ATLAS TRANSLATES

The jade vase’s light turned, and thousands of flowers bloomed.

Lu Yun never imagined that a small scheme he had planned for future use would lead to “Chen Xue” haunting him for the rest of his life.

After the Ghost Festival ceremonies, it was like a temple fair. In this era, there was a custom during the Ghost Festival of floating lotus lanterns downstream. The lotus lanterns would flow into the River of Forgetfulness, carrying the living’s remembrance and longing for the deceased. With Buddhism flourishing, the Ghost Festival was embraced by the common people. At night, the lights were brilliant, crowds of people gathered, making it especially lively.

After parting with Prince Chen, Zhou Yangling continued searching through the crowd for Luo Lingyu. She even went to Lu Yun and his wife’s inn, where the maid said they had left an hour ago when they were cleaning, not knowing where the master and mistress had gone. For people with refined tastes, ordinary maids often couldn’t appreciate their level of entertainment. Many times the maids didn’t know what games Lu Yun and his wife were playing.

As Zhou Yangling searched, she went further and further from the crowds. The lights flickered across her peerlessly elegant face. The lady was like jade frost and snow – her usual walking caught the attention of many young men and women who turned to look at her. Women sighed that Zhou Lang was actually female, while men were excited that Zhou Lang was female.

Zhou Yangling asked gently: “Excuse me. Has anyone seen Miss Luo?”

Across the river, Zhou Yangling looked up following the swaying light of the lotus lanterns on the water, and saw a beautiful lady crouching by the waterside. Zhou Yangling was about to call out but suddenly froze. She frowned, surprised and shocked to see Luo Lingyu actually crouching by the riverside with another lady—

The lady wore a face veil that fell all the way to the hem of her dress, covering her very thoroughly. When the breeze blew the veil, it rippled like waves, making the lady’s face appear misty and hazy behind it, barely visible.

She wore a jade belt at her waist and plain white robes that were quite androgynous in style. Meanwhile, Luo Lingyu beside her wore pink wide sleeves with an outer jacket, and a plain white skirt below adorned with jade pendants and a delicate colored sash at the waist. Luo Lingyu wasn’t wearing a veil, allowing Zhou Yangling to recognize her immediately. Yet even crouching, the plain-clothed lady beside her remained calm and cold. The stranger had a slender neck and elegant posture – her every movement was as graceful as a white crane on a mountaintop.

Her presence was commanding.

The two ladies crouched together by the water writing and drawing on lanterns, occasionally turning to look at each other. At one point, Luo Lingyu even lifted the other’s veil to duck under it, pressing their faces close together and whispering something that made the other lady pinch her waist. Luo Lingyu then leaned on the lady’s shoulder, giggling continuously. When the lady turned her face, separated by the gauze veil with their brows and eyes close together, they appeared as intimate as lovers.

Zhou Yangling: “…”

Her heart suddenly felt empty, leaving her stunned. When Luo Lingyu lifted the veil, the lights dimmed, giving only a fleeting glimpse of the lady’s face – somewhat familiar yet unclear. She seemed extremely refined and beautiful, hidden beneath ornate hairpins. She matched Luo Lingyu’s standard of only playing with beautiful people.

Zhou Yangling felt slightly disappointed. She had thought that once she returned to her female identity, she would be Luo Lingyu’s best friend. Yet suddenly, there was an unfamiliar lady by Luo Lingyu’s side who her sister seemed to be quite fond of. Even someone as gentle as Zhou Yangling couldn’t hide her sadness in this moment, feeling somewhat jealous. In this world, not only love could spark jealousy – friendship could too.

But Luo Lingyu remained unaware.

She had finally convinced “Chen Xue” to go out and play, though Chen Xue insisted on staying where there were fewer people and didn’t want to be seen. Luo Lingyu was already content. As beautiful as Chen Xue was, she didn’t feel any jealousy at all – she rarely got to appreciate the other’s beauty. Crouching together by the water to release lanterns, they naturally used the river lights to pay respects to both their deceased parents. Though the sorrow was brief, once they began writing their own wishes, the mood became lively again.

Seeing the beauty under the veil writing on a lotus lantern from the corner of her eye, Luo Lingyu couldn’t help but smile, constantly turning to look at the lady beside her.

Chen Xue’s voice was husky with laughter, containing a hidden threat: “If sister keeps looking at me, I won’t be able to resist kissing you right here.”

Luo Lingyu’s heart skipped a beat as she covered her blushing face. Once Chen Xue let loose, she still felt somewhat inadequate. She forcefully turned to look at the lantern in her arms, arguing: “Who’s looking at you? I just wanted to see what wish you wrote.”

Chen Xue smiled: “Naturally, I’m praying for a daughter.”

Luo Lingyu froze for a moment.

Chen Xue suddenly reached out to embrace her shoulders. Through the gauze veil, their faces pressed close. Under the makeup, Chen Xue’s features didn’t show many masculine characteristics – her brows and eyes were deep-set but defined, both delicate and dignified. When Chen Xue held Luo Lingyu’s shoulders, that striking beauty pressed against Luo Lingyu’s nose bridge made even a lady like her unable to resist being captivated.

