The question caught Teng Yu’yi off guard, making her lips burn and her face flush red instantly.

She straightened her posture, about to deny it outright, but upon seeing her father’s sorrowful expression, that strange feeling crept up in her heart again.

Something wasn’t right. Father’s tone carried a distinct sense of farewell.

Though her face remained hot and her heart racing, she couldn’t help but carefully study her father. “Father, what’s wrong?”

Father had lost his composure several times, and it seemed to always involve Wu Yingying. Last time, when discussing that letter from Nanzhao, Father had appeared as if his heart had been pierced by thousands of arrows. Tonight’s unusual behavior must be because Father had gone to see Wu Yingying earlier in the day.

At this thought, anger blazed up within her: “Father, why did you go to see Wu Yingying?”

A look of indescribable shame flashed across Teng Shao’s face.

“You know where she lives?”

Teng Yu’yi felt a chill in her heart. Her judgment wasn’t wrong – there was something questionable about Father’s relationship with Wu Yingying. Otherwise, he wouldn’t feel such shame at the mere mention of her name.

“How could I not know?” she said coldly. “Huayang Lane in Jinggong District! I knew as soon as she arrived in Chang’an. She stayed in our residence for half a year, and Mother fell ill right after she arrived. Does Father think I’ve forgotten that woman’s face and name?”

Her sharp gaze fixed on her father’s face: “Don’t think I don’t know. You had Steward Cheng hide the news of her return to the capital, then went to find her yourself! You keep telling me to trust you, but have you been faithful to Mother?”

Teng Shao seemed wounded by these last words and shouted, “Silence!”

Teng Yu’yi glared at him through gritted teeth as Teng Shao’s eyes turned bloodshot.

He closed his eyes briefly and collapsed onto the seat behind him, utterly exhausted.

He lowered his head, his gaze fixed on some point in space. Gradually, he seemed to be seized by painful memories, the emotions of grief and regret so intense that even Teng Yu’yi could feel them from several steps away.

Teng Yu’yi stood bristling, breathing slightly heavily.

After a long silence, Teng Shao spoke: “You are a child who carries heavy thoughts. Your father was wrong before, thinking that even without explanations, you would naturally let things go as you grew older. But I never imagined this knot would not only remain in your heart but grow tighter with time. Before this military campaign, I had intended to have a proper talk with you, otherwise, I fear—”

The sharp edges in Teng Yu’yi’s eyes transformed into intense unease. What did Father mean by these words?

“This Wu Yingying’s ancestors were the Wu clan of Nanyang. Her grandfather was named Wu Zhenxiao,” Teng Shao’s voice was filled with desolation.

Teng Yu’yi quickly moved to sit on the couch. Although she had always hoped Father would personally explain what happened back then, now that the moment had arrived, her chest was filled with an ominous feeling.

“Nanyang?”

That was where Grandfather and her two uncles had died fighting against the northern barbarian rebels.

At that time, the empire was hanging by a thread. The battle lasted half a year, and although the city gates eventually fell, thanks to those six months of desperate resistance, the empire’s rear water transport and grain supplies were preserved. This proved decisive in the empire’s later successful recovery of lost territory.

The battle had been both devastating and glorious. The enemy had cut off all supply routes to the city long before taking Nanyang and Suiyang. With provisions running low, Grandfather had ordered the civilians to evacuate through secret tunnels in batches to protect them, but none of the defending commanders could retreat. The tunnels could have been used to bring in some food, but unfortunately, the enemy discovered them before long. To prevent the enemy from infiltrating the city through the tunnels, they had to seal them off.

After nearly six months of resistance, only a few hundred defenders remained when the city fell.

The city was desolate, every household empty. The provisions and horses had long since been consumed. Grandfather and his remaining soldiers had survived on tree bark and dried grass. When captured, they were nothing but skin and bones.

The rebels were deeply shaken by what they saw. They never imagined that this unprecedented iron fortress had been defended under such tragic circumstances.

When the barbarian rebels ordered Grandfather and her uncles executed on the city wall, even their battle-hardened soldiers showed reluctance.

They called out “Heroes” in unison and respectfully kowtowed to Grandfather and her uncles before carrying out the execution.

After this battle, Grandfather Teng Yuanhao became known throughout the realm as the First Brave General.

The Late Emperor, deeply moved by Grandfather’s meritorious service in protecting the realm, bestowed special honors.

He granted Grandfather the posthumous title of ‘Loyal and Brave’ and had his portrait and biography placed in the Lingyan Pavilion. Her two uncles were posthumously promoted to Supporting State Generals of the Second Rank, a supreme honor usually reserved only for founding contributors to the dynasty.

“In that battle, Wu Yingying’s grandfather Wu Zhenxiao was one of the defending commanders,” Teng Shao’s heavy words resonated through the room. “Wu Zhenxiao had followed your grandfather for many years with unwavering loyalty. He had already saved your grandfather’s life once during the Nanyang battle. When enemy forces tried to assassinate your grandfather with hidden arrows, Wu Zhenxiao threw himself forward to block the arrow. Though he survived by luck, he lost his left eye. After that, the soldiers called him One-Eyed Wu. Despite his blindness in one eye, he remained unstoppable in battle. He was not only your grandfather’s subordinate but also his life-saving benefactor.”

