Reign of the Phoenix

Chapter 89 – Unable to Accept His Princely Identity
Chiyun Yuexuan was scared that Chiyun Nan would pull a strict face, but to his surprise, Chiyun Nan only displayed relief and kindness. “You little brat, always acting without considering the consequences and always making people worry about you.”

Yan Han hurriedly looked over at Chiyun Nan, quietly pleading for help. “It’s good that Xuan’er is fine, no need to be hard on him. Since we can’t keep it from him any longer, Prime Minister, you go first.”

Chiyun Yuexuan furrowed. “Is there something you’re not telling me, Father?”

Chiyun Nan grew solemn. “You are not my birth son. In fact, you’re the son of the retired emperor and grandson of Prime Minister Ning. Your birth mother is the queen of the retired emperor, her name was Ning Yuetong. She gave birth to you in the Cold Palace because she was framed by vile people. For your safety, she entrusted you to your present mother.”

Chiyun Yuexuan was shocked, his face puzzled. “Father, I know my wrongs. I’ve always caused trouble for you since I was little. I know you’re angry, but you can’t deny me because of that okay? I’m your child, and this is a fact that no one can change.” His attachment for Chiyun Nan showed clearly between his words.

Ning Zezhi’s emotions ran out of control. He walked to Chiyun Yuexuan. “What your father said is true. Your birth mother is my daughter. The jade phoenix leaf you wear was left by your mother.”

Chiyun Yuexuan knelt down. “Have I caused a great disaster or something? That you have to make up such a story to protect me? I can’t afford this.”

Yan Han painfully held him up with tearful eyes. “I’ve failed you two, mother and son, and I don’t know how I can make it up to you. But, it’s true; not only you’re my son, but you’re also my only son of my first wife.”

Chiyun Yuexuan muttered to himself, “Are the three of them poisoned by the Illusion Fungus? Why do I feel like I’m dreaming?”

Chiyun Nan sighed, “I know you temporarily can’t accept it. I’ll invite your mother over. She wouldn’t lie to you.”

Yan Han’s face was full of pain and compassion as he choked with sobs. “I shouldn’t have doubted your mother, forcing her to give birth to you in the Cold Palace with such resentment. It’s all my fault, I’ll do everything I can to compensate you.”

Chiyun Yuexuan suddenly realized something. “If so, it’s only natural that some people would want to kill me. May I ask Your Majesty, was my birth mother murdered?”

Yan Han’s voice was almost inaudible, “All the evidence so far, says that your mother hung herself.”

Chiyun Yuexuan couldn’t suppress his anger. “How can a mother easily give up her life like that? Your Majesty is trying to protect someone, aren’t you?”

Chiyun Nan shouted, “Xuan’er, do not be presumptuous! The retired emperor is your father, you’re not allowed to question him like that. That’s just unfilial and disgraceful. By now, there has been no evidence that your mother’s death was a murder.”

Ning Zezhi wiped his tears. “I have felt ever since you were little that you much resemble your mother and that we’re somehow related. About Yuetong’s death, we’ll continue to investigate. Your imperial father hasn’t been at ease for more than 20 years. He’s also suffering, so don’t hold it against him. The three of us are responsible for your mother’s death, we are all sorry for you both.”

“If my mother committed suicide, how desperate must she have been to make that decision? My head is a mess right now, I’ll take my leave,” the dispirited Chiyun Yuexuan said and headed for the door.

Yan Han wailed behind him, “Xuan’er, it’s my fault, please give this father a chance to atone for my sins!”

Ning Zezhi supported the aggrieved Yan Han. “Your Majesty, you shouldn’t be too anxious. Give Xuan’er some time. It’d be abnormal if he actually accepted it immediately.”

On his way out of Jingci Palace, Chiyun Yuexuan was blocked by Yan Feng.

“Are you running away, General Chiyun? This is not like you.” Yan Feng got off his palaquin and pulled Chiyun Yuexuan towards Jingci Palace. “Running is no way to solve the problem. You must bravely face it. Since I was little, I’ve considered you my brother. Who could have known that we’re really brothers?”

