In the dungeon of Tai City’s Court of Judicial Review, even on bright sunny days, it remained dark, damp, and without sunlight.

Murong Ti had been imprisoned here for nearly two months.

The old emperor had died, the new ruler ascended the throne. The Dayu court, which had maintained a balance for nearly twenty years, had also changed with the palace succession.

Outside the prison in Jiankang, undercurrents surged and the political situation shifted dramatically.

But all this no longer concerned him.

A single oversight. The Xu clan, who had victory within their grasp, had failed at the crucial moment due to the Eldest Princess’s interference and retreated in defeat.

When the tide receded, he too became an abandoned pawn, seemingly forgotten in this prison cell, left to survive or perish on his own.

Or rather, waiting for someone to finally remember him and draw a final line under his story.

The Court Minister knew he was a serious criminal and naturally wouldn’t reveal any news about the outside world to prisoners.

Those imprisoned in this dungeon were no different from the deaf and blind.

But these days, this Xianbei man seemed to have sensed something himself, repeatedly requesting to see Xu Mi again.

He didn’t wait for Xu Mi to come to the dungeon for another meeting.

What he waited for was an order for immediate execution.

The order came from the Imperial Secretariat, signed personally by Gao Qiao.

The Court Minister went down to the dungeon, had the cell opened, and announced to the death row prisoner inside the command he had just received.

The Xianbei man’s reaction impressed even the Court Minister.

Having served as Court Minister for so many years, specializing in legal cases, he had seen too many people’s ugly behavior before death.

Even the most hardened individuals would change color when this moment truly arrived.

But the man before him seemed to have no reaction at all.

His body should have been very weak by now, yet he still sat cross-legged on the ground, motionless. He only slowly raised his dark purple eyes to stare at him.

The moment their eyes met those cold, indifferent ones, even the Court Minister felt a chill in his heart.

This Xianbei man seemed to regard his own life as nothing important.

Such a person would have even less feeling for others.

He ordered the executioner to proceed while he withdrew to stand outside the cell door to watch, lest blood splatter and soil his clothes.

The executioner entered.

He was already experienced.

To reduce the trouble of cleanup afterward, he threw down a foul-smelling felt mat stained with layers of accumulated bloodstains from years past, signaling Murong Ti to kneel on it.

Murong Ti closed his eyes.

The executioner grew angry, cursed, and moved forward to forcibly press him onto the mat.

At this moment, the prison warden hurried down, saying Minister Xu had arrived.

The Court Minister frowned.

He knew little about this Xianbei man. But for someone who could make both Gao Qiao and Xu Mi personally visit the prison and even clash over him, he should not be an insignificant figure – though for unknown reasons, he had later become an abandoned pawn.

Xu Mi, who had been protecting him, showed no response to his previous requests for meetings.

The Court Minister thought Xu Mi had given up on him entirely, but unexpectedly, today when Gao Qiao ordered the execution, he suddenly appeared.

The Court Minister ordered the executioner to halt the execution temporarily while he hurried to receive the visitor.

Xu Mi came to the prison alone, without attendants.

His figure seemed more hunched than before, his voice hoarse, sounding quite different from usual.

The Court Minister knew the Xu family had been very dejected recently. He guessed Xu Mi’s days wouldn’t be easy.

But for someone to become so haggard and changed in just such a short time was somewhat moving.

People manipulate power, but doesn’t power also manipulate people?

The Court Minister approached and performed the greeting ceremony.

Xu Mi said coldly: “Bring Murong Ti here. I’m taking him away.”

The Court Minister was startled, hesitated, then said carefully: “Minister Xu, please forgive me. It’s not that I won’t follow your orders. But this morning I received a command from the Imperial Secretariat ordering immediate execution of the prisoner. If Minister Xu wants the man, that’s not impossible. But may I first report to my superiors?”

Xu Mi flew into a rage.

“You dare disobey my command?”

“Don’t tell me that seeing the new emperor ascend and Gao Qiao gain power, you dare look down on my Xu family?”

He sneered coldly.

“Even if I, Xu Mi, have lost power, I still have the Jingzhou military government. More than enough to deal with one Court Minister!”