Teng Yu’yi frowned as she listened.

“Years later during the Battle of Nanyang, Wu Zhenxiao fought alongside your grandfather to the death. As the city neared its fall, with no other options and hearing that reinforcements were arriving at Linhuai, your grandfather immediately dispatched Wu Zhenxiao with thirty elite cavalry. Wu Zhenxiao’s horsemanship was extraordinary, and there was hope they could break through the siege while the enemy rested at night. Wu Zhenxiao did not fail your grandfather’s trust. Though struck by several arrows during the breakout, he eventually led the few surviving riders to Linhuai overnight. But what Wu Zhenxiao never expected was that the commander stationed at Linhuai was Qin Fengcun. This man had long been at odds with your grandfather and was unwilling to see him achieve great merit. Moreover, with rebels occupying the surrounding areas, he worried that if he sent reinforcements, the rebels would turn to attack Linhuai. No matter how Wu Zhenxiao pleaded, he refused to deploy troops.”

Teng Yu’yi’s heart surged – she had heard of this. Later, when the court investigated, Qin Fengcun was the first to be executed.

“Wu Zhenxiao had an explosive temper. He immediately overturned the banquet table Qin Fengcun had set for him, cursing vehemently as he stormed out of the tent. Nanyang couldn’t hold much longer, and there wasn’t time to seek reinforcements elsewhere. He could only lead ten cavalry back to Nanyang overnight. But he never expected that Qin Fengcun, fearing Wu Zhenxiao would report this to the court, would send a mounted force to hunt down Wu Zhenxiao’s group. Wu Zhenxiao was already wounded by arrows, and while avoiding pursuit, he accidentally fell into a nearby valley. When he regained consciousness, he found himself lying in an ox cart. The civilians who saved him had fled from Linhuai, and they told Wu Zhenxiao that Nanyang had fallen and General Teng had died. They feared Linhuai couldn’t be held either and were preparing to flee south.

“Wu Zhenxiao wept bitterly. He grieved for your grandfather and uncles’ deaths and hated the court’s military failure in appointing Qin Fengcun for support. With nowhere to vent his overwhelming grief and anger, he swore never to serve in the imperial army again. Years before, Wu Zhenxiao had taken a singing girl as his concubine in Qiao Commandery, who had borne him a son named Wu Ziqi, then already in his teens. After recovering from his injuries, Wu Zhenxiao returned to Qiao Commandery to collect his concubine and child. Afterward, he only gazed at Nanyang City from afar once before taking his concubine and son south with the refugees. Never again did he return to Nanyang. Wu Zhenxiao’s injuries were too severe, and the constant travel took its toll. His health deteriorated rapidly, and he passed away within a few years…”

Teng Yu’yi was deeply shaken. Her father’s eyes were profound, clearly also pained by this heart-wrenching history.

“After Wu Zhenxiao’s death, he left some savings. His concubine used these savings to raise their son. A few years later, Wu Zhenxiao’s son Wu Ziqi married and had a child – Wu Yingying.”

Teng Yu’yi’s gaze trembled. Wu Yingying’s sudden arrival seeking refuge with Father years ago must have been based on her grandfather Wu Zhenxiao’s loyalty to the Teng family.

Sure enough, her father continued: “After Wu Yingying grew up, she caught the eye of a wealthy local elder nearly sixty years old. Wu Ziqi was weak and ill and hated that he couldn’t protect his daughter. Hearing that I was passing through on campaign, he desperately entrusted an old loyal servant called Wu Si to bring Wu Yingying to my camp. Unable to let a hero’s descendant suffer such a fate, I had no choice but to take Wu Yingying in.”

Teng Yu’yi gritted her teeth. Everything changed after Wu Yingying’s arrival. She said coldly: “There are many ways to repay kindness. Why not give Wu Yingying money and valuables? Why not find her a good family to marry into and send her away? Before Wu Yingying came, Mother was perfectly healthy! Shortly after she arrived, Mother’s health collapsed. When you brought Wu Yingying into our home, did you consider you were letting a wolf in through the gate? Mother trusted you so deeply, why did you have to break her heart?”

Teng Shao’s temples throbbed: “Because your father’s conscience is clear!”

Teng Yu’yi was filled with hatred, her voice suddenly rising: “If Father’s conscience is clear, why keep silent about Wu Yingying?! If Mother hadn’t been heartbroken to the extreme, how could she have fallen ill and never recovered?”

Teng Shao was bitter with grief and suddenly shouted: “Do you think your father doesn’t want to know?”

Tears froze in Teng Yu’yi’s eyes. Father didn’t know?

Ha… that’s impossible!

