Volume One: Hidden in the Azure Abyss Chapter Thirty-Three

Jinli withdrew her hand and turned around, only to see Geng Yuan holding a cup in one hand, his eyes lowered as he gazed at her.

Jinli felt the eyes of the crowd gradually gathering upon her. She thought to herself: if this stalemate continues, things will only become more troublesome.

At that moment, Sang Li raised his wine cup and clinked it against Geng Yuan’s, smiling as he said, “Her Excellency is not a strong drinker. Allow me to toast you in her stead, Sea Lord.”

Jinli glanced at Sang Li. Geng Yuan slowly shifted his gaze to Sang Li, then back to Jinli. A playful, probing smile appeared on his lips. “Her Excellency is not a strong drinker? If I recall correctly, she can hold her liquor quite well.”

Jinli lifted her eyes to meet his. She frowned lightly, then let it go, her lips curling into a smile. “Very well.”

She picked up her own teacup from the table, filled it with tea, and gently clinked it against his wine cup. Their gazes tangled. Jinli smiled and said, “Sea Lord, your hospitality is impossible to refuse, but I am of advanced age. Allow me to congratulate you on your wedding with tea in place of wine.”

Geng Yuan’s expression changed subtly, but whatever emotion flickered in his eyes, Jinli could no longer discern it. Perhaps she never truly had.

The Sea Lord’s lips curved in a faint arc. “You’re still alive?”

Jinli stiffened at his words. Sang Li’s expression grew grave. “Sea Lord, that was impolite.”

Her expression returned instantly to normal, a smile playing on her lips. “That’s quite a burden on you, Sea Lord, to trouble yourself so much over my wellbeing. But my health is adequate; I shall not die just yet.”

Yet in her heart, an old wound was torn open anew—she felt the beauty curse within her threaten to flare up once more.

He actually wished her dead so much.

No wonder he was Geng Yuan—there was never any sincerity to be found.

It seemed she heard the youth’s cold laughter, saw him turn and leave.

Geng Yuan returned to his seat, his hand tightening slowly around his wine cup. He lifted his gaze again, watching the two who were laughing and conversing, his eyes unfathomable.

Why had she not told him she was alive? Why make him worry so? Why could she speak so warmly with others about old times, yet remain so indifferent with him? If she truly cared, upon seeing Su Su at his side, she would have confronted him, questioned him. But instead she acted as though nothing had happened—perhaps she was still angry with him, or perhaps… she had never loved him at all.

Without love, everything became so light and unconcerned. Did she truly no longer care for him?

But what did it matter? As long as she had returned, what did it matter if she cared for him or not? It was enough just to be able to see her.

His grip on the wine cup gradually loosened, and when he looked up again, Jinli’s figure had already vanished. Panic surged in him. He rose abruptly, searching the hall. He saw Sang Li quietly raise his cup, offering Geng Yuan a small, knowing smile.

Jinli had stepped out of the banquet to get some fresh air. The empress’s garden was awash in flowers. In this celestial realm, blossoms had life thanks to the Flower Goddess; they could wither and bear fruit. Now, as another spring arrived, the pear blossoms and crabapples from Lianchuan bloomed anew. The breeze dispelled her restlessness, bringing clarity to her mind. Now that she thought about it, she was glad—it was all in the past.

Her mission should never have been weighed down by such entanglements of affection.

At this thought, she felt a measure of relief.

“Your Excellency?”

A gentle, watery voice sounded behind her. Jinli turned, squinting to see clearly. The fairy before her was delicate and gentle, radiating harmlessness, putting one instantly at ease. When the fairy saw her, there was a brief flash of fear in her eyes. Jinli smiled faintly. “What is it?”

The fairy quickly composed herself, offering a courteous smile. “I did not have the chance to greet Your Excellency alongside Lord Jin earlier. Please forgive me.”

It was the woman who had stood beside Geng Yuan.

She offered a graceful curtsey. “My name is Su Su, Your Excellency may call me Su Su.”

Jinli nodded. Su Su continued politely, “I’ve heard you’ve been at Lianchuan all this time, rarely attending gatherings?”

“Mm.”

“I have long wished to witness Your Excellency’s famed elegance and beauty. Today, my wish is granted.”

“My elegance and beauty are indeed rare sights. You are not mistaken, Fairy Su Su.”

Su Su continued, “You are as forthright as rumors say. I would very much like to befriend you.”

“Rumors are half true at best. Perhaps you do not know, Fairy Su Su, but I am not fond of making friends, nor am I truly that forthright.”

Jinli regarded her closely. This one was troublesome, and involved with Geng Yuan besides. Jinli had no desire to be further entangled with anyone or anything relating to him.

“Since you will be entering the Sea Palace one day, you must not neglect the proper rites. Today, you may perform the Four Seas’ ceremony of homage to me.”

Su Su’s expression grew a shade darker, but she maintained her composure. “I have already paid my respects just now.”

“Already?” Jinli asked with some surprise. “That slight curtsey was your homage? That is not the way of the divine realm.” With only the faintest change of expression from Jinli, Su Su dropped to her knees with a thud.

Jinli noted Su Su’s embarrassment, then glanced up at the great tree behind her, smiling to herself: how amusing.

With a wave of her hand, a pear blossom chair appeared. Jinli sat in perfect composure, rubbing her fingertips together. Her pale, slender hands moved slightly as she appraised Su Su and spoke slowly, “It seems the Heavenly Lord of Rites has not taught you properly. I am in a good mood today; shall I instruct you myself?” Her tone was melodious, laced with a hint of challenge. Then, as if recalling something, she added, “No, I should say—it is your honor.”

Su Su looked up in disbelief.

Jinli leaned back, speaking languidly, “I have never cared for these tedious rituals. When there are few people, I often excuse them. But since you are to marry into the Southern Sea Palace, you cannot be careless. Remember the rites of three kneelings and nine prostrations, and three bows at every step—these must be etched into your heart. If you wish to pay homage to me, you must fast and burn incense for three days in advance, bathe in radiant light, and submit your salute six days prior. Whether I accept that salute or not depends on my mood that day. So now, you may begin.”

Su Su’s hand clenched tightly in her sleeve, her eyes lowered, fury in their depths.

Jinli gave a cold laugh, crossing her legs, her voice steady. “I accept your homage.”

Su Su lifted her head, exhaled slowly, and forced a stiff smile. “Yes, I shall remember.”

Jinli’s eyes glimmered with amusement as she watched Su Su respectfully complete the three kneelings and nine prostrations.

Jinli nodded in satisfaction. “Is there anything else?”

Su Su, her voice trembling, replied there was not, and Jinli dismissed her.

Once Su Su had gone, she let out a long breath. Clearly, it was not her—she could never possess the overwhelming presence of Her Excellency. Just standing there, Jinli exerted an unspoken pressure.

Su Su pressed a hand to her beating heart. Now, all of this was hers—Su Wen’s—and no one could take it away.