Upon hearing Emperor Xinde's words, all the princes and grandsons lowered their heads in eagerness, and Emperor Xinde's face immediately turned icy: "I will ask you one more time, which of you is willing to go?"
Several of the emperor's brothers, out of fear, involuntarily retreated.
Emperor Xinde roared, "I, a hero of my generation, have given birth to such a bunch of cowards who fear death!"
"Father! Your son is willing to go to Great Qin as a hostage!" I strode into the hall only after I was sure that no one else had volunteered.
All eyes were on me at the same time; this was the first time in my sixteen years in the palace that I had attracted so much attention.
Emperor Xinde stared at me with his deep eyes for a long time before sighing, "After all, I still have a son who is not afraid of death." Everyone was laughing at my foolishness. Even if the Great Qin and the Great Kang reached a peace agreement, it would only be a short-term matter. As soon as war broke out, the hostages of the two countries would be the first to be eliminated. In other words, the hostages' situation in the Great Qin was far more dangerous than going to the Hu Kingdom for a marriage alliance.
Emperor Xinde said, "I hereby bestow upon you the title of Prince Ping. In seven days, you shall proceed to the Great Qin!"
The news that I had volunteered to go to Qin as a hostage spread throughout the entire palace in an instant. My brothers, who usually ignored me, now regarded me as someone who was doomed to die, and would pay even less attention to me. Although we were both hostages, Prince An, Yinxiang, was in a much better situation than me. At least he would go to Hu Kingdom with a dowry and become a prince consort in a grand manner. If he was lucky, he could also marry a beautiful blonde princess with blue eyes.
My brothers rushed to see Prince An off, and some of them thought of me as well, only informing me briefly. I already knew everything clearly, and rather than going there to add to my sorrow, I would rather enjoy my last peaceful moments in Qingyue Palace.
Yi'an and Yanping both seemed preoccupied. According to the laws of Da Kang, they were not allowed to accompany me to Da Qin. Yanping worked day and night to make clothes for me, while Yi'an prepared the classics and historical books that I often read.
The closer it got to my departure, the more desolate I felt. Apart from Prince An, who shared my plight, no one else came to visit me.
To my surprise, she never came to see me after that day when I met Consort Zhen.
It wasn't until the night before my departure that Yu Suo came to invite me.
I followed Yu Suo to Shude Palace. The table was already laden with food and wine, each dish exquisitely prepared, a testament to the host's meticulous care. I did not see Consort Zhen. Yu Suo said softly, "Please wait a moment, Prince Ping. Consort Zhen will arrive shortly." She turned and left, gently closing the door behind her. This made me almost certain that she knew everything about the relationship between me and Consort Zhen.
I slowly sat down at the table, only to hear a plaintive singing voice: "Butterflies come in August, flying in pairs over the grass in the western garden. This saddens my heart, and I sit here worrying that my beauty is fading..."
Wearing a white, semi-transparent veil, Consort Zhen appeared before me, singing and dancing. Her lips released a melodious and beautiful song, like clouds and water, which flowed back and forth like waves, as if lingering in a tender atmosphere, making people feel reluctant to leave.
Her white gauze sleeves fluttered gently, revealing glimpses of her fair arms. Underneath the gauze skirt, she wore a red brocade bodice, which made her appear even more charming and alluring. As the dance came to an end, Consort Zhen couldn't help but shed two lines of tears.
I stood up and slowly walked behind her, then pulled her soft, delicate body into my arms.
"Yinkong, I have never danced this dance in front of anyone..." Consort Zhen said in a trembling voice. The "anyone" she mentioned naturally included my father, the Emperor.
The light gauze slipped off Consort Zhen's shoulders, and I could clearly feel the delicate smoothness emanating from her skin.
My fingers reached behind Consort Zhen's bodice and pulled open the ribbon that held it together. Consort Zhen's firm and perfect breasts were displayed before my eyes without reservation. My face was gently pressed against her breasts, listening to her captivating heartbeat.
Consort Zhen's jade-like arms and long legs entwined tightly around me, tears wetting my temples: "Why did you leave?"
