The icy late spring cold that had accompanied the warfare passed away, the accumulated snow began to melt, and everywhere on the grassland showed signs of green.

Xiao Yin had won the battle and unified all the tribes. The Emperor was overjoyed, not only bestowing numerous gifts upon Xiao Yin but also ordering grand celebration activities at the Muda Assembly to commemorate the victory.

The Muda Assembly was a very important festival for the Northern Dynasty. The assembly featured not only competitions like horse racing, archery, and wrestling, but also song and dance performances from various ethnic groups. Though the Northern Dynasty had gradually become Sinicized with some ethnic groups adopting Han surnames, at the Muda Assembly they could abandon Han speech, Han names, and Han clothing, wearing traditional ethnic costumes instead.

Since returning to the Crown Prince Manor, Hua Zhuyu had once again resided in the side hall, never leaving unless necessary. She had no interest whatsoever in all the celebrations, including the Muda Assembly. However, early one morning, Xiao Yin sent Hui Xue to deliver a set of nomadic clothing, saying it was for her to wear at the Muda Assembly.

Hua Zhuyu hadn’t expected Xiao Yin to invite her to participate in the assembly. Having been cooped up in the manor for many days, she thought it would be good to go out and see the sights, so with Hui Xue’s help, she put on the nomadic outfit.

The white robe embroidered with golden silk patterns, paired with a pink pleated skirt decorated with colorful embroidery, was extremely magnificent when worn. The headdress was also splendid, with a flower crown adorned with softly gleaming jade that sparkled brilliantly. Hui Xue arranged Hua Zhuyu’s long hair into a beautiful chignon and placed the flower crown upon it.

Xiao Yin seemed to know she was unwilling to show her true face to others—the flower crown he sent was decorated with pearl gauze at the front. When worn, it half-concealed her face, revealing only half of her pointed chin.

After Hua Zhuyu finished dressing, she walked out from the side hall with Hui Xue. The morning glow cast a faint rosy hue over her slender figure. With her flowing garments, she looked like a lotus about to bloom in the morning light, her pure and exquisite grace making her seem not of this mortal world.

When Hua Zhuyu rode the rouge horse with Hui Xue to the shores of Tal Lake at the foot of the snow mountain, the place was already bustling with excitement.

Bright sunlight scattered across the endless grassland. The prairie where snow had just melted was like a newly unrolled scroll, revealing fresh and magnificent grandeur. From afar, Northern Dynasty people in various ethnic costumes looked like walking flowers on the grassland, beautiful beyond compare.

Accompanied by Hui Xue, Hua Zhuyu quickly took her seat in the viewing stands. Soon, the Northern Emperor arrived with his consorts in a royal carriage, followed by court ministers.

Hua Zhuyu looked up at Northern Dynasty Emperor Xiao Chong, whom she had never seen before. She saw he had handsome features and must have been quite the heartthrob who made grassland women scream in his youth. But time spares no one—he had indeed aged. Though his gaze remained sharp, fatigue was gradually showing at the corners of his eyes and brows, suggesting his spirits weren’t very good. As soon as he sat down, he contentedly leaned back in his chair.

Beside him always accompanied a woman dressed expensively with golden threads wound through her braids, making them glitter with golden light. Her face was also veiled, obscuring her features. The eyes visible outside the veil were exceptionally alluring and charming.

“She is Consort Ye, our Emperor’s most beloved,” Hui Xue said quietly, following Hua Zhuyu’s gaze.

No wonder she was so favored—this woman was like a cup of fine wine, intoxicating people with her fragrant richness until they were thoroughly drunk.

After the Northern Emperor’s arrival, various competitions began in succession.

Horsemanship, archery, dancing, martial arts contests… all events were extremely intense, with cheering waves rising higher than the last. Victorious young men received silk sashes from admiring girls, beaming with joy.

Giving silk sashes was a grassland maiden’s custom for expressing affection. Even Hui Xue held a silk sash, winding it around her wrist—Hua Zhuyu wondered who she intended to give it to. Only then did Hua Zhuyu realize that what Hui Xue had been weaving that day by the fire was this very sash.

