Xiao Jue stared at Qin Chang Ge, unable to speak for a long time.

Tianqi – Northern Wei’s ruler Wei Tianqi; Dan shu – Northern Wei’s recruitment documents for talented people written in cinnabar, also called dan shu.

Wan Lan – Eastern Yan’s Queen Liu Wan Lan; Huang juan – the national teacher’s investiture documents written on yellow silk.

Yin Li was Nanmin’s high priest, and the sacred altar where he performed rituals was called Xuan Tan.

Bei Tang Xiao was Zhongchuan’s ruler, and the magical instrument “Guo Heng” collected in his palace was said to be crafted by Zhongchuan’s ten greatest masters spending their entire lives. It could communicate with yin and yang, understand earthquakes, observe celestial phenomena, and divine fortune and misfortune – considered Zhongchuan’s greatest treasure.

Xiao Jue had no time to be amazed by this agility. He had posed this question purely to create difficulty. How difficult it was to match long couplets, especially with a specific theme? Over a hundred characters needed to both clarify the world situation and annexation strategies while maintaining proper corresponding structure. Strategy and literary talent were both indispensable. Though his court had countless talented scholars, some might be quick-witted, but none had this kind of grand strategic vision. Those with strategies absolutely lacked such literary accomplishment. As for composing couplets in ten steps, it was even more inconceivable. He stared at Qin Chang Ge – if he hadn’t known he posed the question himself, he would almost suspect cheating.

Reciting in his heart “corrupt scholars and profligate ways, suitable for disrupting the nation’s foundation; strong ministers and weak rulers, can split the righteousness of support,” the more he thought, the more it pleased him. This was indeed one of the excellent methods for dealing with Northern Wei and Eastern Yan. Northern Wei valued literature and Confucianism, with extremely flourishing literary culture and exclusive Taoism. Scholars and Taoist priests were highly revered in Northern Wei. The Wei ruler was still relatively wise and capable, but he had many close and distant brothers, each watching like wolves and eagles, quite constraining. Most of Wei Tianqi’s energy was spent being wary of Xiliang and guarding against his brothers. He underestimated the hidden popular forces. With careful provocation and buried fires, inciting the conflicting literary and Taoist forces to go astray or fight each other could indeed shake Northern Wei’s foundation. At worst, it would cause great chaos, allowing Xiliang to profit from the turmoil. Eastern Yan’s greatest hidden danger was actually National Teacher Bai Yuan – brilliantly talented, able to overturn clouds and rain, whose achievements shocked the ruler. There was no greater reward possible, and he served a female ruler. Creating some scandals to make Eastern Yan destroy its own Great Wall was not impossible. As for “freely suppressing secluded peace, far pointing to unified Yu, culturally fighting Yan women, militarily suppressing Min witches,” this hinted at stationing troops in Youping provinces, controlling Yucheng’s strategic position, threatening Northern Wei, secretly corresponding with Yan, trapping Nanmin between Yan and Chuan, then using military force against the scattered Nanmin forces. All the court officials only knew to stockpile grain and prepare armies for war. This thin, slightly dark, unremarkable scholar was actually a talent who could manage heaven and earth!

Greatly moved by talent, naturally throwing the earlier disrespect to the winds, Xiao Jue’s eyes shone like stars. In great joy and unable to control himself, he stepped forward: “Excellent! May I ask your honored name, sir?”

“I dare not,” Qin Chang Ge silently stepped back half a step, properly bowing: “This commoner is Wen Zhengting, from Longdong.”

“Wen Zhengting?” Xiao Jue pondered. “I seem to have heard this name… With such learning, why haven’t you taken the imperial examinations to gain official rank, wearing crimson robes and purple sashes, rising to the clouds?”

“This commoner has no such fortune.” Qin Chang Ge said seriously: “Three times I took the examinations, three times I failed. Knowing I have no destiny with the court, I no longer seek in vain.”

“I remember now – you’re the famous scholar from Longdong, said to be able to compose literature at age three.” Xiao Jue suddenly said: “Why would you fail?”

