The Soothsayer lifted her tea cup and took a delicate sip, smiling so merrily that her eyes creased to slits in her round face. No one could clearly identify the emotions in her eyes.
“Servants,” summoned Anari. “Escort the princess consort back to her quarters. She’s tired.”
“Understood.” Qin Yining’s maid answered and hauled her up on her feet.
Mu Jinghu took a worried step forward when he saw the princess consort forcefully tugged away, but a singular glance from his master stopped him in his tracks.
The corner of Qin Yining’s eye caught the man’s movements, putting her more at ease. At least Mu Jinghu still cared about her safety, which meant that his relationship with Pang Xiao hadn’t soured. Perhaps she could ask the man for help in the future.
The eyesore removed, Anari smiled at the Soothsayer. “Is the priestess free today to join me in a walk?”
Simply dressed and not in the mood to chat, Siqin rose as well. “Enjoy your walk, khan, I will take my leave as I happen to have some duties to attend to.”
Anari nodded with a smile, but still didn't want to let her husband leave on his own. She looked meaningfully at a follower, who followed the khan consort out of the hall.
“Honored priestess, I understood what you said earlier. Is it true that Qin and I have the same destinies?”
“Naturally,” the Soothsayer responded amiably. “This humble nun has read the faces of many people and never made a mistake. Does the khan not trust me?”
“Of course I do.” Anari was quick to reassure. “The futures you divined for Li Qitian, Ji Zeyu, and Pang Xiao were very accurate, and so were your lots casted for the khan consort. How would I doubt you? It’s just that I must exercise more caution when it comes to my happiness for a lifetime.”
“This humble nun understands the khan. You and your consort are very much in love and don’t wish for the intrusion of a third party.” The priestess smiled warmly at this, like she was a benevolent elder.
Anari bobbed her head rapidly. “You are very right, honored priestess. We share a love that stems from our youth and only made it to today through supporting each other all this time. I really don’t want any unpleasantness to develop between us, and don’t wish for there to be anyone else in his eyes.”
“But the destinies of people are laid down by heaven. Though your origins are noble, you hardly have a unique destiny. It’s one thing if two people with similar destinies are physically separated, but if they meet… who knows who will end with all the good fortune?
“In this humble nun’s view, though the khan and princess consort are born of different stature and countries, and are different ages, your paths of fate when it comes to the khan consort are exceedingly similar.”
“So, that means Qin might very possibly take my husband away from me?!” Anari stared wildly with outrage, gnashing her teeth. “My husband is wholeheartedly devoted to me and our relationship is something that no outsider can ever intervene in. If there really is such a day, then it’s Qin trying to seduce my husband!”
The Soothsayer shook her head with a smile. “You’re going off on a tangent, noble khan, née Qin isn’t frivolously wanton like that.”
“Are you defending her?”
“Not at all, great khan, this humble nun is just speaking the truth. However, though née Qin isn’t licentious like that, her looks are an original sin. She may not take action, but others will approach her of their own accord.”
“So you meant that the consort will like her??” Anari shot to her feet, staring anxiously at the Soothsayer, but received no response in return.
Chapter 488: Destiny Realized
Anari stood rooted in place, so overwhelmed that even the most beautiful of scenery could no longer capture her attention. Her mind echoed with what the Soothsayer had just imparted. When those of similar destinies met, it was unknown who would take away the good fortunes of the other.
No wonder her relationship with Siqin had been so fraught with tension lately! She could already feel the distance grow between them. But who was someone of her status to compare to the likes of Qin Yining? How could that girl even hope to rival her greatness?
Luck?
As if the dead had any to speak of!
The Soothsayer observed Anari with a smile for a good while before finally inquiring, "Noble khan?"
Anari came back to her senses with a smile. "Thank you for your counsel."
