A night at the end of spring and beginning of summer should have been very beautiful—having a good dream, then waking to new daylight and new vitality. However, this night the darkness was exceptionally long. Everyone kept their eyes open, completely sleepless, their minds heavy as they waited anxiously for good news that might arrive at any unknown time.

Jiang Li was the same.

The sky gradually shed its blackness, like water soaked in ink that suddenly had the ink fade away, becoming clear and bright again. At some point, the moon disappeared. In the distance came the sound of roosters crowing. At the far end of the gradually whitening sky, dawn clouds appeared.

A young servant came rushing in from outside, breathlessly saying, “They’ve—they’ve retreated! Prince Cheng has withdrawn his troops!”

Lu Shi urgently asked, “Really?”

“Really! Everyone has come out from their houses.” The servant was also extremely happy. “This servant even encountered the Master on the road. The Master said everyone worked hard through the night and should eat early and rest—there’s nothing to worry about anymore.”

Jiang Li thought to herself that it seemed Yanjing City had been defended successfully.

Old Madam Jiang also breathed a huge sigh of relief. Being advanced in years and having stayed up all night, the nanny quickly took her to the inner room to rest. Lu Shi also stood up. Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou stretched lazily. Only Jiang Youyao had slept well—she knew nothing, and when tired, she simply slept. And there was Jiang Bingji, who didn’t understand what had happened at all.

Everyone seemed to only now feel their bodies’ exhaustion and wanted to go back to sleep, unwilling even to eat breakfast. Jiang Li had sat up all night and also felt her body aching, though she was somewhat more alert than the others. After returning to her courtyard and hastily eating some pastries and hot tea, she removed her outer robe and lay down on the bed. But surprisingly, she couldn’t fall asleep right away. Instead, she kept thinking about Prince Cheng’s affairs.

General Zhaode had defended Yanjing City, but how much of Prince Cheng’s forces had been worn down was still unknown. If they wanted to completely eliminate this threat, General Zhaode would probably have to pursue them out of the city and annihilate all the rebel forces. Although Prince Cheng’s troops were numerous, they couldn’t outnumber Yin Zhan’s men. Originally, Prince Cheng’s plans hadn’t included someone like Yin Zhan. Even if there had been, he probably wouldn’t have thought that after all these years, Yin Zhan’s soldiers could still fight. That godforsaken place Yunzhong hadn’t diminished Yin Zhan’s edge one bit—on the contrary, he seemed to have become even more formidable.

In her heart, Jiang Li wasn’t worried that Yin Zhan couldn’t eliminate Prince Cheng. She even had an intuition that this rebellion Prince Cheng had plotted for many years would probably be quelled extremely quickly by Yin Zhan. But was Yin Zhan’s return truly a good thing? One wolf left, only for a tiger to arrive. This time it was probably like releasing a tiger back to the mountains. What she could think of, couldn’t Emperor Hongxiao think of as well?

She wondered what Emperor Hongxiao was feeling right now.

What Emperor Hongxiao was feeling right now, no one could know for the time being. The emperor’s heart was unfathomable, and no one dared to speculate.

In the palace, in the great hall, the Empress Dowager was speaking with Emperor Hongxiao.

Perhaps the upheaval in Yanjing City had been too great. Even the Empress Dowager, who no longer concerned herself with worldly affairs, had recently been frequently leaving Cining Palace, no longer chanting sutras, and had been asking people about news from outside. Today was the same. Last night, countless households in Yanjing City had kept their lamps burning through the night, waiting for a result. How could the palace be any different? In fact, the eunuchs and palace maids in the palace were even more afraid than those common people.

Although the common people were defenseless, Prince Cheng’s forces couldn’t really massacre the entire city. Perhaps some could escape the disaster—only the unlucky ones would lose their lives. But those in the palace were different. No one had ever heard of any successful rebel showing mercy and sparing those in the palace. After every rebellion, the place that truly became a river of blood was actually the palace, with almost no survivors.

This was the moment when lives hung by a thread—life and death separated by a single thought. It was said that last night the Empress Dowager had chanted Buddhist sutras all night at Cining Palace. Little did anyone know that countless eunuchs and palace maids were the same, all secretly praying in their hearts, praying for a peaceful night.