He drew the sword at his waist, pointing it at the Court Minister, shouting sternly: “Quickly bring the man out for me!”

Faced with Xu Mi’s fury, the Court Minister had no choice but to order Murong Ti brought out.

Moments later, Murong Ti was led out by prison guards and stood before Xu Mi, looking at him.

The two men’s eyes met.

Xu Mi turned to the Court Minister: “Remove his shackles!”

The Court Minister could only have someone remove Murong Ti’s hand and foot shackles. After Xu Mi led the man out of the prison, boarded a carriage waiting outside, and departed, he immediately sent word to Gao Qiao.

…

The driver urged the horses forward, racing toward the nearest city gate.

Xu Mi and Murong Ti shared the carriage. When the wheels hit an uneven patch of road, the carriage jolted violently. Murong Ti’s face was pale as snow, his body swayed, and he nearly collapsed before Xu Mi caught him, took out a handkerchief, and wiped the blood from his face with sympathetic eyes, saying: “Elder brother, how are you holding up? Our people are waiting at the ferry. Hold on a bit longer – once we’re out of the city and reach the ferry, we can be on our way!”

Those hands were smooth and white, definitely not a man’s hands. The voice had returned to its natural tone, clearly that of a young woman.

Murong Ti opened his eyes, looking at his sister Murong Zhe who had disguised herself as Xu Mi, and said hoarsely: “I’m fine. You came just in time. Otherwise I would have been killed.”

Thinking of the recent scene, a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes.

Murong Zhe said: “Elder brother, it’s my fault for coming late and nearly causing you to lose your life inside. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to come earlier, but I wasn’t familiar with Xu Mi and feared my disguise wouldn’t be convincing. If I were recognized and ruined everything – my death wouldn’t matter, but I couldn’t implicate you. These days, Xu Mi has been staying home, and I spent considerable effort infiltrating the Xu residence to observe him from afar several times before barely managing this disguise. Fortunately, I finally fooled the Court Minister and rescued you.”

“It’s all my fault for not doing things well. Not only did we fail completely, but I nearly cost you your life…”

Murong Ti shook his head: “You did very well. If we failed, it was fate playing tricks on us. Don’t blame yourself too much.”

Murong Zhe’s beautiful eyes showed confused resentment: “Elder brother, I don’t understand. We held Xu Mi’s weakness in our hands – why did he dare abandon you? Even if the Crown Prince couldn’t become Nanchao’s emperor, isn’t he still a Nanchao minister? Isn’t he afraid Gao Qiao will use that imperial edict I forged to destroy him completely?”

Murong Ti said: “Gao Qiao’s purpose was to prevent the Crown Prince from ascending and stop the Xu family’s schemes from controlling the court, not to completely eliminate the Xu family. It’s not that he doesn’t want to, but that he cannot. He fears the Xu family’s military power and worries that pressing too hard would make them rebel, throwing Nanchao into chaos. He acts cautiously, considering all consequences. Now that he’s achieved his goal, even if you gave him the forged edict, not only could he see through it, but even if it were a real edict, he absolutely wouldn’t tear off the mask and openly attack at this time. Xu Mi is an old fox – how could he not guess Gao Qiao’s concerns? Though they seem like enemies, they actually understand each other’s thoughts and have secretly reached a compromise – each retreating a step to let this matter pass and maintain temporary peace.”

Only then did Murong Zhe understand. She gritted her teeth: “Nanchao men truly lack any backbone. They’re all worthless! This Gao Qiao, despite his reputation, is utterly useless and nearly cost you your life!”

But Murong Ti remained calm, looking at Murong Zhe.

“In prison, I was like the blind and deaf, yet I sensed things had changed. I repeatedly requested to see Xu Mi as a test. When he delayed appearing, I knew the situation was lost and was already prepared to die. Fortunately, you rescued me today – perhaps Heaven doesn’t want me to perish.”

“Sister, you’ve sacrificed much for our restoration and saved me today. On behalf of Great Yan, your brother thanks you.”

