The sky gradually darkened, and bonfires were lit around the camp. The burning pine resin crackled and popped.

Guan Zhaojing carried his change of clothes out of the tent and saw someone squatting in the open space outside. The silhouette resembled their Fujin. He wasn’t sure what she was busy with, only seeing her poking at the ground with a twig.

He approached to look closer. “Are you planning troop deployments?” Upon careful examination, it didn’t seem so. She appeared to be drawing little figures.

She looked up with a smile. “I’m drawing Xian’er. It’s been almost four months since we left the capital.” She gestured with her hands. “When I left, he was only this big. Children grow quickly. He should be able to sit up by now.”

Guan Zhaojing responded with an “Oh.” “So this is what the young master looks like sitting?”

She nodded, patiently pointing out details. “These are his legs, and these are his arms.”

Guan Zhaojing thought to himself that her artistic skills were truly lacking. He bent down to examine more closely. “What’s that, like a copper coin?”

“This? These are his eyes. Everyone in the Yu Wen family has a golden ring in their pupils. It’s beautiful.”

Please stop drawing; even if it’s beautiful, it shouldn’t look like that. You’re ruining it completely. Guan Zhaojing gave a forced smile. “I know you miss the young master. Don’t worry, this war won’t last long. The vanguard has already made contact with Sai Yin Noyan’s forces. I estimate in about a month, we’ll be triumphantly returning to the capital. The night is getting cool, you should go inside! The master has finished his business now. You should keep him company.”

What else was there to say? The more they talked, the more attached she would become, making it harder to leave. She shook her head. “The scenery outside is nice. I’ll squat here for a while to clear my mind.”

Guan Zhaojing smacked his lips. “Alright then, but be careful not to catch cold. The doctors here are all Mongolian physicians. I think their medical skills are questionable. In their hands, you’d be treated like livestock.”

She smiled and said “Alright,” then added, “Go about your business, don’t mind me.”

Guan Zhaojing acknowledged and left with his clothes. After walking some distance, he looked back to see the Thirteenth Lord approaching with a Ge Shi Ha. Their Fujin put down her drawing and rose to meet them.

She held the curtain open for them to enter. The royal tent had two layers—the inner chamber for discussions and the outer chamber for waiting. She took the tray from the Ge Shi Ha’s hands and smiled at the Thirteenth Lord. “Thank you, Thirteenth Lord, for accommodating me. Even in the underworld, I’ll remember your kindness.”

The Thirteenth Lord nodded. “I should follow you inside, but I fear my Twelfth Brother would become suspicious. I’ll wait out here. Twelfth Sister-in-law, you display such great virtue and righteousness that, as your brother-in-law, I admire you. But since this is a matter of life and death, you must consider it carefully. There is only one cup of gold-flecked wine. Once bestowed, someone must die—spilling or wasting it doesn’t count. Also, even if my Twelfth Brother escapes the death penalty, he cannot avoid punishment entirely. You still have a son. Do you truly wish to give your life for his?”

She took a deep breath and nodded. “You know my background. Being able to exchange my worthless life for his is invaluable. Don’t worry, I’ll ensure you can complete your task properly. Afterward, our Lord will need your care. Please put in some good words to the Emperor for him. I thank you in advance.”

She squatted to bow, and he made a gesture to help her up. “Rest assured, Twelfth Sister-in-law. With me, Old Thirteenth, present, I will certainly help clear Twelfth Brother’s false charges in the future.”

This was enough; she could now face death with peace of mind. She smiled contentedly, saying nothing more, and turned to enter the inner tent.

Hong Ce was biting his lip as he moved small flags from one mountain peak to another on the sand table, still studying his strategy. She placed the tray at a distance on the table, brought a cup over, and bumped his shoulder. “Have a drink to warm yourself.”

He was somewhat puzzled. “Drinking is forbidden during military campaigns. It’s a military order.”

She gave him a sidelong glance. “Are you discussing military orders with me? The military orders also forbid bringing women, yet here I am before you, aren’t I?”

He thought for a moment, then laughed. “Indeed, I can’t argue with that.”

Two cups of wine side by side—the left one brimming with gold flakes, the right one filled with strong liquor. They stood face to face as he reached out to take the cup. It should have been the left one, but she handed him the right one instead.

