In Chang’an, at the Eastern Palace.

The summer heat was sweltering. Plums sank and melons floated in the water. The low-lying Taiji Palace was particularly humid and stuffy this year. The corridors were mottled with moss, and a thin layer of moisture on the Capricorn-patterned floor tiles reflected a wet sheen.

Amidst the clamoring cicadas, a court attendant led a dust-covered young man wearing a cyan official robe through the winding corridors to the library. A eunuch was already waiting at the threshold. Hearing footsteps, he approached with a beaming smile.

“Official Du, His Highness the Crown Prince has been waiting for some time.”

Du Sinan didn’t even glance at the eunuch, merely nodding as he strode inside with an arrogant demeanor.

The eunuch maintained his smile.

Over the past year, Du Sinan, a scholar from a humble clan in Southern Chu, had achieved great merit multiple times: defending Jincheng, executing Northern Rong spies, and serving as envoy to Southern Chu and Western Shu. Using his understanding of various courts and his silver tongue, he forced Southern Chu and Great Wei to form alliances, relieving Great Wei’s concerns. This earned him multiple audiences with Li De. During each meeting, he responded fluently to all questions, greatly pleasing Li De who promoted him repeatedly. He rose swiftly from a commoner scholar to Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, participating in memorial reviews and drafting imperial edicts, becoming Emperor Li De’s most trusted confidant.

Hearing that Du Sinan was still unmarried, noble families in the capital competed to send matchmakers to his door, hoping to take this new noble as their son-in-law. Even Prime Minister Zheng hinted at personally acting as a matchmaker. While everyone in court envied him, Du Sinan rejected all matchmakers, claiming his humble background made him unworthy of noble families.

The eunuch didn’t understand the undercurrents at court, but having served Li Xuanzhen for many years, he could see from the father and son’s behavior that they favored officials from humble backgrounds. Du Sinan now held the emperor’s favor and was heavily relied upon. No matter how cold and aloof he was, the eunuch wouldn’t offend him.

For lowly eunuchs like them, knowing whom to flatter and whom to cold-shoulder depended entirely on the emperor and crown prince’s attitudes. Nothing else concerned them.

Several lush pomegranate trees by the window spread their canopy over half the courtyard, casting a verdant shade before the window screens, darkening the room’s lighting.

Du Sinan walked straight inside, passing several floor-to-ceiling screens inlaid with mica, arriving at the music room.

Tea fragrance wafted in curling wisps of steam. A young attendant knelt to the side working a small bellows, while crimson flames flickered and danced before the stove.

Li Xuanzhen reclined against a couch, his expression calm, his eyes deep black. Wearing the regular attire of a crown prince – a round-collared robe, crisp and loose, with a brocade belt at the waist highlighting his lean figure – he appeared even thinner than when Du Sinan last saw him.

The Crown Prince had changed much this past year.

Previously, he had been gentle with his subordinates, led troops from the front, never abandoned any soldier, was kind and tolerant, and respected the worthy. Yet he couldn’t hide an inherent gloominess, often trying to harm the Seventh Princess and Second Prince. Moreover, being susceptible to beauty, he frequently made incomprehensible decisions because of Princess Fukang, even disregarding his own life, drawing sideways glances from court officials.

Now, Princess Fukang had vanished, the Seventh Princess died in the frontier, the Second Prince lost everything and was sent to the border, Empress Xie lived alone in seclusion, confused and deranged, while the Third and Fourth Princes were imprisoned by Li De for colluding with foreign enemies. The Crown Prince had his revenge, his love had left, and his position was secure. He seemed to become peaceful and steady, no longer mercurial, no longer hostile to the Xie clan members.

Court officials were greatly relieved.

Du Sinan’s gaze swept across Li Xuanzhen’s handsome face as he inwardly sneered: like water approaching boiling point, it hisses loudly, but once boiling, the sound becomes gentle. The Crown Prince hadn’t become peaceful at all.

He lowered his head and bowed to Li Xuanzhen.

