It Will Hurt a Lot, and You Must Endure (Part Two)
News of the victory at Zhu Guan quickly reached the court, and Emperor Ning was overjoyed.
The grand plans to go hunting during the autumn had been canceled due to the battle, but after the report, the Board of Rites brought up the autumn hunt once more.
“Your Majesty, the autumn hunt is a grand occasion and an important rite for the ruler. Because of the importance of the battle, Your Majesty wanted to share the suffering of the soldiers fighting on the border, thus we subjects did not dare bring it up. Now, however, victory has been achieved on the border, and the rite cannot be ignored. Your Majesty, please order for the autumn hunt to be organized.”
With the officials bringing it up, Emperor Ning realized that he had not hosted an autumn hunt in three years.
Ever since he had recovered from his illness, he had been wanting to go out and get some exercise on the hunting grounds. It would keep him from staying cooped up in the palace and getting sick from boredom.
Hearing the autumn hunt get brought up, the eldest prince stood in place, as his heart leaped into his throat.
Father Emperor should agree, right?
“No, no, no, We shall not go! Marquis Gu still has not returned, nor have ShuBai and the others. What’s the point in Us going alone?”
The minister for the Board of Rites was momentarily speechless before remembering that Gu HuaiJiang and Emperor Ning had gone to the autumn hunt together in years past. Gu HuaiJiang would lead his Gu family’s army in providing security for His Majesty, but that would be glorifying it. In truth, it was just two old friends going hunting.
This year, since Gu HuaiJiang was still at the border and had not returned, Emperor Ning did not even want to go hunting.
He cast a pleading look toward Minister Chen for help, and Minister Chen paused for a moment before stepping forward to say: “Your Majesty, Marquis Gu and the eldest young sir are still at the border. They said that they will be staying for a few days to pay attention to Western Kun’s movements. By the time that they return, it will be winter. Should this year’s autumn hunt be delayed until next year?”
Next year, if he put it off until next year, there would have been four years without an autumn hunt. This would be a little improper for such an important rite.
While Emperor Ning was still thinking about it, the eldest prince stepped forward and said: “Father Emperor, the autumn hunt is related to the nation’s prestige. It’s precisely because Marquis Gu has obtained victory on the border that the court should hold the ceremony to promote our Eastern Ling’s prestige. Let those ambitious people of Western Kun see that though we in Eastern Ling are cultured and well-read, we also have the skill to ride and hunt!”
These words reached Emperor Ning’s heart, and he nodded, “Marquis Gu has worked hard at the border. If they are ordered to rush back to participate in the victory banquet, it would be forcing them into a difficult situation. Forget it, let us organize the autumn hunt as it was before. The Board of Rites and the Board of War shall make preparations in accordance with the regulations.”
After court was dismissed, the second prince gave the eldest prince a look of contempt.
“What a sycophant, you speak as if you were the one who went and won over Western Kun’s army.”
Yin Shuo happened to walk over to his side and heard this quiet remark, “Your Highness, why bother quibbling with him? Being able to earn His Majesty’s favor in court will result in prestige and many other benefits. It’s clear that His Majesty is interested in this autumn hunt. Could it be that Your Highness is willing to give the eldest prince this opportunity?”
The second prince looked around. Seeing that nobody was looking in their direction, he walked toward Yin Shuo, “What do you mean by that? Just state it clearly.”
Yin Shuo smiled and said: “The eldest prince has already snatched the first opportunity, making His Majesty happy by bringing his opinion to the matter of whether or not to hold the autumn hunt. Speaking well is not as good as doing well. If Your Highness is able to perform better than the eldest prince on the hunting ground, would you not be able to completely overtake him?”
The second prince furrowed his brow, “What you’re saying is reasonable, but what’s the point of making such a last minute effort? He was always a step above me when it came to archery and riding, so I fear that it would be hard to beat him.”
