“Langjun, have you missed this slave?”

A woman’s voice suddenly came from behind, soft and enchanting, so alluring it seemed to melt into one’s bones.

Li Mu was startled, and suddenly, his whole body grew hot with blood.

He truly was drunk tonight. Otherwise, why would even her voice suddenly appear as an illusion by his ear?

He spun around abruptly and saw a woman emerge gracefully from behind a clump of reeds by the riverbank.

The moonlight illuminated that delicate face that had entered his dreams countless times and disturbed his peace of mind.

Luoshen by the water’s edge appeared before his eyes!

His pupils suddenly dilated to their fullest—this was the most instinctive human reaction when suddenly seeing one’s beloved.

She smiled radiantly, standing prettily by the water’s edge, her gaze also falling upon him.

Li Mu had just risen from the water, standing naked with legs apart in the stream, the water reaching his thighs. His entire body was dripping wet, gleaming with a lustrous sheen like oil. His frame was magnificent, muscles clearly defined, and beneath every exposed ridge and valley of sinew that rose and fell subtly, there seemed to lurk terrifying immense power that could explode forth at any moment.

Under the moonlight, he looked like a statue of a war god emanating an awe-inspiring divine majesty that commanded worship from above to below.

Her gaze lingered on his body for a moment, a trace of misty desire flickering in her eyes. Unable to help herself, her eyes moved down from his face, along his chest and abdomen, continuing downward until they finally fixed on a certain spot.

In just an instant, Li Mu’s pupils contracted and darkened. The joy that had appeared in his eyes moments before upon suddenly seeing his beloved vanished without a trace.

His gaze instantly turned ice-cold. Expressionless, he met the woman’s eyes on the shore, waded to the bank, picked up the clothes he had earlier removed and placed on the beach stones, dressed himself, turned around, and said coldly: “Murong Zhe?”

The woman was startled and finally withdrew her gaze from his body, coming back to her senses. Her expression returned to normal as she laughed charmingly and nodded: “I thought I could at least trick you into saying a few more words.”

This time her voice had changed, returning to her natural tone, though her manner remained intimate, as if the two shared a close relationship and had always been so familiar.

Li Mu said: “Remove that face!” His tone was cold and commanding.

Murong Zhe gently touched her own face. Not only did she refuse to comply, she moved closer to him, her eyes tender and alluring as she looked over: “Governor Li, don’t you think I look just like your wife right now? I put tremendous effort into this. On such a moonlit night, since you’re thinking of her, wouldn’t it be perfect for me to impersonate her for you?”

Li Mu’s eyes narrowed slightly, a gloomy murderous light suddenly flashing in their depths. His hand moved slightly, and he had already drawn his sword from its sheath. The blade gleamed as it slashed toward the woman’s face.

“Seeking death.”

His words were concise and brief, showing no anger yet carrying not the slightest emotion.

Murong Zhe hadn’t expected him to strike with killing intent immediately. Greatly alarmed, she hurriedly dodged, using all her strength to lean backward. She barely managed to avoid the sword slashing toward her face, but still felt a chill across her features as a section of hair on her forehead was severed by the blade, falling in a rustling shower.

She immediately recalled that day on the wasteland near Yicheng when he had brutally crippled her brother’s arm. Terror filled her, and even her makeup couldn’t hide the sudden pallor of her face beneath. Before the man could raise his sword a second time, she quickly retreated: “Enough! I’ll remove it now!” She hurried to the water’s edge, crouched down, cupped water in her hands, and began washing her face. Soon she had washed away the disguise, restored her original features, and stood up with a forced smile: “Governor Li, are you satisfied now?”

The moonlight revealed the wet, pale, beautiful face of a woman.

Li Mu sheathed his sword.

“What brings you here?” His tone returned to calm indifference.

Murong Zhe no longer dared to jest with him and spoke seriously: “I’ve come on this trip bearing a message from my uncle, His Majesty the Emperor of Great Yan, for Governor Li.”

Not long ago, while Li Mu was dedicating his efforts to military campaigns to recover Longxi, Murong Xi, who had earlier fled back to Dragon City, had also defeated the Rouran people, completely controlled Xiao Pass, eliminated several large and small forces in the vicinity, and in recent days had fought against Beixia, achieving victory. He had pushed his territory to Shuozhou and Youzhou, then reestablished the Yan state in Yan Commandery, proclaiming himself emperor.

