Jiang Tao turned his head and saw Luoshen suddenly enter. He was startled, then immediately stood up to greet her.

Seeing Li Mu also turn to look at her, Luoshen suddenly realized her impropriety.

Not only had she eavesdropped, but she had also been unable to contain herself. She couldn’t help feeling ashamed, her face turning slightly red.

But having already appeared, under the gaze of both men, she continued walking over and said: “The barbarian pipa originally came from the Western Regions and differs from the straight-necked pipa. Though the six-xiang eighteen-fret barbarian pipa is rarely seen, I know something about it. There was once a Kucha musician in the palace who was skilled in the elegant barbarian pipa with exceptional technique. Seeing my devotion to it, Mother invited him to our home to teach me. If you trust me, I can try to tune it and repair the pipa.”

Jiang Tao’s face showed surprise and delight, nodding repeatedly in admiration: “I’ve heard that Madam has always been renowned for her talents—truly living up to her reputation. If we can really repair Hou Ding’s wife’s relic, then this mission will be twice as effective with half the effort, like adding wings to a tiger.”

He turned to Li Mu.

“Jingchen, what do you think?”

Luoshen also looked at him, her eyes bright and sparkling.

Unexpectedly, he said: “There’s no need. This is a side matter. It’s just Hou Li being overly anxious, grasping at straws in desperation. I can go on this trip alone—you should stay here with peace of mind.”

Jiang Tao was taken aback and glanced at Li Mu.

Luoshen couldn’t help feeling greatly disappointed.

Though she had just modestly claimed to “know something about it” and to “try tuning it,” in reality, she was completely confident in her skills.

Being rejected like this was like having a basin of cold water poured over her head. Still unwilling to give up, she hesitated before saying again: “I didn’t finish speaking earlier. I’m well-versed in barbarian pipa music theory—if you let me handle it, I can definitely repair it. You can rest assured, I absolutely won’t ruin your affairs!”

She emphasized this with all her might.

Li Mu said nothing, only rising from his seat to come beside her. He took the food box from her hands, opened it, glanced inside, and smiled: “I haven’t eaten since returning and was feeling rather hungry. You’re so thoughtful.”

“I…”

“There are no lights in front either—you might not see the path and fall. Next time there’s no need to deliver it personally; just have someone bring it over.”

Li Mu looked at her.

“Could you go back first? I still have some matters to attend to here.”

His tone was extremely gentle.

But he was clearly issuing a dismissal.

Luoshen felt utterly disappointed.

From Jiang Tao’s reaction, he clearly believed her and was very much in favor.

Yet Li Mu had flatly refused.

She looked at Jiang Tao, saw his helpless expression, and with no other choice, could only turn around and leave dejectedly.

…

Li Mu returned to their room at the hour of Hai.

Luoshen had already gone to bed but wasn’t sleeping. She had drawn back the bed curtains on both sides, with several pillows stacked behind her waist, leaning against the headboard. By candlelight, she held a scroll in her hands.

Seeing him return, she neither greeted him nor spoke, only glanced at him once before lowering her head to continue reading her scroll.

Li Mu silently went to bathe and change clothes. When he emerged and stood there, looking in Luoshen’s direction, he seemed to hesitate before walking over and saying softly: “A’Mi, if you find it inconvenient, I can sleep in another room.”

That night he had said she could decide according to her own wishes. At the time, Luoshen hadn’t had a chance to answer him before they encountered Hou Li’s beast soldiers’ attack. Since then, with constant incidents and his frequent travels, he never pressed her for an answer, and she certainly wouldn’t bring it up herself.

After Li Mu finished speaking, he waited for a moment. Seeing her act as if she hadn’t heard, he coughed slightly and said: “The light is dim—you should sleep early and not strain your eyes.”

With that, he turned toward the door.

“When did I ever say you couldn’t sleep in this room?”

Luoshen suddenly spoke.

“This is your place to begin with. You’re making it seem like I’m driving you away.”

