As her mother had predicted, without warning, that night at around the chou hour of dawn, the peaceful night was broken.

At the time, Luoshen was accompanying Xiao Yongjia when Gao Qi suddenly came running, saying the residence was surrounded by Imperial Forest troops. When questioned, they claimed that northern spies had been discovered in the city tonight, and Prince Xin’an was conducting citywide arrests. To avoid disturbing the Gao family, they had specially sent those people for protection. He had already followed the Eldest Princess’s earlier instructions, sealing the front and back gates tightly, with all household guards armed and standing ready behind the doors in strict formation.

The entire household of servants and maids soon learned the news, guessing that some trouble must have occurred in the city.

Though the outside world hadn’t been peaceful in recent years, with troubles every few days—southeastern bandits today, rebellious princes tomorrow—Jiankang City had always remained calm and safe, never experiencing such incidents. Everyone was initially worried, but seeing their mistress sitting calmly in the front hall with a composed expression and no sign of panic, they gradually steadied their nerves. A’Ju and the steward gathered everyone in the back courtyard, locked the connecting gate between front and back yards, and Luoshen stayed by her mother’s side as they began their wait.

Surrounded outside with no messages getting in or out, they had no idea what was happening in the city.

Luoshen hadn’t expected that what was originally just an investigation into the Shao woman would inadvertently trigger such chaos.

She accompanied Xiao Yongjia, appearing as calm and composed as her mother before the servants and maids, but her heart harbored some worry.

That Prince Xin’an dared send people to surround their home clearly showed that his elaborate scheme to place Shao Yuniang beside her father had no ordinary purpose. Tonight, knowing his plan was exposed and that father wouldn’t tolerate him, he had become desperate and was making a final gamble.

She worried about her father outside. She worried even more that their home had been surrounded so quickly, with no messages getting in or out. If those people went completely mad and forcibly attacked the gates, the household servants led by Gao Qi probably couldn’t hold out for long.

As if to confirm her fears, after just a short while, a cacophony of noise erupted outside. A servant woman guarding behind the connecting gate came running in panic to report that the rebel troops had begun attacking the gates and set fires—even standing in the courtyard, they could see flames leaping in the direction of both front and back gates.

The atmosphere in the back courtyard immediately tensed again, with servants and maids once more showing panic as they all looked to Xiao Yongjia.

Xiao Yongjia’s expression was grave, but she sat steadily without moving, only ordering someone to investigate further.

The rebel troops hadn’t broken in.

About an incense stick’s time later, the outside commotion gradually subsided. The servant woman ran in again, this time with a smile on her face, saying that when the rebel troops had attempted to break in, Captain Li Du had arrived with a team and suppressed the rebels. Only a few household guards had suffered minor injuries—everyone else was safe.

Everyone breathed a great sigh of relief, their faces showing joy.

With dawn still some time away, after the fires at the front and back gates were extinguished, Xiao Yongjia had Gao Qi tend to the few injured men, then dismissed the nearby servants and maids to rest.

Li Xie soon came to see Xiao Yongjia with news.

Only then did Luoshen learn that Prince Xin’an had not only mobilized troops overnight to try controlling the city gates but had also blocked the palace gates. Father had also led people to rush to the palace, though they didn’t know how the situation stood.

After Li Xie finished his report, he hurriedly departed.

Mother had already stayed up most of the night, and with the danger outside their gates resolved, Luoshen escorted her back to her room, serving with A’Ju as she lay down.

Xiao Yongjia patted the space beside her, indicating for Luoshen to lie down too, embracing her daughter.

Luoshen smelled the faint, pleasant fragrance from her mother’s body that she had loved since childhood, whispering, “A’Niang, when the rebel troops attacked the gates, you weren’t even flustered.”

Xiao Yongjia said, “A’Niang was flustered too. But A’Niang knows your A’Ye will remember us.”

Luoshen nodded.

“Don’t worry. Though tonight’s events came suddenly, your A’Ye will surely handle them. If you really can’t sleep, stay with A’Niang—we’ll wait together for news from your A’Ye.”