Perhaps heaven also had a benevolent heart and heard their prayers, thus allowing them to escape this disaster.

“Prince Cheng’s troops have finally retreated,” the Empress Dowager said. “This burden on my heart has finally been lifted.”

“Last night caused Mother concern,” Emperor Hongxiao said with a smile. “That Prince Cheng withdrew his troops—Mother also deserves some credit.”

“I did nothing,” the Empress Dowager also smiled. “I merely copied Buddhist sutras. In my own heart I understand—this time it was all thanks to the Xia Commandery Prince. If he hadn’t led troops back, Prince Cheng wouldn’t have withdrawn so quickly.”

“This time is indeed General Zhaode’s achievement.” Whether intentionally or not, Emperor Hongxiao didn’t refer to Yin Zhan as “Xia Commandery Prince.” He said, “When rewards are given later, I will generously reward him.” He sighed again. “I heard that back then General Zhaode accumulated outstanding military achievements. So many years have passed, yet he’s still sharp as ever. I’ve heard his pair of children are also extremely outstanding. I’ve met him but haven’t yet met his children.”

“I’ve also heard about this,” the Empress Dowager said. “When Your Majesty rewards achievements later, why not reward his children rather than the Xia Commandery Prince himself? His noble rank is already high enough, and the late emperor probably bestowed plenty of gold and silver treasures back then.”

“Mother has considered this well,” Emperor Hongxiao said. “All of this must wait until after Prince Cheng’s matter is completely resolved before making plans.”

The Empress Dowager was silent for a moment, then said, “Does Your Majesty intend to have the Xia Commandery Prince pursue and attack?”

“Of course. General Zhaode thinks the same as I do, and I’ve told General Zhaode. Prince Cheng has the ambitions of a wolf—plotting continuously all these years, yet he forgot that I’ve been guarding against him all along. Wanting to sit in this position isn’t as simple as he thinks.”

He said this with a smile, yet in the young emperor’s eyes there was already surging killing intent and ambition, making listeners feel cold in their hearts.

The Empress Dowager’s movements paused slightly. After a long while, she slowly said, “All these years, Your Majesty has not had it easy. This position ultimately isn’t something Prince Cheng can covet, so he’s bringing suffering upon himself. Your Majesty doing this is also good. After Prince Cheng’s matter is concluded, the realm will be at peace.”

“This is also thanks to Mother,” the Emperor said with a smile. “It’s because Mother chants sutras and prays for blessings daily that Heaven protects Northern Yan.”

The Empress Dowager smiled faintly and said nothing more. Emperor Hongxiao looked into the distance. The sky outside the palace was exceptionally azure—beautiful weather with clear skies. Everyone wanted to grasp power over the realm, but the picturesque landscape was full of deadly traps. With one Prince Cheng gone, were there no others?

There probably wouldn’t be a shortage. However, there was one thing he hadn’t said wrongly—if he could deal with one Prince Cheng, he could naturally deal with others as well. In the play of the mantis stalking the cicada while the oriole waits behind, until the very end, no one knew who was the oriole and who was the cicada.

By the afternoon of the second day after Prince Cheng’s withdrawal, everyone had finally rested well. When Jiang Li got up, it was almost evening. She had slept like this for a whole day and felt groggy, yet she still remembered to have a servant deliver a letter to Ye Mingyu to ask about the situation there. With such a chaotic situation now, Jiang Yuanbai would be even less likely to let her go out freely.

The servant went quickly and returned quickly. Ye Mingyu didn’t want to write a letter—he only had someone bring back a verbal message saying the Ye Manor was fine, and both Ye Shijie and Xue Huaiyuan were well. He told Jiang Li to stay in the manor and not come out, to take good care of herself. If there was anything she couldn’t handle, she should send someone to the Ye family to say so, and he would come protect Jiang Li.

Hearing that the Ye Manor also had no problems, Jiang Li was relieved. This day passed like this—it could be considered thrilling but ultimately safe. By the fifth day, Prince Cheng’s troops hadn’t continued with a second attack on the city. Instead, General Zhaode Yin Zhan had led his troops out to fight.

