Luoshen brought Li Mu to her room.

A’Ju followed in to serve.

Luoshen was surprised to discover that A’Ju’s attitude toward Li Mu was respectful and deferential – completely different from how she had been back in Jingkou, as if she had become an entirely different person.

She directed the servants to bring in hot water and all necessary washing items, then personally made the bed before leading everyone out and closing the door behind her.

A’Ju’s attitude toward Li Mu naturally followed her mother’s lead.

What exactly had happened this evening?

Luoshen’s curiosity grew stronger.

After A’Ju left, Li Mu went to the bathing room while Luoshen got into bed first.

She lowered the bed curtains and lay under the covers, pondering her confusion. But after just a moment, her attention was drawn to the sounds Li Mu was making in the bathing room.

She closed her eyes, but the splashing of water kept reaching her ears. Somehow, her mind conjured up the image from that evening back in Jingkou when she had seen him emerge bare-chested.

Imagining him now inside there…

Luoshen couldn’t help but feel her ears grow hot.

She didn’t want to listen anymore, but those water sounds were so clear and distinct.

Luoshen simply pulled the covers up higher, burying her head underneath. After a moment, feeling stuffy, she pulled the covers back down and realized the water sounds had stopped.

Through the curtains, she saw Li Mu emerge.

He walked while putting on his clothes, quickly dressing, but instead of heading toward the bed, he stopped and looked around, seemingly searching for a place where he could sleep.

Earlier, while hiding under the covers, Luoshen had been thinking about what she would do if he came out and directly climbed into bed to sleep with her.

But now, seeing him actually emerge and still looking for another place to sleep just like before in his home in Jingkou, she felt pity for him.

This was her own home, her boudoir.

Luoshen suddenly had a feeling similar to needing to fulfill her duties as a host, and couldn’t help saying: “Come here, sleep on my bed!”

Outside the curtains, the man’s silhouette paused slightly, then walked over.

The bed curtains were lifted, and Li Mu appeared before her, glancing at her once.

Luoshen felt a bit embarrassed and moved inward, wrapping herself tightly in the covers with only her head exposed, saying in as nonchalant a tone as possible: “A’Ju didn’t prepare bedding for you earlier. Anyway, my bed is very large, there’s no harm in you sleeping here for one night.”

He smiled, thanked her, and extinguished the lamp.

Luoshen felt the bed beneath her seem to sink slightly.

A man had appeared beside her.

Fortunately it was pitch black, so he couldn’t see anything either.

She pushed the covers outward: “Here, cover yourself.”

The two of them shared one quilt.

After he covered himself, he didn’t move again. Luoshen closed her eyes, curled her body into a ball, and remained absolutely motionless, afraid of accidentally touching him.

This was the first time in her life she had shared a bed with a man.

After that awkward feeling gradually faded, the question that had been troubling her surfaced in her mind again.

She couldn’t help opening her eyes, looking at the vague silhouette lying on his back beside her, and asked softly: “Are you asleep?”

He turned toward her: “What is it?”

“What exactly happened tonight? When A’Niang came back, her expression looked terrible…”

“Your A’Niang went to Qingxi Garden and probably quarreled with Zhu Shi a few times. Don’t worry, it’s nothing.”

His voice seemed to naturally carry a power that could make people feel at ease.

A’Niang had a bad temper, and she had never gotten along with that Zhu Jiyue. Under such circumstances, when the two encountered each other and A’Niang returned, it would be strange if her expression had been good.

Luoshen somewhat understood.

But deep in her heart, there was still a lingering unease.

After hesitating, she finally couldn’t help asking carefully: “What’s the situation between you and Zhu Shi?”

He made a sound of acknowledgment, seeming to laugh.

Luoshen was certain! Although it was pitch black inside the curtains and she couldn’t see his features clearly, his tone clearly indicated he was laughing at her.

She couldn’t help feeling embarrassed and angry.

“What are you laughing at? I was just asking casually. If you won’t say, then forget it! I don’t want to hear it anymore! Lest it pollute my ears!”

She turned over, rolled to the innermost side of the bed, taking all the covers with her in one motion, and turned her back to him.

“It’s nothing. I didn’t go – I had Third Brother Sun go deliver a message for me instead. Then I came here to you.”

Behind her, his voice still carried a faint hint of laughter.

Luoshen’s heart finally felt completely at ease.

Knowing she had taken all the covers, she wanted to let him cover himself again but was too embarrassed to speak up.

“A’Mi, I’m a bit cold. Share some of the covers with me.”

After a while, she heard the person behind her say this.