Luoshen nestled against her mother’s chest, gently placing her hand over to carefully protect her belly, slowly closing her eyes.

That night, many residents of Jiankang City, not knowing exactly what had happened, also spent the night sleepless like the Gao family, shuttering their doors and windows in terror, waiting fearfully for dawn amid the sounds of fighting and the commotion of soldiers moving about, sometimes near, sometimes far.

Dawn came, and the final news was finally delivered.

Xiao Daocheng had led people to storm the imperial palace, attempting to coerce the Emperor and deploy Imperial Forest and palace guard troops for his own use to kill Gao Qiao. However, due to hasty actions, not knowing the Emperor was staying in Hualin Garden tonight and having no time to go there, he changed plans to pressure the Empress for the imperial seal. The Empress pretended compliance, maneuvering with him, falsely agreeing to fetch the seal, then took advantage of his unpreparedness to stab Xiao Daocheng with a sharp blade, though she was unfortunately wounded by him in return. At this critical moment, fortunately loyal palace attendants had noticed something amiss when Xiao Daocheng violated protocol by forcibly entering the palace late at night, secretly going out to summon help. Palace guards arrived in time and, after a fierce struggle, finally killed Xiao Daocheng and his men on the spot.

When Gao Qiao reached the palace, those Imperial Forest troops obeying Xiao Daocheng’s orders and guarding the palace gates had grown uneasy seeing their leader fail to emerge. Seeing Gao Qiao appear made them even more demoralized—with no will to resist, they quickly surrendered their weapons and stepped aside.

When Gao Qiao rushed into the inner palace, he saw blood pools everywhere with over ten bodies lying in disarray. Xiao Daocheng had just died, his body bearing dozens of sword and blade wounds still bleeding, his appearance horrifying.

Empress Gao Yongrong was also injured, quite severely—Prince Xin’an had pierced through her left upper chest near the shoulder with his sword. Half her body and arm were stained with blood, yet her hand still gripped tightly the seal that could mobilize Imperial Forest and palace guard troops, refusing to let go.

Gao Qiao immediately summoned imperial physicians to treat the Empress’s wounds. Learning the Emperor was staying in Hualin Garden, he sent people to protect him, then left the palace to control the prince’s mansion personnel. He spent all night capturing accomplices and eliminating remaining rebels still resisting desperately, finally completely quelling the rebellion by dawn and summoning all officials to explain the situation.

The officials had all been at home last night—who didn’t know of the commotion outside? But most were still confused, only knowing it was caused by Xiao Daocheng’s sudden rebellion, not understanding why he would do such a thing. Upon learning the cause—that he had been plotting treachery discovered by Gao Qiao, became desperate, stormed the palace at night intending to coerce the imperial couple and kill Gao Qiao—they were shocked and filled with righteous indignation. They condemned Xiao Daocheng for appearing loyal and virtuous while secretly harboring wolf-like ambitions, deceiving the ruler and nearly causing great disaster. They also reported his hidden crimes unknown to others, everyone distancing themselves from him.

After Prince Dongyang’s ascension, having gained Gao Qiao’s trust, Xiao Daocheng had participated in almost every court policy decision and implementation. Due to his Xiao imperial surname, he frequented the Emperor’s presence, becoming a bridge between the Emperor and court ministers. His court position and prestige had grown daily, already showing signs of surpassing Xu and Lu to become the court’s second figure after Gao Qiao.

In just one night, events had taken such an unimaginable turn. Though he was dead, the rebellion’s aftermath would obviously have enormous impact both inside and outside the court.

Over the following days, the entire city was under curfew. Gao Qiao left early and returned late daily, handling the aftermath.

Luoshen knew Gao Yongrong was seriously injured and submitted a petition the next day, listing both her mother’s and her own names, requesting permission to visit the palace. After waiting several days, permission was finally granted. Gao Yongrong sent word that Luoshen could enter the palace, asking Xiao Yongjia to rest at home and not trouble herself coming to visit.