Murong Zhe said resolutely: “Brother needn’t say such things! You are Great Yan’s hope for restoration! Only by preserving you does Great Yan have hope. As a daughter of the Murong family, wherever I can be useful, even if it means being torn to pieces, I will never shirk my duty.”

Murong Ti nodded.

“Brother, with things as they are, where shall we go after escaping?”

“Originally, I was sent to Nanchao by our uncle to borrow troops. Now that we’ve failed, we can only return to seek refuge with him and find another way.”

“I heard Uncle has gathered many former subordinates and clansmen in Dragon City. But even if we can escape from Nanchao, most of the north still belongs to the Xia-Jie territory. They hate you bitterly and you’re still on their wanted list. With your injuries and restricted movement, how can we safely pass through the Central Plains to return to Dragon City?”

Murong Ti pondered for a moment, then slowly said: “Gu Huilong is currently seeking to take Chang’an. The Xia-Jie are mobilizing troops to defend Longxi. They say muddy waters are best for fishing – the more chaotic a place, the more opportunities arise. If we can escape today, we might take the long route, circle north via Xiangyang, take the western route. Though that area is remote, it’s relatively safe. After passing through, we can slip through Chang’an in the chaos, cross Xiao Pass, and finally return to Dragon City.”

“I’ll follow whatever arrangements you make, brother.”

Murong Ti nodded and closed his eyes to rest.

The carriage continued racing forward, gradually approaching the city gate.

The gate guards saw an outbound carriage approaching and moved to intercept for inspection. When they saw a face emerge from the carriage window, speaking hoarsely and coldly: “Stand aside! I have urgent business outside the city. Can you bear responsibility if you delay court affairs?”

The guards recognized Xu Mi. Seeing his face, how could they be suspicious? They quickly stepped aside and were about to let them pass when they suddenly heard a roar from behind: “The Minister Xu in the carriage is fake! Stop them quickly! Capture the criminals!”

The guards turned to see Tai City Guard Commander Chen Tuan leading a large force racing toward them. Understanding the situation, they shouted and had barriers set up to stop the carriage.

The driver was a Murong family loyal retainer. He cracked his whip, lashing the horses’ backs hard.

The horses, stung by pain, dragged the carriage, forcibly broke through the barriers, and raced along the main road.

Murong Zhe kept looking back, seeing the large pursuing force getting closer, already able to make out dark shadows in the distance. Her face went pale.

Murong Ti suddenly said: “Let me down. You continue forward.”

Murong Zhe was startled, then understood.

No matter what, the carriage’s speed couldn’t match that of single horses. Continuing this way, they would all be captured together.

“Elder brother! You’re injured – I’ll go with you! Let the carriage draw them away!”

“No need! Two people make a more obvious target and are harder to escape with. You get off further ahead! Don’t worry, I won’t die!”

“Elder brother—”

“Quickly! As long as we draw away the pursuers, I can escape to Dragon City myself. You also find a way to meet up in Dragon City! Do you want us to die together in Nanchao hands today?”

Murong Ti shouted sternly.

Murong Zhe shivered.

She knew that in her brother’s eyes, restoration and becoming emperor were the only important things. Everything else, even their own lives, could be completely disregarded when necessary.

She nodded, immediately ordered the driver to slow down, hurriedly handed Murong Ti a prepared bundle from the carriage, and let him down as he instructed.

Murong Ti silently hid in a roadside ditch thick with wild grass, watching the large force thunder past. After a long while, when everything was completely quiet, he crawled up from the ground, turned to face northwest toward the river, and limped away.

…

At dusk, Gao Qiao received the latest report.

Near the ferry, over a dozen hidden Xianbei had been found, apparently Murong Ti’s former followers. All were captured with none escaping.

The carriage had also been caught, but Murong Ti was long gone. The one impersonating Xu Mi had also escaped early, leaving only the driver.

Murong Ti had apparently planned to cross the river and flee north. Chen Tuan had sent men to search along the riverbank through the night and would report any news.

Gao Qiao returned home from Tai City with a heavy heart, seeking Xiao Yongjia to tell her about Murong Ti’s escape.

