Within the Ethereal Chasm, a majestic Phoenix soars – 1

 Half a moon later, news of the alliance between Meng Cheng and Bei Hai reached the Imperial Capital.
 Meng Cheng and Bei Hai were neighboring countries in the Great Northeastern region. Meng Cheng was situated directly north of Dadao (Great Eastern Kingdom), and Bei Hai to its northeast. The White Dragon Mountain Range (Bailong Shan) demarcated their territories, with Meng Cheng to the west and Bei Hai to the east. The relationships among these three nations were far from harmonious; skirmishes erupted in their borderlands annually. However, these conflicts were but minor friction, never escalating into full-scale war.
 Dadao, a land of vast expanse and abundant resources, was the largest among the Three Kingdoms. However, it had suffered from a century of turmoil, and with the new dynasty having been established only three years prior, it was in a state of rebuilding. Consequently, it was temporarily considered a weakened great nation.
 In terms of territory, Meng Cheng was but a third of Dadao’s size. However, its fertile land spanned thousands of miles, making it ideal for farming. Furthermore, the expansive Meng Cheng grasslands nurtured plump cattle, sheep, and robust warhorses. With its valiant and tenacious people, Meng Cheng remained a formidable adversary.
 Bei Hai was even smaller than Meng Cheng, roughly equal to half a province of Dadao. To its west lay Meng Cheng, and to its south, Dadao. To its north and east, it bordered the vast and boundless ocean—the Bei Hai Sea, from which it derived its name. The kingdom was predominantly mountainous with a cold climate, and snow blanketed its lands for most of the year. It was, in essence, a barren and impoverished nation. However, since the enthronement of its current ruler, Bei Hai had striven to grow and prosper. The king encouraged his subjects to cultivate the land and transform the mountains into fertile fields. Simultaneously, he traded the exquisite fish, pearls, corals, and other rare treasures from the Bei Hai Sea with foreign nations, amassing wealth in the process. Through twenty years of meticulous governance, Bei Hai had transformed into a prosperous and strong nation.
 Both Meng Cheng and Bei Hai coveted the vast and fertile territories of Dadao. During the chaos that once enveloped the Central Plains, Meng Cheng seized the opportunity to invade, claiming the Nagu Pass and six hundred miles of surrounding land. However, once Dadao had pacified the northern warlords, the Emperor sent General Huang Ti to reclaim Nagu Pass, defeating five generals and recapturing five cities. Ultimately, Meng Cheng was expelled beyond the Pass, and all the lost territories were recovered. As a result, Meng Cheng harbored deep resentment toward Dadao, always seeking an opportunity to retaliate. Bei Hai, with its narrow and impoverished lands, similarly longed for Dadao’s rich and vast landscapes.
 Thus, under such circumstances, when the news of the marriage alliance between Meng Cheng and Bei Hai reached Dadong, the ministers were all astonished.
 On that day, during the Imperial Court discussion, Emperor Dong Shixiu sought the opinions of the officials on this matter. The officials’ opinions varied, but they could be summarized into three categories: First, to choose between Meng Cheng and Bei Hai for an alliance or marriage, so as to prevent isolation; second, to strike first by attacking Bei Hai in the north, then assaulting Meng Cheng; third, to neither form an alliance nor launch an attack, but to station troops in the border cities in case of emergencies.
 However, these three opinions were rebutted by ministers with different perspectives. Those against forming alliances argued, “As a prestigious and mighty nation, how can we bow down and form alliances?” Those against attacking the north said, “Meng Cheng and Bei Hai’s alliance indicates mutual support. Our newly-established dynasty is still weak, how can we withstand enemies from both sides?” Those against the mere stationing of troops without an alliance stated, “Such a move is overly conservative and timid, ultimately resulting in being controlled by others.”
 The court discussion persisted from early morning to noon, with each side presenting their arguments and engaging in unceasing verbal battles. In the end, it was the Emperor’s golden words that brought calm to the noisy Golden Hall.
 Emperor Dong Shixiu first declared, “The newly established world values peace the most,” then added, “When neighboring countries celebrate, we should offer our congratulations, as it is proper etiquette.” Furthermore, he stated, “As a grand and powerful nation, we should possess a broad and magnanimous demeanor.” Therefore, he decided to send Ning Jingyuan as an envoy to Meng Cheng to both congratulate the wedding of King Meng Cheng and Princess Bei Hai and to demonstrate the harmonious intentions of their dynasty.