"There is no need to thank me.” The Soothsayer bowed solemnly and answered gently, “It is not my place to receive your gratitude. The khan's destiny is one blessed by the heavens. With your extraordinary fortunes, you are sure to achieve greatness. Everything that is happening now is but a fork in your road to success—you need only step around it. You are no mere commoner, so you need not allow unrelated persons to obstruct your footsteps."
Warmed to the cockles of her heart, Anari replied with great sincerity. "Many thanks to the honored priestess. I know as the irreplaceable leader of Tatar, I shoulder the responsibility of my nation's safety. Should a pebble get in my way, I need only kick it aside."
"This lowly nun is truly in awe of the khan's great ambitions."
The two strolled about and chatted about inconsequential matters for a few moments more before Anari excused herself, saying she had state affairs to attend to.
Only when they were completely alone after the khan’s departure did Mu Jinghu frown at the priestess. "Uncle-master, what did you mean by what you just said? Your words may cause the khan to hate née Qin!"
The Soothsayer yawned and wiped away the moisture that had sprung to the corner of her eyes.
"I know," she answered lazily. "You are on good terms with Pang Zhixi, who you've helped and also protected his wife. However, you helped him not out of the goodness of your heart, but because you owed him. After you gave him your assistance, you ceased to owe that lot any favors. Your current mission is to protect me—why ask about redundant matters? Don't tell me you've developed a soft spot for née Qin and want to help her escape?"
Mu Jinghu worried at his lips as he stood by the Soothsayer's side. He opened and closed his mouth several times before finally responding, "Not once have I disobeyed uncle-master's orders. However, Pang Zhixi is my friend. Though I initially helped him because I owed him a favor, that wasn’t my only reason for doing so. If that were the case, it would’ve been a transaction, not a friend helping a friend."
"I'll just take you as an obedient blockhead—even Pang Zhixi calls you that." The woman gave Mu Jinghu a sidelong glance. "Who knew you had such a loyal streak in you?"
The young man bit his lips and lowered his head, not knowing how to respond.
She slowly walked up to Mu Jinghu, her voice turning frosty. "Remember what you call me. You are of my sect. Should your actions go against my plans, you betray your master."
Head bowed, Mu Jinghu looked up at the Soothsayer and nodded slowly.
"I've read your fortunes—you sticking with me will ensure your safety. I don't keep you around me entirely for my own benefit. Whether it comes to public or private affairs, you must listen to me. Understood?"
Mu Jinghu's lips vibrated, but he remained silent.
In a grave tone, the Soothsayer repeated, "Have you committed my words to memory?"
After a long while, Mu Jinghu nodded. "I have, uncle-master, but née Qin..."
"You're afraid Pang Zhixi will not be able to handle her death?"
The young man fell silent while the Soothsayer clasped her hands behind her back and paced back and forth. She then made a few calculations with her hands before the smile returned to her face.
"Don't you wish to see the golden age of a united nation in which the people are happy? Living in peace without the threat of war looming over their heads or starving and freezing to death... There would be no question then of which nation to which you belong—Tatar, Great Zhou, or Southern Yan would serve the same emperor. Do you look forward to such a p
rosperous era?"
Drawn to the blueprints of the Soothsayer's words, Mu Jinghu's eyes filled with longing. "Of course I wish for the coming of such a world. I'm certain all the people hope for the same. But uncle-master, what do your actions have to do with this golden age?"
"They're all related. Everything I do is to reverse wrong and restore order. So long as Seven Kills sits at the top and the Purple Star is left bowing to others, the destiny ordained by the heavens will not be realized, and these times of turmoil will never cease. I have always worked toward the revival of a new golden age of peace that will last at least a century."
"Uncle-master, you mean Great Zhou… you speak of helping that Purple Star restore order, but I only see you stirring the storms of trouble and provoking unrest within nations, as if worried the world isn’t chaotic enough as it is."
