Chapter Sixteen: The Grand Alliance Ceremony of the Five Nations – The Scholar Attends the Gathering

Mid-July arrived in the blink of an eye, bringing princes and generals from every nation to the realm of Hundred Brooks.

Mu Chengyan, burdened with a wooden box, journeyed over mountains and rivers toward the capital of Hundred Brooks to attend the grand festival held once every thirty years. Leaning against a tree, he daydreamed of using his vast knowledge to help Shen Xinan, the Second Prince of Northern Xiao, rise above all others, thus earning fame across the land. He imagined himself bringing honor to his family, surrounded by beautiful wives and concubines, dressed in fine clothes, riding spirited horses, and reaching the pinnacle of life...

But a sudden thunderstorm shattered his reverie. He looked up—the once clear sky had darkened in an instant, thick clouds gathering overhead. Mu Chengyan’s lips twitched uncontrollably. He wondered silently, could it be that my dreams are so grand even the heavens cannot bear them, and thus offer me a gentle warning?

Yes, it must be so!

He glanced upward, a smile tugging at his lips.

The thunder faded, and rain poured down suddenly. Hastily, he slung his box onto his back and fled, fearing the tree would draw lightning. “Come on! Isn’t it supposed to thunder loudly but rain lightly? This downpour is senseless! Where am I supposed to shelter in this wilderness? Truly, the heavens envy the talented!”

“No! It’s that the heavens are entrusting me with a great mission.”

“Born at the wrong time, indeed. Heaven, open your eyes! If I perish here, it’s a loss for the world—can you compensate for that?”

Mu Chengyan ran and cursed, but the forest was vast, and the rain relentless. If he kept running, he might get lost or fall to his death. He abandoned his struggle, sat cross-legged on a patch of open ground clutching his wooden box, glanced at the dark clouds, and challenged, “Come on, I’m not afraid!” Then he hummed a little tune under his breath.

...

Meanwhile, Su Qingfeng was roused from sleep by the rain, yawning as he walked to the window in disheveled clothes. Peering outside, he sighed, “Anyone traveling in this weather is unlucky indeed.” With that, he closed the window and returned to bed, ignoring the patter of the rain.

Time passed, the rain ceased, and the sky cleared.

Mu Chengyan stripped off his soaked clothes and wrung them out fiercely, his voice hoarse. “Heh. Rain when you please, stop when you please—could you spare a thought for me?”

He spotted a smooth boulder ahead, shouldered his wooden box, and hurried over. Carefully, he took out the books from the box, spread them across the stone to dry, and himself lay flat upon it, exhausted.

“Comfortable,” he murmured.

After a long while, he opened his eyes and noticed a carriage approaching. Quickly, he gathered his books from the stone, dressed, and stood in the middle of the road.

The old man driving a cart full of cabbages saw the disheveled youth and hurriedly pulled the reins.

Mu Chengyan bowed and pinched his throat, “Cough, cough—may I ask, are you headed to the capital of Hundred Brooks?”

The old man, dressed in clean coarse linen, stroked his white beard and smiled kindly. “Yes. If you don’t mind, I’ll give you a ride.”

Mu Chengyan was delighted and scrambled aboard. “I wouldn’t dare to mind—thank you, sir.”

The old man raised his whip, “Sit tight then. Hyah!”

After walking so far for so long, Mu Chengyan felt that catching a lift was a blessing from his ancestors.

On the road, the old man, noticing he wasn’t a local, couldn’t help but ask, “Are you going to see the Five Nations Alliance ceremony? But commoners don’t have that privilege—only princes and generals may witness it. Afterwards, storytellers will recount the event in vivid detail.”

“I’m heading to the capital to seek out relatives.”

Since childhood, he had longed to one day witness the legendary ceremony with his own eyes.

“Scholars from the five nations are always courteous. Though you seem a bit down on your luck, you carry yourself well—surely you’re talented.”

“You flatter me. Scholars are of little use,” Mu Chengyan replied, embarrassed.