She complained once, pulled out a pillow from behind her waist and tossed it back to the head of the bed, put down her book, lay down herself, and turned to face inward.

After a moment, he lowered the bed curtains, got on the bed, and lay on the outer side.

Luoshen closed her eyes and remained motionless.

At first, he didn’t speak either.

After a while, she heard him say: “Dinner was very delicious. I had three bowls. Thank you.”

“I didn’t make it. Go thank the cook.” Luoshen replied coolly.

He paused.

“A’Mi, when I returned I wanted to come see you first. It’s just that one thing followed another…”

“I’m not a three-year-old child—what do you need to see me for?”

She cut him off again with a sharp retort.

He was silent for a moment, finally saying: “A’Mi, it’s not that I don’t believe your words. Though I’m not afraid of this trip, Hou Ding’s attitude is ambiguous and vacillating. I don’t want you to risk danger with me.”

Since returning from the front hall tonight, Luoshen’s mood had been quite poor. Recalling his tone and attitude at the time, the more she thought about it, the more stifled she felt.

Finally hearing him explain himself to her like this, her pent-up anger dissipated somewhat.

She remained silent, continuing to keep her eyes closed.

Suddenly she remembered a time when she had asked A’Ju about the reason for her parents’ discord. Though A’Ju wouldn’t say, she had sighed and remarked that all men in the world like women to be submissive before them. If the Eldest Princess could humble herself a little before her husband, what wouldn’t he agree to? This thought stirred her heart.

After hesitating for a moment, unable to suppress that desire to join in his affairs rather than always being excluded, she secretly took a breath, gathered her courage, turned back around to face him, and said softly: “I’m not afraid. I heard everything you and Second Brother Jiang said outside. If you were certain of success on this trip, my skills would be merely trivial tricks—how would I dare show off? It’s precisely because this trip is risky that I want to accompany you. Since Hou Li has spoken thus, if we can help Hou Ding fulfill his wish, it would be like him owing us a favor.”

“I know you’re fearless. But even if I can help with the most insignificant little task, I want to do my utmost.”

“Langjun, I really want to help you. Please agree, won’t you?”

She moved closer to him, slowly extending her hand to lightly grasp a corner of his sleeve with her fingertips, tugging at it.

Their foreheads faced each other, separated by no more than half an arm’s length, their warm breath audible to each other.

Luoshen’s beautiful eyes gazed at him, filled with pleading and hope.

The two looked at each other for a moment.

His eyes didn’t blink, and gradually, tenderness filled his brow and gaze.

Seeing this, Luoshen’s heart couldn’t help but leap with joy.

Just when she thought he was about to agree, unexpectedly he said: “A’Mi, you cannot come with me. This is men’s business—I don’t want you involved in it.”

His tone was extremely resolute.

Luoshen could hear no room for negotiation whatsoever.

“Be good…”

As if catching her rapidly dimming expression, he coaxed her gently once more, his face moving even closer.

It seemed he wanted to kiss her.

Luoshen instantly turned hostile, pulling her hand from his palm and using her toes to kick away his leg that had accidentally touched hers.

“Forget it! Even if you beg me next time, I won’t go.”

She turned over, once again facing away from him.

Behind her, she heard what sounded like a bitter laugh.

Luoshen waited for a long time.

The oil in the lamp gradually burned out. The flame grew dimmer and dimmer until it suddenly extinguished.

The room fell into darkness, and she heard no more words from him.

She quietly turned her face back.

The silhouette of the man beside her was hazy and motionless in the dim light.

He must have already fallen asleep.

…

The next day was another ordinary day.

Li Mu left early in the morning.

He was a very busy man.

After all, having just arrived here, though titled as governor, it was really no different from pioneering wilderness. To say that everything awaited revival, with countless matters requiring his attention, was no exaggeration at all.

Luoshen never expected him to accompany her.

Besides, during the day, she wasn’t truly without things to do.

Regardless of whether she ultimately decided to follow him or abandon him, once Gao Huan recovered from his injuries, Li Mu would probably send her away.

