EWRN - Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Side Story 2: Huo Jinyu & Yan Xi

In the Great Yuan Kingdom, within the imperial capital, news of the new emperor's ascension had been proclaimed throughout the land. The common people rushed to spread the word. In recent years, the throne had changed hands frequently, leaving the Great Yuan Kingdom in a state of considerable turmoil. Fortunately, after the female emperor Huo Jinyu took the throne, she made many changes for the country, sparing the people of the Great Yuan from disaster and preventing them from continuing to suffer in dire straits. But now, with a new emperor ascending, no one knew what changes awaited the Great Yuan Kingdom.

"Jinyu, have you truly decided?" Yan Xi asked solemnly from beside the horse.

"My edict of abdication has already been announced to the world; it cannot be changed." Dressed in a magnificent snow-white robe edged with gold thread, Huo Jinyu smiled down at Yan Xi from her horse. She extended her right hand. "Xi'er, come up."

Yan Xi chuckled softly and, with a light push, easily swung herself onto Huo Jinyu's tall steed, settling in front of her, also clad in white. Both were quite fond of these snow-white garments.

The two, dressed in white purer than snow, rode their horse at a leisurely pace out of the Great Yuan's imperial city, attracting the gazes of many onlookers along the way. People were stunned by their celestial beauty, asking one another whose exquisite daughters these were, to be born so breathtakingly beautiful, enough to topple kingdoms and cities.

The tall, black steed trotted out of the city gates.

It was now spring, a time when all things revived. The entire land seemed to have been painted green by the spring breeze, as verdant blades of grass vied to grow with wild abandon. The horse's hooves went clop, clop, clop on the grassy ground, making a rustling sound that was exceedingly pleasant to the ear.

The air was filled with the fresh, clean scent of grass after a spring rain, a fragrance that refreshed the heart and mind. As the horse walked, it neighed loudly, and accompanied by the rising and falling calls of nameless little birds, it was truly a scene of spring's return to the earth, of all creation awakening!

"Jinyu, it's been a long time since we've sat together like this, hasn't it?" Yan Xi tilted her head slightly, leaning gently into Huo Jinyu's embrace, and asked in a soft voice.

"Xi'er, have you forgotten so quickly? We rode together just last year during the Autumn Hunt. So, it hasn't been that long, has it?" Huo Jinyu tugged on the reins, thought for a moment, and then said, "After the Autumn Hunt last year, you and I were inseparable for more than two months. Could it be that Xi'er is missing me already?" Huo Jinyu teased, her voice close to Yan Xi's ear.

But Yan Xi grew a little petulant. "They say a day apart feels like three autumns, and a brief separation sweetens a reunion. We haven't seen each other for so many days, yet all you do is make light of it and tease me. You are truly infuriating."

"Jinyu, I've waited for you for five whole years," Yan Xi said, holding up her fingers. "I've finally waited for this day. The day when we are both free of our burdens, light and unencumbered."

Huo Jinyu freed a hand to gently wrap around Yan Xi's slender waist, nestling her head affectionately in the crook of Yan Xi's neck. "I've waited five years for Xi'er too," she said slowly. "So we're even. Xi'er probably doesn't know, but these past five years, the days without you felt like years. I wished I could be with you every single moment. Eating together, sleeping together, watching the stars and the moon together. Discussing poetry, songs, and the philosophy of life together. Practicing with spears and swords, playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting—together. I wish I could be with you with every breath I take!"

"When I'm with you, I am at my happiest, my most joyful, and I feel most like a person. Being with you makes me feel like I'm living as my true self," Huo Jinyu said with deep affection, her head lowered. Listening to her, Yan Xi couldn't help but blush.

"Jinyu, you scoundrel, are you trying to coax me with sweet words again?" Yan Xi was caught between laughter and tears.

"Xi'er, I still owe you a wedding procession ten li long, with me in my identity as a woman. Are you willing to walk that crimson path with me?" Huo Jinyu's tone suddenly turned serious. She reached out and placed her hand over Yan Xi's clasped ones, speaking with great solemnity.

"Of course… I am willing," Yan Xi replied, a little surprised. She was stunned for a moment, but the words came out naturally.