I raised my head and looked at her pretty face, which was covered in tears: "I will not be a nobody, a prisoner in the palace, forever!"
Consort Zhen's cherry lips quickly ignited my passion. I almost violently pushed her to the ground and forcefully took her body. We were entwined in passion all night until dawn, when we bathed and changed clothes together.
Consort Zhen carefully combed my hair and kissed my forehead tenderly: "Yinkong! I will wait for you to come back!"
I turned around abruptly, and Consort Zhen's beautiful eyes were filled with deep affection: "I have never felt life so truly before. From you, I understand for the first time what love is!"
Consort Zhen surrounded me with her arms: "Yin Kong, no matter where you go, you must remember that in Shude Palace, there is a woman named Yu Ying waiting for you!"
"I won't forget!" I replied confidently.
Consort Zhen placed her brocade bra into my hands: "This is the only thing I own. Wearing it is like I'm always by your side..." Her voice choked with sobs, and she could no longer speak.
I kissed her hard on the lips, turned and walked towards the door. Someone would be coming to pick me up in an hour, and I couldn't stay any longer.
Yi'an and Yu Suo stood guard outside the palace gates all night long. Everyone knew about my affair with Consort Zhen, but kept it to themselves.
On the way back to Qingyue Palace with me, Yi'an whispered, "Don't worry, young master. The Grand Eunuch has already asked Yanping and me to continue to be in charge of the affairs of the Cold Palace. I will take care of Consort Zhen."
A slight smile played on my lips. With Yi'an and Yanping by her side, Consort Zhen's days should be much better. I looked up at the gray-blue sky; a flock of birds had just flown by. This might be the last time I saw the palace at dawn…
The person responsible for escorting me to the Great Qin was my eighth imperial uncle, Prince Yong, Long Tianqi. Actually, his original name was Long Tianqi, but he wisely changed it after my father ascended the throne. This was one of the reasons why he was able to remain in power for so many years during my father's reign.
My departure seemed somewhat desolate. It was understandable that my father did not come to see me off, but none of my brothers and nephews came to say goodbye. In other people's eyes, they might think that I had a bad reputation among my brothers and that no one else would want to associate with me.
Prince Yong smiled at me and said, "Nephew, we only set off from Wanlong Port at noon. So we still have a morning to use. Do you have any personal matters to attend to?"
I shook my head. In this country, I couldn't recall anything else to do or anyone worth visiting.
Eight snow-white horses pulled the exquisitely decorated carriage away from the palace in perfect unison. As it passed Shude Palace, I seemed to hear Consort Zhen's ethereal and sorrowful voice again. Even though I was inside the carriage, I could still see her standing in the snow, tears welling up in her eyes, a heartbreaking scene of her bidding farewell...
Prince Yong handed me a blue hand warmer inlaid with gold. It was warm and soft to the touch, allowing me to temporarily forget the cold outside the carriage. He yawned and said lazily, "I haven't left Kangdu for ten whole years. If it weren't for my brother sending me on this mission, I would never have been able to leave my beloved wife at home."
I smiled slightly. Prince Yong's lust was well-known throughout Kangdu, but unfortunately, he had a shrewish wife. Princess Qi Zirou was a notorious tigress known both inside and outside the court. This was a golden opportunity for Prince Yong to let loose.
I lifted the carriage curtain, and judging from the way pedestrians on the roadside were making way for me, my entourage was quite grand. My father had prepared not only me, a hostage, for the Qin state, but also various gifts for the royal family and nobles.
As the convoy entered Dongtiao Street, I suddenly thought of Cai Xue. She still lives in Yanping's old house. Should I say goodbye to her before leaving?
I said to Prince Yong, "Uncle! I have an old friend who lives up ahead. I would like to stay a while and say goodbye to her."
Prince Yong nodded and said, "It's still early, you may go!"
Accompanied by six guards, I arrived at Yanping's old residence. I had them wait at the door, and gently knocked on the door knocker. After a long while, Caixue finally opened the door. She was clearly surprised that I would arrive at this time, and her beautiful eyes were full of joy.