Yin Shuo said: “Your Highness, don’t worry. I happen to know an exceptionally skilled individual from jianghu*. He has traversed the entirety of the continent relying on his longbow. Because his family name is Yang, the people of jianghu gave him the nickname Baibu Yang**. If Your Highness is able to receive his instruction, it’s not impossible for your skills to improve considerably.”
“Really?”
The second prince said with elation: “Baibu Yang, this is a great name. Is this not fitting for that idiom about hitting a willow leaf from a hundred paces away? Where is this person now? I will go and learn archery from him immediately!”
Yin Shuo gave a profound smile, “This person lives in Nail Alley. If Your Highness sends someone to inquire, you will find him immediately. At that time, would it not be easy to invite him to teach you at the second prince’s manor?”
If such a talented person was discovered by Ning YiZhao first, it would have been bad. This prince will be going first and will thank you at a later date!”
The second prince patted him on the shoulder then hastily left the palace.
Yin Shuo cupped his hands and watched him leave. It was only after he was quite a distance away that he lifted his head and a strange smile appeared on his face.
…
That night, Yin Shuo did not return to his room from the outer study until past midnight.
Before he entered his room, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, and his eyes faintly squinted.
There was the smell of someone unfamiliar, and it caused his hair to stand on end. It was not some unique fragrance but some sort of smell.
Without needing to smell it more carefully, he was able to guess.
He looked around the courtyard and found that there was nothing off about the manor’s guards. It should not be an assassin.
Who could it be?
With a vague idea in mind, he pushed the door open and stepped into the room. Sure enough, he saw a lit red candle on the table, the flame weakly flickering.
Through the candlelit room, he saw a murky figure sitting on the bed.
He slowly walked into the room and saw Princess DanYang wearing a nightgown embroidered with golden peonies. With how she was silently sitting on the bed, she faintly resembled a painting of a beautiful woman.
Hearing Yin Shuo’s footsteps, Princess DanYang raised her head while feeling more and more ashamed. With her eyebrows lowered, she gave him a seductive look. Looking down, she found that her chest was partially exposed under her nightgown, revealing her flawless, snow-white skin.
Yin Shuo’s gaze landed on her figure and did not shift away for quite some time.
Everything was going as she had hoped.
A smile of delight leaked onto her face, as she timidly looked up at Yin Shuo, “You’ve returned.”
For an instant, Yin Shuo was stunned
Princess DanYang continued: “Second brother said that you expressed your sincerity to him and provided him with a very good archery instructor. In truth, you still think of us as your true family, don’t you?”
Yin Shuo did not speak, and Princess DanYang believed that his silence meant that he agreed, “I have thought about many things. Regardless of what our relationship was before we got married, we are now husband and wife. Don’t stay mad at me, alright?”
She fully lifted her head, and Yin Shuo finally regained his composure.
He knew why he had been so stunned. It was because Princess DanYang saying that he had returned was said in the exact same tone as Yu Fu’s.
Was she copying Yu Fu? Could it be that she knew that he had feelings for Yu Fu?
Yin Shuo looked her over and said without betraying his feelings: “Princess, why are you so gentle tonight? Doing it so suddenly, I’m not quite used to it.”
Princess DanYang was a little delighted, pursing her lips and revealing a bashful smile, “Is that so? You men really do like this performance, preferring to see gentle and obedient girls. Just like how the Gu… Just like how everyone likes Yu Fu.”
Yin Shuo slowly walked to her side and sat down, “Oh? Who is this everyone? Who likes Princess ZhenJiang?”
As the man’s breath drew closer to her, Princess DanYang’s heart raced. She forgot to consider why he would ask such a question, “Naturally, the men from the Gu family, and second brother! Did you know? Even second brother likes Yu Fu!”
With Yu Fu being brought up, her tone unconsciously became heavier, and she hastily tried to recover. She then looked at Yin Shuo with a gentle gaze.
It turned out that she did not know, and he was simply overthinking things.
Yin Shuo smiled and said: “Second prince liking Princess ZhenJiang is naturally something that I know. If he did not like her, how could he be willing to send her such high-quality birdnest?”
