Qing Xia nodded: “I don’t know exactly what went wrong, but our place was completely identical to where we are now, and the history before Great Qin was also exactly the same. However, in our place, the Second Emperor of Qin was an incompetent, debaucherous, and muddled ruler. Great Qin fell after the second generation. A man named Liu Bang gained the world, calling it Great Han. After that came Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties in succession—there was no thousand-year unification or division into four nations as described here. According to history, this place should now be our Great Ming Dynasty, and it was from here that China began to decline.”
“Oh?” Chu Li frowned slightly: “The world is vast and full of wonders. But why did your Great Ming decline?”
“There were many reasons, but I believe the greatest cause was Great Ming’s arrogance in considering itself the Celestial Dynasty. It was proud and complacent, implemented sea bans, and practiced isolationism, unable to see foreign development. By the time others’ powerful ships and cannons broke down the national gates, it was already too late for regret.”
Chu Li nodded: “So this is the reason you advocate lifting the sea ban.”
“Yes,” Qing Xia nodded, pondering: “That’s one reason. Additionally, if you want to unify the mainland, you must lift the sea ban. Haven’t you noticed that mainland commercial monopolies are severe, with various essential national products concentrated in a few countries? This makes prolonged warfare impossible, let alone unification. Only by lifting the sea ban, having overseas supplies, and establishing new transportation lines between nations can we greatly strengthen the supply of goods, bringing us a hundred benefits with no harm.”
Chu Li’s expression darkened: “I’ve long discovered that some hidden force seems to be subtly controlling the current situation. Do you remember that Great Way Mohist Society from before? I highly suspect them.”
Qing Xia was startled: “You know about it?”
Chu Li smiled faintly: “Five years have passed—how could I not know?”
Qing Xia’s heart immediately filled with bitterness as she changed the subject: “It’s unlikely to be them. They’re devoted to supporting a monarch who can unify the world—they wouldn’t do things to obstruct your progress. But they certainly know who it is. I’ve already ordered Zhu Yuanqing to investigate. As soon as there’s news, I’ll definitely notify you.”
“It’s not that simple,” Chu Li smiled bitterly. “Prince Xuan of Qin investigated for several years without results. This tree runs much deeper than we imagine.”
At the mention of Qin Zhiyan, Qing Xia’s face immediately paled as she bit her lower lip gently and remained silent.
Chu Li stood up: “I should return as well. Early tomorrow morning I’ll be going back to Southern Chu. Take extra care of yourself.”
Qing Xia also stood with him, nodding: “You too. On the battlefield, swords are blind and situations change instantly. Yan Hui is cunning and treacherous, the Xiongnu are fierce and brutal. Even… even Qin Zhixiang cannot be easily trusted. You must handle all these complex relationships well and take good care of yourself.”
Chu Li smiled warmly and nodded. After taking two steps, he suddenly turned back: “Qing Xia, I want to ask you—if I destroy Xichuan and truly move against Northern Qin, would you want me to win?”
Qing Xia was immediately stunned, unable to speak for a long time.
Chu Li smiled bitterly, forcing himself to appear spirited: “I’m forcing you into a difficult position. Northern Qin is, after all, the place he guarded for half his life.” Having said this, he turned to leave.
“If there really comes a day when life and death must be decided, I hope you win.”
Just as he turned, the woman’s voice said firmly behind him. Chu Li’s body trembled as he stopped, his expression greatly changed, but he didn’t turn back.
Qing Xia picked up the cloak, walked up from behind, stood on tiptoes to drape it over Chu Li’s shoulders, reached her arms around to his front to tie the sashes. Her warm breath softly brushed his nape, fragrant as orchids, her voice gentle: “Not for Southern Chu, nor for Great Qin, but because I know you are more than Qin Zhixiang—a brilliant ruler who can expand territory and create a prosperous age. You grew up in adversity from childhood, possessing firm resolve and compassion for the people, which can be seen from how you value court ministers and don’t rule autocratically. The mainland has been ablaze with war for three hundred years—it’s time for a good rest. Moreover…”
The woman’s voice paused as she thought silently before continuing: “Moreover, he left long ago. Northern Qin no longer means anything to me, while you… the affection of five years together in the great desert, I can never repay in this lifetime.”
Chu Li’s body stood firmly in place. Qing Xia stood behind him, reaching out to grasp his hand from behind. Her palm was small but firm as she said gravely: “Chu Li, I hope you win and am willing to help you win. Therefore, you must take care of yourself and return safely to see me—to see how I pacify the maritime borders for you, sweep away pirates for you, bring those Eastern and Western peoples under your command for your use, making them the wolf-like elite troops for your future northern campaigns.”
Chu Li gripped tightly with his hand, suddenly nodding: “Good. Then you must wait for me. That day in the great hall, you personally said you would advance and retreat with me, never speaking of separation. Don’t ever forget that.”