Chen Xue smiled: “I want to be entangled with sister day and night, praying for the joy of having a daughter.”

Luo Lingyu’s face turned red as she stammered: “D-don’t say such things…”

How frightening.

Saying such things while wearing a woman’s face…

Chen Xue: “What are you afraid of? Haven’t we done it before?”

She leaned forward, casually tossing their lanterns to float away on the water. Her hand gripped Luo Lingyu’s as she leaned in, through the veil her lips lightly brushing against the other’s tender skin, cool yet soft. Slowly, Luo Lingyu lowered her head, wanting to laugh yet feeling her heart flutter.

Brother Xuetian was such a tease.

Being kissed by a lady, such a forbidden feeling… Chen Xue smiled ambiguously: “Sister…”

From across the river, Zhou Yangling called: “Sister!”

Chen Xue stiffened, her eyes darkening: “…”

Luo Lingyu’s nose was beaded with sweat, her cheeks pink as she breathed unevenly, body softly leaning against Chen Xue. Startled by the voice from across the river, she fell sitting on the ground. She looked up dazedly to see the ethereal, fairy-like Zhou Yangling on the opposite bank. That beautiful appearance… Luo Lingyu humphed heavily and hugged Lu Yun’s arm.

Zhou Yangling walked over, seeing the veiled stranger also stand up alongside Luo Lingyu. Though the person had seemed dignified even while crouching, when standing they suddenly seemed quite tall. Zhou Yangling’s expression turned strange as she looked at the veiled lady several more times. She felt something was very odd – what she had just witnessed seemed almost like they were about to kiss… Could this person be trying to seduce Luo Lingyu?

Zhou Yangling hesitated: “This lady… I don’t believe we’ve met?”

Luo Lingyu replied distantly: “Just a friend I happened to meet. She prefers not to be seen.”

Chen Xue nodded in greeting to Zhou Yangling. Such noble and otherworldly bearing made Zhou Yangling increasingly confused yet familiar.

However, Zhou Yangling wasn’t very close with Lu Yun after all. No matter how clever she was, she would never imagine that someone as proud as Lu Yun would coax his wife in such a way. Zhou Yangling was clearly more concerned with Luo Lingyu’s cold attitude toward her. She sighed softly before saying gently: “Miss Luo, where is Lu Yun?”

Luo Lingyu replied politely: “I don’t know. If Miss Zhou wishes to find him, please go look yourself. I have some matters to attend to – Sister Chen, shall we go over there?”

She linked arms with Chen Xue and walked away. Zhou Yangling sighed and hurried after them. Zhou Yangling didn’t have time to investigate the mysterious lady further, only explaining softly: “Sister, please hear me out. I didn’t mean to deceive you. Given the situation that day, since I was pretending to be a man, I didn’t want to cause any trouble or let anyone else know. I could only pretend to be a man for a short time, I just wanted…”

Luo Lingyu replied insincerely: “…Why is Miss Zhou telling me this? I don’t blame Miss Zhou at all. We’re not close. What does Miss Zhou want from me? I see many people wish to get to know Miss Zhou.”

Though there were fewer people around, she casually pointed out the groups of two or three who were all watching the three of them.

After all, they were too beautiful.

Zhou Yangling sighed softly: “I don’t mean to steal sister’s spotlight. In my heart, sister is the most beautiful…”

Hearing the veiled lady beside them give a low laugh.

Luo Lingyu’s beautiful eyes turned to look, blurting out: “Sister Chen, it’s so hot, why keep wearing the veil? Why not take it off for some air? Sister Chen’s beauty is unmatched, in my heart Sister Chen is the most beautiful!”

Lu Yun reached out and pinched her lower back lightly.

Luo Lingyu nearly cried from the pinch, gasping in disbelief: …husband’s heart is so cruel.

Zhou Yangling froze, looking at Chen Xue again. Luo Lingyu blocked her view despite the pain, not letting her look.

Zhou Yangling: “…”

This was truly too strange.

For a moment, the three walked along the river bank without speaking. Luo Lingyu reached to hold Lu Yun’s hand, their fingers intertwined within their wide sleeves. From the outside, one could only see that they appeared to be holding hands. Zhou Yangling walked beside them, her bearing elegant as an orchid, refined and graceful, occasionally glancing with a smile at Luo Lingyu who was whispering and laughing with the strange lady.

The three beauties had different bearings – one noble and cold, one charming and romantic, one majestic as mountains and rivers.

To onlookers, amidst the brilliant lights and flowers, it was a feast for the eyes. Those flowing robes, that clear grace… How many people on the other bank, watching through the river lanterns and falling flowers, were captivated to the point of embarrassment? Some walked into others, some stared dazedly. Suddenly there was a splash – someone had fallen into the water while distracted by the beauties.

The three on this bank all looked over. Luo Lingyu burst out laughing, Zhou Yangling also couldn’t help but smile, and Chen Xue’s low laughter seemed seductive, making people’s hearts tingle.

The people on this bank also secretly watched the three ladies, whispering—

“Miss Zhou and Miss Luo together are truly a sight to behold. But who is that other beauty?”

