{"id":6704,"date":"2024-10-10T10:07:06","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T08:07:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/?p=6704"},"modified":"2024-10-10T10:07:06","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T08:07:06","slug":"your-majesty-you-mustnt-chapter-13-three-days-around-the-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/2024\/10\/10\/your-majesty-you-mustnt-chapter-13-three-days-around-the-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Majesty, you mustn&#8217;t! &#8211; Chapter 13 Three Days Around the City"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xiao Rong rubbed the spot where he had been pushed, grumbling unhappily, &#8220;Such a bad temper.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He used so much force that Xiao Rong felt like his ribs had been bruised.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sky had darkened, and the lights on the tower weren\u2019t very bright. Qu Yunmei didn\u2019t hear Xiao Rong&#8217;s muttering, nor did he see him speaking. So, he stepped back a few paces and asked, &#8220;What are you doing here?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upon hearing the question, Xiao Rong stopped rubbing his sore spot and immediately got into character. &#8220;I heard that General Yuan returned victorious and brought back some clues, so I came to find Your Majesty\u2014&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Halfway through his sentence, he suddenly paused.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He saw that Qu Yunmei was now tense all over, his sharp eyes watching Xiao Rong warily. Xiao Rong was self-aware enough to know that even in his healthiest state, he wouldn\u2019t be able to take on Qu Yunmei, who was renowned for his achievement of single-handedly cutting down a hundred enemies.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Legend had it that after his sword broke, he continued to tear apart two soldiers with his bare hands before finally being surrounded and captured by the army.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although this might be an exaggeration, the fact that such a story existed about a defeated man spoke volumes about Qu Yunmei&#8217;s valor.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, his wariness wasn\u2019t because he feared Xiao Rong would harm him but because he was on guard against what Xiao Rong was about to say.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After a moment of silence, Xiao Rong, without considering Qu Yunmei&#8217;s feelings, said what he had originally intended, &#8220;I was thinking that traitors must have somewhere to betray to. Collaborating with the Xianbei is indeed a ruthless tactic that Southern Young might employ. However, the actual ruler of Southern Young, that imperial uncle, is still a principled man from the Central Plains. With him around, those traitors must tread carefully. If he learns the full story, those traitors will find no refuge, even in Northern Yong.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Now that I&#8217;ve heard the news that General Yuan has brought back, I feel relieved. It&#8217;s always better to know the enemy well than to have them hidden.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As Qu Yunmei listened, his initially tense posture gradually relaxed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He had assumed Xiao Rong, like Yuan Baifu, was there to persuade him not to pursue Li Xiuheng any further.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sitting back under the eaves, Qu Yunmei remained silent for a while before slowly speaking, &#8220;Li Xiuheng\u2014&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xiao Rong plopped down beside him, attentively listening.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qu Yunmei: &#8220;&#8230;&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, others were more respectful and constantly expressed their loyalty and patriotism. Yet no one was as familiar and unreserved as Xiao Rong, who already seemed to consider himself as part of the inner circle.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Such thick skin.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although Qu Yunmei thought this, he didn\u2019t drive Xiao Rong away. People generally knew about his bad temper and frequent outbursts, so they didn\u2019t dare provoke him. As a result, no one realized that he was actually quite easy going unless someone touched a particularly sensitive nerve.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suppressing the strange feeling of being watched so closely, he continued, &#8220;Since the sixth year of Guangjia, Li Xiuheng has been living in hiding for ten years. The Northern Border Army wishes to eat his flesh and drink his blood, yet every year, some are swayed by him and defect to the enemy.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xiao Rong\u2019s face showed a look of understanding. &#8220;After all, he was the commander of the Northern Border Army for thirteen years after General Qu. The army followed his orders for a long time. It&#8217;s natural that some would still be loyal to him.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xiao Rong felt his comment was objective. Who knew that Qu Yunmei would suddenly glare at him. &#8220;Why should such scum be remembered fondly? It was he who insisted on serving the Yong Dynasty. When Emperor Guangjia ordered the southward migration, no one came to inform us! Do you know how furious the Xianbei were when they discovered the Emperor had moved south? We and the civilians were abandoned by that dog emperor. If the Xianbei hadn\u2019t arrived so quickly, I would have long since turned Li Xiuheng into minced meat!&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xiao Rong stared at him blankly, while Qu Yunmei&#8217;s eyes shifted slightly. Seeing Xiao Rong\u2019s stunned reaction, Qu Yunmei seemed to understand and sneered, &#8220;Of course, you\u2019re from Linchuan. How would you know what things were like back then?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xiao Rong: &#8220;&#8230;&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After a moment of silence, he noticed Qu Yunmei\u2019s expression had turned gloomy again. Xiao Rong quietly spoke, &#8220;I heard that in the spring of the following year, swallows returned North, looking for the nests they had built under the eaves of a certain house the previous summer. Yet after circling the city for three days, they couldn\u2019t find a single intact house.