He sighed: “When I let him escape then, I knew we’d never catch him again. This man is cunning and patient – it’s like releasing a tiger back to the mountains. I only blame myself for not insisting then, for sparing him. If I had killed him with one stroke then, all these subsequent troubles wouldn’t have happened…”

He was full of regret, muttering continuously. He noticed Xiao Yongjia appeared to have just finished removing her makeup and bathing, casually wrapped in clothing, sitting alone before her mirror with unbound hair, hand supporting her forehead, seemingly lost in thought and completely ignoring his words.

He thought of how recently, first with the national mourning, then Prince Dongyang’s enthronement, and their niece Gao Yongrong becoming empress, the imperial harem required numerous complex ceremonies, and she frequently invited Xiao Yongjia to the palace to preside. But Xiao Yongjia seemed uninterested, as if reluctantly complying.

So he changed the subject: “A’Ling, our niece’s affairs are mostly settled now. I see you’re tired too – you should rest.”

Xiao Yongjia still didn’t respond, only glancing at him indifferently.

Gao Qiao suddenly felt somewhat nervous.

Recently, although Xiao Yongjia had been living at home, they still slept separately.

This was her room.

Previously, court affairs had been too chaotic for him to think about such things.

Recently, with the new emperor’s enthronement completed and the court gradually stabilizing, he remembered how he had once impulsively kissed her. She had seemed quite compliant then. So these past few nights, he’d wanted to ask if he could stay and sleep in her room.

But these words stuck in his throat several times, impossible to voice.

Gao Qiao suspected she had guessed his thoughts but wasn’t interested, so she didn’t take initiative either.

He felt somewhat embarrassed.

Seeing her pick up a comb and begin combing her hair, he was hesitating whether to find an excuse to stay longer or leave, when someone announced the Empress had arrived.

During the day, Gao Yongrong had hosted a banquet for Jiankang’s noble ladies in the palace, with Xiao Yongjia in the seat of honor. She had returned from the palace only hours ago, yet their niece had come again.

She and her husband quickly exchanged glances, then called servants to help her dress and arrange her hair. After a brief preparation, the two went to the front hall.

They found Gao Yongrong not wearing imperial robes but dressed in ordinary family attire, standing in the hall looking around with a nostalgic expression. Hearing their footsteps, she turned and smiled, calling them “Uncle, Aunt.”

Gao Qiao and Xiao Yongjia moved to perform the kowtow ceremony, but Gao Yongrong quickly stopped them: “Uncle and Aunt, please don’t humble me so! Previously in front of others, I had no choice but to accept your formal bows, but this is our own home – why are you both so formal? Since returning with His Majesty, I’ve always wanted to visit home once more as a daughter of the Gao clan. Tonight I finally managed to come. If you’re so polite, are you perhaps unwelcoming your niece?”

Gao Qiao glanced at Xiao Yongjia, and seeing she didn’t speak, quickly smiled: “How could that be? We’re delighted you’re so thoughtful.”

Gao Yongrong smiled and looked around again: “Just now, as I walked through, everything I saw was familiar from the past. Though I’ve missed home all these years since marrying, I couldn’t return, and even when I did, it was hastily like a guest. Thinking that from now on I’ll be neighbors with Uncle and Aunt, and can come home whenever I miss it, I’m filled with emotion.”

“I’ve always respected you both like parents, before and now. I only wonder if you both still regard me as your own daughter as before?”

She asked with a smile.

Gao Qiao was startled, then nodded: “Of course, of course. Speaking of which, you and A’Mi are very close sisters. In the years since your marriage, she often mentioned you to your aunt and me.”

After speaking, he glanced at his wife again. Seeing she remained silent, only looking at their niece with an ambiguous smile, he couldn’t help feeling puzzled.

At the mention of Luoshen, Gao Yongrong’s eyes also brightened as she smiled and sighed: “Only when I returned this time did I learn A’Mi had gone to Yi Cheng. I had hoped to see her often in the future. I was quite disappointed at first, but then I thought – her husband is outstanding among men, and A’Mi follows her husband while they work together to expand territory for our Dayu. What heroic and admirable work! Why should I feel disappointed? So some days ago, I sent A’Mi a letter to renew old ties. Thinking Yi Cheng is a harsh, desolate place that must be difficult for A’Mi, I could only send some food and clothing with the letter to show my feelings.”

