A Dream of Justice: The First Lady Constable | Chapter 51 | A Song for the Frontier | Novela.app

As the final notes faded, I looked up at my father. "Well, what do you think?" He leaned back, lost in thought for a moment. "It sounds... a bit chaotic, doesn't it?" My face fell. "Dad, is that any way to criticize someone?" This was my own arrangement of *Ambush from All Sides*. Or rather, my "adapted" version, since I couldn't remember the original score perfectly. As a child, that piece had always frustrated me; the tempo was so fast my fingers could hardly keep up, and my teacher was forever rapping my knuckles. Naturally, I’d had to fill in many of the details from memory. But surely it wasn't *chaotic*. My father smiled warmly. "Play that *Song of the Frontier* from yesterday again. Let me compare." Aside from *Moonlit Night on the Spring River*, *Song of the Frontier* was the piece that had left the deepest impression on me. In my final year of studying the guzheng, my teacher had selected it for a city-wide performance I did with three other students. I think we even won a small award. Afterward, my father had taken me out for McDonald's ice cream as a reward. Thinking of his smiling eyes, the feeling in my heart was no longer one of sharp bitterness, but a swelling sense of nostalgia. I looked at my father here; he had his eyes half-closed, chin resting on his hand in a look of pure enchantment, his fingers occasionally tapping the rhythm on the desk. Since being transferred back to the capital, he had served as the Vice Minister of Rites. Though a fourth-rank official position in the capital seemed leisurely, I often sensed a trace of suppressed melancholy in the space between his brows—the look of a man whose "soaring talents were wasted, his grand ambitions never realized." He opened his eyes. "I think *Song of the Frontier* is the better choice." He shook his head with a teasing smile. "No wonder they say a grown daughter cannot be kept at home. Look at you, not even married yet, and already racking your brain to please Ming Shao’s elders..." I made a face at him. "It’s not just for Ming Shao. Marshal Chu is a great hero. He’s my idol!" My father smiled faintly, a flicker of loneliness crossing his gaze again. I quickly added, "Dad, what else do you want to hear? Just say the word, and your daughter shall serve you." He thought for a moment. "*Moonlit Night on the Spring River*, then." Both my fathers, in this life and the last, shared a love for that piece. I wondered if there was some mysterious, predestined connection. In truth, over the past six months, I had been constantly running about; the time I spent simply accompanying him like this was far too little. Yet, he never complained. It was as if some unfulfilled wish of his was attached to me, allowing him to enjoy the thrill of my unrestrained, willful growth. For the first time, I felt the depth of the solitude in his heart. *** As night fell, I changed into male attire and followed my father and Luo Jin into a carriage to attend the banquet. Ming Shao had mentioned that because Marshal Chu disliked ostentation, the birthday celebration wouldn't be large. However, when we arrived at the Prince’s manor, the gates were already crowded with carriages. Ming Shao and his younger brother, Ming Di, were greeting guests at the entrance. Seeing our carriage, Ming Shao hurried over to pay his respects to my father and Luo Jin. He was wearing a deep crimson robe. It was the first time I’d seen him in such a flamboyant color, but he looked stunning. As he reached out to help me carry the guzheng, I whispered, "One word: handsome. Two words: very handsome. Three words: incredibly handsome!" Ming Shao glanced at my father, who was standing nearby, and suppressed a smile. "Go on inside." Before we could even cross the threshold, the sound of carriage wheels rumbled behind us, and a crisp voice called out, "Xi Xia!" I turned to see a small figure leaping from a moving carriage. In three or four bounds, he was up the steps and burying himself in my arms, huffing indignantly. "You said you’d come to the palace to see me! You broke your promise!" I hugged him, a pang of guilt hitting me. I had been busy, but I’d also been intentionally avoiding the Eastern Palace. I’d forgotten that he lived there. Ming Hua looked up, his brow furrowed. "If you do this again, I really won't talk to you. Did you miss me?" "I did," I said quickly. "Of course I missed you." Ming Shao looked on with a mix of exasperation and amusement, eyeing the little fellow. Just then, two more elegantly dressed figures descended from the carriage. Leading them was Crown Prince Ming De, followed by Qing Rong, who was also disguised in male clothing. I knelt with my father and Lord