Li Xuanzhen made to rise but didn’t accept his bow.

Du Sinan sat down, thinking silently that the Crown Prince’s respect for the worthy wasn’t mere pretense, but neither were rumors of his ruthlessness false. When the Crown Prince mistakenly thought he was Second Prince Li Zhongqian’s man, he immediately moved to kill him – such decisiveness couldn’t come from someone soft-hearted.

Sitting opposite Li Xuanzhen was a young official with delicate features, also wearing a cyan official robe similar to Du Sinan’s – it was the Prime Minister’s son, Zheng Jing. Flooding had occurred in the Jingnan region, and the two had been discussing disaster relief.

Zheng Jing nodded in greeting to Du Sinan and asked, “Official Du, has Southern Chu changed their crown prince again?”

Du Sinan came back to his senses and said, “Southern Chu’s crown prince injured people while riding, and when court officials seized on this weakness, the crown prince, trying to preserve his reputation, actually killed to silence witnesses, harming court officials. Southern Chu was in an uproar, with officials kneeling and weeping outside the palace gates. The Southern Chu emperor had no choice but to change the heir.”

Zheng Jing smiled slightly.

This change of heir in Southern Chu had been orchestrated by him and Du Sinan.

As the saying goes, fight fire with fire. After catching Southern Chu’s spies, they used them to understand Southern Chu’s intelligence network, releasing false information to deceive Southern Chu into believing Great Wei wouldn’t dare attack southward and wanted to divide territory at the Yangtze River.

They then spread rumors that several Southern Chu generals advocated for war because they were originally from the north.

Southern Chu was wealthy, and most officials native to Southern Chu were content with their luxurious lives in their corner of the world, unwilling to war with Great Wei. They fell for the trick, submitting memorials impeaching the war faction, claiming they were attached to their homeland, selfishly disregarding the lives of tens of thousands of Southern Chu soldiers – disloyal and unfilial, serving two masters.

The war faction was isolated. The emperor had no choice but to demote several pro-war generals to appease the people.

After Southern Chu weakened their defenses, Du Sinan moved to sow discord between Southern Chu’s crown prince and other princes, intensifying conflicts between court officials and the crown prince, fanning flames and exploiting weaknesses. Within two short months, this recently established crown prince was also deposed.

Du Sinan wasn’t a military officer; he didn’t care how ruthless or underhanded his methods were. As long as it weakened Southern Chu, he would stop at nothing.

Subduing the enemy without fighting is the highest form of warfare.

The small red clay stove emitted subtle crackling sounds of burning.

Du Sinan continued, “Southern Chu has many noble families, and several princes’ maternal grandfathers are local powerful clans. The princes have long maintained superficial harmony while harboring discord. In recent years, the position of an heir has changed repeatedly, inevitably drawing court officials into the fray. Southern Chu’s great families have intermarried for generations, forming intricate networks where pulling one thread affects the whole fabric – no one can stay uninvolved.”

“Our planted agents are ready. When the time comes for internal and external coordination, I can guarantee that within two years, Southern Chu’s court will certainly be in turmoil!”

His cold voice echoed in the music room.

Zheng Jing continued his thread: “Southern Chu’s ruler and officials pride themselves on the natural barrier of the Yangtze River and look down on our Great Wei. Their court is constantly in strife, with deep conflicts between southerners and northerners. To appease the Southerners, the Southern Chu emperor cut off his arm, wrongly punishing Northerners. We can send people to persuade these northerners to switch allegiance to the light.”

Whether or not those northerners were willing to defect to Great Wei, simply spreading rumors about their close contact with Great Wei would ensure Southern Chu wouldn’t trust them again.

After listening to both men, Li Xuanzhen nodded and asked, “What if Western Shu and Southern Chu ally?”