The vast northern borderlands north of Youzhou had almost entirely fallen into the hands of the Murong clan.

She withdrew a letter from her bosom, holding it respectfully with both hands as she presented it.

Li Mu didn’t take it, only saying: “I have never had dealings with the Xianbei people. What does he want?”

Seeing he wouldn’t accept the letter, Murong Zhe slowly withdrew it, steadied herself, and said: “Uncle has long heard of Governor Li’s reputation. When Governor Li captured Chang’an, Uncle said that Longxi would soon belong to the Governor. Indeed, today’s success proves him right. Congratulations.”

Li Mu remained silent.

Murong Zhe paused briefly.

“Governor Li must know that my uncle defeated the Rouran and has reestablished Yan state in Yan Commandery. Uncle knows that after Governor Li pacified Longxi, you intend to take Luoyang. I won’t hide the truth—Great Yan also regards Luoyang as essential. The fact is, in the past, our Xianbei people suffered greatly under the Jie people’s humiliation. Taking Luoyang and avenging our national shame is an unshakeable vow made by all members of our Murong clan. We will spare no cost, even if it means being shattered to pieces, to fulfill this oath!”

“When two tigers fight, one must be wounded. My uncle regards Governor Li as a hero recognizing another hero and truly doesn’t wish to be your enemy. The wealth of Guanzhong is coveted by everyone in the realm. My uncle also had intentions of seizing Longxi, but since Governor Li has already taken the lead, Uncle accepts this. Governor Li, Longxi’s vast fertile plains are now all under your control. Though you hold the title of Southern Dynasty Governor, what difference is there between you and a king? Why not proclaim yourself emperor in Chang’an from here on, and from then on, in this vast realm, stand supreme and alone? Even that Southern Dynasty—if Governor Li has the ambition, you could certainly replace it in the future!”

She gazed at Li Mu, her eyes sparkling.

“Governor Li, the meaning in my uncle’s letter is that he wishes to make a pact with you. Today, you occupy Chang’an, Great Yan will take Luoyang to fulfill our long-cherished wish. In the future, we’ll use Tong Pass and the Huai River as boundaries, each establishing our own domains without interfering with the other.”

“My uncle says that as long as you agree, he will faithfully keep the oath and is willing to seal the alliance with blood with Governor Li, never breaking his word. If you have ambitions for the entire Southern Dynasty, wherever you need assistance, Great Yan will also lend its full support.”

“Even I, Murong Zhe…”

She slowly moved closer to Li Mu, her voice once again becoming soft and alluring.

“Though I may be useless, I can still accomplish some things. If Governor Li has need, I could also remain here. Whatever the matter, I could serve at your disposal…”

Her voice gradually grew softer, her high chest rising and falling slightly as she watched him with eyes full of anticipation, her gaze unwavering.

Li Mu looked at this noble-blooded Xianbei woman before him who was trying to persuade him. After a moment of silence, the corner of his mouth slowly lifted, revealing an expression that was neither quite a smile nor not.

“Barbarians and Han cannot coexist.”

“Not to mention Luoyang—even today’s Youzhou and Shuozhou have, since ancient times, been lands of our Middle Kingdom.”

The corner of his mouth pressed together, and his smile disappeared.

“Princess Murong, go back and tell your clansmen to return to your ancestors’ lands. All who covet our Han territories and divide our realm are enemies of Li Mu. As long as I live and breathe, I will drive out and annihilate each and every one, without exception.”

The expectant look in Murong Zhe’s eyes slowly faded.

“Governor Li, previously you took Tong Pass but later withdrew to defend Chang’an due to instability in Longxi. Now that you’ve secured Longxi, your next intention must be to advance eastward, retake Tong Pass for the second time, and set your sights on Luoyang.”

“I’ve lived in the Southern Dynasty for some time. From what I know, today’s Yu state—not just the nobles, but even the imperial family—has long lost any intention of recovering the northern territories. Everyone seeks their own profit, and peaceful coexistence is considered the greatest blessing. This is also human nature. Who in this world doesn’t exist for their own benefit? My uncle’s original intention was to befriend you, with everyone taking what they desire. Wouldn’t that be best?”