Currently, a wrestling match was taking place, and Xiao Yin’s personal guards had all participated. Hua Zhuyu noticed Hui Xue’s gaze constantly circling around Liu Feng, immediately understanding the situation. Liu Feng threw his final opponent to the ground, and cheers erupted all around.

Hui Xue stood up, about to walk over, but unexpectedly four or five women had already surged forward. Red, yellow, green, and blue silk sashes immediately covered Liu Feng’s wrists. Hui Xue’s dark brows furrowed as she bit her teeth and sat back down.

Seeing this, Hua Zhuyu couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

After the wrestling competition ended came the most grand and anticipated event of the Muda Assembly: seizing the snow lotus.

Snow lotus was a rare flower that grew atop snow mountains, blooming for only a few days each year—precisely during the Muda Assembly. Thus, this competition had been part of the Muda Assembly for over ten years, which was also why the assembly was held at the foot of the snow mountain.

This competition was more difficult than all previous ones. The climbing route up the mountain was the steepest and most treacherous section. Participants could carry only rope and their own weapons as aids, nothing else. Moreover, during the climb, they had to fight other contestants to prevent them from reaching the summit first. Therefore, participants needed both courage and high martial arts skills.

Each year, every tribe would send their most outstanding young men to participate. Winning the snow lotus earned the supreme title of warrior. Additionally, they could present the snow lotus to their beloved, receiving the Emperor’s blessing for marriage and the protection of the Shaman gods.

Hua Zhuyu truly had no interest in this competition. Having sat for a long time, she was thinking of walking around when Hui Xue suddenly exclaimed, “Dan Hong, look! Isn’t that His Highness?”

Hua Zhuyu looked up and indeed, among the twenty-plus contestants was Xiao Yin! Today he also wore nomadic clothing—a dark robe with golden trim, extremely noble. His black hair was braided into strands hanging behind his head like flowing dark springs, adding wild beauty to his handsome appearance. Standing among the crowd, he was as conspicuous as a crane among chickens.

However, he wasn’t the only conspicuous one. Another young man was equally eye-catching. Wearing red brocade robes, luxurious and flamboyant, most flamboyantly, his garments were embroidered with circular patterns that, upon closer inspection, turned out to be copper coin designs.

Red brocade robes, golden copper coin patterns, silver sash, and a jade pendant at his waist—as if afraid others wouldn’t know how wealthy he was.

This person was not only conspicuous in clothing but also devastatingly handsome, extremely attention-grabbing. His skin had jade-like luster, his black hair had pearl-like sheen, his bright star-like eyes had brilliant radiance, and even the golden thread embroidering the copper coin patterns on his red robe glittered.

Standing in the crowd, discussing something with others, he seemed extremely happy, patting someone’s shoulder and laughing heartlessly.

This was a very handsome, beautiful, sunny, yet devilish man.

This man probably shouldn’t be from the Northern Dynasty.

“Hui Xue, who is that person?” Hua Zhuyu pointed at the man and asked.

Hui Xue hadn’t yet recovered from her shock at Xiao Yin participating in the competition. Xiao Yin had always disdained such contests—his sudden appearance on the field naturally amazed Hui Xue. Only after Hua Zhuyu asked twice did Hui Xue respond dreamily, “That’s Prince Rui Dou Qianjin of Eastern Yan.”

So it was the Eastern God of Wealth, Dou Qianjin. No wonder he dressed like a nouveau riche.

Hua Zhuyu completely believed this man’s copper coin patterns were definitely embroidered with gold thread, the silver sash was certainly woven with silver thread, and that jade pendant was definitely top quality. However, such attire would be unbearably vulgar on anyone else, yet on him it achieved a certain elegant charm.

For many years, Eastern Yan had pursued peaceful policies. Being wealthy, they occasionally provided financial assistance to other countries, maintaining harmonious relations with both Southern and Northern Dynasties. So Dou Qianjin’s participation in the Muda Assembly wasn’t surprising. What was surprising was his entry in the snow lotus competition—could he fancy some Northern Dynasty young lady?

