Want to Be My Consort?

Tap, tap...

One set of footsteps sounded in the gloomy tunnel, yet two men emerged.

Ye Jingtang's expression remained as calm as ever, but a trace of melancholy had clearly settled between his brows.

Shang Jianli walked without a sound, like a ghost floating before him, his face as cold as ever:

"The saddest things in this world are heroes in their twilight years and beauties with white hair. Young Master Ye, you have yet to come of age and have seen little of such things. It is only natural to feel moved, but do not take it too much to heart. Unroll anyone's life, and their experiences could move us both. Compassion should be spent on those who deserve it."

"Do you have a story of your own, Lord Shang?"

"You will find no one in this world without a story. They differ only in scale, and whether they are exciting."

"Heh..."

After exchanging a few words, Ye Jingtang took his leave.

But he had not gone far before Wang Chihu came running over, calling from a distance:

"Brother Ye, Her Highness has summoned you. Come along, quickly."

Shang Jianli had yet to leave. Seeing this, he raised a hand:

"Young Master Ye, please."

Surprise flashed in Ye Jingtang's eyes at Prince Jing's summons. He straightened his clothes a little, then followed Wang Chihu through a small doorway beneath the high wall.

The white wall seemed to divide two worlds.

Before it stood a solemn, imposing government office. Beyond the little doorway, the view suddenly opened up. Brilliantly colored flowers filled his vision, and a covered walkway stretched across a green lake toward a scattered array of pavilions and towers. Countless young women in colorful clothes moved among them, as though he had stepped from the mortal world into the Heavenly Peach Garden in a single instant.

Ye Jingtang crossed the covered walkway with his eyes straight ahead, without looking at the brightly dressed women in the manor's inner quarters.

Unfortunately, his looks were rather appealing to women. He had barely emerged from the walkway before dozens of gazes fell on him from every direction, accompanied by faint whispers:

"Whose young master is that?"

"So handsome. Could he be the one our prince has chosen..."

"What a perfect match..."

"If Her Highness doesn't like him, could she bestow him on us?"

"In your dreams..."

The manor's maids were so mischievous that Ye Jingtang could reasonably infer Prince Jing was not a difficult mistress to serve. Feeling a little reassured, he followed Wang Chihu to the foot of the Jade Resonance Tower.

Only up close could he appreciate the grandeur and splendor of the five-story tower. A person standing beneath it looked like a tiny grain of millet.

A maid waited at the entrance to the Jade Resonance Tower. Wang Chihu stopped at the foot of the steps and quietly gave Ye Jingtang a meaningful look:

"Brother Ye, plant your feet firmly on this step, and you could save yourself sixty years of detours. Make an effort."

Ye Jingtang really had no good response to that. He merely cupped his hands in farewell, lifted his robe slightly, and climbed the steps, following the maid into the Jade Resonance Tower.

The tower's first floor was a spacious hall, but it held none of the usual furnishings such as tables, chairs, or screens. An open space about sixty feet long and wide occupied its center. Instead of wooden floorboards, the floor was made of some unknown black stone, densely covered with fine scratches.

Eight enormous pillars surrounded it. Beyond the pillars lay a corridor, with dozens of display tables along the walls bearing sabers, spears, swords, halberds, and other weapons.

Martial culture flourished in Great Wei. Men and women, old and young, nobles and commoners alike all learned a little fighting, so there was nothing strange about a female prince keeping weapons in her home.

At first, Ye Jingtang paid them little attention, merely following the pretty maid who kept glancing back at him. But when he reached one display table, he stopped.

A long spear lay across the rosewood table. Its shaft was made of some unknown material, dark blue-black in color, with a jade-like sheen.

The spearhead was a foot and a half long. Its black blade shone like a mirror, giving off a cold, sinister gleam in the light. The butt spike was the same.

Not a single pattern or character was engraved anywhere on the spear, yet to a martial artist, it was like a peerless beauty reclining with her jade-white body exposed.