The pain on Teng Shao’s face was no less than his daughter’s: “When Wu Yingying was brought to us back then, the first thing I did was have someone verify her identity. I was defending against barbarians at the time, and after confirming her identity, I immediately wrote a letter to your mother that night, explaining everything about the Wu and Teng families’ past, asking your mother to help find a suitable marriage for Wu Yingying. At the same time, I sent people to help seek medical treatment for Wu Ziqi.

“To avoid gossip, your mother told others that Wu Yingying was my cousin. By the time I returned home, two months had passed. Wu Ziqi had already died, and Wu Yingying had only that old servant Wu Si by her side. Your mother told me that during those two months, she had been looking among the Wang and Teng family connections for a nobleman of good character, but Wu Yingying seemed reluctant to marry.”

At this point, Teng Shao paused. Upon hearing this, he immediately summoned Wu Si. Given Wu Zhenxiao’s past kindness to the Teng family, they could provide Wu Yingying with a life of luxury, but since she was neither a Teng nor Wang family relative, staying long-term would inevitably invite rumors.

Learning that Wu Yingying was already seventeen, rather than depending on others, it would be better to arrange a suitable marriage immediately, and the Teng family could help arrange everything.

Teng Shao never expected Wu Si to refuse him outright, saying his young mistress had always been strong-willed and would only marry into a noble or high-ranking military family. He added that if General Teng couldn’t help fulfill this wish, his mistress would rather become a nun.

A noble or high-ranking military family? Wasn’t this wildly unrealistic?

Teng Shao firmly said it couldn’t be done, but then thought of someone and changed his mind: “Let’s try.”

He dismissed Wu Si and went to discuss the matter with his wife in the inner courtyard.

His wife gave him a meaningful look and smiled: “I know what she’s thinking. She’s creating difficulties for you.”

The Wu family line was nearly extinct, with Wu Zhenxiao’s bloodline down to this last descendant. If this child who had come seeking refuge with the Teng family ended up becoming a nun, people would only say the Tengs were ungrateful and disloyal.

So no matter how difficult, Teng Shao had to try for Wu Yingying’s sake.

“No matter how valuable the wealth she demands, you can satisfy her, but for such a noble marriage, you have no solution. As long as it can’t be arranged, she can stay in our home indefinitely,” his wife teased him.

Teng Shao moved the warming brazier from under the covers and wrapped his warm, dry hands around his wife’s slightly cold feet.

“I don’t care what she’s thinking,” he said coldly. “If she weren’t General Wu’s descendant, I would have sent her to a nunnery long ago. Don’t worry, I have a solution. Last year when the Jiannan Circuit and Nanzhao joined forces to attack Tibet, I met Nanzhao’s Prince Xinchang. He’s still unmarried and not a bad person. He greatly admires Central Plains culture and has long expressed his desire to marry a woman from our region. Prince Xinchang is truly a ‘noble prince’ – why don’t I arrange a match between him and Wu Yingying? General Wu was loyal and righteous his whole life; if I can find a good home for his descendant, I will have fulfilled my duty to Grandfather.”

His wife burst out laughing and affectionately pressed her cheek against his: “I underestimated you, to think you could come up with such a brilliant solution.”

Teng Shao held his wife tightly in his arms.

Over the past year, his wife had been deeply troubled, frequently visiting temples to burn incense, and often unable to sleep peacefully at night. He had specially invited a medical expert to help improve her health, but her condition showed no improvement. As he pondered this, his brows furrowed into a deep frown.

After discussing with his wife, Teng Shao began arranging the matter. He had a portrait of Wu Yingying sent to Nanzhao, along with the Wu family genealogy, informing Prince Xinchang that Wu Yingying’s ancestors were the Wu clan of Nanyang, and her grandfather Wu Zhenxiao was a loyal and valiant general.

Prince Xinchang was immediately smitten with Wu Yingying’s portrait.

Not long after, his wife became pregnant, and her health deteriorated further. She was plagued by nightmares, and with Yu’er at an age where she constantly sought her mother’s attention, Teng Shao feared his daughter would disturb her mother during the day, so he spent most of his time in the inner courtyard accompanying his wife.

A few months later, news arrived that Tibet had invaded the Hexi and Longyou regions. The court urgently ordered the Zhenhai Army to provide support. Teng Shao was worried about his wife and daughter but couldn’t refuse the imperial command. One day, after discussing military matters and returning from the outer courtyard, Wu Yingying suddenly requested an audience.

Teng Shao initially didn’t want to see her, but Wu Yingying said she had information about the Battle of Nanyang from twenty years ago that concerned the Teng family’s honor and must tell him in person.

Teng Shao felt something was amiss but had her brought to his study.

Then, from Wu Yingying’s lips, he heard a secret that shattered his soul.

This secret had been told by Wu Zhenxiao to his concubine when he was drunk, and the concubine had passed it on to her son.

Teng Shao’s first instinct was to refuse to believe it, but the details Wu Yingying revealed could only have come from someone who had been on that battlefield – no one but Wu Zhenxiao could have fabricated such a story.

