Afternoon, the Imperial Palace.

Above the multi-layered palace roof, the glazed blue tiles reflected solemn radiance in the slanting sunlight. Below the white marble steps, a young official summoned to the palace stood tall with arms outstretched, as the court eunuch conducting the routine weapons inspection gently patted his shoulders, sleeves, waist, back, and boot shafts.

Moments later, the eunuch straightened up, smiling slightly as he gestured upward, saying in his affected high voice: “Young General Shen, please proceed.”

Shen Yuance lifted his boots and ascended the stone steps one by one, entering the palace corridor.

The tranquil, long corridor was permeated with the imperial dragon musk incense. As he traversed deeper through the hallway, the fragrance grew stronger.

After turning a corner and proceeding further, the lacquered golden vermilion doors of the inner hall came into view.

“Your Majesty, Young General Shen has arrived.”

From the golden dragon-adorned throne, the Emperor in his yellow robes raised his eyes.

Yuance stepped over the high threshold, lifting his head to meet this lofty, imposing gaze.

The forty-some-year-old Emperor’s eyes were clear and penetrating. Seeing the young man stare so directly without avoidance, a flash of sharp scrutiny passed through his eyes.

Their gazes connected briefly before breaking apart. Yuance lowered his eyelids and bowed his head in respect: “This humble subject greets Your Majesty.”

Emperor Xingwu also withdrew his scrutiny: “No need for excessive formality. Come forward, be seated.”

“It’s rare to see someone dare to look directly at His Majesty upon first entering the inner hall. Truly worthy of being a tiger cub from a military family,” remarked a middle-aged man with a sonorous voice seated to the left below the dragon throne.

Yuance took his seat to the right below the dragon throne, raising his eyes to look at the rarely-seen Military Governor of Hedong across from him: “Governor Fan overpraises me.”

Emperor Xingwu glanced at the two men seated below him, one on the left and one on the right. He accepted the tea offered by the eunuch, took a sip, then suddenly heard Fan De’nian sigh.

“Why does Governor Fan sigh?” Emperor Xingwu set down his teacup and looked over.

Fan De’nian shook his head regretfully: “This subject merely recalled that the person who used to sit in this place, discussing foreign affairs with Your Majesty and me, was once Governor Shen. In the blink of an eye, how things have changed…”

Emperor Xingwu looked at Yuance with a smile: “I wouldn’t say things have completely changed. The one sitting opposite you, will he not also be Governor Shen someday?”

Fan De’nian fell silent, his bold demeanor slightly restrained. When he looked at Yuance again, his mustache twitched in a slight smile: “As Your Majesty puts it this way, I’m quite curious what this future Governor Shen thinks about the Western Luo Queen’s critical illness.”

Yuance: “I’m grateful for Your Majesty’s favor, but this humble subject lacks experience and dares not presume such a high position.”

Emperor Xingwu waved his hand: “Since Governor Fan has asked, tell us your thoughts.”

“From this humble subject’s perspective, Princess Deqing has been married to Western Luo for over a decade and has given birth to three daughters, but has no heir who can inherit the throne. If she should suddenly fall ill and not recover, the marriage alliance between Western Luo and Great Ye will be severed. The Western Luo King is already elderly, and power is gradually falling to his two illegitimate sons. One son favors the Central Plains, while the other distances himself from it. Whether Western Luo remains friendly or becomes distant to Great Ye in the future depends on which prince ultimately inherits power.”

Emperor Xingwu: “You mean whether Western Luo will wage war against Great Ye depends on the internal struggle of the Western Luo royal family, and our Great Ye can only sit and wait for the outcome?”

“That is not this humble subject’s meaning,” Yuance shook his head. “This humble subject believes that as long as I remain in Hexi for a day, regardless of which prince inherits power, Western Luo would not dare to initiate war against Great Ye.”

The tea-pouring eunuch’s hand trembled, spilling tea in all directions.

…This fearless young man had practically declared that whether Western Luo went to war depended solely on him!

The resounding words echoed off the lofty hall ceiling. In the spacious great hall, the air seemed frozen in deathly silence, yet beneath that silence, it felt like a pot of boiling water.

Fan De’nian narrowed his eyes, fixing his gaze on Yuance.