“Your reputation in the Southern Dynasty is already at its zenith. The battle of Chang’an alone is enough to ensure your prestige among the Han people remains unshakeable. I truly cannot understand why you must engage in great warfare with Great Yan over Luoyang. With such a good opportunity now, why don’t you establish yourself as king?”

She stared at Li Mu, her eyes unblinking.

“Governor Li, in my life, Murong Zhe has never submitted to anyone. The men of this world, in my eyes, are as cheap as pigs and dogs. I alone respect you as a true man. Let me advise you—in the future, when your achievements tower above your master, even if you still consider yourself a subject, others may not be able to tolerate you. Please think carefully.”

Li Mu smiled faintly.

“The Southern Dynasty’s royal family may indeed be no good sort, but aren’t you Xianbei Murong clan also duplicitous scoundrels? There’s no need to say more. This place is beside my camp, not somewhere you can remain. Go.”

Infinite disappointment appeared in Murong Zhe’s beautiful eyes.

This princess, who in Yan state made countless men of the clan fall for her and pursue her devotedly, stared fixedly at the Han man before her. Seeing his expression deep and stern, his tone cold, and remembering that sword strike from before, she still felt lingering fear. She no longer dared employ before him those methods that had never failed her with other men. After one last look at him, she reluctantly and slowly put away the letter and turned to leave step by step.

Li Mu watched her retreating figure and suddenly called: “Stop.”

Murong Zhe immediately halted, quickly turning around with expectation showing in her eyes.

“Just this once—I’ll spare you considering this your first offense. Next time you dare appear before me wearing my wife’s face, if you fall into my hands, I definitely won’t be lenient.”

Li Mu’s tone was very calm, but the threatening intent in his words struck like a physical blow.

Murong Zhe’s expression changed slightly. She lowered her eyes and quietly said “I understand,” then quickly departed, her figure rapidly disappearing into the night.

Li Mu returned to camp, entered his large tent, lay down facing upward, casually opened that book of poetry, placed it over his face, and in the faint scent of ink that surrounded his nostrils, closed his eyes and fell into deep contemplation.

More than half a month ago, while he was still conducting military campaigns to completely eliminate Xianbei forces from this land of Longxi, he received news that great changes had occurred in the Southern Dynasty. Prince Xin’an Xiao Daocheng had died, and the court was again banning the Celestial Master religion. Not only that, they had also ordered the capture of the sect leader Wu Cang. Unexpectedly, Wu Cang escaped and subsequently mobilized his disciples and followers. Using the claim that he was the heavenly king descended to save all people and promising future private land distribution as bait, he incited believers to openly rebel.

The Great Yu court was controlled by aristocratic families. From top to bottom, large and small aristocratic clans and local strongmen affiliated with these families extensively occupied mountains, forests, fields, and marshes. The vast majority of the population had pitifully little land they could cultivate themselves. Many could only survive by depending on manor estates. Added to this, for many years weather had been unfavorable—either floods here or poor harvests there. Though the court provided tax reductions and exemptions, people’s lives remained extremely difficult.

The more this was the case, the more popular the Celestial Master religion became among the people, with altars widely distributed and numerous believers. When Wu Cang made such incitements, believers rose up accordingly. Local officials, powerful aristocrats, and even families with some property were all considered enemies. Regardless of whether they were good or bad, all were killed and their wealth distributed. They also looted and burned government granaries in various locations and forced ordinary people to join them. Those who refused were also executed on grounds of defying heaven’s will. For a time, people were terrified. The rebellion swept through Wu territory, then spread to cover commanderies throughout the Southern Dynasty heartland with tremendous momentum, shocking Jiankang.

Gao Qiao had already deployed troops and was now working with full effort to suppress the rebellions in various locations.

When Murong Xi restored his state and proclaimed himself emperor in Yan Commandery, Li Mu already knew his intentions.

What he wanted—how could it be merely Luoyang? From Youzhou to Luoyang, the intervening central plains states of Ji, Bing, and Zhong—weren’t these all fat meat that the Xianbei coveted?

After recovering Longxi, he indeed intended to take advantage of Yan state’s unstable foundation to advance eastward first and block the Xianbei’s southern route.

But he was also somewhat concerned about the Southern Dynasty’s situation.

In this lifetime, many things were already different from what he had known before.

For example, Xiao Daocheng had died so early in that mysterious palace upheaval night.

But somehow, some things seemed destined to still occur.