In the Battle of Nanyang, after all the city’s defenders had perished, only the Wu family knew this secret.

These words left Teng Shao completely devastated. Seeing his sudden change in expression, Wu Yingying promised she wouldn’t tell anyone else this secret, and said that to thank General Teng for arranging such a good marriage for her, she would play him a farewell tune before he departed for battle.

Unfortunately, Yu’er came to the study looking for her father and witnessed this scene. Teng Shao only snapped out of his daze when he heard his daughter’s running footsteps.

He fixed Wu Yingying with an icy stare. Whether this matter was true or false, Wu Yingying had chosen to reveal this secret right before her marriage, clearly not wanting to go to Nanzhao and attempting to use this secret to blackmail him.

He said coldly: “No one will believe your story. If you don’t want to marry Prince Xinchang, you can tell me directly. There’s no need to fabricate such shocking tales.”

Wu Yingying paused, then sighed and said she was just joking, that she was very satisfied with the marriage.

Teng Shao’s mind was in chaos. He had Wu Yingying sent to a newly acquired residence to await her marriage, forbidding her from setting foot in his household before Prince Xinchang came to receive his bride.

Unexpectedly, two days later his wife suddenly miscarried and fell into deep depression.

He remembered rushing back to their chamber upon hearing the news. The room was filled with the scent of “Rain Eaves Flowers,” his wife’s favorite incense. That day, the fragrance was unprecedentedly strong.

Afterward, no matter how Teng Shao tried to console his wife, she remained melancholic. The bright smile never returned to her face, replaced by an abyss of despair in her eyes.

Teng Shao was tormented inside, suspecting his wife had misunderstood him after hearing Yu’er’s account. He hurriedly explained that day’s events to his wife, only concealing the shocking secret about the Battle of Nanyang.

His wife merely stroked his face gently, saying she believed him.

Though she said this, she grew increasingly distant from him with each passing day, not letting him stay by her bedside or listen to him speak. Whenever he came near, she would close her eyes and turn to face the inner wall. She would only hold Yu’er in her arms, often silently weeping.

All signs pointed to her being utterly disappointed in him.

Teng Shao was bitter and pained. He and his wife had been married for exactly five years, yet he couldn’t trust her even slightly. Rather than torturing herself like this, she might as well take a knife and cut his flesh.

Desperately worried, Teng Shao sent for the most skilled physician from Chang’an to treat his wife.

Soon after, Prince Xinchang arrived with the Nanzhao ceremonial procession to receive his bride. His wife finally showed a slight smile, saying that although Prince Xinchang was just a prince of Nanzhao, it concerned diplomatic relations between the two nations. Now that court officials had arrived, Teng Shao should personally escort Wu Yingying to her wedding. She told him to go with peace of mind, saying she would make him summer clothes when he returned.

But when Teng Shao rushed back, he found only his wife’s cold corpse.

Immersed in memories, Teng Shao’s eyes were filled with red bloodshots: “All these years, your father has been wondering if I made a mistake back then. Perhaps I shouldn’t have agreed to Wu Ziqi’s request just to repay a debt of gratitude. But after Wu Yingying arrived, I immediately discussed arranging her marriage with your mother. To get Wu Yingying married quickly, I mobilized every influence in court that could sway Prince Xinchang. All subsequent arrangements were discussed with your mother beforehand.

“If your mother’s illness was due to suspecting something between me and Wu Yingying, why don’t you ask why she would rather believe an outsider than trust her husband?!”

Teng Shao’s voice was filled with bitterness.

Tears streamed down Teng Yu’yi’s face as she shook her head: “You’re talking nonsense. Mother trusted you so deeply, she wouldn’t have doubted you without reason. Father must have done something terrible to break Mother’s heart so completely.”

Teng Shao stared at his daughter with bloodshot eyes.

After a moment, he rose unsteadily with a desolate air: “Your mother was an extremely perceptive person. After our marriage, we were as close as glue and lacquer. If she hadn’t developed a deep misunderstanding about me, how could she have grown so cold? But no matter how I tried to explain, your mother wouldn’t believe me. Husband and wife should be of one heart and mind, yet your mother turned against me because of an outsider. Do you think you’re the only one who can’t let go? Your father wants to know even more than you what your mother was thinking back then!!”

Teng Yu’yi’s breathing trembled, her heart filled with grief and anger: “Don’t talk about Mother like that! Wu Yingying told you the secret about the Battle of Nanyang, and you didn’t tell Mother either, did you? It must be because you kept secrets from Mother that she couldn’t let go!”

Teng Shao looked as if he’d been struck heavily, collapsing back onto his seat: “That was just Wu Yingying’s one-sided account. How could I present it to your mother as fact? To verify this matter, for ten years, your father has been searching everywhere for survivors from the Battle of Nanyang, but no one knew more details than the Wu family. Your father had finally pieced together most of the clues, and went to Huayang Lane today to find Wu Yingying to verify one last thing.”

