Zhuge Yue wore a deep purple robe, his sword-like eyebrows arched upward, his lips tightly pressed together with an eerily red tint, while his hands were as pale as paper. His icy fingertips gripped Chu Qiao’s arm firmly as he knelt on the ground with a sweep of his robes and said in a deep voice, “I beg Your Majesty to grant this wish.”

“Grant?” the Emperor of Xia’s voice was cold as he slowly asked, “Grant you what?”

“I beseech Your Majesty to bestow this person to me and spare her life.”

The ruler on the throne smiled slightly at the corner of his mouth, his gaze passing over Chu Qiao: “Such a grand favor.”

Zhuge Yue knelt on the ground, glancing briefly toward Yan Xun’s direction, his eyes narrowing slightly to reveal a flash of sharp brilliance. Yan Xun stood among the crowd in his white clothes, with a cold wind blowing from behind him. The men’s gazes intersected in midair, and invisible sparks exploded in the bright hall.

This was a massive hunting ground where only excellent hunters could return with a full catch. Since everyone believed themselves to be excellent hunters, why not lay everything on the table and play the game?

“Your Majesty, Yan Xun has failed to discipline his subordinates properly. I am willing to accept punishment alongside her,” Yan Xun stepped forward, knelt, and said in a deep voice.

Zhao Qi laughed coldly and slowly said, “Last month during the hunt, this woman was already freed from slave status by the Emperor. She has not been Young Master Yan’s servant for some time. Why is Young Master Yan so insistent on involving himself? What are your intentions?”

“According to Third Brother’s words, if she has been my subordinate for this past month, then shouldn’t I bear responsibility for her crimes today?” Zhao Che stepped forward in his black robe and coldly said, “Father, Li Crown Prince is known for his capricious nature. Even women walking on the street might catch his eye. Must my subordinate be put to death merely because of his whims? I cannot accept this.”

“What does the Seventh Prince mean by this?” Tang Empire’s special envoy Lord Yu Jing said sternly, “The Seventh Prince is being disrespectful by slandering our Crown Prince. Is this how the Great Xia treats its guests?”

Zhao Che raised his head, “Zhao Che has no such intention. I am merely stating a fact. Throughout his journey, Li Ce Crown Prince has spent four months, and the carriages sending women back to Tang have never stopped. The Crown Prince’s libertine character is known to all. Should someone’s life be sacrificed just because of his sudden fancy? Though the Crown Prince’s status is noble, the women of Xia are not livestock to be slaughtered at will!”

“How absurd!” Yu Jing angrily exclaimed, “It was the Xia Emperor who ordered this woman’s execution, not our Crown Prince. The Seventh Prince’s words are too far-fetched!”

Zhao Che laughed coldly, “All who have eyes can see. The Crown Prince claims he has met someone he cherishes and wishes to marry, yet shows no sorrow at hearing the Emperor’s execution order—instead, he appears excited. I ask, is this how the Crown Prince protects someone he claims to love? It’s nothing but a momentary whim, reckless talk without considering that someone might lose their life because of his passing fancy.”

“Seventh Brother is right,” Zhao Song stepped forward and said, “Father, he’s just causing trouble!”

“Silence!” the Emperor suddenly snorted coldly.

“Father!” Zhao Che knelt forward, kowtowing heavily, and said in a deep voice, “The founding principle of our Great Xia is to protect our people from foreign bullying. For centuries, our soldiers have never retreated a step on the battlefield, never ceded an inch of territory. Our ancestors spent their lives creating this foundation through military prowess. Today, are we to be defeated at our negotiation table?”

“This talk strays too far! It’s completely inappropriate!” Consort Shu scolded harshly.

“Crown Prince Li Ce,” Yan Xun suddenly raised his head, looking directly at Li Ce, and said solemnly, “If you truly care for Chu Qiao today, spare her life and choose another woman to be your consort. Chu Qiao’s status is too humble to deserve such favor from the Crown Prince. If you are merely joking, please spare her as well. She has endured hardships since childhood and weathered many storms. Please don’t cast her into an abyss of no return because of your momentary impulse!”

