Chapter 1: Starting Over Again

In the deep crimson sunrise, the figure falling from the thirty-foot-tall city wall floated lightly and gracefully, like a thin blade of grass or a strand of down, swaying in the vast golden light over the snowy field.

The multitude looked up, forgetting to breathe due to the rapidly changing events atop the city wall.

The battlement shattered, and the green-red brick dust rose up into fragmentary clouds that obscured their vision. From within the fragmentary clouds, a hand shot out, swift as lightning, grasping.

It grasped at empty air.

Faintly came the sound of tearing fabric, and a corner of silk-smooth clothing floated up in midair, drifting leisurely.

Atop the city wall, Jin Siyu stood frozen in place.

His hand remained stiffly in that empty space, clutching at nothingness.

His heart seemed to have fallen into that same icy void.

After a long moment, he slowly drew back his hand, and even he seemed to hear the creaking sound of his rigid joints scraping together.

Feng Zhiwei had gotten her wish and fallen.

Below her position was the Imperial Guard camp, with countless long spears standing upright. Falling onto them would turn her into a bloody sieve.

Her last conscious thought, as she spread her arms and legs in midair to make herself float lightly, was that amid those rapidly falling wind sounds, the past flowed by like rushing water.

Suddenly, she felt very peaceful.

“Whoosh whoosh.”

Several figures swept up from the Tiansheng military formation, all spreading their arms to catch the falling woman, hoping to catch her in their embrace or willing to serve as her cushion.

But one figure, stepping over people’s heads, was faster than streaming light.

That yellow figure burst forth from the Imperial Guard camp that had been foolishly staring up at the city wall, rolling over everyone’s heads like a hurricane of smoke and dust, shooting upward with the fastest speed of his life.

He met the falling Feng Zhiwei.

“Stop him!”

The furiously roaring voice from atop the city wall exploded like thunder.

The Imperial Guards who had come to their senses rushed to draw their bows, shoot arrows, raise their spears to thrust, and lift their sabers to slash, but that person was far above everyone’s heads, and Yao Yangyu was leading his cavalry in a murderous charge once more.

Zong Chen looked up somewhat worriedly at that yellow figure. It would be easy for Gu Nanyi to catch Feng Zhiwei, but landing smoothly afterward would be very difficult. The enormous impact from falling from the city wall was comparable to ten masters simultaneously striking his chest with their palms. Once unable to withstand it and falling into the Imperial Guard camp, the consequences would be unthinkable.

The yellow figure flew up, flashing like lightning, already touching Feng Zhiwei’s drooping hand in midair.

As their fingers touched, Gu Nanyi suddenly flicked his fingers and swept his arm horizontally, using a clever technique to push Feng Zhiwei’s falling body horizontally outward.

The straight fall instantly changed to a diagonal flight, and Feng Zhiwei’s falling direction now led toward the area outside the Imperial Guard camp.

Helian Zheng and Ning Yi both shot upward simultaneously. Although the latter was positioned farther away, he was more agile than Helian Zheng who was carrying a large saber. One black and one dark green figure almost simultaneously caught Feng Zhiwei, one grasping her shoulder and the other holding her legs.

The two even had time to exchange glances in midair, each snorting, seemingly each making a move beneath Feng Zhiwei’s body, followed by a muffled sound as both their shoulders swayed.

On the other side, Gu Nanyi pushed Feng Zhiwei with full force in midair, and the enormous impact was immediately borne entirely by him alone. With a muffled groan, blood already seeped from the corner of his lips. Having exhausted his breath while suspended in air, his body fell straight down like a stone.

Helian Zheng turned back and saw this, greatly alarmed. He immediately released Feng Zhiwei and rushed to help, but he was still too far away—how could he make it in time?

Fortunately, there was also Zong Chen, who had been accompanying Gu Nanyi in charging through the enemy formation. As soon as Gu Nanyi caught Feng Zhiwei, he had already leaped up, calculating where Gu Nanyi would land and immediately scattering a handful of gray mist. The gray mist spread out and the Imperial Guard soldiers on all four sides collapsed softly in unison, falling in disarray all over the ground. With a thud, Gu Nanyi landed right on these human cushions.

Zong Chen immediately stepped on the human cushions, picked up Gu Nanyi and rushed out. Before the Imperial Guard soldiers who hadn’t been knocked down could react, Zong Chen had already reached the opposite side where Helian Zheng was coming to meet him. Greatly delighted, he said, “If you have such miraculous medicine, why don’t you scatter it everywhere and we wouldn’t need to fight this battle at all.”

Zong Chen gave him an annoyed look—did he think this was sesame from the grassland’s butter tea? How difficult it was to produce such an effective medicine was beyond ordinary people’s imagination. This one handful had used up ten years of his precious collection, and it pained him greatly. It was only for Feng Zhiwei and Gu Nanyi that he would do this.

Having no time to banter with Helian Zheng, he quickly checked on Gu Nanyi first. Fortunately, when falling, he had protected his vital energy, only suffering some internal injuries. Like Feng Zhiwei, he had temporarily passed out due to the impact from the excessive height of the city wall.

Looking up toward the city wall, the destroyed battlement before Feng Zhiwei was like a missing tooth in the city wall, coldly and sarcastically bright under the rising sun. And beside the shattered battlement, beneath the character An on the great banner, that man’s face was iron blue, staring fixedly at that collapsed battlement like looking at a dream that had suddenly shattered before his eyes.

Helian Zheng looked at Jin Siyu with a beaming smile, provocatively making a bow-drawing gesture at him, laughing heartily in high spirits.

On the city wall, Jin Siyu’s hand nearly crushed the wall bricks.