That look of shame appeared on Teng Shao’s face again. He closed his eyes, but his voice couldn’t stop trembling: “Only today did your father finally understand. Back then, your mother didn’t fall ill because of Wu Yingying, but because of this secret of the Teng family. I – I almost failed to honor your mother’s deep concern.”

That ominous feeling crept up Teng Yu’yi’s back. She stared at her father unblinkingly and pressed: “So – what exactly was it?”

Teng Shao opened his eyes to look at his daughter. This time, his expression was infinitely gentle, as if he wanted to carefully look at his daughter on behalf of his departed wife.

“If Huiniang could see you now, I wonder how happy she would be. Without realizing it… our Yu’er has grown so much.”

“Father!” Teng Yu’yi called out sharply.

Her heart was in complete turmoil: “What happened in the Battle of Nanyang?! Why do you say Mother’s death is related to this?”

Teng Shao’s eyelashes trembled. Someone had to pay the price, and that person should have been him.

“You only need to remember that this matter has nothing to do with you.” Teng Shao’s lips were deathly pale as he waved his hand wearily. “Leave everything to your father. No evil spirits will come looking for you anymore. Also, I never wronged your mother. You should let go of your concerns and happily pursue any young man you fancy. Everything that needed to be said has been said. Go now, your father is tired too.”

“Father!!!”

But Teng Shao had already strode to the door, opened it, and called out: “Steward Cheng, escort the young miss back to the inner courtyard. Has Lu Yan and the others arrived?”

“Yes, they’re waiting for your summons, sir.”

“Call them in.” In an instant, Teng Shao had regained his former mountain-like steadfastness.

Teng Yu’yi stared hard at her father’s back. She knew that tonight she wouldn’t be able to pry another word from her father’s mouth. Hearing voices approaching from outside, despite her anxiety and reluctance, she could only leave the study step by step.

Master Qingxu personally held up the candle, pointing to a certain spot on the paper.

“Look, if the Death-Hook Curse had been cast before Teng Shao’s birth, he shouldn’t have lived to adulthood. Yet he not only lived safely to thirty-eight but also achieved numerous military successes. For this reason, my master once thought the person who cast the curse hated Teng Shao. Out of hatred, they cast the Death-Hook Curse on his children, which is why despite Lady Teng’s excellent facial features, she was born with an extremely inauspicious fate. Without someone to borrow life for her, she absolutely wouldn’t live past sixteen.

“Today, hearing that Teng Shao also died unnaturally in his supposed previous life, my master formed a different hypothesis – what if the person hated Teng Yuanhao? When Teng Yuanhao died for his country, Teng Shao was already four years old. While his father and brothers went to battle, Teng Shao stayed home due to his young age.

“If someone cursed his descendants when Teng Yuanhao died, Lady Teng, being of Teng blood, couldn’t escape the catastrophe. But since Teng Shao was already four years old, the curse affecting him wasn’t as severe, allowing him to reach adulthood, though the Death-Hook Curse’s influence ultimately led to his unnatural death.”

Lin Chengyou pondered and responded: “And the curse must have been cast between Teng Shao’s birth and age four. If it had been cast before his birth, Teng Shao wouldn’t have lived past sixteen, and after age four his father was already dead – one cannot curse a dead person.”

Following this timeline, the last possible moment Teng Yuanhao could have been cursed was during the Battle of Nanyang.

Lin Chengyou frowned – but that was a glorious defensive battle that made Teng Yuanhao a legendary general.

Neither enemy soldiers nor allied commanders would have hated Teng Yuanhao enough to cast such a curse – after all, on the battlefield, swords strike blindly, and victory or defeat is the common fate of warriors.

This curse was too severe – the caster would not only lose their soul instantly but also be unable to reincarnate for all eternity.

As for the city’s civilians, it was said that Teng Yuanhao had already evacuated them through secret tunnels.

The common people should only have felt gratitude toward Teng Yuanhao, not hatred.

So what exactly happened…

Master Qingxu seemed equally puzzled: “This matter is too strange. Let’s set aside who Teng Yuanhao might have offended. People typically go through six realms of reincarnation, but Lady Teng has lived the same life twice. It seems that as long as someone helps borrow life for her, she will live another cycle. My master suspects that what Teng Yuanhao did must have enraged both heaven and men, and there might have been more than one person who cursed him – otherwise, it wouldn’t have drawn such a powerful curse. To break it, we must take extraordinary measures.”

Lin Chengyou anxiously wondered how Teng Yuanhao, that iron-willed old hero, could have drawn such a powerful curse.

“Didn’t Li Sanniang also live the same life twice? How do you explain that?”

“In her previous life, Li Sanniang died from an epidemic, but today my master sees her facial features don’t indicate a short life. My master suspects she once used Lady Teng’s birth date and time to seek benefits for herself, thus drawing misfortune. The Death-Hook Curse on Lady Teng is no small matter – if Li Sanniang ever made wishes in Lady Teng’s name before Buddha, the resentment would have affected her too, causing her to die from the epidemic despite having years left to live. I hear she often visited Lady Teng’s home – she might have stolen something belonging to Lady Teng. You should question her thoroughly about this.”

