Hong Ye was awakened by the sound of rain at dawn. In the vast, desolate hall, she sat alone on the couch, her blue-green silk palace attire dotted with moist sweat. As the cold wind blew in, it crept up her spine, gradually climbing along the cool, damp sweat. Tiny goosebumps formed on her skin as she gently rubbed her arms, only to find her fingertips even colder.
On the other side of the bed, a pristine white letter lay quietly, somewhat damaged, evidently having been handled multiple times.
Her eyes were somewhat cold and distant. The raindrops fell with a pitter-patter, and the wind chimes at the window emitting crisp sounds. The curtains in the great hall gently floated up, like the soft waist of a dancing girl.
“The situation is critical, my younger brother has three paths. First, take Nalan’s place, depose the young Emperor, place the Princess Imperial under house arrest, kill the Prince of Jinjiang, and seize control of Huaisong’s military power with lightning speed. Second, seek marriage with the Princess Imperial, oppose the Prince of Jinjiang as Regent, abandon the eastern provinces, and secure the capital region. Third, seek help from Great Xia, and formed a marriage alliance, but never entangled with the Xia imperial family to prevent a change in the country’s surname. This person must hold military power, be of similar age, come from a Great Xia noble family, have a strong background, hold high authority, and be regarded with suspicion by the Great Xia court. Once the marriage contract is announced, the Prince of Jinjiang will not dare rashly send troops to Songjing. Just wait until spring floods pass, and deploy troops to the eastern territories. This danger will be resolved.”
There was no need to light a lamp to examine it closely; everything was already deeply ingrained in her mind. Hong Ye leaned quietly against the headboard, her eyes deep as ancient wells. Actually, there was another option—a marriage alliance between Yan Bei and Huaisong could not only resolve the danger of the Prince of Jinjiang’s rebellion but also add weight to the Yan-Xia war, with East and West attacking Great Xia simultaneously, supporting each other.
However, he ultimately wasn’t willing, he hadn’t even considered it.
One who holds military power, is of similar age, from a Great Xia noble family, with a strong background, and regarded with suspicion by the Great Xia court.
How many such people were there?
Hong Ye slightly raised the corner of her mouth, pulling out a faint smile.
Brother, you still can’t let go after all.
Great Xia was at war with Yan Bei, with ethnic rebellions in the northeast as well. Internal factions were fighting for power, and the imperial family was overwhelmed. Huaisong and Great Xia had no conflicts for many years, with relations more amicable than with Bian Tang. Moreover, Huaisong was a commercial superpower with a wealthy treasury. Great Xia would certainly not miss this opportunity to win over Huaisong.
However, how could this man, who commanded significant forces, held the high position of Great Xia’s Marshal, backed by a powerful family, and known as the uncrowned king of Qinghe, be so easily manipulated?
After two great battles in Yan Bei, who didn’t know of Zhuge Yue’s infatuation with the Beautiful General?
Perhaps in ordinary people’s eyes, there would be a contest between claiming a kingdom and winning a beauty, with speculation about what choice Zhuge Yue would make in such a situation. But she knew this marriage alliance was doomed to fail, not because of her understanding of Zhuge Yue, but because she understood Yan Xun too well.
How could you sit by and watch your love rival gain Huaisong’s support and become Huaisong’s Regent Prince? With such suggestions, you must have already determined in your heart that this person would not be manipulated by you.
The result of such actions would merely temporarily delay Huaisong’s military situation while driving a wedge between Zhuge Yue and Great Xia’s court, pushing him into a precarious position and needlessly offending Great Xia’s court officials and Huaisong’s ministers. Moreover, if Zhuge Yue dared to openly refuse the marriage, all of the Zhuge clan’s economic and trade interests in Huaisong would inevitably face blockade and attacks from the Huaisong royal family. This would cause Zhuge Yue’s position within his family to plummet. Even as Great Xia’s only powerbroker who was both a Senate Elder and a territorial prince, he would suffer a severe blow.