She immediately rolled back, still facing him with the back of her head.

He seemed to laugh again, covered himself with the quilt, and reached over to help tuck in the corners of her covers, saying gently: “Sleep now.”

The corners of Luoshen’s lips unconsciously curved up quietly as she slowly closed her eyes.

…

Today was supposed to be a rest day, but Gao Qiao had been busy all day as usual at the government offices in Tai City, only becoming free in the evening. When he entered the palace, he was told that Emperor Xingping had taken five-mineral powder the night before, and suffering from unbearable heat in the middle of the night, had run around the imperial garden in single clothes despite the winter weather, only falling asleep at dawn and still not awakened.

Gao Qiao felt hidden worry, and remembering that Li Mu was going to Bailu Zhou to fetch his daughter today, he had someone go tell him that he was still in the palace, and if he had brought the person back, he should go home first and wait for palace business to conclude before returning.

He waited outside for a long time, until nearly the end of the xu hour, repeatedly asking, but the eunuchs all said the emperor was still sleeping, and that Empress Xu was also keeping him company. Knowing Gao Qiao was waiting for an audience, she sent word that he should return home tonight and come back tomorrow if there was business, no need to disturb the emperor’s rest.

After taking five-mineral powder, it made people mentally excited, uninhibited in crying and laughing, even euphoric with endless pleasure – it was favored by many scholars and famous men, and this fashion had become popular through imitation.

When Emperor Xingping was young, perhaps to relieve his emotions, he had begun taking it.

But five-mineral powder was extremely hot in nature and toxic, and long-term use harmed the liver and damaged the spleen – there were even rumors of people dying after taking the drug.

Over the years, Gao Qiao had been constantly advising the emperor to quit this substance. But the drug was addictive. Emperor Xingping would take it then stop, stop then take it again, going back and forth countless times.

These past two years, the emperor’s health had gradually deteriorated. He must have known it was related to taking five-mineral powder, so he had been trying hard to quit.

Gao Qiao hadn’t heard news of the emperor continuing to take it for a long time and had been quite relieved, but unexpectedly this happened today.

Gao Qiao also understood some medical principles.

Logically, having taken it last night with effects wearing off this morning, after sleeping for a day, he should have awakened by now.

Gao Qiao gradually felt something was wrong – how could he just follow Empress Xu’s wishes and leave? After pondering, he immediately sent someone to fetch Prince Xin’an.

Prince Xin’an Xiao Daocheng was Emperor Xingping’s cousin. After the emperor began deliberately distancing himself from the aristocratic clans, he relied heavily on this cousin in governance, making him the most prestigious prince among the imperial clan.

Nearly thirty years old with a dignified appearance, he usually had a good relationship with Gao Qiao. Upon hearing the news, he hurriedly came in the night, and together with Gao Qiao, the two brought imperial physicians and forcibly entered Emperor Xingping’s sleeping quarters, kneeling outside the door and requesting that the empress allow the physicians to examine him.

Empress Xu’s expression was very ugly, but facing Prince Xin’an and Gao Qiao together, she didn’t dare obstruct them further and had to let them enter.

Emperor Xingping lay on the dragon bed, face flushed, breathing sometimes slow and sometimes rapid, in deep sleep without awakening. Gao Qiao called his name several times with no response.

The imperial physician stepped forward to administer acupuncture. After a long time, they heard a strange sound from the emperor’s throat before he slowly opened his eyes and awakened. Helped to sit up by eunuchs, he asked in confusion: “What hour is it? How long did I sleep?”

Gao Qiao finally breathed a sigh of relief and stepped forward: “Your Majesty! Since you took five-mineral powder last night, a full day and night have passed!”

Emperor Xingping showed slight shame, somewhat afraid to meet Gao Qiao’s gaze, murmuring: “I thought since I hadn’t taken it for so long, and yesterday was particularly enjoyable, I used just a little when I returned… just a little… I won’t take it again next time, Minister Gao can rest assured…”

Gao Qiao knew the emperor had weak willpower and probably couldn’t completely eliminate this drug, so he sighed inwardly and said no more. He and Xiao Daocheng temporarily withdrew while the emperor dressed, then re-entered to perform the proper ceremonies between sovereign and minister.

Emperor Xingping asked what the matter was.

