Wei Wujun said: “Father, since Lian Yu values the dynasty, though he sends someone to look, he probably won’t comply and personally come receive that dead girl.”

“Her father said your intentions were improper and initially told Prince Jin not to support you. Fortunately Prince Jin was righteous and didn’t believe his slander. You two assist the young master, yet he constantly competes with you for credit. Let’s just kill her and be done with it – avoid complications and vent your years of resentment.”

Yu Jinglun laughed: “Second Young Master is merciful. Wouldn’t that be letting the girl off easy? Better to keep her for slow torture.”

“Grand Master, why not follow my master’s advice? My brother and I will personally give her some treatment to see.” Mao Hui was simple-minded but extremely cruel, speaking of such things with great excitement.

But Wei Chenghui said to Wuliang: “Previously we gave her a whipping, but this girl is physically weak and seems barely able to endure. If we add more punishment, we might torture her to death, truly cutting off Lian Yu’s room for consideration. Whether to punish or kill – wait until tomorrow.”

Wuliang nodded: “This poor monk understands Grand Master’s meaning. This serves two purposes – first to kill Lian Yu, second to buy the young master more time. In this old monk’s view, during the Quan-Lian war, this Lian Yu repeatedly used surprise tactics – he’s not easily dealt with. Though his military strength is slightly inferior to ours now, with Huo Chang’an’s assistance, he’s hard to eliminate quickly. As they say, before armies move, provisions go first. Our follow-up supplies are coming from outside the capital – we mustn’t be careless. First deploy sufficient forces to protect provisions, then wait for the young master’s troops to arrive – that’s the best method.”

“Master is wise.” Wei Chenghui chuckled: “What this old man thinks doesn’t escape Master’s perception. When we succeed, the position of Great Zhou’s National Preceptor belongs to none but you.”

Wuliang stroked his beard and smiled. Wei Chenghui added: “Regarding today’s events, everyone must keep it secret from Si Lanfeng. Though the young master has no love for that Feng woman, they did grow up together as childhood friends. If Lanfeng tells him, it might arouse compassion. If he orders her release, this old man cannot disobey. But if this succeeds, even if he blames me later, I’m willing.”

“We understand.” Everyone said in unison. Wuliang said: “Grand Master, rest assured. When the time comes, the young master won’t blame you – he’ll be too grateful for your painstaking efforts.”

Wei Wujun was somewhat indignant: “This Si Lanfeng reads too much and has those scholars’ pedantic ways. Take the plague matter – the young master hesitated about it, and as his right-hand man, he should stand with Father. Father was willing to take responsibility, having Master handle it beautifully, but he questioned why Father acted without waiting for the young master’s message. In war, speed is crucial – what if Quan and Lian joined forces? If not for Chao’s army being mostly ill now, the consequences would be unthinkable.”

“Exactly.” Yu Jinglun nodded in agreement: “Today we were momentarily careless and deceived by that Huo Chang’an. If they were truly plague-ridden, how could they be so fierce? Grand Master’s actions were absolutely far-sighted.”

Wei Chenghui smiled slightly, accepting his flattery, his eyes thoughtfully gazing outside toward where Lian Yu’s army was encamped.

The next day, at Murong army’s camp.

It was still early morning. Except for Murong Shu who was sulking and wouldn’t come out (with Xiao’an keeping her company), everyone had gathered outside Lian Yu’s tent. Ming Yanchu and Bai Hu had also returned late last night and were now with the group.

When asked about Wuqing and the others, they didn’t know. They might still be in the palace or investigating Suzhen’s whereabouts outside, but with their martial arts skills, escape wouldn’t be difficult.

However, the moment they finished speaking and saw the person emerging from the main tent, everyone was stunned.

Clearly coming from the commander’s tent, but it wasn’t Lian Yu – it was another Xuanwu, identical in build and appearance. But Xuanwu was right among them!

Everyone understood who this was and his intentions.

Lian Jie and Huo Chang’an spoke first: “No, you cannot go.”

“Your Majesty, Chang’an knows you’re worried. She’s my dear friend and I’m anxious too, but you absolutely cannot go!” Huo Chang’an immediately stepped forward, grasping Lian Yu’s arm. Wuyan, her face white with anxiety, also came forward to persuade: “If Huaisu knew, what would she think? How could she find peace? If my father discovers you, the consequences would truly be unthinkable.”

