Ji Fengli was unconscious for five days and five nights, then bedridden for several more days. By the time his condition recovered, it was already the end of February.

The weather had grown warm. As the night breeze stirred, spring was everywhere. Outside the building grew an oleander tree whose branches extended to the window. The buds were numerous, layer upon layer, delicate and beautiful. Half-opened and half-closed, rich fragrance filled the air.

He stood by the window with hands behind his back, upright as green bamboo among the dancing flower shadows and lamplight. The bewitching mask covered his gaunt face, revealing only a pair of handsome eyes with gaze sharp as blades. He took out a jade flute from his sleeve and placed it to his lips. Melodious flute music floated from the window – very moving, yet filled with cold severity and killing intent, like the cruel battlefield of the frontier with its intense, unbridled murderous aura running wild.

The half-opened oleander buds, urged by the energy in the flute music, instantly bloomed then immediately withered, turning into petals that flew like rain.

Nalan Xue entered slowly from outside. Seeing Ji Fengli standing by the window, he shook his head gently.

“Li, give up! Perhaps he really is gone.” After Ji Fengli awoke from his coma, he had them secretly search Yudu for Yuan Bao. Because he didn’t believe Huangfu Wushuang would really execute Yuan Bao, and even if he did, it wouldn’t be so cruel. So he firmly believed Yuan Bao might still be alive, just possibly having left the palace. However, over twenty days had passed with still no news.

Ji Fengli glanced coldly at Nalan Xue, his gaze cold to the bone. Nalan Xue immediately fell silent and handed over the secret report that Tong Shou had brought back.

“Chancellor Nie’s daughter has been selected as empress and will enter the palace tomorrow. Just as you predicted, they’re fighting each other. It seems Huangfu Wushuang and that old fox really think you’re dead now. Next, you just need to watch and wait.”

Ji Fengli’s lips curved in a trace of cold smile, his eyes emanating deep, solitary coldness.

“Your death act was really convincing. Even now, that Third Princess still thinks you’re really gone. Even Wan’er was fooled by you,” Nalan Xue said slowly.

Ji Fengli remained silent, then mused, “Doesn’t Nie Yuanqiao only have one daughter under ten years old? At that age, she shouldn’t be made empress. Where did this Miss Nie come from now?”

Nalan Xue spread his hands. “I heard she’s a daughter who was fostered with relatives from childhood and only recently brought back to Yudu.”

Ji Fengli looked at the secret report, his phoenix eyes suddenly narrowing. “Song Qiluo secretly went to the Nie residence once from the palace?” He stood up with hands behind his back. Dotted lamplight fell on his face, his features flawless and perfect. His narrow phoenix eyes seemed to contain all the world’s radiance, yet that radiance was soul-stirring, deep and cold.

“Eh? Yuan Bao was executed, but Song Qiluo wasn’t. This is very strange. Moreover, even if not executed, she should be imprisoned. How could she go to the Nie residence? Who was she looking for?” Nalan Xue said puzzledly.

Ji Fengli’s expression suddenly changed, his hand holding the secret report trembling constantly. A thought flashed through his mind like summer lightning, illuminating his heart for an instant, followed by rumbling thunder.

Was it possible?

Because he had seen her flat chest in the hot springs, he had never thought in this direction. Could it be that he was her?

He suddenly stood up from the room, lightly beckoning. There was a soft sound at the door as Tang Yu quietly entered from outside.

Ji Fengli glanced at him indifferently and asked coldly, “Take people to the Nie residence!”

“Master, the Thunder Cavalry is showing unusual activity, and the Imperial Guards in the capital are also moving unusually. Everything is developing in our predetermined direction. Why go to the Nie residence now?” Tang Yu asked uncomprehendingly. Nalan Xue also looked puzzled.

His answer was Ji Fengli’s rapidly disappearing figure and the cold wind stirred by his fluttering robes.

The thirtieth day of the second month in the first year of Hongwu – the new emperor took an empress, shocking the entire city. This day, His Majesty issued an edict granting general amnesty, celebrating throughout the realm. After the second watch, drums and music resounded throughout the capital.

The Nie residence was even more decorated with lanterns and colored banners. The building in the northeast corner of the residence was no longer as quiet as before, with groups of maidservants in brilliant dress going in and out, extremely busy.

Hua Zhuyu sat upright before a bronze mirror, allowing others to attend to her. Finally, the palace maid doing her makeup gently dotted her forehead, and the last touch of rouge was applied to her vermillion lips. Looking through the tasseled pearl strings at the woman in the bronze mirror, she saw her dark eyes, clear as autumn water, appeared radiant and extremely enchanting under the light makeup.

