This scene of intimate affection was truly glaring.

Alright, she couldn’t see it.

But even unseen, it was glaring. At this moment, she truly wanted to break up every couple she encountered.

Wait, that’s not right! She pondered, her heart suddenly lurching at an unexpected discovery.

But what did that have to do with her? She slowly got up and walked toward the door.

She had walked this path for days and was familiar with it. Unlike at the beginning, she wouldn’t stumble.

“Where are you going?”

Her wrist was grasped by slender yet unusually strong fingers.

“Your people have come. It’s time for me to take my leave.” she said coolly.

“Young Master, who is this?” the woman called Ajing asked, a trace of surprise in her voice.

“Darling, she’s my lifesaver,” Pei Shisan said gently.

“I said I would find you a doctor to cure your eyes and this leprosy.” He paused, his consistently gentle tone carrying a barely perceptible hint of firmness.

“Unnecessary,” she raised her head slightly. “We were merely travelers who happened to meet on a narrow path and journeyed together for a while. Now that we’ve reached a crossroads, it’s time to part.”

She always remembered these words Huaisu had said to her.

In this life, no matter who it was, you could only walk this far with almost everyone around you. There were very few people in this world who could walk the entire journey with you.

“I’ve never liked owing people in my life,” Pei Shisan said.

“Dandy, you’ve taken care of me. You don’t owe me anymore,” she said coldly.

As she spoke, it felt like a muffled blow struck her head, causing her to bend over in pain.

“The trail markers we left along the way are indeed here—” Pei Shisan was about to say more when several voices outside the temple erupted in wild joy.

Both men and women, about six or seven people.

Pei Shisan said: “Ajing, help Miss Zhou inside the temple to rest.”

“Yes.”

Her hand was suddenly grasped by one as soft as boneless, yet firm beneath the softness – a martial artist, and a very skilled one.

She remained secretly alert. Since she had never displayed any martial arts before Pei Shisan, and his attitude was now firm, she didn’t want to create more trouble and didn’t struggle, only waiting for an opportunity to leave.

Ajing brought her back to her original position. She could feel the other’s gaze moving back and forth across her face, secretly sizing her up. At this moment, she heard Pei Shisan stride out the door, while the people outside seemed to kneel in unison.

“Reinforcements have arrived. This subordinate is late in rescue. May Your Majesty punish us.”

“Get up. Though you deserve death for letting your master experience common life here for several days. Hmm, your wages will be docked for three months.”

“Yes.”

“How boring. When told to be punished, you accept it without begging for mercy. All of you get up,” Pei Shisan snorted softly.

“We subordinates deserve death, but how should we ‘roll up’?”

The crowd said, and though the atmosphere should have been solemn, it carried hints of laughter. Between the two sides, it seemed they were accustomed to such teasing.

“Master, your injuries—”

“No problem.”

“Should we subordinates continue north to the capital to meet with Li Zhaoting, or what?”

Someone asked – a woman.

“No need. Great Zhou now actually has two rulers governing – one civil, one military. To take down Great Zhou, we need to defeat this Martial Emperor. Since we’ve already secretly observed this Martial Emperor, there’s no need to see the Civil Emperor. This place isn’t ours after all. Though reinforcements have arrived, it’s still dangerous. If you die here, who will help me complete my great enterprise?”

“Yes!”

“Xie Tao, have you found traces of that other group who pursued me that night?”

“This subordinate deserves death – still no leads.” Xie Tao’s voice carried self-reproach and hidden anger. “If this subordinate discovers them, they will definitely be torn to pieces.”

“Xie Yun,” Pei Shisan said lightly, “who do you think it was? Seventh Brother, Cao Haiquan, or Old Man Miao?”

“Master, this subordinate suspects Fourteenth Prince.” The respondent’s voice was clear and steady.