Ning Yi had been silently holding Feng Zhiwei, lowering his head to gaze at her face where a trace of cold smile had not yet dispersed. His fingers trembled slightly, as if wanting to caress her, but ultimately stopped.

After a year apart, this was the first time he truly held her so close in his arms, feeling her calm breathing and warm body temperature, feeling her real existence that he had missed for so long. He suddenly felt such joy that even his heart was trembling.

Her light and soft body in his embrace made him feel as if soft clouds were rising on all sides as well.

Some fortune he dared not take too much at once, fearing it would damage a lifetime’s blessing. Just holding her like this already felt very good, very good.

His fingers stopped beside her cheek, tenderly brushing aside a strand of disheveled hair at her temples, then slowly standing up, saying coldly:

“Battle!”

In the fifteenth year of Changxi, on the first day of the first month, Tiansheng and Da Yue fought another great battle at the border city of Pucheng after the Battle of Baitou Cliff.

The true war began on New Year’s Eve of the fourteenth year of Changxi. Tiansheng used secret agents to create chaos in Pucheng, destroying the information channels between Pucheng and the main camp, then ambushed in East River Valley, intercepting and killing the Da Yue left flank army coming to rescue Pucheng, killing the brave general of the left flank army Kou Rujian, annihilating eight thousand enemies. Afterward, beneath Pucheng, they engaged in close combat with Jin Siyu’s Imperial Guard camp, not only rescuing Vice General Wei who had been trapped in Pucheng, but also fighting a great battle with Jin Siyu’s army.

It was a chaotic battle. The Tiansheng cavalry camp surrounded the Pucheng Imperial Guard camp, the Da Yue main camp surrounded the Tiansheng cavalry camp, yet the border Tiansheng sent out cavalry again to attack the Da Yue main camp from behind. Everyone was being attacked from front and back, leaving Da Yue dizzy and confused.

Tiansheng had originally seized the initiative, but southern soldiers could not endure prolonged cold. In the bitter cold and frozen earth, campaigning in a foreign country, Ning Yi did not wish to entangle with Jin Siyu to the end. He fought while retreating without losing any composure, and both sides eventually parted peacefully and amicably at the original border. The Da Yue army followed all the way to near the border camp but could do nothing, as if politely escorting them out of the territory.

After tallying the results, Tiansheng had won a small victory. Jin Siyu did not suffer losses either. He actually adopted Feng Zhiwei’s suggestion and downplayed the matter greatly in the military report submitted to the court, describing Ning Yi’s appearance at the city gates and composed withdrawal as returning empty-handed and defeated, that the enemy army’s surprise attack on New Year’s Eve on the Yue main camp was repelled because the main camp had been vigilantly guarding against it with strict defenses and had not suffered major losses, and so on.

On the Tiansheng side, they did not care about Da Yue’s tricks, only rejoicing—their Vice General Wei had not died and had returned!

The Tiansheng main camp was filled with an atmosphere of joy, with everyone’s faces bearing smiles and their steps light, especially those like Yao Yangyu. Yao Yangyu, who had received sixty military strokes, climbed down from the punishment bench, covering his buttocks while laughing, making people wonder if this was another Liu Yuan the Second.

The atmosphere in the main tent was somewhat worse, because Feng Zhiwei had not yet awakened, and because Zong Chen had detected yet another strange poison in that unfortunate child’s body.

When the strange poison appeared, the feared poison person phenomenon did not occur. By this time, Zong Chen also understood that Feng Zhiwei had insisted on going back, locked herself in the study for negotiations with Jin Siyu, and had stubbornly chosen to transform her poison person toxin into an internal poison that only harmed herself. He did not know how she had used her silver tongue to convince that suspicious seed Jin Siyu.

When Helian Zheng learned of this, he was the first to jump up and curse loudly. So what about being a poison person? Everyone could just be more careful. Why make such a choice? He paced irritably and huffily around the tent like a trapped lion.

The awakened Gu Nanyi sat at the bedside day and night, holding Feng Zhiwei’s hand and watching her attentively, as if afraid that if he blinked, this fellow would be lost again or would abandon him again. Finding Helian Zheng too noisy and disturbing his care of his Zhiwei, he kicked the great king Helian out with one foot.

Helian Zheng rolled in the muddy ground and heard Gu Nanyi, who never voluntarily expressed opinions about others, say dryly, “This is who she is.”

Helian Zheng sat on the ground, scratching his hair and thinking left and right, finally sighing.

Yes, this was who she was.

Because that strange poison in Feng Zhiwei’s body was transformed from the original parasitic poison, Zong Chen, who did not yet fully understand that parasitic poison, naturally could not immediately find an antidote. On this day, he was again supporting his forehead in the tent, flipping through medical books in bitter contemplation, when suddenly someone strode in vigorously. Without looking up, he knew that only Helian Zheng walked with such vigor.

The great king wore a saber on his left and a sword on his back, carrying a small bundle as he strode forward. He had stopped using his whip recently, but no one knew the reason why.

Placing the small bundle before Zong Chen, Helian Zheng said joyfully, “Old Zong, I almost forgot! That day when I went back to find Jiarong, I accidentally dug up this thing beneath the back wall of Cuixue Study.”

Zong Chen opened it, saw the contents, and smelled the scent. His eyes brightened, and in his great delight, he abandoned his usual refined composure, heavily patting Helian Zheng’s shoulder. “Good! Very good! Thank you, Brother Helian!”

Helian Zheng rubbed his shoulder and grinned, his eyes bright as he asked, “The antidote is no problem now, right?”

Zong Chen shook his head. Helian Zheng was startled, and his bright eyes immediately dimmed.