Du Sinan gave a cold laugh and said, “The Meng clan of Western Shu is short-sighted and cowardly, lacking the strength to compete for supremacy yet harboring such ambitions. They’ve fought with Southern Chu before, and the two countries have long been at odds. Even if they ally, it won’t last more than a few months. Before then, we can persuade Southern Chu to join us in attacking Western Shu – just by promising them the Qianzhong and Shannan West regions, Southern Chu will certainly be tempted. Then we’ll secretly persuade Western Shu to join us in attacking Southern Chu, agreeing to give them the Jiangnan West region, and Western Shu will surely waver.”

“At that time, we’ll deliberately leak information letting Western Shu and Southern Chu each believe they’ve reached an agreement with us. Then, would they dare ally with each other?”

Zheng Jing listened until his scalp tingled, thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement: “After we conquer Western Shu, Southern Chu’s internal strife won’t end but will intensify. When they’ve fought themselves to exhaustion, we can reap the benefits like the proverbial fisherman.”

Du Sinan recalled something and hesitated before saying, “The reason I dare be so certain is also because of one person.”

Li Xuanzhen raised his eyes: “Which worthy person?”

Du Sinan enunciated each word: “Princess Wenzhao.”

Gurgling sounds came from the tea vessel as the water boiled, pearl-like bubbles tumbling up and down.

The three men simultaneously lowered their eyes, watching the strings of bubbles churning in the tea vessel.

After a long while, Li Xuanzhen first broke the silence: “Why do you say that?”

His voice was low and hoarse as if suppressing something.

Du Sinan spoke slowly: “The letters Princess Wenzhao sent back not only warned me to guard against Northern Rong, Southern Chu, and Western Shu but also pointed out the deep contradictions between Southern Chu and Western Shu, noting that using Qianzhong as bait would be enough to turn the two countries against each other. She also mentioned the strife in Southern Chu’s court. This change of heir in Southern Chu used Princess Wenzhao’s strategy.”

“Princess Wenzhao seems to know Southern Chu and Western Shu inside out – their reactions matched exactly what she wrote in her letters. She said the alliance between Southern Chu and Western Shu wasn’t solid, and that it would only take slight provocation to break their relationship. I believe Princess Wenzhao’s predictions are divine.”

This time, Li Xuanzhen was silent even longer, the curling water vapor seeming to cast a layer of dark clouds over his handsome profile.

Zheng Jing interjected: “Princess Wenzhao grew up in Jingnan, which borders Southern Chu and Western Shu, and the Xie family has operated in Jingnan for many years. It’s not surprising that Princess Wenzhao understands Southern Chu and Western Shu so well.”

Li Xuanzhen gave a faint “mm” and sat lost in thought, his gaze vacant.

Du Sinan couldn’t help asking: “What does Your Highness think of this plan?”

Li Xuanzhen came back to himself, and pondered for a while, silently digesting the previous conversation.

If the plan proceeded smoothly, Great Wei could achieve the feat of unifying the world in the shortest time with minimal cost.

Then, when Great Wei pacified the realm and moved west, they would have sufficient forces to face Northern Rong.

He made his decision and said to Du Sinan: “Official Du truly deserves to be His Majesty’s Zhang Liang, planning within the tent to determine victory a thousand li away.”

Du Sinan said: “Your Highness overpraises me.”

His tone was modest, but his expression carried a cold pride of being irreplaceable.

Zheng Jing silently shook his head.

Li Xuanzhen went to the palace to see the emperor and discuss specific plans. The other two took their leave. Zheng Jing warned Du Sinan: “Official Du has been too prominent lately, beware of standing out too much.”

Du Sinan laughed coldly: “I’m different from Minister Zheng. Minister Zheng is from a noble family and became a close imperial official as soon as he entered service. I, Du Sinan, come from humble origins. After ten years of hard study, and working diligently all my life, I could only ever serve people like Minister Zheng. Now that the sage emperor favors me regardless of background, how can I let this opportunity for advancement slip by? Even if the cunning rabbit dies when the hunting is done, I, Du Sinan, must become someone great and achieve immortal merit.”

Zheng Jing was left speechless.