“People really shouldn’t joke too often,” Li Ce shook his head with a smile. “When jokes are made too often, no one believes when you try to speak the truth.”

The Emperor half-closed his eyes, deep wrinkles etched on his gaunt face. As he looked at the young woman’s thin yet stubborn back, his thoughts suddenly rushed away too many memories already dead over time. The aging emperor sighed slightly and said something no one understood: “So alike!”

The great hall fell silent, the earlier commotion completely gone. Emperor Zhengde seemed to suddenly lose interest. He waved his hand, no longer showing his previous anger, and said softly, “You may go.”

Everyone looked at each other in confusion. Those hidden intentions lurking in the darkness suddenly lost their leverage point. Emperor Zhengde’s unpredictable temper was well-known throughout the land, but no one expected him to change so quickly.

Zhao Song reacted fastest. Hearing this, he was overjoyed and kowtowed, loudly saying, “Father is wise!” Then he stood up, ran to Chu Qiao’s side, and grabbed her wrist. “Chu Qiao, come with me.”

Zhuge Yue raised an eyebrow and tightened his grip on Chu Qiao’s hand. At that moment, another force suddenly came from his side. Yan Xun stood beside him with a smile, patting his shoulder and saying lightly, “Brother Zhuge, would you care to join me for a drink?”

Music and dancing resumed, and the hundred or so seats became lively again. The Great Xia’s state banquets were known for their relaxed atmosphere where guests could move about freely. Li Ce frowned slightly and was about to step forward when Zhao Che approached and blocked his path, saying firmly, “The Crown Prince came to the military camp today, but this prince has matters to attend to. My apologies.”

Near the doorway, Chu Qiao and Zhao Song’s figures vanished in an instant. Li Ce’s gaze faltered as he raised his cup and smiled lightly, “No matter. To have experienced the Seventh Prince’s sharp rhetoric today, I have not come in vain.”

The night was pitch black, and the cold wind blew at Chu Qiao’s clothes, making her suddenly feel cold. Zhao Song took off his outer robe and draped it over her shoulders, asking with concern, “Chu Qiao, are you cold?”

Chu Qiao shook her head, looking at Zhao Song’s bright eyes, and smiled slightly, “Zhao Song, thank you.”

“You’re still saying that?” Zhao Song said unhappily, “Chu Qiao, don’t you consider me your brother anymore?”

Chu Qiao felt warmth in her heart. She reached out and gently embraced Zhao Song, saying with a smile, “We are good brothers.”

“Loyal to each other,” Zhao Song responded, then laughed heartily. He opened his arms and hugged Chu Qiao, saying loudly, “Chu Qiao, don’t fear that Tang scoundrel. I’ll help you.”

The night wind blew low, and snow-white sleeves danced in the breeze. The moonlight was clear, shining upon a man in white clothes standing beyond the flowering trees.

The affair of several royal nobles vying for a young woman was merely a small ripple in the mysterious politics of Great Xia, something people would laugh about as an amusing romantic incident over tea. The subsequent banquet was enjoyed by all hosts and guests. Crown Prince Li Ce was eloquent, charming the princesses and noble ladies. Officials from Xia and Tang appeared harmonious, conversing pleasantly.

At least, that’s how it appeared on the surface.

However, unexpectedly, after the banquet, the Emperor issued an order for Chu Qiao to remain in the palace as a female official in Shangyi Fang, under the supervision of the Internal Affairs Department.

With this, Chu Qiao’s brief military career officially ended. Regardless of whether Zhao Che’s friendship was genuine or had ulterior motives, the matter had to come to an abrupt end. When she returned to the Xiao Qi Camp to collect her belongings, Zhao Che did not meet her. She merely bowed in gratitude outside his tent before turning to follow the ceremonial officer from Shangyi Fang.

Whatever Zhao Che’s intentions, he had truly stood up for her that day in the great hall. Those words, even now when recalled, were like walking a tightrope over a cliff—one misstep could have triggered a massive bloodbath.

That Yan Xun and Zhao Song would save her was within her expectations, but as for Zhuge Yue’s intentions, she no longer wished to guess. She could only stubbornly believe that this man wanted to take her back to humiliate her and exact revenge.