The gongs and drums sounded three times, the competition began, and over twenty contestants scrambled to climb the mountain. Everyone at the foot of the mountain looked up, watching the battle unfold.

On the competition field, there were no distinctions of rank among Northern Dynasty people. Those contestants able to compete with masters like Xiao Yin and Dou Qianjin all exerted tremendous effort.

Xiao Yin’s lightness skills were also excellent. He leaped upward on the ice and snow-covered steep slope with agility and grace, his precious sword and rope still unused. The nomadic clothing he wore today was clearly visible against the ice and snow, and soon he had bounded ahead of the others.

Suddenly, someone nearby burst into laughter. Hua Zhuyu turned to look and saw Eastern God of Wealth Dou Qianjin drawing his weapon. His weapon was actually three large, gleaming golden copper coins—no wonder it provoked laughter.

This fellow was truly interesting.

With a flick of his hand, the three copper coins embedded themselves in perfect arrangement on the steep cliff face like three steps. He gracefully stepped on the copper coin stairs, ascending level by level. Reaching the top, he channeled his internal energy to strike the three coins and retrieve them.

Northern Dynasty weapons were generally swords or sabers, though some used whips and spears. But regardless of weapon type, each person carried only one, unlike him with three copper coins that could be used so cleverly to scale steep cliffs.

Using this method, Dou Qianjin also quickly reached the leading position. Several people drew weapons and attacked him. Immediately, the cliff face flashed with golden light and blade gleams as they fought fiercely. Soon, the defeated fell from the cliff.

At the foot of the snow mountain, thick grass mats had been laid in advance before the steep cliff, so those who fell wouldn’t be seriously injured.

Climbing and fighting all the way, eventually all were defeated by Xiao Yin and Dou Qianjin, leaving only these two on the cliff.

The higher they climbed, the more ice and snow lay underfoot, making it increasingly dangerous. The two men climbed while fighting, their garments clearly visible against the ice and snow. With each leap, ice and snow cascaded down like an ice shower.

The people below watched with hearts in their throats, extremely nervous.

Hua Zhuyu also felt somewhat envious watching. If only she could disguise herself as a man and participate in a snow lotus competition! Having sat for so long, she felt bored and squeezed out from the crowd, walking toward Tal Lake where it was quiet and the lake surface rippled with light.

Hua Zhuyu sat beside an old willow tree, leaning against its trunk, listening to the clear sounds of wind and flowing water as an unfillable loneliness rose in her heart.

“Dan Hong, why did you come out here?” Hui Xue hurriedly squeezed out from the crowd and ran toward her.

“Nothing, it was too noisy. I wanted some quiet. Why aren’t you watching? Is the competition over?” Hua Zhuyu asked without much interest. Regardless of who won, it had nothing to do with her.

“It’s over. That Dou Qianjin really lives up to his reputation—he actually tied with His Highness. Both reached the summit and each picked a snow lotus,” Hui Xue said with a smile, pulling Hua Zhuyu’s hand. “Dan Hong, let’s go see who they’ll give the snow lotuses to!”

Hua Zhuyu had walked only a few steps with Hui Xue when she saw the crowd suddenly surge toward them. Leading the charge on horseback were Xiao Yin and Dou Qianjin.

These two no longer looked as dashing as before—they could even be called disheveled. They must have fought another battle atop the mountain where others couldn’t see. Their clothes were somewhat torn, and both seemed to have sustained minor injuries. However, their arms were covered with colorful silk sashes fluttering in the wind, creating quite a beautiful sight.

Both wore joyful smiles, one hand holding reins while the other carefully protected the snow lotus in their grasp. The two fine horses galloped straight to Hua Zhuyu before stopping.

Instantly, drums and gongs fell silent, even the crowd’s noise disappeared as everyone held their breath and looked toward her.

What was this about?

She looked left and right—besides herself, only Hui Xue was here. She would never think Xiao Yin or the never-before-met Dou Qianjin would give her snow lotuses, unless the grassland sun rose from the west. So the flowers must be intended for Hui Xue.

