This night for Luoshen was like falling from the clouds into mud.

All the confidence and joy she had gained from helping Li Mu vanished completely.

She hadn’t intentionally meant to spoil his mood at that moment.

Before she opened her mouth to plead with him, she had almost forgotten the earnest instructions her father had left her before departure.

It was just that there had always been a voice in her heart.

Every time during moments of joy and indulgence, that voice would emerge at the right time to remind her of its existence.

And while she was secretly hurt and ashamed by her self-inflicted humiliation, Li Mu wasn’t even by her side to comfort her.

—Naturally, this couldn’t be blamed on him in the slightest.

Because that very night, the Gan family and Hou Jian launched a rebellion.

In their original plan, they would launch a night assault, surround the Hou residence and post house, and kill Hou Ding, his sons, and Li Mu.

But they hadn’t expected their opponents to be well-prepared.

This was a night worthy of celebrating an alliance.

It was also a night filled with bloody slaughter.

By her ears, the sounds of killing outside rang for half the night, not finally quieting completely until dawn.

Gan Qi and Hou Jian were executed that very night. Their followers were also subsequently purged.

Two days later, Li Mu assisted Hou Ding in handling the aftermath, then left with Luoshen.

When Luoshen walked out of the post house, she saw people coming and going on the street.

This place had restored its original tranquility and peace. The clamorous sounds of killing that had lasted half the night seemed like only a dream.

But the patches of blackened bloodstains on the steps before the post house entrance, not yet washed clean by rain, served as stark reminders.

What fierce life-and-death struggles had occurred outside that very door that night.

The return journey took two days, and Yi Cheng’s city walls gradually appeared in their view.

Upon entering the city, a city captain came forward and said something to Li Mu.

Li Mu seemed startled and instinctively glanced back at Luoshen.

Luoshen soon learned the news.

Her eldest brother Gao Yin had come and was currently in the governor’s residence.

…

Gao Yin had been dispatched by Gao Qiao and had followed not long after Luoshen’s party departed.

Gao Qiao’s reason for making such follow-up arrangements was twofold: first, he was concerned about safety on the road, and second, he probably wanted to ensure that his daughter would return to Jiankang quickly after seeing Li Mu.

He worried that Li Mu wouldn’t let his daughter return, and also that his daughter wouldn’t want to return.

So Gao Yin’s purpose on this trip was very clear.

Gao Yin’s sudden arrival obviously caught Li Mu somewhat off guard.

But after returning to the governor’s residence and meeting Gao Yin face to face, he treated him courteously and was very polite.

Luoshen also calmly accepted her father’s arrangement.

The only one who wanted to resist was Gao Huan.

Gao Huan’s hip injury was recovering, and he could already walk normally.

Gao Yin’s sudden arrival made him smell the end of his dreams.

After hitting walls several times, he understood one truth.

Without uncle’s approval, no matter how much he begged Li Mu, Li Mu would never go against uncle’s wishes to keep him.

His only hope lay with his sister.

If his sister was willing to stay, then he could naturally stay along with her.

Based on his observations over the past few days, he felt his sister had thrived here like a fish in water, appearing quite happy.

Several times when he tested her feelings, he never heard her say she would leave immediately once his injury healed.

So originally, he had been quite optimistic about being able to continue staying here.

He hadn’t expected Gao Yin’s sudden arrival to shatter all hope.

What puzzled him more was that when he found an opportunity to seek out his sister, wanting to persuade her to continue staying.

Her attitude was completely different from before.

She showed no sign of planning to resist uncle’s arrangement.

Gao Huan was greatly disappointed.

What depressed him more was that his hip injury, after tormenting him with unbearable pain, now began working against him too.

Yesterday, Gao Yin had brought a military doctor to examine him. After he fought vigorously to preserve his dignity, he was finally no match for his elder brother’s authority—more than ten years his senior—and had to remove his trousers.

The military doctor said the injury had largely healed. Without riding horses and instead using a carriage, traveling would be completely fine.

Thus, the departure date was naturally set.

Tomorrow.

…

Evening, the sunset once again enveloped the wilderness, dyeing the earth golden yellow.

When the weather was good, even from over ten li away, one could see the silhouette of Yi Cheng’s towering walls.

Perhaps it was the sense of security these solid city walls provided that recently brought people every day, supporting the elderly and carrying children, arriving from all directions to request shelter within the city.

The numbers ranged from dozens to hundreds.