With this being brought up, Princess DanYang became more and more displeased. The second prince had never given her anything as valuable, yet he gave it Yu Fu.
If they continued with this topic, the atmosphere that had been built up might be ruined, thus Princess DanYang changed the subject, “You’ve worked hard all day. It has gotten quite late. How about resting up earlier?”
“Rest?”
Yin Shuo gave her a meaningful look, “Yes, I should rest. Princess should also get some rest. Forgive me for not sending you off.”
Saying this, he removed the sash from his robes, his slender fingers moving in an elegant manner. Princess DanYang was in a daze from watching.
Why did such a despicable person have to be born so handsome!
Both embarrassed and angry, she did not know what to do and simply stood up.
With her dressing in such a way, did Yin Shuo not know what she meant?
He was pretending not to know, and it seemed that he was still angry about her humiliating him and was refusing to consummate the marriage.
Princess DanYang had never experienced this sort of thing. She thought that if she descended from her pedestal and personally came to curry favor with Yin Shuo, Yin Shuo would definitely fall for her feminine charms.
She had been overconfident, and that was what led to this humiliation!
Blood rushed to Princess DanYang’s face, as she turned around and started toward the door. She wanted to quickly get away from Yin Shuo’s sight.
Who knew that when she turned around, Yin Shuo would grab her hand and pull her into his arms.
Caught off guard, she fell into his embrace. What entered her line of sight was the delicate skin of his chest and his refined collarbone.
“Y-you…”
Having actually reached this point, she was at a loss over what to say.
Yin Shuo immediately lowered her onto the bed, “Princess proposed that we sleep together. If I was to refuse again, would it not make people suspect that I am lacking in ability?”
Princess DanYang blushed furiously and closed her eyes. With a sneer on his face, a ruthless look flashed through Yin Shuo’s eyes, “But it will hurt a lot. You will need to endure it.”
*TN: A society of fighters that is meant to avoid interacting with the world governed by laws.
**TN: The nickname is a play on the idiom for shooting with great precision. “Baibu chuanyang.”
It Will Hurt a Lot, and You Must Endure (Part Two)
News of the victory at Zhu Guan quickly reached the court, and Emperor Ning was overjoyed.
The grand plans to go hunting during the autumn had been canceled due to the battle, but after the report, the Board of Rites brought up the autumn hunt once more.
“Your Majesty, the autumn hunt is a grand occasion and an important rite for the ruler. Because of the importance of the battle, Your Majesty wanted to share the suffering of the soldiers fighting on the border, thus we subjects did not dare bring it up. Now, however, victory has been achieved on the border, and the rite cannot be ignored. Your Majesty, please order for the autumn hunt to be organized.”
With the officials bringing it up, Emperor Ning realized that he had not hosted an autumn hunt in three years.
Ever since he had recovered from his illness, he had been wanting to go out and get some exercise on the hunting grounds. It would keep him from staying cooped up in the palace and getting sick from boredom.
Hearing the autumn hunt get brought up, the eldest prince stood in place, as his heart leaped into his throat.
Father Emperor should agree, right?
“No, no, no, We shall not go! Marquis Gu still has not returned, nor have ShuBai and the others. What’s the point in Us going alone?”
The minister for the Board of Rites was momentarily speechless before remembering that Gu HuaiJiang and Emperor Ning had gone to the autumn hunt together in years past. Gu HuaiJiang would lead his Gu family’s army in providing security for His Majesty, but that would be glorifying it. In truth, it was just two old friends going hunting.
This year, since Gu HuaiJiang was still at the border and had not returned, Emperor Ning did not even want to go hunting.
He cast a pleading look toward Minister Chen for help, and Minister Chen paused for a moment before stepping forward to say: “Your Majesty, Marquis Gu and the eldest young sir are still at the border. They said that they will be staying for a few days to pay attention to Western Kun’s movements. By the time that they return, it will be winter. Should this year’s autumn hunt be delayed until next year?”
Next year, if he put it off until next year, there would have been four years without an autumn hunt. This would be a little improper for such an important rite.