---

Over the years, Huo Jinyu had transformed the Baili Mountain range into a massive military encampment and city, occupying several of its major peaks. Many soldiers of the Brocade Guard Army had already brought their families to settle in Baili City. The Baili Villa was built on the main peak of Baili Mountain, while Qianzu Mountain was a secondary peak to its east. The Star-Plucking Tower, which Huo Jinyu had mischievously built in Bai Qing's name, was located on Qianzu Mountain.

A month ago, Huo Jinyu had already begun preparing the edict of abdication and the grand wedding ceremony for her and Yan Xi. Their wedding gowns had been custom-made long in advance. For the past two days, Baili Mountain and the Star-Plucking Tower had been a sea of crimson. The soldiers and common folk in the city were all beaming with joy. Their leader was getting married! Their leader was taking a bride! And the bride was also a woman! Everyone spread the news, all doing what they could to prepare for their leader's wedding. This was all thanks to the few short years Huo Jinyu had been the female emperor, during which the status of women in the Great Yuan Kingdom had risen significantly, and legal reforms had benefited women more than just a little. Because of this, the women all remembered the female emperor's kindness.

The sky was still bright; it was only mid-afternoon. Huo Jinyu spurred her horse, carrying Yan Xi toward the foot of Baili Mountain.

The horse trotted along, and the swaying of Yan Xi's body against her made Huo Jinyu's heart itch. Unable to resist, she tightened her embrace and let her hands wander.

"Jinyu, Jinyu, stop fooling around…" Yan Xi patted Huo Jinyu's hand, chiding her coquettishly.

"Alright, alright, I'll stop. We can continue tonight after the lamps are out," Huo Jinyu said repeatedly, her mind already filled with beautiful thoughts.

Hearing Huo Jinyu's improper remarks, Yan Xi felt a little helpless and decided she would have to properly discipline Huo Jinyu tonight.

Evidently unaware of her Xi'er's thoughts, Jinyu urged the horse on, bringing Yan Xi to the Baili Inn at the foot of Baili Mountain.

This Baili Inn was one of Huo Jinyu's properties, so the innkeeper naturally knew her true identity. Seeing Huo Jinyu arrive on horseback with Yan Xi, he hurried out to greet them.

"My lord, you've arrived!" Seeing the two dismount, the innkeeper quickly instructed a servant to lead the horse away for good feeding and to change its tack and blanket to bright red ones, as they would be needed later.

Huo Jinyu nodded at the innkeeper. "Innkeeper, is everything I asked for ready?"

The innkeeper quickly bowed. "Replying to my lord, everything has been placed in the Heaven-character room. We are just waiting for you two ladies to go and change."

"Excellent, excellent," Huo Jinyu nodded, smiling with satisfaction.

The innkeeper personally led the way, and the group headed for the Heaven-character room upstairs.

When they reached the door, the innkeeper pushed it open and then quietly withdrew, leaving Yan Xi and Huo Jinyu ample space.

Huo Jinyu took Yan Xi's hand and walked inside.

The room was decorated everywhere in crimson. On two clothing racks hung two sets of wedding robes, red with black and gold trim. They were clearly tailor-made for the two of them.

Yan Xi said with some surprise, "Jinyu, are we changing now?"

Huo Jinyu smiled at her. "I have long since consulted a master. Today is a highly auspicious day, suitable for marriage."

"So you had it all planned. Abdicating and marrying me on the same day?" Yan Xi reached out and playfully tapped Huo Jinyu's sleeve.

"Not at all. How could it be marrying you incidentally? Xi'er, it should be: marrying you today, and incidentally abdicating. We are both dressed in women's wedding attire. I am marrying you, and you are also marrying me. It's perfect!" Huo Jinyu pulled Yan Xi into her arms, gazed into her eyes, and spoke word by word.

Seeing that Xi'er had taken it all in, Huo Jinyu lowered her head and gently kissed Yan Xi's lips. Yan Xi parted her lips in response. After a long moment, the two separated, their faces flushed.

"Let's change," Huo Jinyu said.

A brief separation sweetens a reunion. Today was both a reunion after a short separation and their wedding day. The joy between them was palpable.