Du Sinan was a blade in Li De’s hand, a blade sharpened and prepared to strike at the noble families. The noble families keenly perceived Li De’s intentions and tried to buy off Du Sinan, wanting to draw him into their camp. They were willing to set aside their noble pride and offer marriage, thinking that a commoner like him would be overjoyed, but he rejected them without a second thought.

Zheng Jing was from the Zheng family and had recently heard many rumors. If Du Sinan persisted in his course, the noble families would show no mercy.

“Has Official Du truly made up his mind? The sage emperor and crown prince can protect you for now, but not forever. Forget about the hunting dog being cooked after the rabbit is caught – throughout history, how many officials like you have met good ends?”

Du Sinan’s lips curled in dismissal: “Though Shang Yang suffered dismemberment by five horses, his reforms succeeded and his name lives on in history. Minister Zheng, our aspirations differ – how can you know what brings me joy?”

Zheng Jing smiled slightly, fell silent for a moment, then suddenly asked: “Is Official Du’s unwillingness to marry a noble daughter related to the Seventh Princess?”

Du Sinan’s expression froze.

Zheng Jing smiled and said: “Official Du takes pride in his talents yet comes from humble origins. When in Southern Chu, you once publicly vowed to marry none but a noble daughter, which is why you strived so hard to rise above others. Now that noble families are willing to give their legitimate daughters in marriage, why do you refuse?”

Du Sinan’s face darkened as he cast a cold glance at Zheng Jing, retorting: “Minister Zheng is from a noble family, of distinguished birth with limitless prospects, yet remains unmarried with only concubines, your household managed by your elder sister. Why does Minister Zheng not take a wife?”

The smile gradually faded from Zheng Jing’s face.

The two fell silent.

Zheng Jing turned to face the lush pomegranate trees in the courtyard, standing with hands behind his back, speaking softly: “I’ve seen a lady like the Seventh Princess, and personally sent her to marry far away…”

She wore formal attire with flower hairpins as she boarded the carriage under the gaze of civil and military officials.

In this lifetime, Zheng Jing would never forget that delicate, slender figure.

He couldn’t remember when he first began to like the Seventh Princess – at the time it didn’t feel particularly profound, just a youth’s admiration and longing. After she married far away, he thought these feelings would gradually fade with time, but the opposite occurred. That regret didn’t fade but instead carved deep marks in his heart, leaving a scar that would unexpectedly ache from time to time.

Like aged wine in storage, growing richer with the passing years.

Zheng Jing had only said half of what he meant, but Du Sinan could understand the unspoken words.

“I, Du, come from humble origins… I’m not worthy of a noble daughter.”

Du Sinan spoke slowly after a long silence.

Both men fell quiet.

After standing for a while, Zheng Jing descended the steps, glanced around, and lowered his voice: “Wei Ming has disappeared.”

Du Sinan’s eyelid twitched.

Zheng Jing calmly said: “The Duke of Wei’s men did it.”

“Li Zhongqian? Hasn’t he gone to Helong?”

Zheng Jing said: “The Duke of Wei knew the Eastern Palace had strengthened its defenses. When he returned to the capital, he didn’t act immediately. The person disappeared a few days ago – it was done by men the Duke left behind.”

Du Sinan pondered this, saying: “The Duke of Wei now only wants to find the Seventh Princess quickly, so she won’t be buried in foreign lands… When the Duke returns…”

Li Zhongqian would kill Wei Ming personally.

And then?

Wei Ming surely wouldn’t be his only target.

The two walked shoulder to shoulder out of the corridor, the atmosphere somewhat tense. Zheng Jing suddenly changed the subject: “Will Official Du serve the Eastern Palace in the future?”

Du Sinan’s pupils contracted slightly as he raised his head to glare at Zheng Jing.

Zheng Jing’s expression remained unchanged.

After staring at each other briefly, Du Sinan curved his lips in a cold smile: “I was once suspected by the Crown Prince, and that Wei Ming repeatedly tried to harm me. There’s already a rift between me and the Eastern Palace.”