Qing Xia silently nodded as she watched Chu Li’s figure stride away and disappear into the palace, vanishing into the night. Faintly, she seemed to still see the swaying jade pendant with its peace knot, light and shadow flowing, casting small characters for “peace” across the ground as it swayed.
Peace, peace—after parting for years, only seeking peace.
The next day was Chu Li’s departure for Chu. Early in the morning, Qing Xia and a group of remaining Eastern Qi veteran ministers and Southern Chu subjects gathered at the south city gate to respectfully see off the Chu Emperor’s carriage.
Chu Li wore traveling military attire, accompanied by large numbers of personal guards—a magnificent procession of over a hundred thousand people. After receiving obeisance from all officials, he departed efficiently. As Chu Li’s close minister and southeastern provincial governor, Qing Xia accompanied him for over thirty li, sending him off until sunset before being called to halt by Chu Li.
Under the setting sun’s reflection, the two—one in black, one in white—sat on tall warhorses on the grass-covered official road, facing each other wordlessly. Behind them stood over a hundred thousand Southern Chu troops, silently waiting like a pile of speechless stones.
Chu Li gazed at the sunset on the horizon, quietly saying nothing. Qing Xia stayed beside him, also not speaking, until the ceremonial officials’ urging sounds arose again. Only then did Chu Li turn his head, gazing steadily at Qing Xia with just two words: “Take care!”
Qing Xia nodded vigorously: “I’ll wait for your return.”
Chu Li smiled. Just then, a sudden wind blew, raising clouds of yellow sand. Everyone had to shield their eyes with their hands, squinting. In this lightning-fast moment, the black-robed man sitting on horseback suddenly leaned over and quickly kissed Qing Xia’s cheek.
Qing Xia was greatly startled, but by the time she reacted, Chu Li had already spurred his horse far away. With a shout, the ceremonial officials immediately called out loudly as the great army magnificently departed southward with thundering hoofbeats, disappearing from sight in moments.
Qing Xia stood dazedly in place, both annoyed by his boldness and resisting a trace of guilt in her heart, yet subconsciously feeling an irrepressible hint of joy. Her face flushed red as she suddenly shook her head vigorously, leading her two thousand attendants back toward Haishi.
Before even returning to the city, trouble found her. Scouts reported that before she could return to the city, Dongfang Li had already returned home early claiming physical discomfort, clearly unwilling to welcome this new governor. With the powerful backing setting an example, Eastern Qi officials followed suit with various strange excuses—even reasons like “mare giving birth at home” were grandly presented. When Qing Xia returned to the city gate, only a sparse few Eastern Qi minor officials and Southern Chu military generals remained waiting for her. Even Southern Chu civil officials didn’t give face to this governor. Those remaining were probably only there to watch the show.
Qing Xia remained composed and unangered, directly returning to her residence. After Chu Li left, he had bestowed Dasha Palace upon her as her mansion.
Qing Xia spent half the evening in her study, adjusting her completed plans and carefully deliberating. When Jingyu urged her to sleep, Qing Xia was also tired. After stretching and bathing, she prepared for bed. Just then, she heard commotion outside the hall—someone seemed to be knocking.
Qing Xia told Jingyu to look, but before the maid could go out, Le Song ran in with a panicked expression: “Miss, something terrible has happened.”
Qing Xia frowned: “What terrible thing? Tell me slowly.”
“Young General Zhaonan defeated the last Southern Xiongnu force, seized their grain supplies for the Northern Xiongnu. The Northern Xiongnu now recognize Yan Hui as master and have declared allegiance. The earliest groups have probably already entered Xichuan territory.”
“Yan Hui actually opened Xichuan to the Xiongnu people?”
“Yes.”
Qing Xia’s thoughts immediately became chaotic as she paced back and forth in the room, repeatedly murmuring: “Yan Hui wouldn’t be someone who disregards the big picture like this. How could he let Xiongnu people enter the border? It’s easy to invite gods but hard to send them away—what exactly is he planning? What’s his scheme? Isn’t he afraid the Xiongnu will turn the tables, occupy Xichuan’s strategic passes, and harbor different intentions? Do the Xiongnu really dare confront Qin Zhixiang?”
“Oh no!” Qing Xia suddenly stopped with a greatly changed expression, saying fearfully: “His target isn’t Northern Qin—it’s our Southern Chu. Chu Li is in danger!”
In the brightly lit Haishi military camp, all military officers were awakened in the middle of the night. Each showed resentful expressions, looking dismissively at Qing Xia sitting in the central command tent. If not for Lu Zhongyong’s support there, someone might have already left in a huff.
The lamplight flickered and crackled as the leather tent was blown loudly by the north wind. Qing Xia sat in the center with a calm expression, showing no emotion, only faintly looking at and playing with a white jade button in her hands, making tinkling sounds as if she couldn’t hear the occasional grumbling from the generals below.
Lu Zhongyong was also completely confused, asking doubtfully: “Governor, what brings you here in the deep of night?”