The result of Qinghe distancing itself from Great Xia would be Yan Bei maneuvering into a central position, creating an excellent opportunity to defeat both sides with divided forces.
She had already figured out all these intricacies but had not made any expression for a long time.
Brother was indeed extraordinary; with just a few words that used minimal force to achieve maximum effect, he had stirred up a tremendous storm within Great Xia’s borders. The only thing he hadn’t calculated was probably that his dark-ink younger brother was her, Hong Ye, the Princess Imperial of Huaisong.
In the darkness, she slightly narrowed her eyes, with undercurrents flowing in her beautiful eyes.
All thoughts and ideas were churning in her mind. She kept thinking that he didn’t know Xuan Mo was Hong Ye; if he had known, he would never have used her as a piece in his scheme.
Yet in the depths of her mind, there was also a trace of bitter sadness.
After all, he was asking her to marry someone else.
“Brother’s wisdom is so profound, yet after twelve years of acquaintance, he is so careless. This Xuan Mo is not that Xuan Mo—have you never noticed?”
Her fingers suddenly applied pressure, the fair fingertips tightly gripping the letter. A trace of a deep voice slowly emerged:
“Since brother has this intention, what harm is there in me lending a hand?”
Zhenhhuang immediately fell into chaos, like a pot of boiling water, impossible to see clearly what was churning inside.
After Huaisong’s marriage alliance document was issued, the entire imperial city was momentarily swept up in a huge wave.
A country’s princess marrying another country’s minister wasn’t unprecedented in history, but it was usually an expedient measure when the other country had no suitable princes. Now, Great Xia had many unmarried princes of appropriate age. Zhao Che and Zhao Yang were both talented young men, especially Zhao Yang, whose position was as stable as a mountain, wielding great power—truly the first man of Great Xia.
And Huaisong was not what it once was. Nalan He Qing was young, and Nalan Hong Ye had held power for many years. Though called a princess, she was effectively the Empress of Huaisong. This marriage alliance partner would not merely be a consort but could very likely become Huaisong’s Regent. In such circumstances, it seemed inappropriate to invite foreign powers to enter, but given Huaisong’s internal turmoil and unstable court, they urgently needed external forces to enter as a deterrent. Thus, everything seemed reasonable and appropriate. However, when the Huaisong envoy announced Zhuge Yue’s name in the Great Xia court, the entire court was shaken once again.
Two years ago, when news of Zhuge Yue’s death returned and the Xia army suffered a great defeat at Yanming Pass, his reputation plummeted. Unexpectedly, two years later, this man had risen rapidly in Qinghe, returning to his homeland with formidable troops, and becoming the most powerful person among all court officials. Even Zhao Yang had to show him respect. And now, the Huaisong Princess had voluntarily approached him. Once Zhuge Yue became the Princess Imperial of Huaisong’s consort, the Zhuge clan’s power would take another terrifying leap. Holding his homeland territory, Qinghe’s military power, and enormous wealth, with Huaisong as external support, no one would doubt that the Zhuge clan would become the next Muhe clan, and Zhuge Yue would leap to become Great Xia’s primary power holder. However, despite these frightening consequences, the Zhao imperial family could not refuse this hot potato.
Not to mention the domestic economic situation and the northwestern war, just looking at the previous northern expeditions, there was some potential connection between Yan Bei, Huaisong, and Bian Tang. Now that Beautiful Army’s Chu Qiao had left Yan Bei, the relationship with Bian Tang was broken, what about Huaisong? If Great Xia went to war with Yan Bei again, what would Huaisong’s attitude be? And if Huaisong’s Princess Imperial married Zhuge Yue, would this situation be reversed?
Even knowing that ahead lay an indiscernible maze, Great Xia had no choice but to enter it. After all, all current concerns paled in comparison to the Northwestern War. In just over a month, the ice and snow would melt, and Yan Bei’s army would be knocking at the gates again.