She always knew clearly what she needed to do. For the rest, she had no time to consider.

The work at Shangyi Fang was very simple—just dividing the daily scrolls sent down from the Imperial Academy and delivering them to the various teaching tutors.

That day, Chu Qiao was carrying a scroll to the Imperial Academy, coincidentally arriving just as the princes finished their lessons. Passing through the corridor, she saw a group of young children gathered in a circle, laughing noisily. Through the crowd, she spotted a boy of fifteen or sixteen kneeling on the stone floor of the corridor, his neck held straight, his eyes large, with a stubborn expression.

“Sixteenth Brother, go tell Father that having Ranjia blood means you can’t read Eastern Continent books. You can’t be blamed for not memorizing them!”

The children burst into laughter. A young prince of about ten years smiled and said, “That’s right, Sixteenth Brother should go back and learn that twisting dance from his mother. I heard Ranjia’s men all know how to dance. Next time at the examination, if Sixteenth Brother just dances for Father, maybe he won’t be punished.”

The children’s mockery continued. Chu Qiao merely glanced at them before turning to walk away. She had seen too many such incidents in this magnificent palace. Years ago, she and Yan Xun had endured even more disrespectful insults and bullying. The law of survival of the fittest had always been the rule of survival here.

“Oh, excuse me.”

As she turned her head, a figure suddenly collided with her, knocking all the scrolls from her hands. The young man quickly apologized and lowered his head, efficiently picking up the fallen scrolls.

Chu Qiao was startled and also crouched down, “It’s alright, it was my carelessness. Please let me do it myself.”

The young man’s sleeves were somewhat worn white, but one could still see the fine golden dragon embroidery. He was very thin and carried a pleasant pine scent. After picking up the scrolls, he handed them to Chu Qiao, stood up, and stepped back slightly to make way. Chu Qiao thanked him as she passed, and saw the young man walk briskly to the crowd, saying nothing, just kneeling silently beside the Sixteenth Prince.

The children seemed somewhat afraid of him. When he arrived, their voices gradually quieted, and soon they all dispersed.

Chu Qiao looked for a moment, then entered the Imperial Academy. Passing the wall lanterns and the winding bright corridor, she met Zhao Song coming toward her. Seeing Chu Qiao, he smiled and came up to greet her, “Chu Qiao! Did you come to find me?”

Chu Qiao gestured to the scrolls in her arms and said, “I came to find Tutor Lu. Is he inside?”

Zhao Song snorted in disappointment, “He’s inside. Chu Qiao, couldn’t you just say you came to see me?”

Chu Qiao chuckled and said, “Yes, I came to see you, and to deliver some things on the side.”

“Haha,” Zhao Song laughed happily, “This is the first time in my life I’ve felt that Father’s decision was wise. It’s wonderful that you’re staying in the palace. I always felt that that fellow had ulterior motives toward you.”

As Zhao Song spoke, he extended his finger to make a “seven” gesture. Chu Qiao swatted his hand away, saying, “Don’t talk nonsense.”

“Am I talking nonsense?” Zhao Song tilted his head back, “We’ll see. Just be careful. Li Ce has been wandering around the palace lately. Don’t get involved with that madman. Things will quiet down after Father’s birthday. I can’t accompany you anymore. I need to visit my mother.”

“Oh, by the way, on my way here, I saw the Sixteenth Prince kneeling in the corridor. What happened?”

“Father came to check on our studies today. The Sixteenth couldn’t recite a single essay and was punished. He’s always being punished—truly a pig brain in a human head.”

“Oh,” Chu Qiao nodded, “Then you should go now.”

Zhao Song called out a farewell and turned to leave. Chu Qiao entered the teaching hall of the Imperial Academy but found Tutor Lu taking a nap. Unable to disturb him, she could only wait outside. She waited for more than two hours before the old man finally woke from his pleasant dreams.

By the time she left the Imperial Academy, the sky had darkened and rain had begun to fall. The rain was very cold this season, and there was a chill in the air. Chu Qiao’s clothes were somewhat thin. As she left the Academy, a strong wind suddenly blew. She hugged her shoulders and walked quickly through the corridor.

