The Emperor held a celebratory banquet in the Guangming Hall side palace, promoting Li Xie to Commander of the Palace Guards, rewarding all others according to their merits, and treating all officers and soldiers to unlimited wine and meat outside the Grand Marshal’s Gate.

At the banquet, the hundred officials in attendance sat according to their ranks, each with a wine table before them. Servants moved back and forth among them, pouring wine and serving dishes. A troupe of dancers in gorgeous attire and beautiful makeup danced gracefully to the accompaniment of reed pipes, zither, and harp, adding to the festive atmosphere of the imperial banquet.

Inside and outside Tai City, there was an atmosphere of joy and harmony everywhere.

The seating arrangement at the banquet naturally had its particular considerations. The Emperor sat in the place of honor, with Gao Qiao, Xu Mi, Lu Guang and others arranged in order, all facing east.

Li Mu sat facing south, his position above many scholar-officials.

Such seating arrangement, like a rocket launching skyward, though secretly drawing dissatisfaction from many aristocratic officials, was fitting for his newly conferred title of General of the Guards. Moreover, today was truly his day of glory – who would openly show displeasure?

Aside from Lu Guang and a few aristocratic high officials who observed Li Mu with cold eyes, sitting sideways to demonstrate the distinction between nobles and commoners, high and low, the rest, even Xu Mi, smiled and praised Li Mu’s achievements extensively.

Li Mu smiled and thanked them all, returning their toasts with wine.

The Ba King was also present. After three rounds of drinks, he came forward to thank Emperor Xingping and presented a long tribute list, saying he would immediately send people to deliver it to Jiankang after returning to his country, his words full of grateful tears.

Emperor Xingping bestowed wine upon him, offered some comforting words, then commanded him to return to his seat.

Next to the Ba King’s position was an empty seat.

This section of seating was specially arranged for vassal states or foreign envoys. Besides the Ba King, those present today also included the Prince of Linyu and others.

Since this empty seat was arranged here, presumably that person should also have a similar status.

But strangely, after the banquet began, no one had been seen taking this seat. At first some ministers inquired about it out of curiosity, but gradually as the banquet reached its climax, no one paid attention anymore.

When the Ba King returned to his seat, everyone’s gaze naturally followed his figure and noticed the nearby empty position again.

Emperor Xingping looked around, taking in all the ministers’ expressions, secretly showing satisfaction, and smiled: “Ministers, today there is another joyous matter for you all to see.” Having said this, he looked toward outside the hall.

A eunuch clapped his hands. As the clapping ended, a graceful young man appeared outside the hall doors. His hairstyle and clothing were no different from Southern Dynasty people, but his facial features were quite distinctive. His skin was snow-white, his nose bridge high and straight, and especially his eyes – his pupils were faintly purple, and his countenance was so refined it was even more delicate than ordinary women.

This was clearly a barbarian. However, with the numerous barbarian tribes in the north often intermarrying, ordinary Southern Dynasty people couldn’t immediately distinguish which tribe he belonged to.

But among those present, the well-informed recognized him at once.

Among the Xianbei people, the Murong clan often had men and women with snow-white skin and handsome features, and purple-eyed individuals had appeared before.

Legend had it that Murong Qing, the founding emperor who established the Yan Kingdom in the north years ago, was born with purple eyes.

Could this barbarian youth have some connection to Murong Qing?

The young man stood outside the hall, accepting the scrutinizing gazes from Dayu’s hundred officials, his expression appearing respectful and solemn.

“Announcing the special envoy from Yan Kingdom, Murong Ti, for audience—”

Accompanied by the eunuch’s drawn-out voice, this young man entered the hall, came before Emperor Xingping, performed the kowtowing ritual, and said: “This humble envoy Murong Ti of the small kingdom pays respects to His Majesty the Emperor of Dayu. Your Majesty rules over the four seas, and the people call out ten thousand years!”

Emperor Xingping’s eyes showed joy as he commanded him to rise.