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qu Yunmei stared at the ground, saying nothing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sky had darkened, and what was once a clear view of the distant mountains was now pitch black.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although Qu Yunmei seemed indifferent, his ears twitched slightly, indicating he was listening.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xiao Rong continued, &#8220;Ten years ago, I was a child. Your Majesty was unknown, the Xianbei were rising, and the Northern Border Army was in decline. Ten years later, Your Majesty is renowned, the Xianbei are waning, and the Northern Border Army is at its peak. As for me, I have finished my studies and have come from afar to pledge my ambitions and hopes to Your Majesty.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As he said this, he looked at Qu Yunmei\u2019s profile. The moon appeared at that moment, and Qu Yunmei, sensing the intensity of Xiao Rong\u2019s gaze, turned his head.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the silver moonlight, Xiao Rong smiled slightly and said softly, &#8220;Your Majesty, human hearts are unpredictable. Not everyone has a good memory, and not everyone is as persistent and clear in their love and hate as you. Today\u2019s betrayals and disappointments may happen again in the future, but I swear to the heavens, as long as Your Majesty needs me, I will remain loyal and by your side through life and death.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qu Yunmei looked at him, his expression unreadable.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">His gaze was like needles, piercing Xiao Rong\u2019s skin, but Xiao Rong wasn\u2019t afraid of a little pain. He met his eyes calmly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After a moment, Qu Yunmei suddenly stood up, bringing a gust of cold spring wind. Xiao Rong felt a bit chilly but didn\u2019t show it. He just uncomfortably rubbed his nose.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking down at him, Qu Yunmei said, &#8220;I don\u2019t care how many people betray me or are loyal to me. Your actions overestimate yourself. Don\u2019t forget, I kept you here to see your true self, not to listen to your flattery.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xiao Rong listened without looking up, slowly lowering his hand.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qu Yunmei waited for a few seconds, seeing that Xiao Rong had nothing more to say. Feeling stifled, Qu Yunmei turned and left.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With his long legs and big strides, he quickly descended the tower. However, as he reached the last step, he suddenly stopped, frowned, and instructed the soldiers guarding the tower, &#8220;Help him down when he\u2019s ready.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The soldiers nodded. The man above indeed seemed weak, so helping him was necessary.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then, Qu Yunmei added, &#8220;Don\u2019t let him stay too long, or he\u2019ll freeze to death up there.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The soldiers: &#8220;&#8230;&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This was unusual. They didn\u2019t know their Lord cared about people.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As they were still puzzled, Qu Yunmei, who had taken two steps away, suddenly came back and angrily said, &#8220;Give him a cloak!&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The soldiers: &#8220;&#8230;&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The guards were dumbfounded, unable to determine whether the person above had gained their Lord\u2019s favor or not.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Above, after Qu Yunmei left, Xiao Rong happily stretched and relaxed his muscles, then walked to the edge of the wall to gaze at the starry sky.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Propping his head on one hand, Xiao Rong looked at the beautiful scenery and smiled knowingly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Big fool. I&#8217;ll drive you crazy sooner or later.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Edited by: Antiope<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Support translation:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/bePatron?u=25191841\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"217\" height=\"51\" class=\"wp-image-338 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/become_a_patron_button.png?resize=217%2C51\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 217px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 217\/51;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/lajnaa\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/kofi3-3.png?resize=185%2C47\" alt=\"This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is kofi3-3.png\" width=\"185\" height=\"47\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 185px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 185\/47;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<p><!--EndFragment--><\/p>\r\n<p><!--EndFragment--><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Xiao Rong rubbed the spot where he had been pushed, grumbling unhappily, &#8220;Such a bad temper.&#8221; &nbsp; He used so much force that Xiao Rong felt like his ribs had been bruised. &nbsp; The sky had darkened, and the lights on the tower weren\u2019t very bright. Qu Yunmei didn\u2019t hear Xiao Rong&#8217;s muttering, nor did [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6644,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[107],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6704","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-your-majesty","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/20240106180053_200_280-1.jpg?fit=199%2C280&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6704","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6704"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6704\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6705,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6704\/revisions\/6705"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6644"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6704"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6704"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}