Lin Chengyou was troubled: “So, to resolve the calamity on Teng Yu’yi, borrowing life alone isn’t enough?”

Master Qingxu stroked his beard: “Don’t be hasty. Only those who tied the bell can untie it. You must first understand what happened to the Teng family back then before we can devise a solution. General Teng probably has difficulties speaking about it – after all, he was only four at the time. With the campaign imminent, you’ll be traveling with General Teng. Find an appropriate opportunity to ask what needs to be asked. For his daughter’s safety, he won’t refuse to tell.”

Lin Chengyou suddenly remembered Wu Qi once mentioning that a month ago, the Hermit of Bright Moon had predicted a great disaster would befall Chang’an. Their Wuji Sect knew many secret arts of destiny reading – perhaps they had foreseen something.

With so many Chi Kuo appearing in Chang’an recently, it might be related to the calamity in Teng Yu’yi’s fate.

He had already planned to help Teng Yu’yi recover her hair ornaments before the campaign. Why not take this chance to thoroughly search the underground palace of the Yuzhen Taoist Temple? There might be unexpected discoveries.

“It’s getting late. You should rest, Master. There’s much to do tomorrow. I’ll return home to rest as well.”

With that, he hurriedly left the palace.

***

The next day, Lin Chengyou was busy until evening before finding time to visit the Yuzhen Taoist Temple.

After the Hermit of Bright Moon was executed, the court had specially assigned many imperial guards to watch over the place. Without an imperial edict, no one was allowed to enter.

Lin Chengyou nodded to the guards at the gate and stepped into the temple.

After entering, he went straight to the underground palace without stopping elsewhere. He and Teng Yu’yi had encountered Naichong in the main hall of the first level, but the underground palace had three levels, arranged like three interlocking “chessboards” – whenever someone entered, the boards would immediately shift positions. Although the Ministry of Justice officials had only searched the underground palace once, Teng Yu’yi’s hair ornaments couldn’t possibly still be in their previous location.

Fortunately, no matter how much the underground palace changed, the angles of each “chessboard” shift followed fixed patterns.

Lin Chengyou calculated silently in the darkness, then suddenly lit the glass lamp in his hand with a fire starter.

***

Teng Yu’yi hadn’t been able to see her father all day. Thinking of last night’s conversation with him, her chest felt stuffed with cotton. Thoughts of her mother left only sorrow in her heart.

All day, she had been shrouded in anxious clouds, running to the front courtyard countless times, only to be disappointed each time.

Even by evening, she hadn’t managed to catch her father. Steward Cheng came to tell her that her father had gone to the Western Camp and would depart for battle that night. Teng Yu’yi felt as if she’d been doused with cold water from head to toe, her heart turning ice cold.

Going to find her father now would only expose his whereabouts. The Peng family must have spies nearby – she couldn’t act rashly.

After much thought, she could only wait.

As she waited, the night grew deeper. The moon hung high above the treetops, summer insects chirping. Teng Yu’yi leaned against the railing, fanning herself with a small fan, but even the coolest breeze couldn’t calm her anxiety.

After fanning for a while, Teng Yu’yi tossed the round fan to Chunrong behind her and took out the Xiaoya sword. She began practicing sword forms in the courtyard. After completing several sets, she had worked up a good sweat. She went inside to bathe and change clothes, hoping her heart would be calmer afterward, but found it still jumping about restlessly.

Teng Yu’yi stood in the corridor and took a deep breath: “Bilo, bring me several jugs of Stone-Frozen Spring wine. I haven’t drunk in a long time – tonight I want to drink to my heart’s content.”

Bilo and Chunrong hurriedly said: “Miss, your heart is troubled – drinking now will make you drunk quickly.”

“Stop nagging and go heat the wine.”

The two maids had no choice but to set out some small dishes on the stone table in the courtyard and bring up a heated jug of wine.

Teng Yu’yi pulled out the stopper and drained the entire jug in one go.

Chunrong and Bilo advised: “Miss, no matter how good your tolerance, you can’t drink like this. Be careful of a headache tomorrow morning.”

Teng Yu’yi ignored them and slammed the empty wine jug on the table: “Go, heat another jug.”

After one jug came another, and Teng Yu’yi gradually felt light and ethereal, all the heavy thoughts weighing on her heart disappearing at once.

After who knows how long, she vaguely heard someone cry out: “Oh my goodness, that’s a black panther!”

“Your Highness, you can’t go in – the Miss is drunk—”

***

When Lin Chengyou arrived at the Teng residence, it was already midnight. Coming to see Teng Yu’yi so late wasn’t quite proper, but the Shen Ce Army would break camp tomorrow, and he still needed to return to the palace tonight. After calculating, he realized only tonight offered a chance to speak with Teng Yu’yi. Therefore, as soon as Steward Cheng came out to receive him, he got straight to the point: “Steward Cheng, I have some important matters to discuss with your Miss in person. Please ask her to come out immediately.”