"Your Highness Prince Ping!" Cai Xue was about to bow to me, but I grabbed her arm and said, "No need!" I turned around, closed the door, and walked into the courtyard first.
Cai Xue brewed me a steaming cup of ginseng tea. I took a sip, and the rich warmth flowed down my throat and into my chest and abdomen. I put down the teacup and took out a pure gold ingot from my waist: "Cai Xue! I am about to go to Qin as a hostage today, and I am afraid I will not have time to take care of you in the future. This gold is enough for you to live on for two years."
Cai Xue lowered her head, and two lines of crystal tears flowed silently down her cheeks.
I continued, "Although the matter of Prince Mu has been settled and the Emperor will not pursue it further, you are a courtesan, and sooner or later someone will investigate your whereabouts. Kangdu is not a place to stay for long. Before I left, I instructed Yanping and the others that as soon as the opportunity arises, they will send you out of Kangdu!"
Cai Xue remained silent. I finished my cup of ginseng tea, stood up, and said, "It's getting late, I should get going."
"Your Highness, please wait a moment! Cai Xue has something to give you!" Cai Xue turned and walked into the inner room.
I looked at her slender back and felt a sense of bewilderment, wondering what Cai Xue was going to give me.
I waited for the time it takes to smoke a pipe before I saw a page in a blue robe and a small hat emerge from the inner room. I was secretly surprised, not expecting there to be anyone else in this old house. Upon closer inspection, the page had exquisite features and a handsome appearance, bearing a striking resemblance to Cai Xue, only slightly darker in complexion.
Seeing my stunned expression, the pageboy smiled sweetly, a smile as beautiful as a flower. Who else could it be but Cai Xue? I immediately understood what Cai Xue wanted to give me.
Cai Xue said softly, "Your Highness's journey to Qin is fraught with danger and peril. Although I am frail and weak, I am confident that I am capable of serving Your Highness..."
I shook my head and said, "Cai Xue, just as you said, Qin is a land of tigers and wolves. I have left my country and homeland, and I can barely protect myself. How can I possibly take care of your safety?"
Cai Xue hugged the blue floral satchel to her chest: "If it weren't for Your Highness's righteous rescue, my chastity would have been tarnished. Though the world is vast, I have no relatives to rely on. I can only repay Your Highness's kindness with this remaining life." Her beautiful eyes were filled with unwavering determination: "Since learning that Your Highness is about to go to Qin, I have prepared my satchel, ready to go with Your Highness at any time. Even if Your Highness is unwilling to take me in, I will still go to the Qin capital to find Your Highness."
I was speechless. I stared at Cai Xue's pretty face for a long time before finally nodding.
When the King of Yong saw that I had brought back a page, he only opened his eyes to look at him, and then closed them again and dozed off. I could have arranged for two maids to accompany me on this trip to Qin, but I refused. Now, Cai Xue has naturally filled that vacancy.
Although Cai Xue was my page, she was a servant. Given her status, she could only ride with the coachman outside. I was considerate of her frail health, so I secretly slipped my hand warmer to her while the Prince of Yong was asleep.
Just after 9 a.m., the caravan arrived at the port of Bandung. Snowflakes began to fall heavily again. This winter's snow season was particularly long. Cai Xue helped me down from the carriage. Perhaps it was the effect of the hand warmer, but her soft hands were as warm and smooth as jade, which made my heart flutter.
Prince Yong alighted from his carriage behind me. The extreme temperature difference made him sneeze. He took out a silk handkerchief, wiped his nose loudly, and exclaimed, "This awful weather! Are they trying to freeze people to death?!"
Accompanied by twenty-six guards, we walked slowly along the bluestone path leading to the dock. Cai Xue followed behind me, struggling to carry my book box. When Yi An packed my bags, she certainly didn't expect that my page would be Cai Xue.
Along the roadside, ragged orphans and widows would occasionally pass by. Wanlong Port was the largest port in Kangdu, with numerous cargo ships coming and going. Goods from all over the world gathered here, naturally making it a blessed place for them to beg.