They removed their outer and middle robes and began to change into their wedding attire.

A moment later, both were changed. The robes were red, adorned with twin golden phoenixes, with wide black trim and gold-thread embroidery. Both were beauties, with fine figures and extraordinary temperaments.

Huo Jinyu led Yan Xi to the dressing table, applied light makeup for her, painted her lips a true red, then skillfully styled her hair into a chignon, inserting a golden flying phoenix hairpin. From where Huo Jinyu had learned it, no one knew, but she began to chant:

First comb to the end, for wealth without worry;
Second comb to the end, for health without sorrow;
Third comb to the end, for fortune and long life;
Comb again to the tips, for a marriage of respect;
Second comb to the tips, to fly as one, wing to wing;
Third comb to the tips, to be forever bound in heart.

A beginning and an end, for wealth and for honor.

Huo Jinyu also applied light makeup and lipstick on herself, tying her three thousand strands of black hair high behind her head. She looked both heroic and bewitchingly beautiful.

Xi'er stood up and studied Huo Jinyu carefully. "Jinyu," she said involuntarily, "you look so beautiful like this."

Huo Jinyu gently pulled her into an embrace. "Actually, years ago, on the day I confessed to you, I was so frantic I nearly went mad. I was so afraid that one misstep would mean losing you. Thankfully, you are still mine." Huo Jinyu murmured in Yan Xi's ear, "You were mine in the past, you are mine now, and in the future, you can only be mine, Huo Jinyu's, alone!"

Yan Xi hugged her back and said softly, "Xi'er is yours. From the past to the future, Xi'er will always be yours."

A moment later, the door opened from the inside. Huo Jinyu emerged, holding Yan Xi's hand, stunning the innkeeper and the maids waiting outside. The two were truly beauties capable of toppling kingdoms!

The innkeeper immediately averted his gaze, politely not looking for too long.

The maids behind them lined both sides of the corridor, holding flower baskets. As Huo Jinyu led Yan Xi through their midst, the maids chanted:

Black silk is tied, a double knot made;
Lilies by the temple, skillfully arrayed.
Red wedding dress, like flowers in flight;
A new bride's beauty, than flowers more bright.
Firecrackers pop, ribbons dance and play;
The red character for joy on the window displayed.
A black steed, a red rose;
To fetch the bride to her lover she goes.
A drunken feast, a boisterous night;
Laughter and words turn troubles to light.
Nuptial wine, a red candle's flame;
Shy and bashful, with her lord she remains.

The maids, half-speaking, half-singing, continuously tossed petals from their baskets. The petals flew high, then spiraled down through the air, creating a rain of flowers.

In this manner, the two descended the stairs. A servant was already waiting at the door with the tall, black steed, now fitted with a bright red saddle and bridle.

Huo Jinyu swung herself onto the horse, then pulled Yan Xi up behind her. Huo Jinyu spurred the horse onward, leaving the inn.

Outside the inn, a contingent of the Brocade Guard Army, dressed in bright red robes, was already waiting in formation.

With Huo Jinyu leading the way and the red-robed guards following closely behind, the procession headed up Baili Mountain.

Huo Jinyu's wedding procession ten li long was no exaggeration. The entire road up Baili Mountain was covered with a bright red carpet. On both sides of the road stood teams of musicians playing suonas and other instruments. When they saw Huo Jinyu's party approach, the bands began to play. In an instant, the atmosphere became incredibly festive. The musicians walked on either side of the red-robed Brocade Guard Army, and as the joyous music rang out, the bridal procession made its way up the mountain.

The journey was not quiet; in fact, it was quite lively. The common people of Baili Mountain had heard that their leader was getting married today and had long been waiting by the roadside with flower baskets. Now, seeing the crimson procession approaching with its joyous music, they couldn't help but get excited. This was the first time they had seen the esteemed Lord Huo Jinyu in person, and the first time they had seen two women marry with such fanfare. They were extremely curious.

As the procession drew closer, the women in red wedding robes at the head were indeed the Huo Jinyu and her wife that the people were so curious about. Both had powdered faces and red lips, with clear, beautiful features. Huo Jinyu flashed a smile at the common folk, revealing bright eyes and pearly teeth. Both could be described as national beauties, capable of toppling kingdoms.