 As soon as the emperor’s jade-like words were spoken, those in favor of forming an alliance were instantly emboldened and praised, “Your Majesty is truly wise and enlightened.” Thus, the matter was settled in this manner.
 On April 26th, at noon, Emperor Dong Shixiu hosted a banquet at Qinghua Palace, where all the officials gathered to bid farewell to Ning Jingyuan and the accompanying envoys. At the appointed hour, Ning Jingyuan left the palace with precious congratulatory gifts, leading the accompanying officials on their journey to Meng Cheng. Meanwhile, Huang Ti, Feng Ji, Bai Yima, Hua Jingtao, Feng Duying, and Nan Pianyue escorted them out of the city.
 After watching Ning Jingyuan’s entourage disappear into the distance, Hua Jingtao turned to his siblings and said, “It has been a long time since we drank together, let’s go have a drink.”
 “Agreed,” responded Nan Pianyue with immediate joy.

Huang Ti, Feng Ji, and Bai Yima nodded in agreement as well.
 “Let us proceed to the ‘Liu Xie Tavern,’ then,” suggested Feng Duying.
 Nan Pianyue’s cherubic face flushed a deep crimson, as he stammered, “Sev…Seventh Sister…what…what are you planning?” The tavern was owned by the very woman he had taken a liking to.
 “I have heard from the residents of the Imperial City that the wine there is particularly fragrant, attracting General Nan on a daily basis. I wish to see for myself what makes it so enchanting,” Feng Duying said with a teasing glance.
 Hua Jingtai understood immediately, “Very well, let us go there.” Turning to Huang Ti, Feng Ji, and Bai Yima, she said, “Second Brother, Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother, let us depart.”
 To avoid attracting undue attention with Feng Ji’s presence, the six of them mounted Bai Yima’s carriage and headed toward the Liu Xie Tavern. Along the way, Feng Duying remembered she would need to stay at the Palace that night, so she left with Du Kang to prepare, planning to return to the Palace directly after drinking, and asked the others to proceed without her.
 In a quarter of an hour, the carriage arrived at a tavern.
 “We are here,” announced Nan Pianyue, alighting from the carriage first.
 The remaining four descended in single file and saw a woman of around twenty years old approaching them from within the establishment.
 The woman was of average height, with a slender figure and a fair complexion. Her captivating eyes adorned her delicate face, which, although not exceedingly beautiful, possessed a tranquil, chrysanthemum-like charm that was particularly pleasing to the eye.
 Considering that this woman might become their eighth brother’s partner, the four older brothers scrutinized her with keen eyes.
 Under their attentive and authoritative gazes, the woman remained poised and elegant. Her eyes first fell upon Nan Pianyue, and a hint of delight appeared in her eyes when their gazes met. Then, she turned to Huang Ti, Feng Ji, Bai Yima, and Hua Jingtai, offering a respectful bow, “Please, come inside, honored guests.” She seemed well-aware of their identities, yet her tone and demeanor were neither overly warm nor deliberately cold. A hint of dimples appeared on her cheeks, and her presence was akin to a refreshing breeze on a summer afternoon, bringing just the right touch of comfort.
 The four brothers exchanged a glance, and then gave a subtle nod marked with understanding.
 “Xie Zhu, are there any private rooms available upstairs? If so, please arrange one for us,” Nan Pianyue inquired of the young lady.
 “Of course, please follow me,” Xie Zhu replied with a smile, leading the way ahead.
 It was not yet noon at that moment, so the patrons in the establishment numbered only a few old regulars who loved their wine, paying little heed to the group of five. Silently, they followed Xie Zhu through the main hall, ascended to the second floor, and entered a private room facing the street.
 “Xie Zhu, bring us some delicious food and fine wine according to your best judgement,” Nan Pianyue instructed as soon as he settled into his seat.
 “Certainly,” Xie Zhu agreed, promptly unlatching the window and pushing it to the appropriate position, ensuring privacy from prying eyes across the street while allowing fresh air and sunlight to filter in.
An attentive servant quickly brought up tea.
 “Please have a seat, your food and wine will arrive momentarily,” Xie Zhu poured tea for each of them and then left, closing the door behind her.
