CHAPTER 460: CHAPTER 460 : XIE JIANYU’S DARK PAST (5)

Every year on the day of the Winter Solstice Celebration, the Snow Upon The Branch Pavilion shimmered like a ruby ember against the velvet expanse of the celestial night.

Draped in auspicious crimson and gold, its ethereal tendrils pulsed with the rhythm of the heavens. At its heart, a cloud platform soared, granting an unobstructed view of the full moon, a luminous pearl hanging in the sapphire tapestry above.

From this elevated stage, Xie Jianyu surveyed the assembled throng. Gods of all stripes, deities draped in celestial silks, and their ethereal attendants formed a vibrant sea around him. Though his celestial vision was keen, faces remained blurred, a kaleidoscope of awe and anticipation. It was perhaps for the best, for clear recognition might steal his focus from the task at hand.

The first notes of the zither, like wisps of fragrant incense, spiraled through the air. Each melody, expertly plucked by unseen fingers, whispered tales of celestial journeys and battles won.

Xie Jianyu, unbound by heavenly constraints, danced amidst the swirling clouds. His movements, as graceful as a soaring phoenix, mirrored the music’s ebb and flow.

Winter Frost’s gleaming blade flashed like shooting stars, its dance fierce and precise at times, then impossibly gentle, mimicking the caress of moonlight on snow.

The scene expanded outward. Celestial lanterns, like miniature stars, drifted through the air, casting an ethereal glow on the assembled deities. Laughter, light and musical, mingled with the music, creating a symphony of joy. From unseen kitchens, aromas of celestial delicacies teased the senses, promising a feast worthy of the gods.

Oblivious to the spectacle around him. His world shrunk to the rhythm of the music, the weight of the sword in his hand, and the silent stories woven into his every move.

He was no different from a celestial brushstroke, painting a fleeting masterpiece against the backdrop of the heavens, a testament to both the beauty and power that resided within the unseen realm.

Once the music’s final notes dissolved into the celestial air, so ended his marvelous performance. The banquet hall erupted in a thunderous applause that shook the very clouds, echoing through the palace grounds. Xie Jianyu, breathless and drenched in the afterglow of his dance, stepped off the platform.

Just as he was about to head to the palace to change out of his dance costume, a series of quick footsteps resounded behind him. It was Head Eunuch Wang, who was busy chasing after him.

"Your Majesty! Forgive this servant for the intrusion, but His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor requests for your presence at the banquet table."

"I will join after I change out of my clothes," Xie Jianyu remarked.

"That... This servant is deeply sorry, but His Majesty tolerated no delay."

Xie Jianyu clicked with his tongue in displeasure. He stripped off the light armor that draped his shoulders and wrists, the metal clinking with his frustration. With a curt nod, he handed the pieces to the head eunuch.

"In that case, do take care of these for me."

"This servant obeys Your Majesty!"

Presiding over the royal banquet table, the Heavenly Emperor and Empress regaled in the feast.

Incense smoke swirled, carrying the fragrance of dragonfruit and moon orchid, while ethereal music tinkled like wind chimes. Jade goblets, brimming with celestial wine, cast shimmering reflections on their silks.

"Ah, Jianyu. Beautiful performance," the Emperor remarked. "Take a seat."

"Thank you, Imperial Father."

"Indeed, the Crown Prince’s performance is as exceptional as always," the Empress complimented him as well. "I have half a mind of asking the Crown Prince to perform every year. Wouldn’t that be marvelous, Your Majesty?"

The suggestion made Xie Jianyu’s stomach churn.

The Emperor shot him one look before he answered, "Don’t be ridiculous. Jianyu is a swordsman, not a seasoned dancer."

Relief had yet to take root in his heart when he heard what his father said next.

"I am determined to find Jianyu a dutiful wife this year. Next year, we might celebrate Winter Solstice with a pregnant son-in-law or daughter-in-law by our side."

A shadow flitted across the Empress’s usually serene features, a flicker of discontent momentarily eclipsing her practiced smile.

She would rather have the Emperor work harder at impregnating her instead of solidifying Xie Jianyu’s hold on the Dragon Throne.

Knowing she couldn’t show her true feelings, the Empress schooled her features back into a mask of serenity. Reaching for the wine decanter, her movements practiced yet tinged with a subtle tension, she said, her voice a touch too bright, "Your Majesty, Winter Solstice marks a joyous reunion for families. Let us drink and discuss later."

For once, the Empress came up with a great idea.

Xie Jianyu readily swiped his cup of wine and emptied it in one gulp.

"What wine is this?" The Emperor asked with a frown. "It tastes a little different."

"Hohoho~ Your Majesty, do you like it? I specifically hauled this wine from my hometown. Aren’t they especially sweet and fragrant?"

The wine was indeed sweet and fragrant, but it also made Xie Jianyu’s head throb inexplicably.

Staggering to his feet, Xie Jianyu cupped his fists before the royal couple and excused himself.

"Father, Mother, I am sorry but please allow me to retreat for the night. I am not feeling too well."

The Heavenly Emperor narrowed his eyes at his youngest son.

"Are you alright, Jianyu? You are all red in the face."

"Maybe I drank too hastily," Xie Jianyu admitted. "I will sober up in a while."

Xie Jianyu left in a hurry. He thought about finding his elder brother, but his view was starting to spin. The world tilted around him with each dizzying step.

In his current state, he could not even find the seating area of the Shuiran Palace, let alone single out Xie Jianshen.

Stumbling between rows of bewildered banquet participants, Xie Jianyu headed toward the palace, intent on throwing himself into the nearest tub of cold water.

Before he even made it to his bed chamber, Xie Jianyu collapsed on the floor. Somewhere close by, two servants were passing by.

"Did you smell that?" One of them asked with a frown.

The other guard took a lungful of breath before he widened his eyes in surprise.

"It smells like an omega!"

------

Author’s note :

In case some loyal readers are wondering... yes, in the first life, the Empress drugged Xie Jianyu’s wine and caused him to go into heat that night.