Many of the common folk stared, their eyes wide. Huo Jinyu, in particular, exuded a heroic aura cultivated over many years, which left many a maiden from a noble house dumbstruck.

As the two rode past, the people reached out and scattered flowers. The scene was harmonious, loving, and lively. After the procession passed, the people followed behind to join in the excitement, heading up the mountain together.

After walking for about half an hour, everyone arrived at Baili City. The city's residents had been craning their necks in anticipation and finally saw the two celestial figures arrive. Many households even set off firecrackers that were normally reserved for the New Year. The people of Baili City lived prosperous and happy lives, and they knew it was all thanks to Huo Jinyu. They were immensely grateful to her. Therefore, they were delighted to see Huo Jinyu get married and were happy that she had found her own happiness.

Huo Jinyu rode with Yan Xi on a circuit through Baili City. The entire city's ground was covered in red carpets, and a joyous atmosphere prevailed. The sound of the orchestra echoed in every corner of the city.

The people's enthusiasm greatly surprised Yan Xi. She had never imagined Huo Jinyu would be so popular among the common folk.

For a time, the two were a sight of unparalleled splendor.

They finally arrived at the Baili Villa. The orchestra at last fell silent. The common people gathered at the entrance of the villa to join in the festivities. Huo Jinyu had long ago ordered a flowing banquet to be set up outside the villa, so that all the people could take part.

Huo Jinyu dismounted, then helped Yan Xi down. Together, they stepped over a brazier of fire and entered the main hall. After bowing to heaven and earth, they both took the seats of honor. The generals waiting in the hall and Hua Ying and Di An, who had traveled a great distance to offer their congratulations, then took their seats.

A wedding banquet inevitably involved toasts. However, seeing as Huo Jinyu was their leader and a woman, the generals did not dare to press her too much. Even so, after round after round of toasts, the two had drunk a considerable amount.

As the sky gradually darkened, the banquet drew to a close. Huo Jinyu generously distributed a large amount of silver. The generals knew when to stop, accepted their rewards, and withdrew. Hua Ying, with Di An, offered some words of congratulations. Before leaving, she winked at Yan Xi and mouthed the words for "Good luck."

Huo Jinyu, not understanding, took Yan Xi's hand and, her steps a bit unsteady, walked outside. A soldier of the Brocade Guard Army was already waiting with her horse. Seeing that Huo Jinyu was a bit tipsy, Yan Xi mounted first and then pulled Huo Jinyu up. If Huo Jinyu were to ride, there was no telling if she'd end up in a ditch.

Huo Jinyu leaned contentedly against Yan Xi, feeling an immense warmth. Ahead, soldiers of the Brocade Guard Army on horseback led the way with torches. Yan Xi spurred the horse and followed.

They made their way to the Star-Plucking Tower on Qianzu Mountain. This was Yan Xi's first time here.

The Star-Plucking Tower was also adorned in crimson, and a festive atmosphere greeted them. The soldiers politely escorted them to the entrance and then withdrew. Yan Xi dismounted and, holding Huo Jinyu, followed a maid from the tower to the bridal chamber. The maid closed the door for them and left.

In the room, draped in brilliant red, only the flickering candlelight and the two blushing figures remained. It was not the first or second time they had seen each other naked, but tonight, they were still as "shy" as a newlywed couple.

Yan Xi helped Huo Jinyu sit on the edge of the bed, then walked to the round table and brought back the nuptial wine that had been prepared. They drank with their arms intertwined.

Huo Jinyu tossed her cup to the floor. The silver cup rolled a few times on the carpet and stopped. Seeing that Yan Xi was still holding her cup, Huo Jinyu reached out, snatched it, and threw it to the floor as well.

"What are you still holding that stupid cup for? Throw it away, throw it away," Huo Jinyu pouted, dissatisfied.

Yan Xi could see it now. Huo Jinyu was probably too happy tonight, had drunk too much, and was a little drunk.

Yan Xi shook her head, somewhat amused.