The panic from the previous days hadn’t yet dissipated when new worries arrived. Tong’er and Baixue also looked preoccupied. While brewing tea, Baixue nearly accidentally spilled the tea water on the table.

“What’s wrong, Baixue?” Jiang Li asked with a smile. “What are you thinking about so distractedly?”

Baixue said, “This servant is worried about my parents at home. Who knows when this battle will end, and whether it will implicate my family.”

“Isn’t Zaohua Village quite far from Yanjing City? Even if there’s fighting, it shouldn’t spread to Zaohua Village for now,” Tong’er replied. “Rather than worrying about Zaohua Village, you should worry about yourself first. General Zhaode has marched out of the city like this—is he planning to drive Prince Cheng completely out of Yanjing’s vicinity? But what if Prince Cheng makes a comeback?”

Jiang Li smiled. “I think he’s not just driving them away. I’m afraid he wants to catch all the rebel forces in one net and completely eliminate them.”

Tong’er asked, “Really? Then that’s good news. We servants won’t have to worry day and night. After General Zhaode accomplishes such a great deed, he’ll still have to return to Yunzhong, right? This servant thought he would stay in Yanjing City, constantly guarding against Prince Cheng’s comeback.”

“How could that be? The national treasury might not be able to support so many soldiers,” Jiang Li said. Her heart suddenly stirred—Tong’er’s words had reminded her of something. As the saying goes, when the cunning rabbits are killed, the hunting dogs are cooked. If Prince Cheng’s forces were completely eliminated, Yin Zhan staying in Yanjing City would be meaningless. Yet Yin Zhan was still pursuing so aggressively. Either his thoughts were simple—wholeheartedly serving the country without thinking too much, and he would immediately return to Yunzhong after protecting Yanjing. Or his thoughts were too deep—he already had other plans and was certain that even after clearing out Prince Cheng, he wouldn’t return to Yunzhong and would be able to remain.

Why was that?

In Jiang Li’s heart, a trace of unease slowly emerged. The battle situation ahead was unclear, and no one knew what the final outcome would be. Those who weren’t soldiers could only sit in their rooms anxiously waiting for a conclusion.

Mingyue came in from outside. Looking at Jiang Li, she hesitated before saying, “Miss… the Commandery Prince’s Heir Apparent has come.”

Yin Zhili? Why had he come?

Jiang Li involuntarily frowned. She usually met people with a smile, but every time she met Yin Zhili, she felt somewhat resistant. This was probably because she knew what schemes the Jiang and Yin families were plotting, and she was unwilling to comply.

She walked out of the courtyard and saw Yin Zhili following behind a maidservant as he arrived.

This time, even Yin Zhiqing hadn’t appeared.

Jiang Li bowed to him. “Young Master Yin.”

“Miss Jiang needn’t be so polite with me.” Yin Zhili was still dressed in white, gentle and refined. He said, “I’ve already seen Old Madam Jiang. Today I came at Father’s behest to say a few words to Chief Minister Jiang. After speaking, I’m also delivering something to Miss Jiang.”

Jiang Li looked at him in surprise. For unmarried men and women to privately exchange gifts was somewhat improper.

Yin Zhili also seemed to understand his words were somewhat presumptuous. He smiled bashfully and said, “Actually it’s from Zhiqing for you. She knew I was coming to the Jiang Manor today and asked me to deliver it. I originally wanted to give it to Old Madam Jiang, but Old Madam Jiang told me to give it to you personally.”

Old Madam Jiang still hadn’t given up on the idea of her being with Yin Zhili, Jiang Li thought to herself. She saw Yin Zhili take out a small box. He said, “I’ve looked at it and feel it suits Miss Jiang very well.”

Jiang Li opened the box to look and was stunned. Inside was a fan. She drew the fan out—the fan surface was pure white, made of some unknown fabric that gave off a faint luster. Embroidered on it was a pear blossom, quite distinctive, and the embroidery work was very exquisite. The colors were clear and light, yet the fan handle was made of jade and felt cool to the touch. There were many who made fans, but few made them so precious and pleasing. Ordinary girls who received such a fan would naturally be delighted.