Hui Xue was one of Xiao Yin’s four personal guards and also served as his personal maid. Pretty, thoughtful, and having spent so many years in close contact with Xiao Yin, she must have earned his affection and trust. His giving her snow lotus wouldn’t be strange. However, Hui Xue seemed to like Liu Feng.

That Dou Qianjin perhaps had seen Hui Xue before and fallen for her.

Thinking this, Hua Zhuyu naturally directed her gaze to Hui Xue. Unexpectedly, Hui Xue was also looking at her, her rippling almond eyes clearly displaying two large characters: envy.

“No need to look—the snow lotus isn’t for her!” Xiao Yin’s deep voice came from overhead.

Hua Zhuyu looked up. Xiao Yin, bathed in dazzling brilliant light, gracefully dismounted from his big black horse, holding the snow lotus as he walked to stand before her. He was smiling—that smile was more brilliant and warmer than the sunlight above his head.

Xiao Yin was a cold person; he rarely smiled.

Hua Zhuyu still remembered when she first met him, he had smiled at her—that enchanting smile that ultimately landed her among the camp followers.

This smile was different from that one, seeming genuinely joyful. But she didn’t think anything good would happen. Was he planning to manipulate her again? Actually, she couldn’t quite see through this cold Northern Dynasty Crown Prince.

His slender hands held the snow lotus, extending it toward Hua Zhuyu and finally stopping before her. The snow lotus bloomed in his palm with layered petals, snow-white and translucent, beautiful to the extreme. Under sunlight, the flower shimmered with flowing light and flashing brilliance.

He raised his eyes, his deep purple gaze fixed on her, radiating burning light from their depths.

“This snow lotus is yours—only you are worthy of this snow lotus.” His voice carried magnetism, abandoning coldness for extreme enchantment. Only then did Hua Zhuyu understand that Xiao Yin actually intended to give her the snow lotus!

“His Highness gave the snow lotus to her, to this woman.” Some woman’s unwilling voice carried over.

“Who is she? Covering her face, not even daring to show herself.” Whispered discussions mixed with women’s disappointed sobbing.

Xiao Yin certainly wore many silk sashes, with more scattered behind him. Clearly, many women secretly admired him. Hua Zhuyu’s clear eyes swept around, meeting countless envious and jealous gazes.

“Miss, could you wait a moment? I’m also giving this one to you!” Dou Qianjin quickly walked before her, extending his arms to present his snow lotus to Hua Zhuyu as well.

Seen up close, Dou Qianjin was indeed more handsome, blinking bright star-like eyes as he smiled at her with determination.

This time Hua Zhuyu was completely stunned. She had never met him—they were complete strangers. Why would he also want to give her snow lotus?

“Ah, both for her!” An observing woman fainted from anger.

Seeing Dou Qianjin, Xiao Yin’s expression stiffened, cold blades glinting in his purple eyes.

“Prince Rui, must you compete with this Crown Prince?” Xiao Yin asked with unfriendly tone.

Dou Qianjin turned to flash Xiao Yin a smile, saying leisurely, “Your Highness, ‘a virtuous woman—gentlemen desire her.’ This prince also wants to try—perhaps this young lady will choose this prince!”

“In that case, let’s compete again. If you lose, stay far away from her and never harbor designs on her again.” Xiao Yin smiled coldly, clear and cold as snow.

“No need to compete!” Hua Zhuyu said calmly. “I won’t accept either of your snow lotuses.”

The originally quiet crowd began to boil. Hua Zhuyu’s words were the most shocking they had heard at the Muda Assembly.

Originally, the snow lotus competition was quite dangerous—one careless move could result in falling from the cliff. Though thick grass mats were laid below, falling from the highest point would cause injury even if not death. Therefore, snow lotuses won through this competition were especially precious. Historically, no one had ever heard of snow lotus gifts being refused. Even if women didn’t particularly like the men giving snow lotuses, after such competitions, most would be moved by the men’s steadfast love.

Yet this woman had refused—and refused snow lotus from their Crown Prince! How could this not be shocking?

“Kill her! She dares refuse the Crown Prince—this is great disrespect to the Crown Prince, to the Emperor, and to the Shaman gods!” The crowd rose up against her.