Zheng Jing narrowed his eyes.

Du Sinan snorted coldly and said: “Minister Zheng knows my reputation – to rise above others, I’ll stop at nothing. Only when I’ve secured my position at court will I have the leverage to negotiate with others?”

They exchanged a knowing look, understanding each other without words.

They were both people who prioritized benefits, cold and rational, doing everything now to climb to the peak of power.

Thus, even though they were angry about Li De sending the Seventh Princess to marry far away, they still joined the court for power, striving for fame and fortune.

The Seventh Princess’s marriage taught them that only by holding power could they protect those they cared about.

Until then, they didn’t care whom they served or what background their allies came from.

As for whether they would become enemies – that was a matter for the future.

At least until Li Zhongqian returned, their interests aligned.

…

Li Xuanzhen reported Du Sinan’s strategy to Li De, though these plans were already being implemented in secret. Now they needed to make a decision: whether to attack Western Shu.

Li De feared Northern Rong would turn south and thought they should wait longer.

Li Xuanzhen said: “Haidu Aling originally withdrew after failing to take the city because their main forces were concentrated in the Northern Route of the Western Regions, lacking sufficient supplies and military equipment. Now Southern Chu has just changed their heir and demoted several generals – they can’t deploy troops and commanders quickly. If we offer them benefits, they’ll surely stand aside. This is the perfect time for us to attack Western Shu. If we keep delaying and Northern Rong turns east, how can we resist attacks from both front and rear?”

Li De still hesitated.

Li Xuanzhen stood up and said: “I am willing to write a military pledge – if we cannot capture Chengdu Prefecture within three months, I’ll accept whatever punishment Your Majesty deems fit.”

Li De frowned, raising his eyes to Li Xuanzhen’s face.

He had been campaigning outside all month, and since returning to Chang’an had been rushing about preparing to attack Western Shu. He had lost much weight and looked somewhat haggard, but his phoenix eyes blazed like two burning flames.

Li De sighed.

Had he gone this mad because Zhu Lvyun disappeared?

This son had grown up under his own eyes… Li De weighed matters, then gestured for a eunuch to prepare paper and ink to write the edict for deploying troops.

He couldn’t stop his son.

The court began bustling preparations for the campaign. Du Sinan again went as envoy to Southern Chu, persuading them to join Great Wei in dividing Western Shu while spreading rumors that Western Shu planned to join Great Wei in dividing Southern Chu, thus buying time and preventing an alliance between Southern Chu and Western Shu.

Li Xuanzhen volunteered to lead the vanguard, setting out first with the cavalry.

Zheng Biyu saw him off with a heavy heart.

Last night, Li Xuanzhen had entrusted her with something: “If any news comes from Helong, be sure to send it to the front by fast horse. No matter how big or small, don’t delay.”

Zheng Biyu’s heart suddenly jumped: “News from Helong?”

Li Xuanzhen glanced at her: “I have men following Li Zhongqian. They’ll send back news every few days.”

Zheng Biyu’s hands trembled slightly: “Why did Your Highness send men to follow the Duke of Wei?”

Li Xuanzhen’s long phoenix eyes were like dead water, without a ripple.

“I want to know if he’s found her.”

Zheng Biyu looked at her husband’s face, eerily calm, and dared not ask further.

Li Xuanzhen had changed.

He was like someone frantically pursuing quick success, focused only on conquering Western Shu as soon as possible, caring nothing for other matters. Zhu Lvyun had been missing for so long, yet he hadn’t asked about her once.

An ominous feeling lingered in Zheng Biyu’s heart. She tossed and turned, unable to sleep peacefully, sending people daily to inquire about news from the front, fearing something might happen to Li Xuanzhen.

Within half a month, three armies set out one after another, attacking Western Shu along three routes.

As expected, Southern Chu’s ruler and officials were short-sighted, agreeing to join Great Wei in attacking Western Shu, quickly sending two armies by water to attack Western Shu’s southernmost stronghold.

