—
Perhaps the arrival of any storm begins in an unusually quiet manner.
On the seventh day of the first lunar month, with the New Year just departed, the entire city of Zhenhuang was still immersed in a jubilant atmosphere of joy and laughter. A heavy snowfall had adorned the city in silver, and under the ice that stretched for thousands of miles, a team of horsemen was seen rapidly entering the city gates. The heavily guarded city sentries saluted the team from afar until the sound of hooves disappeared at the end of the long street.
Zhuge Yue entered his residence through the back door. All who came seeking information were blocked. The servants of Qingshan Courtyard had made preparations many days in advance. Zhuge Yue strode into the courtyard with an unchanged expression, threw his large fur coat into Yuan’er’s hands, and asked solemnly: “Where is he?”
“Inside, he has been waiting for you for a long time, young master.”
The door was pushed open, and the scent of fine sandalwood wafted out. A man in an ink-black robe stood tall, with handsome features and a resilient profile. His eyes were as sharp as swords, his imposing manner restrained, yet not lacking in dignified bearing.
Their eyes met, and they hesitated momentarily. Zhuge Yue, whose lips were usually as cold as frost, suddenly revealed a faint smile. He stepped forward, and they patted each other’s shoulders with force, then embraced in a manly hug.
“Was the journey smooth?”
Zhuge Yue removed the sword from his waist, sat down, took a sip from the man’s teacup, and asked.
Zhao Che smiled. Years of experience at the frontier and numerous ups and downs had given him a carefree and unrestrained quality. His demeanor was steady, his gaze profound. He was no longer that arrogant and domineering imperial prince from before.
“It was fine, except I’m not quite used to the powder and rouge of Zhenhuang anymore. When I passed through Shihua Square earlier, I sneezed several times.”
Zhuge Yue laughed freely: “I can hear such words, but if others did, they would probably beat you severely.”
Zhao Che snatched back his teacup, eyed him sideways, and said lightly: “You can still joke at a time like this. It seems you’re in a good mood. How about it? Have your long-held wishes finally come true?”
The usually cold Zhuge Yue seemed to be in an extremely good mood. He didn’t hide it from him, leaning back in his chair contentedly, smiling faintly: “Naturally, when I, Zhuge Yue, personally take action, how could there be any possibility of failure?”
Zhao Che rolled his eyes impatiently and said with sarcasm: “I wonder who it was that got drunk in the middle of the night and threw a tantrum in my military tent.”
Zhuge Yue’s expression remained unchanged, neither turning white nor red. He turned his head and smiled: “Do you want me to expose all your affairs? I also know someone, though there was a misunderstanding, but there was still a master-servant relationship of many years.”
“Alright, let’s talk about serious matters.”
Zhao Che immediately changed his demeanor. To show his determination to discuss serious matters, he even sat up straight. Seeing this, Zhuge Yue burst into laughter, mocking: “Look at your pitiful bearing.”
“You can still laugh and joke at this time. It seems you truly don’t take the methods of that person from Yan Bei seriously.”
Zhuge Yue was drinking tea and raised an eyebrow slightly: “You also think it’s that side causing trouble?”
“It’s obvious.”
Zhao Che sneered: “During the first northern expedition, Huaisong secretly supplied Yan Bei with provisions and military necessities, using Bian Tang’s southern water routes, taking a roundabout path through the northwest. During the second northern expedition, Huaisong repeatedly cooperated with Yan Bei to conduct military exercises in our eastern regions, attracting our attention. Yan Bei and Huaisong have secret connections unknown to others. I just don’t understand who could persuade the Nalan Princess Imperial to cooperate with Yan Bei in this duet.”
“There’s no need to know who it is. As long as we know their true intentions, it will be easier to deal with.”
Zhuge Yue said lightly, as if not wanting to waste time on this topic. He turned and asked: “How is the recent situation in the northeast? How are your preparations?”
Speaking of the northeastern situation, Zhao Che’s face involuntarily showed traces of pride. He said with dignity: “You need not worry. The northeast under my jurisdiction is solid as iron. The Roulan trade route has been opened. The Western Regions and Hu’e are vast, with countless good fields. The people are simple, and the customs are bold. We have been secretly building for two years. Now, large tracts of Eastern Hu land are under my command. With your commercial support, it has begun to show signs of prosperity. I believe that in another three to five years, the Eastern Hu region will not be inferior to our Great Xia homeland.”
“You’ve been secretly relocating people. Hasn’t the court noticed?”
