Chapter 23
Acquainted People Meeting Again
“Mistress! Mistress!” Xia Hou Shang Yue is busy practicing sword in the courtyard of Feng Qi Palace, early in the morning. Xue Wu who excitedly runs to her is almost pierced by her sword.
“Why are you panicking so early in the morning? Is someone chasing after you?” Xia Hou Shang Yue retrieves her sword. She has no idea what made Xue Wu this anxious.
“Jin Wangye came to Yue Kingdom! I accidentally saw him earlier, he was walking with the emperor.”
The sword in Xia Hou Shang Yue’s hand falls to the floor with a loud sound. Gong Sun Jin is in Yue Kingdom…. Why is he in Yue Kingdom? Xia Hou Shang Yue no longer reminisce everything that happened in Mu Kingdom, so all those things gradually fades in her heart. Especially about Gong Sun Jin, whose story with her ended before it can even start. The expression on her face isn’t pleasant. She says nothing and returns to her chamber.
Upon entering her chamber, she sits on her bedside. Her heart is full of things that she regrets. Gong Sun Jin, the man who almost enters her heart.
Her memory brings her back to Mu Kingdom, the land of lakes and mountains.
———–
“Mistress, look! This is a good sword!” Xue Wu led the way in that big road, excitingly pointing out things while Xia Hou Shang Yue simply followed her with a simple smile.
There was a small booth in front of an antique shop, displaying a variety of antique military weapons. Xue Wu pointed towards a sword that appeared really ancient. With just one look, Xia Hou Shang Yue was drawn in by that sword. It was a wooden sword, with peach blossoms engraved on top of it. The flowers were connected by the carving of a green branch. At the hilt of the sword, the character ‘shang’ was engraved, giving it an ancient, mournful air.
(TN: Shang (殇) means to die young.)
“En, it is indeed a good sword. Xue Wu, take it in. Let’s ask for the price.” Xia Hou Shang Yue was wearing a white dress while her hair was arranged casually. She did not wear any jewelry but somehow managed to look even more refined and unparalleled.
“Owner, how much is this sword?” The owner of the antique shop was a middle-aged man. When he saw Xia Hou Shang Yue, he was taken by surprise. Such a gorgeous maiden, in this entire Mu Kingdom, only Princess Yue Feng possessed this kind of temperament and appearance.
“So the princess is visiting, this common person feels humbled.”
“Owner is too polite, I am only strolling around. I am a customer in this shop right now, and you, the owner. There is no need for formality here.” Xia Hou Shang Yue shook her head as she smiled a beautiful smile. The owner inspected the sword and gave them a difficult expression.
“Princess, I am so sorry, but I cannot sell this sword to you.”
“You—- our princess buying things from your shop can be considered your good fortune! You’re actually telling us you wouldn’t sell the sword to us, are you afraid our princess wouldn’t pay you money?” Before Xia Hou Shang Yue got to speak, Xue Wu butted in. Xia Hou Shang Yue glared at her and Xue Wu clicked her tongue before obediently retreating.