In February, Datong fell. Liu Jian and his remaining forces fled north toward the Xiongnu ancestral lands, where they were pursued to Tuiyuan City and died in the chaos of battle.

Li Mu led his army into the city. All the Xiongnu people prostrated themselves on the ground, trembling with fear, not daring to look directly at him.

The Liang Kingdom was thus destroyed.

This was also the fall of the last regime established by barbarian invaders in the Central Plains that had claimed imperial status, following the destruction of Jie Xia, Xi Jin, Bei Yan and other kingdoms.

Since the Yu Dynasty retreated to the south, the Central Plains had been fragmented and fallen into enemy hands.

For many years, though the Southern Dynasties, including the Dayu court, had seen志士 successively launch northern expeditions, none had ever succeeded in completing their mission. Until Li Mu emerged from nowhere, carved his achievements at Mount Yanran, and unified the Central Plains.

This news spread as if on wings, quickly reaching Chang’an, Luoyang, crossing the Yangtze River to Jiankang, and spreading throughout the eight provinces and hundred commanderies of the Southern Dynasty.

The Xiao house still bore the imperial name, yet like the last yellow leaf clinging desperately to a withered winter branch, it existed in name only.

A new dynasty would be established—this was the trend of the times and the will of the people.

In Jiankang City, everyone now eagerly awaited Li Mu’s crossing of the river to return south.

At the end of February, Li Mu headed south. When passing through Datong, the former capital of the Liang Kingdom, he stayed several days to arrange border defense matters in the north.

After Liu Jian proclaimed himself emperor here, he had spent enormous sums modeling after Han palaces to build a magnificent palace for his enjoyment. When fleeing previously, he had set fires that destroyed more than half the buildings. Li Mu, passing through on his return, ordered the ruins cleared and planned to convert the old palace into granaries and armories.

Though the Xiongnu who had occupied this land for years had been expelled, many barbarian tribes still lived north of Yanmen Pass.

Though Liu Jian was dead, the Xiongnu were not extinct. To prevent future troubles, he planned to use Datong as a center and establish military garrisons at various fortresses for long-term defense.

As night fell, he stood behind the battlements atop the city wall, gazing toward the south thousands of li away as memories flooded his mind.

The homeless youth who had crossed the river south with his mother, pursued by rebel soldiers with arrows falling like rain—he had watched helplessly as fellow travelers were shot and fell into the water. The rolling river instantly and mercilessly swallowed all the struggles and cries of those floating within it.

Many years later, at this moment, if he could meet that youth of that day again, he could finally say: the vow you made that day, today I have fulfilled for you.

Though the rivers and mountains bore many scars, fortunately they endured through the ages, and now everything could be rebuilt from the beginning.

Li Mu’s thoughts surged as he unconsciously opened his hand, his gaze falling on his palm where an old scar remained from an iron nail’s piercing.

A military clerk approached. Seeing him gazing down intently at his open palm with a solemn expression, not knowing what he was looking at or thinking about, the clerk hesitated to interrupt and stopped nearby.

Li Mu asked what he wanted.

Only then did the clerk report that while clearing the palace, they had discovered something unusual in a cold palace.

In the northwest corner of the Liang palace, several soldiers passing by a rarely visited ruined hall heard a woman’s suppressed sobbing from within. Following the sound inside, behind cobweb-covered curtains they found an old palace maid weeping quietly. On a nearby bed lay another woman.

The woman appeared young, her belly greatly swollen as if about to give birth. Her hair was disheveled, face gaunt, eyes vacant, lying on her back staring at the dark ceiling above. At first motionless like a corpse, when soldiers burst in, her wooden face showed terrified shame. She curled her body tightly into a ball, trembling all over, constantly murmuring something that seemed to be in Xianbei.

The soldiers didn’t understand and asked the old palace maid, but she wasn’t Han either and couldn’t communicate. Suspecting the woman was a remnant from Liu Jian’s harem, they reported to the clerk. The clerk found a Xianbei speaker who finally understood the young woman was saying “don’t touch me.” After questioning the old palace maid, they finally learned the woman’s identity.

This young woman was Princess Murong Zhe of Bei Yan, who had been married to Xi Liang for political alliance.