“It’s like this.” Seeing the joy and anger so plainly displayed by the great king Helian made Zong Chen’s heart ache with sympathy, and he quickly explained, “This is the parasitic poison lure. Jin Siyu must have fed this to it when cultivating the twin parasites. Now I can use the remaining poison liquid and aura from these fingernails to search for an antidote, which is much better than having never seen it and having no clues at all. If only we had brought out that small jar at the time, perhaps I could have observed more clearly…”

“I’ll go get it right away!” Helian Zheng rolled up his sleeves and headed outside.

“Don’t.” Zong Chen grabbed him. “You did the right thing. Jin Siyu will certainly check the parasite jar in the future. Leaving it there is more useful than taking it out.”

“Then I’ll have to trouble you.” Helian Zheng clasped his hands in a fist salute, saying sincerely, “As long as you can find the antidote, the entire grassland will be grateful for your great virtue.”

“Don’t be so formal. I’m not used to it.” Zong Chen laughed. “This is what I should do.”

“Speaking of should.” Helian Zheng suddenly grinned and leaned his head closer, saying, “I’ve never understood why someone of your background and talent has been willing to serve Zhiwei from the very beginning. Does it have to do with her background?”

Zong Chen was silent for a long moment before saying, “Has Zhiwei told you, Great King, about her background?”

“No,” Helian Zheng shook his head, “but Zhiwei hasn’t deliberately hidden many things from me either. When that incident happened in the Imperial Capital, I arrived later and still learned some of it.”

“Since that’s the case,” Zong Chen spoke even more slowly this time, with a sense of weighing each word carefully, “Great King, you’re still very close to Zhiwei. Aren’t you afraid the grassland will be implicated in the future?”

“What implication?” Helian Zheng laughed heartily. “The Huozhuo tribe has been proud and unruly. Over hundreds of years, we’ve even changed names several times, following this master and that master, whoever pleases us. Who has settled the realm now? Who must be loyal to whom? Helian Zheng has sworn that Helian Zheng’s grassland will forever belong to his Great Consort, and Helian Zheng’s heart will forever be loyal only to her alone.”

His tone was resolute, each ending note neither dragging nor slurring, brilliant and hard as diamond. The setting sun spilled in through the tent seams, coating the man with his forthright expression in a layer of brilliant gold. He looked like an enormous diamond himself, unafraid of the worldly grinding, forever radiating brilliance.

Watching such a man, Zong Chen felt his heart surge with emotion. Among the men around Zhiwei, Ning Yi was entangled in gratitude and grudges, while Nanyi’s thoughts were purely clear. Although Zhiwei’s attitude seemed to never involve romantic love, it was very obvious that in the future it would either be laughing away old grudges and joining hands to conquer the realm, or spending half a lifetime in vain and retreating to mountain fields—it would be one of these two men.

Only Helian Zheng—as things stood now, Zhiwei regarded him as a close friend with extreme intimacy. Because of this intimacy, she was instead extraordinarily frank and open, without half a thought of romance.

He seemed closest to her, even having the title of Great Consort, but was actually the farthest.

Helian Zheng was an intelligent man. He could see this, and naturally understood it.

Yet knowing this, he still did not compete, did not fight, did not seek, still offered his loyal heart without any resentment, still smiled so thoroughly and openly. Helian Zheng’s magnanimity made even Zong Chen, a fellow man, admire him deeply.

Because of this surge of emotion, Zong Chen suddenly felt the desire to speak what was in his heart.

“You know I’m from the Xuanyuan family.” Zong Chen smiled. “You naturally also understand that in the earlier Da Cheng period, Xuanyuan, Zhan, and the Yan clans each had their own kingdoms.”

Helian Zheng nodded. “That’s precisely why I don’t understand. By rights you should be enemies. Didn’t Da Cheng destroy the Xuanyuan kingdom?”

“The last emperor of the former Xuanyuan abdicated of his own accord.” Zong Chen said. “Our Xuanyuan revival master, Emperor Chengqing, although he only reigned for five years, governed diligently and was brilliant and outstanding. In his five years of rule, Xuanyuan’s national strength greatly prospered. But Emperor Chengqing was indifferent by nature and did not cling to imperial power and hegemonic ambitions. His only concern was for the Empress of Da Wan. In the fifth year of Chengqing, he passed away in Jiuhua Hall. On his deathbed, he left an iron decree that his descendants must protect the Empress’s bloodline for generations, and violators would face heavenly punishment. Regarding the succession of imperial power for later generations, he also left earnest instructions many times, saying that his throne originally came from the Empress’s assistance and bestowal, so if it were returned to her in the future, it would be right and proper. Under no circumstances should armed conflict arise over this, and certainly no resentment should be directed at the Da Cheng imperial bloodline.”

“The great emperor truly had the broad heart of our generation of men. But even so,” Helian Zheng said, “after so many generations, and truly having been destroyed as a kingdom, can they really still follow the iron decree?”

“It is said that the emperors of the five kingdoms in the five continents all had deep affection for the Empress of Da Cheng, and all left iron decrees for their descendants to protect and watch over her for generations. But as you said, with changing times and transformed seas and mulberry fields, the older generation had affection, but the descendants did not. Under those circumstances, maintaining that paper decree was indeed unrealistic. So the Zhan family later had troubles, and although the Yan family did not become enemies with the old Da Cheng clan, they gradually faded away and stopped paying attention. Only our Xuanyuan clan, because Emperor Chengqing had a chronic illness early on, and this condition was passed down the line, making all our constitutions not too robust—because we feel our heavenly mandate is not eternal, our nature became indifferent, more interested in medical arts than state affairs.” Zong Chen smiled. “You see, before Da Cheng came to destroy Xuanyuan, the last Xuanyuan emperor voluntarily abdicated.”

