enter the Eastern Palace’s territory, but it actually wasn’t the reason!
It was because the Emperor……because the Emperor refused to let anyone come forward to provide aid!
Because the Emperor wanted to borrow the hands of these assassins to rid himself of the Crown Prince, and even the Empress!
The pain and injuries that he had ignored previously during the fierce battle, now returned with greater intensity. He had probably lost too much blood, that his vision blurred with dizziness.
Presumably, it was because his complexion was too unsightly, that the Qianwan Emperor took a few steps over, and stretched out his hand with the intention of picking up,” Mingde……”
“Don’t come over.”
Mingde used the wall to support himself to his feet and retreated several paces.
When he stood up, a small pool of blood had already collected on the ground. The Qianwan Emperor felt a sudden wrenching of his heart, and stridently called out,:” Summon the Imperial Physicians!”
Mingde cut him off,” The subject does not dare. The subject’s body is fine, and does not dare trouble the Imperial Physician.”
The Qianwan Emperor half knelt by his side, one hand pressing upon his shoulder, the other hand pressed on the knife wound on the left side over his heart, his movements hasty and his fingers trembled slightly,” This can still be said to be fine? Still saying your body is fine?”
“This subject is very well, there is no need for your Majesty to worry.” Mingde pushed aside the Qianwan Emperor, supported himself with the wall, and slowly brushed past him,”…… Tonight the Eastern Palace was all safe and well. This subject was on duty in the palace, and did not find any abnormalities…… Hence, this subject should be ‘fine and in good health’.”
He turned his head to look toward the Qianwan Emperor and smiled slightly. That smile contained an unspeakable grace and beauty, and frosty indifference. If one looked at it closely, there was also a little hatred expressed within.
“Since Your Majesty has decreed that everything in the Eastern Palace is fine tonight, then this subject can only be ‘fine’ for Your Majesty to see, isn’t that so, your Majesty?”
He turned away, with one hand supporting himself on the Eastern Palace’s splendid and gorgeous walls, lightly limping and walking haltingly, step by step, down the resplendent and gorgeously decorated Nine Dragons Gold-Jade staircase.