My guards shoved a toddler who was trying to beg away. The toddler fell heavily onto the snow, his forehead hitting a stone block by the roadside, and blood immediately flowed out. A middle-aged woman not far away rushed over, crying and wailing, and hugged the child tightly.
I sighed, took out a silver ingot from my pocket, walked to their side, and gently placed the ingot beside them. If my father were here, he would be able to see what the great nation he envisioned had become.
As I turned around, I happened to meet Cai Xue's gaze, which was filled with emotion and respect. I smiled faintly, and her long, dark eyelashes drooped slightly, quickly avoiding my gaze.
In front of Pier No. 1, there was a large ship with carved beams and painted rafters. It was 25 zhang long and about 10 zhang wide, with three decks. This ship was originally used by my father, the emperor, for his travels. Later, he gave it to Prince Zhong, Long Yin Xue. After Prince Zhong died, it became the means of transportation for the princes. Although I was a prince, I never had the opportunity to ride on it.
My father sent me to Qin on this ship primarily to save face for the Great Kang. Although I am going as a hostage, the pomp and ceremony must not be compromised. How could the great and powerful Great Kang lose face in front of Qin?
The lower deck was the shipwrights' quarters, the first floor housed the guards and warriors, the second floor housed the accompanying civil officials, and the third floor was the residence of myself and Prince Yong. Regardless of whether we held equal positions and status in any country, my rise from the thirty-first prince to Prince Ping was not merely a simple numerical leap; it meant that Prince Yong and I could now stand on equal footing.
Perhaps Prince Yong did not have this concept in his mind: I am just one of his thirty-one imperial nephews. No matter how high my status becomes, I will only face the inevitable fate of being a prisoner.
Cai Xue insisted on carrying my book box to the cabin. Fine beads of sweat kept seeping from her beautifully curved forehead, showing that she was doing her job as a book boy very well.
I sat on the five-foot-high brocade couch, quietly gazing at Cai Xue's infinitely beautiful back view.
Cai Xue keenly noticed my gaze. She straightened her back slightly, then paused there. After a while, she slowly turned around, her gaze always lowered to the ground. She came to me, knelt down, and tried to remove my cotton boots: "The ship won't set sail until noon, Your Highness, please rest for a while."
I laughed and said, "I wanted to take this opportunity to see Kangdu one last time. Are you going to take that away from me too?"
Cai Xue said in a panic, "This servant wouldn't dare!"
I stood up laughing, "Caixue, don't forget your place! You were clearly my page, how did you suddenly become a slave?" I opened the cabin door and slowly walked towards the railing. From my vantage point, I could see the entire imperial city. The once majestic and towering imperial city in my mind had lost its former grandeur in my view. No wonder Confucius said, "Climb Mount Dongshan and you'll find Lu small; climb Mount Tai and you'll find the world small!" I had only boarded a three-story ship, and I was already seeing the small imperial city.
The snow showed no signs of stopping, falling endlessly, making the outline of the imperial city appear exceptionally hazy. I took a deep breath of the crisp, cold air, feeling an indescribable sense of relief. I had spent sixteen years of my life in this magnificent yet oppressive imperial city, and an hour later, I could finally step out of this long-suppressed cage.
In everyone's eyes, the Qin Dynasty was no different from a country of tigers and wolves. Even if I left the cage of the Great Kang Dynasty, I would immediately enter another, even more strict cage. But no matter how oppressive and dull that world was, it would definitely be a completely new feeling for me.
At the port, the accompanying military officers were directing the laborers to orderly carry wooden crates of different sizes onto the ship. Inside were various gifts for the King of Qin and his nobles. A strange excitement welled up inside me. These wooden crates of different sizes might just hold my future destiny.
Cai Xue gently draped my fur robe over my back. I tightened the ribbon of the robe and knocked heavily on the railing with both hands: "If you were me, would you give up your comfortable life and go to the Great Qin?"
Cai Xue said softly, "Although Cai Xue is foolish, she knows that Your Highness has sufficient reasons for whatever choice you make!" She did not answer my question.
I turned around, and to my surprise, Cai Xue did not avoid my gaze. Her dark blue cotton robe, though slightly bulky, covered her slender figure, but could not conceal her natural beauty.