Caught between sudden attacks from both sides, Western Shu responded hastily, the Meng clan was forced to split their forces to meet the enemy.

Li Xuanzhen led from the front, commanding thirty thousand troops in fierce attacks on Western Shu’s northern outposts, advancing unstoppably with fierce battle spirit, breaking through more than ten cities within a month. Chengdu Prefecture was in crisis, with nobles in the city fleeing with their valuables, and chaos quickly erupted in Shu.

Half a month later, with armies at the city walls, the King of Shu in despair killed his consorts and concubines, then burned down the palace he had personally overseen building, dying for his country.

Li Xuanzhen fought in a bloody battle, leading the cavalry to cut off the Shu army’s final defense line, charging up the cliff to stand with a drawn sword. His military dress was blood-stained, his armor broken, his face cut and bruised as he gazed at the towering flames in the city, two cold flames seeming to flicker in his phoenix eyes.

Qin Fei and others fought their way to his back, following his gaze, their hearts suddenly pounding.

The Crown Prince feared fire – this was an open secret among the commanders.

They exchanged glances, and Qin Fei smiled, riding forward half a horse-length, saying: “Your Highness, it’s almost dark, and the soldiers have been fighting for days and nights. Why don’t we rest here first and enter the city early tomorrow?”

Li Xuanzhen lowered his head, wiping his long sword on his sleeve to clean off the sticky blood.

“Pass the order – enter the city immediately.”

Qin Fei was stunned but dared not ask more, turning back to exchange looks with the others.

Two days later, news of the victory reached Chang’an. Li De was overjoyed, rewarding the three armies as court officials shouted “Long live the Emperor!”

The whole realm celebrated.

Half a month later, Li Xuanzhen returned to court.

The people of Chang’an wore beaming smiles, still immersed in the joy of military victory, hoping for the cavalry’s early return.

Li Xuanzhen appeared at the palace gates wearing ordinary soldier’s clothes, having passed through the crowded streets.

The palace guards recognized him and were startled.

Li Xuanzhen gestured for the guards not to alert others and went straight to the Eastern Palace.

Zheng Biyu was in the courtyard with the Crown Prince’s son, playing kickball.

Li Xuanzhen walked down the corridor. The palace maids and eunuchs saw him and were about to bow, but he waved them off. They dared not make a sound as they quietly withdrew.

The Crown Prince’s son stood in the corridor kicking the ball. He missed one kick, and the ball rolled in a wide circle, coming to rest at Li Xuanzhen’s feet.

Li Xuanzhen stared at the ball at his feet, his expression somewhat dazed.

Zheng Biyu looked up with a smile, saw Li Xuanzhen, and froze.

Li Xuanzhen picked up the ball, walked to his son, and patted his head.

His son wasn’t very close to him, and after not seeing him for several months, with him wearing soldier’s clothes, the boy didn’t quite recognize him and timidly retreated two steps to hide behind Zheng Biyu.

Li Xuanzhen shook his head with a wry smile.

Zheng Biyu sensed something, her whole body trembling as she closed her eyes briefly and took the ball he handed over.

Li Xuanzhen looked at her, his lips moving several times, unsure what to say, then curved in a smile: “Yu’niang, take care.”

Zheng Biyu’s eyes instantly reddened as she smiled: “Dalang, take care.”

Married for years, they had no love between them, but perhaps no one in the world understood each other better than they did.

Zheng Biyu had long seen through Li Xuanzhen’s intentions, but just couldn’t believe it. Now that Li Xuanzhen had conquered Western Shu, thrown Southern Chu into chaos, promoted brave generals, recommended dozens of officials from humble backgrounds, and made arrangements for his son, he had fulfilled his responsibilities. It was time to live for himself.

She was filled with mixed emotions, with thousands of words she wanted to say, but in the end, couldn’t speak a single one.

Li Xuanzhen smiled at her and turned to leave.

This smile was the first genuine smile Zheng Biyu had seen from him in all the time she had known him.

She watched his retreating figure, tears falling freely.