Was this still herself? This was clearly no longer her – she had never known she possessed such charming yet pure elegance.

Dan Hong came near and draped the bright red wedding dress over her.

The attendants couldn’t help but praise, “A lady like this was born to be empress!”

Hua Zhuyu’s lips curved in a light smile, devastatingly beautiful, though her expression was cold and her gaze icy. She said slowly, “You may all withdraw. Qiluo, remain.”

Dan Hong walked to Hua Zhuyu and looked at her with amazement. A complex mixture of relief and loss she had never felt before wound around her heart. That Silver-masked Shura, that commanding general – from now on would only be this graceful, beautiful woman before her. Suddenly, her former deep infatuation with the general, the deep feelings she had held onto for so long, all transformed in this instant into a woman’s admiration for another woman. She praised sincerely, “General, you’re truly beautiful!” Having said this, her eyes filled with tears. “Are you really going to marry His Majesty?”

“Actually, His Majesty treats me very well. Marrying him wouldn’t be bad,” Hua Zhuyu said quietly.

“Is that true, General? Are you truly willing?” Dan Hong looked at her intently. “Why do I feel you’re not happy? I heard from An that the day Chancellor Ji died, you also nearly…”

“Dan Hong, don’t say it!” A sharp pain arose in Hua Zhuyu’s heart. Her chest felt as if someone had stabbed an empty hole in it – besides pain, there was emptiness, the kind of void from losing life’s most precious thing.

She covered her heart and slowly paced to the window. Golden fragments streamed across the sky, blooming endlessly. Huangfu Wushuang was indeed serious about this empress ceremony.

Looking at the fireworks in the sky, she said to Dan Hong, “Dan Hong, no matter what happens at today’s ceremony, don’t panic. Someone will take you away. From then on, you won’t need to do anything for me or anyone else anymore.”

Dan Hong looked somewhat confused and asked blankly, “General, what are you saying?”

Hua Zhuyu turned back with a smile, taking Dan Hong’s hand and having her sit before the dressing table. She picked up rouge and gently patted it on Dan Hong’s face. Dan Hong asked puzzledly, “Why must Dan Hong be made up? And who is this person you mentioned?”

Hua Zhuyu smiled, “Who he is, you’ll know at the ceremony. Since you’re accompanying me to the ceremony, you naturally need to dress up properly.” Obviously, Dan Hong didn’t know her true background. Perhaps precisely because of Dan Hong’s deep infatuation with Ying Shuxie, the person sent to Ji Fengli’s side was Jin Se rather than Dan Hong. This time, she would have Xiao Yin take Dan Hong away no matter what, never again to do anything for anyone.

By the third watch, the palace procession coming to fetch the bride was nearly here. The Nie residence was filled with celebratory music. Mixed with the joyous sounds were chaotic noises that made Hua Zhuyu frown.

Dan Hong said quietly, “His Majesty has come to fetch the bride.”

But if it was fetching the bride, why were there sounds of clashing weapons? These people were probably coming to abduct her. “Dan Hong, these people should be coming to abduct me. If I’m taken away, put on the wedding dress and impersonate me entering the palace. There’s another wedding dress in the bundle on the bed.” Hua Zhuyu said calmly. Originally, she had planned to quietly leave and have Dan Hong enter the palace in her place, but she hadn’t expected someone to come abduct her. Fortunately, she had prepared an extra wedding dress in advance. Though not as elaborate as the palace-made phoenix crown and ceremonial robe, it was still extremely luxurious.

“How can that work?” Dan Hong’s face immediately turned deathly pale as she urgently grasped Hua Zhuyu’s shoulders.

“Remember, tell Nie Yuanqiao not to make a fuss. You impersonate me for the ceremony first. Quick, find a place to hide!” Hua Zhuyu said with lowered head, pushing Dan Hong under the bed.

The door was suddenly smashed open. A maidservant stumbled and fell to the ground. Through the wide-open door, the dark night sky was dimly visible outside.

The Nie residence guards were fighting with dozens of black-clothed masked intruders. These black-clothed people moved swiftly with silent steps. Even the well-trained Imperial Guards of the Nie residence were no match for them. Several black-clothed figures broke through like bamboo, instantly reaching the building.

“Making such a commotion, do you think you can still leave the city smoothly?” Hua Zhuyu’s gaze swept coldly over the dozens of masked black-clothed figures.