That day at Zijing Pass, when Murong Ti left without notice, Liu Jian was already defeated. Learning of Murong Zhe’s escape, he flew into a rage. After recapturing her, he subjected her to all manner of humiliation to vent his fury. Later discovering she was pregnant, he brought her back to Datong and threw her into the cold palace.

Two months ago when Datong fell, Liu Jian abandoned the heavily pregnant Murong Zhe when he fled.

After enduring such inhuman torment, Murong Zhe fell gravely ill and became like a walking corpse. Under the care of this old palace maid who hadn’t escaped, she carried her belly and barely survived until today.

Murong Zhe had been a Bei Yan princess, and now Murong Xi, leader of the Xianbei Murong tribe, had submitted to Li Mu. The clerk couldn’t decide on his own, so he came to report and ask Li Mu for instructions.

Li Mu felt somewhat surprised. He hadn’t expected that the formerly cunning and unscrupulous Murong family woman would be left here today, fallen to such a state.

He pondered briefly, then said: “Send word to Murong Xi—have him send people to handle this matter.”

The clerk acknowledged and left.

Li Mu lowered his head, again gazing at the nail scar in his palm.

Heaven and earth were heartless, treating all things as straw dogs. He never believed in the notion that every drink and peck was predetermined, yet in the mysterious workings of fate, he truly was extraordinarily fortunate.

That year, when that same youth who had crossed the river was nailed outside the estate gates at the moment of despair, an ox cart carrying a little girl passed leisurely by, leaving behind a trail of melodious bell sounds.

Looking back today after many years, if the ox cart had taken another path, or passed earlier or later, perhaps he would have died there.

Or perhaps, even if he had somehow survived, his life would never have included her appearance.

He couldn’t imagine what he would have been like without her in his life.

Heaven had been so kind to him. That day, not a moment earlier, not a moment later—at precisely that moment the girl passed before him, turning from the corner of the ox cart’s window to look at him, casting one glance his way.

It was that one glance that bound his two lifetimes together with the girl named Luoshen. Though the previous life ended in regret, this life had completely made up for it.

Before his eyes appeared the scene of her once grasping his hand, pressing her soft lips to the wound on his palm, imprinting a kiss of tender compassion.

He slowly clenched his fist, as if by doing so he could again feel the warmth of the kiss she had left on his palm that day.

Everything was accomplished, the dust settled.

He missed her so deeply, wishing he could sprout wings and return to her side as quickly as possible.

…

Li Mu crossed the river and returned to Jiankang at the end of March that year.

Gao Yin, Jiang Tao who had returned south recently, court officials, and governors from various regions—no fewer than a thousand people—all came out of the city.

The common people competed to pour from their homes, lining the roads to welcome him. Every face was written with awe and anticipation for the new dynasty and new governance to come.

Li Mu met Gao Huan who had come to receive him. His first words asked about Luoshen. Learning she wasn’t in the city but had been staying at Bailu Zhou these days, he immediately turned his horse to go there.

“Brother-in-law!”

Gao Huan called out to stop him.

Li Mu turned to look at him, asking what else he needed.

“Sister, she…”

He spoke halfway, glanced at Li Mu who had obviously traveled through the night to return, imagined the possible reaction when he saw his sister, then forcibly held back and said with a grin: “Sister misses brother-in-law terribly. Knowing you were returning soon, she probably hasn’t slept well these past few days. Brother-in-law should hurry—don’t keep my sister waiting!”

Li Mu instinctively felt Gao Huan was hiding something, but eager to see Luoshen immediately, he didn’t say more. After giving him a suspicious look, he spurred his horse forward.

He galloped at full speed. In less than half an incense stick’s time, he reached the ferry, took a boat across the water, and gradually approached Bailu Zhou. This startled the guards, who were overjoyed to see his return. They rushed forward to pay respects and were about to run ahead to announce him, but Li Mu stopped them, ordering that they needn’t disturb his wife—he would go in himself.

In Jiankang City today, almost everyone had left their homes. The streets bustled with activity like a festival. But here, the island was completely tranquil.

In late spring’s third month, cherry blossoms bloomed magnificently with bees and butterflies flitting among flowers. On the river banks in the distance, a flock of white egrets soared with wings spread, occasionally releasing clear calls that added to the peaceful atmosphere.

