Hua Zhuyu sat by the window in the side hall, watching the daylight gradually dim outside, her heart also seeming weighed down by heavy clouds.

Her mind was somewhat chaotic.

That night, when she suddenly realized the masked Nalan Xue might be Ji Fengli, she had recklessly entered the palace, caring for him without sleep for two days and nights. When he finally awakened, the tension that had built up over days finally eased slightly. However, new worries slowly surfaced in her heart.

She heard that Hua Mu had secretly taken former Emperor Kang, Huangfu Wushang, and escaped from the palace. Clearly, he hadn’t given up and still wanted to overthrow the Southern Dynasty. She didn’t know why her father, who had been loyal and brave in protecting the country, had become a traitor. In her heart, he wasn’t someone who coveted wealth and power.

All this time, she had lived to bring down Ji Fengli and Emperor Yan to clear the Hua family’s name. When circumstances suddenly reversed and the truth came to light, she suddenly didn’t know where to go from here.

“Miss Bao, His Highness has sent this servant to call you to dine in the hall,” came a palace maid’s voice from outside.

Hua Zhuyu responded, about to go out when her hair cascaded down like clouds. Earlier, having just awakened, she had rushed out barefoot, and her hair had long since become disheveled. She lit a candle and sat before the bronze mirror, raising her arms to arrange her hair. Originally, she wanted to create an elaborate, charming hairstyle, but after trying for a long time, she couldn’t manage it. After returning to women’s clothing, she had been at the Nie residence where Cui Xiu had always done her hair and makeup. What Cui Xiu did effortlessly seemed impossibly difficult for her. She frowned and sighed, about to settle for a simple bun when she heard gentle footsteps behind her. Turning around, she saw Ji Fengli slowly approaching.

He came to stand before her, his lips slightly curved, looking down at her intently in the flickering light and shadow.

Hua Zhuyu felt her heartbeat quicken again. She raised her hand to brush the hair from her forehead, smiling: “I’m used to men’s clothing – I can only manage simple little buns. Am I very clumsy?”

Hearing this, Ji Fengli’s gaze flickered between bright and dim, misty warmth slowly rising in his eyes. His eyes crinkled as he said gently: “From now on, Bao’er won’t need to dress as a man. Let me arrange your hair for you, alright?”

Hua Zhuyu smiled through her tears, mist moistening her lashes: “Do you know how?”

“Long ago, I did it once for my mother.” He gently took the jade comb from her hands and began slowly combing, his movements gentle and careful, afraid of hurting her. His technique wasn’t skilled, even somewhat clumsy, but after half an hour of patient work, he finally finished arranging Hua Zhuyu’s hair. He set down the jade comb, helped her sit up straight, and cupped her face in his hands, his fingertips gently caressing her cheeks. His profound eyes were filled with strange radiance as he murmured in fascination: “Bao’er.”

The next moment, he had pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms gradually tightening. Only then did he realize how delicate and slender she was. This frail body had once worn silver armor and fought on battlefields, leading Tiger Roar Camp deep behind enemy lines. The more he thought about it, the more his heart ached. Since learning she was a woman, initially he had been joyful, but now the heartache grew deeper, long since overwhelming the joy. His arms tightened further, holding her fiercely as if to meld her completely into his bones and blood, never to be separated again.

Hua Zhuyu let him hold her, feeling his breath brush against her temples. His embrace was so steady, warm, and tender. She reached out to hold him tightly in return, leaning against him with eyes closed as tears streamed down.

Feeling her embrace in return, his body trembled slightly as he held her even tighter, so tight she could barely breathe. At her ear, his voice came softly from above: “Bao’er, you have me in your heart, don’t you?”

Hua Zhuyu’s lips moved, but before she could speak, he had already leaned down to kiss her lips. He seemed afraid to hear her answer, as if he didn’t need her answer at all.

He kissed away the tears at the corners of her eyes, kissed away the worry between her brows. So forceful and domineering, yet so gentle and tender. In this moment, she didn’t want to think about anything – not destiny, not opposition. Only the person before her, only this love, was real.

“Stay in the palace, will you?” His breath carried a light bamboo fragrance, burning hot against her ear. Hua Zhuyu’s head rested on his shoulder, eyes half-open, seeing the misty night outside the window and hearing the rustling of wind through leaves like a beautiful melody. Her heart filled with tender sweetness as she whispered: “Yes!”

Hearing her answer, Ji Fengli’s dark eyes flashed with burning brightness, but it turned to boundless depth in just an instant.