But Jiang Li didn’t feel particularly happy. Though this fan was certainly beautiful, compared to Ji Heng’s gold-threaded peony folding fan, it was still inferior. Jiang Li found it strange—she originally didn’t like overly intense and vivid colors either, but having spent so much time with Ji Heng, she had also picked up his habits and felt this snow-white adorable color was somewhat too bland.

Yin Zhili didn’t notice Jiang Li’s thoughts and still smiled. “Summer will arrive soon. I imagine Miss Jiang will find this fan useful.”

“Thank you for Princess Pingyang’s kind intention, and thank you, Young Master Yin, for specially delivering the fan to me,” Jiang Li said with a smile of thanks.

Yin Zhili said, “As long as Miss Jiang likes it.”

“I like it very much, thank you. I will also treasure it well.” Jiang Li put the fan back in the box, closed it, and handed it to Baixue.

She said she would “treasure it well,” not use it. Yin Zhili’s gaze paused slightly, then he said gently, “You’re welcome. These past days, Yanjing City hasn’t been peaceful. Miss Jiang should be more careful. I heard Prince Cheng’s subordinates previously took Miss Jiang to Huangzhou. To prevent history from repeating itself, it’s better to be cautious.”

Jiang Li smiled. “I know. These days Father won’t let me leave the manor. Speaking of which, General Yin is now confronting Prince Cheng—doesn’t Young Master Yin need to go?”

Yin Zhili smiled bitterly. “I originally wanted to go with Father, but Father told me to remain in Yanjing, saying that if anything should happen to Yanjing, I could respond accordingly.”

Jiang Li asked, “So Young Master Yin also understands the arts of training and commanding troops?”

“Being born into a military family, one must learn a bit. Not just me—Zhiqing must learn as well.”

Jiang Li smiled. “How admirable.”

Yin Zhili said, “I actually think Miss Jiang has the bearing of a military strategist. Though without martial arts or weapons, you can still determine victory from thousands of miles away.”

“Young Master Yin is talking about me? When have I done such things?”

Yin Zhili smiled. “Those matters in Tongxiang—we heard about them all the way in Yunzhong. Zhiqing said before that she very much wanted to meet you. After seeing you last time, she said you were different from what she imagined. You seem so quiet and gentle, not like someone so decisive and ruthless.”

“Speaking of being decisive and ruthless, I wouldn’t presume to show off my meager skills before an expert. Why does Young Master Yin tease me?”

Her tone was unhurried. When Yin Zhili joked with her, Jiang Li didn’t show a trace of shyness. Her generous and open manner was very comfortable to behold.

“I wonder how General Yin’s battle situation is going now?”

“Miss Jiang needn’t worry. Although Prince Cheng has plotted for many years, he ultimately isn’t military-born. Most of his soldiers are a ragtag bunch. When it comes to deploying troops and formations, he’s no match for my father. So Prince Cheng’s rebellion will be quelled sooner or later—it’s just a matter of time. Moreover, I heard from Father’s messengers that within a month, Prince Cheng’s forces can be completely eliminated.”

He probably said this to comfort Jiang Li not to worry, but it made Jiang Li think of something else. She asked, “After Prince Cheng’s matter is concluded, will General Yin and you return to Yunzhong?”

Yin Zhili was stunned, then smiled. “That… I don’t know yet.”

Saying he didn’t know yet, rather than directly admitting they would return to Yunzhong—Jiang Li’s heart made calculations. She said nothing more. Yin Zhili continued, “When we first met, Zhiqing saved a child. I thought it was Miss Jiang’s younger brother, but I heard Miss Jiang doesn’t have a brother of that age.”

“That’s a child I rescued in Huangzhou,” Jiang Li said. “His entire family died at the hands of bandits during the Huangzhou turmoil. He was the only one left from his whole family. Seeing him helpless and alone, I originally wanted to bring him back. Later, a friend of mine was kind-hearted and simply took him as a disciple.”

“Friend?” Yin Zhili smiled. “The person who was beside the Duke of Su that day, right?”

He knew Ji Heng’s identity—it must have been Yin Zhiqing who told him. Ji Heng and Yin Zhan were enemies, so naturally Yin Zhili wouldn’t have good feelings toward Ji Heng either. What did he mean by asking her now?