Jiang Tao had set up a tent at the city gate specifically for population registration.

After refugees entered the city, they naturally gathered around the governor’s residence. They cleared weeds and repaired houses. After settling down, they busied themselves with opening wasteland for cultivation.

Though it was already summer, if they could quickly clear fields and plant seeds, if Heaven was willing to provide a meal, they could still have a harvest by late autumn.

Li Mu returned from the training ground outside the city, entering through the city gate.

The weather was getting hotter.

Dry dust, along with the vigorous drilling and shouting of bare-chested, sweat-soaked soldiers, filled the air.

Passing by the city gate, there was a group of people who had just arrived in formation, lined up for questioning, anxiously waiting to enter the city.

They were raggedly dressed, travel-worn, their faces marked by the hardships of struggling to survive.

A carrying pole held all their worldly possessions.

But at this moment, while waiting in line to enter the city, as they looked up into the city, their originally numb, lifeless eyes showed the long-absent expectant gleam of hope for a stable new life.

Seeing the soldiers at the gate salute a military officer-looking man on horseback, calling him “Governor,” they knew this was the city lord Li Mu, and all knelt down requesting shelter.

Li Mu had them rise and ordered the soldiers to quickly complete registration and let everyone into the city before dark.

After giving instructions, he passed through the gate and was about to continue toward the governor’s residence when he suddenly heard a call: “Brother-in-law!”

He turned and saw Gao Huan emerge from behind a stone block near the gate, so he stopped.

Gao Huan, just able to walk in recent days, had been secretly sneaking to the training ground to watch drills while holding his buttocks. Li Mu had noticed him long ago but hadn’t driven him away.

“Brother-in-law, though my martial arts might be a tiny bit inferior to others, if you give me a chance, I can endure hardship! I can even speak Xianbei! Do you think I could join the Liwu battle team?”

He asked ingratiatingly.

Under Li Mu’s command, besides the essential supply troops, scouts, archers, and infantry, he was recently forming an elite battle team of soldiers among soldiers.

This would be a one-in-a-hundred, most formidable battle team, called Liwu.

These days, martial competitions were being held at the training ground, with everyone taking pride in being able to join.

Gao Huan dreamed even more of becoming a member.

Seeing Li Mu look at him, he immediately deflated.

“Forget it, forget it…” he changed his tune.

“Brother-in-law! Sister is leaving tomorrow. You really agreed?”

Li Mu remained silent.

“If sister returns this time, she might never come back again! Brother-in-law, you know that uncle is extremely dissatisfied with you. If sister hadn’t argued strongly this time, uncle would never have let her come…”

Gao Huan watched Li Mu carefully. He saw his gaze pass over his own head toward the city gate behind him, as if looking at something, not really listening to what he was saying.

Feeling anxious, he moved closer.

“…Brother-in-law, the number of young men from Jiankang’s prominent families who admire sister is countless! I won’t mention others. I heard that Elder Brother Lu still can’t forget sister and refuses to marry another…”

He sighed.

“Brother-in-law, I’m truly worried for you. Actually, though my eldest brother has come, you needn’t fear him. Though eldest brother always does whatever uncle says without his own thoughts, he’s cold on the outside but warm-hearted…”

“Sixth Brother! What nonsense are you spouting?”

A stern shout suddenly came from behind.

Gao Huan turned around to see Gao Yin striding from the city gate, his gaze fixed sternly on him.

Obviously, he had heard some of what he’d just said.

Gao Huan was startled and shut his mouth.

Gao Yin walked over and ordered Gao Huan to return.

Gao Huan sheepishly lowered his head, supported his buttocks, and left unhappily.

Gao Yin watched his brother’s figure gradually disappear, looked around the city gate, withdrawing his gaze from those nearby refugees who were carrying their belongings into the city.

“Li Mu, to speak honestly, having been here several days, what I’ve seen in Yi Cheng has moved me considerably. You truly are a capable person. Not only are you invincible on the battlefield, but you also have great skill in governing troops and people. I’ve also heard you’ve allied with Qiu Chi, stabilizing the rear. Though I’m several years older than you, I honestly believe that if I were in your place, I couldn’t achieve such results in such a short time…”

He hesitated.

“It’s precisely because of this that I hope you won’t go astray. The words my uncle undoubtedly said to you, so I won’t repeat them. I too hate the court’s powerlessness, but if everyone acted like you, wouldn’t the world fall into even greater chaos?”