Three black lines appeared on Hua Zhuyu’s forehead. These accusations were too severe!

“Why?” Xiao Yin’s face darkened, his deep purple eyes like amethysts soaked in ice water.

“Can Your Highness tell me why you want to give me snow lotus? I heard this snow lotus should be given to the most beloved person in one’s heart,” Hua Zhuyu asked methodically.

Xiao Yin curved his lips in a smile, “Correct, which is why this Crown Prince gives it to you!”

Hua Zhuyu hadn’t expected Xiao Yin to be so direct. This meant she was his most beloved person, but she knew she wasn’t!

“But I don’t like you!” Hua Zhuyu said calmly.

“Fine, you may not accept this snow lotus, but you must still become this Xiao Yin’s woman!” Xiao Yin declared domineeringly, just as he had declared he would definitely subdue those three tribes. He casually tossed the snow lotus to a guard behind him and mounted his horse. From his elevated position, he looked down at her, his unfathomable pupils surging with layers of darkness, so unreachably deep, so supremely arrogant.

Dou Qianjin stood to the side, holding his flower with a slight smile. The ice-crystal white translucent petals reflected his jade-like handsome face with indescribable allure.

Hua Zhuyu originally hadn’t wanted to cause trouble, only wishing to keep a low profile during this most dangerous period in the Northern Dynasty. But with Xiao Yin and Dou Qianjin’s snow lotus gifts, she instantly became a celebrity in the Northern Dynasty. She regretted deeply—she shouldn’t have come out to join the festivities today. Heaven knew whether Southern Dynasty spies were mixed among these spectators. In all matters, it was better to remain patient.

That night, everyone stayed in tents by Tal Lake.

Hua Zhuyu was also assigned a small, exquisite tent. Though temporary accommodation, it lacked nothing in daily necessities. This tent was much more elegant and clean than the red tent she had once lived in.

Night came quickly on the grassland. The Northern Dynasty people lit bonfires by Tal Lake and began revelry that would last all night.

Roasted venison, hand-grabbed mutton, fine wine—the aromas were enticing and mouth-watering. By the banquet’s end, everyone was somewhat intoxicated, even the women walking somewhat unsteadily. These men and women, with their intoxication and heroic spirit, formed circles holding hands, humming loud, melodious songs while dancing with flowing sleeves.

Hua Zhuyu watched this excitement, initially finding it amusing, but grew tired after a while. She rose and walked along the lake toward the distance.

The soaring firelight, melodious slow sounds of horsehead fiddles and singing, dancing colorful sleeves—all grew more distant from her. Actually, she was deliberately avoiding it. This bustling prosperity was like a dream to her. How she wished that upon waking, she would still be her father’s beloved daughter, not a criminal wandering in foreign lands.

She walked quite far, originally thinking no one had noticed her. When she turned around, she saw Xiao Yin riding toward her.

The moonlight was hazy, its pale glow casting over him like a silvery halo. Perhaps due to the moonlight, he appeared much gentler than during the day, his coldness and dominance seeming to fade invisibly.

The big black horse galloped before her. Xiao Yin pulled the reins, the horse neighed once, and stopped.

Xiao Yin held the reins, his purple eyes gazing intensely at Hua Zhuyu. Though they were separated by considerable distance—one mounted, one on foot—Hua Zhuyu still felt as if her reflection was being captured in his amethyst-like pupils.

Hua Zhuyu smiled slightly and moved to walk around Xiao Yin back to her small tent. She had taken only a few steps when she heard a “thud” behind her—the sound of a heavy object hitting the ground. Looking back, she saw Xiao Yin had tumbled from his horse, falling face-first onto the grass.

Hua Zhuyu frowned and looked around but saw no one. She reluctantly walked to Xiao Yin, placed her fingers on his wrist to check his pulse—no poisoning. However, being close to Xiao Yin, she could smell the heavy wine scent on him.

It seemed he wasn’t poisoned, just drunk, with no life-threatening danger. Hua Zhuyu stood up, about to leave, when suddenly the person lying on the ground reached out and embraced her neck.