Luo to pay our respects. Ming De stepped forward to support my father’s arm, his voice calm and steady. "Rise. There is no need for such ceremony, Father-in-law." Since leaving the palace to recover from my injuries, I had visited Wu Xiu and Qing Rong, but I hadn't seen him. In the evening light, he remained the picture of a composed, graceful nobleman, yet there was a faint sense of detachment in his eyes, as if he were separated from the common world by the distance between heaven and earth. His gaze swept over my face briefly before settling on Ming Shao. I wasn't sure if I was overthinking it, but when the two men locked eyes, the atmosphere suddenly became subtle. Though they didn't say a word, it felt as if they were exchanging a great deal in silence. The tranquil smile remained on Ming Shao’s lips, but his gaze grew increasingly solemn. I stole a glance at my father; he was watching Ming Shao intently, seemingly sighing in secret. Only Luo Jin remained impassive, watching the scene with a look of quiet contemplation. The Prince of the Sixth Rank and his consort came out to welcome them just in time. I quietly reached out to take Ming Shao’s hand. He squeezed back, offering a shallow smile as if to reassure me. His smile was still as warm as a spring breeze, but the gravity in his eyes hadn't fully dissipated. He seemed to have something on his mind. Qing Rong tugged at my sleeve, pulling me away from Ming Shao. I leaned in close to her neck and sniffed, whispering a reminder: "Next time you dress as a man, don't wear scented powder." Ming Hua, clinging to my side, chimed in, "Exactly! And she keeps touching her hair. She doesn't look like a man at all." Qing Rong glared at him and lowered her voice. "I saw that Yi Kai." "I didn't lie, did I? He's handsome, right?" Ever since the day he entered the city, I had snuck into the palace to praise Yi Kai to the heavens. Seeing her unmoved, I’d suggested she see for herself. I felt that since they were destined to spend their lives together, it would be much better if they actually liked each other. Qing Rong huffed noncommittally. "He’s coming today, too." "His eyes are choco—I mean, chestnut-colored. Did you notice?" Qing Rong sighed. Perhaps to her, even the most delicious food in the world would lose its flavor if one were forced to eat it. As we approached the main hall, she leaned into my ear. "I told Imperial Father to let you join the bridal escort. He’s already agreed. Marshal Chu is going the same way, and he’s taking Ming Shao back to Qizhou with him." She blinked her large eyes at me triumphantly. "How are you going to thank me?" I let out a long breath of relief. Finally, a trip on the government's dime! I threw an arm around her shoulder and grinned. "I’ll play a beautiful song for you later." Qing Rong curled her lip. "Using someone else's party to give me a gift? How insincere." *** The hall was already bustling with people surrounding Marshal Chu. The most prominent group was a small cluster of military officers; they had recently earned merit in battle and looked striking in their polished armor. The guest of honor, Marshal Chu, wore a dark red robe and looked refreshed and vigorous. Even without his armor, he carried the unmistakable air of a soldier. He was surrounded by several people, engaged in a heated discussion. To his left stood Yi Kai, the King of Great Chu. Though he wore an exquisitely embroidered robe and behaved with perfect etiquette, one look at him naturally brought to mind a wild leopard of the great plains. His captivating chestnut eyes swept casually toward us, lingering for a moment on Qing Rong’s face before moving on. My intuition told me: Yi Kai had definitely recognized her. I turned to look at Qing Rong; her lips were pressed tight, and she looked a bit uneasy. I gave her a light pat on the back and whispered, "Sit down. Keep your eyes open and observe carefully." Qing Rong rolled her eyes at me, then took Ming Hua’s hand and followed Prince Ming De with forced composure. The person standing on the other side of Marshal Chu had his back to us. He was slightly taller than Yi Kai, wearing a finely embroidered black robe, his ebony hair held by a translucent emerald hairpin. I was just thinking, *That hairpin looks familiar...