That afternoon, the Emperor’s imperial edict, the clan’s secret letter, and Zhuge Yue’s private intelligence messages—three routes of messengers successively left the ancient capital of Zhenhuang, all heading towards Nuanshui Ridge.
Zhao Yang sat in the great hall drinking tea. Sunlight shone in from outside, falling on his young, handsome face, making him look vigorous and spirited.
The Sixteenth Prince, Zhao Xiang, sat nearby, idly playing with a talking parrot. The bird jumped up and down, occasionally pecking at the grains of rice in Zhao Xiang’s palm, but not obediently speaking, annoying Zhao Xiang enough to curse it occasionally.
“Sixteenth brother, what do you think of this matter?” Zhao Yang suddenly asked.
Without turning around, Zhao Xiang responded in the warm, cozy hall with thick fur carpets and incense burning in the censers: “Which matter?”
“The Huaisong Princess’s marriage alliance.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiang immediately turned his head, angrily saying: “That Zhuge family’s fourth son has too much luck. He returned from death with hundreds of thousands of loyal troops, and now he has such a ridiculous romantic fortune. It’s simply infuriating.”
Zhao Yang showed no sign of anger, saying impassively: “Is it just good luck?”
Zhao Xiang hadn’t caught his brother’s meaning and said firmly: “By all rights if the Huaisong Princess wanted a marriage alliance, she should have chosen you, Fourteenth Brother, or at worst Seventh Brother. How could it be Zhuge Yue’s turn? I hear in Qinghe they call him the Qinghe King. In my view, before long, he’ll become Huaisong’s Regent, and in the future, Huaisong’s Emperor might be surnamed Zhuge. Fourteenth Brother, would that count as our Great Xia annexing and unifying Huaisong?”
Zhao Yang burst into laughter, saying: “That’s a rather pathetic form of unification. I fear a future Zhuge Emperor of Huaisong would be more troublesome than a Nalan Emperor of Huaisong.”
Zhao Xiang thought for a moment, then said: “But I think that although Zhuge Yue is peculiar, he’s not a bad person. He could be considered loyal to the throne and patriotic.”
“Loyal to the throne and patriotic?” Zhao Yang looked at Zhao Xiang’s askance, saying gravely: “That’s how you see him?”
“I once studied with him at the Martial Hall for a period. This man has a resilient mind, doesn’t flow with the common noble sons, and has great insights. I believe he is a talent worthy of assisting a ruler.”
“A talent worthy of assisting a ruler?”
Zhao Yang shook his head: “How could he be the type to submit to others? Even if he is loyal to the throne and patriotic, it’s not to you or me as the ruler.”
Zhao Xiang looked bewildered, looking questioningly at Zhao Yang.
Zhao Yang didn’t explain, just saying lightly: “This matter cannot be so simple. There must be a master hand pushing it from behind. However…”
He suddenly sneered: “Everyone thinks this is manna from heaven, but Zhuge Yue doesn’t necessarily think so. Someone has finally dared to touch his sore spot. I want to see how this Qinghe King will react to this matter.”
The wind stirs at the end of the duckweed. Perhaps a storm was coming. The New Year quickly passed, and the weather gradually warmed up. The willows outside Xiangyang City sprouted new buds, growing greener day by day. In the morning, one could faintly hear orioles singing in the trees, their voices melodious, crisp, and pleasant.
Three days later, the estate finally quieted down, but Chu Qiao’s heart gradually became more somber. The deeper meaning behind this, she was unwilling to consider carefully.
Early this morning, someone knocked on her door. Opening it, she saw Yue Qi standing at the doorway, holding the medicinal soup she drank daily. Seeing her, he smiled and said: “Good morning, Miss. I was worried you hadn’t risen yet.”
Seeing him, Chu Qiao was slightly startled, her gaze involuntarily sweeping around outside.
Seeing this, Yue Qi quickly said: “The young master hasn’t risen yet.”
Chu Qiao’s brows lightly furrowed as she asked gravely: “Is he ill?”