“As long as you come with us obediently, you needn’t worry about that,” the leading black-clothed figure said in a deep voice, his cold voice carrying no emotion.

Hua Zhuyu turned and drew a long sword from beside the bed. She swung it, pointing straight at the leading black-clothed figure’s throat. The black-clothed figure coldly tilted his head, dodging the sword momentum, and reached out to pinch the sword tip. “Miss Nie’s fancy moves needn’t be performed before us. Pardon the offense!” Having said this, he applied slight pressure with his fingertip, and Hua Zhuyu felt a strong force travel from the sword tip to the hilt.

Hua Zhuyu hurriedly released the sword and said coldly, “Fine! I’ll go with you, but you must spare them.” She pointed back at the guards and maidservants at the door.

“We’re only interested in the future empress,” the black-clothed figure said coldly.

Hua Zhuyu frowned with a cold smile. She was stuffed into a compartment under a carriage by these black-clothed figures. The carriage moved extremely fast, swiftly weaving through streets and alleys. The shouts of pursuing troops behind grew faint and distant, gradually inaudible – obviously they had been led elsewhere. After about half an hour, the carriage finally stopped. The wooden board overhead was lifted, revealing a line of light.

“Come out!” the black-clothed figure said coldly.

Hua Zhuyu slowly climbed out of the compartment and was escorted out of the carriage by the black-clothed figures.

Dawn hadn’t yet broken, and stars winked in the sky. Before her was a large expanse of rural farmland with several blue-brick, gray-tiled farmhouses standing in the night. Judging by the travel time, they hadn’t gone far – this should be a farmstead in Yudu’s outskirts.

The room where Hua Zhuyu was confined was decorated quite elegantly. The black-clothed figures bound her hands and threw her inside before leaving. Sitting in the room, the more she thought about it, the stranger it seemed. Earlier, she had deliberately not resisted, wanting to see who was abducting her. Thinking about it now, wouldn’t it be too simple for a dozen people to break into the Nie residence and abduct her?

Hua Zhuyu’s thoughts raced. Could the Nie father and son be behind this? If so, this place was dangerous. Hua Zhuyu used her internal energy to break free from the ropes binding her wrists – these people probably all thought she had lost her internal energy, so they only used rope to bind her hands.

She quietly walked to the window, about to look outside, when the door creaked open. Nie Ning, the Imperial Guard commander in full armor, strode majestically into the room.

With Huangfu Wushuang’s ascension, the Nie father and son had contributed greatly. Since then, Nie Ning had taken over as commander of the capital’s hundred thousand Imperial Guards. Grand Tutor Wen was still in prison, the Left Chancellor had passed away, and court power was also in Nie Yuanqiao’s hands. Now Huangfu Wushuang had even made her, as Nie Yuanqiao’s nominal daughter, empress. The Nie family could be said to have reached the pinnacle of honor and favor. Yet even so, they still weren’t satisfied.

Hua Zhuyu lifted the pearl strings of her phoenix crown and smiled faintly. “I wondered how a mere dozen people could so easily abduct me from the dignified Right Chancellor’s residence when the Imperial Guards aren’t incompetent. So it was General Nie.”

Nie Ning showed no expression, his deep eyes glancing at Hua Zhuyu as he said coldly, “So what if it was me? This is all because of you. Originally I was quite happy, getting to be a national uncle for free. Father originally wanted you to be empress in the palace for a few years, then replace you with little sister after she comes of age. Now it’s fine – you’re actually Ying Shuxie from General Hua Mu’s army, having connections with Hua Mu. Hua Mu is still hidden in the palace, controlling the Thunder Cavalry. How could we possibly let someone connected to him become empress? Wouldn’t that be digging our own graves?”

Hua Zhuyu’s gaze sharpened, a mocking smile floating at her lips. Clearly they had ambitions themselves, yet they blamed it on her. Father Hua Mu was indeed hidden in the palace. Now Huangfu Wushuang and Hua Mu controlled the Thunder Cavalry left by Emperor Yan, while the Nie family controlled the capital’s Imperial Guards. Unexpectedly, after bringing down Ji Fengli, they had started fighting each other.

Hua Zhuyu shook her head and laughed coldly. “Nie Ning, this is the capital crime of rebellion!”

Nie Ning threw back his head and laughed loudly. “So what if it is? Having you in our hands still has some use. Just wait here obediently for our good news.”