“Though I’m taking sister back tomorrow, uncle still has high hopes for you. I hope you’ll think thrice and not disappoint him.”

Having said this, he strode away.

…

Li Mu entered the governor’s residence.

Compared to the chaotic heat outside, the back courtyard of the governor’s residence was quiet and cool, like stepping into another world.

The pathway had just been sprinkled with water, the clean pebble surface glistening wetly.

The dripping water light added several degrees of cool moisture to this early summer evening courtyard.

She had already packed her things—several trunks sat neatly by the door.

She sat barefoot on a bamboo couch newly moved by the window just days ago, leaning against a pillow behind her, reading a scroll by the last rays of evening sunlight through the window.

The evening breeze passed through bamboo into the window, gently brushing her long hair that she’d washed and hung over her shoulders, still not completely dry. Seeing him enter, she turned and said: “Go wash up and eat.”

Dinner was set on the low table. There was only one set of bowls and chopsticks.

Seeing him hesitate, she added: “I’ve already eaten.”

Li Mu used a prepared basin of clear water to wash his dust-and-sweat-stained face and hands, then silently sat behind the table.

He quickly finished eating and put down his chopsticks.

She also put down her scroll, climbed down from the bamboo couch, put on high-toothed wooden clogs, walked to the bed, picked up a stack of neatly folded clothing, and placed it on his clothing chest in the corner, saying: “The weather’s getting hot. These are summer shirts A’Ju and the others rushed to make for you these past few days.”

“This blue cloth one,” she pointed to the top garment, “is made for Second Brother Jiang. He’s not as tall as you—don’t mix them up.”

Li Mu’s gaze slowly moved from the stack of clothes to her face.

Luoshen met his eyes briefly with a calm expression.

“The leak in the northwest corner was fixed—during the heavy rain the day before yesterday, there was no more leaking.”

“But over there,” she pointed to the opposite corner, “during that daytime downpour when the wind was strong and you weren’t here, I heard the sound of dead branches broken by wind hitting the roof—a loud crash. The tiles must have been damaged because it leaked immediately, though fortunately the rain stopped quickly. Since you’ll be living here long-term, when you have time, better have someone repair it.”

Li Mu remained silent.

“When organizing the back courtyard recently, we discovered a well.”

Luoshen continued, “It was buried under weeds, so we didn’t notice it at first. I had people clear the bottom and reopen the well opening. Today the water has risen to the brim—very clear, it’s a good well. You won’t need to go outside for water anymore. When you have time, have someone build a well platform—it will be convenient for cooling off and bathing.”

“Remember to eat properly. Though great endeavors are important, your body comes first. If your health fails, nothing else matters. Also, about A’Yu—having lost her mother, with her father and brother both serving as your soldiers, I just visited her today. In future battles, I hope you’ll remember not to have father and son fight in the same engagement.”

“After I return, I may not visit your mother and A’Ting at Jingkou anymore. But regardless, I won’t forget their past kindness to me. I’ll have someone look after them. You can rest easy here without worry.”

She paused.

“Since you’ll be doing great things in the future, you surely understand without my reminder that it would be better to relocate them in advance.”

Having finished, she too fell silent.

The room was extremely quiet.

Only the soft rustling of the evening breeze through the window, gently turning the pages of the book she’d been reading on the bamboo couch, could be heard.

This was the longest speech she’d made to him these past days.

“A’Mi—”

Li Mu’s eyes surged with dark waves. He called her name softly, his voice hoarse, taking a step forward as if to approach her.

But Luoshen turned around, climbed back onto the bamboo couch, leaned back again, and picked up her book.

Li Mu watched her profile, his steps frozen.

…

Luoshen woke in the middle of the night to find herself alone in bed.

The door was half-open.

She looked through the bed curtains for a while, then turned over and closed her eyes again.

Early the next morning, thin wisps of mist swirled over the wilderness outside the city. Dewdrops clung to the tips of roadside grass.

Before sunrise, the party prepared to depart.

In the open space not far from the governor’s residence entrance, as refugees continued returning, the area around the governor’s residence gradually became more populated. Recently, there were more and more children.

Sometimes during afternoon hours in the back courtyard, one could hear the joyful laughter of children running and chasing in front.

But now, being too early, the open space was still empty.

Luoshen sat in the carriage, following Gao Yin and Fan Cheng who led the way, escorted by several hundred warriors, passing through the open space to reach the city gate.

The two heavy city gates were pushed open by soldiers, left and right, slowly opening.