That great door was not far ahead now.

During these years, time had passed unknowingly in this pattern of separation and reunion, reunion and separation with her.

But this time felt somewhat different for Li Mu.

Replacing the former dynasty, ascending the throne and establishing institutions, becoming emperor of this realm—everything seemed natural and inevitable.

But before that moment arrived, he wanted her by his side, to enter Jiankang together and receive the reverence of all people, to be emperor and empress of this realm together.

Without her, there would be no him today.

“Madam should go inside. Even if Li Langjun returns today, with so many affairs in Jiankang, by the time he comes here it surely won’t be early.”

“…I’m not tired. It’s rather stuffy inside. Standing here a while is no matter…”

Suddenly, voices drifted faintly through the flower wall ahead.

Li Mu’s heart surged with excitement. All the fatigue accumulated from days of travel left him the moment he heard her voice.

Knowing she had come out awaiting his return, he was about to quicken his pace to appear and meet her when the maid’s laughing voice came again: “Such continuous happy events now! Eldest Princess wrote recently saying Master’s injuries have healed and he’ll return soon. Not only do we have Seventh Young Master at home, but in a few months when Madam gives birth too, it will be even livelier. Not to mention Li Langjun has also returned. Today in the city, who knows how lively it must be…”

Li Mu’s steps paused as he processed this, momentarily stunned, hardly believing his ears. Suddenly remembering the slightly mischievous expression on Gao Huan’s face when he had called out to him, he finally understood. His heart began pounding rapidly, beating non-stop.

His wife was carrying his child!

He was about to become a father!

Li Mu was tightly gripped by this wonderful feeling, his emotions soaring, his joy beyond measure.

He took a deep breath, composed himself, and continued quickly toward the sound, eager to turn around the flower wall. Raising his gaze, he looked ahead.

A beautiful woman stood leaning against a doorway, accompanied by her maid.

She wore a light white spring robe with several cherry blossoms embroidered on collar and sleeves to match the season. Though the garment was quite loose, it couldn’t hide the slight swell of her belly.

She was smiling, shallow dimples appearing at her cheeks like a gentle and peaceful scene that brought comfort to any observer.

Li Mu’s gaze moved slowly from her belly to her face, gazing at her, unable to look away.

Luoshen was looking toward Jiankang City, imagining reunions with parents and younger brother and Li Mu’s glorious return. Her heart filled with pride when she suddenly sensed something unusual. Instinctively turning her head, her gaze froze.

Li Mu had somehow already returned and stood just over ten steps away beside that flower wall.

This man still bore the dust of travel, yet his gaze upon her was so bright and spirited.

“Langjun!”

Luoshen hadn’t expected that Li Mu, whom she thought of day and night, would appear here so quickly. Overjoyed, she called out to him and instinctively ran toward him.

Li Mu smiled and strode to meet her, taking several steps up the stairs, opening his arms wide to embrace his wife tightly in his arms.

…

Night fell again, spreading across the sky to envelop the entire city.

In Jiankang Palace, in a rear hall, dim lamplight illuminated face after face showing dejection and despair.

Liu Hui had received Gao Yongrong’s secret edict that evening summoning him to the palace. Initially unwilling to go, but with edicts arriving continuously, after pondering briefly he finally left home, entered the palace through a side gate, and quietly came here.

Gao Yongrong had been bedridden for a long time. Previously she was said to have been so ill she became confused, but tonight, apart from her pale complexion and much thinner frame, her spirits seemed quite good—even unnaturally so.

She was properly dressed, her face dark, her eyes gleaming.

Among those who had arrived, besides Liu Hui, were several imperial clan princes. The men glanced at each other before performing greeting ceremonies to Gao Yongrong—after all, as long as Li Mu hadn’t ascended the throne for one day and she hadn’t abdicated for one day, she remained the Southern Dynasty’s Empress Dowager.

After perfunctory greetings, Liu Hui asked Gao Yongrong’s purpose in summoning him.

Gao Yongrong’s gaze swept around the group, saying through gritted teeth: “You few have always received my favor. Now the court hangs by a thread. Li Mu the rebel presses aggressively. You people must be loyal, help me eliminate Li Mu, and must not shirk your duty!”