Chiyun Yuexuan flung off Yan Feng’s hand, “And I can’t afford that, I’m only a small general. You’re all mistaken.”

Yan Feng sighed, “I know you can’t accept it at the moment. Let’s go to my study and have a good long talk.”

Chiyun Yuexuan was dragged by the sleeves to Wan’an Palace, where Yan Feng pressed him down on a chair. “I’ll tell you this, no matter what has happened between us, I’ve always regarded you as a brother. Your mother’s death was just a misunderstanding, an accident. I hope you can come to terms with it. The retired emperor – your father – has been suffering for so many years because of this. You should give him some tolerance.”

Chiyun Yuexuan’s face was icy. “I am the son of Commandery Prince Yan, and my surname is Chiyun. If there is no official business in the capital, I’ll return to Fuling Pass tomorrow.”

Yan Feng anxiously said, “Avoiding things is not going to change the fact that you are a prince, I hope you understand this. Actively solving the problem is what you should do right now. When I was little, I was weak. It was under your influence that I became strong. I worshipped you very much back then.” Yan Feng sighed and then added, “If you truly want to treat Princess Fengyi right, I can also put down my obsession and give you two my blessings.”

Chiyun Yuexuan looked coldly at Yan Feng. “Are you making this concession to protect someone, just like the retired emperor, Your Majesty?”

Yan Feng’s eyes reddened. “I’m in a special position, I can only ask you to understand how hard it is to be someone stuck in the cracks, and to remember our brotherly relationship of over ten years. Please don’t pursue the cause of death of our imperial mother. I’ll give anything you want, including this Huayan.”

Chiyun Yuexuan stood up and walked out. “This country is not mine, in no way I can afford it. I’m very confused right now, please let me go back and sort myself out.”

…

Murong Zhining ran out of the General Estate’s assembly room and hugged Chiyun Yuexuan. “Why did it take so long? Ning’er was so worried. Ning’er even thought that the emperor made it difficult for you.”

Chiyun Yuexuan gently pushed Murong Zhining aside and entered the assembly room with a heavy heart.

Murong Zhining chased after him. “What happened?”

Absently sitting down on a chair, Chiyun Yuexuan pulled her to him, buried his head in her chest and said in a choked voice, “Pack up your things, we’ll leave tomorrow. I’ll take Ning’er to Fuling Pass.”

Murong Zhining was just about to ask in detail when a guard came in to report, “Reporting to General Chiyun, His Highness Prince Yan and Madam are here.”

Murong Zhining hurriedly tried to withdraw from the room. Chiyun Yuexuan held her back. “Let’s go meet your future parents-in-law.”

Murong Zhining flushed red. She quickly fixed her hair and clothes, looking very twitchy.

Chiyun Yuexuan caressed her rosy cheeks. “No need to be nervous. Your mother-in-law is very amiable.”

While they were talking, Chiyun Nan and Madam Chiyun entered the assembly room.

Chiyun Yuexuan pulled Murong Zhining to greet them. “Your son greets Father and Mother. This is Princess Fengyi of Shangxia and your future daughter-in-law.”

Murong Zhining respectfully curtsied. “Fengyi greets Commandery Prince Yan and Madam.”

Madam Chiyun helped Murong Zhining up and said, “We can’t. You are the noble princess of Shangxia, it’s us who should be bowing. Looking at you, no wonder Xuan’er is so devoted to you that he’d risk his life to bring you back to Huayan. Princess is not only dignified and beautiful, but also refined and polite.”

Chiyun Nan glanced at Murong Zhining with stern eyes and nodded approvingly. He thought Murong Zhining was the foxy kind who bewitched Chiyun Yuexuan and Yan Feng to fight for her. Today, seeing Murong Zhining’s elegant and gentle temperament, he couldn’t help but feel happy for Chiyun Yuexuan.