The cold weather had slightly reddened her beautiful nose, while her lips had turned a bluish-purple. My gaze was frank and intense, and under my intense stare, Cai Xue finally turned her eyes to the distance: "Cai Xue believes that Your Highness is not one to be content with the status quo. Where danger lurks, there must also be rare and precious opportunities. Cause and effect are interdependent, and Your Highness's purpose in going to Qin is probably for this..."
I stared at her in astonishment. Cai Xue's insights impressed me. Perhaps she really was a gift from heaven.
Cai Xue's pretty face flushed slightly: "Your Highness, Cai Xue didn't speak well, please don't laugh at me!"
My gaze returned to the direction of the imperial city: "From the moment I left Kangdu, Great Kang has lost a prince, and Great Qin will never have such a prince again!"
"What?" Cai Xue asked, puzzled.
I laughed loudly and said, "In the Qin Dynasty, I am just Long Yinkong. If you respect me, then call me Young Master!"
The ship departed precisely at noon, and my last vestiges of longing for the capital were long gone. Prince Yong and I didn't have much in common. After lunch, he and his two attendants went to their cabin. From the moment he boarded the ship, I could tell that his so-called attendants were nothing more than two disguised singing and dancing girls. Prince Yong had been oppressed by his wife for so many years, and he had finally found an opportunity to relieve his stress.
The cabin was very soundproof; I could barely hear the roaring Yellow River from inside. I sat at the table, browsing the list of Qin princes and nobles. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle. Although I was going there as a hostage, I still needed to have a thorough understanding of the various forces in Qin.
Cai Xue carefully packed my clothes. The journey to Da Qin was long, and the waterway alone would take seven days. For these seven days and seven nights, the two of us would be in the same cabin, and I could hear Cai Xue's alluring scent all the time. It would be a beautiful and sensual experience.
Cai Xue suddenly let out a soft "Eek!" I looked up and saw that she had found the brocade bodice that Consort Zhen had given me among my clothes. Although she had her back to me, I could already see that her jade-like neck was red.
At times like this, it's best for me to pretend I'm oblivious. Cai Xue glanced at me discreetly out of the corner of her eye, making sure I was still focused on the list, before quickly folding the brocade bra and putting it back in its place. I wonder if she'll see me as a womanizing scoundrel.
After reviewing the list, I stretched my arms. My memory has always been excellent; among all the princes, only I possess the ability to remember everything I see. I have always kept this a secret very well, and no one but myself would know.
Cai Xue brought me fragrant tea, and while I drank it, she gently massaged my shoulders with her slender hands. I closed my eyes contentedly, and bringing Cai Xue along was definitely the right choice.
"Cai Xue! How did you achieve your skin tone?" This has always been something I couldn't figure out.
Cai Xue said, "This is a secret recipe passed down in my family. Applying the juice of indigo to the skin will darken it. Not only will it be invisible to the naked eye, but it will also not fade even after being exposed to wind and rain."
I laughed and said, "So, you've sacrificed your beautiful skin?"
Cai Xue said shyly, "For every thing in the world, there must be something else that counteracts it. If you want to restore your skin color, you can easily wipe away the color of the indigo by dissolving sulfur in water."
I exclaimed, "I never expected you to be so knowledgeable!"
Cai Xue smiled gently: "Your Highness has forgotten, Cai Xue is now your page!"
I burst out laughing, just then there was a knock on the door.
"Your Highness Prince Ping! Prince Yong requests your presence in the cabin for a discussion!"
The layout of Prince Yong's cabin wasn't much different from mine, except for the addition of some wine vessels and the absence of a few books. The lingering scent of perfume still hung in the air, and from Prince Yong's dry gaze, I could guess how fierce the battle had just taken place here.
Prince Yong's voice also sounded weak and feeble: "Nephew! Before I left, His Majesty personally gave me a secret edict, instructing me to read it to you after I boarded the ship!"
I stood up respectfully and knelt before Prince Yong in accordance with palace etiquette.