Xiao Yongjia finally spoke: “You’re so thoughtful, remembering A’Mi despite being busy every day. I thank you on A’Mi’s behalf.”

Gao Yongrong smiled: “Why so formal, Aunt? I’ve regarded A’Mi as my own sister since childhood. I only hope her husband achieves great merit for our Dayu soon – His Majesty will surely reward them generously. When they return to court with honor, I can properly catch up with A’Mi. Just thinking of that day makes me extremely happy.”

“Yes, yes…” Gao Qiao agreed.

“It’s just that now, Prince Dongyang became emperor in confusion, and I confusedly became empress with him. I wouldn’t dare say this to outsiders, but with Uncle and Aunt, I’m not afraid of your laughter – I’ll speak directly. His Majesty and I are both still anxious…”

Her smile gradually faded.

“His Majesty originally just wanted to be his Prince Dongyang properly, and I wanted to be his princess. Living peacefully for a lifetime would be our greatest blessing. We never expected to be brought to Jiankang to face this situation.”

“His Majesty is young – how could he know how to handle state affairs? I understand even less. From now on, we can only shamelessly rely on family like Uncle, Aunt, and brother-in-law for support…”

Gao Qiao’s expression also grew serious as he sighed: “We court ministers sharing the ruler’s worries is our duty. Don’t worry. If this uncle still has some strength left that can be used, I will certainly do my utmost.”

Gao Yongrong showed joy again and bowed to Gao Qiao, who helped her up.

Straightening, Gao Yongrong glanced at Xiao Yongjia, who hadn’t spoken much: “Uncle, Aunt, I have another matter for which I seek your understanding. May I speak privately in an inner room?”

Xiao Yongjia stared at her, her gaze flickering slightly.

Gao Qiao looked puzzled but nodded: “Let’s go to my study.”

…

The three entered the study and closed the door. Gao Qiao took the main seat with Xiao Yongjia beside him. Gao Yongrong came before them and solemnly bowed.

Gao Qiao was startled: “Why do you perform such a grand ceremony? You mustn’t! Please rise quickly!”

But Gao Yongrong didn’t rise, saying: “Uncle, do you remember when brother-in-law sought to marry A’Mi, someone plotted against him and he nearly came to harm?”

Gao Qiao quickly glanced at Xiao Yongjia, his eyes showing confusion.

“I dare not hide it any longer. That affair was my doing!”

Gao Qiao was shocked.

“I never dared mention this to Uncle before, fearing your thunderous wrath. I tell you honestly now because my guilt keeps me sleepless, and I dare not hide it longer.”

Tears began forming in Gao Yongrong’s eyes.

“I was confused then and did such a thing because when I suddenly learned brother-in-law had forcibly married A’Mi, not only were Uncle and Aunt pained by this, the whole family suffered, and because it concerned A’Mi’s entire life, I was furious and acted from sincere desire to protect the Gao family and A’Mi. In my confusion, I took matters into my own hands and did such a wrong thing.”

“After my anger passed, I regretted it and wanted to recall my arrangements, but people had already been sent and I couldn’t stop it immediately. Fortunately Heaven had eyes – nothing happened and brother-in-law was unharmed. I was both regretful and afraid then, so I sought Aunt. Aunt knew nothing beforehand, and when she questioned me, Uncle happened to come looking too. Fearing Uncle would be even angrier and disappointed if he knew the truth, I begged Aunt to help me hide it…”

“The fault was mine from the start. After it happened, instead of repenting, I made mistake upon mistake, making Aunt suffer blame for me. I often feel uneasy thinking of this. Today I’m willing to risk both your anger to come and personally admit my error.”

“Please, considering I was confused then from wanting to protect the Gao family and A’Mi, don’t hold it against me…”

Tears flowed down her cheeks as she sobbed and kowtowed to Gao Qiao and Xiao Yongjia, remaining on her knees.

The study was extremely quiet except for Gao Yongrong’s soft weeping.