Hua Zhuyu hadn’t expected that even dead drunk, Xiao Yin would have such strong grip. Those iron arms held her tightly. Their bodies instantly pressed together without any gap.

Hua Zhuyu felt dizzy from the wine fumes. Just as she reached out to push away Xiao Yin’s body, she suddenly felt heat on her neck.

Only then did Hua Zhuyu understand—Xiao Yin was kissing her. At this moment, his lips moved from her neck to her cheek, pressing toward her red lips.

Hua Zhuyu felt momentarily dizzy. She could hardly believe what was happening—Xiao Yin was actually kissing her! Fury immediately filled her heart, but Xiao Yin held her too tightly. Unable to push him away, she pressed her finger to the Tianchi acupoint under his ribs.

Perhaps Xiao Yin was truly drunk—he succumbed with one touch. His arms embracing Hua Zhuyu immediately went limp, his entire body slowly falling backward, heavily crashing into the grass. His intoxicated, enchanting purple eyes slowly closed—whether from drunkenness or unconsciousness was unclear.

Hua Zhuyu didn’t delay a moment, pouncing forward with raised fists to strike. She had actually wanted to beat him for a long time—when he threw her into the red tent, when he threatened to cripple her hands, when he repeatedly called her a camp follower. However, because she needed his help, she had never considered striking back. But tonight, she truly couldn’t endure anymore.

He dared to take advantage of her while drunk—wasn’t he asking for a beating?

Hua Zhuyu’s strikes were fierce and ruthless, using the force she normally applied to sandbags during training, heavily pounding Xiao Yin until blood flowed from his lips. Still unsatisfied, she kicked him several times with her legs. She had never in her life struck someone who was too drunk to fight back—tonight was the first time. Unexpectedly, the feeling was quite satisfying, and half her pent-up anger immediately dissipated.

She wiped her lips that Xiao Yin had violated with her sleeve and said coldly, “If you dare molest this young lady again, I’ll make you… unable to have descendants.” Her clear, elegant voice carried unconcealed coldness. She slowly straightened her body, her clear eyes flashing with ice-like sharpness, elegantly dusted off her hands, turned, and walked away with dignity.

Early the next morning, she heard commotion outside saying assassins had infiltrated the night before and attacked His Highness. They didn’t know which acupoint was pressed, but His Highness still couldn’t move.

Hua Zhuyu was somewhat puzzled. The acupoint she had pressed should have naturally released after three hours. Calculating the time, it should have been released by now. She was about to rest a bit longer when Hui Xue dragged her over, saying Xiao Yin had ordered her to examine what acupoint the assassin had pressed. It seemed Xiao Yin was truly heavily drunk—could he really not know she was the one who struck?

As soon as they entered the tent, they heard Da Qi’s voice from the inner chamber, “This subordinate heard Your Highness had acupoints sealed and was extremely anxious. To be honest with Your Highness, this subordinate was also once immobilized by sealed acupoints, unable to move, just like Your Highness now. Therefore, this subordinate believes the person who attacked Your Highness and the one who attacked this subordinate must be the same person.”

“Oh? Then who was the person who attacked you? Tell me the details truthfully!” Xiao Yin asked coldly.

That attack by Hua Zhuyu was a great humiliation for Da Qi—he had never mentioned it. Now, however, he had to recount that night’s encounter in detail. Finally, he knelt and said, “Your Highness, Da Qi had drunk too much wine that night and dared to seek pleasure with the marriage princess in that red tent. Please forgive Da Qi this once.”

“Oh, what happened to that camp follower you mentioned?” Xiao Yin asked casually, his clear, cold voice revealing no joy or anger.

“This subordinate doesn’t know. This subordinate always restrained his men from visiting her, then heard she disappeared. However, I heard Miss Dan Hong was also once a camp follower, so perhaps…” That night, Da Qi hadn’t seen Hua Zhuyu’s true appearance and didn’t know the current Hua Zhuyu was the marriage princess from that time.

“Enough, Da Qi. This Crown Prince knows everything you’ve said. You may leave and receive thirty military lashes yourself.” Xiao Yin’s tone remained indifferent, though anyone could hear the anger within.