The wind and rain came in gusts. The crowd had long dispersed, and in the distance, only two stubborn figures could be seen kneeling upright. Faintly, muffled voices drifted through the raindrops into Chu Qiao’s ears.

“Why are you kneeling here? You’re good at your studies. Father didn’t punish you.”

A moment of suppressed silence followed, and after a long while, a young man’s low voice came:

“I am your brother.”

“I have many brothers,” the stubborn youth said in an extremely loud voice, angrily, “They are all my brothers, yet I would rather have none of these brothers!”

“I am your brother.”

The sky was dim, wind and rain fluttering. The young man’s voice was stubborn and steadfast. Though low, it carried an unmistakable heaviness.

A tile on the corridor’s roof had broken, and cold raindrops dripped through the gap, falling precisely where the two youths knelt. Stubborn as they were, they didn’t move, remaining as still as stones.

Chu Qiao’s heart suddenly felt cold, seemingly colder than the rain outside. Her eyes looked at them but seemed to see through them to something far away—too many years ago, when two children in thin clothes huddled together, defending against the omnipresent cold.

“Huh?”

Zhao Xiang frowned in confusion, raising his head to look up. The roof tile that had been leaking had somehow been repaired, and no more rainwater dripped down. He looked up, puzzled, and asked, “Fourteenth Brother, the water stopped?”

Zhao Fei frowned slightly. Suddenly hearing footsteps approaching, he raised his head and saw a slender young woman with a straight back. Unlike the usual palace maids who always kept their heads down cautiously, or those powerful women who always held their heads high, she simply walked calmly, very quiet and steady. Her thin back emanated an inexplicable warmth.

“Fourteenth Brother?”

Zhao Xiang’s voice sounded beside him, but Zhao Fei seemed not to hear. He looked at the girl’s neat clothes and white shoes. As her skirt hem fluttered, he noticed a few traces of green moss on the soles of her boots.

By the time Chu Qiao returned to Shangyi Fang, it was already late. Several female officials had already gone to bed. Chu Qiao tidied up and returned to her room. After a while, the window moved slightly, and a black figure quickly flashed out, disappearing into the courtyard in moments.

At the edge of Nine Carp Lake, a green-painted boat was moored on the shore. As the woman lifted the curtain, she immediately saw the man’s bright eyes looking up at her with a gentle smile.

“You’ve come,” Yan Xun smiled lightly, reaching out to take her hand, saying, “Have some hot tea to warm yourself.”

“I heard your wedding with Zhao Chun’er is half a month away. I figured you would be here tonight.”

Yan Xun nodded, “I’ve been waiting for you here for three nights. If you hadn’t come, I would have gone to the Imperial Academy to find you tomorrow.”

“That would be too dangerous,” Chu Qiao frowned, “The Emperor has people watching me specifically to guard against you. That day when he said he would kill me was just to test your reaction. You must be very careful.”

“Trust me with my actions,” Yan Xun put away his smile and said solemnly, “It’s time to settle accounts.”

Chu Qiao was startled, “Are you ready?”

“Fifteen days from now, the envoys from Huai Song will arrive in Zhen Huang. The Emperor will host a grand state banquet. At that time, envoys from both Bian Tang and Huai Song will enter Zhen Huang City. That will be our best opportunity.”

“Fifteen days from now?” Chu Qiao frowned and said seriously, “Isn’t that your wedding day with Zhao Chun’er?”

Yan Xun nodded, “Exactly.”

Chu Qiao was suddenly at a loss for words, her brows tightly knitted, silent.