Steward Cheng glanced at the small black panther beside Lin Chengyou’s feet and nodded in acknowledgment.

Shortly after, Steward Cheng returned alone: “Perhaps Your Highness could return tomorrow morning? The Miss is drunk.”

Lin Chengyou, his mind already in turmoil, frowned at this news. Teng Yu’yi had such a good tolerance for alcohol – how had she suddenly become drunk? Looking at Junou by his feet, he stepped out of the main hall: “I’ll go in to find her. There’s something I must give to your Miss in person. It won’t take long – just a few words and I’ll leave.”

Steward Cheng became anxious – this wouldn’t do at all. That was the inner courtyard – no matter how familiar the Miss and the Crown Prince of Cheng were, men and women should remain separate.

“This absolutely cannot be done, Your Highness. Please give it to this humble servant, and I will pass it to the Miss.”

Lin Chengyou waved his hand as he walked ahead: “Any other time would be fine, but this item must be handed to your Miss personally. Moreover, I need to instruct her on some matters face-to-face. Steward Cheng, you wouldn’t want your Miss to accidentally violate any taboos while I’m away from Chang’an, would you?”

Steward Cheng was stunned.

In that moment of hesitation, Lin Chengyou had already strode away.

Racing ahead to Tanshang Yue, before anyone could announce his arrival, the small maids at the door screamed in fright at the sight of the black panther by Lin Chengyou’s feet.

“Sister Bilo, Sister Chunrong, there’s a black panther at the courtyard gate!”

Steward Cheng scolded the maids and quickly moved to block Lin Chengyou: “Your Highness, please wait a moment while I announce you to the Miss.”

Lin Chengyou cleared his throat, knowing he was at fault. In his hurry to warn Teng Yu’yi, he had forgotten such proprieties. He stopped, clasping his hands behind his back, and smiled apologetically at Steward Cheng: “I was too hasty. Please trouble Steward Cheng to announce me. I’ll wait here.”

But the commotion at the door had already reached inside.

Someone had been lounging by the stone table in the courtyard. Catching sight of that tall figure outside, she first blinked, then rubbed her eyes, looked again for a moment, and suddenly pushed away Bilo and Chunrong’s arms: “Lin Chengyou, you’re here!”

Though Lin Chengyou stood outside the gate, his eyes hadn’t dared to look inside. Hearing that voice, he couldn’t help turning his head to see Teng Yu’yi sitting under a tree.

“Come here, come quickly.” Teng Yu’yi smiled and beckoned to him.

“Miss!” Steward Cheng, Chunrong, and Bilo immediately sensed the impropriety and hurriedly surrounded her, trying to stop her.

But Teng Yu’yi had unusual strength after drinking and swept the two maids aside with a wave of her hand. Steward Cheng, being male, couldn’t approach too closely. Teng Yu’yi slapped the stone table and stood up unsteadily, supporting herself against it: “Get out of my way, I want to see Lin Chengyou… You come in, what are you standing there for?”

By now Lin Chengyou could see that Teng Yu’yi was quite drunk. Hearing her call him like this, he unconsciously walked toward her.

“How did you get so drunk?” He was somewhat amused, his gaze lingering on her lotus-like face flushed with wine, unable to look away. So this was what Teng Yu’yi looked like when drunk – adorably silly.

Teng Yu’yi smiled sweetly and beckoned to him: “Come here, I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”

Lin Chengyou had to walk over to her. Just as he got close, before he could speak, Teng Yu’yi grabbed his arm and, in front of everyone in the courtyard, dragged him a few steps, then swayingly pointed at the corridor ahead: “…I want to… go up there, but my legs won’t listen to me. You came at just the right time, lend me some of your lightness skill.”

“Miss!” This time not only Steward Cheng but even Duan Fu rushed over to stop her.

Lin Chengyou pulled his arm free and turned to Steward Cheng: “I didn’t expect her to be this drunk. I’ll come back tomorrow morning instead. You should help her inside.”

He turned to leave, but Teng Yu’yi’s hands wrapped around his arm again, holding it like a radish and refusing to let go: “I… have something to tell him. Don’t bother me, if you keep nagging, I’ll cry for you to see. Duan Fu, go away, go away.”

Duan Fu had no choice but to stop.

Steward Cheng didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Your Highness, our Miss is always like this when drunk, like an unreasonable child—”

“You’re the unreasonable one!” Teng Yu’yi looked at Lin Chengyou with bleary eyes and pointed up at the eaves again, “I want to go up there for some air.”

Chunrong and Bilo tried to pry Teng Yu’yi’s hands from Lin Chengyou’s arm, but the more they pulled, the tighter she held on.