Though Luoshen knew perfectly well that this was only a temporary resting place for her, she still wanted to make the place more presentable.

She called together all the idle maidservants and servants, mobilizing them to clean up this courtyard that had initially startled her with its desolate appearance when she first arrived.

All the weeds were completely cleared away, the pathways paved with pebbles, and suitable stones were found from outside to repair the pavilion’s broken platform. The remaining flat stones were arranged in the cleared spaces to serve as stone tables and stools where the maidservants could sit to enjoy the cool air while doing needlework.

As for that clump of withered bamboo, Luoshen had it left alone, not cut down.

After the courtyard was tidied up, with this clump of half-yellow, half-green withered bamboo adorning the corner of the wall and given some trimming, far from appearing desolate, it actually added a special rustic charm.

In fact, at their home in Jingkou, when her father had mentioned that clump of old banana plants outside his window that he had removed, Luoshen thought it was a pity.

On rainy days, without the sound of rain beating against banana leaves, how much poetic interest was lost.

She thought he simply didn’t understand such things.

Not only did she organize his courtyard, but after finishing it, Luoshen also began systematically arranging the entire back courtyard of the governor’s residence.

Thus she finally became busy too, and combined with daily companionship of Gao Huan, before she knew it, several more days had passed, and Hou Ding’s birthday was approaching.

From Yi Cheng to Fang City where Hou Ding resided in Qiu Chi, if not traveling urgently, the journey required one or two days.

Li Mu prepared birthday gifts, took a small contingent of only a few dozen men plus Jiang Tao, and set off one day early.

On the day of departure, Luoshen rose early and, completely changing her attitude from recent days, was quite attentive to him. She not only helped him with his clothes but also personally brought him breakfast, and stood beside him offering water and towels—very solicitous indeed.

Li Mu knew she was angry with him for not allowing her to come along. These past few days she had been rather cold toward him, and when he returned in the evenings and tried to talk with her, she barely responded.

This morning as he was about to depart, seeing her attitude suddenly change and becoming so attentive to him, he felt rather flattered and surprised.

After finishing breakfast, a servant reported that Jiang Tao and the others were waiting outside.

Luoshen escorted him, insisting on accompanying him all the way to the door leading to the front hall.

Li Mu stopped and looked around at the gradually tidying courtyard, saying gratefully: “A’Mi, thank you for your hard work. You’ve only been here a few days, but this place is already much more orderly.”

Luoshen clasped her hands behind her back and smiled: “I had nothing else to do anyway—idle is idle. Besides, so many people helped me.”

Li Mu looked at her—at this moment she appeared so adorable. Having not touched her for several days because she had been ignoring him, his palms now itched with the desire to caress her. However, with maidservants standing not far behind her, he could only forcibly restrain himself, saying: “Then I’ll go now. You got up early today—if you’re tired, go back and get some more sleep. Don’t worry, I’ll return in three or four days.”

Luoshen hummed in acknowledgment: “Go ahead.”

Li Mu turned to leave, but when turning the corner, he couldn’t help looking back once more.

She was still standing there, smiling as she watched him go. His heart warmed involuntarily, and he couldn’t help but stop and wave at her, signaling for her to go back. Seeing her flash him a brilliant smile, he finally turned and left, his figure quickly disappearing behind the door.

Li Mu exited the main gate of the governor’s residence where Jiang Tao greeted him with a face full of smiles. The two exchanged a few words, mounted their horses, and with their entourage left the city gates, galloping toward Qiu Chi.

The next evening, the group entered Fang City where Hou Ding resided.

A trusted aide of Hou Ding came outside the city to welcome them, escorting Li Mu’s party inside and first taking them to the post house to rest briefly before going to the Hou family mansion. Upon reaching the main gate, they dismounted and clasped their fists, saying apologetically: “Governor Li, I’m terribly sorry, but could your attendants temporarily rest elsewhere? Also, could you remove your sword? It’s not that our king doesn’t trust Governor Li—this has always been our custom. Please forgive us, Governor Li.”