* when the man turned around abruptly, as if sensing my gaze. I stared at him in shock, then looked at Ming Shao, confused as to why this man was at a private banquet. Ming Shao whispered, "He is my uncle’s guest. A large portion of the war supplies for Qizhou were gathered and transported by Fengyun Fortress." I nodded. Feng Tong was still looking at us—mostly at Ming Shao, with that same "spark-flying" intensity. But Ming Shao seemed to have no interest in provoking him, leading me straight to Marshal Chu to offer our congratulations. When the banquet officially began, Ming Shao sat with me at the very last table. Given the ranks of the guests, it was inappropriate for him to sit at the foot of the hall, but my protests were cut short by another surprise: Ming Hua sauntered across the hall, ignored everyone else, and squeezed himself right between Ming Shao and me. This move immediately drew the eyes of half the room. Ming Shao frowned slightly. I groaned inwardly and tried to coax him. "Be a good boy, go sit up there." Ming Hua leaned lazily into my arms and said flatly, "No." "Go on," I urged. "Do you want me to lose my head?" Ming Hua looked up at me with a wounded expression. "Are you threatening me? You haven't come to see me in forever!" My heart softened, and then he added, "Besides, it’s most comfortable sitting here with you." Ming Shao looked caught between laughter and annoyance. Finally, he darkened his expression. "It is improper for you to cling to Xi Xia in a setting like this. If someone sends a memorial to the Emperor saying you are secretly consorting with officials, Xi Xia will be dismissed at best, and executed at worst. Think about that." Ming Hua glared at him, huffing defiantly, but his expression wavered. I coaxed him again. "Everyone is watching. I can't hold you here, can I? I’ll come to the palace to see you in a few days." Ming Hua stood up reluctantly. "You’re not lying?" Even Prince Ming De was starting to notice our little corner. My head felt twice its normal size; despite the winter chill, my back was breaking into a sweat. Ming Hua gave me a quick hug around the neck and trudged back to the Prince’s side, looking back every three steps. His large eyes were filled with infinite grievance, like a puppy abandoned by its master. Ming Shao sighed. "When did you become so popular with children?" Before I could answer, Feng Tong’s cold voice rang out. "I heard the Young Lord has lived in Qizhou for a long time. I wonder what your thoughts are on this matter?" The green-eyed fellow had somehow moved to the table opposite us. His emerald eyes were fixed unblinkingly on Ming Shao, waiting for an answer. He was surrounded by several officers from Qizhou, apparently discussing something related to the border. Ming Shao maintained a calm smile, meeting Feng Tong’s gaze steadily. "Regarding commerce, I concede I am not as proficient as the Master of Fengyun Fortress. The fruit trade between Yantian and the northern kingdoms has increased year by year. I hear it is one of the most vital businesses for your fortress. However, even with the hardiest fruits and vegetables, nearly a quarter of a wagon’s load is lost by the time it travels from Dai County to Qizhou. In my view, the key lies in how to reduce that loss." I didn't quite follow the specifics until Marshal Chu chimed in from the head table. "Our soldiers in Qizhou only get to eat apples year-round, and even those don't last past the New Year. Green vegetables are even rarer. If someone could make produce last longer, it would be a true blessing." An idea sparked in my mind. Feng Tong looked regretful. "We have sent many people out, but even the most experienced farmers have no better way to preserve them..." His eyes shifted to me. "Does Lord Xi have any insights?" Was he trying to embarrass me because he saw me spacing out? I gave him a flat look, but the question had genuinely piqued my curiosity. I racked my brain for common knowledge on preservation and spoke slowly. "Many fruits can be dried into preserves; those are much easier to store and transport than fresh fruit. As for extending the shelf life of fresh produce, I only know a few simple methods. For things like oranges and apples, they should be treated with a medicinal wash for basic sterilization after picking, then wrapped individually in tissue paper. Furthermore, certain herbal sprays can prevent rot on the surface. However..." Feng Tong’s green eyes were fixed on me, his expression puzzled. "Sterilization?" Explaining bacteria would be too much work, so I got straight to the point. "However, there is likely only one person in Yantian capable of such research. In the outskirts of Pulin, there is a Valley of Ten Thousand Poisons. The Poison Fairy, Feng Xiuxiu, who lives there, is perhaps the most skilled pharmacologist in the world. I suggest the Master of Fengyun Fortress provide a sum of money as research funding for Senior Feng to specifically study the preservation of fresh produce. Of course, you can sign a contract beforehand to ensure the technology isn't disclosed to third parties." Feng Tong, being a shrewd businessman, immediately grasped the potential economic benefits. He nodded repeatedly, though he looked a bit