“No, he just slept a bit late last night.”
Not just a bit late, but probably hadn’t slept properly for three or four consecutive days. Yue Qi thought this to himself but didn’t say it aloud. He merely handed the medicine bowl to Chu Qiao with a smile, saying: “This is the first time I’ve been entrusted with such an important task. Please don’t secretly pour it away, Miss.”
Chu Qiao smiled as she took it, closed the door, and sat quietly at the table.
The medicine was very hot, with a pungent medicinal smell wafting up, quite bitter. However, having grown accustomed to it these days, she didn’t find it particularly difficult to swallow. Beside the medicine bowl was a small plate containing sugared fruits and preserves, along with a cup of date tea, all meant to refresh the palate after taking the medicine.
These days, he must truly be exhausted. During the day, he had to entertain people in the estate and accompany her. At night, there were too many official documents to handle. He had just returned from Qinghe, now occupying the highest position in the Great Xia Elder Council. From the royal family to the court, from the temple to the battlefield, how many eyes were watching him? Yet he lingered here wasting time. Who knew what changes might be occurring in Zhenhuang during these days of his absence?
The white, blue, and flowery three-colored porcelain spoon gently collided with the medicine bowl, making clear, crisp sounds. The morning sunlight shone through the slightly open window, casting a golden glow.
And she absolutely could not return with him to Zhenhuang.
Her enmity with Great Xia ran deep. Everyone in Great Xia, without exception, wanted to eliminate her. If he openly sheltered her under his wing, how much criticism and scheming would it bring upon him?
Moreover, Great Xia was, after all, Yan Xun’s sworn enemy. Even though she had left Yan Xun, she was unwilling to appear before him as an enemy. Having known each other for eleven years, although she was disgusted by Yan Xun’s actions today, she also had no good impression of the Great Xia Emperor hidden behind the red walls and golden tiles.
And there was another reason she was unwilling to think about but couldn’t control herself from thinking about.
What were Zhuge Yue’s plans? Did he intend to be content as a powerful minister of Great Xia, or did he harbor ambitions for supremacy? When Great Xia and Yan Bei eventually raised their battle flags, when Zhuge Yue and Yan Xun finally confronted each other on the battlefield, where would she go? Even though she had left Yan Bei, she didn’t have the confidence to truly remain calm, standing peacefully by Zhuge Yue’s side watching Great Xia’s iron hooves break through the gates of Beishuo City, seeing Yan Xun become a prisoner again. And if Zhuge Yue were at a disadvantage, would she lead the Beautiful Army against her former comrades?
Yan Bei didn’t belong to Yan Xun alone; so many soldiers and civilians had once loyally helped her.
By now, she had become the last leader of Datong in the world. Under Yan Bei’s attack, she didn’t know how many Datong members across various regions had already surrendered to He Xiao. She wasn’t a woman with nothing who could do as she pleased, so everything she did had to be carefully considered. For now, she could only remain uninvolved, carefully avoiding being drawn into any conflict.
This estate, like a paradise outside the world, was like a protective umbrella. She pathetically didn’t want to leave, not knowing what awaited her outside. Yan Xun had already disappointed her, and would Zhuge also have such a day?
The door suddenly opened, and Zhuge Yue walked in with dignity. Against the light, his face looked somewhat tired, but his posture and steps remained straight and vigorous.
He sat directly in the chair opposite Chu Qiao, poured himself a cup of tea, glanced at her medicine, and said: “Drink quickly.”
“It’s hot.”
Zhuge Yue reached over to feel it—lukewarm, with no heat left. He turned his head and said to someone outside: “Reheat the medicine.”
Chu Qiao hurriedly picked up the medicine bowl and gulped it down, then anxiously ate two preserved fruits. The medicine, having cooled, was indeed more bitter.
“Yue Qi said you slept very late last night.”
Zhuge Yue nodded, his eye sockets somewhat blue.
“Are you very busy?”