While Emperor Ning was still thinking about it, the eldest prince stepped forward and said: “Father Emperor, the autumn hunt is related to the nation’s prestige. It’s precisely because Marquis Gu has obtained victory on the border that the court should hold the ceremony to promote our Eastern Ling’s prestige. Let those ambitious people of Western Kun see that though we in Eastern Ling are cultured and well-read, we also have the skill to ride and hunt!”
These words reached Emperor Ning’s heart, and he nodded, “Marquis Gu has worked hard at the border. If they are ordered to rush back to participate in the victory banquet, it would be forcing them into a difficult situation. Forget it, let us organize the autumn hunt as it was before. The Board of Rites and the Board of War shall make preparations in accordance with the regulations.”
After court was dismissed, the second prince gave the eldest prince a look of contempt.
“What a sycophant, you speak as if you were the one who went and won over Western Kun’s army.”
Yin Shuo happened to walk over to his side and heard this quiet remark, “Your Highness, why bother quibbling with him? Being able to earn His Majesty’s favor in court will result in prestige and many other benefits. It’s clear that His Majesty is interested in this autumn hunt. Could it be that Your Highness is willing to give the eldest prince this opportunity?”
The second prince looked around. Seeing that nobody was looking in their direction, he walked toward Yin Shuo, “What do you mean by that? Just state it clearly.”
Yin Shuo smiled and said: “The eldest prince has already snatched the first opportunity, making His Majesty happy by bringing his opinion to the matter of whether or not to hold the autumn hunt. Speaking well is not as good as doing well. If Your Highness is able to perform better than the eldest prince on the hunting ground, would you not be able to completely overtake him?”
The second prince furrowed his brow, “What you’re saying is reasonable, but what’s the point of making such a last minute effort? He was always a step above me when it came to archery and riding, so I fear that it would be hard to beat him.”
Yin Shuo said: “Your Highness, don’t worry. I happen to know an exceptionally skilled individual from jianghu*. He has traversed the entirety of the continent relying on his longbow. Because his family name is Yang, the people of jianghu gave him the nickname Baibu Yang**. If Your Highness is able to receive his instruction, it’s not impossible for your skills to improve considerably.”
“Really?”
The second prince said with elation: “Baibu Yang, this is a great name. Is this not fitting for that idiom about hitting a willow leaf from a hundred paces away? Where is this person now? I will go and learn archery from him immediately!”
Yin Shuo gave a profound smile, “This person lives in Nail Alley. If Your Highness sends someone to inquire, you will find him immediately. At that time, would it not be easy to invite him to teach you at the second prince’s manor?”
If such a talented person was discovered by Ning YiZhao first, it would have been bad. This prince will be going first and will thank you at a later date!”
The second prince patted him on the shoulder then hastily left the palace.
Yin Shuo cupped his hands and watched him leave. It was only after he was quite a distance away that he lifted his head and a strange smile appeared on his face.
…
That night, Yin Shuo did not return to his room from the outer study until past midnight.
Before he entered his room, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, and his eyes faintly squinted.
There was the smell of someone unfamiliar, and it caused his hair to stand on end. It was not some unique fragrance but some sort of smell.
Without needing to smell it more carefully, he was able to guess.
He looked around the courtyard and found that there was nothing off about the manor’s guards. It should not be an assassin.
Who could it be?
With a vague idea in mind, he pushed the door open and stepped into the room. Sure enough, he saw a lit red candle on the table, the flame weakly flickering.
Through the candlelit room, he saw a murky figure sitting on the bed.
He slowly walked into the room and saw Princess DanYang wearing a nightgown embroidered with golden peonies. With how she was silently sitting on the bed, she faintly resembled a painting of a beautiful woman.
Hearing Yin Shuo’s footsteps, Princess DanYang raised her head while feeling more and more ashamed. With her eyebrows lowered, she gave him a seductive look. Looking down, she found that her chest was partially exposed under her nightgown, revealing her flawless, snow-white skin.