As her words fell, the several princes shrank back and remained silent.

Liu Hui recalled the scene of waiting for Li Mu to enter the city during the day. Feeling both contempt and irritation toward Gao Yongrong, he deflected: “He has strong troops and made great achievements in the Northern Expedition. Not only do the people support him, but even Your Majesty’s own brothers have turned to him. What use is it for Your Majesty to summon us? The tide has turned. Better to submit to him—Your Majesty might still preserve wealth and status. Why make unnecessary trouble?”

Gao Yongrong seemed furious, suddenly slapping the table. All color drained from her face, her lips turned blue, and she trembled as she scolded: “Liu Hui, what audacity! You dare defy me! His Majesty is my own son, usually most obedient to me! With just one word from me before him, taking your head would be easy as turning my hand! Do you think I dare not kill you?”

The princes showed surprise, quickly exchanged glances, and bowed their heads even lower without a sound.

Seeing her eyes flashing strangely, Liu Hui gradually felt something was wrong with her and said evasively: “This minister’s crime… but what method does Your Majesty have to defeat the enemy?”

Only then did Gao Yongrong’s expression soften slightly. Her eyes showed excited gleaming as she lowered her voice: “I want you to see Li Mu, saying I voluntarily abdicate. When you’ve pleased him, catch him off guard and stab him for me! Once he’s dead, I’ll have His Majesty make you chancellor. That fool Feng Wei is completely useless!”

Liu Hui probed: “Hasn’t His Majesty already died? How can Your Majesty have His Majesty appoint me chancellor?”

Gao Yongrong’s face changed as she angrily said: “Nonsense! Who said my Deng’er died? You dare curse His Majesty—are you tired of living too?”

Liu Hui finally confirmed that Gao Yongrong before him had probably lost her mind. He made perfunctory responses while turning to leave. After just a few steps, hearing footsteps behind him before he could turn around, Gao Yongrong shoved him hard to the ground.

“Minister Liu, you’re not listening to me anymore, wanting to inform and curry favor with Li Mu?”

He turned to see Gao Yongrong looking down at him, her eyes glowing eerily, her tone sinister.

The dim candlelight was stirred by wind from a corner of the hall, flickering and making her appearance even more frightening.

Liu Hui had indeed come tonight with the intention of probing her plans and then reporting to Li Mu to gain the new ruler’s trust. Seeing his purpose exposed and being pushed to the ground, he lost all restraint and cursed: “You crazy woman, still having your spring dreams! If not for your incompetence then, how would I have nearly been buried alive with all my wealth scattered? Now you want me to assassinate Li Mu? Do you think Li Mu is so easy to kill? Go be crazy yourself—I’m leaving!”

Having spoken, he got up from the ground and headed for the hall exit.

Who knew that after just a few steps, his back suddenly felt cold, followed by piercing pain from that spot spreading rapidly throughout his body.

Liu Hui froze in place, slowly turning back to discover a dagger embedded in his back.

Gao Yongrong gripped the dagger’s handle tightly, sneering: “You know my secret but won’t work for me, betraying me instead. Want to leave? Not so easy! Go die!”

She violently yanked out the dagger and, gritting her teeth, continued stabbing at Liu Hui while laughing maniacally.

Blood flowed continuously from Liu Hui’s body with her movements.

Liu Hui struggled desperately, finally escaping from under Gao Yongrong’s dagger, stumbling toward the hall door. After a few steps he was caught again, stabbed once more, and fell to the ground, knocking over a row of candlestands.

The candles fell to the ground, igniting curtains as flames quickly spread upward.

Gao Yongrong gritted her teeth and continued swinging the blade in wild stabbing.

Liu Hui crawled on the ground, leaving a long trail of blood beneath him.

The several princes present were stunned by this sudden scene. Seeing Gao Yongrong’s fierce expression as she wielded the dagger, stabbing the man on the ground again and again in apparent madness, when she suddenly turned with her gaze seeming to shoot toward them, they were terrified out of their wits. Not daring to stay, they all fled.

Liu Hui’s agonized howling filled the burning hall, lingering long without end.