Seeing Yan Xi just standing by the bed without moving, Huo Jinyu patted the mattress and said, "Xi'er, Xi'er, hurry up and take off your clothes so we can sleep."

Hearing this, Yan Xi's ears grew hot. This Jinyu was truly shameless, saying such wanton things. The lamps weren't even out yet, and she was already clamoring to… with her.

"Let's not put out the lamps tonight. I want to look at you properly," Yan Xi said gently to Huo Jinyu.

"Excellent, excellent," Huo Jinyu replied like a fool.

Yan Xi began to undress by the bed. First the red wedding robe, then the white middle garment, then the light blue undergarment, until she was wearing only her dudou and underpants. While Yan Xi undressed, Huo Jinyu watched intently, her gaze burning with an undisguised hunger that made Yan Xi's skin prickle. Finally, seeing Yan Xi's graceful figure bathed in the soft candlelight, a fire ignited within Huo Jinyu. She swallowed hard, feeling an inexplicable, rising heat that made her mouth go dry. Subconsciously, she reached up to undo her own wedding robe, her fingers fumbling with the sash.

Seeing this clumsiness, Yan Xi chuckled softly. She took a step forward, and her slender, fair hands brushed Huo Jinyu's aside to finish the task. She peeled the layers of fabric from Huo Jinyu's shoulders, letting the red silk pool on the floor, before her hands moved to caress the soft curves of Huo Jinyu's body. Her touch was feather-light at first, tracing the line of Huo Jinyu's collarbone, before dipping lower to cup the swell of her breast through the thin fabric of her inner garment.

Huo Jinyu shuddered, a gasp escaping her lips as she leaned into the touch. Yan Xi did not stop there. Her hands roamed with purpose and confidence, sliding the final barriers of clothing away until skin met skin. She pressed a lingering kiss to the hollow of Huo Jinyu's throat, feeling the rapid pulse beneath her lips, before trailing wet, hot kisses down to the valley between her breasts. Huo Jinyu's hands gripped Yan Xi's shoulders, her nails digging in slightly as sensation flooded her mind.

Yan Xi quickly became skilled at pleasing her, her tongue and fingers working in a rhythm that left Huo Jinyu breathless and writhing. Yan Xi's eyes darkened with desire as she looked at the beautiful person before her, flushed and wanton under her ministrations. In the past, it had always been Huo Jinyu on top, leading the dance. But tonight, Yan Xi wanted to be the one to draw out those ragged sighs; she wanted to hear those breathless moans coming from the person beneath her, to be the master of Huo Jinyu's pleasure. How enchanting would that be?

Before Huo Jinyu could react or protest the shift in power, she had been stripped clean and left vulnerable to Yan Xi's gaze. With a gentle but firm push, Yan Xi guided Huo Jinyu back onto the soft bed. Huo Jinyu fell back into the crimson sheets, her large, bright eyes looking up at Yan Xi, blinking in a daze of lust and affection.

Yan Xi climbed over her, straddling Huo Jinyu's waist. She looked down at the woman beneath her—her wife, her emperor, her lover. The candlelight danced over Huo Jinyu's pale skin, highlighting the flush that spread across her chest.

Both sighed in their hearts at the same time. In this life, to have such a beautiful person, to possess and be possessed so completely, what more could a woman ask for?

Yan Xi lowered her body, skin sliding against skin, and the night dissolved into a blur of heat, tangled limbs, and whispered names. They moved together, exploring every inch of each other with a reverence and passion that had been waiting five long years to be fully unleashed. The night was deep, but the fire between them burned brighter than the candles.

Eventually, the storm quieted, leaving only the sound of their synchronized breathing. The two slept in each other's arms, their bodies still entwined, their hearts full of happiness and love.

How long the future would be, and how long they could be together, was still unknown. But when they had cut through thorns and thistles to reach each other's side, their fate of accompanying and protecting each other in the future was already sealed.

From now on, no matter the ends of the earth, they would travel together. You are in me, and I am in you. They would ride across the world on horseback, until the end of time, until the seas ran dry and the rocks crumbled.

With their lives, they wrote a legend for an era, one that would be passed down through the ages, shining and peerless!

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