“Why does she wear a veil and not let others see? Could her looks surpass even Miss Zhou and Miss Luo?”

“Ah, I must paint this, I must capture this scene!”

Some scholars immediately rolled up their sleeves to paint. Lu Yun grew slightly uncomfortable, trying to leave several times but was firmly held back by Luo Lingyu. As fireworks illuminated the sky, Prince Chen Liu Shu’s voice came: “Have any of you seen Lu Yun?”

Zhou Yangling exclaimed in surprise: “Lady Chen!”

Prince Chen Liu Shu was taken aback, looking over to unexpectedly find Zhou Yangling again after making a round, along with Luo Lingyu and… a tall, graceful lady wearing a veil?

Liu Shu narrowed his eyes, staring intently.

This time Lu Yun truly couldn’t care about Luo Lingyu anymore and yanked his hand away. Luo Lingyu stumbled two steps from his push, only staying upright thanks to Zhou Yangling’s timely support. Zhou Yangling gracefully showed concern for Luo Lingyu’s wellbeing, while Luo Lingyu looked back resentfully. Then they both turned to watch as the veiled lady lifted her skirts and fled swiftly, like a frightened bird taking flight.

Running so fast, the veil fell away, giving a fleeting glimpse of the lady’s beautiful features…

Liu Shu: “…”

Zhou Yangling came over: “Your Highness, what brings you here?”

Liu Shu rarely failed to stammer shyly upon seeing Zhou Yangling, but instead looked at the calmly approaching Luo Lingyu: “…Who was that?”

Luo Lingyu covered for her husband: “Just a musician I recently met. My lord doesn’t know her. Could it be my lord was captivated by her beauty?”

Liu Shu gave her a long look while Luo Lingyu felt slightly guilty but maintained her composure. She secretly worried – Liu Shu and Lu Yun were so close, would he recognize him at a glance? She was just joking around with Lu Yun, she didn’t want Lu Yun to lose face in front of his friends… Liu Shu glanced once more in the direction where the lady had disappeared into the darkness, slowly picking up the dropped veil.

Liu Shu said softly: “Since she’s gone, I’ll, keep this veil. Miss Luo doesn’t, mind, right?”

Luo Lingyu smiled: “N-not at all.”

Liu Shu said nothing more.

…This was the good thing about people of few words.

…

After that day, Zhou Yangling intermittently visited the Lu residence several times to see Luo Lingyu. Though Luo Lingyu was initially polite but cold, unwilling to engage, she gradually wavered under Miss Zhou’s gentle words. Zhou Yangling was too gentle – when she gazed at Luo Lingyu with tender feeling, Luo Lingyu gradually accepted the title of “Three Beauties” that Jianye had given them.

After Zhou Yangling personally performed a puppet show to make her smile, Luo Lingyu completely let go of her grudge and sweetly linked arms with Zhou Yangling, calling her “Sister Zhou.”

When Prince Chen Liu Shu went looking for Zhou Yangling, he ended up at the Lu residence. He sat down beside Lu Yun who was brewing tea in the pavilion. From this angle, they could see the two ladies leaning on the railings of the double-sided corridor feeding fish, their laughter clear and bright. They appeared so intimate.

Liu Shu frowned: “They’ve gotten so close?”

Lu Yun sighed: “Indeed, I’ve been watching from the sidelines for days now. Why don’t you join me? How can I be the only one keeping an empty bed?”

Liu Shu glanced at him and instructed his attendant to bring something.

Liu Shu’s expression was calm as he gently placed the jeweled veil in front of Lu Yun, saying softly: “Don’t lose it again.”

Lu Yun’s eyes contracted as he looked sharply at Liu Shu, seeing the rare playful smile in his eyes. He said quietly: “Could it be that the so-called ‘Three Beauties of Jianye’ was your doing? Otherwise how could there be such talk when no one has seen…”

Liu Shu laughed lightly, saying nothing.

The usually cold and detached Prince Chen probably only teased Lu Yun like this.

Done with the joke, Liu Shu suddenly seemed lost in thought as he tapped the table, musing: “I wonder if the threads, planted at Liu Huai’s place, have started to…”

…

While Jianye remained peaceful, at the Xiangyang Prince’s residence in Xiangyang Prefecture, Liu Mu received a secretive visitor. The person snuck in furtively, removing his hat to reveal the former Prince of Zhao, now a commoner, Liu Huai.

Having not met for a month, Liu Huai had grown much thinner, his face waxy yellow, clearly having suffered greatly. Before Liu Mu, he revealed an imperial edict with a twisted expression: “When I was taking care of that old man who wouldn’t die, I stole the former emperor’s edict… The throne should have been yours! Now it’s benefited Liu Shu instead!”

“I don’t want anything else, I still have leads from the northerners! Let’s work together – you can be emperor, and I want Liu Shu dead and the Lu family exterminated!”

Prince Xiangyang Liu Mu calmly looked at him, then lowered his eyes to examine the imperial edict that the seemingly deranged Liu Huai had stolen.

Author’s Note: Lu? Cinderella? Xue? Lu Yun lifted his skirts and ran~