Luoshen immediately went to the palace. Upon being led in, palace attendants said the Empress had been seriously injured that night and suffered such a great shock that her spirits were poor—the imperial physicians had ordered quiet recovery. These past days, countless noble ladies wanted to visit the palace, but the Empress had seen none—today Luoshen was the first.

“That night, the rebel threatened the Empress, but to protect His Majesty’s seal and prevent the rebel’s evil scheme from succeeding, she risked her life in resistance—what courage could match this?”

The palace attendant described to Luoshen how Xiao Daocheng had forcibly stormed the deep palace that night, how he had threatened the Empress for the seal, how the Empress had remained fearless in the face of danger, stabbed Xiao Daocheng, was wounded in return, yet still protected the seal desperately—describing it vividly as if personally witnessing the scene.

Luoshen hurriedly followed the palace attendant inside to see Gao Yongrong lying in bed.

Several days had passed, but her face still showed no color, her chest and shoulder wrapped in bandages, appearing quite haggard. But seeing Luoshen, she seemed very pleased, sitting up. Apparently accidentally pulling at her wound, she softly hissed and showed pain.

Luoshen quickly stepped forward to support her, telling her to lie down.

Gao Yongrong shook her head with a smile, “I only injured one shoulder—just one arm can’t move, not like I’m crippled. Always lying down gets tedious. I’ve wanted to chat with you, but the imperial physician was fussy, saying I shouldn’t see people—I could only endure until today. You’ve come at the perfect time—sit quickly!”

Luoshen sat beside her, taking the medicine bowl from an entering palace attendant’s hands, scooping with a spoon and gently blowing it cool, “My A’Niang knows A’Jie was seriously injured and asked me to tell you not to worry about palace affairs, focus on recovering—your health is most important.”

Gao Yongrong quickly asked Luoshen to convey her thanks to aunt.

“A’Jie, that night was truly dangerous. Your precious imperial body—what if something had happened? Why risk your life fighting that rebel? Fortunately heaven protects good people and nothing terrible occurred, though this is already worrying enough.”

Gao Yongrong smiled and sighed.

“What you say is quite true. Thinking back now, I’m also frightened. But at the time I don’t know how, thinking that if I let him succeed and take His Majesty’s seal to deploy troops against uncle—what would happen then? In my urgency, I only thought to delay him and didn’t think much else.”

Nearby palace attendants all smiled. An older one interjected, “Even the ministers were moved by the Empress’s actions. These past days, according to His Majesty, the memorials received have, besides condemning that rebel, mostly praised Your Majesty.”

Gao Yongrong shook her head, “I’ve told His Majesty I want none of those praises! Have them all returned. I only blame myself for not detecting Xiao Daocheng’s true face earlier or warning His Majesty, allowing us to be deceived until now, nearly causing great disaster.”

Her expression became solemn.

“Those now submitting memorials praising me most fiercely were equally enthusiastic when praising Xiao Daocheng before. I’m not saying these people are entirely useless, but they’re only good for small matters. When facing great national affairs, the court relies on pillars like uncle and brother-in-law. Brother-in-law is still fighting in Longxi—the court depends on uncle. As long as uncle is safe and sound, my minor injury is nothing.”

Looking at the Empress before her, the cousin she’d grown up with, Luoshen felt the distance and doubts that had previously arisen in her heart becoming uncertain again.

“A’Mi, what are you thinking?” Gao Yongrong suddenly asked.

Luoshen recovered and shook her head with a smile, “Nothing.”

But Gao Yongrong seemed to suddenly remember something, dismissing attendants and saying quietly, “A’Mi, that Celestial Master sect woman surnamed Shao—I’ve seen her confession. Xiao Daocheng colluded with the Celestial Master sect, met this woman, and so coincidentally learned she had known uncle and aunt years ago with some past connection. Do you know about this?”

Luoshen mumbled agreement.

“This time Xiao Daocheng intended to place this woman beside uncle, using her past relationship with him as his eyes and ears, but unexpectedly uncle detected it and exposed his true face, forcing him to desperation and attempting rebellion. He died deservedly. This Shao Yuniang’s crime could warrant death or life. But I think she should be severely punished and executed to spare aunt worry. However, considering she was uncle’s old acquaintance who helped him, I thought it inappropriate to interfere and left it to uncle’s judgment. If uncle shows mercy and spares her life, I hope sister can explain this to aunt.”