“I see.” Helian Zheng said earnestly, “To have your protection is Zhiwei’s good fortune.”

“Actually, the Xuanyuan clan has not contributed the most.” Zong Chen smiled slightly with a somewhat apologetic look. “The Xuanyuan clan’s nature is too indifferent. Over six hundred years, we haven’t directly participated in the task of protecting Da Cheng’s bloodline. We’ve only continually promised Da Cheng that at the most difficult and devastating moments, we would step forward to provide protection, so back then…”

He suddenly stopped, looking at Feng Zhiwei and Gu Nanyi’s tent, something like mist appearing in his eyes.

Helian Zheng saw this but did not ask further, knowing in his heart that to make someone of Zong Chen’s background—descended from an imperial family—loyally follow Feng Zhiwei must involve more than just these reasons. But whatever the reasons, at least his doubts were now resolved and a trace of unease removed. He immediately laughed and said, “Good brother, let’s drink together in the future.”

“Good.” Zong Chen smiled in agreement.

After Helian Zheng left, Zong Chen had barely sat down and turned a few pages of his book when he heard a cool and elegant voice outside the tent saying, “Is Master Zong here?”

Zong Chen revealed a trace of mocking smile—his tent door was half-open, clearly visible to anyone. Helian Zheng had strode straight in, but he had to ask from outside the tent. Indeed, His Highness the Prince was different from others.

“It’s truly lively here today.” Zong Chen smiled. “Your Highness, please.”

Ning Yi lifted the curtain and entered, still with that refined and outstanding appearance. He disliked wearing armor and most of the time wore light clothing with a relaxed belt. Sometimes Zong Chen would think maliciously whether he deliberately wanted people to think he and Wei Zhi were a better match.

His gaze naturally was not too friendly, but fortunately his cultivation was good, and he at least extended his hand to offer a seat.

Ning Yi sat down as if nothing was amiss and got straight to the point. “I’ve come to disturb you, Master, because I truly have a request.”

“Your Highness will soon possess all within the four seas. A mere commoner like myself doesn’t seem to have anything Your Highness could request.” Zong Chen immediately blocked with one sentence.

Ning Yi remained unmoved and smiled. “I’ve come to ask you, Master, to give Zhiwei a portion of pure happiness.”

Zong Chen put down the book he had been reading.

“Your Highness speaks strangely.” His brows held faint anger. “Is Zhiwei not happy? Did I cause Zhiwei’s unhappiness? If Zhiwei is truly unhappy, this commoner thinks Your Highness should examine yourself carefully.”

“I naturally should examine myself.” Ning Yi said lightly. “It’s just that I don’t have your miraculous hands, Master. No matter how much I try to make amends, I cannot restore a clear and bright state of mind.”

“What do you mean by that?” Zong Chen narrowed his eyes.

“Earlier this year in the capital, having nothing to do, I read a secret Da Cheng imperial text treasured in the Imperial History Repository, which mentioned one matter.” Ning Yi’s fingers lightly tapped the table. “The founding Empress of Da Cheng, in her early years, received Emperor Chengqing of Xuanyuan’s help in sealing away a portion of her memories.”

Zong Chen fell silent, then after a long moment gave a cold laugh.

“The Xuanyuan medical arts have been passed down through the generations. I imagine this memory-sealing technique has also been inherited by you, Master.”

“So what if it has?”

Ning Yi said nothing more. Having said this much, everyone was intelligent—there was no need to say more.

A long time later, Zong Chen said coldly, “I’m sorry, this matter is too important. I have no authority to decide for her.”

“I’m not doing this for myself, not to evade the debt I owe her.” Ning Yi’s voice already carried pleading. “I once said I would wait for her in the same place, wait for her to cross swords on the road, ready to strike me at any time. I wouldn’t dodge or flee. But now I’ve changed my mind. Since serving as supervisor of the army in the northern frontier, I’ve been hesitating… She suffers too much. She’s filled with hatred that occupies all the joy and happiness in her life. Because of this hatred, she constantly forces herself to do things she didn’t enjoy before, and will continue forcing herself to do so. This is too terrible.”

“That is merely thanks to you.”

“There’s another reason. Please think it through carefully, Master.” Ning Yi smiled bitterly. “I’m not alone. Prince Chu’s rise and fall concerns the lives and fortunes of too many people. Sometimes even when I don’t want to do something, my subordinates will automatically do it for me. The last incident was like that. As a superior, sometimes one is also not free. Now as she’s about to return to court, with her illustrious military achievements, she will certainly rise rapidly and thrive. If she still harbors that old hatred when appearing in court and opposing me at every turn, how will my subordinates allow her power to grow? What else might happen then? Master, you can say I’m unable to restrain my subordinates, or that I’m deliberately indulging them, but some matters, some situations, truly are not under my control simply by saying they are. I’m human, not a god. The massive Prince Chu faction has deep roots and complex connections. A single spark could rashly start a prairie fire. Once the situation spirals out of control and a sea of hatred is forged, even if we regret it then, it will be too late.”

Zong Chen pressed his lips together, his lip line as straight as a ruler. Although his expression was calm, one could see that he had taken Ning Yi’s words to heart.

“I don’t want what happened to Lady Feng to happen a second time,” Ning Yi said softly. “Just as you don’t want it to, correct?”

Zong Chen remained silent. Although they belonged to opposing sides, he had to admit that Ning Yi’s words indeed made much sense. Sealing away the portion of memory about Lady Feng’s hatred would benefit Feng Zhiwei more than harm her.

He was by nature an indifferent and easygoing person. All he maintained was Feng Zhiwei’s life. Imperial power and hegemony, in his view, were passing clouds. If Lady Feng hadn’t insisted on pushing Feng Zhiwei onto that path, he would have long ago taken the three members of the Feng family away to live freely anywhere, which would have made Feng Zhiwei much happier than she was now.