The evening meal was set in Ji Fengli’s bedchamber, with only the two of them. On the mahogany table were fragrant rice porridge, lotus leaf duck, brocade fish threads, eight-treasure tofu, and short rib soup – a balance of meat and vegetables. Though not many dishes, they were clearly all her favorites.

Back on the battlefield, Ji Fengli had cooked for her for quite some time and knew her tastes thoroughly. Having eaten and slept poorly these past days, Hua Zhuyu’s appetite returned at the sight of delicious food, and she picked up her chopsticks to go for the lotus leaf duck.

“This time it’s not vegetarian food made to look like meat, is it?” She picked up a piece of duck, asking with a smile.

But Ji Fengli didn’t touch his chopsticks, only sitting beside her quietly watching her eat. The shimmering lamplight fell on his face, his beautiful phoenix eyes curved in a smile, his thick long lashes tinged with pale golden light. Seeing which dishes she liked, he would reach with his chopsticks to place them in her bowl, making the attending palace maid quite superfluous.

Before she knew it, she had devoured most of the dishes on the table, only then suddenly realizing Ji Fengli hadn’t eaten at all. Seeing her finish and set down her chopsticks, only then did he pick up his own, lifting the fragrant porridge and slowly eating with what she had left.

After Ji Fengli finished his meal, young eunuchs came in quietly to clear the dishes, and a little palace maid silently entered to serve them tea before quietly withdrawing. Before leaving, the palace maid carefully closed the bedchamber door with a creak. Hua Zhuyu looked around, seeing only herself and Ji Fengli in the hall with no one else, quickly set down her teacup and rose to go rest in the side hall. She had only taken two steps when a voice gentle as warm wind drifted from behind: “Where are you going?”

Hua Zhuyu smiled: “I’m going to rest in the side hall.” Where else would she go?

“The little palace maid who attends at night sleeps in the side hall,” he said, lifting his teacup for a light sip.

“Then where do I sleep?” Hua Zhuyu asked with a frown. Since she no longer needed to attend him all night, surely she should have somewhere to sleep – she was truly exhausted these past days.

Hearing this, Ji Fengli’s lips curved in a faint smile. He set down his teacup and strolled toward her. In the next moment, she was already swept up in his arms as he strode forward with long steps. This motion of carrying her, he performed with rabbit-like speed – clearly domineering yet done with utmost elegance. He carried her all the way to the inner chamber before gently setting her on the bed. Her shoulder suddenly felt cool as he had already removed her outer dress. His gaze burned as he stared at her, his eyes containing suppressed passion and unfathomable depths she couldn’t understand.

Hua Zhuyu’s face immediately burned like fire, and she couldn’t help remembering that night in the military camp. Her body trembled involuntarily, the smile that had been on her lips gradually fading as she looked away, lowered her lashes, and asked steadily: “Ji Fengli, what are you doing?”

The room suddenly fell silent, not a sound to be heard, so quiet it was unnerving. Candlelight fell on his shoulder, illuminating his handsome features as the brightness in his dark eyes gradually dimmed. After a moment of silence, his lips curved slightly as he said with slight mischief: “What does Bao’er think I’m going to do? I only want you to undress and rest.”

“I can’t sleep here!” Hua Zhuyu looked up and said.

“Then where does Bao’er want to sleep?” He looked at her steadily, his gaze deep with clearly visible pain suffusing it.

Hua Zhuyu’s heart stopped, suddenly understanding the unspoken meaning in his words. That night, he had seen her and Huangfu Wushuang entangled on the bed – he probably thought she had feelings for Huangfu Wushuang. She reached out to embrace his waist, saying softly: “I don’t like Wushuang. That night, I was preparing to escape. But I had lost part of my internal energy and wasn’t his match, so I was deliberately stalling with him… Do you believe me?”

Ji Fengli’s body trembled slightly as he leaned down to hold her in his arms, his profound dark eyes fixed on her, lips curving in a soul-stirring smile: “Whatever Bao’er says, I believe! Now, sleep!”

That night, Hua Zhuyu ended up sleeping on his bed while he slept on a couch to the side.

Time flowed secretly, and once again came the season of bright spring light.

In the imperial garden, trees turned green and flowers bloomed on branches. By the shimmering pond, cherry trees blossomed brilliantly like flowing clouds at the horizon’s edge, gorgeous and dazzling.

Hua Zhuyu stood beneath a flowering tree when a warm breeze blew, sending petals falling like rain from the full tree. She extended her hand, and several petals drifted into her palm with the wind – the delicate red against the white of her palm was especially beautiful.