“Is Miss Jiang very familiar with the Duke of Su?”

“Not very familiar.” Jiang Li smiled and directly blocked him off. “If Young Master Yin wants to inquire about the Duke of Su on behalf of the Princess, I’m afraid I’m truly powerless to help.”

Yin Zhili looked at Jiang Li in astonishment. He probably hadn’t expected Jiang Li to be so direct. He was stunned for a moment, then smiled, seeming both helpless and amused. “I didn’t expect Miss Jiang to be so straightforward.”

“The Princess is also very straightforward.”

“Zhiqing has always lived in Yunzhong—innocent and carefree, not understanding worldly affairs. The Duke of Su is very outstanding, so she was just casually asking. She didn’t mean anything by it,” Yin Zhili said.

“I know,” Jiang Li smiled slightly. “I was also just speaking casually, without any other meaning. Young Master Yin needn’t mind.”

Her tone was gentle, almost docile, yet what she said always left people feeling stifled, unable to get angry or express their frustration, feeling inexplicably awkward.

Yin Zhili stopped discussing Ji Heng with Jiang Li and turned to other matters. He inquired about Jiang Li’s past, though he was very considerate in skipping over those less pleasant memories—such as the period when she was sent to Qingcheng Mountain, and when Jiang Li was falsely accused of pushing Ji Shuran and causing her miscarriage. What he talked about were all beautiful things.

Only, what Yin Zhili didn’t know was that Jiang Li wasn’t the real Second Miss Jiang. Those beautiful things were merely things the current Jiang Li made up casually. He listened earnestly without any suspicion.

He really did seem like a simple person without schemes.

Jiang Li silently thought this as they talked for quite a while before Yin Zhili finally left.

Jiang Li didn’t go to see Yin Zhili off. Her mind was completely full of wondering what Yin Zhan was truly planning—how could she have attention for Yin Zhili? Instead, the maidservants in the courtyard all gathered around. After exchanging glances, Mingyue said softly, “Miss, why did this Young Master Yin come specifically to see you?”

Mingyue and Qingfeng were in the outer courtyard and didn’t follow Jiang Li as closely as Tong’er and Baixue, so they didn’t know about Jiang Li and Ji Heng’s affairs. In their eyes, this Young Master Yin was already an impeccable choice—compared to the marriage that Jiang Youyao had stolen and Jiang Yu’e later usurped, he was infinitely better. Setting other things aside, a Commandery Prince was far superior to a Marquis. Moreover, although Zhou Yanbang could be considered decent, compared to this bright, gentle, elegant, and handsome Heir Apparent, he truly paled in comparison.

Tong’er said, “Go, go, go. He just came to deliver something on behalf of the Princess. Miss asked him some questions about the war. Our Miss is concerned about the common people. Since he’s the General’s son, naturally he knows the current situation. Miss just asked for a bit longer and it took some time. Don’t talk nonsense—there’s nothing special about it, and he didn’t come specifically to see Miss. Everyone disperse, disperse now.” While waving her hands, she pushed the gossip-seeking Mingyue and Qingfeng out.

Jiang Li walked into the courtyard. Baixue closed the door. Tong’er curled her lip toward the outside and said, “They really don’t mind making a fuss.”

These two maidservants of hers—Baixue was originally a farmer’s daughter. Unlike other household-born servants who grew up as slaves knowing all the rules, Baixue was honest and dutiful. Jiang Li’s thoughts were her thoughts. Tong’er had stayed with Jiang Li on Qingcheng Mountain for eight years and had long become unruly. She was much more open-minded than the other maidservants in the courtyard and didn’t see things so rigidly. Although Yin Zhili was certainly good, if their own Miss didn’t like him, then that was that. Forced melons aren’t sweet—if Miss truly didn’t like him, they couldn’t bind her onto the wedding sedan, could they?

Baixue placed the box in front of Jiang Li. “Miss, this fan?”

Jiang Li had originally wanted to have someone put the fan away and store it properly, but somehow she changed her mind. She said, “Summer is approaching anyway. Just leave it on the table. When it gets hot someday, it can be used.”