When this young man announced his name, the civil and military officials of Dayu in the side hall all showed sudden understanding mixed with strange expressions.

It turned out this Murong Ti was originally the younger brother of the Yan Kingdom’s emperor, enfeoffed as Prince Lingzhi. He had inherited the extraordinary abilities of the Murong clan, was brave from childhood, and was deeply loved by his father emperor. Ten years ago, when Yan was destroyed by the Xia Jie people, the teenage Murong Ti and a group of royal family members were captured. After being taken to Chang’an, the licentious Xia Emperor, seeing his beautiful appearance, took him into the rear palace. Only when he turned sixteen was he sent out to serve as an official.

Among the many civil and military officials of Dayu in this side hall, there were also those who favored male beauty, but having one’s own preferences and becoming another’s plaything were entirely different matters.

Seeing that the young man before them was actually that Murong Ti from the fallen Murong clan, people looked at each other, and some of the more frivolous ones immediately showed mocking and contemptuous expressions.

Moreover, the so-called Yan Kingdom had long since fallen – what kind of Yan Kingdom special envoy could there be now?

Under his flowing sleeves, Murong Ti’s hands were tightly clenched into fists, his long fingers rigid, knuckles protruding, with blue veins crisscrossing across the skin of his hands. But his face still maintained the same respectful appearance as before. After thanking the emperor and rising, he said: “My Murong clan was originally a subject of Dayu. In the past we had the honor of guarding the borders for the superior country. Later, when the situation became turbulent and the superior country’s court moved south across the river, communication became difficult. Out of necessity, for the survival of our people, we had no choice but to establish our own kingdom. Over these years, though forced to submit to the Xia bandits’ tyranny, our people never stopped thinking about how to serve the superior country loyally. Fortunately Heaven has eyes – now the Xia bandits’ days are numbered. My uncle Murong Xi, several months ago, intended to personally kill the Xia Emperor and present his head to the superior country to show our loyalty. Unfortunately this was discovered by the bandit chief, and out of necessity he has now gone north. Murong Ti has traveled thousands of miles, coming south to the superior country, precisely to represent the Murong clan in again declaring our loyalty to the superior country. In the future, as long as the Murong clan draws breath, whenever the superior country has any orders, we will fulfill our duty unto death without hesitation!”

His speech was clear and forceful, full of emotion. Having finished, he knelt again and kowtowed to express his intent.

The hall fell silent. The ministers’ expressions varied.

Emperor Xingping appeared extremely pleased and smiled: “I have met your uncle Murong Xi – truly a hero of this age! I remember when the Yan Kingdom still existed, he came to Jiankang with an envoy mission, and I was still crown prince then. Rise!”

Murong Ti gave thanks and stood up again.

Outside the hall on the ground lay one of his attendants, holding up a tray in his hands.

A eunuch went down to receive the tray. Lifting the covering cloth, it revealed a gem-encrusted dagger with a rolled sheepskin beside it.

“Your Majesty, this golden blade belonged to my ancestors and has been regarded as a sacred object by our Murong clan for many years. This map shows detailed charts of the four passes of the Central Plains – Tongguan, Dasan Pass, Wu Pass, and Xiao Pass – with precise markings of the mountains, rivers, and geography of these four locations. Our Murong clan traveled throughout the Central Plains and spent ten years of painstaking effort to obtain this map. Now, to demonstrate our family’s sincere desire to serve, we respectfully present these gifts, hoping Your Majesty will graciously accept them.”

This golden blade was perhaps just a symbolic object. But this map, if it truly contained detailed annotations of these four passes’ geography, would indeed be of extraordinary value.

The Emperor had someone bring the map and unroll it for a look. He laughed heartily: “Your loyalty is commendable, and I shall accept these! Henceforth you may remain here at ease. As for your uncle, as long as he truly serves me loyally, I will not mistreat him in the future! Take your seat!”

Murong Ti thanked him for the third time before taking the seat beside the Ba King, arranging his robes as he sat with proper posture.

The singing and dancing in the hall continued.