“Yes!” Da Qi withdrew from the inner chamber as ordered. Passing by Hua Zhuyu, he glared at her fiercely with his bronze bell-like tiger eyes.

That night, Hua Zhuyu had also frightened away Da Qi by saying if the Crown Prince learned of Da Qi’s visit to her, he would certainly punish him. She never expected Xiao Yin would actually punish him. Men’s thoughts were sometimes truly unfathomable—hadn’t he been the one who made her a camp follower in the first place?

“Your Highness, Dan Hong has arrived,” Hui Xue stepped forward and reported softly.

Xiao Yin looked up at Hua Zhuyu, his amethyst-like eyes unfathomably deep, though his lips held a hint of a smile. “Dan Hong, do you understand poisons? Look at this Crown Prince’s body—was some strange poison administered last night while this Crown Prince was unconscious from drink?” Xiao Yin spoke with grave expression, instructing Hui Xue to lift the brocade quilt covering him. He didn’t mention Da Qi’s earlier account at all.

Beneath the brocade quilt was a young man’s magnificent, healthy physique. He wore only white silk trousers below, nothing above. His honey-colored, supple yet solid chest seemed carved from jade. However, this beautiful chest was covered with bruises.

“Such bruises are not only on the upper body but also on the legs. Dan Hong, can you tell if this is poisoning?” Xiao Yin’s gaze burned intensely as he stared at Hua Zhuyu. He didn’t seek a physician but came to her for medical examination. His manner suggested he knew last night’s incident was her doing.

Hua Zhuyu simply put on an act, extending her finger to press hard on the bruises on his chest, asking casually, “Does it hurt?”

Xiao Yin drew in a sharp breath and frowned, “It hurts!”

“What about here?” Hua Zhuyu moved to another spot and asked.

Hiss… Xiao Yin drew in another sharp breath.

“Your Highness must endure. Though Dan Hong isn’t skilled in medicine, she understands observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking.” She pressed forcefully with her finger while wearing an extremely elegant smile. “If only the affected areas hurt, it shouldn’t be poisoning. If the whole body hurts, then it’s probably truly poisoning. Dan Hong isn’t a physician and probably can’t save Your Highness.”

“Hui Xue, take Dan Hong out first,” Xiao Yin said slowly, word by word, his handsome face showing faint perspiration.

Hua Zhuyu withdrew from the tent. It seemed Xiao Yin had truly been drunk last night. If he knew she was the one who struck, wouldn’t he have already gotten up to tear her apart, rather than remaining so composed? However, there were always exceptions to everything. She was increasingly unable to understand this man—she would need to be more careful in the future.

The second day of the Muda Assembly featured sky worship activities with no competitions. To avoid creating more trouble, Hua Zhuyu stayed in her tent all day. Fortunately, there were several books in the tent, so it wasn’t boring.

In the evening, Northern Dynasty men and women began their bonfire revelry again. Hua Zhuyu had no interest and was thinking of resting early when she suddenly heard melodious horsehead fiddle music drifting over.

From the sound, it seemed quite close to her tent. The melody flowed like gentle water, seeming somewhat ethereal and unclear in the grassland’s night wind. The tune wasn’t cheerful—on the contrary, it carried melancholy and loss, echoing softly and slowly around Hua Zhuyu’s ears.

Hua Zhuyu originally hadn’t planned to pay attention, but the fiddle player seemed tireless, playing the same piece repeatedly without stopping. In this melodious, sorrowful tune, low human voices gradually mixed in, faintly audible.

Hua Zhuyu smiled slightly, thinking this Muda Assembly was supposedly a Northern Dynasty grand event but was actually a gathering for matchmaking lovers. Tonight’s fiddle music—she wondered which lovesick man was pursuing his sweetheart.

Speaking of which, such customs were good things—at least they wouldn’t produce cursed relationships like hers with Ji Fengli.

The fiddle played on, and the voices outside seemed increasingly noisy. Hua Zhuyu put down her book, stood up, and opened the tent door to see what was happening.

Outside, a bright moon hung in the sky, pure and clean.