Chiyun Nan was pleased, but he still spoke in the same strict fatherly tone, “Having a distinguished status, how can Princess follow Xuan’er and his tomfoolery? Since you’ve eloped with Xuan’er like this, your imperial father definitely will have opinions about Xuan’er.”

Chiyun Yuexuan bowed respectfully. “It’s me who acts carelessly, it has nothing to do with Princess. Please don’t blame her.”

Murong Zhining blushed and lowered her head without explaining herself, her meek posture looked adorable.

Madam Chiyun glared at Chiyun Nan. “Don’t blame Princess for your failure at disciplining your son. Princess can just ignore what he said. He likes to pull a stern face to show off his majesty.” She then looked kindly at Chiyun Yuexuan. “You are indeed the son of the retired emperor. I shouldn’t have kept this from you for so many years. Don’t blame the retired emperor, he hasn’t known of your identity until recently. I’ll slowly tell you what happened that year, just adjust your mood first.”

Chiyun Yuexuan said in a choked voice, “If you really want the best for me, then please don’t mention this again. My father is Commandery Prince Yan and my mother is you, no one else.”

Chiyun Nan’s tone was gentle and calm, “I’ve been hard on you and never given you the warmth of a father, so I’m very gratified to hear that. But have you ever thought that your life isn’t just yours since you were born? And how it would hurt your family if you just run away? Your grandfather, Ning Zezhi, and your grandmother are an old couple in their twilight years who had long lost their only loved one. When they learned of your existence, hope began to sprout again in their hearts. Don’t you feel any responsibility for them? Your father, the retired emperor, who has been suffering from the loss of his beloved wife for over 20 years, is always filled with guilt for you, so much so that he wishes to offer this kingdom to you with both hands. Your father is also tormented by your mother’s death, that you have to understand.”

Chiyun Yuexuan’s voice was ruthless, “I can’t control other people’s feelings, and I can’t accept this. Father, don’t try to force me.”

Madam Chiyun helplessly looked at Murong Zhining. “Xuan’er wouldn’t listen to us right now. Princess, please help us advise him.”

At this moment, Wu Siyuan walked into the room and bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Commandery Prince Yan and Madam. Since our family hasn’t had a meal together for a while, I’ve had dinner arranged. We can also discuss General Chiyun’s marriage when we eat.”

Chiyun Nan nodded fondly. “Yuan’er, General Chiyun is now aware of his identity, so you don’t have to hide it. Sooner or later, you will also return to the Chiyun family. Your mother and I will accompany Princess for a chat, you help us enlighten your brother meanwhile.”

Murong Zhining tacitly followed Chiyun Nan and Madam Chiyun to the study. Luo Siyao served tea for them and stood aside to wait on them.

Chiyun Nan glanced at Murong Zhining. “Princess probably knows about the real identity of Xuan’er now. He’s not my son, but the imperial family’s son of first wife. You two’s marriage must go according to the regulations. I’ll visit the palace tomorrow and discuss the details of your marriage with the retired emperor. It’s best that Princess moves to the Commandery Prince Estate so as not to arouse criticism.”

Murong Zhining lowered her head, her voice was barely audible, “Yes. Fengyi will listen to the arrangement of Your Highness and Madam.”

Madam Chiyun smiled kindly, “Your Highness, don’t frighten Princess. We must also must discuss this with Xuan’er. That’s right, Princess, please try to advise Xuan’er to accept his identity and recognize his ancestors.”

In the assembly room, Wu Siyuan patted Chiyun Yuexuan’s shoulder. “I only learned a few days ago that I’m the son of Prince Yan and have just come to terms with it. In this world, the only close ties are ones of flesh and blood, you need to look on the bright side. Besides, since you’re going to marry Princess Fengyi, wouldn’t Princess be more honorable if she marries a prince of Huayan? This may just be a good thing.”

“Princess doesn’t care about this, she’s not that vulgar. Also, it’s not that I can’t accept my identity, just that if I return to the imperial family, I won’t be able to keep myself out of investigating the reason my mother died in the Cold Palace. If I cannot, I’d rather remain in the Chiyun family forever.”