“Lacking fortune in my destiny,” Qin Chang Ge spoke as if regretful. “Actually, such cases aren’t only mine. Qizhou’s famous scholar Lan Zong also had talent from youth, renowned throughout the world, yet repeatedly failed the examinations.”

“That such talent isn’t used by me is the ministers’ fault,” Xiao Jue frowned. “You’ll retake the spring examinations tomorrow. I’ll directly grant you official rank.”

“Impossible,” Qin Chang Ge smiled slightly. “Imperial examinations are the nation’s important talent selection ceremony, should be completely fair under heaven, not biased for one person. Today’s fortuitous meeting to see Your Majesty’s countenance is already fortune this commoner cannot bear. Regarding examinations, if Your Majesty has intentions of extraordinary promotion, this commoner should avoid it even more. Under no circumstances can I retake spring examinations, otherwise this commoner’s conscience would be uneasy. This is this commoner’s small stubbornness – I hope Your Majesty will forgive me.”

Serious on the surface, she laughed inwardly. Wen Zhengting, ah Wen Zhengting, today I’ve fully performed the demeanor of a talented, virtuous, upright scholar who doesn’t deceive in dark rooms and has no selfish thoughts for you. How will you thank me?

Xiao Jue’s eyes indeed brightened greatly, rarely showing joy on his handsome features: “Sir is truly extraordinary. But I spoke too much. If you don’t take spring examinations, won’t I lose a talent?”

“Your Majesty,” Qin Chang Ge smiled, “Examination eight-legged essays are restrictive in format, limiting inspiration. Truly free-spirited recluses of mountains and fields, proud great scholars and talents who laugh at mist and clouds, may not excel at this path. If Your Majesty established a ‘Broad Learning and Great Knowledge Division’ outside regular examinations, having local officials recommend noted scholars and great Confucians who dislike examinations, with the court welcoming them with proper ceremony and establishing noble positions upon passing evaluations – considering that great scholars are still people and literati especially love face, not taking examinations is just fear of failing and losing face. Now with court favor, most would joyfully respond to the call. Your Majesty would also avoid the regret of lost pearls. How would this be?”

“Broad Learning and Great Knowledge Division…” Xiao Jue’s joy grew even richer, staring at this seemingly unremarkable scholar who became radiant and eye-catching when discussing politics and literature. After careful thought, he nodded: “These words are thoroughly considered. I’ll discuss with ministers at court.”

Looking at the sky, he stood up and naturally patted Qin Chang Ge’s shoulder lightly: “It’s the fifth watch. I must return to court. Come to the palace with me. After court, I still have matters to discuss with you. Don’t refuse – you want dignity, and I need face too.”

Glancing at her own shoulder, the last sentence made Qin Chang Ge smile. Making a reluctant appearance, she followed the emperor out.

Passing the window, Xiao Jue’s gaze swept over the dead rat, frowning with a smile: “You were forced out by this thing? How are you like… a woman, afraid of rats?”

His voice paused, and when he spoke again carried slight desolation, but quickly changed topics: “By the way, how did you end up behind the curtain?”

With an embarrassed smile, Qin Chang Ge was prepared: “I heard Prince Zhao’s study had rare copies of Dan Xia Zi’s ‘Ancient Words’ three volumes from the Xian Shao period, which the prince treasures and never lends out. But this commoner has… coveted them for long. With great difficulty I asked a servant who cleans the study to let me sneak in for a few glances, even absorbing some ancient sages’ refined spirit would be good. Who knew I couldn’t find them anywhere. Seeing many books here, unconsciously I picked one up and became absorbed. When the prince and Your Majesty entered, this commoner was startled and couldn’t dodge in time, only hiding in the curtain. Please forgive this offense, Your Majesty.”

“‘Ancient Words’ is Chen’s treasure – how would it be casually placed conspicuously in the study?” Xiao Jue smiled. “Stealing books isn’t theft. I somewhat understand you literati’s quirks. Since it wasn’t intentional spying, let it be.”

He said no more and led the way. His tall figure had clear contours in the hazy dawn light. Qin Chang Ge felt somewhat emotional – however Xiao Jue had changed these years, perhaps with unpredictable moods, perhaps occasionally strange behavior, perhaps forced into scheming and privacy by his high position, fundamentally he seemed to retain some shadow of that bright, open youth who never judged people privately. Know that with other emperors, hiding behind curtains to eavesdrop on emperor and prince’s secret discussions involving major state affairs would certainly mean losing one’s head.