"If my machinations remain a mystery even to someone who’s with me every day, then how is the rest of the world to understand?" The Soothsayer put her hands behind her and stood up straight with a sigh. "Mountains and seas of dead bodies merely serve as the bedstones of the road to realizing this era of peace. Every sacrifice is worth the price. Otherwise, wouldn't our lives have no meaning at all?"
Mu Jinghu stared at her back, swallowing his many questions. He knew even if he asked, no answers would be forthcoming. He’d always respected his master and followed her every command, but his bond with Pang Xiao was never far from his mind. It made no sense for him to not lift a single finger to help his wife in her times of need.
He found himself stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Meanwhile, Qin Yining returned to her quarters, only to be met by two more old mamas tasked with keeping a sharp eye on her. If she wasn't summoned by the khan, she wasn't allowed to venture outside, never mind speak to anyone.
Being a hostage meant she was barred from going out, so stay in her quarters she did.
Though Lu Heng attempted to visit her several times, the guards kept him outside every time. His restlessness and worry continued to grow, as he had no way of knowing how Qin Yining was faring if he couldn't see her. Knowing Anari's temper, Qin Yining was good as dead should she be bullied or injured to the point of falling ill.
Since he wasn't allowed entrance, he shouted at Qin Yining from behind her door. "Your Highness, are you well? This is Lu Heng speaking. I have come to see you."
In truth, Qin Yining had already heard Lu Heng earlier. However, he always spoke in the Tatar tongue, the rapid-fire delivery of his words making it clear to her that he was arguing with someone. She couldn't have interjected even if she wanted to.
This time, however, he addressed her in the language she was familiar with. She sprang to her feet at once and walked around a room divider to call out at him. "All is well with me. Many thanks to Second Master Lu for his concern."
Hearing the frailness in her voice, Lu Heng sighed, "You must hold on while I think of a way to free you from house arrest."
As he finished, Anari piped up behind him in a menacingly dark tone. "Not bad. You’re still able to tempt people despite being locked up.”
Chapter 489: Out for Blood (I)
Lu Heng whipped his head back to see Anari behind him in bright-red, narrow-sleeved robes, a snow white fur cap, and a full face of makeup. Arms clasped behind her back, strings of beads dangling around her neck swayed to and fro as she strode pompously forward. She held in her hands a whip with a scarlet tassel at the tip; bells around her wrist swung, tinkling with a pleasing ring.
Lu Heng suppressed in his anger and raised a cupped fist salute. "Khan."
"I hadn't expected that bitch to be capable of drawing you here despite being locked up for two days. Don't you know she's a ravaged flower whose beauty is only superficial? Don't you feel it beneath your status to be seduced by someone like that? Are her good looks all you care about?"
"We have a saying in Great Zhou: those who keep flowers in their hearts will see flowers everywhere they turn,” replied Lu Heng with an icy look. “The khan sees a man speak a few words with a woman and assumes the presence of illicit affairs. What is the meaning of these most malicious and filthy accusations?"
"You!" Anari's eyes narrowed in anger, her voice low as she retorted, "Are you saying this khan’s heart is malicious and filthy?"
Lu Heng declined to grace her with a response, save for a cold smirk. Even if he didn't answer, his mockery was clear as day.
Anari's face turned ruddy with rage. Just as she was about to yell back, Lu Heng forestalled her.
Though his words were delivered in a slow, gentle manner, he wielded them like knives. "Great khan, you have a good head on your shoulders, so you should know what the people of Tatar need the most. Or is it that the khan assumed the throne not to bring prosperity to her people, but to show off your own greatness?"
"How dare you! Who do you think you are, speaking to me in such a manner?!" Anari flew into a rage. "What the people of Tatar need is for me to determine! Do you mean to say Tatars will suffer because you've been offended? Don't get ahead of yourself, Lu!"
Her guards drew their swords and pointed them at Lu Heng.
Though Lu Heng knew a thing or two about fighting, he only practiced martial arts to keep himself fit. If he were to go up against people wielding actual weapons, he would only get himself killed. What's more, how would someone of his status, who employed bodyguards for years, ever have had the chance to get into a real fight?