Pei Shisan hummed in agreement. “Same as I thought. Ninth Brother and Cao Haiquan don’t want me dead yet – they hope I’ll fight with Seventh Brother like snipe and clam, so they can be the fisherman who profits. Tsk tsk, but Fourteenth is different.”

He chuckled. “My dear little brother wants to kill me, but his power is weak. If I die, without my protection, what benefit would he gain? Oh right, Mother Empress would hand my people over to him. He usually acts delicate and weak – Seventh Brother and Ninth Brother wouldn’t guard against him.”

“Your Majesty,” everyone was shocked and knelt in unison. “Please don’t be sad. If Fourteenth Prince dares commit such treason, we will surely execute him!”

Pei Shisan listened quietly without a word. After a long while, he smiled and spoke: “Quan Feitong and Great Chu have close secret relations. Old Man Miao formed marriage ties with Great Zhou, but Li Zhaoting refuses to join hands with me to destroy Chu. Then I’ll first take down this Great Zhou, never giving Chu and Zhou a chance to unite. Among the Central Plains nations, Chu and Wei lead, with Great Zhou second. The hegemon will surely emerge from these three countries. Great Chu and my Great Wei are eternal enemies – war is inevitable. Before national destiny, if anyone dares block me, I will kill them, no matter who.”

“Yes, we subordinates swear to follow Your Majesty to death!”

All voices responded in unison. Finally, someone said: “That Martial Emperor Lian Yu is formidable. These years he’s made several wolf tribes howl, and has also clashed with our Great Wei. Little do they know, we’re not like those small tribes – we deliberately let him win. Sooner or later we’ll attack him by surprise.”

“Ah Hui, Lian Yu is no simple person. We must never underestimate him. If not for him forcibly stopping that great battle back then, we would have already incorporated Great Zhou into Wei’s territory.” Xie Yun’s tone was light but cautious.

“Yes, strategist.” Xie Hui snorted lightly but was convinced.

The woman said: “We should first escort you back to our country. Master’s injuries need proper rest. Master, let Wan’er help you—”

“Ah Wan,” Pei Shisan suddenly instructed, “do two things. First, give five gold ingots to a girl named Ye Qiao in this town. Second, buy several sets of women’s clothing with the finest materials.”

Everyone was stunned. At this moment, Pei Shisan had already turned to walk into the temple.

“Miss Ajing is also here!” Xie Wan seemed quite delighted.

“Eh, who’s that ragged young man? He looks so familiar.” Xie Hui said.

She had rarely feared anything in her life, yet hearing these voices and the approaching footsteps, recalling the cloud-tipped boots she first saw, her whole body trembled involuntarily.

They spoke in Wei language, and their voices weren’t loud, so they were this unrestrained. Just like Pei Shisan’s casual remark about flattening Great Zhou – so vicious yet so indifferent.

When he spoke with Ajing, she had noticed they spoke Wei language.

Aside from envoys to the two countries and a few merchants, common people couldn’t understand it, and even imperial nobles might not be fluent. But as one of the four great guards beside Great Zhou’s Son of Heaven Lian Yu, traveling between various countries, how could she not understand?

Moreover, she practiced martial arts. Her ears and eyes were several times sharper than ordinary people. Now unable to see, her hearing was even more acute. Therefore, even though it wasn’t Zhou speech and the distance was far – impossible for ordinary people – she heard everything clearly!

Pei Shisan.

Right, his surname was Pei, the same as Prince Zhennan’s heir Pei Fengji who once served as envoy to Great Zhou.

Pei wasn’t a major surname in Great Zhou, but in Wei, it was the imperial surname.

After the Wei King’s death, the successor was reportedly the talented Prince Jun, ranking thirteenth among all princes!

He said he had secretly met the Martial Emperor, meaning they had spied on Lian Yu. Her master.

In secret.

Where Lian Yu couldn’t see.

Her head ached as if ten thousand insects were gnawing at it, but she still slowly stood up. Ajing beside her tried to help but was avoided.

“Dandy,” she said slowly.