He thought of how Gu Nanyi had said time and again that he hoped she would forget, said time and again that Feng Zhiwei was not happy.

Zong Chen pondered, and a passage suddenly flashed through his mind.

“Master, you see, being an amnesiac actually has many conveniences.”

“That’s ultimately just deceiving people. Unfortunately, you can deceive once but not twice, deceive for a time but not a lifetime.”

“Who says it isn’t? But compared to amnesia, I’d rather choose selective forgetting.”

Zong Chen suddenly stood up.

Ning Yi looked up at him, hope flashing in his eyes.

“I agree to seal away that portion of her memory.” Zong Chen said. “Our ancestor once said that when he performed this technique then, it pained him to the core. Now I only hope that when I perform it, it won’t cause me the same pain.”

“We both only wish for her to live more comfortably. How could it cause pain?”

“Please follow me, Your Highness. Young Gu is not here, and she hasn’t awakened yet—it’s a good time to perform the technique.” Zong Chen said expressionlessly. “I know you’re also a suspicious type. Without seeing it with your own eyes, you absolutely cannot trust, and you’re also afraid of becoming a second Jin Siyu.”

“Only today did I discover Master’s tongue is actually so sharp.” Ning Yi was not offended and stood to follow him to Feng Zhiwei’s tent.

Feng Zhiwei was still sleeping. This was Zong Chen’s intention. Feng Zhiwei had been trapped in the enemy camp for over two months. Although she seemed to be pampered and enjoying wealth and honor, her mental energy was actually greatly depleted. Jin Siyu’s constant probing and testing everywhere meant she slept with her eyes open. If Zong Chen hadn’t arrived in time, even such prolonged mental exhaustion could have worn her to death.

Taking advantage of her relaxed state of mind, Zong Chen let her sleep well. Sleep best repaired a person’s internal injuries.

Ning Yi sat beside Feng Zhiwei, gently stroking her hair. Zong Chen was preparing golden needles when he suddenly said, “How should I fill in the portion of memory she loses? I can’t possibly seal all her previous memories. How should I explain about Lady Feng and Feng Hao?”

“The events remain the same events. Otherwise many things cannot be explained, which would instead arouse her suspicion. It’s just the cause of the incident…” Ning Yi didn’t continue, but after a long moment said, “I’ve recently returned the Golden Feather Guard to His Majesty again.”

“What difference does that make?”

“There is a difference.” Ning Yi said lightly. “If it’s not me, she won’t suffer so much.”

“Your Highness is truly confident.”

Ning Yi sighed softly. “Master, whether you think I’m selfish or cowardly, that’s up to you. But remember, I’ve never feared her fighting me to the death. I simply don’t wish it. I owe her, and I’m willing to make amends with everything I have. I imagine you also don’t wish for her to spend her life drowning in self-tormenting hatred and missing the happiness she should have in life.”

“Is Your Highness so certain that the happiness she needs can only be given by you?”

“No.” After a long time, Ning Yi’s answer made Zong Chen pause.

“I only want to give her a chance to face her heart calmly.” Ning Yi said lightly. “You all know the inside story of this matter. In the days to come, please watch. If I still do her wrong, you naturally won’t stand idly by. Memories can be sealed and naturally can also be unsealed, can’t they?”

Zong Chen laughed once and said, “Good that you know.”

He took his needle case and sat down, suddenly saying, “I’ll remind Your Highness of one thing. Although you’re confident about yourself, this young lady is someone no one dares claim they can confidently manipulate. Human memories have residues. Some things that are deeply detested—even if the events are forgotten, the feeling of deep detestation still exists, so that when encountering them next time, one will instinctively avoid or refuse. In the future, even if the young lady has this portion sealed away, whether her former feelings can return as Your Highness wishes, I cannot guarantee.”

“That’s also fine.” Ning Yi used the back of his hand to check Feng Zhiwei’s temperature, saying in a voice nearly like a sigh, “Then I’ll start from the beginning and pursue you back.”

Then he released his hand, moved aside, and said, “Let’s do it this way then.”

“Having traveled through many places in Tiansheng, even visiting Da Yue.” Feng Zhiwei stood on the hillside, lazily watching the clouds roll and unfurl in the sky with Hua Qiong. “I still feel the grassland is best.”

Hua Qiong smiled without speaking. She had been confined in Puyuan for over two months. Jin Siyu had initially ordered someone to impersonate her under torture and brought Feng Zhiwei to see her, attempting to force Feng Zhiwei to act to rescue her, but Feng Zhiwei had not fallen for it. Actually, when they went to the dungeon, Hua Qiong was right next door. They entered the door under the left stone lion, and Hua Qiong was in the dungeon under the right stone lion, separated from the fake Hua Qiong’s dungeon by a single wall, with a peephole left for Hua Qiong to observe. Jin Siyu’s mind was meticulous and deep. He wanted not only to test Feng Zhiwei but also to test Hua Qiong. As long as Hua Qiong couldn’t bear to see someone impersonate her to deceive Feng Zhiwei and couldn’t help speaking out, Jin Siyu would have grasped everything.

Unfortunately, both Feng Zhiwei and Hua Qiong were extraordinarily resolute. One was unmoved by the fake Hua Qiong’s torture, while the other firmly believed Feng Zhiwei could see through it and didn’t need her to speak up. Jin Siyu’s wishful thinking came to nothing.

This also came from the deep understanding between the two—Feng Zhiwei knew Hua Qiong all too well. If that person being flayed had really been her, with her personality, she would never show such grief and indignation, nor express sacrifice and fulfillment to provoke her. She would remain silent and try to communicate with her secretly, giving no one any opportunity to exploit.

