Chapter Sixty-Six: The State of the Nation

“The day my mother died, I nearly lost my life diving into the water for a worthless jade pendant. At that moment, Ah Ye jumped in after me. I remember the look on his face—he was so worried. Seeing him like that made me happy; it made me feel I mattered to him.” Qin Ruyan smiled and shook her head. “That night, he stayed by my side until dawn. I was already content.”

“Why are you telling me all this?” Feng Qiuji lowered her head, her voice dull. Hearing Qin Ruyan speak so personally about her and Ling Zetian made it impossible for her to pretend she didn’t care, impossible to force a smile.

“Do you know why I entered the palace in the first place?” Qin Ruyan sensed Feng Qiuji’s unhappiness and patted her shoulder. Without waiting for an answer, she continued, “Because Ah Ye once promised to grant me a wish. I didn’t know what I wanted at the time, so I kept it. Truth is, he no longer wished to accept me, but I forced the issue, thinking perhaps things could return to how they once were. Only after entering the palace did I realize there was no room for me in his heart anymore.”

“What?” Feng Qiuji was stunned by her words. Ling Zetian didn’t love her any longer?

“When I realized this, I was devastated. I tried many times to win him back, but all was in vain. He had grown so used to having you by his side, so accustomed to your companionship, that you’d become a part of his life. So, the one he truly loves is you. He’s never said it, and you’ve never thought it possible.”

At this, Feng Qiuji suddenly recalled the words Ling Zetian had spoken to her on his birthday: “I like you.” Back then, she’d found it laughable, even maddening, as if he were toying with her. Now, hearing Qin Ruyan’s words, could it be true after all?

“He once told me that after he ascended the throne, he would make me his empress. But in the end, he married you. During my absence, many things happened. By the time I returned, he was already emperor. I could only sneak into the palace occasionally, hiding on rooftops or in corners to watch him—watch him discuss state matters with his ministers, practice swordplay in the courtyard, stroll alone in solitude. I knew he no longer wanted me…” Qin Ruyan’s voice faltered with sorrow. “Someone told me long ago that Ling Zetian wasn’t mine to keep, that I should let go, but I didn’t believe it. I was stubborn, clinging on alone.”

Feng Qiuji was at a loss for words. She simply felt a sense of helplessness.

“You two, it’s time to eat.” A deep voice sounded behind them, startling them both.

Feng Qiuji turned. Ling Zetian stood at the doorway, his gaze passing over Qin Ruyan’s back before settling on her.

“How long have you been standing there?” Feng Qiuji suddenly remembered what she and Qin Ruyan had just discussed, feeling a twinge of guilt.

“I just got here.” Ling Zetian glanced at her, as if he understood her thoughts, then turned and walked into the cabin.

It was Feng Qiuji’s first time tasting Ling Zetian’s cooking. She had to admit, he cooked surprisingly well—unexpected from someone so pampered and privileged.

After dinner, Ling Zetian, Qin Ruyan, and Feng Qiuji began discussing their route.

“Earlier outside, I noticed the wind was blowing from the port side, which means that direction is northwest,” Qin Ruyan said, studying the map and pointing to the stretch of water beside the Ling dynasty. “Logically, we need only head southeast to return, but it’s winter now. Going southeast would mean sailing against the wind, which isn’t feasible.”

“What do you mean, not feasible?” Feng Qiuji asked nervously.

“It means none of us know how to sail or steer the ship.”

“We can learn, can’t we? We can’t just wait here to die.”

“Yes, we can, but it won’t be easy.”

“Then what do we do?”

“We take it slow.” Until they learned to handle the ship, they could only drift, letting the wind determine their course.

When Ling Zexin arrived at the wharf with his men, he found only Ying Xuanyu standing there, his expression grave.

“Where is my brother?” Ling Zexin looked around the empty dock, anxiety in his voice.

“They’re gone. Qin Ruyan went with him.”

“What? Gone?” Ling Zexin panicked. His brother was the emperor—how could he simply leave, and without an attendant or guard? What if he ended up in Fusang? Who would manage the vast Ling dynasty? The ministers were expecting him at court tomorrow!

Ling Zexin was at a loss for words.

“They seemed to have been taken aboard by force. They could be in danger. We should try to rescue them.”

Ling Zexin’s heart sank. Not only had Ling Zetian left, he’d been abducted. If word got out, it would surely cause unrest, if not outright chaos.

“Yufan, find a ship at once. We’re going to sea to bring my brother back.”

“What about the palace?”

“We can’t worry about that now. The most important thing is to find the emperor before dawn.”

Yufan had no choice but to obey and begin preparations.

The vastness of the sea made finding a single ship, let alone people, near impossible. Ling Zexin was deeply concerned for Ling Zetian and his companions. With only three of them, they’d stand no chance against a group. If they were taken to Fusang, war might erupt at any moment.

Throughout history, whether in ancient or modern times, nations usually sought diplomatic solutions through embassies before resorting to war, which was costly in both lives and resources. War was never a desirable outcome.

But if Ling Zetian really was detained in Fusang…

“Yufan, who in court now is most capable of leading troops?” Seated in the boat, Ling Zexin tried to plan ahead, unfurling a map and considering strategies in case of war. Yet, he’d always left affairs of state to Ling Zetian, preferring a life of leisure; now, he didn’t even know which generals were most competent.

“Ah?” Yufan was taken aback by the question, uncertain what Ling Zexin meant.

“Hurry and tell me. We have to plan. If we don’t find my brother by dawn, we’ll have to return and prepare a rescue.”

“Rescue the emperor? How?”

“By sending troops, of course. That’s why I’m asking who’s best at commanding.”

“Send troops?!” Yufan’s eyes widened. Was he serious? Ling had enjoyed peace and prosperity for years. Even if there were minor border skirmishes, they were easily handled. Now the prince was talking about war?

“Of course! If my brother’s captured and we don’t send troops, what then? The people of Fusang might use him to threaten us. If we yield, the dynasty would be lost! It’s a disgrace—a small nation daring to threaten us!”

But the reality was, the emperor, the empress, and the prince were all in enemy hands. If word spread, Ling would become a laughingstock among nations, its prestige plummeting. Opportunistic states might take advantage, seizing territory or wealth.

Suddenly, Ling Zexin realized the weight of his responsibilities. The other royals were either stationed far away or married off; only he remained in the capital. If his brother was lost, he alone must shoulder the burden—reassure the court, calm the people, and find a way to rescue Ling Zetian. Perhaps, after all, he was only truly valuable to the country in moments of crisis.

“Your Highness,” Yufan wiped the sweat from his brow, “war isn’t as simple as you think. I know you want to save His Majesty, but this must remain a secret. If the ministers find out, the entire court could collapse.”

“If we can’t find my brother by dawn, what then?”

“Seal the information. Whatever happens, we can’t let this be known.”

“In that case, Yufan, I order you to bring my brother back before sunrise, or I’ll hold you accountable!” Ling Zexin was being reckless again. The late emperor had been right—if someone like him ever ruled, he’d bring ruin to the realm and go down as a criminal in history.

“Your Highness, you—” Yufan was drenched in cold sweat. “You can’t do this to me!” He wasn’t a god—how could he promise to find Ling Zetian before dawn? They didn’t even know where he was!

“That’s settled. Everything depends on you.”

“No, please…” Yufan was on the verge of tears. He’d grown up with Ling Zetian and knew Ling Zexin’s childish and willful ways. But as a prince, Yufan couldn’t argue.

——

The plot grows ever more tangled, drifting further from the original outline…