Lin Chengyou tried to pull away himself, but as soon as he touched her wrist, she cried out in pain. Afraid of hurting her, he had to stop: “How about this – bring out a cloak for her, and I’ll take your Miss up for a short while. She seems quite drunk already, maybe she’ll fall asleep after sitting up there for a bit. Once she’s asleep, I’ll bring her down.”

Everyone in the courtyard looked at each other helplessly. What else could they do? Pulling too hard might hurt their Miss, but they couldn’t very well keep the Crown Prince of Cheng’s arm hostage.

“Quickly bring the Miss a cloak,” Steward Cheng finally said reluctantly.

Bilo and Chunrong quickly brought out a cloak and carefully fastened it around Teng Yu’yi.

During this time, Teng Yu’yi kept squirming and struggling, though her hands never loosened their grip on Lin Chengyou’s arm.

“I want to go up,” she kept urging Lin Chengyou.

Lin Chengyou had no choice but to tie Junou to the tree with his free hand, leaving some dried meat for it. Then, under everyone’s watchful eyes, he carried Teng Yu’yi up to the roof beams.

Teng Yu’yi was unsteady, so Lin Chengyou held her shoulders to help her stand. He tried to pull his arm free, but she still wouldn’t let go, so he had to help her sit down beside him.

“I’m leaving Chang’an tomorrow,” his heart was pounding as he turned to look at her. “I’m worried about you, so I brought Junou for you. It can not only ward off evil spirits but also deal with villains. Having it guard you will put my mind at ease. Also, Juesheng and Qizhi will stay at your residence starting tomorrow. My parents will return to Chang’an in a few days, and I’ve asked them to look after you. If anything happens, just tell them.”

Teng Yu’yi’s head was wobbling from side to side, seeming not to have heard a word.

Afraid she would hurt her neck, Lin Chengyou had to support her head, letting her rest against the crook of his neck.

“You were so noisy down below, why so quiet now that we’re up here?” Lin Chengyou’s gaze wandered slowly over her face. It was his first time seeing her this close. In the moonlight, her eyebrows, her eyelashes, her nose… were so beautiful, like the finest jade carefully carved in every detail. As he looked, his throat tightened, and he quickly shifted his gaze forward, saying, “Hey, when I return to Chang’an, will you marry me?”

Teng Yu’yi’s head swayed, finally showing some reaction. She pouted her red lips and said very unwillingly: “I won’t marry you.”

“Why not?”

“You always bully me.”

Lin Chengyou was startled, then after a moment laughed: “How did I bully you?”

Teng Yu’yi seemed to remember something sad and sniffled: “Insects.”

“What insects?”

“When I broke off my engagement, I borrowed insects from you, and you… you sealed my sword…”

Lin Chengyou slapped his forehead. Damn it all.

“I was wrong, I’m not human, I apologize to you.”

“You said I was vicious.” Tears were beginning to well up in Teng Yu’yi’s eyes. “You even had people search me and confiscate my hidden weapons…”

Lin Chengyou hissed as if in toothache, wishing he could kill his past self for these things.

“That’s because I was a bastard then. No, I was an absolute beast.”

Teng Yu’yi grew more aggrieved as she spoke and pushed his arm away forcefully: “You even made me get heat rash. You’re too awful.”

Lin Chengyou didn’t know whether to laugh or cry – that hadn’t been intentional, but he didn’t dare argue. He just kept nodding vigorously: “I was wrong. These things were outrageous.”

Teng Yu’yi’s eyes were brimming with tears: “You wouldn’t teach me martial arts, and you said I was the most vicious woman in the world.”

“How do you want to vent your anger?” Lin Chengyou raised his arm in front of Teng Yu’yi. “How about you hit me?”

Teng Yu’yi didn’t stand on ceremony – she bit down on his arm immediately.

Though it hurt, Lin Chengyou didn’t even twitch an eyebrow: “Don’t hold back, vent your anger however you like. Once you’re done, just agree to marry me. A’yu, I’ll remember these things for life. I was quite a bastard before, but I’ll treat you twice as well in the future. Won’t you stop being angry?”

But Teng Yu’yi stopped biting. She suddenly raised her head, looking at him with drunk eyes for a moment, then seemed to remember something and pointed angrily at her lips: “Last time you even bit my lip until it bled.”

Before Lin Chengyou could react, she grabbed his face with both hands.

Lin Chengyou’s whole body stiffened, his chest thundering as if a thousand wild horses were galloping through it. Seeing Teng Yu’yi’s face drawing closer and closer, he held his breath.

“What are you… what are you doing? Last time I was trying to save you.” Lin Chengyou struggled to maintain his last shred of clarity, not daring to move an inch. “Hey, all your servants are down there, including Duan Fu. You shouldn’t take advantage of me so publicly.”

Teng Yu’yi’s red lips were like cherries, her eyes misty like jade lakes. Ignoring his protests, she touched her nose to his and without another word bit his lip.

A sharp pain shot through his lip, but she seemed about to pull away after just one bite. Lin Chengyou’s mind was filled with thunder and lightning, his eyes darkened, and before she could retreat, he leaned forward and kissed her lips.