Gao Qiao said: “Your subject came to see Your Majesty regarding the Murong clan’s offer of allegiance at yesterday’s palace banquet. Among the Xianbei tribes, only the Murong clan has many capable people within the tribe, yet they are naturally cunning and changeable, showing no gratitude or loyalty. Since our dynasty’s founding, we have treated the Murong clan with great favor, granting them high offices and generous titles. If not for our Great Yu’s exceptional kindness, how could the Murong clan have stood out among the northern barbarian tribes? Yet the Murong clan harbors wolfish ambitions and has rebelled multiple times, even taking advantage of our Great Yu’s national difficulties to rob and plunder northern territories. Later, unable to match the Xia people, they endured in hiding for many years. Now that Bei Xia’s situation is unstable and the country totters on the brink of collapse, the Murong clan takes advantage again to raise rebellion. This tribe clearly plots to restore their country – where is there any sincerity in serving our Great Yu? Murong Xi’s conspiracy failed and he has now fled north, certainly contacting his former followers. Murong Ti comes to our Great Yu claiming allegiance, but clearly seeks protection, wanting to use our Great Yu’s name to win hearts in the north. Your subject humbly requests Your Majesty to think thrice before acting – absolutely do not accept these fickle people! We should expel them from Great Yu and not allow the Murong clan to use our Great Yu’s name to rise again in the north!”

Emperor Xingping’s expression was subtly displeased, but he still forced a smile: “Minister Gao, you worry too much. How could I not know the Murong clan is fickle? But this time is different from before. The Murong clan has long been severely weakened with few remaining followers – they probably can’t accomplish anything significant again. Since Murong Ti comes sincerely to submit now, if I don’t accept him, wouldn’t that chill the hearts of those in the north who also intend to submit to Great Yu? Murong Ti presented me with Murong Xi’s personal blood letter.”

He laughed loudly several times: “I believe Minister Gao has some prejudice against Murong Xi.”

Murong Xi had once sought marriage with the Eldest Princess, and his “Thousand Gold Rhyme” had spread throughout the Qinhuai region. Later Gao Qiao married the Eldest Princess. Supposedly, he greatly detested that rhyme.

Since he detested the rhyme, he naturally wouldn’t have much good feeling toward Murong Xi who created it.

Moreover, during the Northern Expedition, the reason Gao Qiao couldn’t advance north as planned was precisely because he encountered strong resistance from Murong Xi, who had already submitted to Bei Xia.

With strong enemies ahead and domestic constraints behind, Gao Qiao had no choice but to withdraw south.

Emperor Xingping meant that with both family vengeance and national enmity at play, Gao Qiao inevitably harbored private feelings – how could he not know this? He said anxiously: “Your Majesty, every word your subject speaks comes from public concern, absolutely without any private grudges. The Murong clan cannot be trusted – please Your Majesty heed my words!”

Emperor Xingping waved his hand: “Minister Gao need not worry excessively. Yesterday Murong Ti presented the golden sword and maps, showing sufficient sincerity.”

“Your Majesty! The sword Murong Ti presented belonged to their founding ancestor and is called a sacred object of the Murong clan, but it actually witnesses their betrayal of our Great Yu – clearly a national shame! That Your Majesty doesn’t refuse but gladly accepts it – what is the reasoning? As for those maps, your subject boldly asks Your Majesty: among all our Great Yu’s civil and military officials, do we still have the will to march north and recover the two capitals? If not, what use are these maps?”

Emperor Xingping was stumped by the question, unable to respond, his expression becoming extremely ugly. Suddenly he frowned, raised his hand to cover his forehead, and said: “I still have a headache. If there’s nothing else, you may all return. We’ll discuss this matter later.”

Xiao Daocheng quickly stepped forward to mediate: “Minister Gao’s counsel comes word by word from concern for the greater situation, and Your Majesty will surely consider it carefully. But it is indeed late tonight, and Your Majesty’s health is paramount. Minister Gao has also labored day and night – it would be better to return early and rest.”

Gao Qiao knew the emperor definitely wouldn’t listen to his words, so he had no choice but to take his leave.

Only then did Emperor Xingping’s expression improve somewhat, saying: “Farewell, Minister Gao. When you see Imperial Sister, send my regards – I haven’t seen her for some time and miss her greatly.”

Gao Qiao agreed, watched the emperor rise and leave, then left the palace dispiritedly.

When saying farewell to Xiao Daocheng at the palace gates, he said: “Your Majesty is close to Your Highness and might still listen to Your Highness’s persuasion. Other matters aside, please pay attention to His Majesty’s health and absolutely don’t let him indulge to this extent again. Tonight was truly dangerous.”

Xiao Daocheng said through gritted teeth: “The empress harbors sinister intentions – if not for Minister Gao tonight, the consequences would have been unthinkable! Minister Gao’s loyal heart makes this prince truly ashamed. Minister Gao can rest assured – as long as His Majesty will listen to my counsel, I will certainly do everything in my power!”