Most importantly, a wooden plaque beneath the table bore the spear's name:

Dragon-Mingling

After learning about the Dragon-Mingling Diagram from his adoptive father, Ye Jingtang had also asked about the origins of that extraordinary book. Legend had it that a founding monarch once encountered an extraordinary man in an age of chaos and received a wondrous scroll. He first reached the transcendent realm of martial arts, then pacified the eight wildernesses and six directions, uniting the world. In his old age, he rode a dragon into immortality. Thus, later generations called the remarkable scroll the Dragon-Mingling Diagram.

The spear that founding monarch had used to conquer the world was likewise bestowed with the name Dragon-Mingling by later generations. Ranked first among the ten renowned spears, it had always remained in emperors' private collections throughout successive dynasties and had never appeared in the martial world.

As a martial artist, Ye Jingtang could hardly avoid stopping for a closer look when he suddenly encountered equipment of this "golden legendary" caliber, trying to determine whether it was authentic.

Perhaps he had become too engrossed. As Ye Jingtang examined it closely, a voice suddenly sounded beside his ear:

"Do you like it?"

The voice was clear and sternly cold, carrying an authority that brooked no defiance. Its sound alone conjured the image of a solemn figure who commanded awe without anger.

Yet that voice belonged to a woman.

Luo Ning's mature feminine voice carried a faint, soft allure beneath its ethereal lightness, sounding like a seasoned heroine venturing out into the world.

This mature feminine voice, however, was imperious, utterly assured, and intolerant of defiance-the very flavor of a domineering female CEO...

Ye Jingtang had heard no footsteps. Slightly startled, he turned to look-a woman had appeared in front of the maid leading him.

She wore a jade crown atop her head and a silver-and-white python robe. A gold-inlaid jade belt encircled her waist, with an emerald-green pendant carved in the shape of a roaming dragon hanging from it.

Her clothes were plainly masculine in style, but had been altered slightly to fit her figure. The waist was tightly cinched, while the chest was broad, bulging around two generous mounds. Even the five-clawed golden python embroidered there had become a "fat-headed dragon."

She was very tall, reaching roughly to Ye Jingtang's eye level-a crane among chickens when compared with other women.

Yet her figure was perfectly proportioned, with a textbook nine-heads-tall silhouette, long limbs, and a waist of just the right size. She was slender where she should be slender, and where she should be full, she was very full indeed!

As for her face, her features were sharply defined, her skin white as mutton-fat jade, and her brows shaped like willow leaves. Beneath her high, straight nose, her lips were painted a vivid scarlet, strikingly eye-catching without a hint of seductive coyness. Her beauty was forthright and magnificent. "Beautiful" felt too soft a word; "handsome" seemed more fitting.

Ye Jingtang was genuinely surprised to turn and find such a striking beauty with blazing red lips, but he did not lose his composure. He raised his hands in salute:

"I am Ye Jingtang. My respects, Your Highness Prince Jing."

Dongfang Liren stood quite close behind Ye Jingtang. When he turned and regarded her without any unusual reaction, approval showed in her eyes:

"Calm in danger, unmoved by favor or disgrace. You have a good temperament. Rise."

Ye Jingtang had recognized her identity from the python robe, but he truly had not expected Prince Jing to be so young. Lowering his hands, he stood straight. Rather than scrutinize her appearance, he looked at the Dragon-Mingling Spear and answered her earlier question:

"I merely stopped out of curiosity. I do not know spear techniques, so I cannot really say I like it."

Dongfang Liren picked up the spear and examined it in her hands:

"The Dragon-Mingling Spear is several centuries old. However formidable it was in its day, after all the battles it endured, it is hardly fit for serious use now. It serves as a decoration in the inner palace of the Imperial City. This spear is a replica, but its materials surpass even the original."

Holding the spear in one hand, she offered it to Ye Jingtang:

"Want to try?"