“At that time, I will start from Duan Mu Pavilion. A Jing will be responsible for assisting you, and we will meet at the Moon Gate. The musicians will attack the Bian Tang Crown Prince in the great hall to create chaos. Members of the Da Tong Association, led by Miss Yu, will attack the foreign guest house in advance, disguised as Huai Song envoys, and assault the West Gate. We will leave through the East Gate, meet with Master Wu at the west bank of Chi Lake, and then have Yan Bei suicide soldiers impersonate us by charging out of the city through all four gates to draw the pursuing Xia army. We must cross the Cang Lang Mountain, enter the Western Frontier Snow Mountains via Despair Cliff, bypass the Zu’ao Wilderness, and circle back to Yan Bei. During this time, the Yan Bei army will take the opportunity to attack Jia Leng Pass, Bai Shui Pass, and Wa Cheng Fort to create the illusion that I have already returned to Yan Bei. Relay points have been arranged along the way. Those hidden outposts you established in the Western Wilderness earlier will serve as the first batch of support staff. Miss Yu has produced gunpowder according to your formula. Although its power isn’t as great as you described, if detonated in the temple, it will certainly cause major chaos.”

Chu Qiao was slightly dazed and remained silent after listening.

Yan Xun smiled slightly, teasing her, “What’s wrong? Too happy to speak?”

Chu Qiao chuckled and shook her head, saying, “It feels somewhat like a dream. After waiting so many years, suddenly hope is right before our eyes, and I can hardly believe it.”

Yan Xun felt a pang in his heart. He stood up, circled the small table, came behind Chu Qiao, half-knelt, and gently embraced her with his arms.

Chu Qiao’s body immediately stiffened, not daring to move at all.

Yan Xun didn’t use force, but endless warmth transferred from his body. The man’s voice was low, carrying an indescribable hoarseness and suppression: “Chu Qiao, this is not a dream. We are finally going to make it through. I will take you back to Yan Bei. From now on, no one will bully you again, and no one will take you away from me again.”

Chu Qiao was stunned. She hadn’t expected Yan Xun to speak so naturally. She suddenly felt a shameful nervousness. Despite being forty years old combining her past and present lives, she blushed like a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl. Then, a cold kiss slowly fell on the nape of her neck.

“Chu Qiao,” Yan Xun’s voice was hoarse and deep, like gentle ocean waves. He said softly, “I have never told you before, and I will only say these words once, so listen carefully. I want to thank you, thank you for accompanying me through hell for so many years, thank you for not abandoning me during the darkest days of my life, and thank you for always standing by my side. Without you, Yan Xun would be nothing—he would have died on that snowy night eight years ago. Chu Qiao, I won’t say these words again in the future. I will use a lifetime to make it up to you. Some things don’t need to be said between us; we should understand each other. Chu Qiao belongs to me, Yan Xun, and only to me. I will protect you, take you away. Eight years ago, I took your hand, and I never intended to let it go.”

Chu Qiao slowly closed her eyes. The night wind was like rustling silkworms; her heart was like mulberry leaves, being nibbled away bit by bit.

Yan Bei, Huo Lei Plain, Hui Hui Mountain…

“Yan Xun, I never had a hometown. It’s because you were there that I made your hometown my own.”

The man took a deep breath, then slowly tightened his arms. In his heart was a vast lake, warm as spring.

“Chu Qiao, trust me.”

The man sighed gently. He didn’t specify what she should trust him about, but Chu Qiao understood. She told herself silently, trust him, who else could she trust if not him? In this world, they only had each other.

Perhaps they were still too young then, not knowing what constituted worldly affairs, human nature, interests, or prospects. What storms lay ahead, what obstacles would be on the path—they knew nothing of these things. They were like two young hedgehogs; outside was a world of ice and snow, and they huddled together quietly for warmth. Yet they did not know that with time, they would eventually grow sharp spines.

Those hidden snowstorms in the darkness were finally silently approaching and would, on some suitable future day, shatter everything.

“Chu Qiao,” the man’s robe sash fluttered lightly as he turned back in the night rain and whispered.

Chu Qiao’s face was slightly flushed, her eyes bright as stars, her lips pressed tightly together, her nose straight, carrying a touch of rare heroic spirit for a woman.

“Go back and rest well. Wait for my news.”

Chu Qiao smiled brightly and nodded firmly, “Yes.”

The path ahead was shrouded in storm and rain. May had arrived, and the winter of Great Xia had passed. All things were gradually reviving, including those feelings hidden deep in the heart.