“Thanks to Wei Shuye, he has been mediating for me at court. Additionally, Eastern Hu is too distant, with White Storehouse Mountain serving as a screen. The people there are already a mix of various ethnicities, so it hasn’t attracted attention from above.”
Zhuge Yue nodded and said gravely: “That’s good.”
Zhao Che sighed, patted his shoulder, his eyes showing traces of vicissitudes. He smiled slightly and said: “You have certainly done your best for Eastern Hu. If you have time, you should go see it. Bring your Xing’er and let the sisters meet.”
Hearing this, Zhuge Yue’s lips also carried traces of a smile. He teased: “That would depend on your skill. If she sees Xing’er and still speaks ill of me, encouraging her to kill me for revenge, I wouldn’t want to invite such bad luck.”
Hearing this, Zhao Che laughed heartily and said: “You’ve committed too many evils; you deserve some retribution.”
The charcoal fire crackled, and the room was warm. Time flowed like water, two years passing swiftly. The two men who once had nothing and endured the cold contempt of the world gathered here again, inevitably feeling that life was like a dream.
Years ago, when Zhao Yang’s northern expedition failed and Zhao Qi died tragically, Zhuge Yue and Zhao Che were resolutely thrown onto the battlefield when the imperial military was in decline. They led the recently defeated troops to Yanming Pass for the second northern counterattack.
In one year, they evolved from political enemies who couldn’t stand each other and spent their days scheming against one another, to allies who shared their innermost thoughts and were inseparable. One bloody battle after another watered the steel-like friendship between men and ultimately forged the most solid alliance of interests on the Western Simeng continent. The two men, experienced in the ups and downs of official careers, easily reached a consensus. From initial probing, speculation, and defense, they gradually moved to surprise, admiration, and trust. They had gone through too much bloodshed and experienced too many life-and-death situations together.
Until Zhuge Yue’s defeat at Yuegong, with his life hanging in the balance, and Zhao Che being stripped of his military power and escorted back to Zhenhuang, they temporarily lost contact.
After returning to Zhenhuang, Zhao Che did not immediately clear his relationship with Zhuge Yue. Instead, he vigorously directed his men to conduct carpet-style search and rescue operations in Yan Bei and strenuously worked to rehabilitate his name and reputation at court. However, all this ultimately angered the court officials. In the situation where the entire court unanimously kicked a man when he was down, Zhao Che was also affected, being banished to the cold and barren northeastern region to guard the frontier.
The fleeting warmth and coldness of human sentiment once again allowed Zhao Che to see the dirty face hidden under the corrupt dynasty of Great Xia. Parents and siblings, none could not abandon and kill him. With a heart full of disillusionment, he set out, but just as he was about to reach his destination, he met Zhuge Yue, who had come chasing from thousands of miles away.
The two noble sons, both having lost everything, made a vow in the howling north wind and snow to save their country through indirect means.
From then on, they, one in the north and one in the west, actively worked in corners where no one noticed, supporting each other, fighting for the patriotic blood in their bones. However, Zhao Che knew that the reason Zhuge Yue had been supporting Great Xia all along, repeatedly helping Great Xia through difficult times in the battles between Yan Bei and Great Xia, was mainly because of the debt of gratitude he owed him.
He was a person cold on the outside but warm on the inside, who would remember even a small favor in his heart.
“How is His Majesty’s illness?”
Zhao Che’s eyes slightly raised, and he said lightly: “The illness has entered a critical stage. I think he won’t last long.”
Zhuge Yue frowned slightly and said solemnly: “We still need some time.”
Zhao Che nodded, then smiled lightly: “But it’s hard to say. Many years ago, imperial physicians said his illness had reached a critical stage and his days were numbered, but after all these years, he’s still living longer than anyone. The ruler of Ten Thousand Prosperity won’t die so easily.”
Zhuge Yue turned his head, frowning: “He is, after all, your father.”
“Forget it. I’m afraid he and I only have the relationship of father and son, not ruler and subject. Back then, if Wei Shuye hadn’t pleaded for me, I might not have had the chance to be banished and would have been directly executed at Jiuyou Tower. Everyone knows what’s in each other’s hearts. Pretending to be concerned is disgusting.”
Two years of frontier wind and sand had added a soldier’s uprightness to Zhao Che. He looked at Zhuge Yue and said quietly: “What about you? How do you plan to respond to this matter?”
Zhuge Yue raised his eyes to look at him: “What do you think?”
“In my opinion, you might as well directly agree with that Huaisong Princess. See how they react. They’re counting on you to refuse the marriage, right? Do the opposite of what they expect.”