Ye Jingtang did not take it, replying apologetically:

"I know nothing of spear techniques and would not dare squander such a treasure. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Dongfang Liren withdrew the spear, placed it back on the table, and proceeded along the circular corridor:

"I cherish martial arts. This tower holds not only renowned weapons from across the world, but also many martial manuals handed down through successive dynasties. Since childhood, I have wished to gather the strengths of a hundred schools within myself. Unfortunately, people in the martial world cling to their rules. They teach their true skills only to disciples, never outsiders. They will not even give me face."

Ye Jingtang followed her, considering briefly:

"Does Your Highness wish to learn my blade technique?"

Dongfang Liren stopped and turned to look at Ye Jingtang:

"You are clever. Would you be willing?"

Of course Ye Jingtang was willing. His goal was to dig up the Dragon-Mingling Diagram in the palace. Compared with the Dragon-Mingling Diagram and the connections of Prince Jing's Manor, what was one blade technique that had already been revealed?

"However fine a blade may be, it still depends on whose hands hold it. Those afraid to teach outsiders their true skills merely fear that the blue will surpass the indigo it came from. My strike has already been revealed, so it can no longer serve as a hidden trump card. If an outsider I teach can use it better than I can, they could defeat me with other techniques anyway. If they cannot use it as well, they would not last a single exchange against me whether they knew this strike or not. What harm would there be in teaching it to everyone?"

Dongfang Liren nodded slightly. "You are worth teaching. The Martial Immortal Fengguancheng never turns away any Grandmaster who comes seeking instruction. He only worries they will fail to understand. Perhaps his thinking is the same as yours. Unfortunately, no one has yet been able to stand on the same stage and contend with him. I hope you can be like him someday."

"You think far too highly of me, Your Highness. I have no such lofty ambitions, merely a little selfish motive. I only know this one strike. If it catches your eye, perhaps you could teach me a move or two afterward..."

Dongfang Liren understood his meaning-an exchange. She turned around:

"Easily done. Would you like to learn Junshan Terrace's Dragon-Slaying Order?"

?

Ye Jingtang was genuinely surprised to hear that.

The Blade Overlord Xuanyuan Chao was his adoptive father's enemy. If he could learn the Dragon-Slaying Order, then someday he could use Xuanyuan Chao's own blade technique to knock him flat and teach Junshan Terrace how the Dragon-Slaying Order should be used...

What a spectacular flex that would be...

At the thought, Ye Jingtang's heart raced. But after considering it, he said a little awkwardly:

"I only know one strike. Exchanging it for the current Blade Overlord's Dragon-Slaying Order would probably..."

"At least you have some self-awareness."

Dongfang Liren approached a display table, raised her fair hand, and picked up an exquisitely crafted old saber, examining it from different angles:

"You only know one opening move. You cannot even establish a school of your own with it. Naturally, that will not buy the complete Dragon-Slaying Order. You would have to offer at least one complete, first-rate martial art before I would teach you."

Ye Jingtang had known there would be no such windfall. Somewhat helplessly, he said:

"I really only know this one strike. I am still working out what comes after it, and I truly cannot say when I will manage it."

"It would take you at least ten years to perfect this blade technique. I have no patience to wait."

"Then what does Your Highness have in mind?"

Dongfang Liren flicked her finger, and the precious saber slid from its sheath. Near the guard, the characters "Tianhe" were engraved. It looked very likely to be Qiu Tianhe's personal blade:

"Are you interested in the Tianhe Blade?"

"..."

Seeing that saber, Ye Jingtang suddenly understood Prince Jing's intention. She wanted to learn the Tianhe Blade, but Qiu Tianhe would certainly refuse to teach her, so she wanted to use him to acquire it from Qiu Tianhe.

Today, Ye Jingtang had heard about the past between Qiu Tianhe and his adoptive father. He could not judge whether his adoptive father had been right or wrong, but there was nothing objectionable about Qiu Tianhe's actions. If an opportunity arose to get him out legitimately, he certainly would not stand idly by.