Li Mu gave brief instructions, left some men behind, and removed his sword, then smiled: “Does the aide need to search me as well?”

The man smiled awkwardly: “Governor Li speaks too seriously—our king naturally trusts Governor Li. No need, no need.” He bowed and hastily ordered his men to carry Li Mu’s congratulatory gifts while leading him inside.

Seeing Jiang Tao look at him with slight concern in his expression, Li Mu said: “Take the brothers to rest for a moment. Don’t worry too much. I’m going to meet the King of Qiu Chi.”

Jiang Tao nodded, watching his figure enter the main gate, then immediately turned and hurried away.

…

The aide led Li Mu through the front hall filled with blazing torches to the outside of a spacious great hall.

Inside, it was already full of people. Hou Ding sat in the center, with two rows on either side filled with Qiu Chi officials and Hou family nobles.

The Qiu Chi people had been deeply sinicized, not only establishing schools for literacy but having long abandoned their former customs of sitting on the ground and eating with their hands. Everyone had a feast table set before them, laden with pig heads and sheep legs, with cheerful voices and laughter filling the air. Suddenly seeing a Han man arrive outside the hall—tall, upright, handsome, and distinguished—everyone looked over and quietly observed him as the boisterous laughter gradually ceased.

Hou Li sat among the gathering, constantly gazing toward the hall entrance. Finally seeing Li Mu being escorted by the aide, his eyes lit up with joy. He immediately stood, strode out, welcomed him inside, and led him before Hou Ding’s seat, smiling: “Father King, this is Yi Cheng Governor Li Mu. Governor Li is one of the outstanding heroes of our time! He came here specifically today to celebrate Father King’s birthday.”

The great hall fell silent.

Li Mu looked toward Hou Ding, seeing his long face and narrow eyes, with a pair of slightly squinting eyes examining him. Li Mu bowed in greeting, had people present his congratulatory gifts, and smiled: “I, Li, was sent by the court to govern the people here, and happen to be neighbors with the old hero. Having heard the old hero’s reputation, I originally wanted to visit long ago, but various affairs detained me, preventing me from making the trip. Fortunately, the old hero not only doesn’t blame me, but on this auspicious day of your heavenly mandate birthday, you’ve invited me to be your guest. Li Mu is deeply honored. These modest gifts are hardly worthy of respect—please accept them, old hero.”

The boxes were opened to reveal one box of brocade silk and another of gold vessels—all precious items.

Hou Ding laughed heartily: “Just as my son said, Governor Li is indeed an unparalleled hero, and as they say, the younger generation is to be feared. This old man is merely an aged rustic who, relying on ancestral merit, occupies this patch of land. That Governor Li would honor my birthday celebration by condescending to come is already giving me face—why such excessive courtesy?”

With that, he had Hou Li escort the guest to his seat.

Hou Li, beaming, led Li Mu to an empty seat that had been reserved near his own.

Upon taking his seat, Li Mu first toasted Hou Ding and everyone present, drinking three cups himself with great spirit, drawing admiring glances.

Hou Ding conversed genially, discussing Qiu Chi’s local customs and conditions with Li Mu, appearing to be in excellent spirits.

Just as the banquet atmosphere was gradually becoming more heated, suddenly a voice came from across the way: “Governor Li, I’ve heard that since arriving at Yi Cheng, you’ve been recruiting soldiers and people. Opening wasteland is one thing, but you’re widely recruiting residents—since our two territories are neighbors, isn’t this dividing the people of my Qiu Chi and seizing Qiu Chi’s benefits?”

Li Mu looked up and saw the speaker was a middle-aged man with braided hair, triangular eyes, and a scar across his cheek. He knew this was Gan Qi, leader of Qiu Chi’s major Gan clan and also the wife’s family of Hou Li’s younger brother Hou Jian.

Gan Qi’s sudden challenge immediately froze the previously warm atmosphere.