If Emperor Xingping died, the crown prince would ascend as a minor, and the Xu clan would seize power – they certainly wouldn’t tolerate Xiao Daocheng in the future.

His greatest wish now should be the same as Gao Qiao’s – hoping Emperor Xingping would be safe.

Gao Qiao sighed and nodded, then turned to board the carriage that had been waiting for him for a long time, preparing to return to the Gao residence. Suddenly he saw a red glow rising faintly in the eastern direction of the city.

It must be a fire somewhere in that direction in the middle of the night.

But being able to see the red glow from here showed how large the fire was.

If it were connected residential buildings on fire, plus this kind of weather, once the fire spread, the consequences would be unthinkable.

Gao Qiao was startled and hurriedly rushed east together with Xiao Daocheng.

The two hurried to the city gate and didn’t see the fire point, but the fire glow ahead became even more obvious. Knowing it must be a fire in the suburbs, they relaxed slightly and climbed the city tower to see what was happening.

Over ten night guards drawn by the fire glow were already standing on the tower, pointing and gesturing. Seeing Gao Qiao and Prince Xin’an suddenly appear, they hurriedly knelt.

Standing on the city tower, Gao Qiao could see even more clearly.

This fire glow seemed to originate from the Qingxi area several li away.

He knew there was a Qingxi Garden belonging to Prince Yulin there.

With such a large fire glow, could Qingxi Garden be on fire?

Gao Qiao immediately ordered someone to fetch the Prefect of Jiankang to lead people to extinguish the fire quickly, while he and Xiao Daocheng also rushed over.

When they arrived, everyone was stunned by the fire before them.

Qingxi Garden’s main gate stood wide open with no one inside. The most magnificent high pavilion in the garden called Baofang Tower had been completely consumed by flames.

The fire was spreading to both sides, burning the nearby connected buildings and plants. Flames roared and heat waves pressed against them.

With such fire intensity, human power couldn’t extinguish it at all. Gao Qiao could only order people to retreat and wait for the fire to burn itself out.

This fire burned until dawn, completely burning all the connected buildings in that area before finally dying out.

The Prefect of Jiankang led people to pour water on the ruins still showing scattered flames. After searching for a long time, they finally found two charred corpses in the rubble of what had clearly been the fire’s starting point – the former Baofang Tower – one male and one female.

Prince Yulin himself didn’t appear, only sending a steward from the prince’s residence and a steward from the Zhu family.

After examining the remaining features and gold and jade ornaments not destroyed by the fire, they confirmed that this woman’s corpse, who had obviously been scantily clad before death, was indeed the mistress Princess Yulin Zhu Jiyue, while the man was the head of guards.

Nearby on the ground were scattered blackened wine jugs and cups.

Obviously, when the fire started, these two had been drinking here.

Not a single other servant from the garden was to be found.

The Prefect of Jiankang ordered people to search the remaining buildings and discovered many valuable items missing from the storehouse, with scattered money that couldn’t be taken away all over the floor.

The inference was that the servants discovered Baofang Tower on fire in the middle of the night. Unable to extinguish it and seeing their mistress burned to death inside, everyone feared punishment and death, so they looted property and scattered overnight.

Prince Yulin devoted himself to seeking immortality, and the couple lived like strangers. The princess usually spent most of her time living here and reportedly secretly kept many male favorites – this had long been no secret. The Zhu family had initially felt it was disgraceful and tried to stop it, but Zhu Jiyue went her own way, still frequently living here. The Zhu family was helpless and could only let it be.

After hearing the Prefect of Jiankang’s report, the Zhu family steward’s expression was somewhat embarrassed.

Gao Qiao and Prince Xin’an remained silent.

The prince’s steward stepped forward, bowed to Gao Qiao and Prince Xin’an, showed a sorrowful expression, and said: “This place carelessly caught fire in the middle of the night. We didn’t expect it would disturb you two, causing you such trouble coming here – it’s truly sinful. The princess came here yesterday to recuperate, as His Highness knew. Meeting with this accident is truly unfortunate. This guard must have seen the fire and loyally tried to save his mistress, but the fire was too fierce, so both perished here. His Highness said he is extremely grateful to Prince Xin’an and Minister Gao. You two have labored hard – please leave the remaining matters to this servant and return early to rest. When His Highness emerges from seclusion, he will certainly present proper thanks.”

He finished with a deep bow.

The Zhu family steward secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly echoed this.

