《《蛮族之花》 Flower of Wilderness》Yina_bubbles

9、第 9 章 The G

　　The news of the approaching winter was soon overshadowed by another matter. Messengers arrived from the northern plains carrying word that three great tribes had accepted Younis Khan's invitation to gather at his palace. The Kharun Tribe, known for their fierce cavalry; the Tazhen Tribe, whose wealth came from controlling the western trade routes; and the Nayak Tribe, whose warriors were famous for their archers, would soon enter Younis territory. Among the four tribes, Younis remained the strongest, with the largest territory and the greatest number of warriors. Yet the arrival of the three tribes was no ordinary visit. They were not coming merely to exchange gifts and drink wine with the Khan. There were whispers of alliances, trade agreements, and, most importantly, marriage.

　　On the morning of the ceremony, every member of the Khan's household was ordered to attend. Princes, princesses, consorts, and even those who had spent years hidden away from the Khan's attention were expected to appear. In the Orchid Courtyard, Nanny Zhang carefully helped Shuran prepare for the ceremony, though the princess was far too weak to leave her bed. Suyuan stood beside her mother's bed, watching the maidservant fold away a set of clothes that had never been worn. "Mother, you don't need to attend. I'll go in your place," she said quietly. Shuran gave her a faint smile. "You should go. You are eighteen now. It is time you learned how this place truly works." Suyuan didn't answer. She knew her mother was right, but she had little interest in watching the Khan's family celebrate while her mother remained forgotten in this courtyard. Still, refusing the order would only bring trouble. She changed into the best dress they possessed and pinned her hair simply, without the expensive ornaments worn by the other princesses.

　　The Khan's great hall stood at the heart of the palace grounds. It was nothing like the grand stone halls of Xian that Suyuan had seen in old paintings. The enormous circular structure was built from thick timber and layered felt, its walls decorated with the banners of Younis clans. Carved wooden pillars supported the high roof, while animal-hide rugs covered the ground. Braziers burned around the outer edges, filling the hall with warmth and the smell of burning wood. At the far end stood the Khan's raised wooden seat, covered with fur. Below it were long tables arranged in a wide circle, leaving an open space in the center for ceremonial greetings, music, and performances. Warriors stood along the walls with their weapons at their sides, while servants hurried between the tables carrying trays of roasted meat, bread, dried fruits, and bowls of fermented drink.

　　Suyuan entered quietly with Ayao behind her. Almost immediately, she felt several eyes turn toward her. She had rarely attended gatherings like this, and most people in the hall knew exactly where she belonged. The forgotten daughter of the principal wife. The girl was raised in the neglected Orchid Courtyard. A princess by blood, but hardly treated like one. Suyuan lowered her gaze and continued walking as though she noticed none of it.
　　"There she is," someone whispered.
　　"Princess Suyuan?"
　　"I heard she was sickly."
　　"She looks even thinner than I expected."
　　"Her mother is worse. I heard she may not survive the winter."
　　The whispers followed her like smoke.

　　Ayao's fingers tightened around her sleeve, but Suyuan gently shook her head.
　　There was no point answering.At the Khan's table, his sons and daughters were already seated. Some wore elaborate fur-lined robes decorated with silver and jewels, while others displayed the confidence of young warriors who had spent most of their lives on horseback. The Khan's favored sons sat closest to him, laughing among themselves as they discussed the visiting tribes. His daughters were no less attentive, each quietly observing the arrivals and the other unmarried men in the hall.

　　Suyuan found her assigned place near the outer side of the family seating, of course.
　　She sat without complaint.A moment later, the sound of horns echoed beyond the hall all the conversations stopped.A group of warriors entered first, their horses' emblems displayed on tall banners behind them. The Kharun delegation came with dark furs and polished weapons, their leader walking with the confidence of a man who knew his warriors were watching him. Behind them came the Tazhen delegation, dressed more richly, carrying boxes of spices, fine cloth, and precious stones as gifts. Finally came the Nayak warriors, quieter than the others, their bows resting across their backs.

　　The hall gradually filled with noise again, the Khan rose from his seat. "Welcome to Younis." The three tribal leaders bowed according to their customs, and the formal exchange of greetings began.Suyuan watched quietly, she noticed how the Kharun chief stood slightly farther from the Khan than necessary. The Tazhen leader smiled too often. The Nayak representative spoke little and observed everything.

　　The ceremony continued with gifts, greetings, and formal promises of friendship. Musicians began playing near the center of the hall while servants brought out more food. Several young warriors performed a ceremonial display of strength, drawing cheers from the surrounding tribes.Suyuan remained quiet, she had no desire to attract attention.Unfortunately, someone else seemed to have noticed her. Across the crowded hall, a young man sat among the visiting delegation. He wore an ordinary dark robe without extravagant decoration, his hair tied simply behind his head. Nothing about him suggested that he was important and yet his eyes had already settled on Suyuan.

　　She didn't recognize him but he recognized her immediately.The pale girl from the river, the girl who had looked at him that morning with calm eyes despite nearly being swept away by the current. His gaze lingered for a moment before he quietly looked away.Suyuan noticed , her eyes narrowed slightly. There was something familiar about him but she couldn't place it. Before she could think further, the Khan raised his cup.The musicians stopped and the entire hall fell silent. "There is another matter to discuss."The visiting tribal leaders turned toward him.The Khan's gaze swept across his household. , "The three tribes have traveled a long way to stand beneath the Younis banner and tonight, we shall celebrate our friendship."
　　He paused , "and perhaps strengthened it."A murmur spread through the hall.
　　Suyuan slowly lowered her eyes , she already knew what was coming. The Khan smiled."Let the feast begin."
　　The drums sounded again, around Suyuan, the young princes and princesses began exchanging curious glances.For them, it was a celebration while for the visiting tribes, it was an opportunity. And for Suyuan, sitting quietly at the edge of the Khan's family, she had the uncomfortable feeling that she had just become another piece on someone's game board.