Just a fallen royal family member who had been used as a plaything – none of the ministers in the side hall truly took this Murong Ti seriously. Soon no one paid him any more attention, continuing their cheerful laughter and enjoying the banquet pleasures.

From the moment Murong Ti took his seat, after exchanging courtesies with several nearby people, he sat quietly behind his table with downcast eyes, as silent as a non-existent shadow.

Only when the banquet ended and the Emperor, thoroughly satisfied and drunk, was helped away, and the others also departed in sequence, did he rise to bid farewell to the surrounding Dayu civil and military officials. No one paid him any attention, but his expression remained composed without any trace of resentment. As he turned, he quickly raised his eyes and seemingly casually glanced at Li Mu, just as the other was also looking his way. Somewhat caught off guard, he immediately smiled and nodded in greeting.

Li Mu smiled back, stood up, and under the gaze of the remaining civil and military officials in the hall, walked out.

Gao Qiao was standing on the palace path conversing with several people. Li Mu approached and waited quietly beside them for a moment. Seeing this, the others bid farewell to Gao Qiao one by one, supporting each other with wine in their systems as they departed.

“Come to my residence tonight.”

Without waiting for Li Mu to speak, Gao Qiao said flatly.

Li Mu respectfully agreed.

Gao Qiao’s gaze fixed on his face for a moment, then he turned and left.

Li Mu stood in place, watching Gao Qiao’s figure gradually disappear along the palace path.

He had come on horseback, with his mount kept in the stables outside Tai City at Lingyang Gate. Alone, he exited through the Sima Gate, came to the stables, and retrieved his horse from the respectfully attending stable keeper.

This area served as stables, with a small plaza in front used for keeping court officials’ horses. Since few people rode horses nowadays, sometimes not a single person could be seen throughout an entire day.

Li Mu led his horse through the plaza when a small white mare came from the opposite direction, pure white all over with golden bells around its neck, galloping toward him. Its four hooves struck the ground, producing pleasant tinkling sounds.

A woman sat astride the horse’s back.

This woman was quite beautiful, about the same age as Xiao Yongjia – thirty-five or thirty-six. She wore a gorgeous cloak outside, but it couldn’t conceal her tightly bound upper body with full breasts. Below was an extremely large, brightly colored wide skirt of gauze material, several layers together. As the person sat on the horse’s back, wind blew from the side, causing the light skirt hem to flutter and sway layer by layer in an extremely seductive manner. She rode toward Li Mu in this fashion, and amid the clip-clop of hooves, came before him and stopped.

“Are you that Li Mu? I heard you led troops into the city today with crowds cheering along the streets. Truly a real hero indeed!”

The woman smiled sweetly.

“This concubine’s surname is Zhu, my husband’s family being the Yulin Prince, but he practices cultivation year-round. This concubine hasn’t seen him in ages. Those close to me all call me Yue Niang.”

This woman’s glancing eyes held myriad charms. Suddenly as if the horse’s back were unstable, her body swayed slightly, letting out a soft “oh” as she fell toward Li Mu. Just as she was about to tumble from the horse, Li Mu extended his hand and timely supported her arm through her clothing.

“Princess Consort, be careful.”

Li Mu released his hand.

A flush seemed to pass across the woman’s face, her eyes misty with moisture as she quietly thanked him.

“Congratulations to General Li for becoming famous in one battle and now being the dignified General of the Guards. This concubine has long heard of the General’s heroic reputation as a rarely seen handsome hero of our time, and has wished to make your acquaintance but never had the opportunity. Now that the General has returned, this concubine is extremely delighted, hoping for a chance to witness the General’s exceptional bearing…”

As she spoke, another gust of wind came, lifting one side of her skirt high and revealing almost her entire thigh. In such winter weather, she wore nothing underneath – completely bare and snow-white without hair. Though it was only a brief flash quickly covered again by the skirt, this scene was shocking enough. The stable keeper watching secretly from a distance stared wide-eyed, nearly drooling.