 Once her footsteps had faded, Bai Yima remarked with a smile, “That young lady seems quite suitable for managing a household.”
 “Mm,” Huang Ti nodded in agreement.
 “This young lady is dignified with an upright gaze, quite commendable,” Feng Ji also expressed approval.
 “Moreover, she runs an establishment and knows how to do business; our Eighth Brother won’t starve if he follows her,” Hua Jingtai contemplated with the most foresight.
 Initially, Nan Pianyue had maintained a composed demeanor in front of his heart’s desire, but his face suddenly flushed red like a child’s, “Sixth Brother, what are you talking about? What do you mean by me following her?”
 “Alas!” Hua Jingtai struck his forehead, appearing as though he suddenly remembered something important, and turned his gaze towards Nan Pianyue. “Little Eight, Sixth Brother had completely forgotten that you are a grown man. Sigh, you have always been inclined to weep and act spoiled like a child. If you were to wed her, wouldn’t it be more like you following her, with her leading you?”
 “You…you…” Nan Pianyue’s lips pursed, and he instinctively sought help from Bai Yima, but then immediately recalled Hua Jingtai’s words from earlier. For a moment, he could neither cry nor make a fuss, and found himself frozen in place.
 However, Hua Jingtai did not let him off so easily, continuing, “Little Eight, this young lady seems quite suitable in the eyes of Sixth Brother, but you must clarify one thing for me: are you marrying her, or is she marrying you? If you are marrying her, then Sixth Brother will have to request the betrothal gifts from her parents. If she is marrying you, then we elder brothers must prepare the betrothal gifts.”
 “Of course I will be the one to marry her!” Nan Pianyue slammed the table as he stood up, chest puffed out, eyebrows raised in anger, and an aura of power emanating from him. “I am a mighty General; am I not capable of marrying a woman?”
 “Tsk, tsk!” Hua Jingtai looked at him with a sideways glance. “Little Eight, you suddenly remember that you are a mighty General now, but when you’re crying and fussing in your daily life, you seem to forget that you’re already in your twenties.”
 Nan Pianyue was left speechless.
 “Ha ha ha…”
 Huang Ti Feng Ji, and Bai Yima all directed their good-natured laughter towards their youngest brother.
 Thus, Nan Pianyue could no longer bear it; his eyebrows drooped, his eyelids lowered, and his mouth pursed once more, taking on a woeful appearance. “Second Brother, Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother, and Sixth Brother, you are all bullying me! Hmph, just wait; in my next life when I become the eldest, I will surely bully each and every one of you in return!”
 Bai Yima shook his head with a gentle smile, “Eighth Brother, you are about to take a bride, so you must not be prone to tears so easily. You must be steady and sensible.” After speaking, he turned to Hua Jingtai and said, “Enough, Sixth Brother, do not tease him too much. This is a tavern, not our home.”
 Upon hearing Bai Yima’s words, Nan Pianyue’s face flushed red, and with wide, round eyes, he resembled a shy yet joyful youth of fifteen or sixteen years, clutching Bai Yima’s sleeve and asking, “Fifth Brother, are you saying that you also admire Xie Zhu?”
 “Indeed,” Bai Yima gently ruffled Nan Pianyue’s hair, “I originally thought that a woman who comes from a tavern would not be content, but upon seeing Miss Xie today, she is truly dignified and graceful. If you were to marry her…” He paused for a moment, casting his gaze upon his brothers, then continued with a faint sigh, “If Eighth Brother were to marry Miss Xie, your days would surely be peaceful and serene, and the rest of us elder brothers would envy you.”
 “Hehe… my vision is certainly better than yours!” Hearing his elder brother’s words, Nan Pianyue’s round eyes narrowed into a thin line of delight.
 “Once Eighth Brother is married, only you, Fourth Brother, will remain,” Huang Ti cast a meaningful glance at Feng Ji, with a hint of admonition, “Fourth Brother, you are not getting any younger. It would be best to choose a good woman and settle down soon.”
 “True,” Bai Yima sighed softly, “After all these years… Fourth Brother, it is time for you to marry as well.”
 Feng Ji lowered his gaze, silently observing the verdant tea within his cup, a faint smile gracing his face, “How could it be just me? There is still Seventh Sister, after all.”

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