As they spoke, Lian Jie and others all knelt down with a whoosh. Yan Da and the other ministers kowtowed repeatedly, looking at Lian Yu with pleading eyes.

“Master, I am your shadow. What can’t you trust me with? I will certainly complete the mission.” Xuanwu also knocked his head heavily on the ground.

When this young man didn’t wear a mask, he always looked arrogant with his scarred face – don’t expect anyone to see his handsome appearance. Usually he spoke with a grin, moving his scars in amusing ways. But now his brow was furrowed tightly, showing tension – perhaps the most serious moment of his life.

Lian Yu wore black robes, his face covered in scars, his eyes holding a knowing smile: “Don’t think I don’t know your thoughts. Except for Chang’an and Wuyan, and perhaps Xin’er who’s still in the dark, you’ve certainly instructed Xuanwu to bring back news of her death. You’ll tell her that Wei Chenghui threatened me, and she’ll know what to do.”

“When she was captured, she already embraced death. I don’t know what made her change her mind, or if Wei Chenghui saw through her thoughts and did something to her. But if she learns the current situation, she certainly won’t stay alive.”

Everyone looked at each other, not daring to speak, all lowering their heads.

“Don’t beg me. If you won’t allow it, today I’ll beg you!”

Lian Yu still smiled slightly. Though not yet recovered from illness, his face showed traces of pallor, but the cold determination in his eyes was terrifying.

“If I insist on going, do you think you can stop me? I could leave secretly, or have soldiers imprison you, but I haven’t. This is my sincerity toward you. I hope you can also trust me. I will certainly return, but I must go see her. Great Zhou is Lian Yu’s responsibility, and so is she. How badly is she injured, is she well or not – my heart aches with worry.”

“Master, I guarantee I’ll keep Judicial Official Li alive—” Xuanwu stood up, walked to him, and knelt again.

“You cannot guarantee it! Besides myself, I trust no one!”

Lian Yu shouted coldly, the chill in his eyes immediately frightening Xuanwu into submission.

He slowly lifted his robes and half-knelt. Everyone was terrified – before he could fully kneel, they all quickly stood up, absolutely not daring to let their sovereign kneel and beg. Lian Yu immediately ordered: “Qinglong and Bai Hu accompany Xuanwu.”

“Yes!” Hearing this, Qinglong and Bai Hu felt somewhat relieved – at least they could protect their master closely.

Xuanwu was abandoned and sat on the ground. Like everyone else, he would wait right here for Lian Yu’s return.

Wei Chenghui didn’t stay in military tents but remained at Wei Manor. Si Lanfeng wasn’t there – probably managing military affairs at the capital garrison. Having worked in the palace and being Lian Yu’s close attendant, both sides were familiar.

Wei Chenghui said: “I won’t disturb your reunion.”

Qinglong and Bai Hu said coldly: “Grand Master Wei, please.”

Xuanwu said nothing, just glanced at him while holding his sword.

Wei Chenghui paused.

Then he wasn’t strange about it, nor did he have his men dismembered like Lian Yu had done. He just had them taken away.

Mao Hui gritted his teeth: “That guard is so rude – Grand Master is too tolerant.”

Wei Chenghui smiled slightly: “If this Xuanwu weren’t like this, it would be strange. He’s been by Lian Yu’s side since childhood – quirky in temperament but Lian Yu’s closest guard. Having him convey Feng woman’s condition is most appropriate.”

Mao Hui nodded. Wei Chenghui exchanged a glance with Wuliang and continued leisurely sipping tea in the hall. With heavy troops surrounding them, not even a fly could escape. No matter how high these three’s martial arts, he wasn’t worried. Moreover, he sensed that dead Feng Suzhen girl seemed somewhat afraid of death – perfect for her to plead pitifully with Lian Yu’s close attendant.

…

This was a side room, said to be Wuyan’s boudoir before marriage.

Dawn had come again. She’d been here for quite some time now.

Suzhen slightly moved her hands and feet, which ached from being bound behind the wooden post. Pain shot from the whip wounds on her face and shoulders.

