Volume One: The Hidden Dragon Beneath the Abyss Chapter 105: Entrustment

“What kind of answer does Your Majesty wish to hear from me—can it be done or not?” Wang Chuan asked.

The two sat cross-legged on cushions, facing each other.

“Wang Chuan, you truly are different from the others. You’re either blunt and speak the plain truth, or you nod and flatter without objection,” the Summer Sovereign remarked.

“Since Your Majesty already knows, why ask? I have always thought you a wise man,” Wang Chuan replied.

No minister had ever dared to deceive him; if he were truly unwilling, who in the world could fool him?

In the end, who is laughing at whom?

All those subjects were merely watching this emperor, looking up in awe, reading his expressions.

“Then, Wang Chuan, can you attain immortality?” the Summer Sovereign pressed.

“Me?” Wang Chuan pondered and shook his head. “I’ve never been fixated on such questions, but Your Majesty always seeks these answers.”

Those self-deceiving or stubbornly obsessive answers.

“Wang Chuan, I can no longer turn back,” the Summer Sovereign said. “Like the mountain stream’s water, the gentleman’s spirit, easy to rise and fall. Yet once it flows into the river, it can never return to the mountain. It must surge forward, rushing to the seas.”

“I understand,” Wang Chuan nodded. “Sometimes I feel my pursuit of the Great Way is the same!”

This path is one to walk with no regrets until death.

To keep going forward.

The Summer Sovereign nodded quietly and looked at him. “My grand birthday approaches, yet I grow lonelier. Lately, I sleep well but often awaken suddenly from nightmares, dreaming my grand birthday turns into my final day.”

“Your Majesty,” Wang Chuan said, “life entails birth, aging, sickness, death, and unexpected calamities. There is reincarnation and fate, none of which have been fully comprehended—how then can one claim to have attained the Way? What Way have you truly attained? In ancient times, sages proved the Way through strength and merit—those were truly immortal sages, though later they all returned to the void. Isn’t that the realm Your Majesty seeks but cannot grasp?”

“Wang Chuan, if only I had known you sooner, how wonderful it would have been to converse with you. Have I wasted so many years?” The Summer Sovereign’s voice brimmed with emotion, tinged with grievance.

“Not really. Your Majesty was never truly waiting for me,” Wang Chuan frowned slightly.

At that moment, he saw the Summer Sovereign smile meaningfully, deepening his confusion.

“Wang Chuan, then by what Way do you prove your path?” the Summer Sovereign asked.

“The pinnacle of martial arts,” Wang Chuan replied. “At that stage, one gains far more than imagined. What then is unattainable?”

“Such an exalted realm is truly enviable. I long to witness it myself,” the Summer Sovereign said with yearning. “The Celestial Jade Capital, twelve towers and five cities. The immortals touch my head, binding my hair to receive eternal life. Why was I not born and raised there?”

“Your Majesty, people gain some things and lose others,” Wang Chuan sighed. “Yet there is always desire.”

“Indeed, it is still you, Wang Chuan—your spirit is transcendent!” the Summer Sovereign laughed.

“I once knew a man who always pursued perfection, striving to do his best,” Wang Chuan continued. “But every measure has its limits; people inevitably have weaknesses. He played to his strengths and avoided his shortcomings, quickly abandoning what was too difficult without hesitation.”

“Wang Chuan, you are unlike those ministers who only seek to die loyal and leave their names,” the Summer Sovereign said. “In ancient times, some famous ministers advised emperors with effective measures—much more skillful. So, do you wish that I not disappoint others?”

“Your Majesty is rational and clear-headed,”

(End of chapter, please turn the page)

“In truth, we are all the same—born into the emperor’s family by misfortune, unable to indulge in what we love, burdened with heavy responsibilities,” Wang Chuan sighed. “This is why I’ve always felt our meeting came too late—it should not have been so.”

“Yes! Wang Chuan, you are truly my confidant,” the Summer Sovereign said with relief. “You say that on my grand birthday, I should pass the throne to the crown prince, so I will no longer have to manage affairs.”

“State matters should not be spoken of lightly, especially the emperor’s family affairs,” Wang Chuan sighed. “But it sounds like a good plan.”

Let him decide for himself; come what may, it will be no concern of mine.

Wang Chuan said nothing further.

“Wang Chuan, if one day you inherit the throne, will you be able to do what you wish?” the Summer Sovereign asked.

“I have heard that the wise adapt, and the greatest command others,” Wang Chuan smiled. “Governing a country may be like cooking a delicate dish—many will assist me.”

“Wang Chuan, your imperial strategy is profound indeed. No wonder all under heaven rally to you. I once thought the same, but after many trials and tribulations, I gave up,” the Summer Sovereign said. “The difficulty lies in having no capable men. You have seen our current state—the prime minister is no longer the man he once was.”

…

The matriarch looked at Xu Wei, hesitating before speaking, “I have an impertinent request…”

Xu Wei nodded.

