Chapter 14: General Yao Lijun
the Grand Plaza of the Imperial Palace
Beneath the vast expanse of azure skies, the grand plaza of the imperial palace had been transformed into a hallowed arena of martial valor.
Upon the soaring Dragon Throne sat the Emperor, his countenance grave and solemn. On either side, the Empress Dowager and the Empress were seated, exuding silent authority.
Civil and military officials lined both flanks of the plaza, their gazes unwaveringly fixed upon the dueling ground. The air was thick with tension, as though the very heavens held their breath.
The thunderous beat of war drums echoed across the plaza, their resounding boom reverberating through the hearts of all. Imperial guards stood vigilant, while hushed murmurs flitted among the gathered courtiers.
All present understood that this contest was no mere exhibition of martial skill — it was a clash of honor between two kingdoms.
Should Qi fall in defeat, it would not only forfeit its dignity, but perhaps even cede its border cities to Chu, according to the wager solemnly pledged.
Qi Dongyang — known also as Li Feitian — strode forth onto the dueling ground, clad in black armor trimmed with gold, his bearing calm yet brimming with unshakable resolve.
His sharp gaze swept across the arena, finally settling upon a figure that exuded a menacing aura.
It was the warrior of Chu.
A towering man clad in black armor embroidered with streaks of red, standing like an unmovable mountain. His eyes glowed with savage intensity; the large sword gripped firmly in his hand seemed to thirst for blood.
Behind the fearsome warrior stood a woman, adorned in flowing robes of pale violet embroidered with golden patterns — her bearing lofty, her beauty transcendent.
She was no ordinary noblewoman, but none other than the Princess of Chu herself — a sovereign daughter who had led her elite warriors deep into Qi's heartlands with her own hand.
Qi Dongyang observed them silently, his brows furrowing ever so slightly.
His keen gaze swept over the gathering once more.
Where was General Yao Lijun?
Even the Emperor, seated in majesty above, spoke in a voice heavy with displeasure.
"Why has General Yao not appeared as decreed?"
The assembled ministers exchanged anxious glances. Chancellor Liu Shang feigned astonishment, stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said:
"Your Majesty, this must surely be a mistake among the soldiers responsible for his custody. I shall dispatch men to investigate at once."
Qi Dongyang fixed Liu Shang with an icy gaze.
Yesterday, he might have harbored mere suspicion; but after what he overheard the night before, he now knew with certainty that treachery brewed beneath the surface.
The duel was soon to begin. For now, he would deal with the enemy standing before him — but inwardly, he calculated how to free General Yao.
Just then, Princess Chu Xiuying stepped gracefully out from the retinue of Chu nobles.
Her violet gown, embroidered with golden thread, billowed like a wave in the breeze; her slender figure was as supple as a bamboo stalk, yet radiated authority with every step.
Chu Xiuying's beauty was not the tender kind that inspired pity — rather, it was a sharp, dazzling beauty like that of a drawn blade.
Her eyebrows were arched like a taut bowstring; her large, obsidian eyes gleamed with a fierce, penetrating light; her lips, thin and crimson, bore the faintest smirk of cold disdain.
Her jet-black hair was piled high in an intricate coif, adorned with a golden hairpin carved into the form of a tiger — the sacred emblem of Chu's royal line.
Though garbed as a lady, she wore her robes like a warrior — her slender waist cinched with a belt of tiger-hide, twin swords bound firmly at her hips.
As she ascended the dueling ground, a chilling aura of murderous intent emanated from her slender frame.
She was not a princess secluded in an ivory tower — she was a veteran of countless battles. The name "Chu Xiuying" was spoken with awe and fear along every border she had ravaged, hailed as "The Bloodied Tigress of Chu."
Thunderous applause erupted from the Chu soldiers.
Their loyalty was not won by birthright alone, but by the steel of her blade and the blood she had spilled.
Her fathomless gaze locked onto Qi Dongyang — tranquil as a deep sea untouched by storm, yet concealing a maelstrom ready to erupt.
"Prince Ninth of Qi," she called out sweetly, her voice clear as a silver bell, though laden with taunt and challenge,
"I trust you shall not disappoint me."
Qi Dongyang met her eyes without flinching, the corners of his lips curling into a faint, confident smile.
"Rest assured, Your Highness," he replied smoothly,
"I shall not disappoint."
