The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 533 - 532 A gentleman does not take what others hold dear (First update)

Chapter 533: 532 A gentleman does not take what others hold dear (First update)

Jinwu hurried towards Yelu Yan as he emerged and whispered his report, "Khan, the Hidden Guard has informed us that Murong Ce has returned to the Houliang capital. He’s mustering troops and spreading rumors about the King’s wife."

"What rumors?"

Without daring to hide anything, Jinwu replied, "Murong Ce claims the King’s wife is his Empress and also says it was a case of you snatching his beloved."

The specific insulting words about Yelu Yan were too vulgar to utter, and Jinwu did not dare to elaborate.

Yelu Yan snorted coldly. The day after he found Li Xianyun, he had sent missives to the states neighboring Houliang, urging them to sever all diplomatic and economic ties with it.

Whether out of fear of Khitan’s mighty military or in a bid to curry favor, all the states responded with letters of agreement.

Now that Houliang was cut off economically and diplomatically from other countries, entrapped like in a cage, Murong Ce’s desperate actions were all within his expectations.

What Yelu Yan desired was for Murong Ce to become infuriated with shame and provoke a war.

Murong Ce’s abduction of Li Xianyun was something he would never let slide; it was time to teach Houliang a lesson.

After instructing Jinwu on a few more things, Yelu Yan proceeded to the training ground.

For many years, Yelu Yan had practiced swordplay every morning upon rising, a habit deeply ingrained in him.

When Li Shaojun got out of bed, he took his sword intending to practice at the training ground.

During his three-day stay at the Khan Palace, Li Shaojun would practice his swordsmanship each morning.

But today was different. Before he even got to the training ground, he heard the whistling of blades slicing through the air with lethal force.

From around the corner, Li Shaojun peered at the training ground.

He saw a tall and robust man practicing with a sword.

Moving with the grace of a swan and the agility of a tiger, his blade was sharp and his movements swift and fierce. To the onlooker, it seemed as if a slight misstep would bring the blade hurtling towards them, sending a chill down their neck.

Li Shaojun gaped in awe.

So it was possible for a man’s martial skills to reach such a transcendent level; the masters who had taught him martial arts were nothing compared to Yelu Yan.

Yelu Yan, being highly skilled in martial arts, was keenly aware of his surroundings. He noticed Li Shaojun peeking at him, but didn’t stop until he had finished his sword practice.

Seeing Yelu Yan stop, Li Shaojun quickly hid in a corner.

Those who practice martial arts often frown upon others secretly learning their techniques. Furthermore, Li Shaojun and Yelu Yan were hardly acquainted aside from the occasional bow in greeting, without any further conversation.

Meeting under such circumstances was quite awkward.

Just as Li Shaojun was about to slip away quietly, he heard Yelu Yan call out, "No need to hide, come on out."

With no choice, Li Shaojun stepped forward and gave a Han-style salute to Yelu Yan, "I greet you, Khan."

Yelu Yan spoke, "There are no outsiders here, spare the formalities, come up."

So Li Shaojun took his sword and went onto the training ground.

Yelu Yan then walked over to a desk at the edge of the training ground.

On the desk were a teapot and cups, a towel to wipe sweat, and a soft cloth for cleaning swords.

Yelu Yan poured himself a cup of hot water and drank it down before taking the soft cloth to wipe his sword, all the while watching Li Shaojun.

Li Shaojun had been observing Yelu Yan, but when he noticed Yelu Yan’s gaze sweeping over, he quickly looked away.

Yelu Yan asked him, "Would you like to have a look?"

Li Shaojun emitted a small noise of agreement; he was indeed very interested in the sword in Yelu Yan’s hands.

Yelu Yan handed the precious sword to Li Shaojun.

Li Shaojun almost failed to grasp it firmly, surprised by its unexpected heft, given how effortlessly Yelu Yan had handled it.

It was difficult for him to wield, let alone to swing it with the fierce power that Yelu Yan had demonstrated.

Inspecting the treasured sword closely, Li Shaojun saw the cold gleam on its blade and its exceedingly sharp edge, prompting him to sincerely admire, "This truly is an excellent sword."

"This sword is named Longyuan," Yelu Yan mentioned casually.

That offhand remark made Li Shaojun’s eyes widen in disbelief as he exclaimed, "You, you mean this is the famous Longyuan Sword?"

Yelu Yan nodded.

Li Shaojun continued to scrutinize the precious sword.

Legend had it that the Longyuan Sword was forged during the Spring and Autumn Warring States period by the master swordsmith Gan Jiang. Upon its completion, gazing at the blade was like looking into an abyss, misty and profound, as if a giant dragon lay coiled within, with a faint dragon chant audible, thus it was named "Longyuan".

It was a rare treasure in the world.

"Do you like it?" Yelu Yan asked.

Without a doubt, Li Shaojun "Mm-hmmed" sincerely in reply.

"If you like it, then I’ll give it to you."

Li Shaojun was both shocked and delighted, looking at Yelu Yan in disbelief, "Really?"

"A gentleman stands by his word," Yelu Yan said.

In fact, he had already calculated in his heart.

If he wanted Li Xianyun to follow him wholeheartedly, he had to treat the people around her well, so that should a trivial matter upset Li Xianyun and she stopped interacting with him, these people by her side could still speak on his behalf.

Of course, he cherished Li Xianyun so much, how could he bear to make her upset?

It was just a precaution, in case of the unforeseen.

Li Shaojun really wanted it, but knew such a valuable item should not be accepted. If he accepted it, he would be beholden and have his mouth shut by the gifts received. As a maternal family member, how could he stand up for his sister in the future?

"A gentleman does not seize what others love."

Yelu Yan no longer insisted, "In that case, I’ll lend it to you to play with for a few days."

Li Shaojun gave thanks with a fist and palm salute, "Thank you, Khan."

Yelu Yan supported his arm and said, "When there are no outsiders, you can call me brother-in-law."

"Thank you, brother-in-law," Li Shaojun said gleefully.

Yelu Yan felt very comfortable hearing that.

"Do you find this sword very heavy?"

Li Shaojun nodded.

Yelu Yan patiently said, "To master the sword, the most important thing is to practice the fundamentals. You can..."

As he spoke, he demonstrated for Li Shaojun, teaching him hand-by-hand.

The two exchanged moves, both fond of martial arts, and quickly became warmly acquainted.

Li Shaojun affectionately called him "brother-in-law" again and again.

When Yelu Yan had to leave for official duties, he invited Li Shaojun to visit the military camp.

Li Shaojun was more than willing.

Since the age of eight, he had lived in Chang’an, under the confined skies, accustomed to the extravagance and absurdity of the young nobles.

He despised the environment he lived in.

He yearned for military life, eager to make contributions and to apply his talents.

Yet, he never had the chance to step into a military camp.

But now, Yelu Yan was about to take him to the very military camp of his dreams—how could he not accept happily?

Yelu Yan said to Li Shaojun, "I will go to the Hall of Diligent Governance for official affairs first. After I’m done, I’ll have a guard call you, and we will go to the camp together."

Li Shaojun nodded vigorously, "Thank you, brother-in-law."

Yelu Yan curved the corners of his mouth and "Mm-hmmed."

Li Shaojun finally understood the benefits of sweet-talking. Every time he called Yelu Yan "brother-in-law," Yelu Yan seemed very pleased.

Such a stern person would also smile at the appellation of "brother-in-law."

It was indeed rare.

When Yelu Yan returned to his room, Li Xianyun had already washed up, sitting in front of the dressing table, combing her hair in the mirror.

Her waterfall-like long hair spread over her slim and straight back, making her appear even more delicate and lovely.