Zhuge Yue frowned slightly. This was indeed the best way to respond to myriad changes with constancy. But back then, Yan Xun had pretended to be engaged to Zhao Chun’er. Did he now have to pretend to be engaged to Nalan Hong Ye? Remembering those earnest eyes before his departure, he couldn’t help but slowly shake his head.
“So-called romance makes heroes weak—I suppose this refers to someone like you.”
Zhuge Yue smiled: “It’s not the only approach. Since they want to play, I’ll play along with them. It’s a good opportunity to attract attention and create a chance for you.”
Zhao Che said gravely: “They’re coming on strong this time. Do you have a loophole to exploit?”
“No loophole?” Zhuge Yue’s lips curled into a cold smile: “Then I’ll create one.”
Zhao Che nodded, stood up with a swish, hand on his sword hilt, his ink-black robe carrying immense pressure and imposing manner. He spoke slowly in a low tone: “Scheming and plotting are meaningless. In the end, it still comes down to the sword. Fourth Brother, we are not what we used to be. If things cannot be done, there’s no need to endure. Show your strength, and no one will dare force you.”
Zhuge Yue smiled: “You make me sound like a weak woman being forced. I appreciate your kindness. You’ve entered the city so recklessly this time, be careful of your whereabouts.”
Zhao Che said: “I had to come see you anyway. Besides, A’Rou, hearing that you finally successfully abducted her fifth sister, couldn’t just let it go. Here, this is a letter for her.”
Zhuge Yue hurriedly accepted it and impolitely opened it on the spot, saying as he read: “I better check. What if there’s instigation inside, telling her to chop me or something?”
Zhao Che burst into laughter.
Someone knocked cautiously at the door, and Yue Qi said solemnly from outside: “Young Master, the master knows you’re back, and the palace has also sent someone to summon you.”
Zhao Che put on his large fur coat, pulled up the black hood, completely hiding his face, and said solemnly: “I should go. Take care of yourself.”
“You too. Use the secret passage. Take care of everything.”
They nodded at each other. Zhao Che yanked open the door and, accompanied by Yuan’er and a few others, walked into the heavy snow.
“Young Master.”
Yue Qi entered and saw Zhuge Yue standing in the room, his figure tall, his expression calm, not knowing what he was thinking at the moment.
The feeling of having friends was indeed good. Zhuge Yue was a solitary person who didn’t even have much affection for his family brothers. Now, with Zhenhuang’s security so strict, Zhao Che could still risk coming to see him. This couldn’t help but move him. He became more determined in his thinking: to assist Zhao Che to the throne, and then take Chu Qiao away from Western Simeng. As for this world, let them fight for it. He had other things to do.
“Young Master? It’s getting late.”
Yue Qi reminded him. Zhuge Yue laughed heartily and said solemnly: “Prepare the carriage.”
Yue Qi was stunned: “Where is Young Master going?”
“To court.”
“To court?” Yue Qi asked in bewilderment: “Doesn’t Young Master need to bathe and change clothes before seeing the Emperor? Besides, Young Master is a Marshal, a military official who shouldn’t ride in a carriage, but should ride a horse…”
Zhuge Yue lowered his head, cold light slowly emerging from his long eyes. He said disdainfully: “I am not just a Marshal and military official of Great Xia, but also the Prince of Qinghai who commands five hundred thousand troops. At this point, I think they are about to forget.”
The sun pierced through the layers of clouds in the sky. Zhuge Yue strode out of the door, with Fang Chu following behind, draping the black gold fur coat over his shoulders. All eighteen gates of the Zhuge mansion opened simultaneously. Light spilled everywhere. Zhuge Yue’s face was like polished jade, his lips crimson, his back straight as he walked out of the Zhuge family’s main gate. A group of officials gathered at the gate saw him come out and immediately swarmed forward, but were held back by the Moon Guards, who kept a zhang’s distance from Zhuge Yue’s side. Zhuge Yue looked straight ahead, stepped onto the mounting stone, and boarded the magnificent eight-horse carriage, saying quietly: “Let’s go.”
“Where does Young Master want to go?” the driver turned and asked.
Fang Chu’s face was as calm as water, and he replied on his behalf in a steady voice: “Sacred Gold Palace.”
The cold wind blew into the carriage. Zhuge Yue’s expression was calm as he slowly leaned back against the soft chair.
He could not never muddy the waters. Since that was the case, he would make the situation even more confusing. No one would be able to stay aloof, and no one would be able to watch the fire from the opposite shore.