Seeing her troubled expression, Luoshen said, “A’Jie, rest assured. My A’Ye will certainly handle this fairly, and whether she lives or dies, my A’Niang is also reasonable.”

Gao Yongrong breathed easier and smiled, “Then I’m relieved. Stay and keep A’Jie company longer—no need to rush home.”

Luoshen was kept by Gao Yongrong for most of the day, having dinner before leaving the palace after dark. Seeing Xiao Yongjia, she recounted her palace visit. When mentioning the Shao woman, she hesitated, finally briefly adding, “A’Niang, I think however A’Ye handles this, he’ll be fair.”

Xiao Yongjia squeezed her daughter’s hand and smiled, “A’Niang knows. Speaking of it, exposing this matter was entirely your achievement. Now that all’s well and everything’s fine here with A’Niang, don’t worry—go to Jingkou early to serve grandmother!”

Luoshen agreed, chatting more with her mother. At the middle of the xu hour, servants announced Chancellor Gao’s return, earlier than recent days. She hurried to greet father, exchanged a few words, then left her parents’ room to pack luggage for departure once again.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yongjia asked Gao Qiao if he’d eaten, hearing he’d already eaten at the office. She wanted to help him change clothes, but Gao Qiao quickly had her sit back down, telling her not to move around. After tidying himself, he didn’t go to the study but had his wife lie down and took up her legs and feet.

As the pregnancy progressed, Xiao Yongjia’s feet and calves were gradually swelling, making walking inconvenient.

Gao Qiao massaged her legs and feet with gentle movements and perfect pressure, but didn’t say much.

Xiao Yongjia said, “If you have something to say, just say it.”

Gao Qiao glanced at her, seeming to want to speak but hesitating.

“Is it about the Shao woman?”

Gao Qiao finally nodded.

“A’Ling, it’s like this—though the Shao woman has accumulated serious crimes, in Xiao Daocheng’s treason case she was an accessory. Plus she first exposed Xiao Daocheng’s treachery, then revealed several Celestial Master sect secret weapon caches, somewhat offsetting her crimes. After discussing with the Justice Ministry, I’ve decided to spare the death penalty and sentence the siblings to exile.”

He finished speaking and looked at Xiao Yongjia with some caution.

Xiao Yongjia hummed acknowledgment, “You can decide such things yourself. If her crimes don’t warrant death, would I insist on her execution like before?”

Gao Qiao hesitated, “Additionally, about the exile timing—she hasn’t recovered from her injuries and illness, so probably can’t leave soon…”

Xiao Yongjia smiled slightly, “Then wait until she’s recovered before leaving.”

Gao Qiao stared at her, his hands gradually stopping.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Xiao Yongjia glanced at him.

“A’Ling… that you haven’t misunderstood me makes me extremely grateful…”

He moved closer, embracing his wife tightly, lowering his head to kiss the top of her hair.

In her husband’s embrace, Xiao Yongjia struggled slightly, finally quieting down and slowly closing her eyes.

She knew her husband had no romantic feelings for the Shao woman.

But perhaps it was an illusion.

In his heart, the Shao woman should always be that gentle, passionate young woman who had rescued him from danger.

While she herself—the impression most deeply etched in his subconscious would probably forever be the image of threatening to drive people away with a sword all those years ago.

Several more days passed. After a heavy rain washed clean even the bloodstains on the stone lions before the sealed Prince Xin’an’s mansion gates, Jiankang City seemed to forget that night’s danger and chaos. Streets again bustled with traffic and crowds, returning to former tranquility and prosperity.

No one could imagine that having just ended the schemes of Prince Xin’an, arguably the most deeply hidden conspirator since Dayu’s southern migration, the peace and prosperity Jiankang’s imperial city had maintained these decades would soon be shattered by an unprecedented military disaster.

Luoshen naturally had no awareness of this either.

She bid farewell to her parents and, after several days by boat on the river, arrived in Jingkou and returned to the Li family.