“I am very close to Sister Qing, like sisters. Grandmother, please give me your instructions.”

After another moment’s hesitation, she added, “I fear it may be disrespectful to the princess.”

Xu Wei scratched her head lightly. “Grandmother, please speak freely.”

The matriarch sighed. “Prince Wang Chuan is a rare man, one with his own pursuits. But if he cares, he is deeply protective of those around him and possesses unmatched poetic talent. These days, I often hear Sister Qing reciting his poems. She has seen many talents but few who move her so. Before Prince Wang, none compare.”

Xu Wei’s eyes widened, still puzzled.

The matriarch continued, “A man like Prince Wang, so extraordinary—if only he were the one. If Sister Qing could marry Lord Chu, even as a concubine, I would be at peace.”

“Ah?” Xu Wei gasped, utterly surprised.

“To the princess, this must seem utterly improper,” the matriarch looked at her cautiously. “I was presumptuous. Princess, can you not accept this?”

“Must a man have concubines? My father and mother share great love. Although there are consorts, he scarcely visits them,” Xu Wei said, confused. “I thought about asking Brother Chuan myself. But Sister Qing—does she like Brother Chuan?”

“If it is Prince Wang, it would be a good outcome for her. If you both cared for her, it would be my greatest comfort,” the matriarch said earnestly. “I have always hoped she would find a good home.”

Xu Wei pondered. “Then why not ask Brother Chuan first, and why tell me instead?”

The matriarch was moved and said, “Princess, I beg you, please ask Prince Wang’s opinion. If he refuses, all will end. But if he agrees, I will do everything to see it through. I know I am placing a heavy burden on you.”

Xu Wei looked at the matriarch’s sincere expression, her mind a whirl of confusion, but she nodded without fully understanding.

Later, she sat dazed by the courtyard gate. Yang Hao hurried over to check on her, shook his head, and said nothing. She remained quiet.

She thought of Wang Chuan—a man hidden like a dragon in the deep abyss, destined for limitless achievement. He pursues the Great Way; how could he remain bound to this place?

Such matters—she was used to consulting Wang Chuan before.

If not suitable, she could now seek her mother’s advice.

She touched the envelope in her arms, holding two more.

But she was grown now, the crown princess of Jin State—not the reckless, playful little girl she once was.

“Princess…” Zhong Jie approached, bowing.

Except for Wang Chuan, others still called her princess, as she was still young.

“What is it?” Xu Wei asked.

Zhong Jie wouldn’t come without reason. Most times he spoke with Wang Chuan, discussing matters beyond her understanding.

State affairs, and such.

At that moment, warm sunlight filtered through, and the sound of a zither floated softly on the breeze.

Xu Wei turned to look and immediately recognized Zhong Yuqing.

Dressed in simple garments, she sat by the pavilion railing, her slender fingers lightly plucking the strings. The elegant melody resonated throughout.

A gentle breeze stirred, scattering peach blossoms across her face and onto the plain strings, filling the air with a faint fragrance.

Butterflies seemed drawn by the music, fluttering their wings among the petals, as if singing along.

Xu Wei still enjoyed listening to her play. Wang Chuan’s music—no, she would pass on that. His zither sound was meant to seize life.

For forced verse and fabricated sorrow!

Wang Chuan was skilled in music and could play famous melodies, but he deliberately chose this path—the sound of the zither led astray.

His path, too, was pure and singular.

“What did you just say?” Xu Wei was distracted and hadn’t heard clearly.

“I must travel far. When Prince Wang returns, please inform him and kindly look after my household,” Zhong Jie said seriously.

That was all.

But Wang Chuan would understand.

“Where are you going? Sneaking off for fun?” Xu Wei asked in surprise.

She quickly calmed herself.

This visit was for the birthday celebration. Afterward, Wang Chuan would take her elsewhere to enjoy themselves—a thought that pleased her greatly.

“I have urgent affairs to attend. Please keep this secret, Princess. Thank you,” Zhong Jie said solemnly.

He was heading south to ignite a fire—a determined plan to overthrow the prime minister’s faction.

Playing was out of the question.

“All right, I understand,” Xu Wei nodded. “I’ll have him help.”

“That’s excellent. A man like him is trustworthy,” Zhong Jie said with relief.

Xu Wei was touched and watched him leave quietly.

Her husband was seen this way by others.

Not long after, Wang Chuan returned and walked toward her.

“Sorry I’m late. The Summer Sovereign has been lonely and restless for too long; he spoke at length,” Wang Chuan said, handing her a candied hawthorn stick as a treat. “Eat this. Before the birthday feast, I won’t have to enter the palace again. Yang Hao and the others will handle the usual matters. Let’s go have some fun.”

He sat beside her.

“Brother Chuan, you should eat some too.” Xu Wei had eaten two and offered him some.

“I don’t like these,” Wang Chuan shook his head, speaking honestly.

“They’re delicious.”

“Then eat more. Seeing you satisfied makes me happy; your happiness fulfills me.”

(End of chapter)