Emperor Xingwu raised an eyebrow, also casting his scrutinizing gaze on Yuance once more.

Yuance calmly looked forward, accepting their assessment.

Hexi and Hedong had always been two regional powers that the Emperor needed to balance. Previously, Hexi’s military strength had surpassed Hedong’s. His brother, concerned about provoking jealousy from Hedong and to avoid arousing excessive suspicion from the Emperor, had always maintained a low profile while in the capital.

However, his brother’s death proved that concealing one’s abilities was futile.

Over the past three years, Hexi had lost its Military Governor and suffered great military losses, while Hedong’s borders remained peaceful, continuously building strength. Now, Hedong’s influence exceeded Hexi’s, and the Emperor needed a new Hexi Military Governor to stabilize the triangular relationship between the court, Hedong, and Hexi.

But whether a nineteen-year-old youth could shoulder such great responsibility was a concern for the Emperor. This was why, in recent days, he had not been formally appointed to an official position and could only indirectly bring down the Zhong family from the academy.

If he couldn’t convince the Emperor that only he could match Western Luo’s strength and counterbalance Hedong, not only would he be unable to avenge his brother, but he might also never return, forever trapped in this square city, allowing Hexi to fall into others’ hands.

After a long silence, Emperor Xingwu nodded: “Good. Since you have such courage, return to Hexi and take command. From today, Hexi military affairs will be handled by you. The position of Hexi Military Governor will continue to be temporarily filled by the Deputy Governor, and you will learn by his side. Do not disappoint me!”

Fan De’nian’s expression turned cold.

Yuance rose and bowed deeply: “This humble subject accepts the command.” After a slight pause, he continued, “Your Majesty, before this, this humble subject has one presumptuous request.”

“Speak.”

“This humble subject still has one matter to attend to in the capital. Would Your Majesty permit this humble subject to delay departure by a few days?”

Just then, a eunuch hurriedly entered the hall and whispered in the Emperor’s ear: “Your Majesty, Princess Yongying has arrived…”

Emperor Xingwu glanced at Yuance below and nodded to the eunuch.

Nearby, Fan De’nian gave Yuance a cold smile: “I hear that Young General Shen was close to Zhong Boyong, son of the Marquis of Kangle, at the academy. Are you staying behind to concern yourself with the outcome of the Zhong family’s corruption case?”

Yuance raised his eyes.

Emperor Xingwu elevated his eyebrows, looking toward Yuance: “Is that so?”

“Of course not!” A clear female voice rang out from beyond the hall doors. “Uncle Fan has been in the capital for the New Year for some days now, yet he hasn’t heard about my engagement to Young General Shen?”

Jiang Zhiyi crossed the threshold, gracefully walking forward led by the eunuch, and curtsied to the throne: “Zhiyi greets Imperial Uncle.”

Emperor Xingwu put aside his solemnity, revealing a fatherly smile: “You, young lady, how long has it been since you’ve come to see me? And now that you finally do, it’s because of your future husband?”

Jiang Zhiyi smiled brightly up at him: “Imperial Uncle is indeed well-informed. Imperial Uncle has always been concerned about Zhiyi’s marriage. In the past two years, you’ve selected many suitable families for Zhiyi. Now that Zhiyi’s marriage is settled, my uncle instructed me to come to the palace to inform Imperial Uncle of this matter.”

“So he is staying behind to get engaged to you?”

“That’s right, Imperial Uncle. I cannot allow him to leave without being engaged to me.” Jiang Zhiyi smiled, exchanging a glance with Yuance.

“But this husband you’ve chosen is indeed capable. Now he must travel far to Hexi on Imperial Uncle’s business. Your engagement can be finalized in time, but the wedding date will have to be delayed by Imperial Uncle.”

Jiang Zhiyi sighed, frowning: “I heard everything outside the hall doors, Imperial Uncle. I’ve finally found a young man I like, yet you’re sending him away like this…”

“What can be done? Imperial Uncle cannot keep a general with military talent in the capital just for you, can I?”

“Then Imperial Uncle, may I go to Hexi with Young General Shen?”

Yuance turned his head to look at Jiang Zhiyi.

Jiang Zhiyi returned his glance.

