The Rivers And Mountains Chapter 2

Inside the imperial study, Ye Zijue stood to one side, rapidly reading the urgent letter from the frontier. The man who was clad in a yellow gown sat to one side, calmly waiting for her. The room was filled with a quiet atmosphere, with both the doors and windows sealed shut, so that not even a sliver of wind can enter. 

After a moment, Ye Zijue closed the report, and lifted her head: "This the military intelligence from how many days ago?" 

"Three days ago." The yellow robed man kneaded his forehead in a somewhat exhausted manner: "The Liao Army joined forces with the rebels, and commenced an attack converging from two sides. Tang San is now awaiting our response." 

"Repelling the Liao people for the country, or perhaps..." His eyes carried a tired smile: "To defeat the rebels for zhen." 

"Our military strength is not enough to simultaneously confront the enemies?" Ye Zijue tightly wrinkled her brows. The man slightly smiled: "Zijue, in fact, we still have a glimmer of a chance." 

"What is it?" 

"The rebel army is in a temporary cease-fire." Picking up the tea from one side, he took a sip before continuing: "However, with Yang Yuan’s personality, this is definitely impossible.” 

Ye Zijue no longer spoke, only walking to his side to help him organize the reports. 

She wore the gown of a government official, with her hair coiled up in a typical style for men. In these five years, she became calm and steady without the former rashness and inexperience. 

Su Yuanan looked at her with a smile. After a moment, he suddenly said: "I remember the time five years ago, when I first met you. At that time, I felt that this girl was truly insolent." 

Their encounter from five years ago, in a teahouse of Chang'an. They had mutually strived against each other, neither backing down. Starting with pairs of poetic couplets, before moving on to the topic of national politics. This woman spoke with pride, possessing astonis.h.i.+ng talent and a praiseworthy demeanor. Hence, he had said: "Follow me, I will allow you to enter the court." 

She asked: "What do I have to gain from following you?" 

He smiled: "Follow me and you will have meat to eat." 

Thus, she followed him into the imperial court, dressing as a man for five years.

Five years... 

"At the time, I remembered that you said to me, follow you, and I would have meat to eat." She smiled softly: "However, even now I can only have clear soup to drink."

"Then tomorrow I will send someone to take 5 catties of pork to you." Su Yuanan gave his hand a wave, exuding heroism. Ye Zijue pulled a face: "Don't, if you send people to ‘bestow’ me 5 catties of pork, I would actually have to kneel. To kneel for just 5 catties of pork, I, Ye Zijue am not that worthless."

"Zijue." Su Yuanan suddenly gripped her hand, causing Ye Zijue to stiffen slightly. As Su Yuanan’s grip became increasingly tighter, she lowered her head, not making a sound. 

He had never practiced martial arts, so no matter how much strength he used, Ye Zijue did not experience too much pain. She had thought that he would say something. However, after quite a while, he suddenly released her hand and stood up: "I have already written a letter to the rebels. The reply should arrive the day after tomorrow. Ye Zijue, what kind of person is Bai Rongzhi?" 

"Him?"

Ye Zijue’s heart chilled, could it be... he already knew? 

The palm of her hand had a layer cold sweat. She suppressed all her emotions before emotionlessly saying: "I’m not familiar with him." 

"Really?" 

Su Yuanan chuckled: "Actually, I think he is a good person." He slowly walked out with a face full of unwillingness: "Only he is too shrewd, without enough benevolence." When he reached the door, he suddenly turned back: "Ye Zijue," he smiled lightly: "Tomorrow, wait for me at the Ting Feng PaG.o.da on Chang’an Street, ok?" 

Not waiting for her to finish, he walked away with a laugh. The laughter was somewhat unresigned and also somewhat filled with desolation. Ye Zijue’s back was covered with cold sweat, supporting herself to slowly walk out. 

What....did he mean? 

He knew? 

Or...was this just a ruse?