Gao Huan waited nearby. From the fading daylight, he could see that even after darkness fell, Li Mu still hadn’t returned with A’Jie. At first, he thought the two had already left, but looking over, the silhouette of the black stallion remained by the riverside, indicating they were still there. Their figures were simply hidden by the patch of reeds along the bank.

Naturally, he didn’t dare to rashly intrude directly. But after waiting for a long time, he was truly puzzled. Though they hadn’t seen each other for a long while and were now reunited after a long separation, how could they have so much to say that they talked until dark without finishing? Unable to contain his curiosity and confusion, he climbed up a nearby hill and stood atop it, craning his neck to look. He couldn’t help but be stunned.

In that lush reed grove growing by the water, he finally glimpsed the figures of his brother-in-law and A’Jie.

He saw his brother-in-law who had removed his armor, standing bare-chested in the water by the riverside.

The moonlight and night outlined the silhouette of a robust masculine body, full of virile strength.

He also saw his own A’Jie. She seemed to be standing on a rock by the shore, sleeves rolled up. Under the moonlight, her pale wrists were like jade. In her hands, she held the helmet that had accompanied his brother-in-law through countless battles of life and death, scooping water to slowly rinse his body.

Silver streams of water fell with splashing sounds, pouring over his brother-in-law’s body. Water droplets scattered in all directions, gleaming with sparkling water light under the moonlight’s reflection.

Gao Huan also saw A’Jie’s other hand resting on his brother-in-law’s body, helping him wash. Her hand roamed over his brother-in-law’s body. The two were so close together. His brother-in-law’s broad chest seemed to press tightly against A’Jie’s bosom, whose feminine curves were outlined by the night, their figures almost merged as one.

Nineteen-year-old Gao Huan knew he shouldn’t continue watching, but this scene held a mysterious, impactful power over him that he couldn’t control.

He stared wide-eyed in shock, gazing fixedly at the riverside beyond the reed grove. Under the moonlight, that silhouette-like intimate scene left him completely stunned.

His brother-in-law’s only previous impression on him had been one of imposing authority and invincible victory. When thinking of his brother-in-law, the only image that floated up in Gao Huan’s mind was his figure cutting through enemy formations like autumn wind through leaves, riding alone with golden spears and iron horses.

He never imagined, never had seen, that before A’Jie, his brother-in-law could also have such a side.

Gao Huan was so shocked by this intimate scene revealing infinite tenderness between man and woman that his face flushed red, his thoughts wandered, and his whole body gradually grew hot.

They seemed to be whispering sweet nothings to each other.

Gradually, A’Jie stopped her movements and suddenly threw herself into his brother-in-law’s embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck. Then his brother-in-law embraced her in return.

The two figures subsequently disappeared beneath that patch of reeds.

The night was hazy, and nothing more could be seen.

Gao Huan’s heart pounded wildly. Not daring to linger any longer, he hurriedly turned around and quickly descended the hill. He ordered the several soldiers he had dismissed earlier to return to the barracks first, then steadied himself before slowly returning to continue his vigil.

He lay on his back by the riverside, hands pillowed behind his head, gazing at the star-filled sky pressing overhead. In his mouth, he chewed on a fresh reed stem he had casually plucked, allowing that faint, sweetly grassy flavor to slowly spread through his mouth.

He remained on guard by the riverside like this, listening to the endless rustling sounds of evening wind stirring the reeds along the bank.

After a long while, as night gradually deepened and he half-closed his eyelids, motionless and seemingly about to fall asleep, he heard the soft neighing of the black stallion from that direction.

He quickly opened his eyes and sat up, turning his head toward the sound.

In the distance, he saw his brother-in-law and A’Jie reappear under the moonlight.

His brother-in-law lifted A’Jie and placed her on the horse’s back, then bent down as if helping her put on socks and shoes. After putting them on, he looked up and smiled at A’Jie on horseback, his profile infinitely gentle. Then he mounted the horse, sitting behind her and extending his arms to draw her into his embrace.

Every movement was filled with infinite tenderness.

Gao Huan was stunned again. Suddenly he saw him turn his face toward his direction, seeming to glance over.