Situ Jiuyue had said that all things in the world mutually generate and restrain each other—even doctors knew to use the method of fighting poison with poison. If she couldn’t even handle a single fan, she really would have lived in vain all these years.

She didn’t like Yin Zhili, but Ji Heng didn’t want her either. She might as well live well on her own. Who knew what would happen in the future? Dwelling on it only increased her troubles.

Life should be like cutting through tangled threads with a swift blade—that’s what’s called swift vengeance and gratitude.

At the Duke’s Manor, Ah Zhao was laboriously moving his body.

Situ Jiuyue had later given him a wheelchair. This chair had several wheels underneath and could move when someone helped push it. He still couldn’t walk, but when he had nothing to do, he tried pushing himself to move to the courtyard to bask in the sun.

He encountered Zhao Ke in the courtyard.

Ah Zhao recognized Zhao Ke. Once, Zhao Ke had come to see him and said, “You’re a fortunate fellow. That day when you came out from the private prison, it was this brother who carried you out on his back.”

Ah Zhao had expressed his gratitude to him.

He knew the place he was living was the Duke’s Manor, and the Duke’s Manor’s master was called the Duke of Su. He had also heard Ji Heng’s name—in his memory, a ruthless and merciless beauty. But Zhao Ke also said that day in the Princess Manor’s private prison, it was Ji Heng who saw him and had people bring him out.

Ji Heng was his savior—Ah Zhao didn’t deny this. By rights, he used to habitually dislike such people, always feeling he should be with upright and honorable people. Those who played with power and had deep schemes—he always avoided them at all costs. But after walking along the edge of life and death, many of Ah Zhao’s ideas had changed. Shen Yurun seemed like a good person. Back then he had called him “brother-in-law” so affectionately. Though he also looked down on Shen Yurun for having no martial arts and being unable to protect his own sister well, he had read so many books that Ah Zhao still admired him in his heart.

But it was precisely such a scholar without the strength to truss a chicken, well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics, seemingly gentle and respectful—yet he did things to his own wife that were worse than pigs and dogs. Unfortunately, he hadn’t been able to slay his enemy with his own hands, and now there was no chance. Princess Yongning and Shen Yurun had already been reported by the Jiang family, punished, and sent to pay with their lives for Xue Fangfei.

As for Ji Heng… Ah Zhao thought, he was completely different from Shen Yurun. With a terrible reputation, feared by everyone, yet such a person had rescued him from prison. What meaning was there in him rescuing him? His legs were already crippled, and he had no martial arts. Zhao Ke told him that initially Ji Heng rescued him probably intending for him to serve as a guard at the Duke’s Manor. Now he couldn’t become a guard. And this Duke seemed to have forgotten all about him—since entering the manor, Ah Zhao hadn’t seen him.

But Ah Zhao still remembered the last time he saw Ji Heng. In that prison where days were indistinguishable from nights, amid day after day of torment, everyone had grown accustomed to such darkness. At first they would cry and wail, but in the end they lost all consciousness, and even the will to survive was ground away. Ah Zhao persisted. When he thought he couldn’t persist much longer, one day there was movement in the private prison. He originally thought Princess Yongning had brought people to torment them again. Unexpectedly, the people who came weren’t Princess Yongning but several unfamiliar men.

Two of the men received some instructions and went along the prison cells one by one searching, as if looking for someone. The remaining man walked casually. In this hellish and terrifying scene, he was completely unmoved, walking leisurely and calmly.

Ah Zhao didn’t know what these people had come to do, but he didn’t want to miss any opportunity, even if it meant gambling with his own life. After all, if he won the gamble, he could go out and avenge his sister. If he lost, it was just one life. And staying here, sooner or later he would be killed by Princess Yongning once she tired of her games.

He dragged his two legs and crawled to the prison cell’s bars, just in time to see that man walking past in front of him. So he struggled to extend his hand and grabbed the hem of his robe.

The man’s boots stopped before him.

He saw an extremely handsome and gorgeous face. In those eyes was also dismissive indifference, though he still wore a smile.

Ah Zhao’s heart went cold with some despair, but he still said what he wanted to say.

And then, he was saved.

Thinking about it now, from that moment on, he had a kind of indescribable sense of fate.