Certainly. Below is the translated excerpt from your classical Chinese novel, rendered into elegant English while preserving its original meaning and tone:
The Duel at the Palace Arena of the Qi Kingdom
Qi Dongyang stepped onto the palace arena with composed poise, each movement exuding quiet authority and unspoken resolve. He brought his hands together in a formal salute, offering his respects to the Princess of Chu as was customary—his demeanor befitting a royal prince.
"Princess Chu Xiuying…"
His voice was even, yet carried the sharpness of a blade.
"…I only returned yesterday and have yet to be informed of the terms of the wager between our kingdoms. If I may, would Your Highness be so kind as to reiterate them for me?"
The Princess of Chu offered a faint smile. Her gaze brimmed with pride and assurance as she gave a slight nod and responded with crisp clarity.
"As agreed upon…"
She drew out her words, sweeping her gaze over the arena, which was filled with guards, courtiers, and the Emperor himself.
"…the contest shall comprise three challenges—tests of both martial prowess and scholarly wit."
"For the martial contest…"
She gestured toward a towering man clad in black and red robes, his physique broad and imposing like a tiger, his eyes cold and ruthless.
"…this warrior shall represent the Chu Kingdom in the duel of arms."
Her eyes then flicked to an elderly man in court attire standing behind her.
"…as for the scholarly test, the representative for Chu shall be none other than our Grand Tutor."
Raising her brow ever so slightly, she continued,
"I am but a general. There is no necessity for me to participate personally."
Qi Dongyang nodded subtly, his expression serene, yet his eyes betrayed a calculating gleam.
Princess Chu Xiuying spoke again, her tone firm.
"The terms are clear. Should the Qi Kingdom lose…"
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the Qi courtiers.
"…then five of your border cities shall be ceded to the Chu Kingdom."
Murmurs broke out among the Qi ministers. Though they were already aware of the condition, hearing it declared aloud by the Princess sent unease rippling through the ranks.
Qi Dongyang remained composed. His next question was spoken with calm gravity.
"And if the Chu Kingdom is the one to lose?"
Xiuying arched an eyebrow.
"Then we shall simply return home, and not trespass upon Qi again."
At this, Qi Dongyang let out a booming laugh that echoed across the grand arena. His eyes flashed coldly as he spoke.
"Then it would appear the mighty Chu seeks to bully the weaker Qi with impunity."
Princess Xiuying narrowed her gaze.
"What do you mean by that?"
Qi Dongyang's lips curled into a faint, icy smile.
"If Qi loses, we surrender five cities. If Chu loses, you lose nothing. That is not a wager—it is coercion."
His words darkened the expressions of several Chu officials. Princess Xiuying studied him intently.
"Then what would you propose?"
Stepping forward, Qi Dongyang's eyes gleamed with resolve.
"If Chu expects Qi to wager five cities, then Chu must be willing to stake five cities of its own."
Gasps rang out louder this time.
Princess Xiuying held his gaze for a long moment before erupting in laughter. She did not respond immediately, instead turning to confer briefly with her Grand Tutor and attending officials. When she turned back, her eyes met Qi Dongyang's without flinching.
"I shall take your proposal to our council."
Qi Dongyang gave a single nod.
"And I would add one more condition."
Another slight raise of her brow.
"Speak it."
"If Chu is defeated, in addition to surrendering five cities, it must sign an accord swearing not to invade Qi for thirty years."
Another wave of gasps surged across the arena. Even Xiuying paused, eyes glinting sharply.
"Thirty years? Do you not think that excessive?"
Qi Dongyang offered a thin smile.
"If Chu is confident of victory, then such a clause should pose no concern."
She stared at him, then a slow smile curved her lips.
"Very well… You negotiate sharply, Qi Dongyang."
With that, she turned to speak again with her Grand Tutor, while Qi Dongyang stood still, the light in his eyes revealing the cunning of a seasoned strategist.
Chu seeks to threaten Qi without risking a thing. I will not permit it.
And thus, the true battle had begun—though no blades had yet been drawn.
Moments later, Princess Xiuying returned, her confidence undiminished, her gaze locked firmly on Qi Dongyang.
"We accept your terms," she declared, her voice loud and clear, with a thread of challenge woven in.
"If Chu loses, we shall surrender five cities and swear not to invade Qi for thirty years."
Mixed reactions erupted among Qi's ministers—some were relieved, others wary. For if Qi were to lose, the five cities would be lost with no recourse.
Xiuying stepped closer to Qi Dongyang, her eyes gleaming with disdain.
"But I am certain it is we who shall emerge victorious…"
She continued, voice unwavering.