Grandmother and A’Ting were extremely pleased by her return. Within two days, everyone in Jingkou knew that General Li Mu’s wife, that young lady from the Gao family, had returned to serve her mother-in-law. Those days brought endless visitors, keeping Luoshen busy, as if returning to those days just after her marriage to Jingkou. Thinking back now, she felt somewhat nostalgic.

At least then Li Mu wasn’t away on campaigns and always accompanied her. Though their relationship was quite awkward then, even recalling that wedding night when she drew a dagger on him now seemed so amusing.

Being here, perhaps because everything evoked memories, she missed him even more intensely—even her dreams were filled with his image.

But Jingkou to Chang’an was so far, with letters unable to reach and no messenger birds arriving. She didn’t know his current situation or whether he had received and understood her previous reply letter.

Days passed thus, in secret longing and the company of lamps through long nights, flowing by soundlessly.

Two months later, in October of that year, when Jiangnan’s red leaves danced and oranges ripened with plump crabs, across thousands of mountains and rivers, far away in Longxi, Li Mu finally understood his little wife’s previous letter on this deep autumn night of whistling winds, withered reeds, and hurrying wild geese, in his general’s tent in the military camp, by flickering candlelight.

When he first received the reply, seeing the dried mallow flower and cluster of Sichuan pepper tucked in the book, he was baffled, thinking she must have left words inside the book. Searching thoroughly revealed nothing, leaving him completely puzzled.

He initially wanted to consult Jiang Tao but then thought—this was his little wife’s private letter; how could he show it to others?

Thinking further, his A’Mi was clever and thoughtful—sending such a reply surely meant more than just a flower and some Sichuan pepper; there must be deeper meaning.

Since everything was tucked in the book, what she wanted to tell him might be within it.

Only then did he examine the book more closely, discovering it was the Book of Songs.

Since his earliest memories, their fortress had been a battlefield. After learning to read, his studies focused on military strategy, law, and history—he’d never paid attention to the Book of Songs with its romantic themes.

From the day he received her reply, whenever there was respite from warfare, he would take out that Book of Songs, reading page by page. Two to three months had passed in the blink of an eye, with the Longxi campaign nearing its end. Though he still hadn’t understood her meaning, it had helped him through many lonely nights when longing for her kept him sleepless.

Tonight was the same.

During the day, his army had just captured Qin City.

From today, Longxi territory had returned from Hu to Han control, completely changing hands.

While the army celebrated and soldiers rejoiced, he felt little excitement. Only in such quiet deep nights, having tasted longing’s flavor, did his yearning for her become even more intense.

As usual, he took out that Book of Songs, its edges now worn from his frequent handling, continuing from where he’d left off. After two pages, when he reached “Chen Feng · East Gate’s Elm Trees,” his gaze suddenly stopped.

“East gate’s elm trees, Wan hill’s oak groves.

Master Zhong’s child dances gracefully beneath.

…

On this fair morning as you depart, becoming more distant.

Seeing you like mallow blossoms, you give me Sichuan pepper.

…”

East gate’s elm trees shade the sun, Wan hill’s oak forest flourishes with dense branches and leaves—she dances gracefully beneath green trees.

On the day of meeting, the handsome young gentleman blocked her path from the crowd.

In his eyes, her pink smiling face was beautiful as a mallow flower.

How to express her longing for the gentleman?

Why not give him a handful of purple-red fragrant Sichuan pepper?

Li Mu had drunk some wine tonight and was already slightly intoxicated.

At this moment, in the deep frontier night silence, lying alone and sleepless, just as he finally understood her love letter, he felt his intoxication deepen.

He deeply inhaled the long-dried flowers that might still carry traces of her finger’s fragrance, thinking of her, thinking of every night spent together with her, thinking so intensely it seemed he could no longer suppress his longing and desire for her. Finally he could only go outside and plunge into the river near the military camp, its waters chilled thoroughly by the autumn cold beyond the passes, finally suppressing the fire in his belly. Standing with legs apart in the water, eyes closed, he released a long breath of hot air from his chest.