Chu Qiao asked softly, leaning slightly forward, the hair at her temples falling onto her thin, pointed face.
Zhuge Yue turned to look at her, seeing her pure eyes faintly showing traces of worry. He felt a slight stirring in his heart and said: “It’s nothing.”
“Then,” Chu Qiao thought for a moment, and finally asked: “When will you leave?”
Chu Qiao rarely had such an expression, with a bit of caution, as if she knew what the result would be and was prepared to accept it rationally, but subconsciously, there was also a trace of hope.
Zhuge Yue looked at her and suddenly felt a bit of heartache. How could someone with his keen mind not understand Chu Qiao’s concerns and worries? At this moment, he suddenly couldn’t help but miss the girl who once had firm, fearless eyes. In just a few short years, she had changed so much.
He had come today to bid her farewell, but now, he found himself somewhat reluctant to say it.
“Wait a few more days.”
“Oh.” Chu Qiao’s expression visibly relaxed, showing undisguisable joy, but in an instant, she furrowed her brow again and asked worriedly: “Won’t something happen if you stay here and don’t leave?”
“Nothing is more important. I can handle everything. Don’t worry.”
Zhuge Yue said lightly, his tone very calm, but containing such steadfast confidence.
Chu Qiao set her mind at ease with just his one sentence, perhaps this was exactly what she had secretly hoped for. She stood up happily, saying as she walked: “You haven’t eaten yet, right? I haven’t either. Wait, I’ll go order some food.”
“Xing’er.”
Zhuge Yue’s voice suddenly came from behind. Chu Qiao turned back to see Zhuge Yue sitting there, his long phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, quietly looking at her, saying slowly: “After things are settled here, come with me to Qinghe.”
“Qinghe?”
A strange light flashed in Chu Qiao’s eyes as she looked at Zhuge Yue, standing stunned in place.
“Yes,” Zhuge Yue nodded and said: “Past the Cuiwei Mountains and the primeval forest is Qinghe. It’s a vast territory, far from the western frontier, a very quiet place.”
A surge of bitterness suddenly rose, her brow burning hot, the heat gradually spreading throughout her body, even her fingers trembling slightly. Chu Qiao stood against the light, the morning breeze blowing on her clothes, faint cloud patterns floating lightly at the hem. She clearly understood the meaning of Zhuge Yue’s words and knew what they all represented.
Qinghe was far from the western frontier. Going there would mean getting away from the power struggles here, away from the sword and blade conflicts here, away from the grievances and enmities here. Whether someone wins or loses, becomes a king or a defeated enemy, would no longer have anything to do with her. And he was willing to give up all the power and authority here to go with her to a brand new place and start a new life.
Tears were completely uncontrollable, flowing down slowly. She was thinly dressed, her figure gaunt. The sunlight shone on her face, with brilliant light in her eyes. The worries and confusion of recent days left her in an instant. Great joy and emotion climbed up from the bottom of her heart, like rising tide waters, gradually spreading throughout her entire heart.
Zhuge Yue stood up and gently took her into his arms. The young woman’s tears fell on his shoulder, seeping in bit by bit, dampening his layers of clothes.
“Alright, don’t cry anymore.”
Zhuge Yue said softly, but Chu Qiao’s tears fell even more fiercely.
No one could understand her feelings at this moment. When she first saw Zhuge Yue, she was momentarily excited, but a few days later, she became suddenly alert. Even if there were feelings between them, how long could they last in such opposing positions? Great Xia would not accept her, and would not accept the Southwestern Garrison Commander. Hatred would not easily dissolve. Did he have to betray his family and country? Or would she have to abandon the Beautiful Army and contentedly be a gentlewoman behind him? The hatred between Yan Xun and the Zhao family could only be reduced by the death of one side. When Yan Xun and Zhuge Yue truly went to war, what would she do? Even if she had given up on Yan Xun, how could she stand against him?
These complex relationships and situations, every line and point would drive them to a point of no return.