Guards had already prepared carriages and were waiting. A middle-aged man in guard uniform stood before them – from his colors, a forbidden guard commander. Seeing Xiao Jue bring out a stranger, they all knelt in salute, then looked at Qin Chang Ge with slight wariness. Xiao Jue paid no attention, mounting the jade-bridled golden-wheeled imperial carriage: “Return to the palace.”

At this time Xiao Chen also hurried over. He looked tired, wearing white fur and holding a hand warmer as he approached. Before he came near, Xiao Jue lifted the curtain and waved dismissively: “You’re still ill – be careful of the wind. Go back, go back.” He pointed at Qin Chang Ge, about to speak, when Qin Chang Ge stepped forward: “It’s late. Your Majesty please board first. Allow this commoner to bid farewell to the prince and thank him for his care.”

Xiao Jue nodded and entered the carriage. Qin Chang Ge approached to bow. Xiao Chen watched him unblinkingly, after a long while saying softly: “Sir has achieved his wish? How was the scenery under the couch?”

Smiling slightly, Qin Chang Ge deflected: “The prince’s mansion is spiritually beautiful with broad layout, complex paths, and hidden wonders. This unworthy one’s ten-odd days here have greatly opened my eyes – all thanks to Your Highness’s blessing.”

“Well said,” Xiao Chen smiled slightly. “So sir entering the mansion as a food guest was false, touring my humble residence was true? Do you like it?”

“How can someone of this unworthy one’s status presume to comment on Your Highness’s noble residence?” Qin Chang Ge smiled charmingly, not taking the bait. “You speak too seriously.”

“Serious or not, we both know,” Xiao Chen coughed slightly. “My shallow pond and small pool cannot contain sir’s dragon and phoenix bearing. Sir’s great talent, having already seen His Majesty’s countenance, will surely rise high soon. When you achieve glory and power, don’t forget to visit this humble prince.”

Smiling in agreement, Qin Chang Ge said: “I dare not. Your Highness’s cultivation and assistance – this unworthy one will never forget.”

“While you were in my mansion, I didn’t really care for you properly. But in future, there will surely be opportunities to meet at court. Then we’ll have our respective teachings.” Xiao Chen tilted his head slightly with a shallow smile, his features elegant and phoenix-like in the moonlight, his eyes and brows exquisite.

With another smile and bow, turning toward another carriage prepared by guards, Qin Chang Ge was truly tired of such back-and-forth verbal sparring with Xiao Chen. That rat – she really suspected Xiao Chen had arranged it.

With Xiao Chen’s intelligence, he might not believe her empty fort strategy. Finding no one under the couch, he would pretend to leave then return halfway to catch her. When she conversed with Xiao Jue, she kept listening alertly. Due to recent cultivation, her hearing had become quite sharp. If the non-martial Xiao Chen approached, she would know. That’s why she dared claim to Xiao Jue she was Wen Zhengting when certain Xiao Chen hadn’t returned.

But where did that strange rat come from? So coincidentally?

Now large numbers of guards escorted Xiao Jue to court, leaving only four ordinary guards to escort her to the palace. Qin Chang Ge clip-clopped toward the carriage. Approaching it, she squatted down to adjust her boot edge, stood up, and smiled embarrassedly: “Hehe, shoes worn long are comfortable, just a bit collapsed…” The guards glanced at her shabby clothes, perfunctorily nodded, turned away, and exchanged dismissive smiles.

Clumsily climbing onto the carriage, Qin Chang Ge was exactly like a poor scholar who’d never ridden a luxurious carriage, constantly examining the carved windows and foolishly reaching up to touch the gold-painted roof: “Such a beautiful carriage…”

The guards had long grown impatient, each mounting horses with dismissive smiles – where had His Majesty found such a treasure? Could such a person be a “famous scholar”? But they dared not say anything improper, ordering the carriage forward with guards surrounding it.

Traveling down Xifu Street, passing a narrow alley with few people, somehow the carriage suddenly tilted.