“I’ve been in Khalkha for several days now, but we haven’t properly shared a drink. You’re always busy, but no matter how busy, you must take care of yourself.” She sat down with him, gazing at him under the lamplight, her eyes hidden behind a layer of mist, appearing all the more bright. She softened her tone as much as possible and earnestly advised, “Don’t stay up too late at night. The steward says victory is in sight, so you can relax a bit. After returning to the capital, bring Xian’er to your side. If we’re separated too long, he won’t be close to us.”

He responded with a sound of agreement. “I’ll do as you say. After this matter is settled, I don’t plan to involve myself in state affairs anymore. I’ll learn from Seventh Brother and become an idle prince.”

She smiled. “Seventh Brother isn’t so carefree now. His Fujin runs a strict household, and he’s serving in the Grand Council.”

He wasn’t surprised, leaning against the pillow and saying it was good. “He should grow up a bit to avoid constantly being scolded by the Imperial Father.”

She lowered her head with a faint smile and said softly, “Our son has already been born, yet we haven’t had a formal wedding ceremony. Let’s set aside the other customary rituals. Today, let’s drink the ceremonial cup together, and consider me properly married to you.”

A light flickered in his eyes as he gazed at her intently. “I’ve wronged you. When we return this time, I’ll arrange everything properly and make up for all I owe you.”

She nodded in agreement. With the wine cup hidden in her sleeve, she crossed his arm and began to sing softly: “Happy flowers picked to adorn the head, happy wine poured into several cups, happy magpies perched upon the eaves…”

She closed her eyes and drained the cup in one gulp. All her previous hesitation and sadness vanished. The heavy burden was lifted, and her heart felt strangely liberated. Death was nothing more than this. She took the cup from his hand and rose to place it back on the tray. She arranged the two cups side by side. Upon reflection, fearing her death might appear unsightly and cause him distress, she decided it would be better not to die in front of him.

“I’ll take the cups out and then have someone bring water for you to wash up.” She turned back with a smile and walked step by step toward the door.

However, at that moment, the Thirteenth Lord entered. He glanced at the cup and slightly curled his lips. “Twelfth Sister-in-law cannot wander off right now.”

So he wanted to confirm her death before considering it done! She stood still, helpless, and had to turn back.

“Twelfth Brother, has Sister-in-law told you about the Emperor’s bestowal of the gold-flecked wine?” The Thirteenth Lord sat down in the armchair, interlacing his fingers and rubbing his nose bridge. “Today is the final day. Your brother must complete his task, though reluctantly.”

Hong Ce frowned at him. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t panic, Twelfth Brother.” He glanced at Ding Yi. “After all, I value our brotherhood. How could I bear to watch my flesh and blood die? Today, my Twelfth Sister-in-law came to me with a request. You know there can’t be a second cup of gold-flecked wine, meaning someone must die from it. The twelfth Sister-in-law is a good woman. She’s willing to substitute for you, so I can explain returning to the capital. The Emperor cannot condemn you to death again—at most, you’ll be confined, and the Imperial Clan Court will thoroughly investigate. The Imperial Clan Court is under my control, so Twelfth Brother needn’t worry about that…”

Hong Ce felt as if he had been struck by a heavy blow, almost vomiting blood. He never imagined she would devise such a scheme. What was this? A wife sacrificing herself to save her husband?

He turned to look at her. She stood frail under the lamp, with tears in her eyes, yet her face showed no sorrow. She must have accepted this without regret. But what about him? How could he accept such a reality? He staggered over to embrace her. “Ding Yi… I couldn’t live alone if you died. What have you taken me for? You’ve been deceiving me all along!”

She cradled his face, wiping away his tears, murmuring apologies. “I’m not clever enough to think of a better way to save you. Don’t blame me. Never in my life have I felt as proud as I am now. I’ve finally been useful for once, so even in death, I die for a worthy cause. But for Xian’er, you must take good care of him. I’ve left nothing behind except this son. Find him another mother and don’t tell him who his birth mother was. Don’t let him know sorrow from such a young age.”

He couldn’t bear to hear anymore. Trembling, he took her wrist to check her pulse, his mind in utter chaos.

He knew how potent this poison was—incurable, with death as the only outcome. The pulse didn’t reveal much. What else could be done now? He had risked life and limb for the court, only to end up like this. Twenty-some years felt like a dream. Now, emerging from the fog with clarity, he could neither curse nor wail, only sob endlessly.