“Fine, I’ll wait for your good news.” As soon as Hua Zhuyu finished speaking, she shifted her steps and reached out, already grasping the sword hilt at Nie Ning’s waist.

Nie Ning hadn’t expected her to have internal energy. In the blink of an eye, his sword had been seized by Hua Zhuyu. Since Tai had discovered she’d been poisoned by Huangfu Wushuang with energy-dissolving poison, she had been taking antidotes to counteract it. Though the internal energy she’d lost couldn’t be immediately recovered, at least it wouldn’t decrease further. The remaining internal energy was more than sufficient to deal with Nie Ning.

The two engaged in combat within the room. After a dozen moves, Hua Zhuyu’s sword was already at Nie Ning’s throat.

“You… you never lost your internal energy at all?” Nie Ning asked with a deathly pale face.

“Correct!” Hua Zhuyu said coldly, reaching out to press his acupoints. “I won’t kill you. I want to see which of you and Huangfu Wushuang can win.”

She took the sword and quickly exited the room. The carriage she’d ridden earlier was parked in the courtyard, its two horses tethered to a tree. She leaped onto one horse’s back, bent down to untie the reins, and spurred the horse to leap over the fence.

Outside, dawn was breaking faintly. The interwoven wheat fields and crisscrossing paths were dimly visible as the horse shot forward like an arrow.

Ahead, the black-clothed figures Nie Ning had brought were fighting with another group of masked people. No wonder they hadn’t heard her fighting with Nie Ning in the room earlier.

A black-clothed figure saw her trying to escape and charged at her horse with raised sword. Hua Zhuyu reacted quickly, suddenly jerking the reins hard. The horse cried out as its front hooves rose, dodging the sword light aimed at its legs.

She spurred her horse forward at full gallop. Ahead, distant mountains were hazy, nearby water tranquil, and paths crisscrossed like an ink-wash landscape painting.

A carriage was stopped in the center of this ink-wash landscape. A proud, tall figure descended from the carriage, wearing a golden mask on his face. Hua Zhuyu recognized this mask – she knew this person was Yue Shi young prince Nalan Xue.

She didn’t know why Nalan Xue was involved with these people, but she had no time to care now. She pulled the reins, and the fine horse flashed past the carriage like lightning.

As soon as Ji Fengli stepped down from the carriage, he saw a flash of red pass by his side. The broken jade before the woman’s face reflected the morning sun’s radiance with flowing treasure light. The flower-like face beneath the broken jade looked dreamlike and fantastical. The bright red wedding dress was lifted by the wind, and the long gold-embroidered phoenix ceremonial robe and skirts fluttered in the wind like butterfly wings, so brilliantly elegant it almost hurt his eyes.

In just that lightning moment, he suddenly turned, untied the carriage horse, leaped onto its back, and spurred it in pursuit. But he was still a step too late – he could only watch the figure ahead grow more and more distant until it disappeared at the horizon.

He slowly reined in his horse, his cold eyes narrowing slightly, the smile already gone from his lips, which were pressed thin. Yet in his chest, his heart beat violently and tumultuously, making it impossible for him to remain calm.

Having brought people quietly to the Nie residence, he learned that Nie Yiren had already been abducted. He then sent people to discover she had been taken here. What surprised him was that the one who abducted Nie Yiren was actually her nominal brother, Nie Ning.

“All return, no need to pursue!” he said coldly.

“Who would have thought that the delicate Nie Yiren actually knew martial arts and was such a good rider,” Ji Fengli’s subordinates had defeated all the black-clothed figures Nie Ning brought and gathered around, sighing in amazement.

Ji Fengli’s gaze swept coldly over them. Everyone felt as if pierced by an inexplicable chill, instantly as if fallen into an ice cave. In their panic, they couldn’t help but lower their heads and step back.

“The new emperor’s wedding ceremony is about to begin, isn’t it? Prepare – I’m going to enter the palace.” He said indifferently. He must find out who this Nie Yiren really was.

“Master, in what capacity will you enter the palace? Prince Nalan has already gone as the Yue Shi young prince. How can you go again? All the pieces are in place. Won’t entering the palace now be dangerous?”

Ji Fengli said indifferently, paying no heed, “No matter!” Even if it were a mountain of knives and sea of fire, he must enter the palace.

“Master, how should Nie Ning be dealt with?”

“Release him! Don’t leave the others alive, and don’t let them know we did this.” The good show was about to begin. All the players were ready to take the stage – how could Nie Ning, the commander of the Imperial Guards, die?