Pei Shisan walked before her and also spoke slowly: “You’re clearly someone who values relationships deeply, yet you’re solitary and proud. Clearly strong, yet incredibly fragile. Do you know why your lover abandoned you for another? Because you’re too proud. You don’t know how to show your weakness to others. But whether it’s a pity or not – it’s not really a pity. Those who don’t understand you, why bother explaining? Those who understand you will understand without explanation. Little Leper, trust me – you deserve the finest man.”

“My ancestors were originally Great Zhou people who later moved to Great Wei for business and settled there. Come with me to Wei. My Great Wei has thousands of heroic men, tens of thousands of good men. The powerful, influential, and handsome men you speak of – I’ll find them for you.”

“I spent all those days having you treat people, having you interact with others, dispelling your suicidal thoughts. I don’t want to give up halfway. I, Pei Shisan, am no good person, but you saved my life, so I must save you once in return.”

He spoke in Zhou language. Perfectly fluent Zhou speech without a trace of accent.

She listened word by word, as if struck hard by something, so bitter she wanted to scream and wail, yet so angry she wanted to kill him.

In the empty hall, there was suddenly a crisp sound, followed by everyone’s gasps.

“Audacious! You dare commit offense against your superior!”

The crowd roared angrily, accompanied by the sound of blades being drawn.

Instinctively, they all spoke Wei language.

Before she could react, her hand was still in the air.

She had struck Pei Shisan.

“No one may harm her!”

Two swords pressed against her neck as Pei Shisan shouted sternly.

“Yes, Young Master.” Xie Hui and Xie Tao hesitated briefly, then slowly withdrew.

“So be it. Since you won’t come with me, since you insist on being obsessed with past affairs without regret, then I’ll leave.” Pei Shisan said coldly. “Xie Wan, buy the clothes for her. Leave her half the banknotes you brought on this trip.”

“Ajing, darling, let’s go. Mountains high, waters far – farewell forever.”

He spoke, took Ajing’s hand, flicked his sleeves, turned and left without any lingering attachment.

“Pei Shisan.”

Just as the group’s footsteps were about to disappear at the temple gate, she slowly spoke.

“I said before – if you pity me, then pity me completely. If you can truly avoid giving up halfway, I’ll go with you.”

Ahead, it suddenly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Night surged like tide, horses neighing.

“Can you ride?” Pei Shisan asked.

She answered: “A little.”

“Good. Xie Wan, give Miss Zhou a horse. You two needn’t share one mount and suffer so.” he said.

Xie Wan immediately agreed.

She slowly walked toward the horse following the sound. Suddenly, someone said lightly: “Careful, there’s rubble ahead. Watch your step.”

She acted as if she hadn’t heard, walking straight through.

Xie Hui said curiously: “Xie Yun, what are you doing? There’s no stone or rubble in front of this woman.”

This was Wei language. That person’s earlier warning was also in Wei language.

“Xie Yun was testing her,” came Ajing’s slow voice from Pei Shisan’s arms on horseback.

“I see.” Xie Tao and Xie Wan responded.

By the horse, she broke out in cold sweat. She could distinctly feel Pei Shisan’s gaze also resting lightly on her – neither guiding, stopping, nor making a sound, but observing.

Xie Yun, Ajing. She laughed coldly in her heart.

The moment she mounted, the hidden silver needle in her hand stabbed into the horse’s belly. The horse cried out loudly, she stumbled, and fell to the ground with a start.

“Darling, you ride that horse.”

Pei Shisan spoke, setting Ajing down. Ajing hesitated briefly, then said softly: “Alright.”

He rode over to her side.

“Someone with a foul temper and stupid brain – ride together with me. Don’t die before I can take responsibility for you,” he said with a smile.

He extended a hand before her.

Without speaking, as if she could see.

And she seemed to have regained her sight, accurately grasping that hand in the surrounding crowd yet complete silence.

That hand pulled hard, bringing her onto the horse.