Gao Huan jumped in fright and immediately lay back down in the grass, holding his breath and not daring to let out even a puff of air. Only after the two rode together on one saddle, driving the black stallion past the nearby riverside and their figures completely disappeared into the night, did he get up from the ground and slowly exhale while looking toward the front.

Gao Huan quietly returned to camp. Lying down that night, thinking of the divine immortal couple by the Luo River – his brother-in-law and A’Jie – besides his heart pounding and ears burning, he couldn’t help but feel yearning. For the first time in his life, he had all sorts of chaotic dreams. The next morning when he woke up, his spirits were quite dispirited. Seeing that dawn was just breaking and the army hadn’t yet broken camp, he wasn’t in a hurry to get up. While idly lost in thought by himself, he heard a soldier come outside his tent with a message that the Grand Marshal was summoning the generals for an announcement.

Gao Huan didn’t dare be late and hurriedly got up, quickly organized himself, and rushed over. He saw his brother-in-law standing in an open area, apparently having arrived early.

Everyone quickly assembled.

Gao Huan secretly observed that his brother-in-law’s eyes were bright and alert, his spirits appeared excellent, showing no signs of fatigue. He couldn’t help but secretly admire him somewhat.

Li Mu announced something, saying he had urgent business and needed to go to Chang’an immediately. He would send generals to lead troops to various strategic passes to assist the personnel already stationed there in defending their positions while awaiting further orders.

The generals responded in unison, received their orders, and dispersed.

Having no assignment himself, Gao Huan was about to ask when Li Mu’s gaze fell upon him, telling him to stay.

Only he and his brother-in-law remained nearby.

Gao Huan looked toward Li Mu, who gazed at him without speaking, his expression grave. This inevitably made him think of last night’s events, suspecting he had been discovered and had displeased him. Momentarily panicked, before Li Mu could question him, he blushed first and looked around. Seeing the guards standing far away with no one nearby, he stepped forward and stammered: “Brother-in-law, please don’t blame me… Last night I originally came looking for you and A’Jie, but later when you and A’Jie were… occupied… I had everyone return, and I stood guard myself, not letting anyone approach…”

Li Mu smiled slightly, his tone casual: “You did well.”

Gao Huan was stunned again, staring blankly at Li Mu.

But Li Mu withdrew his smile and changed the subject, saying: “Last night I heard from your A’Jie that the Eldest Princess has seemingly fallen into Murong Ti’s hands these past few years. It’s quite likely she’s in Yan Commandery. But exactly where she is remains unknown. Murong Ti is someone who uses any means to achieve his ends. Now that his schemes have failed, I fear he might harm the Eldest Princess…”

Gao Huan suddenly understood, immediately pushing last night’s events from his mind. His face showed anger as he said: “That Murong family woman is also extremely cunning. Despite repeated interrogations before, she refused to reveal my aunt’s whereabouts. My uncle’s current location is unknown. At the time I wanted to investigate the truth, but A’Jie stopped me and wouldn’t let me go!”

Li Mu said: “Your A’Jie acted out of love for you, unwilling to let you face danger.”

“As long as brother-in-law agrees, even if Murong Ti’s side is a dragon’s den or tiger’s lair, I’m not afraid!”

Li Mu said: “I’m keeping you here precisely for this matter. You’re bold and can adapt to circumstances. Your experience has grown considerably these past years, and you’re fluent in the Xianbei language – you’re the best candidate. I have people familiar with Yan Commandery’s terrain and roads. Take a few men with you, disguise yourselves immediately, and secretly go to Yan Commandery to gather intelligence.”

Gao Huan’s eyes flashed as he said solemnly: “Gao Huan respectfully accepts the Grand Marshal’s orders! I will not fail this trust!”

Li Mu nodded: “Prepare yourself, coordinate routes with the guide, and depart as soon as possible. Remember, you must act with utmost caution. Yan Commandery is Murong Ti’s territory. Given his cunning, if the Eldest Princess is truly in his hands, she must be hidden extremely secretly. It would be best if you can gather intelligence, but if not, don’t force it. Your own safety comes first.”

Gao Huan agreed to everything and took his leave, turning to hurry away. After a few steps, he suddenly heard Li Mu’s voice behind him: “Liu Lang, you’re about to reach your coming of age, aren’t you?”