The great hall quieted down again, with everyone staring at Li Mu, their expressions varied.

Hou Ding remained impassive, slowly raising his wine cup to drink.

Li Mu remained calm and composed, merely smiling as he glanced across: “You must be Gan clan leader Gan Qi. I’ve heard that old hero Hou has established schools and educated the people these years, treating the Jie and Han under his rule equally, spreading benevolence widely. The people of Qiu Chi live in peace and prosperity—why would they abandon their existing homes for me, Li Mu? Those I recruit are all homeless refugees. Since they’re refugees, how can there be talk of seizing Qiu Chi’s benefits? Clan leader, forgive my directness, but I truly don’t know where such words come from.”

When he finished speaking, everyone looked at each other, and no one could respond, much less refute.

Gan Qi’s face looked very unpleasant as he sneered: “No matter how nicely you speak, it can’t hide your wolfish ambitions. I hear you actually intend to oppose Western Jin. I find it strange—with your mere two thousand men, even if you gather more troops later, how could you oppose Western Jin? It’s simply like an egg striking a rock—completely overestimating yourself!”

Hou Li’s face showed anger: “Gan Qi, do you think everyone bows and scrapes before the Xianbei, wishing they could make themselves slaves? Governor Li once defeated Yuan Jie’s hundred thousand with six thousand men—who in the world doesn’t know of the Battle of Ba Commandery! How could he not decide the outcome against the Western Jin?”

Gan Qi snorted, glanced at the silent Hou Ding, stood up from his seat, and declared loudly: “Your Majesty, it’s not that I’m dissatisfied with Your Majesty, but this Li Mu is truly a disaster! The Western Jin Emperor sincerely wishes to befriend our Qiu Chi—his sincerity is evident. Since this is so, why should our Qiu Chi waste more words with this Han? Better to seize him today and deliver him to Western Jin. Then in the future, our Qiu Chi would not only remove a neighboring threat but also form an alliance with Western Jin, enjoying permanent peace without military troubles. Wouldn’t this be the best strategy?”

Hou Li angrily said: “Gan Qi! Li Mu is an honored guest invited by my father king—how dare you be disrespectful? You’ve secretly colluded with the Xianbei to force me out—do you think I don’t know? The Xianbei claim alliance but actually coerce us. When their envoy came to our Qiu Chi, he was arrogant and showed no respect for Qiu Chi—where is this sincerity you speak of? Gu Huilong is a wolf in human form who instigated rebellion in the past. My mother’s shame remains unavenged, yet today you actually urge my father king to surrender to the enemy—what are your intentions?”

He turned to Hou Ding, dropped to his knees with a thud, and said: “Father King, how can you willingly swallow past humiliation and let the Xianbei drive you around?”

The atmosphere in the great hall suddenly became tense as drawn swords, extremely strained.

Hou Ding’s face was grim, his flickering gaze falling on the silent Li Mu as he said: “Governor Li, my son and minister are publicly quarreling like this in my birthday hall because of you. What do you have to say?”

Li Mu sat cross-legged behind his table with a relaxed posture, smiling: “Since the old hero asks me to speak, I’ll say a few words. But before speaking, there’s another gift that I gave to the aide earlier but haven’t yet presented. Please examine it first, old hero.”

He clapped his hands, and the aide quickly entered, holding up a bundle wrapped in black cloth with both hands.

Li Mu rose and stepped forward, unwrapped the bundle, and smiled: “Please look.”

Everyone looked and saw that wrapped in the bundle was a human head that had been dusted with lime.

The head had a high forehead and prominent nose, with wide-open eyes. The neck showed purple-black coagulated blood, suggesting death several days ago, but the features were vivid, with an expression of extreme terror before death that seemed to leap out at them.

Everyone recognized it at first glance and was greatly horrified.

This head was none other than the Xianbei envoy Gu Huiwu who had just left a few days ago!

The aide holding the head was even more terrified, suddenly pulling back his hands so that the head dropped to the ground, rolling around like a ball.