The whistling wind filled her ears.

Behind her was a familiar yet strange orchid fragrance.

She never imagined that someday, someone would see through her life’s absurdity, understand all her pride. Even less did she imagine that though her future was clearly hopeless, she would be filled with the will to live.

“Master, I’ve wandered since childhood, not knowing my surname or name. My new name is Zhuque. Please grant me a surname.”

“How about taking my surname?”

“This subordinate wouldn’t dare!”

“Then let it be Zhou. Little Zhou, Zhou of Great Zhou – a child of Great Zhou.”

“Lian Yu, reading this letter is like meeting you… On Zhen’s journey back to the capital, seeing post-war reconstruction and people living fearfully, my heart overflows with mixed feelings. I wonder if you feel the same.”

“Huaisu, tell me – if you hadn’t been the Feng family’s daughter, if not to compete with Li Zhaoting, would you still have taken the imperial examinations?”

“I used to think I wouldn’t, but later I understood. I once liked Young Master Li, later fell in love with your master, but whether Li Zhaoting or Lian Yu, neither should be my entire destiny. Having a heart for family and country, embracing the world – how could this be only for men?”

They seemed to rush into a forest, leaves rustling overhead, yet her lips couldn’t help but curve slightly.

Never had any moment been clearer than now – some people were definitely not her entire destiny, some things she must do, some things she must protect.

She had to get this information to Lian Yu.

Great Wei versus Little Zhou.

Undoubtedly like an egg striking stone, but no matter who it was, everyone needed moments of not knowing their own limitations.

“Little Leper,” suddenly, the person behind her spoke with a smile.

Her heart chilled. Before today, she only pitied herself and was merely curious about this person. Now, however, every drop of blood in her body was stimulated by this Great Wei’s new ruler who understood her yet made her feel as if facing a great enemy – needles hidden in silk.

“If you have something to say, say it quickly,” she spoke in her usual tone.

Sure enough, this made him laugh heartily.

“What are you thinking about so intently?”

“Oh, I’m wondering if that Ajing is the beautiful spy who just became your subordinate that you mentioned?”

“Are you seeking death speaking so loudly?” he called out softly. “She’s someone my brother sent.”

“So that’s it then.” She pretended to shout loudly.

He covered her mouth.

“I might have to perform a torturous deep love story with her – loving and killing each other. As a spy, she falls for me; as a great household’s master, I truly fall for her later. Isn’t it like a stage play? Just thinking about it is exciting.” He whispered in her ear.

“Don’t worry – only torture without love, only killing without affection. This story should be: the beautiful spy pretends to fall for you, but you truly fall for her. Later, you’re destroyed by her and her master,” she whispered back.

He paused, then burst into laughter, nearly sliding off the horse, startling the Four Xies and Ajing.

“Little Leper, I only know your surname is Zhou. What’s your name?” After going mad enough, he sat straight and asked with a smile.

“I only know you’re ranked thirteenth, and don’t know your name either. We’re just travel companions – what does it matter to know or not know?”

“What a petty girl.” His lips curved slightly. “Yixun. My courtesy name is Yixun – Pei Yixun. Remember it well. This is the name of the person who will astound you in the future. What about you?”

“I’m an orphan. I only know the surname Zhou and have no given name.”

“Oh, I’ll give you one. How about Zhou Muxun?”

“No, I think Zhou Xunmu sounds better.”

“Zhou Xunmu? I yearn for you? I bet you a whole city – im-poss-ible.”

The wind grew stronger, a storm seemed to be brewing. In the wind came his bright laughter. She suddenly turned in his embrace, gazing deeply at the path behind, and though she couldn’t see, she lifted her head slightly, letting the night like clouds and wind like waves surge toward her.

The twenty-five-stringed zither plays elegantly in the wind, broken strings leave no chance to play falling flowers. All my youthful years I give, pursuing his struggle for the realm.

[Wuqing’s story ends.]