Xiao Yin sat on a blue stone, his left hand on the fiddle, his right hand holding the bow. The music flowed sorrowfully and lonely—such sorrow seemed born of romantic troubles.

Such loneliness seemed from unfulfilled desires.

This Xiao Yin felt extremely foreign to Hua Zhuyu.

She had originally thought Xiao Yin knew nothing about music, never expecting he could play fiddle so well. Even more unexpected was that he would play before her tent. Around him, Northern Dynasty men and women had already gathered, seemingly having waited here long. Seeing Hua Zhuyu lift the curtain and emerge, they all cheered together.

Someone shouted loudly, “Your Highness, she finally came out!”

“The common people knew she would definitely be moved by Your Highness’s true feelings,” someone said with great excitement.

What did this mean?

Xiao Yin also stopped playing and, surrounded by the crowd, slowly walked toward Hua Zhuyu.

Moonlight like water, he walked toward her with steady steps, his lips curved in a gentle smile. Hua Zhuyu blinked—she definitely hadn’t seen wrong. It was indeed a smile gentle enough to kill without compensation. His deep purple eyes sparkled like stars in his gentle smile.

But Hua Zhuyu’s pupils contracted at his enchanting smile. She stared back at him coldly, then suddenly turned, floating into the tent and firmly fastening the tent door.

At grand events like the Muda Assembly with many people, rumors spread quickly.

Crown Prince Xiao Yin desperately pursued a Southern Dynasty woman, risking danger to participate in the snow lotus competition for her sake. Being rejected, he was heartbroken to the extreme, drinking late into the night until dead drunk, then being injured by assassins. However, the first thing he did upon awakening was to play fiddle before the Southern Dynasty woman’s tent. He played song after song but still hadn’t won the woman’s heart.

And Xiao Yin, as if to match such rumors, came nightly to play fiddle outside Hua Zhuyu’s tent, preventing her from sleeping peacefully.

Sometimes she wondered if those Northern Dynasty women who accepted men’s pursuit did so just to get a good night’s sleep.

Hua Zhuyu had originally maintained an attitude of ignoring him, but by the third evening, she truly couldn’t bear the disturbance anymore. Speaking of which, Xiao Yin’s persistence and deep affection truly moved her greatly. If it were another woman, she might have already accepted. But she wouldn’t! She carried deep blood vengeance and wouldn’t easily stir her heart. Regardless of whether Xiao Yin was truly as infatuated as rumors claimed, she wouldn’t accept him.

She opened the tent door, gazing at Xiao Yin stepping through the endless fragrant grass, walking toward her step by step. When he reached five paces before her, he drew something from his sleeve, holding it in his palm and slowly extending it.

By the bright moonlight, Hua Zhuyu saw clearly these were two inch-wide golden bracelets with hollow-carved lotus patterns and several small golden bells hanging from them.

“Xiao Yin, what exactly are you trying to do? Can’t you tell me directly?” Hua Zhuyu looked up coldly and asked without courtesy.

But Xiao Yin smiled good-naturedly, suddenly leaning toward her. His deeply handsome face instantly appeared before her, so close that Hua Zhuyu could feel his even breathing on her face.

His low words came softly by her ear, “Accept the bracelets, and don’t forget your promise to me.”

Promise?

Hua Zhuyu’s willow brows furrowed. Originally, she had promised him to help subdue unsubdued tribes and help remove threats to his ascension. The first promise she had already helped him fulfill, so the promise he spoke of must be the second one.

Originally, she had thought Xiao Yin didn’t need her help, but apparently that wasn’t the case.

But what did accepting bracelets have to do with her promise? While she was still puzzled, his long, broad hand gently took hers, extremely tenderly and carefully placing both bracelets on her white wrists.

Hua Zhuyu lightly moved her wrists, and the golden bells made clear, pleasant jingling sounds.

Behind Xiao Yin, those Northern Dynasty people who had accompanied him nightly cheered loudly, celebrating that their prince had finally won his beloved’s heart.

But Hua Zhuyu’s heart slowly sank amid these thunderous cheers.

If these people knew their prince was only acting, would they still be so excited?