worried. " I have heard of Senior Feng, but she is a recluse. How could I..." I gave him a bright smile. "Senior Feng is my master. I would be happy to introduce you." I could bet my life that my master would accept the challenge. What scientist wouldn't want their research to benefit the masses? Besides, once he took the favor, he’d be indebted to me—let’s see if he still has the nerve to "electrify" my Ming Shao after that. Feng Tong was indeed overjoyed. He rose and bowed deeply. "If this succeeds, it will be a blessing not only for me but for all the people. I shall toast Lord Xi first." I downed the cup, feeling refreshed, and winked at Ming Shao. He shook his head with a smile, looking like he didn't know what to do with me. Marshal Chu, having overheard, leaned forward. "If this can truly be done, my soldiers in Qizhou won't have to worry about fresh food anymore. I also toast Xi Xia. I hope your master can be persuaded." I stood up quickly and said respectfully, "I wouldn't dare take the credit. Such research benefits the people; my master will surely agree." My father and Lord Luo, sitting above us, also seemed to approve of the suggestion. Marshal Chu laughed heartily. "Good! 'Benefits the people' indeed!" He drained his cup and turned to me. "And where is the gift you prepared for me?" I smiled at him. "I shall now perform *Song of the Frontier* for the Marshal." The piece described Wang Zhaojun’s longing for her homeland. But to my ears, the vast, desolate atmosphere of the melody perfectly matched my imaginings of Qizhou. Marshal Chu and the officers were indeed captivated. When I finished, the Marshal sighed softly. "Hearing this song, it’s as if I can see the thousands of miles of wilderness outside Qizhou City again." The other officers murmured their agreement. I toasted Marshal Chu and then respectfully retreated to my seat. My gaze involuntarily drifted back to Qing Rong. She seemed to have realized that Yi Kai had seen through her disguise, so she simply studied him openly. Yi Kai studied her back with equal boldness. There were no signs of love at first sight. Instead, they felt like two wild beasts meeting on a narrow path, cautiously approaching, testing each other, catching each other's scent, and warily trying to determine if the other was of the same kind. It wasn't a very romantic metaphor, and when I later described it to Qing Rong, she naturally bared her teeth and chased me around to hit me. The banquet lasted late into the night. Feng Tong, sitting opposite us, kept his gaze lowered, looking preoccupied. Occasionally, he would look up with a sense of lost longing, his eyes moving between Ming Shao and me. The man’s behavior was making my temples throb. I couldn't help but lean into Ming Shao’s ear. "Did I owe him a debt in a past life? Why does he want my horse one day and my lover the next?" Then it occurred to me—had Ming Shao insisted on sitting at the end of the hall because he was afraid I’d be uncomfortable sitting here alone? I quietly took Ming Shao’s hand and looked at him closely. Having him by my side always put my heart at ease. Ming Shao lightly tapped my cup, suppressing a laugh. "I know I’m better looking than you, but could you please wait until there’s no one around before you start drooling?" I quickly wiped my chin, only to realize I’d been tricked. "I am not drooling!" He laughed. "I’m just reminding you. In a place with so many people, it wouldn't be elegant if you actually did." Though we were whispering, any place with Ming Shao tended to attract attention. When I looked up, I caught two very different gazes. One was Marshal Chu’s; his look was bright but filled with a touch of confusion, as if he were trying to find the answer in me—to see exactly what virtues had attracted Ming Shao. The other was Prince Ming De. His gaze was still that unfathomable depth I couldn't read. But beneath that usual profundity, there seemed to be a new, subtle sharpness. *** On the day the bridal escort departed, the weather was slightly overcast. But in my heart, it was nothing but bright sunshine. King Yi Kai of Great Chu and his guard led the procession. Two hundred of Marshal Chu’s elite troops guarded Princess Qing Rong’s carriage in the middle, with the Marshal himself bringing up the rear. As we departed from the Great East Gate, Prince Ming De stood as the royal representative to see us off. He wore formal ceremonial robes, with the civil and military officials standing festively behind him. From where I stood, I couldn't see his expression clearly. I only felt a high, imposing majesty radiating from him, enveloping him like an invisible shield that grew stronger and more intense by the moment. He was becoming more impossible to read than ever. *** **Glossary**