The eunuch serving as coachman was greatly alarmed, hurriedly reining in the horses. Half the carriage had already tilted down, crashing against the wall with a clatter, causing the harnessed horses to rear and whinny.

Guards rushed forward to help lift the carriage and investigate. They found a loose mortise joint at the carriage’s rear. Initially fine, it came loose when the carriage moved quickly, causing several spokes to scatter and the carriage body to tilt.

After lifting the carriage, the guards felt something was wrong – the carriage had fallen against the wall, so why hadn’t that rotten scholar even cried out in alarm?

An impatient guard immediately reached to lift the curtain, peered inside, and exclaimed: “Where is he? How did he disappear?”

The others hurriedly looked through the curtain he’d lifted – indeed empty.

The squad leader among the four guards stamped his foot angrily: “That kid escaped!” He shouted: “You two, go ahead and report to the commander. You, come with me to search the surrounding area. Even if this fellow escaped during the confusion, he couldn’t have gone far!”

The two groups split up. The eunuch coachman climbed down puzzled to examine the wooden mortise, wondering: “I clearly checked before setting out…”

He bent examining the wheel, not seeing the carriage roof slowly lift, revealing first a pair of eyes. Looking around and seeing no one, the figure quickly emerged, climbed along the wall the carriage leaned against, scaled the alley wall, and swiftly disappeared into the hazy morning mist.

That person was Qin Chang Ge.

She again played an empty fort strategy – she hadn’t actually left but had been curled up on the carriage roof.

Earlier, squatting to fix her boot was fake; using her body to hide prying at the mortise with a dagger was real. The moment she squatted, she saw the carriage’s bottom board was one piece, impossible to escape from underneath. So she pretended to be a country bumpkin, randomly touching the carriage while actually checking if the roof offered escape routes. This touching immediately revealed the roof was movable and removable, so she’d been working on it.

When guards scattered, she immediately escaped and quickly departed.

Xiao Jue, you can slowly wait in the palace.

Xiao Baozi squatted on the ground, head tilted, staring unblinkingly at the man before him. His bright, fluffy big eyes looking up from below were even more startlingly large, as if that tender little face contained only those eyes.

Normally, anyone stared at by this child with such “wanting to be held” gazes would be unable to bear it and surrender, but this man had good composure. He calmly read his book as if the beautiful four-year-old squatting before him was just a begging puppy.

But the little puppy couldn’t bear it – his legs were getting numb from squatting.

Patting dust from his clothes, Xiao Baozi decided that regardless of Uncle Chu’s expression, regardless of his icy mountain demeanor, he would definitely conquer him!

Arranging what he considered his most enchanting smile, Xiao Baozi used hands and feet to climb!

Huffing and puffing up Chu Feihuan’s knee, Xiao Baozi quickly grabbed Chu Feihuan’s shirt front with both hands, gripping tightly – not giving you a chance to throw me off. If you throw me, I’ll tear your clothes…

Nervously waiting for a while.

No movement.

Huh?

Looking up into Chu Feihuan’s still cold, calm eyes.

Those eyes were transparent as crystal, clear as autumn water, reflecting his puppy-like gaze. In the cold radiant light, a trace of faint, knowing smile.

Following that gaze downward, Xiao Baozi looked at his own little fat paws that had already wrinkled the clothes into a mess. The blue soft satin robe, originally smooth as pearls and flowing as water, that harmonious blue like autumn’s high distant clear sky, like moon-lit quiet night’s peaceful lake water, was now torn into split sky and wrinkled lake by his actions.

Even Xiao Baozi, who didn’t understand art and only liked violent aesthetics, felt he was destroying artwork. Smiling embarrassedly and trying to please, he quickly released his hands and even tried pulling and patting to smooth the wrinkles.

Chu Feihuan gently pulled away his paws, said nothing, and continued reading.

Xiao Baozi was momentarily unaccustomed – so climbing up was fine? So easy to get along with?

Then why did I squat so long?

Hmph, the maid sisters lied. Who said he was cold as an iceberg, that anyone approaching within three feet would freeze to death, that touching even an inch of his clothes would be thrown out?