Earlier, when Yuance had suggested she accompany him to Hexi, her uncle had considered it and consented, but said that the matter should receive Imperial Uncle’s approval.

If Yuance were to make this request, it might arouse the Emperor’s suspicion that he wanted to take his fiancée away from the capital to avoid leaving future offspring as hostages. If she made the request, it would reduce the Emperor’s suspicions about his motives.

“Nonsense!” Emperor Xingwu’s face turned stern as he lightly reprimanded her. “You were born and raised in Chang’an. Could you possibly adapt to living in Hexi? The journey from Chang’an to Hexi is so long—I fear you would find it too difficult halfway and run back!”

“But Zhiyi must at least try. If I find it unbearable halfway, I’ll send word to Imperial Uncle, and Imperial Uncle can then send someone to escort me back to the capital. But right now, I truly don’t want to be separated from Young General Shen… I promise not to delay the journey. Imperial Uncle, set a date—if you say we must reach Hexi by the second month, Zhiyi absolutely will not cause Young General Shen to arrive in the third month!”

Emperor Xingwu glanced at her sideways but still didn’t relent.

“Imperial Uncle, after my parents passed away, Zhiyi has been dependent on others at the Marquis’s residence for ten years. Now that I’m finally about to have a home of my own, how can you separate us like this…” Jiang Zhiyi pouted reproachfully.

Emperor Xingwu’s expression softened slightly.

“Or perhaps… perhaps you could send someone else to Hexi?” Jiang Zhiyi suddenly turned to Fan De’nian. “Uncle Fan, you’re so formidable, your ambitions surely extend beyond Hedong. Why not oversee both Hedong and Hexi? Would you go to Hexi in place of my fiancé?”

“…” Fan De’nian’s eyes revealed alarm as he quickly stood up, cupping his hands toward the throne. “The Princess jests, Your Majesty. Please do not take her seriously.”

Yuance restrained his amusement as he looked at Jiang Zhiyi.

Jiang Zhiyi lifted her chin, coldly snorting in her heart.

This Fan De’nian liked to stir up trouble? Well, she would stir some up for him to see.

Emperor Xingwu raised his hand to gently dismiss Fan De’nian, then sighed deeply at Jiang Zhiyi: “Look at you! Imperial Uncle was discussing matters properly, and you come along causing chaos!”

“If Imperial Uncle agrees to Zhiyi’s request, the chaos will stop immediately!”

Emperor Xingwu considered for a moment, then waved his hand: “Fine, fine, have it your way.”

Upon leaving the inner hall, Jiang Zhiyi and Yuance walked side by side toward the exit.

After the escorting eunuch withdrew, when they reached a deserted palace passage, Yuance raised his hand to grasp Jiang Zhiyi’s chin, examining her with newfound appreciation: “Who taught you to play the fool to catch the wise?”

“Hmm?” Jiang Zhiyi backed away, pushing his hand aside. “I’m wearing makeup! Let go quickly!”

Yuance released her.

“Such a simple matter, why would I need anyone to teach me? I’ve witnessed the overt and covert struggles in the palace since childhood.” She raised her chin slightly. “And there’s my grandmother, Princess Imperial Ding’an—who truly lived up to her title ‘Ding’an.’ She was one who once stepped from the back palace into the front court. Although Grandmother passed away early and I don’t even remember what she looked like, I must still carry her intelligent blood.”

“With such ability, if I offend you in the future, will you also play the fool to catch me?” Yuance glanced at her.

“Just don’t offend me, and it won’t be an issue, right?” Jiang Zhiyi looked at him curiously. “What are you worried about? Have you done something wrong?”

Yuance raised an eyebrow: “Of course not.”

That night in the study of the Marquis of Yong’en’s residence, after finishing a game of chess with the Marquis of Yong’en, the Marquis put away the jade pieces and opened the conversation: “I was the one who sent A-yi to the palace today.”

“She told me,” Yuance nodded. “Thank you for your thoughtful consideration, My Lord.”

“Since we are to become family, your affairs are also A-yi’s affairs. I don’t object to you taking A-yi to Hexi, but regarding the Emperor’s approval, it was easier for A-yi to go than for you.”