The party passed through the city tunnel and once again set foot on the southern homeward journey.

This time, with firm resolve, they were truly leaving.

Luoshen looked one last time out the carriage window at that boundless wilderness where wild grass grew rampantly, suppressed the urge to look back once more, and closed the window.

Li Mu saw her off.

Gao Yin was extremely courteous.

Just outside the city gate, he personally dismounted, stood by the roadside, and made three bows of thanks, asking him to stop there—this was the most ceremonial guest’s farewell to host etiquette.

Li Mu climbed to the highest watchtower on the city wall, stood behind the battlements, and watched the procession ahead protecting that carriage gradually move away until it completely disappeared from view.

He stood on the watchtower for a long time.

The sun slowly rose from the horizon, and the city gates opened again.

Below the city wall, it gradually became lively.

Soldiers, following commands, formed ranks and left the city for the training ground to begin a new day’s training. Citizens wearing worn bamboo hats, carrying plows, spades, even wooden sticks, with water jugs and provisions prepared by their wives early in the morning, hurried toward the newly cleared fields outside the city.

Li Mu finally came down from the watchtower.

He went straight to the training ground, joining the eager warriors who wanted to join Liwu and become his fangs and claws.

He removed his upper garment and personally entered the trials.

Only warriors who could hold out under his hands qualified to join.

Whoever could knock him down would become the Liwu battle team’s leader.

Under the blazing sun, in rolling dust, surrounded by over ten muscle-bound strong men, bare-chested and dripping with sweat, he wrestled down soldier after soldier attacking from all angles, his roars mixing with flying dust to rise above the training ground.

Li Mu didn’t return from the training ground to the governor’s residence until evening, covered in dust and sweat.

And with injuries.

He had been struck on the back by a wooden staff wielded by a soldier who, after being thrown down by him, saw red and had his fighting spirit aroused.

The blow made his blood churn.

The wooden staff even broke on impact, half flying into the air, leaving a blood-red mark on his back.

After striking, the soldier suddenly realized what he’d done, was frightened on the spot, and froze without daring to move.

Li Mu not only didn’t blame him but immediately promoted him to squad leader.

The physical pain seemed to finally share some of what he felt in his heart at this moment.

He dismounted and strode quickly toward the main gate, but saw a thin seven or eight-year-old girl sitting below the stone steps at the entrance.

Seeing him, her eyes lit up and she quickly stood.

Li Mu recognized her—the girl was A’Yu, who had walked alone to the city gate that day.

He stopped.

A’Yu looked up at him, showing a somewhat timid smile on her face.

“Governor Li, yesterday the lady came to see me and even made me a dress. Her clothes always smell like flowers, and one day I saw her picking flowers by the roadside. She must love flowers. So I went and picked some for her—very fragrant. I wanted to give them to her.”

“But they wouldn’t let me go in…”

A’Yu looked back at the two soldiers at the gate.

“Could you help me give the flowers to her? If she likes them, tell me, and I’ll pick them for her every day.”

A’Yu extended a hand she’d been hiding behind her back, offering the flowers she held.

They were wild flowers, visible everywhere in the fields outside the city.

But each was clean without a speck of mud, red and yellow ones tied together with a reed leaf in a pretty bow.

The flowers were sprinkled with water, fresh and beautiful.

She looked up at him with restraint.

Li Mu stood still for a moment, then slowly reached out to take the bundle of wild flowers.

“I… will give them to her…”

He mumbled a response.

A’Yu sighed in relief, joy showing in her eyes. Like adults do, she respectfully bent at the waist to him, then quickly ran away.

Li Mu turned to watch the girl’s retreating figure, holding the bundle of wild flowers in his large hand, silently stepping through the gate under the soldiers’ gaze.

He returned to the back courtyard, but his steps grew slower and slower. Finally stopping at the moon gate, he looked down at the flowers in his hand, stood dazed for a moment, then suddenly remembered the well she’d mentioned yesterday and unconsciously searched for it.

He stood at the well’s mouth, looking at the calm mirror-like water surface reflecting his own image.

Covered in dust, crude and unbearable.

He didn’t know how such a self could deserve her favor today.

Much less how long this favor could last.

He picked up a wooden bucket and threw it heavily into the water.

“Splash—”

The mirror surface shattered, water splashing everywhere, and that person inside whom even he found loathsome finally disappeared.

He pulled up a full bucket of water, lifted it overhead, and with a “splash,” poured it down.