Wei Chenghui had ordered her face whipped, leaving wounds. Would Lian Yu find her disgusting? No, she’d made the decision for him. Because… who knew when they’d see each other again? Maybe that night before battle had been farewell, though neither knew it.

She forced a slight smile, pain making her hiss softly.

So many things were truly unexpected. Previously at court, though she’d had little contact with Wei Chenghui, she’d often felt he was sinister. But she hadn’t expected him to be Prince Jin’s faction, like her father.

Unlike her father, though, Wei Chenghui was extremely vicious.

Bold as she usually was, when he dropped his mask and slowly turned before her, that sinister look still made her heart tremble.

He said her father had advised Prince Jin against him, wanting to destroy him. It was Prince Jin’s wise recognition of talent, later even persuading the world against revenge. He hated the Feng family to the bone.

Ha, she finally knew who had deliberately leaked Princess Jin’s whereabouts, causing so much disaster, love and hate.

Unfortunately, she learned this in such circumstances. She began understanding many of her father’s thoughts. Even though she still didn’t know who Prince Jin’s posthumous son was.

He had protected Prince Jin’s orphan out of gratitude, but as time passed, seeing the Crown Prince’s achievements, he believed Prince Jin’s orphan shouldn’t cause more trouble. The late emperor had erred greatly, but with the Crown Prince’s succession, people lived and worked in peace – wasn’t this correcting wrongs? For common people, who became emperor mattered little as long as they could live well.

Her gaze slid slightly to her abdomen.

Though she’d temporarily saved Leng Xue and Xiao Zhou’s lives – yes, that was Leng Xue, her brother Leng Xue… but they were later held separately.

Imprisoned for days, she found no opportunity to escape, let alone rescue them.

Her only slight comfort was her quick wit – she deliberately provoked the guards into talking. Those two soldiers, responsible for watching her and bored all day, were easily provoked into revealing news: Xiao Zhou was severely wounded but still alive, and Lian Yu had won victory, defeating Chao’s army.

While relieved, she also abandoned thoughts of survival. She’d always feared someone would use her against Lian Yu. After learning her captors’ identity, her resolve strengthened.

She began contemplating suicide.

But that day – the day Lian Yu won – Wei Chenghui angrily ordered her tortured. During this, she vomited bitter water and suddenly realized something: she hadn’t menstruated, plus recent abnormalities… Lian Yu usually only visited other consorts briefly without staying overnight. After marriage, he demanded her nightly and didn’t make her take medicine like on Qixi night. Now thinking back, he seemed to want a child.

Because he feared dying in battle, leaving her unable to live alone.

Shocked and delighted, she immediately abandoned suicide plans. No matter how difficult, she had to survive. Unless one day she confirmed Wei Chenghui would use her against Lian Yu.

She deliberately bit her tongue, spat out blood, and pretended near death. Wei Chenghui, fearing he’d actually kill her, stopped the torture though he wouldn’t treat her wounds. Food improved from the beginning, and when she requested washing and bathing, he complied. Only during meals and toilet breaks was she unbound – otherwise kept firmly tied to the post.

The door suddenly sounded. Her heart jumped, her drowsy consciousness completely alert. She couldn’t let anyone harm the child in her womb. Trembling all over, she stared at the door with wariness and defensiveness.

Brighter light streamed in, making her squint slightly.

“You guard outside while I examine inside.” A figure stood backlit in the doorway, instructing someone.

“Good.” Two voices responded in unison – one male, one female. The male voice laughed: “Guard brothers, let’s sit aside.”

Those were Xuanwu, Qinglong, and Bai Hu’s voices! Suzhen’s heart pounded violently. If her hands weren’t bound, she’d surely be rubbing her eyes. Was she hallucinating from missing Lian Yu too much?

But the man at the door looked familiar – that was Xuanwu.

The door closed with a thud.

“Xuanwu…”

She tried calling out, but pain from her wounds and fever made her voice hoarse as an old woman’s. She coughed and called louder, excitedly asking: “Lian Yu… is he well?”

But Xuanwu acted strangely. He’d been staring at her motionlessly, his gaze indescribably dark and heated, suppressing some strong emotion. Suddenly he strode to her and pressed her and the post forcefully into his arms.