Li Mu smiled slightly: “Princess Consort speaks too highly. What exceptional bearing could Li possess? Just a crude military man. If Madam has no other business, Li will take his leave first.”

“Look how frightened you are – this concubine won’t eat you…”

She covered her mouth, giggling softly, glanced at Li Mu, pulled her cloak tighter, and lightly kicked the horse’s belly with her toes, slowly riding past him.

Though the person had left, the plaza still seemed to retain her soul-stirring laughter.

Li Mu watched the woman depart, narrowed his eyes, and the smile that had been on his face disappeared. He turned to lead his horse away.

…

That night, Li Mu changed his clothes and called on Gao Qiao.

Though he had been a son-in-law of the Gao family for several months, this was his first time visiting the Gao residence.

Gao Qi greeted him at the gate. His attitude toward him was respectful yet somewhat unnatural. He bowed and said “The master awaits Li Langjun in the study,” then led him inside.

Under the various watching gazes of the Gao household servants along the way, Li Mu was brought to Gao Qiao’s study.

The study door was slightly ajar. Gao Qi raised his arm in a gesture of invitation, then departed.

Li Mu pushed open the study door and entered, seeing Gao Qiao sitting upright behind the desk in the center north of the room with a serious expression. He walked before him and bowed.

Gao Qiao made a sound of acknowledgment, indicating he should sit.

“Son-in-law can remain standing.”

Gao Qiao didn’t insist and first asked several questions about his family situation in Jingkou.

Li Mu replied: “Since I returned by the same route south, I stopped to visit my mother first. All is well at home. Thank you father-in-law for your concern.”

Gao Qiao nodded: “That’s good then. You accomplished great merit this time – very commendable.”

“Li Mu wanted to thank father-in-law. Thank you for sending elder brother to provide reinforcement. Though I couldn’t meet with elder brother’s forces in time, knowing this news was enormous support for Li Mu.”

His tone sounded extremely sincere.

Gao Qiao’s old face warmed slightly as he waved his hand: “Enough! Let’s not mention it. His Majesty promoted you to General of the Guards today, allowing you to establish your office and participate in public affairs. What are your plans going forward?”

After Gao Qiao finished asking, his investigating gaze fell upon the face of the man opposite him.

“Li Mu has no plans yet. For now I only want to bring back my wife first.”

Gao Qiao was momentarily speechless. The words he had originally wanted to ask couldn’t continue, so he could only say: “A’Mi is currently with her mother, still on Bailu Zhou…”

He glanced at Li Mu, seeing him looking back, and coughed.

“It’s like this – when you went off to war, her mother was worried about A’Mi and went to bring her back. Unexpectedly A’Mi caught a cold after returning and was ill for some days. She’s only just begun recovering…”

He paused as if making a decision.

“How about I escort you there tomorrow morning to bring A’Mi back?”

Li Mu’s face showed a smile.

“Thank you father-in-law. I know you’re extremely busy, so tomorrow I’ll go myself to fetch her.”

Gao Qiao hesitated, pondered briefly, then nodded: “Very well. I’ll send someone tonight to give advance notice so they can prepare. You wait one more night!”

Li Mu bowed: “Thank you father-in-law. Just one more night – son-in-law will wait.”

…

After having Li Mu escorted away, Gao Qiao summoned Gao Qi and ordered him to deliver a message.

As Gao Qi was about to leave, Gao Qiao called him back again. Seeing him pace back and forth in the study several times, he finally said: “I’ll go myself instead!”

Gao Qi also knew this matter was somewhat difficult. The master had deliberately deferred for one night, probably wanting to prepare in advance. Otherwise going directly like this, if the Eldest Princess showed displeasure, everyone would be embarrassed.

Though he had agreed verbally just now, he actually felt uncertain inside. Seeing Master Gao suddenly change his mind to go personally, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief, quickly nodded, and went out to prepare for departure.

Gao Qiao abandoned his carriage for horseback, braving the cold air of the winter month, and rushed to the ferry crossing leading to Bailu Zhou. After crossing the water, he finally reached the island. It was already midnight when he knocked on the door for a long time before it opened. After entering, he waited for quite a while before seeing Xiao Yongjia emerge, yawning.