The cool well water washed away the day’s dust and sweat from wrestling, but couldn’t wash away the melancholy and agitation in his heart.

He returned to the courtyard barefoot.

The courtyard was empty, with several yellow leaves blown from bamboo branches by the wind rolling and tumbling across the pathway.

He pushed open the door—the room had been cleaned spotlessly, empty except for the bedding. Nothing of hers remained.

So stingy she wouldn’t even leave a trace of air carrying her scent.

Li Mu stood in the doorway for a moment, suddenly feeling his legs go weak, his whole body powerless, as if he couldn’t even stand.

Thinking carefully, he’d wrestled all day at the training ground, eating only a flatbread with the soldiers at noon to fill his stomach.

At this moment, it should be due to hunger.

But he didn’t feel hungry and didn’t want to eat anything.

He set down the wild flowers the girl had picked, almost supporting himself against the wall as he walked to the bed and collapsed with a thud.

He lay on his back on the bed, then after a moment opened his eyes, turned his face, and looked at the spot where she’d slept just last night.

She really hadn’t left anything for him, departing completely clean.

Not even a strand of hair.

He slowly closed his eyes, but scenes related to her kept floating before him.

That night at the Qiu Chi post house, when proud as she was, she had begged beneath him.

Then yesterday, her calm, undisturbed expression as she went through each matter with him one by one.

His heart suddenly twisted.

As if something was gripping it tightly, he suddenly couldn’t breathe.

This time, he had a feeling he might truly lose her.

Completely.

Last time when she left, A’Ju suddenly returned. After a scolding, he went to chase after her.

This time she’d left again. Did his heart secretly hope that A’Ju would return again to spit in his face?

Even he found it absurd.

As he seemed to have died, lying motionless on the bed, suddenly urgent footsteps reached his ears.

Someone was coming, walking toward here.

His heartbeat suddenly accelerated.

Blood throughout his body rushed to his heart in an instant.

He came alive instantly, opened his eyes, leaped down from the bed, rushed toward the door, and flung it open.

But he froze.

It was Jiang Tao.

Jiang Tao, accompanied by a military doctor, was hurrying over. Suddenly seeing the door open and him appear inside, was also startled, then breathed out in relief: “I heard today at the training ground you took a staff blow so hard the staff broke and flew off. I was afraid you were injured, so I brought someone to check.”

Li Mu said it was nothing, adding that he was tired and wanted to rest, asking not to be disturbed, and closed the door.

Jiang Tao was puzzled by his obviously impatient attitude and exchanged glances with the military doctor. After standing outside the door for a while, they had to leave.

Li Mu returned and sat cross-legged behind the low table, motionless, his gaze fixed on the bundle of wild flowers before him.

Suddenly, as if he’d completely made up his mind about something, he abruptly stood up, quickly put on his clothes, opened the door, and walked out.

…

On the first day of departure, Gao Yin, caring for his sister’s delicate nature and considering that Gao Huan’s hip injury might not be fully healed, traveled slowly. By evening they had only covered dozens of li. Seeing the sky suddenly darken with rising wind and clouds gathering overhead, knowing summer night showers were coming and fearing they’d get soaked if they continued, he ordered them to stop and look for suitable high ground with wind protection to camp for the night. Suddenly, he heard urgent hoofbeats from behind.

He turned to look intently and quickly recognized the rider.

The one catching up was actually Li Mu. Couldn’t help being startled, he quickly spurred his horse back to meet him, stopped in the middle of the road, and when he came closer, raised his voice: “Does Governor Li have other business?”

Li Mu, driving his black stallion, arrived swift as lightning, pulled the reins to stop, dismounted, bowed to Gao Yin, and said: “Elder Brother Gao, I’ve changed my mind. A’Mi should stay with me! I trouble elder brother to return and convey my greetings to father-in-law and mother-in-law. If there’s opportunity in future, I will definitely visit the two elders and apologize with thorns on my back then.”

Having said this, he strode toward the carriage Luoshen rode in.

Gao Yin was shocked, quickly dismounted, caught up in a step, and blocked his path.

“Li Mu! Don’t make unreasonable trouble! Having my sister return to Jiankang is uncle’s intention. How dare you forcibly detain her?”

His expression was very ugly.

Li Mu didn’t respond, sidestepped him, and in a moment reached the carriage, opened the door, gazed at Luoshen who stared at him wide-eyed from inside, and smiled at her: “A’Mi, I’ve thought it through. I don’t want you to leave. I want you to stay.”