Gao Huan thought his brother-in-law still had some doubts about him and quickly stopped, turned around, and puffed out his chest: “Less than two months to go! If brother-in-law doesn’t believe me, go ask my A’Jie!”

Li Mu smiled and said: “Indeed, you’re not small anymore. If you have someone you fancy, don’t be shy about speaking up. Just tell your A’Jie clearly, and she’ll make the decision for you. Though it’s wartime, it doesn’t prevent major life events.”

Gao Huan immediately blushed red and hurriedly waved his hands: “When the realm is not at peace, how can one start a family! Brother-in-law, please stop teasing me! I’m leaving!”

He turned and strode away as if fleeing.

Li Mu watched his figure disappear, then turned and entered the nearby large tent that had served as temporary lodging the previous night.

It was still early, with more than an hour remaining before the middle of the mao hour. Moreover, after returning last night, he had been unable to control his passion and had continued to make demands late into the night, tiring her somewhat. When he rose early this morning, she was still deep in slumber.

Li Mu entered quietly with light steps. By the dim morning light filtering into the tent, he saw she had already awakened and seemed to have just emerged from under the covers, sitting on the felt bedding with disheveled hair, one hand pressed to her lower abdomen as if lost in thought. Suddenly hearing his footsteps, she turned her head, softly called “Langjun,” and extended both arms toward him.

Li Mu came to her side and drew her warm, soft body into his embrace. Unable to resist, he lowered his head to capture her lips again, being tender for a while. When he released her, seeing her face flushed red, obediently nestled in his arms but with half-closed eyes and upturned lip corners, still appearing absent-minded and pleased with herself, he couldn’t help feeling a bit jealous. His palm secretly slipped beneath her clothing and pinched teasingly.

“What are you thinking about?”

Luoshen let out a soft “ah” and finally came back to her senses, her face growing even redder. “If I tell you, you mustn’t laugh at me.”

Li Mu was reluctant to release the plump, jade-like softness in his grasp and said seriously: “I won’t laugh.”

Only then did Luoshen get up and kneel on his legs, bringing her lips to his ear and saying happily: “Just now I had a dream. I dreamed of a chubby baby wearing a belly band, riding on Xiao Guaiguai’s back, running toward me. With a thud, he bumped right into my belly – it felt so real that I woke up immediately. Don’t you think that’s amusing…”

Li Mu paused and looked down at his little wife’s joyful face, finally understanding why he had seen her pressing her belly and lost in thought earlier. Thinking of how he had left her alone in Jiankang all these years with their reunions few and far between, he suppressed the guilt and heartache that suddenly surged up, pinched her cheek, and nodded with a smile: “Amusing. Next time I see your little darling, I’ll be nicer to it.”

Luoshen immediately became indignant and pushed him hard: “You said you wouldn’t laugh! You’re clearly making fun of me!”

Li Mu was pushed down onto the felt bedding and reached out to grab her, pulling her down with a gentle tug so she fell onto his chest.

With a roll, he pressed her beneath him.

…

After a long while, Luoshen poked her head out from his embrace, face flushed red, asking vaguely: “Langjun, where are we going next?”

Li Mu slowly steadied his breathing and closed his eyes: “The campaign has been long, and the soldiers will be tired too. I’ll use this opportunity to let them rest. I’ll send you back to Chang’an first.”

Luoshen immediately became alert: “My eldest brother is still waiting to see you.”

Li Mu made an acknowledging sound: “I know.”

Luoshen twisted her body, wanting him to release her: “Then don’t sleep anymore, let’s depart quickly.”

Li Mu seemed somewhat languid, still holding her without letting go. With closed eyes he said: “There’s no rush at this moment. I’ve arranged everything here properly. You’re tired, so I’ll accompany you to sleep a bit more.”

Luoshen shook her head saying she wasn’t tired and was about to urge him again when she heard a commotion from far outside the tent, followed by a soldier’s voice: “Grand Marshal! Many civilians have come rushing from the direction of Luoyang, blocking the entrance to Kanglong Road, preventing the soldiers from passing! They also say they want to see the Grand Marshal!”

Li Mu opened his eyes and exchanged a glance with Luoshen.

Luoshen immediately moved his arm that was embracing her waist and pushed him: “No more sleeping, go see what’s happening!”