He should never have agreed to let Zhiyi rush off to Hexi so hastily, but thinking of the divination from Taiqing Temple—

Now the two children were only engaged, with no time for marriage. If they were separated, who knew what variables might arise in the future? With the current uncertain situation in Western Luo, if Zhiyi could temporarily go to a place far from the Emperor’s direct control, then even if Western Luo envoys came to the capital again seeking to marry a Great Ye princess, neither the Western Luo people nor the Emperor would see Zhiyi, and this marriage alliance would not fall on their family.

Since the divination said that Shen Yuance could change Zhiyi’s fate, keeping Zhiyi by Shen Yuance’s side seemed the wisest course.

Fortunately for the Emperor, his Zhiyi had lost both parents, and the family no longer held power or influence in court. Compared to those official and military families with deeply entrenched power networks forming alliances with the Shen family, such a princess with only a title marrying a general who commanded significant troops was more reassuring, so the Emperor was pleased with this match.

“Naturally, I have my selfish interests in this,” the Marquis of Yong’en looked at Yuance with deep intensity. “While I consider your welfare, I also hope that on this journey you will take care of A-yi at every moment. After arriving in Hexi, ensure she lives as she did in Chang’an, and don’t let her suffer the slightest discomfort.”

Yuance nodded: “My Lord need not remind me of this. I am well aware of her habits in food, clothing, housing, and travel.”

“This child is indeed particular about such things, but don’t think she’s just being unreasonable,” the Marquis of Yong’en sighed. “Back then, her father sacrificed his family for the greater good, and my sister followed her husband, abandoning her. As her uncle, I’ve always felt I failed her, so over these years I’ve indulged and spoiled her, raising her to be so delicate.”

“All these years, living such a privileged and willful life in her position as Princess, isn’t it just her way of comforting herself? Thinking that even without her parents, she has all these things, so she’s not so pitiful after all.”

Yuance nodded: “I understand.”

The Marquis of Yong’en smiled with relief: “It seems she’s told you quite a bit. Seeing her cry in your arms today, as her uncle, I felt quite reassured.”

Yuance raised his head in confusion, not understanding this statement.

“Do you think she behaves the same way with you as she does with others?”

Yuance shook his head.

“That’s right. Don’t be fooled by her proud temperament in public all these years, like a Tianshan snow lotus, unwilling to speak with others. Before her family’s misfortune, this child was a little chatterbox, extremely lively, clinging to those she liked, constantly calling them brother or sister. If she was unhappy or wronged, she’d become a little crybaby… Is she like this with you?”

Yuance blinked: “Even more so.”

“These years she’s enjoyed imperial favor, and many in the capital flatter and curry favor with her. She dislikes such insincerity and is too lazy to distinguish between true and false, so she rarely socializes, maintaining a standoffish demeanor in public. Only with me, her uncle, and her sister Baojia does she still laugh and cry as she did in childhood. Now that she can rediscover her true nature with you, and has consequently become more animated in public as well, naturally I feel reassured.”

Yuance’s eyelashes fluttered.

Unfortunately… how long would this true nature last?

“Uncle—!” Just as the two men fell silent, an aggrieved female voice sounded outside the study. Jiang Zhiyi stamped her foot as she entered, “How could you reveal all my secrets?!”

The Marquis of Yong’en looked up: “Child, eavesdropping on adults!”

Jiang Zhiyi stepped forward: “But weren’t you speaking with my fiancé?”

“Uncle says these things only hoping he will understand you better in the future, and be more tolerant of you.” The Marquis of Yong’en took Jiang Zhiyi’s hand with one hand and beckoned to Yuance with the other.

Yuance hesitantly opened his hand, accepting Jiang Zhiyi’s hand from the Marquis of Yong’en.

“From today, I entrust A-yi to you. I hope you will treat her well with a sincere heart, free from distractions.”

Yuance’s Adam’s apple moved slightly as he stiffly held out his hand, frozen in place.

Jiang Zhiyi looked at Yuance: “Uncle, your formality has made him nervous. Even without Uncle saying so, Brother A-ce will certainly treat me sincerely and without distractions! Right?”

Meeting Jiang Zhiyi’s sincere, fully trusting gaze, Yuance’s eyes flickered momentarily. Slowly, he curled his fingers, loosely holding her hand, and softly murmured an affirmation.