Jin Siyu’s grasp of human nature was also superior. In the dim light, the fake Hua Qiong very much resembled the general impression of that brave, loyal, and fearlessly sacrificial woman. Unfortunately, the performance was overdone.

Or rather, a woman like Hua Qiong could never truly be impersonated by just anyone.

After two months of imprisonment, Jin Siyu brought Hua Qiong out for questioning several times and used some torture. As soon as the torture instruments were laid out, Hua Qiong would confess. What she confessed was rambling and incomprehensible nonsense that was a complete waste of effort to verify. When Jin Siyu ordered torture, she would faint as soon as it was applied—fainting easily and skillfully. Jin Siyu was helpless. Killing her seemed wasteful, not killing her was vexing. In the end, he locked her in the dungeon and ignored her. Hua Qiong ate well, slept well, and didn’t worry, even gaining weight compared to Feng Zhiwei who had been exhausting her mental energy above.

Of course, if Jin Siyu had truly decided on the eighth day of the new year to take Feng Zhiwei as a concubine, Hua Qiong certainly would not have survived. Fortunately, in the end, she made it out.

Having gone through this ordeal, Hua Qiong never told anyone how she had endured those two months. But Feng Zhiwei could see from the countless fine scars all over her body that she had suffered considerably. However, those physical ordeals had not made this bright and proud woman falter in spirit or lose heart. She had only become somewhat more composed, and when she smiled, the corners of her eyes carried a faint sense of vicissitudes, which instead added several shades of radiance.

An extraordinary woman forged by blood and fire had finally been tempered into a divine weapon. That brilliance had shed its former aggressive aura and become warm and magnanimous, commanding respect.

“If you like the grassland, then stay here.” Hua Qiong smiled casually.

Feng Zhiwei smiled bitterly.

“Imperial commands cannot be defied. Since I’ve already returned in the identity of Wei Zhi, how can I disobey the decree issued by the Emperor of Tiansheng?”

“I’ll also go to the Imperial Capital to see the world of flowers.” Hua Qiong chewed on a grass root. “His Majesty also issued a decree promoting me to Assistant General. After returning to the capital to receive the decree and report on my duties, I’ll go to the Personnel Ministry and War Ministry to receive an appointment.”

Hua Qiong’s female identity had never been concealed from others. Tiansheng inherited from Da Cheng certain aspects of that enlightened and free national spirit, not opposing women serving as generals. Moreover, with the Fire Phoenix Female Marshal as precedent, promoting Hua Qiong to Assistant General was nothing special. It was said that there were already rumors in the Imperial Capital that Hua Qiong would surely become the second Fire Phoenix.

“Are you planning to receive an idle nominal position in the capital, or go out to station on the frontier?” Feng Zhiwei asked her. “You’re a woman who’s never had much ambition. It’s better to receive a nominal position.”

“I’ve already submitted a memorial to the court requesting to serve under the general in Minnan.”

Feng Zhiwei was shocked. Hua Qiong had already stood up, stretching toward the vast blue sky with a smile. “Zhiwei, in my previous years, though I lived freely and happily, my heart always felt like something was missing, yet I didn’t know what it was. These days, following you to serve in the grassland army and fighting in the northern frontier, I suddenly understood. I was born to be a soldier. I was born to love galloping warhorses, to love rapid charges, to love the beauty of long sabers striking down and reflecting moonlight and blood light in the night, to love the magnificent and desolate horn blown in the resting battle camp at dusk. This missing piece has been completely filled on the battlefield. This is where my lifelong destiny lies. At this point, I can no longer let it go.”

She raised her arms toward the heavens and called out loudly, “I’ve decided to be a soldier for life!”

Her silhouette was carved against the golden sunset, a clear profile.

Feng Zhiwei said nothing more, looking up at that woman’s vigorous and high-spirited figure, her eyes moist and bright. After a long time, she smiled.

“I have another idea.” Having finished her shout, Hua Qiong came over excitedly. “Your mother’s Fire Phoenix Army was a women’s army that originated in Minnan and developed to its peak in the battle against Yin Zhiliang of Xi Liang. After Yin Zhiliang was driven back and your mother was stripped of power and recalled to the capital, the Fire Phoenix Army was disbanded on the spot. Although most of those women should have married and had children by now, there must be many who miss their former master and yearn for military life. You should know that people accustomed to being soldiers may not adapt to returning to ordinary life. There must be many still hoping to take up their spears and mount their horses to continue their iron-blooded saga. These veterans of long battles are extremely precious. I’m thinking that going to Minnan, I could gather these people back together.”

Feng Zhiwei stared at her, then slowly said after a long moment, “You must be careful.”

“This requires your help.” Hua Qiong waved her hand carelessly. “Give me something of your mother’s so I can use it to win people over. After you return to court, rebuilding the Fire Phoenix Army will also need you to advocate for it at the right time. Zhiwei, I’m not doing this for anything else—I only hope to carve out a place in Minnan that can become your retreat when you need it most or find yourself in the greatest difficulty.”

Only hoping to carve out a place that could become your retreat.

There are people in this world willing to use their life’s effort just to pave an escape route for you when you turn back.

There is a kind of promise that needs no emphatic vows, but is so weighty and solid that it leaves one unable to speak, only wanting to cry.

Feng Zhiwei raised her head toward the sky, her nose long sour.

A long time later, she took out a hairpin from her bosom and handed it to Hua Qiong, saying nothing.

She didn’t tell her that this was Lady Feng’s last remaining relic. Many of her earlier jewelry pieces had been sold during those most desperate times.

“I’ll keep it safe for you.” Hua Qiong examined the hairpin with its antique design repeatedly and carefully put it away.