These past days, Ji Fengli had been very busy. Though Former Emperor Yan had recovered his wits, his body was already ruined, and with Emperor Kang’s whereabouts unknown, all court affairs fell on Ji Fengli’s shoulders. Every day he was busy until late night before returning. She worried about his health – continuing this way, when would his injuries and damaged meridians heal?

“Miss, Miss Wen and the Third Princess have arrived,” the little palace maid Nong Yu whispered beside her. She was only fifteen or sixteen, specially assigned by Ji Fengli to serve her.

Hua Zhuyu nodded with a smile and turned to see Wen Wan and Huangfu Yan approaching together. Since Ji Fengli became regent, Grand Tutor Wen had escaped prison and regained his position. Wen Wan had also returned to the Wen residence, still the Wen family’s eldest daughter.

Seeing Hua Zhuyu, the smiles on their faces suddenly stiffened. Huangfu Yan tugged at Wen Wan’s sleeve, indicating they should go elsewhere, but Wen Wan paid no attention and strolled toward Hua Zhuyu.

Seeing this, Nong Yu bowed: “Blessings to the Third Princess, blessings to Miss Wen.”

Wen Wan’s gaze fell clearly on Hua Zhuyu’s face, her lips curving in a faint smile. She turned to Huangfu Yan: “Princess, Wan has some words for Miss Bao.”

Huangfu Yan looked at Wen Wan with concern, saying crisply: “Then this princess will go ahead.” Before leaving, she looked deeply at Hua Zhuyu, her gaze full of hostility.

Hua Zhuyu smiled lightly – Huangfu Yan still harbored great resentment toward her. Watching her depart with the palace maids, she said to Nong Yu beside her: “Nong Yu, these cherry blossoms are so beautiful – go pick some branches from the grove.” Nong Yu responded and left.

Hua Zhuyu sat on the railing, smiling with narrowed eyes: “I wonder what Miss Wen wants to say to Yuan Bao?”

Wen Wan’s lips held a smile, but her eyes burned like torches as she stared at Hua Zhuyu. After a long moment, she slowly said: “When will you leave him?”

“Why should I leave him?” Hua Zhuyu raised an eyebrow.

“Because he won’t marry you – sooner or later you’ll leave!” Wen Wan said coldly.

Hua Zhuyu’s smile deepened: “How do you know he won’t marry me?”

“Because he’s the regent who will soon ascend the throne as emperor. Do you think he’ll marry someone like you – of unknown origin, formerly a eunuch? Moreover, you nearly married Huangfu Wushuang.”

“Miss Wen means he’ll marry you instead? I remember Miss Wen was once the Northern Emperor’s most favored woman, and also Huangfu Wushuang’s most favored woman. Would he marry someone like that?”

“Exactly! I went to the Northern Dynasty for him, and I went to Huangfu Wushuang’s side also for him. So he will marry me, and I will become his most favored woman too.” Wen Wan finished speaking word by word, then rose and left quickly.

Hua Zhuyu smiled coldly. She felt she and Wen Wan must have been enemies in a previous life. When she was beside Xiao Yin, the woman in Xiao Yin’s heart was her. When she was beside Huangfu Wushuang, Huangfu Wushuang liked her. Now that she was beside Ji Fengli, she was still entangled with her. When Hua Zhuyu learned Wen Wan was Ji Fengli’s person, she understood why Wen Wan had hated her so much before, determined to kill her – it was because she was avenging Ji Fengli. Now, her hatred hadn’t disappeared with Ji Fengli’s return to life but had grown even more intense, because they loved the same man.

The bedchamber where Hua Zhuyu lived was next to Ji Fengli’s. She returned to her room with Nong Yu, where palace maids had already set out the evening meal. Though the dishes were different each day, they were all her favorites. As Nong Yu served her rice, she said with a smile: “His Highness is so good to Miss Bao. These dishes are all specially made by the imperial kitchen according to His Highness’s instructions.”

Hua Zhuyu looked at the various dishes on the table, her expression somewhat dazed. Though Ji Fengli had been busy these past days and rarely appeared, she could feel his deep care every moment. Everything she ate and used was specially ordered and arranged by him, all the finest quality.

After finishing her meal, Hua Zhuyu lay on the bed reading. These books too were taken by Ji Fengli from the palace library. He probably feared she would be bored living in the palace and might leave. Actually, he didn’t know that as long as she was by his side, her heart felt secure and at peace. This feeling was something she had never experienced before.