After a little consideration, Ye Jingtang shook his head and sighed softly:

"The Tianhe Blade is renowned throughout the martial world. Naturally, I would like to learn it if given the chance. But Qiu Tianhe is imprisoned. If I learned his blade technique, I would owe him a debt. If I ignored my teacher despite knowing his life hung by a thread, I would become a white-eyed wolf. If I tried to rescue him, however, Your Highness would probably lock me up as well."

Dongfang Liren sheathed the saber and placed it on the table:

"You traveled a thousand miles to deliver your family property to the Capital City. That alone showed me you value loyalty and affection. Naturally, I would not force such a dilemma upon you. Do you know why Qiu Tianhe has yet to be executed despite his capture?"

Ye Jingtang shook his head.

"In the Second Year of Cheng'an, Qiu Tianhe abducted Xuanyuan Shuye, a maiden selected for the palace. She was the Marquis of Junshan's legitimate daughter and was to be appointed a noble consort. Her abduction left a vacancy among the intended empress and two consorts, so the marriage envoy selected a daughter of a prominent family nearby to enter the palace."

Dongfang Liren turned back, standing perfectly straight with her head high and chest lifted:

"After entering the palace, that woman won my imperial father's deep affection and gave birth to two princesses. Guess which two princesses they were."

"..."

Ye Jingtang looked at the graceful, upright Prince Jing before him, rather surprised:

"Your Highness and..."

Dongfang Liren nodded and continued along the corridor:

"Although it was a twist of fate, Qiu Tianhe could indeed be said to have rendered meritorious service to the imperial house. I have not killed him partly because I want his blade technique, and partly because I find it difficult to feel any dislike for that 'treasonous act' of his.

"If you learn his blade technique, honor him as an elder, and are willing to work for me, I can, for your sake, petition the sovereign to grant mercy beyond the law and let Qiu Tianhe leave the dungeon. But do not imagine he will regain his freedom. He may escape death, but he cannot escape punishment. Allowing him to find a little courtyard near the Black Bureau and live out his remaining years would already be the greatest mercy he could receive."

Ye Jingtang fell silent briefly at this proposal:

"What would Your Highness want me to do?"

"Hmm..."

Dongfang Liren stopped with her hands behind her back and turned to study Ye Jingtang's incomparably handsome face and tall, sturdy frame, looking thoughtful.

?!

Ye Jingtang straightened a little, feeling that this fiery female prince meant-Want to be my consort?

"Uh..."

"Hmph."

Dongfang Liren turned her face away, leaving Ye Jingtang looking at the back of her head:

"Do not let your imagination run wild. I stand below one person and above ten thousand. I have seen every kind of handsome talent. A pretty shell with flowery fists and embroidered kicks like you is not enough to catch my eye. I oversee the Black Bureau and am responsible for hunting down criminals who run amok in the martial world. What do you think I would have you do?"

Ye Jingtang had known there would be no such windfall. He smiled sheepishly:

"I understand. Ruthless bandits who treat human lives like grass deserve to be slain by anyone. If I encounter them, I will rid the people of those scourges even without Your Highness asking."

"Empty words prove nothing. Why should I believe you?"

Dongfang Liren raised her hand slightly. "Since you dared accept the Wingless Owl case, you must be confident. Let me see what you can do first."

What?

Confident, my ass!

Ye Jingtang inwardly sensed trouble. All the ruthless martial-world bandits in the files he had just looked through could "split an earthworm lengthwise." Concerned for his safety, he had chosen a relatively less dangerous assignment, intending only to do his best and make a token effort.

Now that Prince Jing had said this, failure to catch the culprit would seriously damage her impression of him. Naturally, finding an opportunity to enter the palace and dig up treasure afterward would also become a problem...

He had accepted the assignment himself. He could hardly back out now and choose another. After some thought, he could only steel himself and say:

"I will certainly do my utmost."

"Go, then. I shall await your good news."