The two exchanged smiles, saying nothing more.

Though the wind on the grassland on a winter dusk was very cool, their hearts were warm.

Hua Qiong occasionally glanced at Feng Zhiwei. Zong Chen had secretly told them all about sealing the memories. In her heart, Hua Qiong also felt it wasn’t a bad thing, yet she also thought that if the entire portion could be sealed it might be even better. Unfortunately, Feng Zhiwei was too shrewd. If her memory truly showed a blank, she would certainly pursue it, which would instead backfire. It was better that Zong Chen had adjusted her memories after performing the technique, sparing her that pain of betrayal in her heart.

But could the memories of the incomparably strong Zhiwei truly be sealed?

Hua Qiong looked at Feng Zhiwei’s eyes misty as autumn water and smiled bitterly. Regarding Feng Zhiwei, no one dared claim confidence.

When the moon rose, accompanied by a wisp of cooking smoke, Hua Qiong saw someone approaching from afar, with the distinctive profile of shoulders carrying golden monkeys and arms holding a baby.

She smiled and asked, “The living Buddha Zhixiao truly wants to go with you?”

“It’s not that I want to take him.” Feng Zhiwei frowned with a pained expression. “It’s that young Gu will certainly go with me, and Zhixiao will certainly go with young Gu. Fortunately, the Huozhuo living buddha has precedent for visiting the Imperial Capital, so we can use that reason to cover it for now. This is also good—gradually diminishing divine authority’s interference. Once Helian’s royal authority is stable, he can do whatever he wants.”

Hua Qiong sighed, thinking of the poor great king. The Great Consort came to the grassland for a circuit, established stable royal authority for him, yet ultimately must return to that treacherous Imperial Capital. And having become king, he could no longer follow her at all times as he had when he was heir. No wonder the Golden Lion King had been restless and depressed lately, pacing around like a fighting cock.

Of course, this also had something to do with the beauty Jiarong. That woman had been brought back by Ning Yi but refused to return to the capital with him, instead clinging tightly around Helian. Helian, having already suffered enough from Meido, dared not accept any beauty’s favor and avoided her most vexingly.

Since that encounter with Helian Zheng, Meido had disappeared. But the Eight Braves, now reduced to seven, spent their days clutching sabers searching the entire grassland for her—Dapeng had died at her hands, and this revenge had to be avenged. For the rest of Meido’s life, even if she could live long, it would certainly be spent wandering and homeless.

Feng Zhiwei watched the approaching Young Master Gu and smiled slightly, pulling Hua Qiong to meet him.

Young Master Gu placed a cloak over her shoulders.

The group walked back. As they rounded a sand dune, they heard Helian Zheng’s voice.

“I won’t eat this!”

Then came Jiarong’s voice, gentle and tender, neither crying nor retreating. “Then try this, scallion pancake…”

“I don’t eat scallions!”

“Then there’s also pan-fried…” Jiarong persisted.

“Buns are buns—why bother pan-frying them after eating your fill!”

The great king Helian, having learned his lesson, decided that from now on, except for Feng Zhiwei, he would never show the slightest kindness to any other woman…

Feng Zhiwei silently looked up at the sky.

The road is long and its journey far—Miss Jiarong, take care.

She smiled and walked around the sand dune, originally intending to greet them but now not wanting to embarrass the great king Helian.

On the other side of the sand dune, Helian Zheng never took another step forward, never came out to greet Feng Zhiwei. He pressed his hand against the sand dune, not listening to Jiarong’s endless chatter behind him, only fixedly listening to her departing footsteps.

Hearing these footsteps for even one more moment was good.

Throughout this life, everyone experienced farewells—long pavilions and short pavilions, reluctant sendoffs. He had scorned this countless times, but only at this moment did he understand that those formal writings indeed weren’t wrong. That parting truly crushed the soul.

Crushed to the point that he, who had never feared anything in his life, could not at this moment step forward to bid her farewell calmly and composedly.

He feared that seeing those eyes, he would blurt out words begging her to stay. He didn’t fear receiving a disappointing answer—he only feared he wouldn’t be self-aware enough and would make things difficult for her.

He dug his fingers fiercely into the sand pile. As the rough sand and gravel crumbled to powder in his palm, they also scraped his palm raw. In that burning pain, the heart that had been heavily pressed down by the gloom of parting seemed to find a painful release.

Moonlight rose and starlight crossed. The grassland’s supreme king pressed his head against the sand pile, silently writhing.

Behind him, Jiarong closed her mouth, staring fixedly at his back for a long time.

The moonlight cast long, lonely shadows. On distant stone mountains, lone wolves howled mournfully.

Someone waited behind him, yet he felt that only he remained alone in the world, in that bone-deep cold and loneliness, telling himself over and over.

Tomorrow.

She would leave.

In the first month of the fifteenth year of Changxi, news accompanied the New Year’s festivities, bursting forth like firecrackers and fireworks across the Tiansheng realm, blooming into jubilation throughout the entire nation.

In the Golden Luan Hall, as the Emperor of Tiansheng was holding the Lantern Festival banquet, Grand Secretary Yao presented the good news. The old emperor stood up in delight, laughing heartily.

“The pillar of state has not perished—Heaven aids our Tiansheng!”

When the news reached Qingming Academy, the students immediately pooled their money to buy a roomful of fireworks and set them off for three days and nights at the academy entrance, causing the gatekeeper to sweep for seven days. Every morning when he swept, he had to curse, “This is killing me! If I’d known, I wouldn’t have let that fellow through the gate back then!”

When the news reached Nanhai, the Yan family head who had been upside down in drunkenness for several months immediately sobered from his alcoholic haze. Clutching that letter, he stood dazed and weeping for a long while, repeatedly ordering servants to pack luggage. With horse hooves clattering, he headed straight for the Imperial Capital.