That night, Hua Zhuyu had dreams. In her dreams, many scenes intertwined and changed, all seeming covered by a layer of tragic red. On Lianyun Mountain, she watched the bloodstained white snow, unable to breathe. In the red tent, Da Qi lunged toward her. At the execution ground, she plunged a knife into Ji Fengli’s chest.

And countless voices alternately assaulted her ears.

Hua Mu laughed viciously: “You must be his empress.”

Wen Wan laughed coldly: “How could he possibly marry you?”

Ji Fengli smiled and said: “I must forget you.”

Finally, a sky full of blood surged toward her.

She cried out in horror: “No, why?”

She suddenly awoke from the dream, the side of her face against the brocade pillow wet with tears. She thought she might have cried in the dream. She wanted to reach up to wipe her tears but discovered her hand was tightly held by a warm, jade-like palm. An inexplicable power seemed to flow continuously into her body through that contact.

Ji Fengli had come to her room at some point and was sitting beside the bed watching her. Seeing her awaken, he said nothing but bent down to embrace her along with the brocade coverlet, holding her like a child, holding her tightly. The room was pitch black, and she smelled the faint bamboo scent on him.

“How did you come?” she asked quietly.

He raised his head, his voice hoarse: “I came to see you. Did you have a nightmare?”

She nodded, and he comforted her gently, tenderly kissing her cold lips. His voice was so gentle as his other hand patted her back with pity.

After a long time, he said quietly: “Bao’er, get up. I’ll take you somewhere.”

Hua Zhuyu rose in confusion. He had already brought a cloak and helped her put it on.

Outside, the night was cool as water under bright moonlight. Ji Fengli took her hand and led her through the quiet palace. Once, this palace had given Hua Zhuyu a very cold feeling, but with him beside her, she felt warmth. They walked through the palace corridors all the way to the northeast corner.

“Bao’er, what kind of life do you most want to live?” Ji Fengli turned to look at her with a smile.

Hua Zhuyu smiled sweetly: “The life I want is very simple. Marry the man I love – I’ll weave cloth while he farms. Build our home by a lake, with a house that’s not a grass hut but something sturdier made of wood. There should be trees in front, preferably ones that bloom in spring and bear fruit in autumn.”

Ji Fengli listened quietly to Hua Zhuyu speak, smiling at the corners of his mouth, his eyes crinkled, bright lights flashing in his pupils.

“What else?” he asked softly again.

Hua Zhuyu pursed her lips in a smile: “And have several children playing and fighting around the house.”

Ji Fengli suddenly leaned close, laughing quietly in her ear: “Bao’er, you think exactly like me. In the future, we’ll definitely have many children.” His breath on her ear made her feel her cheeks and ears turn red, fortunately the night was so deep he couldn’t see.

“Close your eyes – we’re almost at the place I mentioned.” Ji Fengli said quietly again.

Hua Zhuyu closed her eyes and slowly walked guided by Ji Fengli. After a while, he said gently: “You can open your eyes now.”

Opening her eyes, she saw flowing light and shadow everywhere.

Countless lanterns hung from tree branches, decorating the night like a dream. Before her was a large expanse of lake water, sparkling with enchanting waves under moonlight and lamplight. By the lakeside were thousands of peach trees blooming brilliantly in the night, gorgeous as flowing clouds at the horizon. Continuing deeper into the grove, she suddenly stopped in amazement.

In the peach grove, a courtyard surrounded by fences appeared before her eyes. Hua Zhuyu couldn’t help but cry out joyfully, lifting her skirts to run quickly inside. Pushing open the courtyard gate, she saw several wooden houses standing in the night. The wooden houses were built with simple elegance. She carefully pushed open the door. Glass lamps cast gentle light, illuminating the interior brightly. The first room was a main hall, and going inside was an inner chamber. Opening the back window of the inner chamber revealed a large bamboo grove. Elegant bamboo like gentlemen swayed in the night. Coming out of the inner chamber, there were three more rooms to the right – one with bookshelves full of books, one with a bathing pool, and one that was a kitchen.

Hua Zhuyu could hardly believe Ji Fengli had built such a paradise-like courtyard within the imperial palace. Water connected to sky, endless peach blossoms, flowing bamboo groves, simple dwellings – everything was so beautiful and serene, making her feel far from the deep palace. The oppressive feeling that had weighed on her heart for days instantly vanished, leaving only lightness.