“I don’t know what I did wrong. Perhaps my greatest mistake was being born into an imperial family.” He squeezed her hand firmly. “Don’t be afraid. Even to the underworld, I’ll accompany you. We’ve been apart for too long, and just as we’re reunited, this happens. I’m tired of it all and want to rest. How do you feel? Are you in pain anywhere?”

She shook her head, saying she wasn’t. She pulled him to sit down and brushed aside his hanging hair. “Don’t let my sacrifice be in vain. I don’t want you as a companion on the road to the underworld. Between the two of us, one must remain to care for Xian’er. If we both die, he truly becomes an orphan.”

They spoke gently to each other, without wailing or sobbing, yet made others feel deeply moved. Hong Run slammed the table, finally unable to contain himself. “I can’t watch this anymore! Why must I do such things? It goes against all virtue!”

His sudden outburst made them both look at him in bewilderment. He wiped his face and laughed awkwardly, pointing at the empty cup. “That was ox gallstone prepared using ancient methods. When left for a long time, a layer of luminescence forms on the surface, resembling gold flakes.” He expected a dramatic reaction, but their expressions remained unchanged. He grew anxious. “Don’t you understand? Twelfth Sister-in-law didn’t drink gold-flecked wine; she drank ox gallstone wine… Although that wine treats convulsions, one cup won’t harm a healthy person.”

Hong Ce finally walked toward him. Frightened, Hong Run took a big step backward, extending his hands. “Twelfth Brother, don’t be angry, don’t kill a loyal subject… I’m not the mastermind, just an accomplice. If you want to settle accounts, find the Emperor. It was his idea; they instructed me to do this…” Fearing for his life, he rose on tiptoes and called to Ding Yi, “Twelfth Sister-in-law, I didn’t intentionally trick you. Please save me, don’t let Twelfth Brother get violent.”

Ding Yi was momentarily stunned. How could things have turned around so suddenly? She stood up, carefully checking for any abnormal sensations but found none. However, wasn’t this kind of joke going a bit too far?

“You said there were court officials who impeached the Twelfth Lord,” she stared at Hong Run in shock.

“That’s right, there was,” Hong Run swallowed. “More than one, each with convincing evidence.”

“And the letter of betrayal you showed me? Wasn’t it written by the Twelfth Lord?”

Cornered against the cowhide screen, he hid behind the armchair and said, “It was written by Twelfth Brother—a letter to the Khalkha leader commanding him to join forces in battle. You couldn’t understand it, so it was perfect to use… No, no… dear brother, don’t get angry, listen to me.”

Hong Ce was beyond listening. He was almost infuriated to death. Was this all just a game? Being made a fool like this was unprecedented. Was their purpose to make him heartbroken and wish for death?

“Come here. I’ll hold back a bit, I promise not to beat you to death.” He beckoned with his hand. “Come here.”

Hong Run wasn’t foolish and firmly refused. “It’s true, I’ve been following Twelfth Sister-in-law since she left the capital. Otherwise, how could she have escaped the wolves in the Gobi Desert? How could she have so easily infiltrated my camp? I escorted her to your side. You should thank me… If you must blame someone, blame that scene you two caused earlier, which reached Father’s ears. Father said this girl came from a questionable background and was exploiting Old Twelfth’s kindness to seek justice for the Wen family, not truly loving him. Second Brother disagreed; he had long been influenced by the Empress’s pillow talk and spoke well of Twelfth Sister-in-law. The father didn’t believe it, and the father-son pair got into an argument. Finally, they asked what to do, so they set a trap to see who would fall into it…” Hong Ce threw a book at him, hitting his head. He cried out in pain, holding his forehead and saying, “The child! Xian’er! It was Sha Tong who leaked the secret! He’s been watching the Shan Lao Hu alley every day. He didn’t come to the northern border this time; he’s watching the child at the Wen family compound! And Old Seventh had a part in this too! You can’t blame just me; I’ve been suffering more than anyone. Now it’s over. I’ll write back to the capital, saying Twelfth Sister-in-law was willing to die in your place, and the Emperor Father will have nothing to say. Well… I had to test it. I wasn’t at ease either. Twelfth Sister-in-law, please forgive my offense. I doubted you too, but you did well. You’re more righteous than a man. I admire you.”