Haven’t I been squatting within three feet? Haven’t I touched him?

Aren’t I perfectly fine?

Smugly smiling, Xiao Baozi pushed his luck, snuggling up further, wriggling to find a comfortable spot. Wrapping his arms around, he found the waist circumference perfectly suitable, happily leaning against it with closed eyes for a good sleep.

Squatting was so tiring…

Chu Feihuan slowly put down his book, looking down at the child in his arms. After a long while, his gaze softened slightly.

Softness emerging, sorrow gradually rising. That moment’s changing gaze was like vast seas with endless ripples, while distant bright moon rose on the horizon, clouds rolling and turning.

Past decades… a dream of cold.

Yet could only be given to silence.

He slowly reached out, extremely slowly toward the child’s tender, milk-fragrant, rosy cheek.

Just touching that snow-jade skin, missing by mere fractions.

He suddenly quickly withdrew his hand.

Stunned for a while, he slowly raised both hands before his eyes, staring at them entranced.

Pale, clean hands, slender fingers, thin but beautifully lined hands that didn’t show bone.

Only he knew.

These hands were so impure.

How could they touch a child’s petal-like face?

They had killed people, broken others’ tendons and bones, secretly dug poor people’s melons, fruits, and grains for survival from muddy earth, grasped dead animals’ rotting flesh. During immobile days, these hands supported his body moving step by step, crawling inch by inch across stinking ditches, garbage heaps, filthy ground. Nails cracked, nail gaps filled with dirt… When pressed down and beaten, these hands tightly gripped the ground, then were trampled full of wounds… Just recovering, beaten again for refusing to kowtow and beg. Daily half-hungry, with no extra food to “tribute” to the fat boss. Without his martial arts foundation’s trained endurance, he would have been beaten to death long ago.

During days when old injuries flared with burning pain, he bit these hands in his mouth, biting until skin split and blood flowed. Countless times unconscious, feverish, near death, then countless times struggling to consciousness. He didn’t know why he hadn’t died, didn’t know why he refused to die. In those hellish days of hopeless pain, torment, and struggle, viewed and despised as lowly, even his strong will had countless times considered giving up. But in the end, he still wanted to live, still forced himself to wake with bloody teeth marks.

Now he finally understood – he was waiting for her, waiting for her return.

Destiny secretly hinted to him, making him endure suffering and refuse to leave in eager waiting, just so she could return on the wind at some moment, and when suddenly looking back could smile in relief: “Oh, you’re still waiting for me here.”

To hear those words “I have returned,” he experienced rebirth, heaven and hell, life and death’s grinding.

Fortunately, neither you nor I disappointed…

He smiled gently.

Like dewdrops quietly rolling over morning flower leaves.

Flower shadows swaying, sunlight pale.

This human affairs’ impermanence, world sentiment’s thinness – how much love and hate brewed into lingering wounds, long unhealed. Yet finally, I’m glad I never let go.

Qin Chang Ge had been watching from afar for a long time.

Watching Baozi desperately trying to get close to Feihuan, watching Feihuan’s indifferent tolerance, watching Baozi’s triumph climbing onto his knee, watching Feihuan suddenly withdraw his hand just as he was about to touch Baozi.

Watching him hold his hands before his eyes, as if not recognizing them, examining them carefully.

A trace of sorrow flashed through her eyes. Qin Chang Ge knew what he was thinking.

Feihuan always appeared cold but was inwardly delicate. Though resilient and intelligent, he was very kind and sensitive. Though he didn’t speak of it, she knew that in his heart, he must deeply regret his current disability and those past three hellish years.

During those lonely, desolate days when the whole world abandoned him, surely no one gave him any warmth. So he would treasure that jade lock piece Baozi gave him. That child’s closeness and affection was the only kindness he’d experienced in a very long time.

So precious.

Qin Chang Ge looked up, pressing her lips together.

Where are you, my enemy? I think I’m approaching you step by step.

Whether you hide beyond clouds and sky, or sit high above the nine heavens.

No matter what hardships this search requires, what grinding suffering, what difficulties, what myriad confusions.

I will never give up.

Until someday, I personally destroy you.

For myself, and for Feihuan.