“Coming so late? What matter?”

Xiao Yongjia frowned and glanced at him.

Gao Qiao rubbed his hands and explained about meeting Li Mu tonight and his request to take their daughter away.

“A’Ling, I’ve thought about it – A’Mi is after all his legitimate wife. You’ve had A’Mi back here for so many days now. If he wants to take her away, it’s inconvenient for us to obstruct…”

“Just tell him to come tomorrow! What did I think this was about? For such a trivial matter, was it worth you specifically making a midnight trip to disturb me?”

Xiao Yongjia’s tone carried faint mockery.

“If you’re tired, I’ll have someone prepare a room for you to spend the night. Don’t mind the humble accommodations.”

Having said this, she turned to go inside.

Unexpectedly, the problem that had made him so troubled and distressed was resolved just like that.

Gao Qiao quickly said: “No need, this is fine. I’m not tired, I’ll return first. Tomorrow after he takes A’Mi, you should come back too. I’ll have the couple come to our home for dinner together.”

Xiao Yongjia stopped and glanced back at him.

“Go back and sleep then. I’m leaving now.” Gao Qiao hurriedly added another sentence.

Xiao Yongjia had a half-smiling expression, the corners of her mouth twitching slightly before she turned and left.

Gao Qiao watched Xiao Yongjia’s figure depart, raised his hand to rub his forehead, and smiled bitterly at Gao Qi beside him: “Let’s go back.”

…

Early the next morning, Luoshen learned that Li Mu would come here today to fetch her.

Xiao Yongjia no longer concealed this from her, but said coldly: “I’m not someone made of clay like Gao Qiao. Don’t mention he’s only been promoted to General of the Guards – even if he became Grand Marshal now, I still wouldn’t want such a son-in-law.”

“A’Mi, stay in your room today and don’t go anywhere. Without my word, you’re absolutely forbidden to show your face.”

She left after dropping this statement.

Luoshen watched her mother’s battle-ready appearance, ordering guards to watch the island landing, instructing that if Li Mu came he shouldn’t be allowed entry and she should be notified immediately. Her heart couldn’t help but worry.

Li Mu had returned to the capital, been promoted to General of the Guards, and after the golden hall feast of imperial favor, his first act was to come fetch her.

To say she felt nothing at all would be impossible.

But seeing her mother’s such aversion to him, imagining what might happen when he arrived…

She knew her mother’s temperament all too well.

Though she seemed relatively calm now, she was probably brewing an even greater storm.

Before that moment even arrived, Luoshen was already fearful.

She didn’t want such things to happen. She didn’t want to make any choice between her mother and this person.

She suddenly hoped he wouldn’t come after all.

At least not today.

Luoshen spent half the day in anxiety, having Qiongshu keep watch and notify her of any movement.

By midday, he hadn’t come.

An entire afternoon passed, gradually approaching evening, and the ferry crossing direction remained empty.

Winter days darkened quickly – it was only the you hour when the sky grew dark.

Since he hadn’t come during the day, he certainly wouldn’t come at night.

Luoshen’s tense nerves from the entire day finally relaxed.

While feeling relieved, deep in her heart she inexplicably felt a trace of faint disappointment.

Perhaps he probably also knew about her mother’s firm attitude, which was why he temporarily abandoned the idea of coming to fetch her?

This was also good.

If he knew to retreat when faced with difficulty, everyone could part ways politely, and the two could separate as if nothing had ever happened before.

Luoshen told herself this.

…

The sky became completely dark.

A boat finally arrived at the island. A’Ju disembarked and hurried to the estate, finding Xiao Yongjia.

“Why did you come? Didn’t I tell you to stay home and assist with affairs?”

Probably because she had been tense all day yet waited in vain, Xiao Yongjia’s complexion now looked somewhat weary.