“Will you return with me?”

Having said this, he slowly extended a hand toward her.

Luoshen completely hadn’t expected him to chase after them again, staring at him in shock.

The two looked at each other for a moment, then she slowly shook her head, saying softly: “I won’t go back. You return by yourself.”

As her words fell, Li Mu acted as if he hadn’t heard, actually leaning into the carriage and, before everyone’s eyes, reached in to lift her out, saying to the stunned A’Ju inside: “Nanny, I’ll take A’Mi back to the city first. When it’s convenient for you, send her things back later.”

The incident was so sudden that everyone was shocked, watching him carry Luoshen toward the black stallion.

Luoshen was extremely bewildered, finally reacting and struggling continuously, quietly ordering him to put her down.

Li Mu turned a deaf ear, instead holding her tighter—how could she break free? Just as he was about to put her on the stallion’s back, Gao Yin had already approached, again blocking the way.

“Li Mu! You’re being far too discourteous! Though sister has married you, Yi Cheng is so desolate and constantly threatened by military danger—how can you have her suffer and live in fear with you here? Moreover, she just said herself she refuses to return with you—I heard it clearly! If you don’t leave now, don’t blame me for not recognizing kinship!”

Li Mu’s expression gradually turned cold.

“Elder brother, A’Mi married me and is a Li family woman. I don’t intend to make things difficult for you, but at this moment, even if father-in-law were here, if I don’t let her go, father-in-law couldn’t take her either.”

Gao Yin’s expression stiffened, then he flew into rage, drawing his sword: “Quickly release my sister! If you continue this unreasonable behavior, my sword won’t recognize kinship!”

Li Mu remained unmoved, turned and raised his arms, lightly and skillfully placed Luoshen on the horse’s back, only then saying: “Elder brother, since I’ve caught up, A’Mi is definitely coming back with me. I trouble elder brother to apologize to father-in-law and mother-in-law for me.”

His eyes gazed at the iron-faced Gao Yin as he extended a finger, slowly pushing away the long sword pointed at his throat, then mounted the horse, one arm encircling Luoshen who was trying to climb down from the horse’s back, the other hand pulling the reins.

The black stallion neighed once, spread its hooves and ran, in a moment leaving those people far behind.

Gao Huan lay at another carriage window, his head stretched out as far as possible, watching dumbfounded.

How could Gao Yin let this stand? He ordered people to rest on the spot while he immediately mounted his horse and gave chase.

Gao Yin’s mount was a priceless Western Region treasure horse, but Li Mu’s black stallion was no inferior steed either. The two horses were evenly matched in speed. Though he urged his horse in frantic pursuit, he could only barely maintain the distance—hope of catching up to intercept again was already slim.

Gao Yin gritted his teeth and continued chasing.

The dozens of li that had taken all day to travel took only two or three quarters of an hour at this galloping pace. When the sky turned completely dark, the shadow of the city wall loomed ahead.

Gao Yin saw Li Mu ahead had already galloped into the city and whipped his horse again with all his strength.

The treasure horse neighed and charged forward.

The city gate grew closer and closer, nearer and nearer.

Who knew that just as he was about to rush in, those two city gates slowly closed before his eyes.

Just as he reached the base of the city wall, with a “clang,” both gates completely shut, blocking him outside.

Gao Yin was furious, spurred his horse back several steps, looked up toward the city wall and shouted angrily: “Li Mu! I never expected you to go back on your word! You’re such a treacherous scoundrel! Come out and face me!”

After cursing for a while and seeing the city wall quiet and empty, he knew that if Li Mu ignored him, even cursing until dawn would be useless.

He could only reluctantly suppress his anger, wondering what to do next, when suddenly a figure appeared on the city wall—it was Li Mu.

He drew a bow and shot an arrow from the city wall.

With a whistle, the arrowhead angled down and stuck in the ground beside Gao Yin.

Gao Yin looked down and saw something attached to the arrow shaft. Suppressing his anger, he dismounted, pulled out the arrow, and removed the object.

It was indeed a letter. The characters on the envelope were written in bold strokes, the ink still wet, apparently hastily written just moments before.

“Elder Brother Gao, many apologies, I hope you’ll forgive me. I’m keeping A’Mi! This letter is my explanation to father-in-law—I trouble you to convey it when you return. Li Mu thanks you in advance!”

Li Mu bowed to him, then turned and left, his figure quickly disappearing into the night atop the city wall.