The men of Tatar were tall and strong with widened eyes as bright as copper bells, looking for all the world like they couldn't wait to eat their enemies alive. It would be a lie to say that his heart didn't tighten at the sight of gleaming swords pointed at him.
Despite the threatening aura, he didn't back down—he stepped forward instead, pressing his chest against the tip of the sword held by the guard at the forefront of the troops. If he moved another inch forward or if the guard’s hand shook, then blood spurting from his chest would be the next development.
The guard met Lu Heng's eyes. Dumbstruck, he didn't dare make a move.
The Lu second master addressed Anari in a low voice. "If you aren't worried you will disrupt your consort's plans, feel free to give the word. However, I still wish to impart some words of advice to the khan: though power is held in the hands of the one who wields the sword, the heart does not necessarily recognize that. If the khan keeps with her barbaric ways and draws her sword on others without a second thought, I find it very difficult to imagine the future she will create for Tatar."
His eyes narrowing, he continued, "Why not take a page from your consort's book? Not only is the khan's consort an adept scholar and a soldier, he is a benevolent man who cares a great deal about the well-being of his people. He would never allow his impulses to dictate his actions, like the khan currently is. Take a look at yourself, then reflect upon your consort's conduct and compare—are you not concerned you will lose the support of your people?"
Anari's face slowly turned purple as she listened. Her thoughts in a turmoil, she completely forgot her purpose for coming here. Was the people's adoration toward Siqin truly greater than their love for her?
Making her way to the throne had been no easy feat. Anari was trying to hold onto what she had, but Lu Heng's words could also mean her consort was capable of replacing her at any time.
No no no, that was impossible!
Siqin wasn't that kind of person!
They’d grown up with each other—the years of their friendship couldn't have been erased by a few words from an outsider! Lu Heng said those things because he was from Great Zhou and thus jealous at how close she and Siqin were! He sought to drive a wedge between her and her consort!
Anari took in a few deep breaths, eventually pushing down the fear in her heart. However, Lu Heng's words had planted a seed of doubt in her.
"I am the leader of a nation. The way I rule my nation is my own business—I hardly need a puny aristocrat like you to advise me!"
; Lu Heng was adept at reading people and had a general grasp of what was going on in her mind from her expression. "The khan is indeed the leader of a nation. No one can deny this fact, but even the leader of a nation would be wise to mind their public image. You mustn't allow jealousy to mar your respectability."
He flippantly pushed aside the sword pointed at his chest. Seeing that their liege’s anger had died down, the guards sheathed their swords.
Lu Heng stepped closer to Anari to stand before her and raised a cupped fist salute. "Please consider what I said just now," he said in a polite tone. "It would serve you well."
Finished, he took his leave and walked away, seeming as if he wasn't at all concerned about what had just happened and didn't care to stay any longer.
Anari watched Lu Heng's retreating form, her grip on her whip growing tighter with each passing moment. In the end, she was unable to control her temper and kicked Qin Yining's doors. "Open up!"
As the doors were bolted shut, the chains jangled from the force of Anari's kick. The thudding of the wooden doors startled Qin Yining and her two mamas. Someone opened the doors from the outside.
The two old mamas rushed to greet Anari and bowed with their hands to their chests. "Great khan."
Anari fixed Qin Yining with a glare of pure fury, her red lips slowly tightening into a thin line. She carelessly waved her hand, dismissing everyone in the room. Not daring to defy her, they made themselves scarce.
Qin Yining's brows pinched together as she watched Anari approach step by step, her hands slowly clenching tightly behind her back. "How may I help the khan? Please speak directly."
"You have some nerve indeed." Having sized up Qin Yining, Anari hadn't expected that not only did the woman's confinement do nothing to dull her wits, she had in fact grown thinner, emphasizing the charm of her willowy stature.
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