"…without bloodshed, without stirring unrest among the people. A mere contest, and we shall reclaim what is rightfully ours."
Qi Dongyang regarded her with a quiet calm.
"Then let us await the outcome of this contest."
Xiuying chuckled softly, then glanced around the arena.
"But tell me…"
She let her voice linger.
"…who will represent Qi in the martial and scholarly challenges? For I see no such champions here."
Her brow lifted ever so slightly in mock curiosity.
"…Unless Qi has no worthy warriors left to send?"
Qi Dongyang did not answer at once. He cast his gaze toward the Emperor on the high dais. Around him, Qi officials wore expressions of mounting anxiety—for General Yao Lijun had yet to appear.
"Or has Qi… truly run out of brave men?"
Xiuying ended with a faint smirk as silence swept across the arena.
Then, a stir rippled through the assembly.
From behind the ranks of courtiers, a figure emerged.
A man dressed in soiled white robes, stained with dirt and dried blood, his body gaunt, yet his eyes still ablaze with life. Heavy chains bound his wrists and ankles, their clinking echoing ominously as he stepped forward. All eyes turned toward him.
"General Yao Lijun!"
Gasps filled the air. None could believe their once-mighty general stood before them in such a state.
On the imperial dais, the Emperor rose in fury, his eyes blazing.
"Minister Liu Shang! What is the meaning of this!?"
Liu Shang dropped to his knees at once, kowtowing to the floor.
"Your Majesty, I beg your forgiveness! It was my failing—there was a miscommunication with the prison guards. He was not properly prepared for the duel."
"Prepared!? You call this preparation!?"
The Emperor pointed at the haggard general.
"No food? Still shackled? You think Qi can win in this condition? Do you wish for us to lose!?"
"Your Majesty! It was my fault! The guards erred. I shall have them punished at once!"
With a signal, soldiers dragged the guards out.
"Execute them!" Liu Shang ordered.
The guards' pleas for mercy were ignored. They were swiftly removed from the arena.
Princess Xiuying looked on with derision, then laughed loudly.
"Is this the best Qi can offer?"
She turned to Yao Lijun, her gaze scornful.
"To bring out a prisoner to fight—such insult to the honor of Chu. If Qi cannot produce a proper warrior, then concede defeat."
She stepped into the arena's center and proclaimed,
"By the rules, Qi's failure to present a suitable challenger means default. The five cities now belong to Chu!"
Panic surged among the Qi ministers. Some looked to the Emperor in desperation, while Minister Liu Shang remained silent.
But before defeat could be declared, a voice rang out.
"Hold!"
All turned to the source—a man in black, stepping forth beside Yao Lijun.
It was Qi Dongyang—Li Feitian—his eyes unwavering.
"Who says Qi has no warriors?"
He stood tall before the haggard general, studying him closely. Though emaciated, his spirit remained unbroken. The fire of a warrior still burned within his eyes.
Qi Dongyang offered a faint, encouraging smile.
"General… are you still able to fight?"
Yao Lijun looked at him, puzzled.
"I don't understand… have I been brought out to be executed?"
Qi Dongyang's heart sank. It confirmed Liu Shang's treachery.
He forced a smile and replied firmly.
"No. You were brought here to fight—for the honor of Qi."
Yao's brow furrowed as Qi Dongyang explained the wager in full. The general was silent for a moment, then let out a quiet chuckle.
"Heh… They think I'm finished? Let them dream."
His gaze steadied, unwavering.
Qi Dongyang nodded to the guards. The chains were struck from Yao's limbs, crashing to the stone below. Yet freed, the general staggered. Qi Dongyang caught him swiftly.
"You are not ready. I cannot let you fight today."
Yao looked at him, deeply moved.
"But I cannot let Qi fall because of me."
Qi Dongyang shook his head, then turned to face Princess Xiuying.
"I propose we begin with the scholarly duel today. The martial challenge shall be held tomorrow."
She frowned.
"Why should I agree?"
He smirked slightly.
"Is not Chu confident of victory? Then allow us to prepare properly. Surely you wouldn't take pride in defeating an unready foe?"
Xiuying regarded him in silence. She was a warrior—she knew that a hollow victory would never be sung of in legend.
At last, she nodded.
"Very well. Qi may regroup… but do not expect mercy on the morrow."
The arena buzzed with excitement. Qi Dongyang said nothing more, simply helping General Yao away to rest and recover—for the true duel had only just begun.