Gao Qiao slowly looked toward Xiao Yongjia, staring at her with a strange expression.

Xiao Yongjia lowered her eyes and said nothing.

Gao Qiao finally turned to face Gao Yongrong.

“You…”

Not knowing what to say, he stopped.

Gao Yongrong said: “Then everyone blamed brother-in-law, myself included. Only now do I know brother-in-law is a pillar of the nation, and he and A’Mi are a match made in heaven. I deeply regret this. I confess today hoping Uncle won’t blame me and Aunt will forgive me. Though I’m mediocre and incompetent, I will do my best to manage the six palaces, personally tend silkworms, share His Majesty’s burdens, and pray for the people’s welfare.”

“I beg Uncle to wholeheartedly assist His Majesty, and ask Aunt to guide me in the future. His Majesty and I would be infinitely grateful.”

Gao Qiao’s expression was grave. Finally, he sighed deeply.

“Enough. You weren’t the only one who opposed it then. But your methods were too extreme and completely wrong. Fortunately your brother-in-law was blessed and you’ve come to your senses and have the courage to admit your error. Let this matter rest. From now on, I will naturally do all I can to faithfully assist His Majesty.”

Gao Yongrong wept again and kowtowed in gratitude.

Xiao Yongjia had been watching her niece with complex eyes. Finally, she also spoke a few words of comfort.

Gao Yongrong smiled through her tears. After chatting a while longer, as it was getting late, she touched up her makeup and took leave to return to the palace.

The couple saw her to the hall entrance. Gao Yongrong repeatedly asked them not to go further, so they stopped.

Once their niece left, Gao Qiao immediately said to his wife: “Come with me to my room!” His tone was somewhat heavy. After speaking, he strode off.

Xiao Yongjia stared at his retreating figure and followed unhurriedly.

Once inside, Gao Qiao closed the door, put his hands behind his back, and paced several times before Xiao Yongjia. Suddenly stopping, he turned angrily: “If that affair had nothing to do with you, when I asked you then, why didn’t you tell me the truth?”

Xiao Yongjia said lightly: “You came in and immediately scolded me, convinced I was behind it. If I said it wasn’t me, would you have believed me? You probably would have insisted I was lying.”

Gao Qiao was speechless for a moment.

“I was too angry then. But you could have told me later! You actually never told me! If our niece hadn’t come to confess today, would you have kept treating me like an outsider forever?”

Xiao Yongjia’s eyes warmed slightly as she looked at her husband.

Gao Qiao stared back for a moment, then suddenly struck his forehead hard.

“I remember now! Just before, when I went to the county princess’s house to find you, you mentioned that the people who waylaid Shao Yuniang weren’t arranged by you, and you knew nothing beforehand about the assassination attempt on our son-in-law.”

“When you were still speaking, we received news that your brother had fallen ill…”

He kept tapping his forehead, frowning with great guilt in his voice.

“A’Ling, it’s all my fault. Later when things got chaotic, I forgot and never asked you about it again…”

Xiao Yongjia held back the warmth in her eyes: “But I remember you immediately asked back then, ‘If not you, then who?'”

She smiled.

“Our niece came to confess tonight, so you know about one thing. I can tell you about the other – I did indeed hate that Shao Yuniang and was angry enough to take a sword to kill her, but I never went through with it. You suspected someone arranged the highway robbery that drove Shao Yuniang to death. You were right. But it wasn’t me – it was Zhu Jiyue!”

“That night, I learned from her unintentionally that she had arranged it years ago. In my rage, I accidentally killed her.”

“Gao Qiao, I have a bad temper and caused you much grievance. My nature isn’t good – I’m not the type you admire, much less a worthy helpmate. I’ve delayed you all these years and dare not blame you for anything.”

“That’s all I have to say. I’m truly tired these days. I want to return to the island for some peace. I’m leaving.”

After speaking, she turned toward the door.

Gao Qiao watched her retreating figure and suddenly called: “Stop!”

Xiao Yongjia continued walking.

“A’Ling, stop!”

Xiao Yongjia had reached the door.

“Xiao Yongjia, I order you to stop!”

Gao Qiao rarely called her by her full name and roared.