It wasn’t just the court and countryside that were shaken. On the Imperial Capital’s bustling thoroughfares filled with flowing crowds, people spread the news to each other.

“The greatest hero of the Battle of Baitou Cliff, the legendary Vice General Wei who fought valiantly to his death—he’s not dead! He’s still alive!”

In teahouses and wine shops everywhere, citizens and scholars sat discussing excitedly, drinking large gulps of tea while talking animatedly about how Vice General Wei “killed three thousand enemies and was trapped in the enemy camp,” how he “cleverly broke the enemy army and remained unyielding,” how he “disheveled on the city wall, vehemently cursed the enemy,” and finally how he “swore to die rather than submit and resolutely jumped from the tower.”

The common people discussed how before the assembled armies, Lord Wei was captured and taken to the city, how the shameless Da Yue intended to use him to threaten Tiansheng into withdrawal, how he resolutely jumped from the city wall, his loyal blood illuminating history.

Those telling the story spoke with righteous vigor, moved to tears by their own words. Those listening gaped with mouths wide open, eyes full of worship and admiration.

“…Vice General Wei was bound hand and foot and dragged to the city wall, a steel blade at his neck yet he remained fearless. The red-haired, yellow-eyed Da Yue commander shouted from the city wall that as long as Vice General Wei knelt and kowtowed, he would treat him as an honored guest and grant him wealth and glory for life. This was clearly meant to humiliate our army. Our good General Wei spat…”

“How disgusting!” someone couldn’t help muttering.

The crowd glared angrily in unison, and that tactless fellow shrank back and shut his mouth.

“…spat in the Da Yue commander’s face and cursed loudly, ‘You barbarous border bandits, how dare you violate the heavenly might of our Tiansheng! Why don’t you quickly present your necks for execution! Abandon your weapons and surrender!'”

“Idiot, he’s the one captured, telling them to surrender?”

It was still that same fellow. A young man beside him smiled and patted his shoulder, saying, “People are like this—to put it nicely, it’s wishful thinking. To put it bluntly, it’s self-delusion.”

“What are you two?” Someone couldn’t stand these two cynics and jumped over to curse. “Could you be Da Yue spies?”

“Ah, don’t misunderstand, don’t misunderstand.” The gentle youth quickly clasped his hands. “My brother here isn’t quite right in the head. Please continue, everyone, please continue.”

The not-quite-right-in-the-head brother tried to jump up but was stepped on his robe by the other.

“Consider yourself sensible!”

“…The Da Yue commander, humiliated and enraged, wanted to cut Vice General Wei to pieces atop the city wall to strike at our army’s morale. Vice General Wei climbed onto the battlement, thrust out his arms, and the hemp rope broke inch by inch. His copper-bell-sized eyes flashed with furious fire, his magnificent broad chest with eight muscles bore up the sinking sun and moon. Facing the vast blue sky and boundless earth, he raised his fist high and called out, ‘Sons! Life and death are not to be feared! In twenty years we’ll be good men again! Charge—!’ The Da Yue enemy troops were so shocked by General Wei’s heroic bearing that they prostrated themselves on the ground, trembling and unable to move. General Wei looked back at them with contempt, then resolutely leaped—”

“Ahhh—” The common people shed their one hundred thirty-seventh tears.

“Ah! Since ancient times, who has not faced death? West of Yang Pass there are no old friends, a yellow oriole sings in the green willows, light red has passed ten thousand mountains!”

At the table, the not-quite-right fellow buried his head on the table, shoulders shaking. Beside him, the other calmly drank wine, though upon closer inspection his hand was somewhat trembling.

“Good poetry… good poetry… good general… good general… eyes like copper bells… eight chest muscles…” The not-quite-right one trembled as he struggled to reach for the teapot.

“Hey, what are you doing?” Everyone had been watching these two oddballs. Now seeing that one with shaking shoulders, at first they thought he was crying, but when he lifted his head to reach for the teapot, there were no tear tracks on his face—instead, traces of laughter remained at his brows and eyes. So he was laughing?

The common people became angry.

The common people felt indignant for General Wei.

The common people’s pure and beautiful emotions absolutely could not be trampled like this by these two frivolous and callous young men.

Such heroic deeds worthy of tears from all who heard and sorrow from all who saw—these two actually remained unmoved and laughed mockingly? This could be tolerated, but that could not! You could insult my father and I’d tolerate it, but not crying for General Wei I cannot tolerate!

“Beat them!”

One call and ten thousand responded. The entire wine shop boiled over. Countless people flipped over stools, jumped over tables, leaped onto counters, rolled up their sleeves, took off their shoes, and rushed toward those two unlucky fellows. Eggs, peanuts, teacups, and saliva flew everywhere. The two unlucky fellows, seeing things going badly, with a crash overturned their own table, hugged their heads and dove under it, crouching there motionless.

Countless feet kicked in, leaving large footprints all over the two unlucky fellows.

Just as the beating was in full swing, a distant shout came.

“Loyal Righteous Marquis has returned to the capital… Grand Secretary leading all civil and military officials to welcome him outside the city… hurry and go see…”

With a whoosh, everyone ran off without a trace.

“Huh?” Under the table, the two unlucky fellows crouched together. One asked the other, “Isn’t the suburban welcome supposed to be tomorrow? We snuck out from the courier station—who are they welcoming?”

The other hadn’t answered yet, pondering why that shout just now sounded somewhat familiar.

Then he saw the corner of a robe stop right in front of him, and someone bent down, extending a hand with a palm white as jade.

A smiling voice rang out.

“Naturally, to welcome you.”