Prince Yong slowly unfolded the secret edict and said loudly, "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: the thirty-first son, Yin Kong, is hereby established as Prince Ping, and is granted the territory of Xuancheng, a Prince Ping's mansion, forty-eight servants, 110,000 taels of gold, three hundred bolts of silk, and sixty-eight horses, cattle, and sheep..." I secretly chuckled to myself. My father had created this secret edict to show his deep affection for me, but I wondered how he would take my territory, gold, and silver to the Great Qin.
After receiving the secret decree, Prince Yong congratulated me, saying, "Your Majesty truly favors you greatly. None of the other imperial nephews have ever received such a generous gift when they were enfeoffed as princes."
I laughed and said, "After you send me back from Qin, you can take over everything that my father has bestowed upon me."
Prince Yong said solemnly, "How could the things bestowed upon you by my royal brother be given away to others so easily?" He put on a look of deep affection and said, "Yin Kong, you are still young. This trip to the Great Qin will take at most five years and at least one year. After you return, you will not only have these territories and fiefs, but perhaps my royal brother will even make you the crown prince!"
He probably wouldn't even believe his own words. Perhaps the Prince of Yong pitied my tragic and unknown fate and was trying to comfort me.
The moonlight, as white as frost, shone on the banks of the Yellow River after the snow had just cleared, softening its grandeur and adding a touch of gentleness. Aside from the boatman wielding the oars, I was probably the only one willing to venture to the windswept bow of the boat in the dead of night. This was because I had been away from freedom for too long; this unrestrained breathing was a rare pleasure for me.
The cold wind, mixed with the sound of waves, kept reaching my ears. I looked up towards the upstream direction. Today is the fourth day of my long journey. Ahead is the border between Kang and Qin. This place is already far from Kangdu. Apart from Consort Zhen sighing in the deep palace, who else will miss me, a lonely traveler?
In the distance, several fishing lights flickered continuously. I never expected that fishermen would be working so hard in the middle of the night. Everyone in the world is struggling for their own destiny, and I am no different from them in this respect.
The few fishing lights gathered and dispersed intermittently, getting closer and closer to the ship. Not only at the bow, but also on the sides and stern, many more dim yellow fishing lights appeared. I suddenly became alert; this was definitely not an ordinary phenomenon.
A lit arrow pierced the night sky, whistling as it shot toward the bow of the ship and embedded itself deeply in the deck in front of me. I quickly stood up, turned and ran toward my cabin. I had only taken two steps when a hail of arrows rained down on the ship from all around. Fortunately, none of the arrows struck me.
I rushed into the cabin, and just as I closed the door, two arrowheads pierced through the door panel and emerged. Still shaken, I wiped the cold sweat from my brow. Cai Xue, who had already fallen asleep, heard the commotion and hurriedly got up from the cotton cot on the floor. I gave her a reassuring smile: "We've probably encountered robbers!"
I pulled Cai Xue's soft hand and hid behind the bed. Rockets continued to fire, and the cabin had begun to burn. The thick smoke made us cough incessantly. If we continued to stay in the cabin, we would probably either be burned to death or suffocate from the smoke.
I pulled the quilt off the bed and wrapped it around us. Cai Xue and I rushed toward the cabin door, which had been burned down and crumbled at the slightest touch.
Cai Xue and I had just reached the deck when armored warriors with shields surrounded us. The rocket attack began to weaken, and deafening battle cries came from the stern. Dozens of bandits were the first to land from the stern, and a melee ensued between them and the warriors on the lower deck who were responsible for my safety.
From my position, I can clearly see the situation on the battlefield. These bandits are advancing and retreating in an orderly manner, attacking and defending in a disciplined way. They are obviously well-trained. Although our warriors have the advantage in numbers, they are not in a superior position in terms of the battle situation.
Prince Yong and his two courtesans stood not far from me, surrounded by eight armored warriors. He was in a state of extreme fear, and his lips trembled uncontrollably.
The firelight from the ship illuminated the dim river surface, and more than ten long ropes with grappling hooks were firmly attached to the ship. Two black figures climbed up the ship like ghosts along the ropes.