A’Ju’s expression was unusually grave. She had everyone leave before saying in a low voice: “Didn’t the Eldest Princess tell me to watch Li Mu’s movements? I received news that this Li Mu went to Qingxi Garden tonight!”

“What!”

Xiao Yongjia was greatly shocked and nearly jumped up.

Qingxi Garden was in the eastern suburbs of Jiankang, originally property of the Yulin Prince. Since the Yulin Prince devoted himself to immortal cultivation, it had become Zhu Jiyue’s separate residence. She spent at least half her days there each month. It was said to be the place where she kept her beautiful young men.

“Is your news source reliable?” A shadow quickly flashed across Xiao Yongjia’s eyes.

“Absolutely certain! No mistake! That woman has someone by her side who owes me a favor. Just now that person secretly came over, saying that woman deliberately went to seduce Li Mu after yesterday’s palace banquet, and Li Mu took the bait. Early this morning the woman had someone send Li Mu an invitation card in the Yulin Prince’s name, inviting him to a banquet at Qingxi Garden tonight. Li Mu didn’t refuse with a reply card. The woman dressed herself up beautifully and went to the garden this evening, waiting for him to come!”

Xiao Yongjia flew into a rage and slammed the table as she stood up.

“What a shameless slut! Others would be one thing, but she dares lay hands on my Gao family’s son-in-law! Does she think I, Xiao Yongjia, am dead?”

Her face turned iron blue as she immediately strode outside. After a few steps, she suddenly stopped abruptly, turned around, and went straight to Luoshen’s room, pushing open the door.

“A’Mi! Do you know why that Li Mu broke his promise and didn’t come today?”

Xiao Yongjia’s lips were blue with rage, her eyes blazing as she sneered coldly.

“He was bewitched by that slut Zhu Jiyue and ran off to her place! Yet you’re still waiting for him! I told you so many times before that this Li Mu is not a good person, but you just wouldn’t believe me! All men in this world are fickle and heartless – when they see someone new, no matter how dirty or foul, where is there room for the old in their eyes! Now you know – let me see if you still want him!”

After speaking, she ordered A’Ju to stay and care well for Luoshen, then turned and hurried out of the room.

Luoshen was stunned.

When she came to her senses and chased after her, she saw her mother had already taken people toward the ferry crossing.

Luoshen’s legs went weak, her heart pounding rapidly. She wanted to call out for her mother not to go, to let Li Mu and that Zhu Jiyue be together, but when she tried to shout, her voice was as weak as a kitten’s. In the end she could only watch helplessly as her mother’s party boarded the boat and headed toward Jiankang.

Luoshen stood there motionlessly, stunned for a long while.

A’Ju chased after her, draped a cloak over Luoshen’s shoulders, and brought her back to the room. She helped her remove her outer clothes and settle onto the bed, tucking in the quilt while saying softly: “Young mistress must not be sad. Heaven has eyes too – fortunately we learned early and came to know his true character. Now that it’s broken off, it’s nothing.”

As she spoke, she couldn’t help sighing herself: “Sigh, when I heard the news, I didn’t believe it either. To think he would be such a person…”

She shook her head: “Forget it, young mistress must not be sad.”

Luoshen leaned against the headboard and smiled: “Nanny Ju, I’m not sad.”

Her nose tingled slightly, and she nearly shed tears.

Seeing her eyes redden, A’Ju didn’t dare say more and changed the subject to ask what she wanted to eat, saying she would go prepare it.

Luoshen shook her head and said dully: “I’m not hungry. Don’t want to eat.”

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside, and Qiongshu suddenly burst through the door with a bang.

Such rashness was rare indeed.

A’Ju frowned and was about to scold her when she saw her wide-eyed exclaim: “Young mistress, Li Langjun has come!”

A’Ju gasped, her mouth forming a circle.

Luoshen whirled around sharply.

“Li Langjun has come! He’s right outside the main gate!”

Luoshen was stunned for a moment, then suddenly threw off the quilt and quickly climbed down from the bed. Without even putting on her outer clothes or properly wearing her shoes, she ran outside.