Gao Qiao and Prince Xin’an exchanged glances, naturally understanding each other perfectly, and said: “We two only happened to see this and rushed over. The princess’s unfortunate death is tragic – we hope His Highness will restrain his grief. Since there’s nothing here, we’ll take our leave.”

The steward respectfully saw them off.

Gao Qiao and Prince Xin’an had stayed up half the night and were also tired, so they bid each other farewell and returned to their respective homes.

Having not slept all night, Gao Qiao was already weary, but sitting in the carriage, he had no sleepiness at all.

Regarding his counsel to the emperor, he hadn’t held much hope to begin with. Seeing the emperor’s reaction, though disappointed, was within his expectations.

Instead, contemplating what happened afterward truly made him sigh endlessly.

From Zhu Shi, he naturally thought of his wife Xiao Yongjia.

Over the years, their marital relationship had grown distant. Facing his wife’s cold expressions, he was helpless, and being busy with government affairs, where would he find energy for youthful romantic thoughts?

The days just passed like this, one by one.

Last night’s accident with Zhu Shi suddenly gave him a cold shock.

He couldn’t remember when he and his wife had last shared a bed.

Fortunately, in recent years, she seemed increasingly indifferent to bedroom matters. Though unwilling to live with him, she had never had rumors like Zhu Shi’s spread about her.

Otherwise, if one day she too had such rumors, Gao Qiao really didn’t know how he would handle himself then.

…

As Gao Qiao felt both emotional and relieved, he hurried back to the Gao residence just as dawn was breaking.

Having struggled outside all night, he originally thought Xiao Yongjia and his daughter and son-in-law had returned, but unexpectedly couldn’t see anyone at home.

After his initial surprise, Gao Qiao suspected whether his wife had changed her mind and was deliberately making difficulties, not letting Li Mu bring back their daughter.

He recalled the tone and attitude with which she had spoken when he sought her out the night before.

At the time he hadn’t thought much about it, believing her words and hurrying back.

Now thinking carefully and the more he pondered, the more wrong it seemed. Unable to rest easy and not caring about resting, he hurriedly turned around again and rushed to the ferry crossing leading to Bailu Zhou.

…

Li Mu had a dream.

He dreamed he had returned to his wedding night from his previous life, when he and Gao Luoshen were together.

He was the Grand Marshal who wielded power over the realm. From imperial nobles above to civil and military officials below, those people could criticize and hate him behind his back, but in his presence, they had to curry favor and obey his every command.

She was a shadow imprinted in his heart since youth – the real Miss Gao, later the Lu family’s wife. But for him, she was also ethereal and illusory, like Chang’e living in a fantasy fairyland.

No matter how many, how beautiful, or how pleasure-giving women there were, none could compare to her.

Toward her, he could only look up in admiration.

He didn’t even dare use her as a fantasy when seeking release.

That would be too much of a desecration toward her.

But this night, she descended from the clouds and became vivid, tangible reality he could touch.

His woman and wife.

He was not just burning with passion.

When he realized she was truly as kind, gentle, affectionate, and understanding as in his past fantasies, and moreover, was willing to spend the rest of her life with him – even though he knew clearly in his heart that she had only married him due to circumstances, he was still deeply intoxicated by her.

At that moment, even if she asked him to kneel at her feet and beg for favors, he would gladly comply.

Li Mu’s dream gradually became sensual.

Behind silk curtains, they were lost in passion’s clouds and rain. The two lay together on the pillow as she nestled obediently in his arms, her fragrance penetrating his lungs…

This dream was too real, so much so that even in sleep he could clearly feel his mouth dry and his spirit in turmoil.

He suddenly awoke, abruptly opening his eyes, and was shocked to discover that there was indeed an additional soft body in his arms, and warm fragrance filled his nostrils.

Dawn was breaking faintly. By the pale morning light filtering through the curtains, he saw a young woman with her back to him, lying half on her side facing inward, still sound asleep. Her black hair lay disheveled on the pillow, exposing a section of snow-white skin on the back of her neck.

Li Mu closed his eyes, his mind quickly reviewing last night’s events.

She had asked him to sleep on the bed.

At this moment she was still sleeping, deeply asleep in her original position, curled up. Her back looked small, sweet, and well-behaved.

But he didn’t know when he had moved toward her.

One of his arms was holding her from behind, embracing her in his arms with his palm pressed against her body.

Where his palm touched felt smooth and soft with a hint of perspiration.

His heartbeat immediately raced as intense guilt rapidly overwhelmed him.

He didn’t dare move, fearing he would wake her. Holding his breath, he slowly withdrew his arm and carefully moved outward, then lifted the bed curtain and quickly got off the bed with a swift movement.