The old man laughed heartily. “Even if you lack ambition, you’re still a scholar.”

Mu Chengyan was surprised—if even a vegetable seller spoke so, the capital must be teeming with talent. If he wanted to make a name for himself, only true ability would suffice.

With only ten days left until the ceremony, even if he crammed day and night, he wouldn't gain much. Still, if there was one thing Mu Chengyan never lacked, it was confidence.

They continued chatting, sometimes falling into silence. The old man felt the scholar was a bit shy, not realizing it was simply a matter of mismatched conversation.

Unnoticed, they arrived at the capital of Hundred Brooks.

The old man stopped in a quiet spot. “Young man, we’re here. There’s an inn ahead—you can stay for the night.”

Mu Chengyan got off, took some trinkets from his box, and offered them. “Thank you, sir. I’ve been traveling for months, and funds are scant—please accept this as a token of appreciation.”

The old man smiled gently and did not accept. “No need, your gratitude is enough. Keep your coin. Farewell.” With that, he drove on.

“There is true kindness in the world,” Mu Chengyan said, moved, returning the trinkets to his box.

“That man said the Second Prince of Northern Xiao would wait for me at Autumn Waters Inn. I wonder if it’s true.” He shouldered his book box and sought the inn.

A year ago, he had nearly died at the hands of villains. Fortunately, a masked benefactor saved him and gave him silver, asking him to assist Shen Xinan at the Five Nations Alliance ceremony.

Though puzzled, he agreed.

Mu Chengyan was well-read and clever; it would be a shame to waste his talents. Now, with the chance to put them to use, he was naturally pleased.

Thus, he went eagerly to the meeting.

After wandering the capital for a long while, he finally found the place indicated by the masked man, panting.

“There really is an Autumn Waters Inn! My benefactor did not deceive me.” He entered, excitement shining on his face.

The attendant noticed the newcomer’s messy black hair, pale face, high nose, dry lips, blue robe stained with mud, and wooden box on his back. He wondered, Is this the one they were waiting for?

“Are you Master Mu?” he asked, setting aside his abacus with a smile.

Mu Chengyan was surprised to be recognized. Straightening his clothes, he replied, “Cough, cough—yes, that’s me. Though I haven’t yet made my mark, I’m already famous?”

The attendant ignored his excessive confidence and gestured, “Please follow me, Master Mu.”

He led Mu Chengyan up to the third floor.

The attendant stopped at a private room and announced, “The guest has arrived,” before leaving.

Mu Chengyan was puzzled when the door creaked open. Inside sat a young, handsome man dressed in fine brown robes adorned with valuable ornaments, his gaze sharp.

As for the one who opened the door, he looked like a page, with proper features but younger than the nobleman—seemed a good sort.

“You must be the Second Prince,” Mu Chengyan said, his tone hesitant, for it was his first time meeting a prince born to glory.

“Yes. From tomorrow, you will accompany me until the Five Nations Alliance ceremony concludes.” Shen Xinan spoke, glancing at Mu Chengyan, frowning slightly at his attire.

Since returning from the Pavilion of Emptiness two years ago, Shen Xinan, once gentle and unambitious, had grown more profound. After Shen Xiruo’s death, he became almost mad. He longed for power, for strength. The memory of Xue Yunqian’s tragic end and the slaughtered town haunted him, ever present reminders.

“Oh, alright.”

Mu Chengyan dared not say more. From the moment he met Shen Xinan, he sensed the prince’s depth. Still, he understood the duty of serving those who support him. Having received so much from the masked benefactor, he had to follow instructions.

Besides, as a commoner, this chance to participate in the grand ceremony was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To be at someone’s beck and call was no great hardship.

“It’s late. Take him to his room to rest,” Shen Xinan instructed his attendant.

“Master Mu, please follow me.” The attendant escorted him respectfully.

...

In the silence of night, Su Qingfeng spoke to a figure, “Master, Mu Chengyan and the Second Prince of Northern Xiao have met.”

“Good,” the figure replied, a faint smile on his lips.

But everything was only just beginning.