Turning around and not seeing Ji Fengli, she pushed the door open again to go out, only to see night mist rising from the lakeside with no one in sight – Ji Fengli had gone somewhere unknown. An empty feeling arose spontaneously.

With a splash of water, a small boat emerged from the reeds with Ji Fengli standing at the bow. His moon-white robes fluttered in the night wind, night mist swirling around him. In the vast heaven and earth, amid floating clouds and mist, he stood alone and apart from the world. He turned, his gaze resting on Hua Zhuyu’s face, smiling like a lotus.

“Bao’er, get on the boat!” His low, melodious voice bewitched the night and warmed the heart.

Hua Zhuyu boarded the small boat. Ji Fengli saw her seated and began to row. The boat rocked but didn’t move forward. Ji Fengli kept rowing, but the boat only spun in place.

Hua Zhuyu couldn’t help but burst into laughter, her eyes curved like crescents, brilliant as bright flowers, fresh as the moon. “So the omnipotent Ji Fengli also has things he can’t do?” she said proudly.

Ji Fengli looked at her, his eyes black as eternal night with starfire bright enough to steal one’s heart. He said: “Bao’er, if you smile like that, I’ll do anything you ask.”

Hua Zhuyu stood at the bow, watching Ji Fengli frantically rowing the oars, laughing so hard she couldn’t close her mouth.

“Let me try!” She took the boat oar from Ji Fengli and began slowly rowing. Waves rippled on the water’s surface, and occasionally startled fish leaped from the lake.

“Such big fish!” Hua Zhuyu exclaimed softly.

Ji Fengli smiled and picked up a fishing spear from the boat, standing focused at the bow as he watched the lake surface intently. Suddenly he thrust forcefully at the water, and a lively fish was flung onto the boat. He raised the spear, turning back with a smile: “I’ll make you fish soup in a bit.”

That brilliant smiling face made the bright moon instantly lose its luster. The flowing river water behind him seemed like scattered jade light.

Hua Zhuyu forgot to row, letting the small boat spin on the lake surface, drifting with the waves.

Ji Fengli turned to see Hua Zhuyu propping her chin and gazing at him. He threw down the fishing spear and asked gently: “Are you cold?”

It was early spring and late at night, with considerable chill on the lake surface. The water mist was damp, and staying long would indeed bring some coldness.

But Hua Zhuyu shook her head with a smile: “Not cold!”

He couldn’t help but smile with heartache. If it were an ordinary woman, she would definitely say she was cold and then nestle into his arms, but she didn’t do that. She rarely acted coquettishly – perhaps she really didn’t know how. She was used to being strong alone, hurting alone. Such a her made his heart ache yet also increasingly fascinated him.

“Another fish!” Her clear laughter rang in his ears.

He looked at her, at her beautiful smiling face like a flower blooming in the dark night, fragrant and rich. His heart stirred as he reached out to embrace her, lowering his head for a deep kiss without explanation. Everything suddenly spun before her eyes, her lips and teeth instantly filled with his elegant, noble aura. His lips were thin and soft, kissing her with gentle pity like a child savoring long-missed candy, lingering tenderly.

“You little enchantress, how did I never realize you were a woman before?” In his passion and confusion, he bit out through gritted teeth, as if punishing her. His kisses gradually became domineering, plundering fiercely between her lips and teeth.

Hua Zhuyu leaned in his arms, listening to the steady, powerful heartbeat from his solid chest, as if containing some strong and wondrous power that made her feel calm and secure.

“Bao’er, marry me!” He released her lips, holding her tightly in his arms as he spoke gently.

She remembered Wen Wan’s words from the day and asked softly: “Ji Fengli, would you marry a woman of unknown origin?”

Ji Fengli’s body clearly stiffened. He reached out to stroke her smooth hair, his lips moving to her ear as his voice said like bewitching wind: “I only want to marry Bao’er – I don’t care if your origins are unknown.”

Hua Zhuyu’s heart jumped, turning back to meet his eyes – in the dark depths burned light that seared the heart, part expectation, part anxiety, part unease. His lips no longer held any trace of a smile as he looked at her with utmost seriousness. She wasn’t sure if he knew she was Hua Mu’s daughter, but he didn’t ask. Yet if her identity were exposed, in the eyes of all the court officials, she would be a traitor’s daughter – an identity far more dangerous than being of unknown origin.

She tightened her arms around his neck and suddenly smiled: “I’m hungry. I want to eat fish and drink fish soup.”

Ji Fengli smiled gently, kissing the corners of her curved mouth, teasing: “What a little glutton!”