Like this Celestial Master rebellion.

He remembered that last time, the Celestial Master rebellion seemed to have originated from Prince Xin’an’s attempt to install another sect leader. Moreover, if he remembered correctly, the upheaval should have occurred at year’s end, not now.

But things had happened exactly like this, occurring earlier than expected.

He remembered that Luoshen’s parents, Gao Qiao and the Eldest Princess, had died in this religious rebellion in his previous life.

At that time, he had not yet entered Jiankang’s power center and didn’t know the detailed sequence of events very well. He only knew that then, religious rebellions in various places had been suppressed by Gao Qiao, with only scattered remnants still resisting desperately. Subsequently, he had gone to rescue the Eldest Princess, who had left Jiankang for unknown reasons, encountered a siege, and finally both had died together within the besieged city.

Based on his intuition, such events shouldn’t happen again in this lifetime. If Gao Qiao remained safe, with the Guangling Army’s military strength, suppressing this religious rebellion should present no major problems—it was only a matter of how long it would take.

This was also why he hadn’t been overly distracted before.

But in the depths of his heart, he did indeed harbor another hidden worry.

He was concerned about Xu Mi.

Though in his previous life, Xu Mi had rebelled and captured Jiankang only several years after Gao Qiao’s death.

But now the situation was different. Xu Mi no longer had the opportunity to control the court for an extended period after Gao Qiao’s death as he had before.

But his ambitions might not necessarily disappear.

Li Mu worried he might, like Xiao Daocheng, be forced by circumstances to act early.

If he remained unreconciled and took advantage of the Celestial Master rebellion, this would obviously be the perfect opportunity.

Gao Qiao must have thought of this point as well. When the Celestial Master rebellion began, he immediately ordered Xu Mi’s transfer to Jiangzhou Governor. Knowing he would certainly delay using various pretexts, Gao Qiao also dispatched a military force under the pretext of distributing military supplies to station near Jingzhou and monitor the situation.

If Xu Mi took desperate risks and rebelled during this chaos, then Gao Qiao would not only have to guard against Jie forces from north of the river and suppress the Celestial Master rebellion, but also divide his forces to respond to Xu clan armies from Jing-Xiang.

Once attacked simultaneously on three fronts, no matter how valiant the Guangling Army, they would likely be unable to withstand it.

Longxi was already settled. Actually, he need only send someone immediately to bring Luoshen, his mother, and others to Chang’an. Here, he could continue according to his original plan to first advance east to Tong Pass, secure Luoyang, then clean up the aftermath afterward—this might even prove twice as effective with half the effort.

Tonight, that Xianbei woman Murong Zhe’s unexpected visit made the hesitation in his heart even more prominent.

He knew he had to make a choice.

On one side was the Eastern Capital Luoyang, the cherished destination of his northern expedition that he had been unable to complete in his previous life, now within reach.

On the other side was a possibility—that the majestic and magnificent imperial capital that had once crushed all his ambitions might suffer a great disaster.

In his mind, a scene from deep in his memory suddenly surfaced.

At that time, he was still Governor of Yanzhou and General Zhenguo. After pacifying Xu Mi’s rebellion and retaking Jiankang, he had rushed to rescue her, who had already lost both parents and been widowed for years, having followed the emperor and empress in fleeing Jiankang to seek refuge.

She had been very ill. When he found her in her hiding place, that look of complete helplessness and obvious terror, yet still trying to maintain the proper demeanor of an aristocratic lady before him, a stranger, as she solemnly thanked him—even now when he recalled it, he still felt heartache.

He also remembered after he took Chang’an and returned to Jiankang, that night when Gao Qiao, excited by drink, had lost his composure and carved characters on the wall with his sword, insisting that he practice calligraphy with him.

If Xu Mi truly took advantage of the Celestial Master rebellion to raise troops and cause trouble, then this man—whom he sometimes feared to approach yet couldn’t help but respect for maintaining some traces of childlike sincerity despite his high position and ups and downs in political waters—would likely face the greatest calamity of his life.

He was also the father of the woman he loved.

Luoyang could be planned for later.

Between some people and matters and Luoyang, which was more important—how could he not know? He simply had never made the decision until now.

Li Mu slowly opened his eyes, removed the book from his face, sat up, and finally rose to summon someone, ordering them to invite Jiangtao—there were matters to discuss.