In the end, they all played a trick on her. Ding Yi felt uncomfortable, but seeing Hong Ce’s fury, she had to intercede. “I don’t blame everyone for doubting me. It was my fault for not doing better. It’s reasonable for them to test me.”

Hong Ce remained angry. “If that’s the case, shouldn’t it have ended after drinking the wine? What was the meaning of what he said afterward?”

Hong Run stammered, “I wanted to see how deep your feelings were for each other… I was wrong to mock you. But Twelfth Brother, have you considered the Emperor’s intention in sending Twelfth Sister-in-law to find you? Logically, we shouldn’t presume to guess the sacred will, but out of… ahem, familial affection, I advise Twelfth Brother: after the victory in the great battle, don’t return to Beijing.”

Hong Ce calmed down and replied evenly, “I think so too. The fake gold flakes were just a warning. Next time, it would be real. The court cannot immediately sweep away all of Hong Zan’s faction, especially with Second Uncle still there. Having me stationed in Khalkha, effectively in exile, gives the Emperor a way to account to all parties.”

Hong Run sighed. “All of us—they call us brothers, but in the memorial papers, don’t we all refer to ourselves as servants? There’s no choice. We live under his authority, and at critical moments, we must bear the blame. Twelfth Brother understands. The Emperor has treated you well, sending your Fujin all this way to you. As for the child, don’t worry. He’s still young; he might be raised in the Chang Chun Garden. When he’s older and stronger, it would be appropriate to bring him to Khalkha.”

Hong Ce turned to ask Ding Yi, “What do you think?”

Not returning suited her wishes. She was a humble person, unable to fit into the circles of imperial relatives and nobles. Having a home in Khalkha, and being with the person she loved, was enough. But she still couldn’t let go of Xian’er. The child was her flesh and blood. She hadn’t seen him for months and couldn’t sleep well at night thinking of him. Being separated for years would be unimaginable.

But she couldn’t ask for more. With reddened eyes, she said, “I’ll do whatever you decide. Xian’er is too young; I’m afraid he couldn’t endure a journey of thousands of miles. It doesn’t matter where I go as long as I’m with you. As for my master and senior apprentice-brother, I trouble the Thirteenth Lord to look after them. And Hai Lan, I can’t bear to part with her either… I’ve often thought of leaving the capital, but now that we’re truly not returning, I feel as if many things have been left behind.”

“That’s not a concern. I’ll send you whatever you need. Besides, your fief is here, and it’s not truly exile. You still have the Chun Prince’s mansion in the capital. If you want to visit, no one can stop you.” The Thirteenth Lord seemed somewhat melancholy. With his hands behind his back and his neck raised, he muttered, “I also wish I had a wife and son, and could hide in Khalkha without returning. That capital—a great dyeing vat! Stay too long, and you’ll eventually rot and decay.”

He left with sighs at every third step, leaving Ding Yi and Hong Ce looking at each other, truly feeling as if they had survived a calamity.

Let it be this way. It was already better than he had imagined.

“After the war is over, I’ll take you to my original residence by Lake Khövsgöl. It’s a beautiful place. In summer, you can see flocks of waterfowl. In the evening, there’s lonely smoke and the setting sun over the grassland, along with herds of cattle and sheep.” He smiled gently as if the beautiful scenery were before his eyes. “In autumn, I’ll pick sea buckthorn for you—those small berries I told you about. When I first came to Khalkha, I’d sit on the embankment and could eat a basketful in a day. Actually, over the years, my fondest memories are all about Khalkha. Now that I’ve returned here, I feel more comfortable than in the capital. Here, no one calls me a Tatar, and I don’t have to act according to anyone’s mood. The mountains are high, and the emperor is far away. We can live freely.”

Looking at his smiling face, the ice and snow melted away, and her heart opened up with brightness.

In a person’s life, after all the twists and turns, after braving a thousand waves, perhaps it’s all because of the need to meet that right person. Having met, having tasted both sweetness and bitterness—that’s what makes it complete. If you only experience happiness and don’t know how to cherish it, that’s not good. So Heaven arranges it for you: this section is harder, and that section is more comfortable. When they balance each other out, that becomes the greatest joy.