Neither of them was someone who could easily compromise. The only way was to stay away from the war, to remain uninvolved.
This was something she could easily do, but what about him? He had his own family, his own country, and the power and position gained at the risk of his life. How could she selfishly ask him to abandon everything?
These matters had tormented her for a very long time. Suddenly hearing his words today, how could she not be deeply moved?
“You’re so unwilling to go?”
Seeing her still crying, Zhuge Yue teased her: “Since you’re so reluctant, I won’t force you. There are beautiful women everywhere.”
“You dare!”
Chu Qiao suddenly reached out and gripped his wrist, fiercely saying: “Don’t even think about it.”
Zhuge Yue lightly smirked: “I need to reconsider. So fierce, without a bit of feminine gentleness. I don’t want to have to mobilize tens of thousands of troops to quell a riot when we have a marital dispute in the future.”
Chu Qiao smiled and punched his chest. Zhuge Yue deliberately cried out in exaggerated pain. The two laughed and played around. One was a famous general, the other a rare powerful minister, yet they were like ordinary men and women, having cast aside the last bit of worry in their hearts. Everything seemed more vibrant.
“Zhuge Yue, can you let it all go?”
The room was very quiet. Chu Qiao sat on the bed, turning her head to look at the man who was drinking tea.
Zhuge Yue glanced sideways, his eyes like ink, with hidden sharpness. This question contained too many things—country, power, childhood dreams, the hatred of humiliation. But at this moment, he felt those things were becoming increasingly distant from him.
“Having both would be good, but there are too many variables in this world. I don’t want to gamble on it,” Zhuge Yue turned his head, smiled at her, and said: “Let them fight over this Zhenhuang, this western frontier. I have other things to do.”
Something gradually overflowed in her heart, her limbs and body feeling warm and comfortable as if soaked in warm water. She suddenly understood that this feeling might be happiness. It turned out that for a woman, happiness wasn’t having the rivers and mountains fought for at the risk of life or all the embroidery and jewels presented before you, but that person being willing to give up the opportunity to gain all this for you. She raised the corners of her mouth, smiling lightly, her eyes curved like a crescent moon.
“Besides,” Zhuge Yue turned his head with a smile, “how do you know I’m at a disadvantage?”
Chu Qiao was stunned and asked: “What do you mean?”
“I suppose you, like others, think Qinghe is a small, palm-sized barbaric land.”
“Isn’t it?”
Zhuge Yue’s eyes suddenly became somewhat misty. He quietly raised his head and said softly: “I can’t quite explain it. Perhaps you’ll understand everything when you see it with your own eyes.”
He lowered his head to look at Chu Qiao and suddenly said very seriously: “And I think those things in your head are more valuable than a million armies. Perhaps I’m the one getting the better deal.”
Chu Qiao’s cheeks reddened, but she still said proudly: “You have good taste.”
Zhuge Yue smiled, about to speak, when they suddenly heard a series of urgent footsteps outside. He and Chu Qiao both turned their heads to see Yue Qi rush in without knocking, standing at the door staring at him, his expression showing some undisguisable panic.
Chu Qiao and Zhuge Yue both stood up. A cloud floated over, blocking the sun.
Something had happened!
They both thought so simultaneously.
The sky gradually brightened, and sunlight tore through the clouds, mapping the eastern sky in an expanse of red. Zhuge Yue’s entourage left Nuanshui City, heading north. Zhuge Huan and Chu Qiao, along with several guards, followed alongside, silent all the way, accompanying them for a dozen miles.
On the official road, the long journey stretched ahead. The sun was just rising, the wind swirling the dust on the ground, rising and sweeping in with a howling sound.
Chu Qiao lowered her head, not speaking for a long time. She vaguely sensed something, a chill rising from the bottom of her heart, like a cold, clear spring. She hoped it wasn’t what she thought, hoped it wasn’t.
“Seventh Brother, don’t forget,” Zhuge Yue, wearing a black cloak, looking refined and handsome, sat straight on horseback, his expression solemn as he said gravely.
