The Lord Of Blood Hill

Two weeks before the New Year, a heavy snowfall blankets the capital city in a silver-white coat.

At his residence, Henwell watches as maids and servants busily clear the snow, when a visitor arrives, interrupting his quiet moment.

After the maids leave, Lucy speaks up, “Henwell, I’m here to invite you to a banquet.”

Henwell adjusts the charcoal fire, making it burn hotter.

“Oh? Why invite me to a meal at a time like this?”

Lucy hands over an invitation. “Henwell, I want to be a peacemaker. There’s been a big misunderstanding about what happened between you and Nangong Pingyue. Nangong Pingyue has realized his mistake and will personally apologize to you at the banquet.”

Henwell feels the warmth of the stove. “You’re not here to plead for Nangong Pingyue. You’re trying to cozy up to Nangong He.”

Lucy bites her lip. “Henwell, please try to understand me. Nangong He and Nangong Pingyue are both important to my plans. I know Nangong Pingyue is a beast, deserving death, but not yet. I promise you, once this is over, I’ll tear him apart piece by piece and avenge you!”

Henwell sneers. “What a joke. I’m not angry at him at all. He’s not harming my people, so why should I be mad? It’s you who aren’t angry with him, even though he’s ruining what belongs to you.”

Lucy falls silent for a long moment before rising and bowing. “Henwell, you’re all heroes of the realm. I’m just a weak woman who wants to live peacefully. When this is done, I’ll report to the higher-ups and accept my punishment. I’m not fit to vie for power, nor do I have such ambitions.”

Henwell stares at her for a while, then sighs. “Ah, well. Everyone has their own path. After all, we’ve crossed paths once. Consider this our final farewell to you.”

As Lucy leaves, Henwell calls out, “You’re getting married next March, to Nangong Ying! And yet you’re still tangled up with Nangong He. Have you really thought this through? As a man, I can tell at a glance Nangong He is no good. Is he really worth all this from you?”

Lucy turns back with a sad smile. “Henwell, you’ve probably never loved someone with everything you have. You don’t understand. Love can’t be explained. It has no reason or logic. Asking if it’s worth it is already wrong. To me, nothing compares to love.”

Watching Lucy’s figure disappear into the snowfall, Henwell chuckles softly. “Heh… that’s because you haven’t faced a real choice yet, a hard choice.”

Three days later, Henwell rides in a carriage to the South King’s mansion for a banquet.

Nangong Pingyue personally greets him at the gate. “Sir Henwell, I was foolish before and caused you trouble. Today, I specially invite you to make amends.”

Henwell nods slightly and follows Nangong Pingyue inside.

The royal residence covers an astonishing area. In the capital, where every inch of land is precious, measuring a mansion’s size in acres speaks volumes about its grandeur.

This palace was once a royal garden, now granted to the South King after the emperor’s ascension.

Passing through several large courtyards, Henwell finally arrives at the main banquet hall.

The gathering includes many high-ranking officials and nobles, but the most distinguished guest is the Seventh Prince, Nangong He.

Seeing Henwell enter, Nangong He stands to greet him. “The first time I met you, Henwell, I knew you were a man of talent. Unfortunately, I was caught up in mundane affairs and couldn’t share a drink with you then. Missing that chance to bond with such a great mind has always been a regret. Thankfully, you now serve the court, so your talents have not been wasted.”

With that, he pulls Henwell toward the main table, hoping to seat him beside himself.

Henwell declines, citing the difference in rank and status, choosing instead to sit alone at a lower seat.

Watching Henwell sit apart, Nangong He narrows his eyes briefly before masking it.

Especially when he sees Lucy voluntarily change seats to sit beside Henwell, attentively pouring wine and tea for him, a flicker of coldness appears in Nangong He’s gaze.

First come the exquisite wines and delicacies, followed by graceful dancers in colorful costumes twirling elegantly. Between performances, poetry and songs add to the festive atmosphere.

After more than an hour of celebration, and prompted several times by Lucy, Nangong He finally turns to Nangong Pingyue. “Today, in front of everyone, you owe Lord Henwell an apology. I’ve scolded you countless times for your waywardness since childhood, but you never listen. Now you’ve caused trouble again.”

Nangong Pingyue bows his head in acknowledgment, then leaves his seat to approach Henwell. “Lord Henwell, my recklessness and poor oversight have caused you trouble. Today, I offer you several cups of wine as an apology. From now on, I vow to obey the law and never overstep again.”

With that, a maid brings over the wine. Nangong Pingyue pours three cups in a row, raises his glass, and bows deeply, inviting Henwell to drink this apology.

Henwell simply stares at Nangong Pingyue without accepting the wine or even standing.

The atmosphere turns awkward. Nangong He breaks the silence. “Lucy, since you’re friends with Lord Henwell, why don’t you make the toast on Pingyue’s behalf?”

Fearing more trouble, Lucy rises and takes the cup, addressing Henwell, “Henwell, the Crown Prince has already apologized. Please forgive him with your magnanimity.”

Henwell looks at Lucy, pauses a moment, then stands and takes the cup. “Since it’s you offering the wine, Lucy, I’ll drink it.”

He raises the cup and drinks it all in one gulp, then downs the next two cups as well.

After everyone settles back into their seats, Lucy feels uneasy. She noticed something different in Henwell’s eyes, a teasing glint. But she brushes it off, thinking he’s simply amused by her going along with Nangong He.

Back at his seat, Nangong Pingyue speaks to Henwell again. “Lord Henwell, the earlier songs and dances were dull. I have a better show for you to enjoy.”

With a light clap, the floor in the hall splits open. A massive iron cage, guided by mechanical devices, slowly rises.

Seeing what’s inside, Lucy jumps up sharply. “Nangong Pingyue, what do you mean by this?”

Inside the cage is a fierce beast, and in opposite corners, several little girls huddle, sobbing.

Nangong Pingyue smiles at Henwell. “Lord Henwell, do you like this show? The last time you came in such a hurry, you missed the best part. It was my fault to let a guest miss the highlight. So today, I invite you to make up for that regret.”

Henwell glances at Lucy. “So this is your idea of an apology? Quite original, indeed.”