Yin Shuo’s gaze landed on her figure and did not shift away for quite some time.
Everything was going as she had hoped.
A smile of delight leaked onto her face, as she timidly looked up at Yin Shuo, “You’ve returned.”
For an instant, Yin Shuo was stunned
Princess DanYang continued: “Second brother said that you expressed your sincerity to him and provided him with a very good archery instructor. In truth, you still think of us as your true family, don’t you?”
Yin Shuo did not speak, and Princess DanYang believed that his silence meant that he agreed, “I have thought about many things. Regardless of what our relationship was before we got married, we are now husband and wife. Don’t stay mad at me, alright?”
She fully lifted her head, and Yin Shuo finally regained his composure.
He knew why he had been so stunned. It was because Princess DanYang saying that he had returned was said in the exact same tone as Yu Fu’s.
Was she copying Yu Fu? Could it be that she knew that he had feelings for Yu Fu?
Yin Shuo looked her over and said without betraying his feelings: “Princess, why are you so gentle tonight? Doing it so suddenly, I’m not quite used to it.”
Princess DanYang was a little delighted, pursing her lips and revealing a bashful smile, “Is that so? You men really do like this performance, preferring to see gentle and obedient girls. Just like how the Gu… Just like how everyone likes Yu Fu.”
Yin Shuo slowly walked to her side and sat down, “Oh? Who is this everyone? Who likes Princess ZhenJiang?”
As the man’s breath drew closer to her, Princess DanYang’s heart raced. She forgot to consider why he would ask such a question, “Naturally, the men from the Gu family, and second brother! Did you know? Even second brother likes Yu Fu!”
With Yu Fu being brought up, her tone unconsciously became heavier, and she hastily tried to recover. She then looked at Yin Shuo with a gentle gaze.
It turned out that she did not know, and he was simply overthinking things.
Yin Shuo smiled and said: “Second prince liking Princess ZhenJiang is naturally something that I know. If he did not like her, how could he be willing to send her such high-quality birdnest?”
With this being brought up, Princess DanYang became more and more displeased. The second prince had never given her anything as valuable, yet he gave it Yu Fu.
If they continued with this topic, the atmosphere that had been built up might be ruined, thus Princess DanYang changed the subject, “You’ve worked hard all day. It has gotten quite late. How about resting up earlier?”
“Rest?”
Yin Shuo gave her a meaningful look, “Yes, I should rest. Princess should also get some rest. Forgive me for not sending you off.”
Saying this, he removed the sash from his robes, his slender fingers moving in an elegant manner. Princess DanYang was in a daze from watching.
Why did such a despicable person have to be born so handsome!
Both embarrassed and angry, she did not know what to do and simply stood up.
With her dressing in such a way, did Yin Shuo not know what she meant?
He was pretending not to know, and it seemed that he was still angry about her humiliating him and was refusing to consummate the marriage.
Princess DanYang had never experienced this sort of thing. She thought that if she descended from her pedestal and personally came to curry favor with Yin Shuo, Yin Shuo would definitely fall for her feminine charms.
She had been overconfident, and that was what led to this humiliation!
Blood rushed to Princess DanYang’s face, as she turned around and started toward the door. She wanted to quickly get away from Yin Shuo’s sight.
Who knew that when she turned around, Yin Shuo would grab her hand and pull her into his arms.
Caught off guard, she fell into his embrace. What entered her line of sight was the delicate skin of his chest and his refined collarbone.
“Y-you…”
Having actually reached this point, she was at a loss over what to say.
Yin Shuo immediately lowered her onto the bed, “Princess proposed that we sleep together. If I was to refuse again, would it not make people suspect that I am lacking in ability?”
Princess DanYang blushed furiously and closed her eyes. With a sneer on his face, a ruthless look flashed through Yin Shuo’s eyes, “But it will hurt a lot. You will need to endure it.”
*TN: A society of fighters that is meant to avoid interacting with the world governed by laws.
**TN: The nickname is a play on the idiom for shooting with great precision. “Baibu chuanyang.”