“Don’t worry, Fourth Brother,” Zhuge Huan put away his smile and answered steadily: “I will escort Miss Chu safely. But you need to be more careful this time. Zhenhuang’s power structure is complex. You’ve only just returned, and even within the family, you must be wary. Father’s health is deteriorating day by day, and Eldest Brother is monopolizing power. You need to be careful of him stabbing you in the back.”
“I know, don’t worry.”
Turning his head to look at Chu Qiao, he saw her expression was slightly absent as if she had something on her mind. Zhuge Yue grabbed the reins of her warhorse and pulled her to one side. The others saw they had things to discuss and tactfully withdrew.
“What’s wrong? Why so gloomy all the way?”
Chu Qiao raised her head, her eyes showing undisguisable worry. She frowned and said: “You need to be careful.”
“How many times have you said that from yesterday until now?”
The strong wind blew up Zhuge Yue’s hood. The man’s clothes were elegant, his eyebrows thin, his lips thin, his gaze clear and handsome as he said: “Am I such a careless person in your eyes?”
“Stop fooling around.” Chu Qiao’s brow was tightly knit, her lips slightly pursed as she said gravely: “I feel this matter is too strange, and the Huaisong Princess’s attitude is also very odd. I’m afraid you’re being set up.”
“Too many people want to harm me. One more or one less doesn’t matter. What’s important is whether she has the ability,” Zhuge Yue said casually, his glances full of vitality. In a flash, Chu Qiao seemed to see again that proud youth from years ago.
“Alright, don’t worry. What’s the worst that could happen? At worst, I’ll marry that Princess Imperial.”
Chu Qiao’s eyes widened as she snorted coldly with disdain: “Just you dare try it. See if I don’t lead an army to abduct you, this Regent.”
Zhuge Yue laughed: “Being fought over by the two most powerful women of the time is also a great joy in life. You’d better come and snatch the bride in time. I’ll leak inside information to you.”
Chu Qiao looked at him, for a moment thinking this person had been possessed by Li Ce.
“After I leave, Seventh Brother will escort you to stay in Bian Tang for a while. Your subordinates are all there, and you have some acquaintance with Li Ce. I’ll be more at ease with you there.”
Chu Qiao nodded and said: “Don’t worry about me.”
Zhuge Yue suddenly frowned slightly, as if wanting to say something but hesitating. Chu Qiao looked at him puzzledly for a while before hearing him say in a slightly low voice: “Be careful of Li Ce.”
Chu Qiao asked in confusion: “What about Li Ce? What’s wrong with him?”
Zhuge Yue was silent for a while before saying gravely: “Just be careful of him, that’s all. I’ll come to see you as soon as possible.”
“Take care of yourself.”
Chu Qiao took out a pair of jade pendants from her bosom, placing one in his hand, saying in a very small voice: “I’ll be waiting for you.”
Zhuge Yue felt a warmth in his heart. Those four words were like a lake of warm water, instantly dispelling the cold of the winter night. He squeezed her hand hard, nodded, and said: “Rest assured.”
The figures became more and more distant, dust swirling into the air. Chu Qiao and Zhuge Huan stood in place, watching the distant troops gradually move further away.
“Let’s go,” Zhuge Huan suddenly said. Chu Qiao nodded. Suddenly, a servant beside Zhuge Huan pointed to the sky and said: “Wow, such red rosy clouds.”
Chu Qiao raised her head and saw a patch of bright red on the horizon, like a great fire burning, mapping the distant yellow patch of tall grass in a brilliant hue. Zhuge Huan laughed: “How can there be rosy clouds in the morning? That’s the morning glow.”
“Morning glow?”
Chu Qiao murmured: “Why is it so red?” Just like, just like a deep pool of blood. She frowned slightly. The figures at the horizon had already disappeared. The road ahead was misty. How much longer would they have to walk before finding a moment’s peace?
“Everything will go smoothly, and you must stay safe and sound.”